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EPL Predictions - Week 16
Arsenal (home vs. Tottenham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Lehmann - Clichy, Toure, Eboue, Djourou - Hleb, Fabregas, Ljungberg, Gilberto Silva - Van Persie, Adebayor
Subs: Almunia, Song, Hoyte, Aliadiere, Walcott, Baptista, Flamini
Injured: Lauren, Diaby, Gallas, Henry.
Suspended: Senderos (1 of 1)
Team News: To Follow...
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Aston Villa (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Olejnik,
Injured: Delaney, Moore, Laursen, Sutton, Sorensen
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Brown, Todd, Gallagher, McEvely, Peter, Henchoz, Jeffers, Gray.
Injured: Roberts, Reid, Enckelman, Nelsen.
Suspended: Tugay (1 of 1)
Team News: To Follow...
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Bolton (away vs. Reading)
Starting XI: (4-3-3) Jaaskelainen - Hunt, Ben Haim, Meite, Abdoulaye Faye – Campo, Nolan, Speed - Davies, Diouf, Anelka
Subs: Walker, Tal, Fojut, Pedersen, Gardner, Sissons, Smith, Wolfe, Vaz Te, Stelios.
Injured: Q. Fortune, O'Brien.
Suspended: None.
Team News: To Follow...
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Charlton (away vs. Sheffield United)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Carson - Young, Diawara, Hreidarsson, D. Traore - Holland, A. Reid, Rommedahl, A Faye, Ambrose - D. Bent
Subs: Myhre, Sam, Ashton, Pouso, Hughes, Fortune, El Karkouri, Kishishev, Gibbs, Walker, Sorondo, M Bent.
Injured: Lisbie, Hasselbaink, Thomas.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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No Fixture this week
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Everton (home vs. West Ham)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Turner, Anichebe, Weir,
Injured: Pistone, Naysmith, Hibbert, Boyle, Cahill
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Fulham (away vs. Blackburn)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Niemi - Volz, Knight, Pearce, Rosenior – Radzinski, C. Jensen, M. Brown, Diop, Boa Morte - McBride
Subs: Crossley, N. Jensen, Zakuani, Timlin, Runstrom, Bocanegra, John, Milsom, Routledge, Helguson, Christanval, Pembridge.
Injured: Bullard, Elliott, Elrich, Queudrue.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Dudek, Warnock, Hyypia, Aurelio, Paletta, Fowler, Crouch, Guthrie, El Zhar.
Injured: Kewell, Sissoko, Gonzalez, Zenden
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Isaksson,
Injured: Sun Jihai, Dabo, Sinclair.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Man Utd (away vs. Middlesbrough)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Van der Sar - R. Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, G. Neville - Giggs, Carrick, Ronaldo, Scholes - Saha, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, W. Brown, Heinze, Richardson, Silvestre, Fletcher, Smith, O’Shea, Solskjaer.
Injured: Park.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Turnbull, Bates, Mendieta, Johnson, Arca, Maccarone, Graham, J. Euell, Cattermole.
Injured: Ehiogu, Riggott, Parlour, Viduka, Craddock, Parnaby, McMahon, Davies
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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No Fixture this week.
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Porstmouth (home vs. Aston Villa)
Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Cole, Stefanovic, Davis.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Reading (away vs. Fulham)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Stack, De la Cruz, Sodje, Oster, Gunnarsson, Lita, Osano, Cox.
Injured: Brown, Kitson, Mate, Convey, Halls.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Sheffield Utd (home vs. Charlton)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Kenny - Geary, Bromby, Morgan, Kozluk – Gillespie, Leigertwood, A. Quinn, Jagielka – Hulse, Webber
Subs: Bennett, Lucketti, Montgomery, Unsworth, Law, S. Quinn, Akinbiyi, Short, Wright, Shipperley, Nade, Ifill, Kabba, Sommeil, Kazim-Richards.
Injured: Armstrong, Tonge, Li Tie,
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Tottenham (away vs. Arsenal)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Cerny, Davids, Murphy, Lee, Tainio, Huddlestone, Ziegler, Barnard, Keane,
Injured: Stalteri, Mido, Gardner.
Suspended: Ghaly (2 of 3)
Team News: To Follow...
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Chamberlain, Shittu, McNamee, Doyley, Bangura, Priskin, Spring.
Injured: King, Foster.
Suspended: Powell (1 of 1)
Team News: To Follow...
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West Ham (away vs. Everton)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Kiraly, Mears, Cole, Dailly, McCartney, Paintsil, Sheringham, Mascherano, Reid, Harewood, Benayoun.
Injured: Ashton, Gabbidon, Caroll (On the booze cruise…), Walker.
Suspended:
Team News: To Follow...
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Filan, Jackson, Webster, Wright, Johansson, Todorov, Landzaat, McCulloch.
Injured:
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
Note: Those denoted in red indicates doubts
EPL Predictions - Week 15
Arsenal (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Almunia, Djourou, Song, Hoyte, Aliadiere, Walcott, Baptista
Injured: Lauren, Diaby, Gallas, Henry, Rosicky.
Suspended: Van Persie (1 of 1)
Team News: Wenger will be unable to call upon the skills of either Henry or Van Persie this weekend, as the Frenchman is struggling with a neck injury and the Dutchman is suspended for picking up five yellows. Thus, Adebayor will lead the attack on his own. Wenger has stated that Henry’s injury is a “short-term” one so he should “return to lead the line against Fulham on Wednesday”. Walcott made an excellent impression against
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Aston Villa (home vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Delaney, Moore, Laursen.
Suspended: None
Team News: O’Neill is sweating on the fitness of Sutton after the striker hurt his calf in training. Baros is on standby to step in after an impressive display in the reserves against Tottenham this week. Hughes has returned from injury unscathed and he is set to resume at right-back with Mellberg returning to centre-back. Midfielder McCann returns from a one-match suspension.
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No fixture this weekend.
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Starting XI: (4-3-3) Jaaskelainen - Hunt, Ben Haim, Meite, Q. Fortune – Campo, Nolan, Speed - Davies, Diouf, Anelka
Subs: Walker, Tal, Fojut, Pedersen, O'Brien, Abdoulaye Faye, Sissons, Smith, Wolfe, Vaz Te, Stelios.
Injured:
Suspended: None.
Team News: Nolan returns to the squad after missing last weeks game due to the birth of his first child, Idan Tal will most likely be dropped as a consequence. Quinton Fortune is also a contender to be recalled to the side after missing most of the season through injury. The South African started the season as
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Charlton (home vs. Everton)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Carson - Young, Diawara, Hreidarsson, D. Traore - Holland, A. Reid, Rommedahl, A Faye, Thomas - D. Bent
Subs: Myhre, Sam, Ashton, Pouso, Hughes, Fortune, El Karkouri, Kishishev, Gibbs, Walker, Sorondo, Ambrose, M Bent.
Injured: Lisbie, Hasselbaink
Suspended: None
Team News: Charlton are still without striker Hasselbaink, but there is some good news ahead of the visit of Everton, as Traore is available after coming through 90 minutes of a midweek reserve game. Traore will step in at left-back with Hreidarsson returning to his preferred centre-back position for the first time in a while. Diawara is still touch and go with an injury so El Kakouri is on standby to fill in. In midfield Faye returns to bolster the side after sitting out last weeks game against
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Starting XI: (4-1-3-2) Cudicini - Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, A. Cole – Makelele – Lampard, Essien, Ballack - Shevchenko, Drogba.
Subs: Hilario, Hedman, Diarra, Bridge, Ferreira, Robben, Mancienne, Boulahrouz, Mikel, Wright-Phillips, Kalou, J. Cole
Injured: Cech
Suspended: None
Team News: Chelsea are boosted by the news that first-choice centre-back Carvalho will be available for this weekend’s big clash after recovering from an injury. Ballack and Drogba, who picked up knocks in the midweek Champions League game, are also expected to play through the pain barrier. The key to this fixture lies in the full-back positions. In the past few weeks both teams have relied, more often than not, on the performances of their full-back's.
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Everton (away vs. Charlton)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Turner, Anichebe, Weir,
Injured: Pistone, Naysmith, Hibbert, Boyle, Cahill
Suspended: None
Team News: The Everton team should remain unchanged after their 1-0 victory over
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Fulham (home vs. Reading)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Niemi - Queudrue, Knight, Pearce, Rosenior – Radzinski, C. Jensen, M. Brown, Diop, Boa Morte - McBride
Subs: Crossley, N. Jensen, Volz, Zakuani, Timlin, Runstrom, Bocanegra, John, Milsom, Routledge, Helguson, Christanval, Pembridge.
Injured: Bullard, Elliott, Elrich.
Suspended: None
Team News: Michael Brown is set to return to the side after being on the sidelines with an injury for the past few weeks. Coleman believes that Brown will love the fast paced game that could be played out against
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Dudek, Warnock, Hyypia, Aurelio, Paletta, Fowler, Bellamy, Guthrie, Nabil, Peltier, Hamill.
Injured: Kewell, Sissoko, Gonzalez, Alonso
Suspended: None
Team News: Benitez has a selection nightmare ahead of the visit of
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Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Isaksson, Sun Jihai, Dabo, Beasley, Sinclair.
Suspended: None
Team News: Pearce should retain the same side that thrashed Fulham last week with Barton coming face to face with life long friend and nemesis Gerrard. Barton has always wilted in the presence of Gerrard in the past and the City player will have to shrug off his demons in order to progress his career at
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Man Utd (home vs. Chelsea)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Van der Sar - R. Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, G. Neville - Giggs, Carrick, Ronaldo, Scholes - Saha, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, W. Brown, Heinze, Richardson, Silvestre, Fletcher, Smith, O’Shea.
Injured: Park, Solskjaer.
Suspended: None
Team News: Fergie has a virtually full-strength squad to choose from ahead of Sunday’s clash with
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Turnbull, Bates, Xavier, Mendieta, Huth, Johnson, Downing, Maccarone, Graham, J. Euell.
Injured: Ehiogu, Riggott, Parlour, Viduka, Christie, Craddock, Parnaby, McMahon.
Suspended: None
Team News: Downing has been rated as a 50-50 chance ahead of the trip to Aston Villa. The
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Starting XI: (4-4-1-1) Given – Taylor, Ramage, Bramble, Carr – N’Zogbia, Parker, Solano, Emre – Dyer - Martins
Subs: Srnicek, Carroll, Huntington, O’Brien, Milner, Luque, Sibierski, Butt, Rossi.
Injured: Owen, Krul,
Suspended: Emre
Team News: Dyer and Martins should return to the
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Porstmouth (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Johnson, Taylor, Cole.
Suspended: None
Team News: Stefanovic is in serious need of an operation but with
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Reading (away vs. Fulham)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Stack, De la Cruz, Sodje, Oster, Gunnarsson, Lita, Osano, Cox.
Injured: Brown, Kitson, Mate, Convey, Halls.
Suspended: None
Team News:
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Bennett, Bromby, Lucketti, Bromby, Morgan,
Injured: Armstrong, Tonge, Kabba, Sommeil, Li Tie.
Suspended: None
Team News:
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Tottenham (home vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Cerny, Davids, Murphy, Lee, Jenas, Huddlestone, Ziegler, Barnard, Mido, Barnard, Defoe,
Injured: Stalteri
Suspended: Ghaly (1 of 3)
Team News: Spurs welcomed back Lennon and Chimbonda for the midweek game against
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No Fixture this weekend.
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West Ham (home vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Kiraly, Mears, Cole, Dailly, McCartney, Paintsil, Sheringham, Mascherano, Reid, Harewood, Benayoun.
Injured: Ashton, Collins, Caroll (On the booze cruise…), Walker.
Suspended:
Team News: Pardew should name an unchanged side for visit of Sheffield United.
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Starting XI: (4-4-2) Kirkland – Jackson, De Zeeuw, Wright, Boyce – Kilbane, Landzaat, Scharner, Teale – McCulloch, Camara
Subs: Filan, Jackson, Webster, Johansson, Todorov, Coterill, Hall, Skoko, Heskey
Injured: Taylor, Baines, Valencia, McMillan.
Suspended: None
Team News: Baines is still missing so Wright should continue at left-back. Heskey is back in training but lacking match-fitness so McCulloch could start alongside Camara again.
Note: Those denoted in red indicates doubts
Formations and Rankings - Week 14
(Click Formation Graphics for larger view)Arsenal v Newcastle
Everyone was surprised by Newcastle's performance this weekend but more surprising was Arsenal's inept performance without one Thierry Henry. The team is clearly set up to revolve around his talents and without him in the side they just revolve around. Arsenal, as we have seen in the past, dominated proceedings but failed to capitalise on their advantage -Henry was brought on in the second half to save Wenger's blushes. Newcastle relied mainly on the heroics of Shay Given this weekend and, as mentioned in this weekend's predictions, proved that he is Newcastle's twelfth man.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Given
Wigan v Aston VillaThe winning streak of Wigan came to an end against the draw specialists, Aston Villa, this weekend with the Latics recording the first ever scoreless home game in their Premiership history. Wigan gave Skoko a rare start ahead of Landzaat, while Villa were forced into playing youngsters Whittingham and Osbourne due to injuries, as Petrov and McCann were sidelined with injury and suspension respecively (Petrov has had a scan and has been declared fit to play this weekend). McCulloch had a chance to score for the second week in a row but Sorenson was too good, saving the Scotsman's header. Sutton, again, looked like Villa's most dangerous attacking player, linking up well with Agbonlahor and should have been on the scoresheet but for a last ditch clearance off the line. It is a pity that some fantasy games are still missing Sutton from their database's. He picks up his second FISM in a row.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Sutton
Blackburn v TottenhamBlackburn conceded their seventh penalty in the space of thirteen games against Tottenham this weekend, which Defoe duly converted to cancel out the spectacular 25-yard Tugay opener. The referee made a botch of this game missing clear penalty decisions and giving away dubious ones -two red cards didn't help either. It is easier to find fantasy flops from this game rather than star men: Mido, for one, was culpable of a terrible performance, as the Egyptian was inaffective and more of a negative for Jol's side. With Jenas and Lennon out there was little width to the Spurs side and they became too centralised.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Gray
Everton v BoltonMikel Arteta was outstanding for Everton this weekend and is proving to be an excellent long term fantasy acquisition if you had the foresight to pick him at the start of the season. When looking for fantasy gold consistency is a must and the Basque man is certainly that. He is Everton's creative force and made up for the absence of Cahill this weekend by scoring a spectacular match winning goal. Moyes will be hoping that Arteta can fill the void left by Cahill, who is injured. Over in the other half, the barren spell of Anelka continues with the Frenchman still not on the scoresheet after ten games. Diouf, as always, was bright and creative but Bolton certainly have a problem if they can't muster a goal between three strikers.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Arteta
Reading v CharltonCharlton are sitting ducks at the moment and the lack of cohesion between the defense, midfield and attack is painfully obvious. Les Reed has only been the manager for a few days but he will need to perform miracles if Charlton aren't to sink further into the mud. An organised and enthusiastic Reading side duly rolled over Charlton this weekend with Sidwell a commanding presence in midfield. It was a comfortable victory in the end for Reading and the absence of Faye and Diawara for Charlton in the middle was glaring. Matt Holland is, and always will be, Championship standard, while Fortune and El Kakouri were pathetic. Sidwell, Hunt and Little were the best players on the day for Reading but a goal from Doyle gave him more fantasy value this week.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Doyle
Chelsea v West HamA sensational direct freekick from Geremi handed the points to Chelsea this weekend, as the right-back kept up his electric form. Chelsea were guilty of missing their chances and Mourinho will be indebted to the match winning strike from Geremi, which keeps up the Blues' title challenge. Lampard, who normally plays well against his former club, was off colour, while Ballack was rested. The Chelsea team showed signs of fatigue from midweek internationals and can be forgiven for not winning 3-0 against an outclassed but tough and troublesome West Ham side. Tevez epitomised the committment that is needed to save West Ham this season, with the Argentine working flat out for most of the game - maybe he was playing up to the Spanish scouts in the crowd though, who had come to weigh him up??
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Geremi
Man City v FulhamThis game was a case of a manager getting his tactics right and one getting them wrong. Pearce in this case was right, starting with a positive and creative lineup and was rewarded with three goals from a City team that has scored just four all season at home. This game was won in the first half with Joey Barton the mastermind behind the coup. The Italian Corradi was his sidekick and together they took a floundering Fulham team apart. Coleman, who got his tactics wrong in the first half, quickly made his team more offensive in the second half and they played well but by this time it was too late.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Barton
Middlesbrough v LiverpoolNo defeat for Liverpool this time round and they have doubled their away points tally for the season but the murmurings of discontent are starting to gather pace. Liverpool dominated at the Riverside but failed to capitalise on their advantage. Agger was brought in for Hyypia this weekend and it will be interesting to see if he retains his place after a strong performance against Boro'. Crouch wasn't started but looked very sharp in the last ten minutes and could be an interesting punt if he starts the next two games. The Pogatezt and Woodgate partnership is going from strength to strength and Middlesbrough's days of inconsistency could be behind them if the defense continues in this form.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Woodgate
Sheffield United v Man UtdTime and time again Sheffield United are underated by their superior opposition. Liverpool and Bolton have all come a cropper at Bramhall Lane this year and if not for the superb solo efforts of Rooney would have added Man United to that list. Rooney was clearly the star man and is hopefully ready to up his game for the upcoming encounter with Chelsea. Notably, Ronaldo wasn't as sharp as he had been in previous weeks. Evra and Neville look like interesting fantasy punts at the moment with both progressively making more points and spending more time in the opposition half. Neville has looked more dangerous this season, from an attacking perspective, than at any time in his career.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Rooney
Portsmouth v WatfordFor the second time in a row Portsmouth have dominated a game but have fallen behind to a set-piece goal from a corner. Knight was on target for Fulham the week before and it was DeMerit who jumped to put Watford ahead this week -perhaps it is of no surprise to see a team with James in nets conceding from corners... Luckily, Pompey turned their advantage into a victory this week with Kanu the main man for the South coast team. The Nigerian nipped in for the equaliser and won the penalty which LuaLua duly converted.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Kanu
EPL Predictions - Week 14
Arsenal (home vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Almunia, Djourou, Senderos, Song, Hoyte, Aliadiere, Walcott, Gilberto Silva (Family Matters), Adebayor
Injured: Lauren, Diaby, Ljungberg (match fitness), Rosicky (match fitness).
Suspended: None
Team News: Wenger is humming and haring over his selections for this weeks Newcastle game, as he feels that both Henry and Gallas are fatigued from long weeks and also the matter of a must win Champions League tie to come on Tuesday. Henry is more likely to start than Gallas, as
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Aston Villa (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Delaney, Moore, Hughes, Laursen.
Suspended: McCann (1 of 1)
Team News: Barry and Agbonlahor are set to start against
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Brown, Todd, Mokoena, Douglas, McEveley, Matteo, Gallagher, Peter, Jeffers.
Injured: Enckelman, Nelsen, Reid, Roberts, Neill.
Suspended: Khizanishvili
Team News: Khizanishvili and Neill have been ruled out of the Tottenham clash due to suspension and injury, respectively. Henchoz should stand in for Khizanishvili after making two recent appearances in the sideGray should automatically step in for Neill. The good news for Sparky Hughes is that Savage has returned from a thigh injury and is expected to play but this fortune is tapered by the news that Pedersen is struggling with a rib injury. If the Norwegian doesn’t make it on to the pitch then I expect Peter Sergio or Mokoena to start with Bentley switching to the left flank, depending on Hughes’ outlook.
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Bolton (away vs. Everton)
Starting XI: (4-3-3) Jaaskelainen - Hunt, Ben Haim, Meite, Abdoulaye Faye – Campo, Nolan, Speed - Davies, Diouf, Anelka
Subs: Walker, Tal, Fojut, Q. Fortune, Pedersen, Sissons, Smith, Wolfe, Vaz Te, Stelios.
Injured: Gardner, O'Brien.
Suspended: None.
Team News: The big debate this week is over the starting status of Israeli international Idan Tal. The midfielder was impressive against Sheffield United last week and is in contention to keep his spot although, I feel that Big Sam will prefer to recall Ivan Campo to add more defensive strength, as was lacking at the end of last weekend’s game. Meite and Faye were left exposed at times last week and Campo will cover for them, especially when up against the runs of Johnson for Everton. BUT Tal is a possibility still. Nolan’s Mrs, Hayley, could do all Tal fans a favour by giving birth on Saturday morning, which would see both Campo and Tal start – therefore Nolan too is a doub. Hunt should return to the side after Pedersen’s brief spell at left-back.
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Charlton (away vs. Reading)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Carson - Young, Fortune, El Karkouri, Hreidarsson - Holland, A. Reid, Rommedahl, Hughes, Ambrose - D. Bent
Subs: Myhre, Sam, Ashton, M Bent, Pouso, Thomas, Hasselbaink, Kishishev, Gibbs, Walker, Sorondo, D. Traore.
Injured: Lisbie, Diawara
Suspended: A Faye
Team News: And so begins the start of a new era and who knows what Les Reed has up his sleeve for
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Chelsea (home vs. West Ham)
Starting XI: (4-1-3-2) Cudicini - Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, A. Cole – Makelele – Lampard, Essien, Ballack - Shevchenko, Drogba.
Subs: Hilario, Hedman, Diarra, Bridge, Ferreira, Robben, Mancienne, Boulahrouz, Mikel, Wright-Phillips, Kalou, J. Cole
Injured: Cech
Suspended: None
Team News: After most of his players being involved with midweek internationals and a Champions League came to come, Mourinho could venture into the tinkering mode against West Ham but with Man Utd setting a trial blaze in a charge for the Premiership title, the “special one” shouldn’t make too many alterations to the side that mauled Watford last weekend. Makelele’s old bones could be given a breather (btw have you seen his Mrs? The one in the M&S lingerie advert – corr blimey!) with Essien playing in a holding role. Mourinho has used a diamond formation in the last two games and it has worked to good affect with the full-backs pushing forward in wingback type roles. If Makelele isn’t too tired from his midweek "encounter" in
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Everton (home vs.Bolton)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Turner, Anichebe, Weir,
Injured: Pistone, Naysmith, Hibbert, Wright, Boyle, Cahill
Suspended: McFadden (2 0f 2)
Team News: The absence of Cahill with a knee injury will open the door to Beattie, who will be asked to partner Johnson upfront and add some strength and aerial prowess against the Bolton side. McFadden is suspended, while Valente and Van der Meyde are both in contention after recovering from injuries.
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Fulham (away vs. Man City)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Niemi - Queudrue, Knight, Pearce, Rosenior – Bocanegra, C. Jensen, Volz , Diop, Boa Morte - McBride
Subs: Crossley, N. Jensen, Zakuani, Timlin, Runstrom, John, Milsom, Routledge, Helguson, Christanval, Pembridge, Radzinski
Injured: Bullard, Elliott, Elrich, M. Brown.
Suspended: None
Team News: Radzinksi is set to be rested after a gruelling midweek fixture for
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Liverpool (away vs. Middlesbrough)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Reina - Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise - Gerrard, Alonso, Zenden, Pennant – Kuyt, Crouch
Subs: Dudek, Warnock, Agger, Garcia, Aurelio, Paletta, Fowler, Gonzalez, Bellamy
Injured: Kewell, Sissoko
Suspended: None
Team News: Wins away from home, zero; goals scored away from home, one.
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Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Isaksson, Sun Jihai, Dabo, Beasley.
Suspended: None
Team News: As always Pearcey gives absolutely zilch away in regards to team information this week, cheers mate! But it is known that Sinclair has an injury worry. If the 33-year old is unavailable then Miller and Vassell will battle it out to start on the wing. Isaksson, Dabo and Hamann have all returned from injury but are lacking fitness.
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Man Utd (away vs. Sheffield United)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Van der Sar - R. Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, G. Neville - Giggs, Carrick, Ronaldo, Scholes - Saha, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, W. Brown, Heinze, Richardson, Fletcher Smith, O’Shea.
Injured: Park, Solskjaer, Silvestre
Suspended: None
Team News: Giggs is Fergies only major worry against Sheffield United this weekend. Ronaldo and Gary Neville have overcome injury problems.
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Turnbull, Parnaby, Bates, Mendieta, Huth, Johnson, Arca, Maccarone, Graham, J. Euell.
Injured: Ehiogu, Riggott, Parlour, Viduka, Christie
Suspended: None
Team News: Taylor, Cattermole and Downing are all rated as doubtful for this game due to slight knocks or injuries.
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Harper, Srnicek, Babayaro, O’Brien, Bernard, Carr, Milner, Luque, Sibierski, Dyer, Martins.
Injured: Owen, Krul,
Suspended: Emre
Team News: Carr is rated as a major doubt for the Arsenal clash, as is Bramble, and defensive injuries is the last thing you want going into this game. Emre is suspended after picking up five yellows, which means that N’Zogbia should take his place. The little bit of good news for Roeder is that Given returns in between the sticks. Given was unbeatable at times last season and Roeder will be hoping for that on Saturday.
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Porstmouth (home vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Kiely, Jordan, Douala, Hughes, O’Brien, Cole, Krancjar, Koroman, Fernandes.
Injured: Johnson, O’Neill, Bejani
Suspended: None
Team News: Johnson, O’Neill and Benjani are all out so Pamarot, Thompson and LuaLua should all start against
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Reading (home vs. The Charlatans)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Stack, De la Cruz, Sodje, Oster, Gunnarsson, Lita, Osano, Cox.
Injured: Brown, Kitson, Mate, Convey, Halls.
Suspended: None
Team News: Murty has shaken off a shine injury picked up in training and is set to start. The rest of the
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Bennett, Kozluk, Lucketti,
Injured: Armstrong, Tonge, Bromby, Kabba.
Suspended: None
Team News:
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Tottenham (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Cerny, Malbranque, Huddlestone, Ziegler, Barnard, Mido, Barnard, Defoe, Stalteri, Gardner.
Injured: Tainio, Chimbonda,
Suspended: None
Team News: Everyone’s favourite Egyptian since Boutros Ghaly (no relation) should start for Spurs today, as Lennon is out with knee injury. Chimbonda is still sidelined (speaking of which I heard a Spurs song last week which uses the My Sharona song but replaces Sharona with Chimbonda – classic). Davids should get a rare outing this week because Jenas is also injured – lucky Edgar!
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Lee, Mariappa, Mackay, Powell, Jarrett, Spring, Bangura, McNamee, Priskin.
Injured:
Suspended: None
Team News:
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West Ham (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Kiraly, Mears, Cole, Dailly, McCartney, Paintsil, Sheringham, Mascherano, Reid, Tevez,
Injured: Ashton, Collins, Caroll, Walker.
Suspended:
Team News: Ferdinand returns from injury this week to face
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Starting XI: (4-4-2) Kirkland – Baines, De Zeeuw, Webster, Boyce – Kilbane, Landzaat, Scharner, Valencia – McCulloch, Camara
Subs: Filan, Wright, Jackson, Johansson, Todorov, Coterill, Hall, Skoko, McMillan, Heskey.
Injured: Taylor, Teale
Suspended: None
Team News: Baines is a worry this week having picked up a knock, while Coterill returns to the bench in place of
Note: Those denoted in red indicates doubts
Formations and Rankings - Week 13
(Click Formation Graphics for larger view)Arsenal v Liverpool
Wenger interestingly used Flamini against Liverpool this weekend and by all accounts he was the man of the match. His inclusion due to the absent Rosicky and Ljungberg has given fantasy managers a bargain for this weekend's game against the woeful Newcastle. Liverpool, strangely, decided to attack Arsenal, which gave the Gunners space on the park to strike up their impressive one-touch passing. Interestingly, Liverpool are 5/4 to beat Boro' this weekend. There is some value in that bet I feel.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Flamini
Everton v Aston VillaThe big news from this game is the injury to the ever reliable goalscorer Tim Cahill. He was unfortunately taken out by Lee Carsley and will be out for a while with a twisted knee. Everton, though, were mediocre to say the least. Aston Villa, on the other hand looked solid. The return of Gavin McCann has bolstered the midfield with O'Neill including impressive youngsters as Cahill, Osbourne and Agbonlahor. Cahill was drafted in to play centre-back due to Laursen and Hughes' absence through injury. Cahill could retain his place this weekend if Hughes doesn't recover. Sutton was clearly the key fantasy player on the pitch. He showed he still had class at Birmingham last year, although he lacked delivery at times (Pennant being the exception.) Can the old-timer keep it up? I had a dream about Milan Baros scoring an amazing goal last night, so we will see...
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Sutton
Blackburn v Man UtdIf Man Utd continue to grind out away victories like this one then they are sure to be there or there abouts come the end of the season. Chelsea lacks this away cohesion and it may cost them. Most United players are at a premium at the moment but Ronaldo and Saha look worth their cost having good averages, while Scholes looks the best fantasy gamble for this weekend's encounter with Sheffield United. If Michael Tonge is still missing Scholes should have room to make those famous late runs. Blackburn are certainly missing Savage at the moment and they lack bite without him.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Saha
Sheffield United v BoltonThis should have been an open and shut case from Bolton - 2-0 up and cruising but they, like a few teams who have come to Sheffield, underestimated the resolve of this relatively small minnow of the Premiership and so to their peril. Diouf was good and bad, oh ok, and ugly. Anelka, still not settled into the Bolton style, while the inexperience of Pedersen at left-back was obvious. Warnock's positive substitutions towards the end of the match paid dividends with Kazim-Richards showing some great skill to score.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Kazim-Richards
Wigan v CharltonWigan's fine run continues, largely due to Charlton's inept defending this weekend. Long punts by Kirkland caught the Addicks' defence napping, which allowed the pace of Camara and the strength of McCulloch to cause havoc. Charlton, as always, relied upon Darren Bent to drag them through the fight but even he couldn't save Dowie's job. Take nothing away from Wigan here, they deserved victory although, it shouldn't have been as tight. Wigan are scoring goals, which is key and McCulloch was the star pick for value and performance this week. Darren Bent gets an honourable mention too. The question is: with Dowie gone are Charlton stronger this weekend or bait for Reading?
Fantasy Insider Star Man: McCulloch
Chelsea v WatfordWatford were akin to a blind man walking through a mine field this weekend and were duly blown to bits... Chelsea and in particular Drogba were on fire at Stamford Bridge. The Ivorian is coasting along on a magical football rollercoaster at the moment and the world is literally at his feet. His pure strength and aggression make him the most difficult striker to play against in the world in my opinion, only Van Nistelrooy and Totti are up there with him in terms of current form. Chelsea were on top form with Geremi putting in a second brilliant performance of the week and is surely becoming Mourinho's prefered right-back - he was a bargain this week. Ballack once more didn't impress and is certainly out of form. And Watford, well, let's hope they make it out of the changing rooms against Pompey, unlike this weekend.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Geremi
Portsmouth v FulhamFulham keeper Niemi and the woodwork made a pact with the devil this weekend, as the Finn and the upright managed to snatch victory from the hands of Pompey. Kanu and Benjani replacement, LuaLua, eclipsed the Fulham defence and pounded on the Fulham goal but it just wasn't happening. LuaLua was lively and intelligent and fed most play although without a goal to his name if Benjani is fit next week 'Arry may revert to him - so watch out. Campbell put in a good performance but it seems that Johnson may disappear for a big chunk of the season due to an operation, leaving Paramot as I would say "sitting duck" in his place. Fulham were certainly lucky and will find it difficult when they travel to Eastlands this week.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Rosenior
Man City v NewcastleThis was a terrible affair with City culpable of missing chance after chance and the Newcastle players, Emre in particular, looking as if they wanted the season to be over already. Luckily, Joey Barton was on hand to provide the sparse flashes of entertainment. He was lively throughout and was unlucky not to get a goal. Again, he ended the match with a respectable fantasy score - a fantasy point banker if ever there was one. Newcastle are woeful to be honest. Man City, especially the excellent Richards, found them too easy to play against. With Arsenal to come Roeder must be counting down the minutes till he departs. Newcastle could approach the Arsenal match in one of two ways: put 11 men on the goal line; or forfeit the game and only lose 3-0.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Barton
Middlesbrough v West HamThis was the worst game of the week but at least there was a goal to talk about thanks to Mr Maccarone. Downing was interesting at times but otherwise there is little to harp on about. West Ham may have come away with no points but they certainly are improving from previous away performances.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Downing
Reading v TottenhamAfter beating Chelsea the previous weekend most people were expecting Spurs to walk over an out of form Reading team but the curse of the away form hit again, as Spurs capitulated to a 3-1 defeat after comfortably leading 1-0. Individual mistakes were to blame for the lose with Dawson and Berbatov at fault for slack defending. Reading's Little was handy picking up two assists on the day.
Fantasy Insider Star Man: Little
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