Having made the most of the International break I’ve returned with a bumper set of notes from the weekend’s games, written on the back of hours of broken sleep whilst camped in a festival field. Perfect preparation for guiding you through the ins and outs of the last round of Premiership matches. Forgive me if I get delirious half way through, I think Jason Koumas scoring at last was all too much for me.

Birmingham got their first precious home win as Sammy Lee continues to struggle at Bolton. Bruce made three changes to his lineup that went out with a whimper at Boro last time round. Franck Queudrue, Gary McSheffrey and Mehdi Nafti recalled in place of Radhi Jaidi, Stuart Parnaby and Mikael Forssell. Djourou moved to centre-back to allow Nafti to come into midfield while Queudrue replaced Parnaby in a straight swap. McSheffrey started up front alongside Jerome, with Larsson starting in midfield and emerging as the best player on the pitch on the day. The Swede gave Bolton’s JLoyd Samuel at torrid time, earned an assist and hit the bar with a free-kick. Birmingham’s lineup could well settle down then after this victory but with Liverpool and United to come in the next two games, their players remain an unattractive proposition.

Bolton meanwhile seem to be on the verge of big changes. Lee could well be out of the door soon. Regardless the 4-4-2 that Lee has used from the Summer onwards, could be going in order to solve their defensive frailties. This game saw Andy O’Brien start for the first time although both he and Samuel went off with injuries in the second-half. Samuel’s hamstring injury will keep him out for six weeks or more so further backline changes are expected when Bolton begin their UEFA Cup campaign on Thursday. Bolton’s next two matches offer some chance of a revival with Spurs at home and Derby away to come. However, following this, Lee will have to take his men to Chelsea and then Arsenal. Anelka and perhaps Diouf at a push, remain the only players amongst their squad worth considering right now.

Jose rang the changes for the visit of Blackburn. He was of course without Drogba and Lampard through injury, so started with Kalou and Shevchenko up front, with Pizarro also sidelined with a knock after being away on International duty with Peru. In midfield he shuffled things around somewhat, bringing Sidwell in from the cold to replace Mikel and preferring Joe Cole to Malouda. He kept faith with Alex at the back, presumably to negate the threat of Santa Cruz. Typically, Jose made early changes in the second-half when things weren’t going his way, introducing Malouda for Wright-Phillips and Mikel for Sidwell. Despite this, Malouda’s early promise now appears to have evaporated with Mourinho clearly looking to work Joe Cole into his lineup. Given the Frenchman’s hefty price in most fantasy games, any doubt over his starting role seems to be reason enough to sell him on. Alex meanwhile does appear to have the edge over Ben-Haim for a starting role, but only while Carvalho remains sidelined. A short-term prospect then. Chelsea go to United next followed by significantly kinder games against Fulham, Bolton and Boro throughout October.

Blackburn appear to have one of the more settled lineups in the Premiership. Hughes has his front line and back four settled and only only the quartet of Dunn/Tugay/Savage and Mokoena seem to be competing for places in midfield. Dunn and Savage have the upper in that particular battle. Rovers have a decent run to come with games against Portsmouth, Sunderland, Birmingham and Reading making the usual suspects – Bentley, Gamst-Pedersen, McCarthy and Santa Cruz a little more tempting that usual.

Moyes made his customary changes for the visit of United. Jagielka kept his place but was pushed into midfield with Hibbert returning at right-back. Carsley was dropped to the bench. This is likely to shuffle again when Gravesen returns from injury, so this particular situation in the Everton lineup is far from settled. Elsewhere, Pienaar dropped to the bench to allow Osman to return. Wessels started in goal with Howard absent through injury. More predictably, Yakubu started up front in his home debut.

Ferguson made some interesting choices for this game, pushing Evra into midfield and bringing in Silvestre at left-back. This saw Nani drop to the bench with Ronaldo making a return from suspension. Evra’s role was presumably to counter the threat of Arteta but the best laid plans went out the window when Silvestre was stretchered off with a knee injury. This led to Nani’s introduction and a shift back into defence for Evra. Silvestre is out for the season which is good and bad news for owners of Evra. There’s now little chance of rotation or rest for the left-back but also no opportunity for Evra to be pushed forward into a midfield role.

Elsewhere in the United lineup, Carrick returned for the injured Hargreaves while Saha remained on the bench, although appeared for Giggs after an hour. Rooney is back in training and seems likely to figure against Chelsea next weekend. After this game United face Birmingham, Wigan and Villa. With Champions League football amongst those fixtures, there is of course potential for rotation but given United’s stuttering form, particularly in attacking terms, plus a lack of games through injury and suspension, it seems likely that Rooney and Ronaldo will get a run of games throughout October. Evra and Vidic meanwhile remain mainstays in defence with Vidic’s stock rising considerably after the winner at Goodison.

Redknapp shuffled formations for the visit of Liverpool, opting for a 4-3-3 with Benjani and Utaka playing either side of the Kanu as the lone striker. Elsewhere Sol Campbell returned in place of Pamarot in central defence, Lauren dropped to the bench through illness, while Matt Taylor also find himself out of the starting lineup as Bouba Diop made his debut as expected. While Pompey’s defence looks settled, Diop and Muntari look the only certainties in midfield. Utaka and Kanu meanwhile remain the apparent first choice option when Harry resorts to 4-4-2, with Nugent remaining out in the cold. Taylor and Kranjcar seem set for further frustration in the coming weeks. One sidenote to this match, Kanu missed the penalty but has insisted he’ll step forward again for the next spot kick. While Taylor remains benched, Kanu would appear to have that role in the bag, although Lauren could come into the equation if he can regain his place. Portsmouth’s forthcoming games don’t look too scary with Blackburn, Reading, Fulham and Wigan to come. Three of those four are away from Fratton Park however.

Rafa once again proved a major frustration to Fantasy Managers, dropping the likes of Torres and Babel to the bench after the pair sparkled so brightly at Derby last time out. Gerrard was also rested – although somewhat understandably given the recent injury and England outings. It’s clear then that Torres is set to be rotated prior to Champions League games, despite signs that he would spearhead Liverpool’s Premiership campaign. This is a major blow to his stock that must surely place doubt over his long-term prospects as fantasy signing. Voronin and Crouch started this game then with Kuyt out of the sixteen. Elsewhere Benayoun got a first start on the left with Riise out injured. Only Reina and his back four were spared rotation which seems to confirm the Liverpool defence as the best source of investment, certainly while the Champions League is active. Although Riise’s return does hand Rafa some dreaded rotation options with Finnan and Arbeloa, so even they carry some risk. Liverpool’s run of games features matches against Birmingham, Wigan, Spurs and Everton.

Sunderland lined up as expected as they sealed a crucial three points against Reading. McShane remained at right-back with Higginbotham and Nosworthy combining in the centre of defence. Jones made his home debut up front alongside Chopra and with some effect, scoring one and laying on the second. Jones now looks a very tempting budget purchase given the pivotal role he’ll play in Sunderland’s attacking ploys. Leadbitter and Wallace meanwhile could also be tempting while Richardson and Edwards remained sidelined. Now might not be the time to invest in Keane’s men however. They face three of the next four away from home with Boro, Blackburn, Arsenal and West Ham to come next.

Reading meanwhile are slipping into the relegation battle that many (hands up I wasn’t one of ‘em) were convinced they’d be forced to fight. Coppell chose to rest Doyle after International exploits, so paired Lita and Kitson up front. Kitson got the goal on the day but Reading were in the main, toothless in attack. One point of interest is that Rosenior, classified as a defender, started the game on the right-side of midfield. He was replaced by Convey however, and the American could well be promoted to a starting role next time out. Bikey came back into the defence for Duberry who was sidelined with a knock. You can expect that to be reversed for Reading’s game against Wigan next weekend. Coppell’s men follow this with a trip to Portmsouth followed games against Derby and Blackburn. Not a terribly taxing run but given their current form, none of their players look like decent prospects right now.

Spurs lined up as expected for the North London derby. Dawson and Kaboul renewed their partnership in defence after injury. Lennon started on the bench but emerged to replace Bale who limped off with a knock. Berbatov and Keane kept Bent on the bench once more. Bale’s strike from the first-half free kick will have raised his stock once again. Clean sheets aren’t on the cards with three of the next four away from White Hart Lane, but Spurs and Bale continue to offer a significant attacking threat. The next four games do represent a stern test however with Bolton, Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle to come.

Arsenal had Sagna back at right-back allowing Flamini to come into midfield so that Gilberto could fill in at centre-back with Senderos suspended. Diaby was preferred to Rosicky in midfield but the pair swapped on the hour mark. Senderos will be back for the game against Derby next weekend, a game which could see Wenger rotate his side after Champions League exploits this week. Eduardo could well get a start and a chance to get off the mark in the Premiership. Meanwhile it should be said that Fabregas continues to go from strength to strength and in Ronaldo’s absence, he’s made a claim for the top Fantasy Player this term having at last, found the knack of scoring goals as well as creating them. Fabregas and the gang appear to be even more appealing over the next month when you consider that Arsenal have three of the next four at home with Derby, West Ham, Sunderland and Bolton to come.

West Ham made one change for their clash with Boro, James Collins replacing Anton Ferdinand who was suffering from a knock to his knee after the International break. The stability paid off with a second consecutive 3-0 win in which Ashton grabbed his first league goal of the season. The Hammers lost Craig Bellamy to a groin injury on the half hour mark but his replacement, Carlton Cole, duly chipped in with a pair of assists. The Hammers now face Newcastle, Arsenal, Villa and Sunderland – not such an intimidating run given their current form. Ashton remains the most tempting proposition, at least until the likes of Ljungberg, Solano and Parker return to fitness and earn themselves a starting role. Etherington has found some form over the past few weeks and is a decent budget buy, as is Noble whilst he remains on set pieces. Green and his defence have kept two consecutive clean sheets and could be worth a look if you’re looking for low cost budget buys.

Boro had chances in this game but failed to demonstrate the same clinical approach as West Ham. Boro lost Aliadiere after less than half an hour, and his replacement, Tuncay was thrawted on several occaisions with goalbound efforts, frustrated either by the excellent Green or the woodwork. Ther initial lineup was as expected, with Wheater keeping his place in defence and Arca and Rochemback keeping O’Neil on the bench. O’Neil could threaten to start next time out and with Aliadiere sidelined for around six weeks, it would appear that Tuncay will get a run of games up front. Boro have Sunderland and Everton next, followed by a visit to City. They then face Chelsea and United as things begin to look a little more tricky for Southgate’s men fixture wise.

Wigan rescued a point at home to Fulham with Jason Koumas at last registering some significant points with his first Premiership goal from the penalty spot. Koumas also picked up the 3 bonus points for man of the match in the Premier League Fantasy game, despite Fulham dominating this match. Sanchez men took the lead early on through Clint Dempsey who has now firmly emerged as a significant fantasy player having been handed a role in the Fulham attack. Dempsey, like his opposite number in this match, Antoine Sibierski, is classified as a midfielder and has now registered 3 Premiership goals.

Neither side offered any surprises in their lineup except perhaps the choice of Cotterill in midfield for Wigan in place of Skoko. Boyce deptutised at left-back while Kilbane served a one-match ban. Hughes returned to the centre of Fulham’s defence with Stefanovic dropping to the bench after starting against Spurs last time out. Healy remained on the bench although appeared as a second-half sub.

Wigan have Reading next but follow this up with matches against Liverpool, United and Portsmouth. Three very tough defences that they will have to face without Emile Heskey who suffered a broken metatarsal injury early on against Fulham and, as reported earlier, is expected to be out until early November. Fulham meanwhile, have a similarly tough run with City, Portsmouth and Chelsea to come next followed by a home clash with Derby. Dempsey then, remains the one big temptation here, having hit three goals in consecutive games and is a budget midfield purchase in all the major fantasy games.

Sunday’s game saw City maintain their fine start to the season with another clean sheet and a second goal of the season for young Michael Johnson. Sven was forced into changes with Dunne suspended following his dismissal at Blackburn last time out. Onuoha came into the back four at right-back with Corluka shifting to central defence alongside Richards. Vassell got his first start of the season on the right side of midfield in place of Ireland who was omitted due to the “Grannygate” incident whilst on duty with Ireland. Mpenza was again preferred to Bianchi up front with the Italian emerging from the bench late on. While City are hardly banging in goals, their defence remains miserly and have yet to concede at Eastlands. With with three of the next four at home, their back four look very good bets over the next month. Schmeichel also looks likely to keep his place although the threat of an Isaksson return is always looming now the Swede is fit once more.

Villa were, as expected, unchanged following the victory against Chelsea. Curtis Davies did earn a place on the bench alongside Gardner and Petrov but Zat Knight once again lined up alongside Laursen with Melberg occupying the right-back role. Luke Moore started once more and a goal ruled out so could well be a half-decent budget purchase up front. Villa face Everton, Spurs, West Ham and United next but three of those four are at Villa Park.

Kenny Miller scored a debut goal to hand Derby their first Premiership win over Newcastle on Monday night. Miller lined up alongside Howard in attack and struck a superb winner from 25-yards. Derby made several changes on the night after the Anfield mauling, with Leacock drafted in to form the centre-back partnership with Claude Davis. Andy Todd was relegated to the bench. Griffin was preferred to McEveley at left-back. Teale and Lewis came in for Camara and the suspended Fagan in midfield. Sadly for Derby, this win is followed up by a visit to the Emirates although after this they face a run that sees them take on Bolton, Reading and Fulham – three games which could shape their season. Miller is perhaps worth monitoring over those games in particular.

Newcastle once again employed Taylor at right-back with Cacapa employed alongside Rozehnal in the centre of defence. Harper was again preferred to Given who was kept on the bench. Viduka was sidelined with a thigh injury so Ameobi stepped in alongside Owen. Martins started on the bench although replaced Owen on the hour mark. Neither could make an impression on a gutsy Derby defence however. Newcastle have ample opportunity to bounce back from this defeat though, with three of the next four at St James’ Park. West Ham come next followed by City, Everton and Spurs. Owen seems an obvious choice then, although Milner offers value in midfield without delivering big points as yet. Geremi, classed as a defender but employed in midfield meanwhile, appears to offer the best value amongst their defence although was withdrawn after an hour on Monday night – a nasty habit to develop which could jeopardise points from clean sheets.