Opening Weekend 2006

Opening weekend threw up a few surprises, mainly from the stubborn determination of the newly promoted teams to emulate Wigan and West Ham's great efforts last season. Meanwhile two of the big four struggled, although Chelsea and Man Utd cruised to first-up wins.

Liverpool copped a couple of injuries with Carragher and Riise leaving the field. Carragher is the third most popular defender, chosen in 20% of all teams, and his injury is expected to be short term, of a couple of weeks at worst. Riise is less popular at 4%, and his injury is more long term, perhaps up to a month with early scans suggesting ligament damage in the ankle. It would be worth considering transferring Riise out for another midfielder, although Liverpool do have a week off from the Premiership due to Cup commitments.

So which midfielder should come in for Riise? Bowyer registered a strong performance for the Hammers, and his two assists and three bonus points helped him to 11 for the week. As I write this blog he is increasing in popularity to 5%, his price already increasing. Bowyer's temper is notorious however, so it will be important that he keeps it in check to earn big points. Gerrard and Lampard, the two most popular midfielders, lived up to their billings with strong points-earning performances. Campo scored a long-range goal and at only £5.5m, people are jumping all over him. Other movers include Parker of Newcastle and Ronaldo from Man Utd.

Cheap performers this week in the midfield include McCulloch from Wigan who managed 7 pts this week for only £5.5m, Frances of Watford (£5.0m, 6pts), and Mullins of West Ham (£5.0m, 2pts). It was a great week to be a Davis, as Davis of Portsmouth (£5.5m, 6pts), Davis of Villa (£6.5m, 6pts), and Davies of Everton (£5.0m, 3pts) raked in some healthy discount points.

Watford have a couple of £5.0m midfielders who played the full 90 mins, Reading have two £5.5m 90 minute players, and Sheffield United have Tonge, who represents great value at only £4.5m for 2 points. If he can continue to hold his starting spot, Tonge will definitely grow in value as by the fifth week people look to strengthen their benches with discount players who are regular points scorers.

But hindsight is a wonderful thing, and we will see how many points the new boys can take from their second round matches of Sheffield United away vs Tottenham, Reading away at Villa, and Watford at home to West Ham.

Arsenal, Wigan, Liverpool, and Newcastle all have a bye this gameweek, so if your Captain is Henry make sure you change him! Also, Rooney and Scholes start serving a three match suspension this week, so alter your Captaincy accordingly.