Another weekend of action is upon us then. A weekend that could see a return to action for big-hitting strikers Torres and Drogba. United and Arsenal players meanwhile, clash in what could potentially be a goalfest at the Emirates, as an injury-ravaged Gunners fight for what’s left of their title hopes.

In my wisdom however, I’ve ignored the lot of ’em in my picks. This week’s midweek meander might shed some light on exactly why that is. Alternatively you can read on for the so-called logic behind the week’s selection…

I’ve handed the keepers jersey to Schwarzer. I like to use this position for the less secure clean sheet options each week and while Fulham are tight at the Cottage, Schwarzer will be tested by a confident Newcastle side. The Fulham keeper should come back with some points from saves then, if then a fouth clean sheet.

In front of him he finds the security of Carragher at home to a goal-shy West Brom side, and Bosingwa Scolari’s men who travel to Ewood to meet a Blackburn lineup who are without McCarthy and are likely to also be lacking the threat of Santa Cruz. Those two clearly represent the best opportunities for clean sheets this week.

Hull’s Turner makes a belated first start in my picks this season. He has the goal threat with three strikes to his name and faces a Bolton side who are likely to look to keep things tight rather than go at Phil Brown’s defence.

For the final spot, I’ve gone for Laursen’s goal threat and the chance of a Villa clean sheet against Boro. Villa’s defensive form is erratic but the big Dane is surely due another strike soon so I’ll continue to back in the absence of alternative options this week. I was tempted by Sunderland’s defensive players at home to Adams’ Portsmouth so I’ve left Anton Ferdinand on my bench as a budget option.

Moving into midfield and I hardly need to introduce Lampard and Ronaldo. The midfield big-hitters are a must each week, although both could face modest returns this week, depending on the approach of their managers.

Chelsea should overcome Blackburn comfortably but Scolari’s men could be fatigued after the trip to Rome and may not be able to produce the kind of performance they pulled out in the win over Boro a few weeks back. A routine 2-0 win would be enough for Chelsea, but might not bring the big returns for Lampard. He is still essential however, particularly with Deco still playing within himself after his injury.

As for Ronaldo, he goes to the Emirates and his profits will once again depend on United’s approach. Arsenal are severely weakened but Ferguson would settle for a win of any kind. Ideally we’ll see Arsenal notch a few to prompt United to go on the attack. It’s more likely that we’ll see United get a lead and shut up shop – that could be a dangerous game and one that might limit Ronaldo’s output.

Similarly I can’t see an avalanche goals at Anfield where Liverpool take on West Brom. Mowbray will look to frustrate Rafa’s team and seem set to play 4-5-1 and pack the midfield. A couple of strikes will be enough and although Liverpool aren’t flowing freely at home, as Stoke recently proved, Kuyt is on form and looked lively at White Hart Lane last time out. If you’re playing a fantasy game that has him classed as a midfielder, then he looks a decent option. Otherwise Gerrard is your obvious alternative.

I don’t like to cater for just one fantasy game though so I’ve opted for Hull’s Geovanni in strong form and facing a Bolton defence who don’t travel particularly well.

The final midfield spot is a gamble and goes against my better judgement. Ashley Young has been disappointing of late but with the Boro defence in town and as a backlash against a lacklustre performance at Newcastle on Monday, Villa should get a couple of goals at least. Young has also just signed a new contract this week and will be keen to show his worth. I’m keeping faith with him and looking for a goal or at least a couple of assists in this one.

Up front I’ve avoided the temptation to turn to Torres, who could still find himself starting on the bench for Liverpool, despite returning to fitness from a hamstring. Instead I’ve opted for Robinho for the first time as I see plenty of open play and goals in City’s game with Spurs. Wright-Phillips was tempting in midfield but instead I’ve gone for the influential Brazilian who owes City a goal or two after making costly errors at Bolton last time out.

I’ve played safe with the final spot – a backlash against my decision to bench Zaki again last weekend. Once again I left him out of my FPL side, and once again he scored. I’ve benched him three times this season and he’s scored five goals in those games. His penalty last weekend kept things moving but he’ll surely be looking for profit from open play with Stoke at the JJB. Their defence has conceded ten goals on the road and with a morale boosting win at Portsmouth last time out, Bruce’s side will fancy themselves to put a few past the Premiership new boys in this one.

If you want further options up front then budget buys Bendtner and Zamora could offer some returns. The latter has had plenty of opportunities to profit over recent weeks and must surely click soon. The Newcastle defence could afford him the chance this weekend.

Bendtner looks a potential bargain in the Arsenal attack but against Untied, he could face frustration. Elsewhere Cisse and Jones could be worth a look for Sunderland at home to Pompey – although I see few goals in this one. There’s King and Cousin of Hull who should put a couple past Bolton, and the Villa duo of Carew and Agbonlahor could also see some joy against Boro.

Moving on to alternative defensive options in the Guardian game – we should see Distin of Portsmouth and Bramble of Wigan get through plenty of defensive work against Jones of Sunderland and Fuller of Stoke. Yobo has also been turning in strong returns for Everton and he should get through some work again at West Ham. The Spurs defence should also get a good going over at Eastlands – King, if fit, will likely be their big points scorer in their back four although Woodgate is your other option here.

Finally, lets take a brief look at the FPL captain situation. I plan to look at this in more detail in tomorrow morning’s preamble. Ronaldo is as always the obvious option and for now at least, he will be my choice in my FPL side. I think United will notch a couple against the fragile Arsenal defence and if Ferguson’s men score, Ronaldo normally has a hand in it somewhere.

Lampard is always the strong alternative and while I’d like to think that Scolari’s men will hand out a thrashing to Rovers – I’ve an inkling that it will be closer and tighter than expected.

As for other options – I don’t have the confidence in Torres starting and finding form immediately after injury – Zaki is worth a punt perhaps although he’s dried up a little of late. Robinho is possibly the next best option, with City’s defence and Tottenham’s revival likely to see Hughes men need at least two or three goals to come out on top at Eastlands.