The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

Saturday delivers six Premier League encounters this afternoon, before Arsenal’s clash with United ends proceedings in style at the Emirates.

The team news, from Goodison in particular, will hit Fantasy managers hard.

Both Leighton Baines and Stewart Downing miss out on Merseyside, as the Hammers are forced to make no less than five changes to their lineup due to international duty exertions. Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate also fail to make Sam Allardyce’s selection as Andy Carroll renews his “marriage” with Kevin Nolan in today’s lineup. As for Everton, they recall Steven Naismith and hand a surprise start to Kevin Mirallas (7.2 anyone?) on his return from injury. Samuel Eto’o and Aiden McGeady drop to the Toffees’ bench.

Elsewhere, Cesc Fabregas is fit to start for Chelsea as Jose Mourinho recalls Willian for the fatigued Ramires in his midfield. The visitors give a first start to Chris Baird at left-back with Sébastien Pocognoli missing out, while Stephane Sessegnon is recalled and both Craig Gardner and Claudio Yacob earn midfield berths in what looks to be a cautious Baggies setup.

City recall both Pablo Zabaleta and skipper Vincent Kompany to their back four for the visit of Swansea, while Stevan Jovetic starts up front in what looks to be a 4-4-2. Garry Monk, rather surprisingly, keeps Jonjo Shelvey on his bench, retaining Tom Carroll in midfield.

Up in the north East, Alan Pardew has little option but to hand Mike Williamson a start for his injured skipper, Fabricio Coloccini. Fantasy favourite, Ryan Taylor looks to be making his first Newcastle start after long-time injury in the midfield to replace the injured Mehdi Abeid. The R’s also make changes in opposition, as Nedum Onuoha comes in for Mauricio Isla who drops to the bench, while Joey Barton replaces Eduardo Vargas.

That’s both QPR’s Chileans out of the starting lineup, presumably due to their long-haul flights and late returns. Anyone worried for Sanchez this evening? Yeah, me too.

Good luck to all. Play up George Boyd!