Wandering out of the swing doors of a double gameweek, here’s comes the usual waltz across the weekend fixture list in search of fantasy profits and fantasy potholes…
Best For Clean Sheets…
Having clashed at Old Trafford last weekend, the top two defences both have kind-ish fixtures this weekend that appear to present decent options for clean sheet gathering. That’s rather handy, because there appears to be scant pickings available elsewhere.
United travel to the Reebok in search of a tenth consecutive clean sheet that will equal Chelsea’s record . With Megson’s side ravaged by injury and out of form, the odds are staked well in their favour. The absence of Ferdinand and Evra could stretch them and Bolton will certainly fling balls into the box but then Vidic is so imperious these days, you can see him dealing with all that is thrown at them. He remains the key fantasy purchase – Evans and O’Shea are you short-term bargains.
Stoke at Stamford Bridge would normally be a home banker without question but all is not well in the Chelsea camp. The defence has looked dodgy of late, particularly from set-plays and Pulis’ side are the last team you want at your door when it comes to being tested in that area. In addition, Beattie is likely to get his debut for Stoke and has good memories of Stamford Bridge. A home shutout looks on shaky ground then, although it’s still difficult to ignore the likes of Bosingwa and the returning Carvalho given the options available elsewhere.
Indeed, outside of the high-rollers of United and Chelsea, we’re struggling to find decent defensive options this week. The Spurs vs Portsmouth clash looks the most likely source of clean sheets when it comes to mid-price defenders. There is the Defoe factor against his former club to consider but Redknapp is still tinkering with his lineup and formation and Spurs have really struggled for goals. Tony Adams has priortised clean sheets of late and he’ll have his side in a 4-5-1 in order to keep the home side at bay. Defenders on both sides are worth consideration then, if you’re after a mid price option.
Backing the Blackburn defence against Newcastle at Ewood carries more risk but could be worth a look in the mid-price point. The likes of Emerton (playing a midfield role) and Samba ( a threat at set-plays) are your worthy options here.
Best For Goals…
I like the look of City’s clash with Wigan at Eastlands. Mark Hughes’ side should have Robinho and maybe Wright-Phillips back in their ranks, while Wigan have mid-table security and are playing without fear. They attacked at Old Trafford on Wednesday and I can see them attacking a far more brittle home defence in this one. I can see three or four goals here with Robinho, Wright-Phillips, Zaki, Valencia and Ryan Taylor all good options for fantasy profits.
Elsewhere there are a couple of games that could spark should we get early goals. Villa at Sunderland will be tight until the first goal goes in. If it arrives early enough, then we could see three or four, considering the strikers on show.
Similarly West Brom’s home encounter with Boro will be edgy. The home side need another win and Boro need to stop their own decline. An early breakthrough and we could be looking at decent end-to-end encounter. The Baggies have Jay Simpson eager to impress, while Boro’s Alves will have been boosted by his strike last weekend and he’ll look to feed on more supply from Downing.
Best For Frustration…
As always, I’m not expecting great things from the Merseyside derby. This is likely to be a full-blooded by tight affair and although Torres looks a certain starter for the home side, the Everton defence come into this on the back of five consecutive clean sheets. Personally, I can see a 1-1 here with little or no returns for fantasy managers.
I see a similar result at Upton Park. I can see Fulham stopping West Ham’s resurgence with another stubborn defensive display. Frustrating for recent investors in Carlton Cole and Bellamy.
Finally, any fantasy manager banking on Arsenal to cut loose could well be disappointed again. Phil Brown has emphasised greater security at the back of late and I see that continuing in Hull’s home clash with Arsenal. The Gunners are still lacking fluidity and if they don’t make the breakthrough early in this one, I can see it dragging out to a low-scoring affair. Arsenal should nick this by the odd goal. I can’t see too much to shout about in fantasy terms.