Delivered via a dodgy mobile broadband connection aboard a London train – here’s the usual mix of misguided hunches and the bleeding obvious, that form my picks for the weekend fixtures…

Let’s start with Kirkland in goal. Not a regular choice but Wigan look good for another cleanie at the JJB against West Brom and his selection allows me to plunder the bigger sides in defence. Notably Chelsea and Liverpool, who remain by far and away the strongest rearguards around. Bosingwa and Agger present the best options on price and assist/goal threat.

Alongside the big two I’ve gone back to Laursen, who comes into the home game with Fulham on the back of two clean sheets and some FPL bonus. He remains the leading figure in the Villa back four and his second goal of the season is surely only a few weeks away. The final spot goes to Glen Johnson who is simply in the form of his life down at Fratton Park. Two more assists against Milan on Thursday, came on the back of a stunning strike against Hull last weekend. Belhadj and Kaboul are cheaper options but Johnson has the form and attacking threat. A clean sheet could also be on the cards against the misfiring Blackburn, although Adams’ side keep conceding goals at home so I’m not holding my breath here.

Finding decent defensive prospects this week isn’t an issue, but finding equal potential in attacking terms looks decidedly tricky. Ronaldo and Lampard yadda yadda yadda. You know the score here – it’s not worth losing faith in the big scoring due, despite blanks last weekend. Neither face easy fixtures but both Chelsea and United should be amongst need goals which in turn, means that both Lampard and Ronaldo should contribute.

I’ve gone for Kuyt (classed as midfielder in the FPL) alongside them. He could well occupy a central role in the absence of Torres against West Ham. Even if that is not the case, Kuyt’s form is strong enough to suggest that he will figure in the points if Liverpool can muster the home win they desperately need after the disappointment against Fulham.

The fourth slot is a difficult one. I can’t bring myself to rely on Downing again, even though he looks a good bet at home to Newcastle. I’ve mulled over Valencia at home to West Brom but then Wigan aren’t scoring enough goals at the JJB. Ireland is perhaps the obvious choice given his current form and City’s scoring record at home but then I can United keeping things tight on Sunday. I’ll put some faith in Bolton’s Taylor then. He’s a former favourite of mine, has good form and is up against a Sunderland side who are inconsistent and conceding goals at home. He should be pinging in shots all day and will be a threat from set-plays. Sunderland aren’t great at defending from those – as Fabregas will testify.

Up front, I’m tempted on capitalising on passing on a United defender by opting for Rooney as a second United player. It’s a straight choice between him and Berbatov here but, given that there is still some doubt over the Bulgarian’s fitness, Rooney looks the better option. I’m not enamoured by United’s away form however, and do wonder if this local derby will deliver the avalanche goals it promises and we’re hoping for. I’m going to take the safer option of backing Bent for Spurs against an Everton side who have conceded goals on the road over the last five.

I’ve taken a small risk with my second striker and gone for Stoke’s Fuller who will return from suspension to face Hull. There should be goals in this one and Fuller is Stoke’s major threat along with the Delap throw.

For alternatives you can look at the Bolton and Stoke defences for cheap options – Shawcross (if fit) and Cahill, look the best options amongst them. I’ve mentioned alternatives in midfield, of which Downing looks the best prospect if you can stomach it.

Up front Defoe looks strong if selected, Crouch is a worthy alternative. Portsmouth’s defensive record at home also indicates that Santa Cruz may have some joy. Villa might face strong resistance from the Fulham defence but if you feel that O’Neill’s side will breach them, then Agbonlahor is your man.

Henri Camara is your cheap option – he looks certain to start, although Wigan are far from prolific at the JJB right now. Marlon King is another cheap striker I’m keen on – he could be amongst the points if you fancy Hull to continue their strong away record against the Stoke bombardment.

I’ll look at the FPL captain issue in detail in tomorrow morning’s preamble. I need to sleep on Ronaldo at City vs Lampard at home to Arsenal. Plus, consider any alternative options. It looks like a week to go with instinct, perhaps even gamble on a defender. Crazy talk which I’m sure I’ll reconsider once I’ve lost sleep over it.