Normally around this time I have all number of arguments and equations battling it out in my head as the minutes tick by towards the Fantasy deadline. This morning the airspace is relatively clear.

I’ve got squad issues of course – do I choose the negative route and play both Shawcross and Samba as I hope for a 0-0 at the Britannia, or do I gamble on goals at the Hawthorns and opt for both Petrov and Davies? As far as the big issues go though, only Gareth Bale’s role in the Tottenham side that will take on Villa at the Lane is of mild concern. I’ve placed him my Picks, I’ve kept him in my team; that should tell you all you need to know about how I feel on the situation. However, let’s hit the Saturday morning press and see if they can offer any further reassurance…

The Sun starts us off and they’ve kept him on the left-flank. Benoit Assou-Ekotto is at full-back and Harry Redknapp has gone with 4-5-1 with Modric up in support of Crouch. The Telegraph is in agreement, Bale in on the left of midfield and both Modric and Van der Vaart both start, with Lennon recalled on the right-flank.

After dipping into the Times, It’s three out of three. Bale sits snugly in midfield alongside Modric and they too have gone with Van der Vaart up in support of Crouch with Lennon restored on the wing. And then the Guardian makes it a full house; a landslide. Gareth Bale will play on the left wing for Spurs against Villa and, in all likelihood we will see an attacking lineup with both Modric and Van der Vaart in the XI.

I’m in agreement, my Tottenham predicted lineup keeps Lennon on the bench but with Marc Albrighton a threat for Villa on the right-flank, I don’t see Redknapp risking Bale against him or taking a chance on Bale been occupied by defensive duties instead of occupying Luke Young at the other end. There’s your answer then and at the same time, perhaps even a real late contender for your Fantasy Premier League armband. Sir Paulos outlined the damage that Bale has been inflicting in last night’s Numbers Game article; Villa may well be a different proposition under Houllier but Bale’s talents have little respect for reputation.

I can’t end the preamble without at least turning some attention to the Chelsea vs Arsenal clash on Sunday. As discussed in this week’s ScoutCast, the temptation is to presume that Chelsea will just bully the result out of Wenger’s side yet again and while that seems a disappointing conclusion to come to, there’s no doubting the evidence.

You may have heard commentators and pundits mention the size and weight of Chelsea’s squad over the past few weeks and this morning the Telegraph have printed an article comparing Chelsea’s physical specimens to those of Arsenal. It highlights that Ancelotti has a squad boasting an average height of 6’1″ while Arsenal stand at 5’8″. On the scales meanwhile, Chelsea clock up an average of 13st 11lb while Arsenal are a slim line 11st 1lb.

It could all be nonsense of course and hopefully, come Sunday, it will be the use of the ball and a touch of magic which decides matters. However, while we’ve always seen Chelsea impose their physical presence on Arsenal, it’s pretty chilling stuff seeing the figures in black and white. Of all the 14 stone giants that Arsenal have to contend with, it’s really only Didier Drogba who tends to cast them aside with apparent ease. He will be a key name when it comes to deciding the destination of the Captain’s armband over the next hour.

Paddy Says…

Having failed to squeeze Money Mike’s usual round-up into yesterday’s busy schedule, let’s give you a quick pre-deadline glimpse at Paddy Power’s current thinking when it comes to clean sheets and anytime goalscorers.

Clearly Liverpool’s expected dominance of Blackpool is reflected here. The likes of Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard are all highly fancied amongst the anytime goalscorers betting, while Roy Hodgson’s side are also joint favourites to claim a clean sheet at Anfield. I’m not quite as confident as Paddy in this respect, although, having selected Glen Johnson in the Picks this week, clearly I ackknowledge that they reprsent as good a chance as any of claiming a shut-out.

Man City’s impressive defensive display against Chelsea last time out has them alongside Liverpool in the clean sheet stakes, while Carlos Tevez is clearly favourite to be amongst the goals. Didier Drogba’s odds have falllen somewhat as the week has gone on with Paddy obviously not rating Arsenal’s chances of keeping the Ivorian at bay. Chelsea are fourth favourites for the clean sheet, with United just pipping them in third with their trip to Sunderland. Wigan, West Ham and Stoke then follow to offer us some mid-price Fantasy potential.

The form of Peter Odemwingie and Kenwyne Jones is certainly reflected in the Anytime Goalscorer odds with both them coming in at their lowest odds for a goal this season against Bolton and Blackburn respectively. I still fancy Hugo Rodallega today myself – you’ll find him at 2.87 for a goal today and I reckon that’s got some value.

Paddy’s Scout Specials

We have of course prepared some “Specials” with Paddy as always. You can get a tempting 18/1 in the Clean Sheet Accumulator on Birmingham, Wigan and Man City all claiming shut-outs this weekend. In the Scout Picks Special meanwhile there are odds of 11/1 on Nani, Tevez and Torres all scoring at least one goal this weekend.

Paddy’s Money Back Special

This week Paddy will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on the Chelsea vs Arsenal clash on Sunday, if Chamakh scores the last goal.

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