RVP scored 2 goals for Holland in 2 games this past week
Here comes the stretch run. Let’s preview the Premier League this weekend from a fantasy perspective. You know the deal…
I. Manchester United @ West Ham: This is always a fun one and West Ham even beat United at Upton Park earlier this season in the Carling Cup. They’re in form, out of the relegation zone, and have England’s hottest player in Scott Parker. Can they pull off the upset against the league leaders?
I don’t think so.
The big question for fantasy managers – as always – is who to back from United’s frontline? Berbatov? Rooney? Hernandez? They’ve all scored and while Rooney is the safest pick for a start, the rest is just guesswork.
The safest play of all, of course, is Nani, but don’t count out his wide counterpart Antonio Valencia who is back from injury and could cause West Ham’s fullbacks some problems.
If West Ham are to get something out of this it’s surely Parker, Hitz, and Demba Ba (and potentially Robbie Keane, Fred Piquionne, Victor Obinna or Carlton Cole) who could surprise. West Ham have a bunch of “average” strikers who have been good in spurts but none have been consistent. Who will Avram choose to lead the line?
I think West Ham keep it tight but go down at home.
Prediction: 1 – 2 Manchester United win
II. Blackburn @ Arsenal: Blackburn are in a relegation battle and Arsenal are looking to catch league leaders Manchester United. Huge boost for the Gunners as Fabregas is fit. RVP should shake off a knee problem too.
Blackburn are in real danger of going down and I can’t see any real investment in their side in the long term from a fantasy perspective.
Arsenal have the studs in Nasri, Fabregas, RVP and even Wilshere – a recent Funny Feeling Friday of ours – who could turn into a bonus point magnet in the midfield.
Go with the Gunners at home.
Prediction: 3 – 1 Arsenal
III. Studs & Duds: Chelsea are at Stoke and we have yet to mention them, though they are in great form. LAMPARD and LUIZ are your studs. Torres and Drogba just behind.
Liverpool are at West Brom so you have to back Suarez and Carroll in what will certainly be an emotional and difficult game for Baggies boss Roy Hodgson. Studs.
Bobby Zamora is back for Fulham in a relegation battle against Blackpool. I think Mark Hughes’ men win so Zamora and Dempsey are under the radar selections this weekend. Lastly we have two mid-priced midfielders who have shown great form this year – Ashley Young and VDV, both on the road, but on the stud/dud fence and leaning towards studs as they hog set pieces.
Joey Barton is a Newcastle stud at home and Manchester City attackers are on the stud/dud fence at home against tricky Sunderland – in a game they should win.
Duds this week include usually reliable Stoke and Sunderland defenders who turn to duds against Chelsea and Manchester City.
Reports are suggesting that Gareth Bale is an injury doubt for Tottenham as is Edwin van der Sar for United – duds.
IV. Gameweek 31 Best Eleven:
GK: Cech
D: Baines – Kolarov – Sagna
M: Nani – Lampard – Nasri – VDV – Dempsey
F: RVP – Suarez
Subs: Schwarzer – Carroll – Hangeland – Agger
Related posts:
I think The Hammers have potential to hold United but I also expect Spurs to lose to be better prepare for Madrid but even though they have a bare defense, they have a lot of midfield options to turn out for. Its anybody game at this stage. No issue on the obvious Chelsea and Arsenal though. Any news on Tevez?
The performing players from the
relegation candidates may prove a significant difference in our team selection to be honest. Other than Hitzs & Demba Ba, I find that Hoilett, Larsson, , Odemwingie, O’Hara are the possible picks
According to physioroom.com:
http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php
Tevez is a slight doubt. I would imagine that he will play if he is in any way fit. City have looked quite weak upfront this season without Tevez and Sunderland are a team not to be underestimated.