Live Scores

Reading v Aston Villa Review

Reading v Aston Villa

Reading (4-4-2)

_______________ Hahnemann 7 __________________

Murty 6 ------- Bikey 7 ------- Ingimarsson 6 ------- Shorey 7


Little 9 --------- Sidwell 8 ----------- Harper 6 --------- Hunt 7

____________ Long 5 _________ Lita 6 _____________

Team News
Bikey continued at centre-back and came off the victor from an absorbing 90 minute battle with Villa's John Carew. Bikey stuck to Carew like the proverbial glue and gave the striker no breathing space. He made a vital block inside the 6 yard area and looks to have cemented his place at the back in the meantime. In other news striker Doyle is on the mend and is back in training with the first team. He will be vying with Lita and Long, who were quiet in this match, for a starting spot in the coming weeks.
Round Up
Sidwell continues to garner fantasy points with two goals to his name against Villa which doubled his tally for the season. This comes after his two sumptuous assists against Man City last week. Although not the best fantasy earner on the day there can be no doubt that Glen Little was the star man on the day. He caused no end of grief to England left-back Barry and skipped past the defender on many occasions. The first goal came from one of his bursts down the right-flank, forcing the corner which lead to goal. Hunt was also in fine fettle setting up the first goal for Sidwell. The left-winger showed excellent technique in his ball deliver from crosses and was a good outlet for fast breaks from the long balls of Hahnemann. The American goalkeeper also had a spotless performance. When called into action the shot stopper pulled off some world class saves, notably a looping shot from Maloney.
The Future
Reading have some VERY tough games coming up with away games to Man Utd, Middlesbrough and Arsenal all on the cards. Reading players have returned very well in recent weeks but it may be time to let them go.

Aston Villa (4-4-2)

__________ Carew 7 _________ Young 6 ____________

Maloney 6 ----- Petrov 4 -------- McCann 5 ------- Agbonlahor5


Barry 5 -------- Cahill 5 --------- Mellberg 5 -------- Bardsley 6

_________________ Sorenson 6 __________________

Team News
Shaun Maloney made his starting debut against Villa and was lively at times but he is lacking a defensive attitude and left Barry stranded alone with Little throughout most of the first-half. Carew played off the centre-back and played very well as a holding figure. Ashley Young seemed to have been given a free role against Reading, popping up on the right, centre and upfront on many different occasions.
Round Up
Aston Villa totally dominated for the first 30 minutes but slowly pulled their way back into contention. Martin O'Neill's side were too one dimensional and they squandered a glut of chances with Young culpable of missing several obvious ones. Young, who started the season as a winger but has progressed to become a striker, is still lacking many fundamental attributes of a Premiership striker, most notably his heading ability. Villa's midfield was void of creativity with Petrov a non-persona for most of the game. It was in fact the Bulgarian who was largely at fault for the first goal. Petrov was hugging the six-yard line when Hunt swung in his corner. The Bulgarian wasn't marking any opposition player and was ball watching as Sidwell, unchecked, swanned into the box behind the Bulgarian and put Reading one to the good.
The Future
Villa have some difficult ties coming up but have the advantage of playing at home to Liverpool and Everton. Ashley Young has been a darling of fantasy players this year but his performance against Villa may warrant some to question his place in their side. Carew, on the other hand, looks bright, intelligent and everything that Milan Baros wasn't. He is an excellent purchase for O'Neill and I am sure he will be on the scoresheet many times this season and seasons to come.

Live Scores - Saturday 10th February

EPL Preview - Week 25

Arsenal (away vs. Middlesbrough)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Lehmann - Clichy, Toure, Hoyte, Senderos - Flamini, Fabregas, Rosicky, Gilberto Silva – Adebayor, Henry
Subs: Almunia, Djourou, Denilson, Aliadiere, Walcott, Traore.
Injured: Diaby, Gallas, Baptista, Van Persie, Hleb, Ljungberg, Eboue.
Suspended: None

Team News: Wenger has called up Brazilian sensation Denilson into the Arsenal squad after his performance against Spurs in the midweek game. He will sit alongside Djourou who has returned from injury. Adebayor passed a late fitness test on his knee on Friday and will start but Eboue is still sidelined with an ankle injury so Hoyte will remain at right-back against Boro’. Senderos is the main doubt for the gunners after picking up a head injury against Spurs.
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Aston Villa (home vs. West Ham)
Starting XI: (4-3-3) Sorensen – Bouma, Mellberg, Cahill, Bardsley - Barry, McCann, Petrov - Agbonlahor, Carew, Young.
Subs: Taylor, Hughes, Ridgewell, Samuel, S. Davis, Angel, Berger.
Injured: Delaney, Moore, Laursen, Osbourne, Samuel, Sutton.
Suspended: None

Team News: New signings Carew and Young are set to make their home debuts for Villa against West Ham this weekend. Defender Laursen has recovered from injury and will take up a spot on the bench with new signing Maloney. Maloney is highly revered in Scotland but has failed to shine on the big stage so far. Absentees include Osbourne and Samuel who are sidelined through injury.
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Blackburn (home vs. Sheffield United)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Friedel - Nelson, Khizanashvili, Henchoz, Warnock – Emerton, Bentley, Tugay, Pedersen – Derbyshire, McCarthy.
Subs: Enkelmann, Mokoena, Samba, Nonda, Gallagher, Jeffers, Peter, Todd, Berner, Dunn.
Injured: Savage, Ooijer, Reid.
Suspended: None

Team News: Khizanashvili returns to the Blackburn side after missing the 3-0 defeat by Chelsea in midweek, while Derbyshire is expected to continue alongside McCarthy in attack. New signing Dunn has been cleared to play and should start on the bench but there are doubts over the fitness of Emerton (foot) and Todd (flu) so Gallagher could be drafted into midfield if Emerton doesn’t pass for fit.

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Bolton (away vs. Watford)
Starting XI: (4-3-3) Jaaskelainen - Hunt, Ben Haim, Meite, Gardner– Campo, Nolan, Speed - Stelios, Diouf, Pedersen
Subs: Walker, Tal, Fojut, Abdoulaye Faye, Teymourian, Thompson, Vaz Te, Michalik, Augustyn.
Injured: Q. Fortune, Anelka, Davies, O’Brien.
Suspended: None.

Team News: Allardyce has been boosted by the return of Diouf who has completed his two-match suspension. Bolton are also boosted by the arrival of Thompson from Portsmouth and he is in contention for a start as Big Sam looks for a way to revive Bolton’s flagging fortunes. Bolton are missing their two principal strikers as Davies is sidelined with a chipped bone in his ankle for three weeks and Anelka will miss this game due an aggravated calf injury. Faye is also doubt.
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Charlton (home vs. Chelsea)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Carson – Sankofa, El Kakouri, Hreidarsson, Thatcher - Holland, Hughes, Rommedahl, A Faye, Thomas - M. Bent
Subs: Myhre, Randolph, Kishishev, Zheng, Diawara, Fortune, Kishishev, Ambrose, Hasselbaink, Lisbie.
Injured: Gibbs, D. Bent, Young, Reid, Song, Bougherra.
Suspended: None

Team News: Charlton are on somewhat of a run, if you can call it that, having won and drawn their last two games. These set of results have lead to some consistency in the squad selection and Pardew is likely to stick with the side that drew with Bolton midweek. New signings Song and Bougherra are unavailable with injury. Charlton always seem to raise their game against Chelsea and it will be no walk in the park for the Blues at the Valley with confidence buoyed by recent results.
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Chelsea (away vs. Charlton)
Starting XI: (4-1-3-2) Cech - Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge – Makelele – Lampard, Essien, Ballack - Shevchenko, Drogba.
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Robben, Mikel, Wright-Phillips, Kalou, Sahar.
Injured: J. Cole, A. Cole, Boulahrouz.
Suspended: None

Team News: Mourinho is boosted by the return of club captain Terry for the trip to Charlton. The England skipper will start alongside Carvalho with Bridge coming in for the injured Ashley Cole (who should have really won a Pulitzer prize for his autobiography – what a guy…er), whilst Diarra is set to continue at right-back.
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Everton (away vs. Liverpool)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Howard – Stubbs, Lescott, Yobo, P. Neville – Van der Meyde, Carsley, Arteta, Osman, Cahill - Johnson.
Subs: Wright, Hibbert, Anichebe, Weir, Vaughan, Naysmith, Pistone, Beattie, Fernandes, Valente.
Injured: McFadden
Suspended: None

Team News: Everton are waiting on a late fitness test for striker Johnson before determining the starting line-up in the 205^th Merseyside derby.
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Fulham (home vs. Newcastle)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Niemi - Queudrue, Knight, Christanval, Rosenior – Davies, Volz, M. Brown, Radzinski – McBride, Helguson
Subs: Lastuvka, Bocanegra, Diop, Routledge, Dempsey, C. Jensen, Montella.
Injured: Bullard, Elliott, Elrich, Pearce, Smertin.
Suspended: None

Team News: Christanval returns to the starting line-up after recovering from injury but Montella is struggling with an abdomen injury and will be forced to start on the bench with the brawn of Helguson and McBride preferred upfront.
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Liverpool (home vs. Everton)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Reina – Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Riise - Gerrard, Alonso, Gonzalez, Pennant – Kuyt, Crouch
Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Fowler, Bellamy, Zenden, Arbeloa, Guthrie, Paletta.
Injured: Kewell, Sissoko, Garcia, Aurelio.
Suspended: None

Team News: Liverpool are the form side in the Premiership at the moment and Benitez will be hoping for continuation against Everton. This historically is always a grim game for discipline though, with a flurry of cards always a highlight of this match-up. Benitez will probably start with a more defensive line-up than the one he has played recently with Bellamy most likely to be one that misses out. Brazilian Aurelio is a new name on the injury list but Zenden is now back in training and should start on the bench.
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Man City (home vs. Reading)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Weaver - Richards, Dunne, Distin, Jordan – Ireland, Dabo, Barton, Trabelsi, - Corradi, Vassell
Subs: Isaksson, Ball, Beasley, Johnson, Hamann, Miller, Abdoun, Samaras.
Injured: Onouha, Sun Jihai, Sinclair, Dickov, D. Mills.
Suspended: None

Team News: Pearce could hand new signing Ball his debut against Reading but with such formidable opposition and with little match practice under his belt the City manager should stick with the tried and tested.
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Man Utd (away vs. Tottenham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Van der Sar - R. Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, G. Neville - Giggs, Carrick, Ronaldo, Scholes - Larsson, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, W. Brown, Heinze, Richardson, Silvestre, Fletcher, O’Shea, Park, Solskjaer.
Injured: None
Suspended: None

Team News: Consistency is the name of the game for United.
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Middlesbrough (home vs. Arsenal)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Jones – Xavier, Taylor, Pogatetz, Woodgate – Downing, Arca, Boateng, Cattermole – Yakubu, Viduka.
Subs: Schwarzer, Turnbull, Davies, Christie, Parnaby, Mendieta, Johnson, J. Euell.
Injured: Bates, Riggott, Parlour, McMahon, Rochemback, Huth, Lee.
Suspended: None

Team News: Schwarzer is a big doubt for the Arsenal clash after missing his sides game against Portsmouth in midweek with a back injury. Fellow Aussie Jones should stand in but the keeper has bad memories of Arsenal – remember Highbury last season anyone?
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Newcastle (away vs. Fulham)
Starting XI: (4-4-1-1) Given – Huntington, Onyewu, Bramble, Carr – Duff, Parker, Butt, Milner – Dyer - Martins
Subs: Srnicek, Carroll, Taylor, Edgar, Solano, Pattison, O’Brien, Luque, Sibierski.
Injured: Owen, Krul, Moore, Ameobi, Harper, Bernard, Babayaro, N’Zogbia, Ramage, Emre.
Suspended: None

Team News: New signing Onyewu is expected to go straight into the Newcastle starting line-up. The American will join up with a depleted Newcastle squad but Peruvian Solano will also boost the ranks after returning from suspension. Butt is suffering from a knee injury but is expected to pass fit for the match.
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Porstmouth (away vs. Wigan)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) James – Johnson, Primus, Campbell, Pamarot, - Taylor, Mendes, O’Neill, Lauren – Benjani, Kanu
Subs: Ashdown, Douala, Hughes, O’Brien, Krancjar, LuaLua, Koroman, A. Cole, Davis.
Injured: Traore, Stefanovic.
Suspended: None

Team News: Traore will miss the Wigan game with an ankle injury so Pamarot should start on the right.
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Reading (away vs. Man City)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Hahnemann – Murty, Duberry, Ingmarrson, Shorey – Little, Harper, Sidwell, Hunt – Lita, Long.
Subs: Federici, Convey, De la Cruz, Bikey, Sodje, Oster, Halford, Pearce, Kitson.
Injured: Mate, Halls, Sonko, Gunnarsson.
Suspended: None

Team News: Reading defender Sonko has been ruled out for the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage to his knee so new signing Duberry will come in to replace him, Gunnarsson is also injured. Long has passed a fitness test and will start alongside Lita.
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Sheffield Utd (away vs. Blackburn)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Kenny - Geary, Lucketti, Jagielka, Armstrong – S. Quinn, Montgomery, Tonge, Kazim-Richards – Hulse, Stead.
Subs: Bennett, Bromby, Sommeil, Law, Kozluk, A. Quinn, Seck, Fathi, Morgan, Webber, Nade.
Injured: Li Tie, Kilgallon, Leigertwood, Shelton.
Suspended: Gillespie (2 of 3)

Team News: Sheffield United captain Morgan has returned from a four-match ban but Warnock may stick with Lucketti in defence after a recent good run of results. New signings Kilgallon and Shelton are unavailable with injury and Gillespie is still suspended.
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Tottenham (home vs. Man Utd)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Robinson – Chimbonda, Dawson, Rocha, Lee – Huddleston, Jenas Malbranque, Lennon – Berbatov, Keane.
Subs: Cerny, Alnwick, Murphy, Assou-Ekotto, Ghaly, Defoe, Gardner, Zokora, Stalteri.
Injured: King, Tainio.
Suspended: Mido (1 of 1)

Team News: Jenas is a doubt with an ankle knock but the signs are positive for his return to the Tottenham side. Rocha and Lee should start along with Lennon who missed out on Wednesday night due to illness. Bulgarian international Berbatov also returns to partner Keane with Mido suspended for one game.
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Watford (home vs. Bolton)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Foster –Marriapa, Shittu, DeMerit, Stewart – Smith, Mahon, Francis, Bouazza – Kabba, Henderson.
Subs: Lee, McNamee, Williamson, Bangura, Priskin, Hoskins, Powell, Rinaldi, Cavalli, Williams, Mackay.
Injured: King, Chambers, Carlisle
Suspended: None

Team News: With so many new signings it is difficult to judge how Boothroyd will send out his team this week. Shittu and Mahon are in contention to return to the side after recovering from injury, while any number of players could make their debuts for the hornets today ranging from Kabba to Hoskins. New Brazilian signing Rinaldi is just one vowel short of greatness.
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West Ham (away vs. Aston Villa)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Carroll – McCartney, Davenport, Upson, Dailly – Quashie, Reo-Coker, Benayoun, Boa Morte – Cole, Harewood
Subs: Green, Pantsil, Mullins, Kepa, Konchesky, Sheringham, Newton.
Injured: Ashton, Collins, Bowyer, Gabbidon, Neill, Tevez, Ferdinand.
Suspended: None

Team News: The Biscuit Baron has been out splashing his cash in recent weeks, I’d say he’s been splashing it up the wall after seeing how much he was ripped off for Upson. Upson, who should make his debut today, was woeful against Southend United (bottom Championship side) last week and I can’t see how his price tag can be justified.
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Wigan (home vs. Portsmouth)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Kirkland – Hall, Unsworth, Baines, Boyce – Kilbane, Landzaat, Skoko, Teale, McCulloch – Aghahowa, Folan.
Subs: Filan, Taylor, Cotterill, Johansson, Granqvisst, Haestad, Valencia
Injured: Camara, Heskey, Scharner, De Zeeuw, McMillan.
Suspended: None

Team News: Nigerian Aghahowa (another name for me to learn, I’ve only just got the hand of Boulahrouz…) should start alongside fellow new boy Folan (a crap Forlan…), as Heskey is sidelined with an injury. Aghahowa is a very fast player and anyone who has played Championship Manager 2001 will accredit that, but this is real life and Wigan are up against it. Baines is doubtful with a calf injury so the crisis may thicken come kick-off time.

Note: Those denoted in red indicates doubts

January Transfers OUT

Updated: 8th January 2007

Arsenal

None.

Aston Villa

None.

Blackburn Rovers

None.

Bolton Wanderers

None.

Charlton Athletic

None.

Chelsea

None.

Everton

None.

Fulham

Luis Boa Morte (undisc)

Liverpool

None.

Manchester City

None.

Manchester United

Jonny Evans (loan) David Jones (£1 million)

Middlesbrough

None.

Newcastle United

None.

Portsmouth

None.

Reading

None.

Sheffield United

Ade Akinbiyi (£750,000) David Unsworth (free)

Tottenham Hotspur

Marton Fulop (£500,000)

Watford

None.

West Ham

None.

Wigan Athletic

Andy Webster (loan)

January Transfers IN

Update: 8 January 2007

Arsenal

None.

Aston Villa

None.

Blackburn Rovers

None.

Bolton Wanderers

None.

Charlton Athletic

Zheng Zhi (loan)

Chelsea

None.

Everton

Anderson de Silva (undisclosed)

Fulham

Vincenzo Montella (loan)

Liverpool

None.

Manchester City

None.

Manchester United

Henrik Larsson (loan)

Middlesbrough

None.

Newcastle United

None.

Portsmouth

None.

Reading

None.

Sheffield United

None.

Tottenham Hotspur

Ben Alnwick (£900,000) Adel Taarabt (loan)

Watford

Moses Ashikodi (nominal) Will Hoskins (undisclosed) Lee Williamson (undisclosed)

West Ham

Luis Boa Morte (undisc)

Wigan Athletic

Andreas Granqvist (loan) Kristofer Haestad (loan) David Unsworth (free)

Service Resumes

Oh, I am back and about time too... Apologies for the inconvenience but normal service, in fact, improved service resumes as of today. You'll be glad to hear I gave my Mrs the boot as she was costing me too many fantasy points with her incessant nagging on a Saturday morning - that's dedication and stupidity to the fantasy cause.

Vacation Time

Fantasy Insider Blog spot is on vacation until further notice.

Thanks

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. Portsmouth)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Taylor– Bouma, Mellberg, Hughes, Ridgewell - Barry, McCann, Petrov, Agbonlahor - Baros, Angel.
Subs: Olejnik, Gardner, Djemba-Djemba, Cahill, Whittingham, Samuel, Agathe, Osbourne, S. Davis.
Injured: Delaney, Moore, Laursen, Sutton, Sorensen
Suspended: None

Team News: To Follow...
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Blackburn (home vs.Fulham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Friedel – Emerton, Neill, Ooijer, Khizanishvili – Bentley, Pedersen, Savage, Mokoena – McCarthy, Nonda
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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Chelsea

No Fixture this week
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Everton (home vs. West Ham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Howard – Stubbs, Lescott, Yobo, Valente - P. Neville, Carsley, Arteta, Osman, - Beattie, Johnson.
Subs: Turner, Anichebe, Weir, Vaughan, van der Meyde, Vidarsson, Hughes, Wright, McFadden, Davies.
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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Liverpool (away vs. Wigan)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Reina - Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise - Gerrard, Alonso, Garcia, Pennant – Kuyt, Bellamy
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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Man City (home vs. Watford)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Weaver - Richards, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher - Vassell, Reyna, Barton, Trabelsi, - Corradi, Samaras
Subs: Isaksson, Hart, Ireland, Jordan, Onuoha, Mills, Johnson, Hamann, Miller, Dickov, Beasley.
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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Middlesbrough (home vs. Man Utd)
Starting XI: (5-3-2) Schwarzer – Xavier, Taylor, Pogatetz, Woodgate, Huth – Morrison, Rochemback, Downing, Boateng – Yakubu, Christie
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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Newcastle

No Fixture this week.
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Porstmouth (home vs. Aston Villa)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) James – Pamarot, Primus, Campbell, Taylor – Thompson, Krancjar, Mendes, O’Neill – Bejani, Kanu
Subs: Ashdown, Jordan, Douala, Fernandes, Hughes, O’Brien, Koroman, Johnson, LuaLua
Injured: Cole, Stefanovic, Davis.
Suspended: None

Team News: To Follow...
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Reading (away vs. Fulham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Hahnemann – Murty, Sonko, Ingmarrson, Shorey – Little, Harper, Sidwell, Hunt – Doyle, Seol
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, Davis
Suspended: None

Team News: To Follow...
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Tottenham (away vs. Arsenal)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Robinson – Chimbonda, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto – Jenas, Zokora, Malbranque, Lennon – Berbatov, Defoe.
Subs: Cerny, Davids, Murphy, Lee, Tainio, Huddlestone, Ziegler, Barnard, Keane, Davenport.
Injured: Stalteri, Mido, Gardner.
Suspended: Ghaly (2 of 3)

Team News: To Follow...
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Watford (away vs. Man City)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Lee – Stewart, Mackay, DeMerit, Chambers – Bouazza, Mahon, Francis, Smith – Young Henderson.
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: (4-5-1) Green – Spector, Ferdinand, Collins, Konchesky – Tevez, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Mullins, Bowyer – Zamora.
Subs: Kiraly, Mears, Cole, Dailly, McCartney, Paintsil, Sheringham, Mascherano, Reid, Harewood, Benayoun.
Injured: Ashton, Gabbidon, Caroll (On the booze cruise…), Walker.
Suspended: Newton.

Team News: To Follow...
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Wigan (home vs. Liverpool)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Kirkland – Jackson, Hall, Baines, Boyce – Kilbane, Skoko, Scharner, Coterill – Camara, Heskey
Subs: Filan, Jackson, Webster, Wright, Johansson, Todorov, Landzaat, McCulloch.
Injured: Taylor, Valencia, McMillan, Teale
Suspended: None

Team News: To Follow...

Note: Those denoted in red indicates doubts

Fantasy Poll

EPL Predictions - Week 15

Arsenal (away vs. Bolton)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Lehmann - Clichy, Toure, Eboue, Senderos - Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Ljungberg, Gilberto Silva - Adebayor
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 Hamburg in midweek and is in contention for a start but with Arsenal not claiming a victory in the last four years at the Reebok, Wenger maybe inclined to continue with Flamini in midfield, with the Frenchman having started the last four games in a row. Gallas is still sidelined so Senderos should continue to deputise in his place, while Rosicky is still making good progress.
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Aston Villa (home vs. Middlesbrough)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Sorensen – Bouma, Mellberg, Hughes, Ridgewell - Barry, McCann, Petrov, Agbonlahor - Sutton, Angel.
Subs: Taylor, Gardner, Djemba-Djemba, Cahill, Whittingham, Samuel, Agathe, Baros, Osbourne, S. Davis.
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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Blackburn

No fixture this weekend.

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Bolton (home vs. Arsenal)
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: Gardner.
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 Bolton’s first choice left-back and should continue now that he is fit again.
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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 Reading due to a suspension. Rommedahl is also a doubt.
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Chelsea (away vs. Man Utd)
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: (4-4-2) Howard – Stubbs, Lescott, Yobo, Valente - P. Neville, Carsley, Arteta, Osman, - Beattie, Johnson.
Subs: Turner, Anichebe, Weir, Vaughan, ,van der Meyde, Vidarsson, Hughes, Wright, McFadden, Davies.
Injured: Pistone, Naysmith, Hibbert, Boyle, Cahill
Suspended: None

Team News: The Everton team should remain unchanged after their 1-0 victory over Bolton last week.
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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 Reading. The Fulham manager will continue to play McBride as the front man, even though John managed to find the back of the net last week. Radzinski should return to the squad after being rested, while Diop is a slight doubt after a reoccurring injury problem.
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Liverpool (home vs. Man City)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Reina - Finnan, AGGER, Carragher, Riise - Gerrard, Garcia, Zenden, Pennant – Kuyt, Crouch Correction Agger to replace Hyypia (10:41am)
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 Man City, as Alonso and Gonzalez are ruled out, while Pennant is also struggling to be fit. Garcia should get one of the free spots with Zenden starting in midfield. If Pennant doesn’t make it there could be a starting spot for one of the Liverpool youngsters or Bellamy, who has the pace to play on the wing.
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Man City (away vs. Liverpool)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Weaver - Richards, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher - Vassell, Reyna, Barton, Trabelsi, - Corradi, Samaras
Subs: Hart, Ireland, Jordan, Onuoha, Mills, Johnson, Hamann, Miller, Dickov.
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 Liverpool today. Barton could flop or this could the match which instigates an England call-up.
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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 Chelsea. Ferdinand picked up a foot injury during the European Cup defeat to Celtic but has been passed fit. Evra could be recalled in place of the rusty Heinze, who looked short of match practice against Celtic in midweek.
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Middlesbrough (away vs. Aston Villa)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Schwarzer – Davies, Taylor, Pogatetz, Woodgate – Morrison, Rochemback, Arca, Boateng, Cattermole – Yakubu.
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 England winger is still recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of last weekend’s game with Liverpool. Julio Arca should continue to deputise in his absence.
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Newcastle (home vs. Portsmouth)
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, Moore, Ameobi, Harper, Bernard, Duff, Babayaro.
Suspended: Emre

Team News: Dyer and Martins should return to the Newcastle side after being rested during the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday. Carr could return from injury for this game but he is still a doubt and Solano is poised to carry on at right-back if needed.
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Porstmouth (away vs. Newcastle)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) James – Pamarot, Primus, Campbell, Stefanovic, - Krancjar, Mendes, Davis, O’Neill – LuaLua, Kanu
Subs: Ashdown, Jordan, Douala, Thompson, Fernandes, Hughes, O’Brien, Koroman, Benjani
Injured: Johnson, Taylor, Cole.
Suspended: None

Team News: Stefanovic is in serious need of an operation but with Taylor sidelined the Pompey captain will have painkilling injections to play against Newcastle. O’Neill has recovered from a dead leg but Cole and Johnson are absent this week.
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Reading (away vs. Fulham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Hahnemann – Murty, Sonko, Ingmarrson, Shorey – Little, Harper, Sidwell, Hunt – Doyle, Seol
Subs: Stack, De la Cruz, Sodje, Oster, Gunnarsson, Lita, Osano, Cox.
Injured: Brown, Kitson, Mate, Convey, Halls.
Suspended: None

Team News: Reading remain unchanged from last week.
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Sheffield Utd (away vs.West Ham)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Kenny - Geary, Davis, Jagielka, Kozluk – Gillespie, Law, Leigertwood, A. Quinn, Kazim-Richards - Hulse.
Subs: Bennett, Bromby, Lucketti, Bromby, Morgan, Montgomery, Unsworth, S. Quinn, Akinbiyi, Short, Wright, Shipperley, Webber, Nade, Ifill.
Injured: Armstrong, Tonge, Kabba, Sommeil, Li Tie.
Suspended: None

Team News: Sheffield will be looking for a rare victory at West Ham this weekend and will field a similar side to one that took Man Utd to the wire last week. Bromby has returned from injury and is in contention for a start at right-back.
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Tottenham (home vs. Wigan)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Robinson – Chimbonda, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto – Tainio, Zokora, Malbranque, Lennon – Berbatov, Keane.
Subs: Cerny, Davids, Murphy, Lee, Jenas, Huddlestone, Ziegler, Barnard, Mido, Barnard, Defoe, Davenport, Gardner.
Injured: Stalteri
Suspended: Ghaly (1 of 3)

Team News: Spurs welcomed back Lennon and Chimbonda for the midweek game against Leverkusen and both should start against Wigan. The merry-go-round of strikers could continue again this weekend but if Jol has any sense he will start with Keane and Berbatov. Jenas could participate after coming back from injury but Malbranque could remain in the squad after an impressive midweek UEFA Cup performance.
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Watford

No Fixture this weekend.
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West Ham (home vs. Sheffield United)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Green – Spector, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky – Tevez, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Mullins, Bowyer – Zamora.
Subs: Kiraly, Mears, Cole, Dailly, McCartney, Paintsil, Sheringham, Mascherano, Reid, Harewood, Benayoun.
Injured: Ashton, Collins, Caroll (On the booze cruise…), Walker.
Suspended: Newton.

Team News: Pardew should name an unchanged side for visit of Sheffield United.
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Wigan (away vs. Tottenham)
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