SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 34 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

Unexpected results & events tonight in the SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE with the three games played as part of Round 34 of LA LIGA. Here is a summary of events, the results & the scorers



Iker Casillas 

REAL MADRID lost 2 - 3 to REAL ZARAGOZA who was fighting for their 1º Division life & with Real Madrid suffering the side - effects of the Barça clashes these last weeks. Real Madrid started without

REAL MADRID 2011 | AGREEMENT WITH NURIN SAHIN OF BORRUSIA DORTMUND ?

The news is not from a specialist Spanish Football paper, the report is from a very serious local online news site called   "Elconfidencial". According to the source REAL MADRID has come to an agreement with German Budesliga & BORRUSIA DORTMUND 22 year old Turkish midfield sensation NURIN SAHIN. 




Nurin Sahin


The news gains weight because the player has refused to renew his contract with the

REAL MADRID | CRISTIANO RONALDO "PUNISHED" TO THE STAND

REAL MADRID has the first casuality from the "Barça Wars", or at least the one that is ringing the most in Spanish Sports media. CRISTIANO RONALDO has been "punished" by his Coach José Mourinho mainly for the following post-match comments to media after the Champions League semi-final 0 - 2 loss against FC Barcelona :

"No me gusta jugar así, pero tengo que adaptarme a lo que me piden..."

"I don

Gameweek 35 Preview

I always start getting a bit nostalgic around this time of the year as reality sets in that the season is almost over and we have the long summer ahead. There are still a few weeks left though and this is an important week to negotiate with a large portion of fantasy studs involved in games against each other. The two big clashes makes for excellent TV viewing but they make fantasy lineups harder to set as players rarely have big games in the top of the table clashes.

It is of course key to also remember that Spurs face the double gameweek in GW36 so be careful before you sell these assets this week due to their tough fixture. City are the other team with the double next week and given their good looking fixture this week (West Ham H) they look like solid investments right now.

Clean Sheet Rankings
(clean sheets kept at home or away / opponents failed to score at home or away in parenthesis)

1. Liverpool (9 - 6)
2. Man City (10 - 9)
3. Blackburn (6 - 6)
4. Birmingham (6 - 7)
5. Chelsea (11 - 3)
6. Sunderland (7 - 6)
7. Arsenal (8 - 4)
8. Everton (3 - 5)
9. Fulham (3 - 3)
10. Blackpool (0 - 8)
11. Bolton (0 - 5)
12. West Brom (1 - 5)
13. Wigan (3 - 5)
14. Wolves (2 - 5)
15. Man Utd (5 - 4)
16. Stoke (2 - 0)
17. Newcastle (5 - 1)
18. Tottenham (2 - 2)
19. Aston Villa (0 - 2)
20. West Ham (1 - 5)

Attacking rankings
(expected goals in parenthesis)

1. West Brom (2.28)
2. Arsenal (2.18)
3. Chelsea (2.08)
4. Man City (2.02)
5. Everton (1.77)
6. Liverpool (1.64)
7. Stoke (1.61)
8. Blackpool (1.52)
9. Aston Villa (1.50)
10. Birmingham (1.48)
11. Blackburn (1.28)
12. Man Utd (1.20)
13. Wigan (1.10)
14. Sunderland (0.99)
15. Tottenham (0.99)
16. Fulham (0.98)
17. Bolton (0.78)
18. Newcastle (0.64)
19. Wolves (0.62)
20. West Ham (0.57)

Captain Stats
It's incredible to lead off with him but no one is in better form than Odenwingie and with the great fixture this week, the West Brom forward is a genuine captain option this week. His last five games go 8-10-15-6-7 making him the overall leader in points and the only player with 5 quality games in the last 5 GWs. His ownership is still just 13% and with so many of the big names playing each other, he presents a high risk-high reward opportunity to differentiate your team a bit.

Another player in red hot form is Florent Malouda who has suddenly found another burst of energy. He is a notoriously streaky player so it's a legitimate strategy to try and ride the hot streak, though you would of course like an easier fixture. That said, Spurs really aren't that great away from home (1.5 GPG conceded) while Malouda has crushed opponents for 8.2 PPG at the Bridge. He's just as likely to give you a 2 pointer but no one has a higher ceiling right now.

Robin van Persie's tremendous form continues and he now has 8.6 PPG over the past 5 GWs. My concern with him is that his double digit games have come against West Ham, Wigan, Newcastle, Wolves and Blackpool - all of whom clearly lack the pedigree of Man Utd. Still worth a look but there are better options this week.

Like their teammate Malouda, Drogba and Lampard are intriguing picks again this week with both having enjoyed a big couple of weeks. Drogba has the higher upside and a goal against Spurs this year but Lampard's set pieces always give him a chance to contribute and he probably brings more consistency.

Without Carlos Tevez it's hard to recommend any City players as captain picks but David Silva had a very good game against West Ham the first time round (also earning 8 fantasy points along the way) and a couple of goals and 8 bonus points over the last five weeks he comes into the week in decent form. City need to keep winning to qualify for the Champions League and Silva is a really nice option to bring in ahead of next week's double, even if you don't captain him.

PORTO 5 VILLAREAL 1 | SPANIARDS STEAM-ROLLED IN EUROPA LEAGUE 1º LEG SEMI

Portuguese League Champions PORTO took the sail out of the "Yellow Submarine" after defeating Spanish Football Club VILLAREAL 5 - 1 in the 1º leg of the EUROPA LEAGUE semi final. The Portuguese Club put in an electric second half that knocked the Spaniards onto the "Football canvass".



Villareal celebrate their goal


It looked in the first half that Villareal would surprise the hot favourites

FC BARCELONA TAKES JOSE MOURINHO TO THE UEFA DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION

SPANISH FOOTBALL has exploded with the announcement that FC BARCELONA will take REAL MADRID Coach Jose Mourinho to the UEFA Disciplinary Commision under article 5 of infrigement of the ethical code. 



Jose Mourinho

This is almost unprecedented between the two Major Spanish Football Clubs that will no doubt lead to further conflicts on all fronts. FC Barcelona has considered that the words &

VIDEO | PEPE RED CARD INCIDENT WITH DANI ALVES | REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI

I have been accused of being biased, one sided, not objective regarding my below post on what I consider is not a red card, & a moment that radically altered the course of the REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA Champions League 1ºst leg semi-final. I also make the point that the referee standards for the whole Champions League this season has been poor & not up to the standards called for this level.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1º LEG SEMI FINAL RESULT | REAL MADRID 0 FC BARCELONA 2

REAL MADRID lost 0 - 2 to FC BARCELONA in the 1º leg of the semi final of CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. Very controversial with Real Madrid going down to 10 men when referee Stark unjustly sent off Pepe (Red Card) in the 60th min & with the match in a 0 - 0 draw. The protests lead to Coach Mourinho being sent off as well & the balance was pushed "artificially" in Barça favour. 



Pepe red card 

At the end

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA CLASHES TEARING APART THE SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM?

The below photo is the SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM that made history & won the FIFA World Cup 2010 with great play, but more importantly,  with a solid friendship base, team mentality & solidarity. The picture shows only 11 of the 23 Squad members, but one can clearly see a divide: most are either REAL MADRID or FC BARCELONA players. Missing from this picture are Albiol & Arbeloa (Real Madrid)

PEP GUARDIOLA - JOSE MOURINHO LOCK HORNS PRE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIS

Tense pre-Champions League press conference this afternoon just 24 hours before REAL MADRID & FC BARECLONA play the 1ºst leg semi final in the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium". That Real Madrid Coach Mourinho makes comments & sly insinuations is not a surprise, its part of his psychological warfare to rattle the oppostion. What is news, is that Barça Coach Josep Guardiola explodes in response in a

SPANISH LEAGUE ROUND 33 MONDAY NIGHT GAME RESULT | REAL ZARAGOZA 1 ALMERIA 0

The SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE celebrated its last schedule Monday Night game of Round 33 with two Clubs fighting for their LIGA lives. REAL ZARAGOZA made their local fans suffer & managed to defeat last placed ALMERIA 1 - 0. This win gives Zaragoza three vital points & sends Clubs Osasuna & Hercules into the relegation zone along with Almeria which is basically doomed.



Real Zaragoza win their

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA NEWS BRIEFS RUMOURS | WARMING UP THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIS

Hype, vibe, excitement, anticipation, build-up, accusations, previews, atmosphere...just a few words circulating as Spain, Madrid, Barcelona & the Football World looks forward towards next Wednesday night & the 1º leg semi - finals of the Champions League between REAL MADRID & FC BARCELONA.

Here are some interesting curiosities & news pieces circulating,  or items confirmed:


1. Spanish Sports

SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 33 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE action this afternoon - night with the Sunday Round 33 schedule matches in play. The main highlights are the Clubs fighting to get out of the relegation zone, those attempting to assure their place next season in LA LIGA & thoses teams fighting it out for the limited Euro places on the Spanish League table. Here is a summary of events, results & the scorers.



Real

SPANISH TENNIS | RAFAEL NADAL DEFEATS FERRER IN GODO (BARCELONA)

The RAFAEL NADAL Tennis story continues with the World Nº1 ranked Tennis player winning his sixth "CONDE DE GODO" (Barcelona) Tennis Title after defeating Spaniard DAVID FERRER 6-2 6-4. Its his 45 title, 31st on a clay court & the man has only 24 years of age. Totally undisputed by everyone that on a clay surface Rafael Nadal is almost unbeatable.



Rafael Nadal wins Godo 2011

The runner-up

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA - ATHLETIC DE BILBAO WIN | SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 33 SATURDAY GAMES RESULT

SPANISH FOOTBALL action this Saturday via LA LIGA & its three scheduled Round 33 matches. Top games that I resume here with all the results & the scorers.



Karim Benzema scores for Real Madrid

VALENCIA CF lost 3 - 6 to a REAL MADRID "B" team as Coach Mourinho left on the bench Ronaldo, Ozil, Marcelo, Pepe & Xabi Alonso; apart from resting Ramos, Di Maria & Khedira who is out injured. Coach

RAUL GONZALEZ INTERVIEW WITH THE GUARDIAN

One of the greats of SPANISH FOOTBALL & of REAL MADRID still very active at German Club SCHALKE 04, RAUL GONZALEZ BLANCO, has giving a great interview to English paper "The Guradian" as part of the build up to the semi  final Champions League clash against Manchester United next Tuesday night. 



Raul Gonzalez

I put the link below for you to visit & read the excellent interview by Football 

WATERPOLO | CLUB SABADELL WOMENS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

Although this blog is about Spanish Football in its majority, its also about Spanish Sports in general especially when something big occurs as CN Sabadell Astralpool Womens Waterpolo team proclaiming themselves European Club Champions. This type of news is appreciated by the many Spaniards currently living , working or studying overseas & surf into Spanish Football Sports Blog for their daily

FC BARCELONA 2011 | VICTOR VALDES REACHES 400 GAMES

Barcelona Spanish Sports based paper "Sport" informs us that today FC BARCELONA goalkeeper VICTOR VALDES will notch up his 400 game for the Club. A controversial figure with a "love - hate" relationship with Football fans, there is however little doubt about his quality & outstanding goalkeeping skills. His 3 "Zamoras" ( least goaled keeper in the Spanish Football League ) gives proof of this

Gameweek 34 Preview

Clean Sheet Rankings
(clean sheets kept - opponents failed to score in parenthesis)

1. Chelsea (10 - 8)
2. Man Utd (9 - 4)
3. Stoke* (2 - 4) and (5 - 6)
4. Fulham* (3 - 3) and (8 - 5)
5. Liverpool (7 - 4)
6. Aston Villa (6 - 8)
7. Tottenham (5 - 7)
8. Sunderland (7 - 8)
9. Blackburn (6 - 6)
10. Wolves* (3 - 6) and (2 - 3)
11. Man City (4 - 4)
12. Blackpool (0 - 6)
13. Wigan (3 - 3)
14. Bolton* (5 - 2) and (0 - 3)
15. Arsenal (4 - 3)
16. Newcastle (5 - 0)
17. Birmingham (3 - 1)
18. West Brom (0 - 4)
19. Everton (3 - 0)
20. West Ham (1 - 2)

 * = double gameweek

Attacking Rankings
(expected goals in parenthesis)

1. Chelsea (2.48)
2. Stoke (2.44)*
3. Fulham (2.36)*
4. Tottenham (2.21)
5. Bolton (2.07)*
6. Arsenal (1.94)
7. Man Utd (1.64)
8. Liverpool (1.62)
9. Wolves (1.60)*
10. Aston Villa (1.50)
11. Blackpool (1.44)
12. West Brom (1.39)
13. Newcastle (1.21)
14. Man City (1.15)
15. Blackburn (1.13)
16. Everton (1.07)
17. Wigan (0.92)
18. Birmingham (0.89)
19. Sunderland (0.82)
20. West Ham (0.75)

 * = double gameweek
 
Captain Stats
The stars seen to have aligned for Drogba this week who gets the best fixture having found a nice bit of form in this late stage of the season (36 points in his last 5 games). In 12 games against weaker sides Drogba has 6 goals, 7 assists and 11 bonus points, averaging 7.3 PPG. He doesn't have the extreme home/road splits of some players (5.33 PPG home/5.19 PPG away) but he probably makes the safest pick this week nonetheless.

I predicted a big finish to the season for Lampard, and while he's had his moments (3 double digit GWs in the last 9) he's really lacked the consistency one would like for a 13m player. None of the aforementioned big games have come at home and he's mustered just 8 points in his last 3 at the Bridge. The set pieces always make him viable and I like him ahead of the other double digit midfielders this week but he isn't a pick you get overly excited about.

Although he perhaps doesn't have quite the fixture of some of the alternatives, Van Persie is actually more productive on the road this year (5.18 H/7.56 A) while he has simply crushed mid level opponents to the tune of 9.17 PPG. Also, don't be too alarmed by the 'Bolton play physical and play Arsenal well' rhetoric. That was true under Allardyce but under the more aesthetically pleasing Coyle, Bolton have lost all four games to Arsenal yielding 11 goals in the process (indeed Arsenal have 8 straight wins over the Wanderers).

Of the DGW options, Dempsey looks like a good play thanks to his consistent returns (4.6 PPG) and decent upside (two double digit games this year). The fixtures are slightly below Stoke's but aside from an out of form Etherington, there's really no one in the Potters team you trust to deliver the goods.

Van der Vaart looks well placed to capitalise on his midweek display as Spurs welcome a West Brom side with only one clean sheet all year (at home in GW2). Interestingly, the Dutchman has fared considerably worse against the weakest opponents (4.4 PPG) as appose to mid level (8.6 PPG) but his set piece duties and the Baggies' generally defensive crappiness make him a very good option this week.

Rooney and Nani don't have the best fixture but United remain excellent at home, where Nani in particular (9.07 PPG) has excelled (Rooney's split is fairly even). It's also worth noting that Rooney has managed just 2 goals in 9 games against his former employers. Nani meanwhile had an 8 point game in the reverse fixture in GW4. Both are good playsand you probably can't go wrong with either but higher upside can be found and those chasing the leaders should be mindful of their high ownership (44% Nani, 16% Rooney).

Suspensions
Paul Scholes
Maynor Figueroa

VIDEO | SERGIO RAMOS SPANISH CUP TROPHY BUS ACCIDENT

When one opens up his email account & finds more the 50 mails from readers asking for the VIDEO of Real Madrid defender SERGIO RAMOS dropping the SPANISH CUP (accident) in front of the celebration bus to then see it get run over & trampled, one finds it for the Spanish Football Sports Blog readers. 



Sergio Ramos later put on his twitter ...that he did not drop the Cup, the Cup jumped on of his

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS | SPANISH CUP FINAL 2011 | FC BARCELONA 0 REAL MADRID 1

VIDEO highlights of last nights SPANISH CUP FINAL between FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID courtesy of Jonzea. Video in HD with 12 minutes of the intense on field battle with Real Madrid winning 0 - 1 & the Title.


Great video in case you missed the game.

REAL MADRID SPANISH CUP 2011 CELEBRATIONS | SPANISH CUP TROPHY "DESTROYED"

Just a humorous incident, or very serious accident, depending on how you look at things occurred during this mornings REAL MADRID Spanish Cup winners celebrations with their fans in Madrid. The full Real Madrid Football Team had arrived at Madrid around 04.00 & did a bus parade towards the fountain of "Cibeles" in the middle of Madrid, where Real Madrid celebrates its titles with the fan base.

PHOTO | REAL MADRID SPANISH CUP 2011 WINNERS

Here is a photo for all the Spanish Football Sports readers & REAL MADRID fans around the World of the team celebrating their 0 -  1 SPANISH CUP ( Kings Cup) FINAL victory over FC Barcelona.



Real Madrid Spanish Cup winner 2011

For all the many fans of Cristiano Ronaldo



Cristiano Ronaldo with the 2011 Spanish Cup
photo courtesy of Rafa Casals

SPANISH CUP FINAL RESULT FC BARCELONA 0 REAL MADRID 1

REAL MADRID won their 18th SPANISH CUP Title, plus 18 years later from their last,  after defeating FC BARCELONA 0 - 1 in a Final that went into extra-time. 




Iker Casillas with the Spanish Cup 2011

It was spectacular, intense, a war-zone in the midfield, posts, amazing saves & a physical effort from both teams that was superhuman. Marvellous Spanish Cup Final




Cristiano Ronaldo scores

PREVIEW | SPANISH CUP FINAL SEEN BY THE SPANISH SPORTS PRESS

Two Spanish Football Clubs, two Football playing cultures, two Cities, two visions, two true Champions but just one Title: the SPANISH CUP ( Kings Cup) season 2010-2011. Tonight at the "Mastella Stadium" in the city of Valencia, the Final between FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID at 21.30 Spanish local time kick-off.

Here are the covers of how the main Spanish Sports press see tonights Spanish Cup

ATLETICO DE MADRID | PINOCCHIO PART III

Back on the 18th of Febuary I posted an article titled “…Pinocchio Part II”, expresing my personal disbelief to all recent comments from Atletico de Madrid Directives. Please take a moment to put yourself back into context by reading the post.



Today I would like to continue expressing my disbelief with a “Part III” after comments expressed by Atletico de Madrid Director General Miguel Angel

VILLAREAL 1 REAL ZARAGOZA 0 | MONDAY NIGHT ROUND 32 GAME RESULT SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Spanish Football League Round 32 concluded with the Monday Night Soccer game between VILLAREAL & REAL ZARAGOZA with the home team winning 1 - 0. The three points travel to Villareal to consolidate their Champions League Spanish League Table position, & the direct effect puts Real Zaragoza back into relegation positions.



Rossi again crucial for Villareal 

Although both sides battled to gain a

EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT 2010 - 2011 | A TWO HORSE RACE - MESSI vs RONALDO

SPANISH FOOTBALL SPORTS is answering here a few emails from readers asking how things are going so far in the race for this seasons European Golden Ball Award. Well with 6 Rounds left to go,  more or less,  in local competitions ( or at least with the Spanish League ), FC Barcelona player LIONEL MESSI is currently on Top with 30 goals.

The Argentine is closely followed by Real Madrid player

SUNDAY ROUND 32 GAMES RESULTS SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

After yesterdays big Real Madrid - FC Barcelona match you may have thought that Round 32 of the Spanish Football League was over. Well incorrect, as today La Liga had scheduled 5 top Spanish League clashes. Here is a brief summary of events, the results & the scorers.



Levante scores against Hercules

LEVANTE is turning out to be the revelation team in the second half of La Liga after facing

TENNIS | RAFAEL NADAL WINS MONTE CARLO MASTERS 1000

Spanish World Nº 1 ranked Tennis player RAFAEL NADAL won the MONTE CARLO MASTERS 1000 after defeating fellow Spaniard DAVID FERRER 6 - 4 ; 7 - 5 in a tough & long drawn out game between two clay court specialists. In fact, the clay court is Nadal´s favourite surface & apart from being undispuested as the "Best Clay Court Player in the World", he notched up his 7th straight Monte Carlo Tennis

EL CLASICO : REAL MADRID 1 FC BARCELONA 1 | SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 32 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL has been totally eclipsed by the Round 32 Real Madrid - FC Barcelona match, but three important Spanish League games were played earlier with vital outcomes for the relegation zone Clubs. Here is a brief summary of todays Liga action with all the results & scorers.



Baptista back for Malaga

MALAGA FC are playing for their Spanish 1º Division life & managed an important 3 - 0 

THE NIGHT SPAIN STANDS STILL | "EL CLASICO"

The whole Nation of Spain has only one talking issue today: the REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA Spanish Football League game. Real Madrid still has the 5-0 loss "thorn" at "Camp Nou" stuck on its side & wishes to revenge that night. Apart a win tonight for the home team will give them plenty of confidence as both side will again meet next Wednesday for the Spanish Club Final, & later play twice in the

Gameweek 33 Preview

Is your season slipping falling away like a North London club with all the promise seemingly doomed to result in nothing? Are your loyal fans starting to turn on you after you once again handed to the armband to the slumping Drogba over the red-hot Van Persie? Is your loyalty to the increasingly leaky Sunderland defense causing murmurs in the stands that you've lost the confidence of the board? Well, unlike our real manager counterparts, fantasy managers have a golden opportunity this week to turn things round with three double gameweeks and 5 teams out of action.

Hopefully you made some preparations for this week and so you're not sat holding Tevez, Davies and Jones as your talented but absent front line. Even the best planning though may have left you needing a quick fix so I urge you to take a peak here for some ideas of some one week mercenaries to fill out your match day lineup. Before settling on transfers though, we of course need to know who are the best plays of the week so without further delay here are this week's captain and clean sheet rankings:

Clean Sheet Rankings
(clean sheets kept - opponents failed to score in parenthesis)

1. Chelsea (4 - 2) and (10 - 4)
2. Arsenal (8 - 4) and (4 - 4)
3. Birmingham (5 - 7) and (3 - 2)
4. Blackpool (0 - 8)
5. Sunderland (7 - 5)
6. West Ham (4 - 5)
7. Tottenham (5 - 2)
8. Everton (4 - 4)
9. Wigan (3 - 0)
10. Newcastle (3 - 3)
11. West Brom (1 - 6)
12. Liverpool (5 - 4)
13. Aston Villa (0 - 3)
14. Man Utd (4 - 2)
15. Blackburn (1 - 2)

Interestingly, the three DGW teams would rank as the top three even ignoring their second fixture (Arsenal would be first though) and only Chelsea really look to gain a great deal with their second game (Arsenal and Birmingham's trips to Spurs and Chelsea are unlikely to yield clean sheets). Many readers will be shocked to see Man Utd so far down the ranks but ask yourself this: where would you rank Newcastle going to Old Trafford? The situation is actually very similar with Newcastle being almost as potent at home as the Champions-elect (2.25 GPG versus 2.63 GPG) and Man Utd being similarly leaky on the road (1.44 GPG versus 1.50 GPG). Granted they should get their first choice players back soon but they still look a little risky on the road right now. With Arsenal and Chelsea still to come, I would be selling any United defenders to target David Luiz for the week (Smalling's value now looks gone too as the first teamers return to action).

Attacking rankings

1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Everton
4. Man Utd
5. Birmingham
6. West Ham
7. Aston Villa
8. Blackburn
9. Tottenham
10. West Brom
11. Blackpool
12. Liverpool
13. Newcastle
14. Wigan
15. Sunderland

Not too much controversy here - Chelsea and Arsenal are the best plays on paper and should each manage 3 or 4 goals based on the stats. Be careful not to overvalue Birmingham who really don't have too many weapons up top and face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as part of their DGW. Their remaining fixtures are also tricky and so I would write this side off from an attacking standpoint for the remainder of the year. Also feel free to sell your Wigan, Sunderland and Fulham players who offer little from here on in.

Double Gameweek Player Rankings
Most of you will already own a number of these players but based on the past stats and form, I would recommend targeting (and captaining) the below players based on projected points, position scarcity and player value:

1. Robin van Persie - he gets the nod here as a transfer target largely because of position scarcity (which other big name strikers would you be happy with this week? Rooney, and . . .?). As a captain though it really is neck and neck though I might lean to Lampard as West Brom/Birmingham have a bigger chance of collapsing and shipping 4 or 5 goals than Liverpool/Spurs.
2. Frank Lampard - great fixtures, set piece duties and high upside makes Lampard close to must own this week. Qualifies as a differentiator with an 8.5% ownership. I will probably give him the nod as captain.
3. David Luiz - for me Luiz is the best defensive prospect we've had for some time with a rejuvenated Chelsea defense coupled with outstanding offensive upside
4. Cesc Fabregas - another frustrating stop/start season for Fabregas, but he remains a top option and has 4 quality starts in his last 5.
5. Theo Walcott - we're into the risky pile now but I love Walcott's upside and he's delievered (174 aPoints) every time he's been in the first team
6. Samir Nasri - his second half has been slow and as with Walcott the presence of Arshavin makes him a rotation risk but he has the talent to contribute in any given week.
7. Didier Drogba - only 3 goals in 2011 makes it hard to back Drogba and his 22% ownership turns me off even more. Always worth a mention though due to his immense talents.
8. Laurent Koscielny - the pick of the Arsenal defenders at 5.9m but still not a steal.

Thanks for reading and please post any questions below or over @plfantasy

TWENTE 1 VILLAREAL 3 (2-8 AGG)| EUROPA LEAGUE 2º LEG QUARTER FINAL RESULT

Another Spanish Football Team gets into the semi-finals of a European Football competition. TWENTE lost 1 - 3 to VILLAREAL ( 2 - 8 Agg ) in the 2º leg of the EUROPA LEAGUE Quarter - Final.



Villareal celebrates a goal

The game was a very physical affair with a lot of contact that lead to many fouls. The Dutch Club started strong as they had no other alternative than to go all out to attack.

TEAM PHOTO | FC BARCELONA STARTING 11 2011

Thinking about all the FC BARCELONA readers & fans across the World. Here is a very latest starting 11 Team photo from the Spanish Football League 2011:



FC Barcelona Team Photo 2011
Top: L-R: Alves;Keita;Mascherano;Busquets;Pique & Valdes
Bottom: L-R:Adriano;Afellay;Villa;Iniesta & Thiago

Gameweek 33 Mercenaries

With five teams (Bolton, Fulham, Man City, Stoke and Wolves) not in action this week a few of us might be scrambling for one-week mercenaries this week. With the DGWs falling to Arsenal, Chelsea and Birmingham the one week filler pool is somewhat limited with the big boys tending to be largely overpriced. Saying that, there is some potential within both these teams and others with good fixtures if you need a quick fix.


Theo Walcott (6.9m) - he isn't extremely cheap at 6.9m but given his production I think he justifies a much loftier price. Over the season he ranks 4th among midfielders in aPoints and 9th overall. The downside, of course, has been his inability to stay on the field but Wenger tends to play him at home with Walcott starting the last 7 home games he was available for, so you should be able to avoid the dreaded 10 minute garbage time appearance. At worst I would expect 120 minutes and given the majority of that should be against a Liverpool side who have conceded 26 goals away from home, Walcott makes a great replacement for any of the mid range options missing this week (such as Dempsey, Silva or Milner).


Jack Wilshere (5.1m) - this pick is purely based on the fact that Wilshere should play twice this week, has shown an ability to catch the bonus judges' eye (12 BPs) and is available at a cost significantly below his teammates. With just one goal and three assists his upside is low but for this price tag you're buying into safety and I think Wilshere gives that as good anyone in this price bracket.


Jermaine Beckford (4.7m) - of all the non-double teams this week, Everton have the best fixture (Blackburn have conceded 2.4 GPG on the road) but not necessarily the players to take advantage. The silver lining could be the chance this presents Jermaine Beckford, who has quietly added 7 goals this year, despite playing just 1000 minutes (Torres has 2 more goals despite playing 2300 minutes). With Cahill, Arteta and Saha all looking to miss out again this week, the onus is once again on Beckford to lead the line for Everton and that could well lead to fantasy spoils for owners looking for quick replacements for Elmander or Davies. Normally his public spat with Moyes would scare me but with so few alternatives it seems likely Beckford will once again get the nod.

Thomas Hitzelsperger (5.1m) / Scott Parker (5.7m) / Mark Noble (5.3m) - the true definition of a one week play as West Ham get a very favourable fixture (Ast H) followed by two of the three hardest around (@Che, @MnC). The Hammers have been much improved of late with 8 goals in their last 3 home games despite entertaining Man Utd and Liverpool. The problem is picking which of this trio will have success in a given week. Each of the three have had a double digit game in the past few weeks but have also suffered through several 2 pointers. I really like Hitzelsperger's game but Noble's penalty duties and Parker's bonus ability makes him the odd one out here. I would advise Parker as the safer option likely to give you points in that 4 - 6 range with Noble having a slightly higher upside.

Charlie Adam (5.9m) - I'm sure anyone who reads this blog and takes a shred of notice of anything I say already owns the impressive Scot but just in case, Adam makes a particularly useful play this week as he welcomes a Wigan side who are yet to register a clean sheet in 2011.

Roger Johnson (5.3m) - Birmingham do enjoy a DGW but with one of those games at Stamford Bridge it's hard to get overly excited for any of their players. With little promise up front we need to look along the back line to find some value and I think it's Johnson who can best deliver (provided he proves his fitness in the next day or so). With Sunderland really struggling right now, Birmingham's first game of the week ranks as the second best around so anything they could pick up at Chelsea (likely appearance points at best) is a bonus. With a trip to Anfield on the horizon I see Johnson as purely a one week plug but a potentially valuable one nonetheless who can contribute across all categories (2 goals, 2 assists, 20 BPs this year).

There are obviously other bigger names who warrant attention this week (Van Persie, Lampard, Fabregas etc) but unless you're inexplicably holding a Torres or Gerrard, it's unlikely you have the cash to bring these players in at short notice. More focus will of course be placed on these players in the upcoming captain ranks later in the week. Until then, why not post your question below or at @plfantasy.

REAL MADRID 2011 | TEAM PHOTO STARTING 11 Q/FINAL 2º LEG CHAMPIONS LEAGUE vs TOTTENHAM

Thought that the REAL MADRID fans may appreciate this team photo of the starting 11 in tonights Champions League Tottenham Hotspurs 2º leg Quarter-Final match.



Real Madrid Champions League vs Tottenham Hotspurs
2010-2011 at "White Hart Lane"/photo AFP

Top: right - left: Casillas; Ramos; Albiol;Alonso;Khedira; Adebayor & C Ronaldo
Bottom: right - left: Arbeloa;Marcelo;Carvalho & Ozil.

TOTTENHAM 0 REAL MADRID 1 | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2º LEG QUARTER FINAL RESULT

REAL MADRID visited TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS in their 2º leg CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Quarter Final match to win 0 - 1 ( 0 - 5 Agg) & secure their place in the Semi - Finals. Real Madrid will now meet FC BARCELONA the 27th of April in the "Santiago Bernabeu" Stadium in their 1º leg clash.



Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Tottenham

Tottenham did not win tonight but they showed a better performance that

SPAIN Nº1 FIFA WORLD RANKING MARCH 2011

The World Football - Soccer governing organization FIFA has released its monthly Football Nations World Rankings with the SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM, & current World Champions, retaining its Nº1 ranking spot. Spain opens the points gap in relation to the other National teams below them due to their winning Euro 2012 qualifying victories.



David Villa scores for Spain.


FIFA World Ranking

MANCHESTER UNITED TIES UP ATLETICO DE MADRID GOALKEEPER DAVID DE GEA ?

SPANISH FOOTBALL generates enough news to keep more the 10 papers surviving & feeding a Football mad Nation. That gives for a lot of daily content & news which covers a whole range of "scoops", truths, reviews, updates, previews, pink & lots of rumours.

The "hot rumour" for today is the news "bomb" dropped by Spanish radio "Onda Cero" ( a bit  known for its love of gaining attention) that 

SHAKHTAR D 0 FC BARCELONA 1 | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL 2nd LEG RESULT

SPANISH FOOTBALL has its first Club in the next phase of CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, concretely in the  Semi-Finals, after FC BARCELONA won their away 2º leg Quarter Final clash against SHAKTAR D 0 - 1 (6-0 aggregate).



Lionel Messi Champions League 2011

FC Barcelona  didn´t really risk & played a comfortable match which started with the home side on fire,  but they faded out as the match went on. Once

AC MILAN TARGETS CRISTIANO RONALDO?

You maybe a reader from Asia or from the United States & news may have travelled your way that AC MILAN has set its eyes firmly on REAL MADRID star CRISTIANO RONALDO. All the information coming out of Italy & appearing in reputable local sources indicate that AC Milan owner & Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has given "green light" to his men to study & attempt to sign the star. In fact,

SPANISH LEAGUE FOOTBALL | MONDAY NIGHT ROUND 31 GAME RESULT

SPANISH LEAGUE action tonight with the last scheduled match of Round 31 between REAL ZARAGOZA & GETAFE. The home team won 2 -1 & gained some much needed air in their struggle to get out of the relagation area of the table. However, not the same story for Getafe that have entered into a "deadly spiral" that has them looking at the 2º Division. 



Zaragoza - Getafe

Real Zaragoza dominated the

ATLETICO DE MADRID NEGOTIATING WITH GALATASARAY FOR TURAN

News from Spanish Sports paper "AS" comments that Spanish Football Club ATLETICO DE MADRID is negotiating with Turkish Club GALATASARAY for midfielder ARDA TURAN. Altletco is said to be also "testing the waters" to see if they can sell Diego Forlan while in Turkey doing business talking with Besiktas. 



Arda Turan

The market price for the Turkish player is speculated to be around 12.5M€, a

HANDBALL | CIUDAD REAL DEFEAT VALLADOLID IN SPANISH CUP FINAL

CIUDAD REAL were simply too strong & defeated VALLADOLID 31 - 22 in the final of the SPANISH CUP of HANDBALL. Valladolid had surprised FC Barcelona defeating them 25 - 26 in the semi-final, but they "crashed" into the Ciudad Real wall as the latter took their 3rd Spanish Cup title. The winners add this prestigious Handball title to the two they have already won this season, the "Asobal Cup" y the

FC BARCELONA "JUVENIL A" + "CADETE A" WIN SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP IN THEIR CATEGORY

A prelude for the senior FC Barcelona Spanish League team? Perhaps, the reality is that their junior team - FC BARCELONA JUVENIL A - proclaimed themselves season 2010-2011 Champions of their category after drawing 1-1 with Cornella. 



FC Barcelona Juvenil A Champions 2010-2011

The team Coached by ex Barcelona player OSCAR GARCIA only needed a point today to finish top spot of the

ROUND 31 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS SPANISH LEAGUE FOOTBALL

SPANISH LEAGUE action today with the scheduled Round 31 Sunday games of Spanish Football. Plenty of hard fought out matches as the bottom classified teams on the Liga ladder fight with "tooth & nails" to avoid the "relegation zone". Here is a brief run down of todays Liga events with the results & the scorers.



Felipe Luis scores for At Madrid

ATLETICO DE MADRID have one blind objective to

SPANISH LEAGUE FOOTBALL | LA LIGA | ROUND 31 SATURDAY NIGHT GAMES RESULTS

We had SPANISH FOOTBALL action tonight with three games scheduled as part of the Spanish League Round 31 fixture. Here is a quick resume of events, with results & the scorers



Real Madrid bench against At.Bilbao

ATHLETIC DE BILBAO lost to a "B-side" REAL MADRID 0 - 3 with Kaka, Pepe & Di Maria starring with their impressive play. Coach Mourinho was thinking more in the mid week Champions

ATLETICO DE MADRID | 11M€ PROMISE TO SERGIO AGUERO

Interesting article from Spanish Sports paper "Marca" & at the sometime conflicting & curious in its context. The piece highlights that ATLETICO DE MADRID has come to an agreement to increase the salary of its star Argentine forward SERGIO "KUN" AGUERO next season to 11M€ (gross) , making Aguero one of the highest paid players in the World.



Sergio Aguero for Atletico de Madrid

Firstly, if it

REAL MADRID CLOSING IN ON QUEENS PARK RANGERS PLAYER TAARABT?

The news locally from Spanish Sports daily "Marca" that 21 year old English Club QUEENS PARK RANGERS midfielder ADEL TAARABT could be the first signing by REAL MADRID for next season has caught me off guard. According to the cited paper  the Spanish giant is quite serious & has intensified its negotiations with the Club & has the Moroccan as a priority after months of following his progression.

ATLETICO DE MADRID | COACH SANCHEZ FLORES WILL NOT CONTINUE NEXT SEASON

Spanish Sports daily "Marca" dedicate an article today to inform readers & in particular ATLETICO DE MADRID fans that current Coach QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES will not be at the helm of the Atletico ship next season. The decision is mutual as Sanchez does not want to renew his contract which ends the 30th of June & the Club owners are not exactly encouraging Sanchez to renew. This gives weight to

Gameweek 32 Preview

This week's rankings are going to have to be cut short a bit due to time constraints but with no doubles, it isn't a particularly tricky week to navigate. For some guidance on the upcoming doubles and off-weeks I suggest having a quick glance over here.
 
Clean sheet rankings
(clean sheets kept - opponents failed to score in parenthesis)

1. Chelsea (9 - 7)
2. Man Utd (8 - 5)
3. Tottenham (5 - 8)*
4. Blackburn (6 - 4)
5. Aston Villa (5 - 5)
6. Liverpool (6 - 5)
7. Sunderland (7 - 7)
8. Bolton (4 - 7)*
9. Wolves (3 - 4)*
10. Man City (4 - 1)*
11. Arsenal (4 - 0)
12. Everton (2 - 2)
13. Birmingham (3 - 4)
14. Stoke (2 - 4)*
15. Newcastle (5 - 4)
16. West Brom (0 - 3)
17. Wigan (3 - 2)
18. Fulham (3 - 0)*
19. West Ham (1 - 3)
20. Blackpool (0 - 2)

*Team has no game next gameweek

In short; buy the home teams. The top 7 sides look like premium plays this week though be careful not to over invest in Spurs players who miss GW33 and don't get their makeup DGW until GW36 (and even then it's a tricky trip to City). The form chart would also cast some doubt over Sunderland who have just one clean sheet in the last 9 games (strangely it came at The Emirates) so again exercise some caution here. Many (including your humble blogger) will jump on David Luiz this week to benefit from this fixture and next week's DGW. Normally I try and give the contrarian view but this move just seems to perfect to avoid. I suppose their is some rotation risk given Chelsea's Champions League responsibilities but at 6.4m (1.7m less than Cole) I feel the risk is worth it.

Attacking Rankings

1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Man Utd
4. Blackburn
5. Tottenham*
6. Bolton*
7. Aston Villa
8. West Ham
9. Everton
10. Blackpool
11. West Brom
12. Sunderland
13. Wolves*
14. Liverpool
15. Man City*
16. Newcastle
17. Birmingham
18. Stoke*
19. Fulham*
20. Wigan

*Team has no game next gameweek

Suspensions
Wayne Rooney
Kevin Nolan
Jonny Evans
Cheik Tiote

VILLAREAL 5 TWENTE 1 | EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL 1º LEG RESULT

Celebration was the word for Spanish Football & for VILLAREAL with their impressive 5 - 1 victory over current Dutch League leaders TWENTE. Don`t believe many would have bet before tonights Q/Final 1º st match of the EUROPA LEAGUE that the result was going to be so large & the game so one sided. 



Villareal celebrate one of their many goals

There is not muuch to say in terms of details except

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA | CLASICO OVERLOAD

Lets suppose that we can comfortably bet that both Real Madrid & FC Barcelona manage to tie up their 2º leg Q/Finals Champions League games & get into the semi-finals. With this scenario, Spanish Sports paper "Marca" highlight to their readers that we are heading - as spectators - towards 4 big Real Madrid - Barça clashes once a week all in a month.  



Possible upcoming fixture

16th of April :

FC BARCELONA 5 - SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1 | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q-FINAL 1º LEG RESULT

Just back from watching the FC BARCELONA 5 - 1 victory over SHAKHTAR DONETSK in the 1º st leg Quarter Final CHAMPIONS LEAGUE clash. The "ticket" for the semi-finals is practically assured for Barça & if Real Madrid manages to secure yesterdays 4-0 advantage over Tottenham,  we will be destined for a Barça- Real Madrid semi-final Champions "clasico" of global dimensions. 



Barca steam rolls

RAUL | KING OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOAL

You don´t have to be physically exercising your profession in Spain to get a post on Spanish Football Sports. Even less are the prerequisites if you happen to be a Spanish Football living legend like RAUL GONZALEZ BLANCO. The age old saying of "never keep a good man down" has never been so relevant as when applied to Raul & his new found "Football life" in German Football. After leaving his long

REAL MADRID 4 TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 0 | RESULT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1ºst LEG QUARTER FINAL

REAL MADRID defeated TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 4 - 0 in the 1º st leg of the CHAMPIONS LEG Quater Final match in Madrid. This results "virtually" sets the path clear for Real Madrid to get into the semi-final even if next week they must travel to London to play the 2º leg clash & avoid surprises.



Peter Crouch sent off 14th min

Real Madrid started on fire & overran the English side scoring a quick

REAL MADRID CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL JOY & DILEMMA (RISK)

Tonight is very special for REAL MADRID CF , & risky in many ways. It has been 7 years & 12 days since last the "Santiago Bernabeu" with its fans witnessed a Quarter Finals stage of the Champions League. Apart, they face a very competitive English Premier League Club Tottenham Hotspurs. 



Cristiano Ronaldo training Real Madrid

That´s the good news, the risky part is the thought & option being

SPANISH LEAGUE FOOTBALL ROUND 30 MONDAY NIGHT GAME RESULT | ALMERIA 1 AT BILBAO 3

SPANISH FOOTBALL tonight with the last match corresponding to Round 30 of the Spanish League in the now habitual "Monday Night Football" match. Here is a quick summary of events , the result & scorers.



Piatti scores for Almeria

ALMERIA are last on the SPANISH LEAGUE classification ladder & victories are important if they are to avoid relegation into the 2º Division with 8 Rounds left to go.

SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE | ROUND 30 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL continued this Sunday with six games of Round 30 played of the Spanish League. Great matches with comebacks & plenty of goals. Here is a brief summary of events, the final results & the scorers.



Deportivo Lassad puts his team ahead

DEPORTIVO won 2 -1 REAL MALLORCA in a vital game as the home side struggles to get out of the relegation zone gravitational force & constant pull.

TENNIS | RAFAL NADAL LOSES THE MIAMI MASTERS 1000 FINAL TO A MAGNIFICENT DJOKAVIK

Spanish Tennis World Nº1 RAFAEL NADAL again could not get over & win a spectacular & in form NOVAK DJOKAVIC after losing 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 in the Final of the 2011 MIAMI MASTER 1000. It was three hours of superb Tennis at the highest level as the game oscilated between both as the victory slipped from one player to the other in moments.



Rafael Nadal 

Nadal took the first set & looked well, but

SPANISH MOTO GP 2011 JEREZ | LORENZO - TEROL WIN THEIR CATEGORIES

A wet & slippery Jerez circuit made todays SPAIN MOTO GP 2011 in all catagories exciting, controversial & with Spanish riders doing overall well. 



Jorge Lorenzo win Spanish MotoGP 2011

Current Spanish GP World Champion JORGE LORENZO managed to win in the GP category giving him the maximum points to take him into top spot of the current classifiaction table with 45 points. Secod place with 36

SPANISH FOOTBALL | ROUND 30 SATURDAY GAMES SPANISH LEAGUE RESULTS

Top level SPANISH FOOTBALL was back with Round 30 of  LA LIGA returning with three great games with results that may have given FC Barcelona the Spanish League title after rival Real Madrid lost at home. Here is a summary of events, all the results & the scores.



Real Sporting de Gijon gave the surprise
in Round 30 of the Spanish League

REAL MADRID lost 0 - 1 to REAL SPORTING DE GIJON thus

JOSEP GUARDIOLA TO LEAVE FC BARCELONA | THE GENERAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY BY ALBERT EINSTEIN

I have received an also “alarmed” email from a Spanish Football Sports reader asking if it is true that FC BARCELONA Coach Josep Guardiola will leave at the end of 2012. The question arises after it has been “splashed” all over the World Sports media some words that Guardiola mentioned in a TV Interview to Italian channel “RAI” whist in Italy visiting his ex-Club Brescia.



FC Barcelona Coach

LIONEL MESSI | TWO GOALS IN ONE TRICK | VIDEO

Here is a video of LIONEL MESSI training with Argentina during last weeks tour of the Americas, in this particular case, training in the United States. Here the FC Barcelona player does one of his party tricks "scoring twice" with one shot. Its just a curiosity for all the Messi fans :O)

REAL MADRID | GONZALO HIGUAIN IS BACK !

Its always good for SPANISH FOOTBALL to recover a World Football star. That joy is also evident at REAL MADRID as Argentine International forward GONZALO HIGUAIN has returned to the squad for tomorrows Liga match against Real Sporting de Gijon. Why the post on the return of "another" injured player? 


1. Nearly miraculous. Higuain was discarded for the season after a "complicated" back operation