Boards.ie Fantasy Football 2009/2010 (MOD NOTE - POST #2151)

eirebhoy wrote: »

I'd say he's worth it. Playing on the same side as Kuyt he'll be given plenty of freedom to attack. He should be favourite to head the assist charts for defenders and Liverpool are guaranteed plenty of clean sheets.

Thanks man. I was just asking because I'm worried that my defence is a bit imbalanced;

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Given

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--Johnson---Hangeland--Samba---Tomkins

I was thinking about taking Johnson and Samba out, I would then be able to afford to bring in Skrtel and Evra.

jesus_thats_gre wrote: »

I had Johnson myself but decided to change him to Evra and bring in Skrtel as well..

It would be a much easier decision if I had any idea of how Rafa is going to pick his central pairing.:pac:

MementoMori wrote: »

Johnson got 3 goals and 4 assists last season in what was a poor side last season.

If Arbeloa does move I can see him being an ever-present for Liverpool.

On the basis of his impressive 45-min performance in the St Gallen game, I could also see him surpassing the number of assists and maybe even goals, as he is well able to get forward for assists and he has a decent shot on him.

As part of the Liverpool defence you would expect him to pick up quite a few clean sheet points.

While he is pricey he's definately worthy of consideration imo.

All true and you have put my mind more at ease about Johnson so thank you!

JPA wrote: »

I wouldn't be sure if Johnson will be quite as attack minded this year as he was last year. But playing a better team he'll most likely get the same amount of assists and more clean sheets.
But is he really worth 1.0 more than say, Evra? Judgement call I suppose.

I think Rafa signed him for a reason and that reason is his ability to go forward. Rafa won't try to stifle the best thing about Johnson, at least I hope not!:pac:

JPA wrote: »

I wouldn't be sure if Johnson will be quite as attack minded this year as he was last year. But playing a better team he'll most likely get the same amount of assists and more clean sheets.
But is he really worth 1.0 more than say, Evra? Judgement call I suppose.

I woudl be surprised if he wasn't more attacking minding.

I think Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 will suit Johnson very well especially with Kuyt in front of him and with Masch providing defensive cover for when he makes bursts forward. A number of teams (especially in the bottom half of the table)will come to Anfield and sit deep defensively getting most players behind the ball and force Liverpool to break them down. In a lot of games like this Johnson will have great opportunities to get forward and contribute on the offensive side.

Re Liverpool's CB situation I think it's impossible to call between Skrtel and Agger in terms of who will partner Carra. Really cant see Carra being dislodged unless through injury. While Carra will pick up clean sheet points, I really cant see him picking up any assist/goal points (He's scored more OGs in his Liverpool career than goals and I don't think this is likely to dramatically change )

In terms of who is going to partner Carra, I would say Agger is probably a better fit in terms of as a compliment to Carra -what he offers bringing the ball out of defence, being a natural left-footer, whereas as Skrtel is more of a physical type battler akin to Carra. However Agger didnt travel to Switzerland due to problems with his back and his injury record isnt the best.
I don't think this means Skrtel can be certain of getting the CB spot even to start the season as there is still a lot of pre-season to go.

In general I think it is impossible/lunacy to pick a final team until a lot is clarififed in terms what transfers will be completed/potential injuries in pre-season/ who will be first choice starters. You can get a rough idea but I think most teams won't be properly sorted until a few days before the season starts.

Eire-Dearg wrote: »

Aurelio, an injury prone but decent points scorer is 7.0. Evra is 6.5...

Even Degen, behind Johnson and Arbeloa, is 5.5.

Don't think Aurelio is great value - injured at the moment (again) and I wouldnt be surprised to see Insua as first choice for large parts of the season. Also Dossena is still on the books and talk of him going back to Italy have died down a bit the last while. Too much uncertainty about who will be playing from week to week at LB spot between Aurelio and Insua when both fit as Rafa could rotate here a fair bit, especially for weeks when there are European games, even without taking Dossena into account.

At the moment Degen is battling for the 3rd choice LB spot with Darby imo.
If Arbeloa does leave (which is up in the air) I could well see Darby as 2nd choice LB even though he isnt listed on the site yet. If Johnson does pick up an injury (Fowler forbid) and Arbeloa has left, Darby could possily be a very good short-term option.

1 GK Robinson
2 DF hangeland
3 DF woodgate
4 DF shawcross
5 DF Bramble
6 MF gerrard
7 MF Lampard
8 MF arshavin
9 MF Barry
10 MF Nzogbia
11 ST agbonlahor

Midfield heavy i think lol so prob change it a fair bit before season starts