Lampard sparkles like we know he can. Rooney and Tevez develop a telepathic understanding to devastating effect. Fabregas just keeps being Fabregas. How can you afford all these Fantasy crown jewells? You could always sell Ronaldo – just as you shuffle the pack to squeeze him in, he goes and has a stinker. Seek a possible solution in my notes from the weekend…

Let’s start at the big clash at Anfield where Rafa confused us all again, not so much by rotating his troops – more so in their deployment. He started with Torres, Kuyt and Voronin for the first time, shifting the latter pairing into wide positions either side of the lone striker Torres. Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard provided a muscular midfield to bully Arsenal.

Injuries to Torres, Alonso and Mascherano will force changes next time out however. As will the looming presence of a vital Champions League trip to Besiktas next week. This is likely to mean that Crouch will get a start next weekend after impressing as sub here. Benayoun is also set to start with Sissoko coming in alongside Gerrard – unless of course Rafa opts to rest his skipper with Besiktas in mind. A mild possibility.

At the back you can expect Arbeloa – a sub in this match to come in, possibly at right-back with Finnan rested and Riise continuing on the left. Unless of course Aurelio makes a return there. It’s all speculation as always with Rafa’s selection. Crouch however, should at last get a couple of starts over the next two Premiership games where Liverpool face Blackburn at Ewood and Fulham at Anfield. Indeed, Liverpool’s fixtures look pretty tempting over the next month with at trip to Newcastle, Bolton at home and Reading away before Liverpool enter the Christmas period with tough home games against United and Portsmouth.

There was little to report on from Anfield from an Arsenal perspective. Everything was as expected, except perhaps the fact that Wenger opted for a 4-5-1 leaving Walcott benched. At the Emirates we could see Theo get a start but it’s clear he’s not worth a Fantasy punt at this current moment in time. Eboue on the other hand is beginning to settle on the right of midfield and was a constant presence in Arsenal’s attacking play before being subbed on 75 minutes. Classifield as a midfielder of course, he could be of interest. However, Arsenal’s fixtures suggest otherwise – they have only two of the next six games at the Emirates and one of those is against United. Clean sheets could be a rare commodity for Arsenal over the next month or so but then with so much potential for goals at the other end, that won’t be a major worry.

The Tevez/Rooney love affair is no very much on – the pair combining with delicious effect against Boro and both are now nearing top gear in Fantasy terms. Ronaldo in contrast, had possibly his most ineffective game of the season just as thousands of Fantasy managers juggle their team and budgets to transfer him in. Be patient with him though. In the past two seasons Ronaldo has taken off over the Christmas period – much to my annoyance last season when I just about caught the tail end of a blazing run of points. For some reason Ronaldo tends to sparkle with the tinsel right through until the New Year.

In terms of the United lineup, Evra failed to overcome his injury to lineup at left-back so O’Shea filled in again. Anderson came in for Scholes and will now presumably get a run of games until Carrick returns at the end of November, as Scholes sits out until February. Nani is limiting Giggs’ appearances as expected while Brown’s place at right-back will be in jeopardy very soon as Neville continues to step up his return to fitness with a reserve appearance here and there. He is expected to play a part in Wednesday’s Carling Cup tie so a Premiership return looks likely very soon.

That game is one of four home fixtures in six matches that United will face once they get Arsenal out of the way next weekend. Blackburn, Fulham, Derby and Everton all visit Old Trafford between now and Christmas. Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo and the entire back four and keeper are therefore even more tempting over the coming weeks.

As for Boro. What can you say? Five defeats on the spin tell the tale while their only real Fantasy prospect – Stewart Downing, has shrunk into his shell with few soldiers up front to fire the bullets he provides. In a nutshell, there’s little business to be had at the Riverside and Southgate could well be watching the Bond film whilst browsing the job ads come Christmas.

Chelsea six goal salvo against City fired a warning shot to the Premiership and a wake up call to Fantasy Managers. Grant has introduced stability and is now getting his forward thinking players to perform. Drogba for one, seems to be playing through the uncertainty over his future and is providing the goal threat and Fantasy points he promised following last season’s exploits. Lampard meanwhile, prompted brilliantly from midfield and provided three assists. Goals are surely not far away from Frank and Fantasy Managers should be on alert. The problem of course is that Fabregas has made himself indispensable while it takes balls of steel to turn your back on Ronaldo. How then can you work Lampard into your Fantasy lineup? Not easy admitedly but it might be worth shuffling once agian to find the funds as Chelsea and Lampard threaten to open both barrels on Wigan, Everton, Derby, West Ham and Sunderland over the next month or so.

With those games, even without Terry, the defence is also a temptation. Bridge should return to the fold next weekend after completing his suspension while Bellatti is playing out of his skin to cement the right-back role. Both are available at a fairly reasonable price for the return they offer. Of course, the dependable Carvalho is another, more expensive option, should you be looking for 100% assurance of appearances through up to and throughout the Christmas period.

Lineup wise there was little to report from Sven’s side at Stamford Bridge. Hart continued in goal keeping Isaksson on the bench while Samaras filled in for the injured Mpenza. Other than that, there was little to note from a side that has become the most settled lineup in the Premiership. God bless you Sven.

City will be licking their Chelsea-shaped wounds right now but could have the perfect opponents next in Sunderland to find a return to form. Keane’s side is struggling with injuries in defence and the right-back situation is particularly interesting. With McShane and Halford suspended it could be that Keane has to turn to young Michael Kay for cover. Why is that relevant to City in particular? Because they have probably the most explosive and in-from left winger in the Premiership in Martin Petrov. Elano might have got the recent plaudits but Petrov could have a field day against Sunderland at Eastlands next weekend. FPL Captain material? I should coco.

At the Madjeski, Coppell snatched a win in the dying minutes against Newcastle thanks to his sub Shane Long. His lineup did perhaps deserve such an outcome however as he opted for an attack minded approach with Doyle, Lita and Kitson all in the side. Doyle was employed out wide with some effect while the toil of Lita, coupled with another strike from Kitson, proved a winning ploy. The shuffle saw Rosenior dropped to the bench to make way.

Elsewhere Sonko appears to have settled into a back four at the expense of Ingimarsson and has picked up some plaudits and some FPL bonus points in his two appearances so far. Reading could be set for a more stable run of results which could mean the likes of Shorey suddenly become a Fantasy managers favourite once more. Fulham, Arsenal, City and Boro provide the next four opponents. A mixed bag but things could pick up further over Christmas when Reading’s fixtures see them take on Birmingham, Sunderland, West Ham and Spurs.

In the same game, Allardyce’s team selection was troubling. The defence now looks settled with Taylor and Rozenhal clearly squeezed out by new arrivals Faye and Cacapa. Up front Viduka was missing through injury once more – a recurring theme over recent seasons. No alarm there then with Martins and Owen starting as expected. It’s in midfield however that things are getting alarmingly muddled.

Both Nzogbia and Milner were dropped to the bench to accommodate Barton in the centre of midfield alongside Butt. That allowed Geremi to move wide right while Emre played on the left. Clearly Big Sam is trying desperately to find spots for all his experienced central midfield players here but with Barton’s return it seems likely that Geremi or Butt will have to make way. Unless of course he persists with neutralizing the teams attacking threat out wide but keeping Nzogbia and or Milner out in the cold. That doesn’t seem likely which all adds up to the fact that Geremi’s days as a useful Fantasy purchase, a defender playing in midfield, could be numbered. Worth watching in the coming weeks that.

Blackburn’s last gasp win over Spurs continued their impressive run of form and the resurgence of Benni McCarthy. The striker hit his fifth of the season and is beginning to remind me just why I earmarked him in pre-season, which in turn reminds me that I’ve foolishly not picked him in any of my sides. Gamst-Pedersen in contrast, remains the shell of the Fantasy player he once was. Once again frozen out on the bench, watching on as Bentley steals his midfield thunder with another assist and another impressive display.

Rovers have Liverpool and United prior to the International break – real tests of their credentials as a top six side. After that a visit to Fulham and three consectutive home games against Villa, Newcastle and West Ham seem to scream “Buy McCarthy and Bentley”. Current form suggests you’d be foolish not to take a look come the end of November.

Spurs meanwhile are all set for a Ramos revolution. You can dispose of their lineup from this weekend as the new boss will bring his own ideas which we’ll only really get a clue on once we see his teamsheet come Saturday at the Riverside. A rise in form seems inevitable, as does an upturn in the fortunes of Berbatov and the defence. Right now however it’s too early to make a call on the value of Spurs players – in fact it could take the return of Ledley King at the end of the month to truly stabalise things. Even then we can expect new faces, some no doubt familiar to Ramos, come January.

Pompey had a frustrating afternoon against West Ham. Certainly Benjani did himself no favours by having the balls to step up to take the last minute penalty only to place it feebly into the arms of the impressive Robert Green. You won’t see Benjani stride up to the spot again this season, while the return of Kanu on the bench this weekend, could even threaten Benjani’s place, despite his recent form. Elsewhere Harry’s mind seems to be made up. The defence picks itself, while Bouba Dioup and Muntari are certain starters. Davis was missing here due to suspension but will return to threaten Mendes’ place who started in this match. Taylor is another who like Gamst-Pedersen, is having a miserable season after flourishing in Fantasy terms last season. Expect his departure in January.

West Ham have also had a solid look about them in recent weeks in terms of team selection. Injuries haven’t allowed Curbishley to tinker too much with his defence or central midfield so the likes of Noble and Mullins have cemented their places. Gabbidon meanwhile lost his place in the Carling Cup on Tuesday as Ferdinand made a return. Solano started this one however having worked his way into the reckoning and will probably be practising his heading as these words are typed having missed a couple of sitters in this match. Boa Morte occupied the opposite wide position, leaving Etherington on the bench. This all changed for the Carling Cup tie with Bowyer returning and Ethrington making a start. Clearly, in wide positions, things are far from settled.

It’s up front that West Ham have real problems however with Bellamy picking up further abdominal problems in this game after clashing with the bulk of Hreidarsson on a number of ill-advised occasions. Bellamy will be out for a good few weeks with Camara could partner Carlton Cole while Zamora and Ashton remained sidelined. However, Curbishley went with Boa Morte as support for Cole in the Carling Cup on Tuesday so this is perhaps something worth monitoring.

Derby’s clash with Everton had a familiar ring to it. Billy Davies’ side remain a Fantasy Football desert, although Giles Barnes showed some glimpses of promise as Derby toiled against an efficient Everton side. Once again in a Derby game it’s the opposition I’m left discussing – the 4-5-1 formation, the fact that Cahill started, Arteta’s first goal of the season, Yakubu’s goal hinting at greater things. I’d like, for once to pick out something in the Derby lineup that would interest Fantasy Managers but the promise of Giles Barnes is just about all I have for now. Maybe Billy will buy me something to talk about in January?

Going back to Everton then – the defensive shuffles remain a concern. Moyes started with three of what could be considered his first choice defence here – Yobo, Lescott and Baines. Jagielka replaced the suspended Hibbert. However along with Hibbert’s return, Stubbs is the six-foot fly in that ointment. With Baines limping off at half-time it would appear that another shuffle could be on the cards come the weekend. It will be interesting to see the lineup that Moyes puts out in the Carling Cup against Luton tomorrow night. Right now it would still appear that each member of the Everton defence have a risk of rotation hanging over them. Lescott remains the most popular choice given his goal threat but the lack of clean sheets (just three so far this season) and Moyes’ policy of rotation, severely reduces the value of his defensive colleagues.

Gary Megson introduced few changes to the Bolton lineup although McCann was reintroduced to the midfield. The two O’Briens appear to have ousted both Hunt and Cid from the defence for Premiership matches at least. Anelka remains the big threat and the major Fantasy asset. This could change however, and the fortunes of Kevin Nolan in particular will be worth monitoring under Megson. Defensively we could also see things tighten up – it’s normally Megson’s first priority.

Bolton’s next two games offer some potential – West Ham away and Boro at home. After this however they face a home game with United and a trip to Anfield. Probably not a month to invest in Anelka if you haven’t already.

Villa brought in Osbourne for the suspended Reo-Coker, while Gardner was ruled out through injury so Petrov got a first start for over a month. Maloney nudged his way into the starting lineup past Luke Moore only to be replaced by him at half-time and see the sub deflect the equaliser from a Agbonlahor cross. Carew is nearing fitness but Moore should have earned his starting role back with that goal and a lively performance. Berger is back and playing having appeared as sub for Osbourne at half-time – he could threaten to start against Derby. It’s Agbonlahor who remains the big attraction at Villa however, having shown some consistency in his Fantasy points scoring over recent weeks.

Villa have three of the next four away from Villa Park but the opponents over the next month look pretty favourable. They play Derby at home next followed by trips to Birmingham, Boro and Blackburn. Those away games may need offer too many opportunities for clean sheets but the likes of Agbonlahor could be amongst the attacking points. This run of games is followed by a section with three of four at home so investment in Villa may not be a bad option at this point in time.

Birmingham are becoming an excellent source of bargains. Both Ridgewell and Kapo, members of my Scout Picks side, came up trumps with three goals between them. Ridgewell is always a threat from set-pieces while Kapo has emerged as Birmingham’s chief attacking threat playing just off the lone striker. He’s also become their spot-kick taker and is there or thereabouts at set-pieces. He is now established as a major target as a budget buy midfielder in all Fantasy games.

Steve Bruce takes his side to Everton next a tricky game but that’s followed by two home games against Villa and Portsmouth which could see more returns for Kapo. December opens for them with trips to Spurs and Newcastle – again, not obvious sources of clean sheets but neither of those opponents are particularly tight defensively either.

Wigan, like Boro, are suffering a troublesome period of the season that is seeing them being dragged into depths of the table. Heskey is being severely missed as Sibierski continues a barren spell blighted by injury. Koumas remains the only real source of Fantasy points but this is solely down to his knack of picking up bonus points in the FPL game, even in the face of defeat. He earned another couple of those here.

Wigan’s run of fixtures do not make their players anymore tempting. They face Chelsea at home next and also play Spurs, Arsenal and City this month. A very tough run of games which could sound the death knell for any Wigan players that remain in your Fantasy lineup.

Sunderland were unchanged for their draw with Fulham although Halford’s dismissal will ensure that changes at the weekend for their trip to City as mentioned earlier. Jones scored for the third consecutive game, his fourth in seven starts. Like Kapo, he is now clearly a prime target for those Fantasy Managers looking to clear some funds. There’s little else of note in Keane’s side although Wallace and Leadbitter continue to perform well and make reasonable budget purchases.

After City, Sunderland host Newcastle, visit Everton and then start December with a home game with Derby. A fairly decent set of games which won’t put many off the idea of snapping up Jones for a decent price.

Fulham fielded both Healy and Kamara as they were without Bouazza on the left. Dempsey continued up front and seems likely to do so until McBride’s return in late December. However, Dempsey has failed to register a goal or an assist in five games so clearly his stock has fallen markedly during October. Elsewhere in the Fulham side there is lilttle to attract attention. Simon Davies hit a fine free kick in for Fulham’s goal and remains a semi-decent prospect as a mid-price midfielder but Fulham’s forthcoming fixtures do little to tempt you his way. Reading visit the Cottage at the weekend but this is followed by a trip to Anfield, Blackburn at home and United away. A tough run for Sanchez which could leave him under severe pressure come Christmas.