Just over 48 hours after one set of Picks were tapped out, a second follows, laced with the risk of rotation, rest and tinkering. Suspensions also rear their head, with the likes of Chris Brunt and Cesc Fabregas ruled out of contention.
Chelsea’s faltering form perhaps presents the biggest conundrum however. Even with the obliging Bolton defence in opposition, can we really rely on Didier Drogba and his attacking supporting task to come good at last? Carlo Ancelotti’s defence meanwhile, has kept just a single clean sheet in 9 matches. It seems unthinkable but, even with Chelsea at the Bridge against beatable opposition, none of their lineup convince enough to earn selection…
The Defence
Craig Gordon
Sunderland’s defensive record at the Stadium of Light shows 5 clean sheets in the last 6 home matches – enough to suggest that a member of Steve Bruce’s budget back four looks essential for their forthcoming run of 3 home games in four. Blackpool arrive for their first Premier League encounter in weeks and will present a test with their brand of cavalier football, but will surely miss the suspended Charlie Adam. Expect Gordon to come out of this with Save Points at the very least.
Aleksandar Kolarov
The City left-back poses the most significant attacking threat from open play of any defender in the league. Six goal attempts in City’s last two matches went unrewarded, but attacking returns seem inevitable soon. A home fixture with a Villa side low on confidence and form also presents a decent chance of defensive returns for the Serb.
Paul Konchesky
With basement club Wolves at Anfield, a member of Roy Hodgson’s defence looks a wise option. Glen Johnson represents the prime cut if you can afford the price tag, while Sotirios Kyrgiakos also offers a decent alternative, although with Dan Agger fit, there’s just a chance that the Greek will make way. Konchesky looks the best value and most secure choice then; he looks assured at left-back and will offer a willing overlapping option down the flank.
Robert Huth
The giant German headed home his fourth of the season in the impressive win at Ewood Park on Boxing Day, providing a further boost to his Fantasy reputation. Huth has superseded Ryan Shawcross at the big threat from Stoke’s set-plays and has the opportunity to earn further returns at both ends when struggling Fulham arrive at the Britannia.
Rafael
The Brazilian right-back is a slight risk given Alex Ferguson’s options in his position but, given his current form, he seems set to retain his start. A trip to Birmingham will provide a test given that Alex McLeish’s men will be fresh, but United’s back four has earned 5 clean sheets in 8, while the home side have been struggling for a cutting edge for weeks.
The Midfield
Rafael Van der Vaart
The Dutchman was imperious yet again in the win at Villa Park, notching two more goals to reestablish himself as an almost essential Fantasy purchase in his first Premier League season. There’s always a risk that Harry Redknapp will look to rest him following a recent hamstring injury, but with Jermaine Defoe suspended, you would expect to see the partnership with Peter Crouch renewed here.
Somen Tchoyi
Widely regarded as West Brom’s most effective player in the unfortunate defeat to Bolton on Boxing Day, Tchoyi is developing a reputation as a real handful for opposition defences and with Chris Brunt suspended for the home clash with Blackburn, he could provide the main inspiration for a much-needed win for the Baggies.
Samir Nasri
With Cesc Fabregas banned for Wednesday evening’s trip to Wigan, it’s difficult to see Arsene Wenger taking Samir Nasri out of the firing line. While the likes of Tomas Rosicky and Andrei Arshavin will come into his thinking, surely Nasri will be earmarked to fill the Fabregas role, playing “in the hole” behind a lone striker. If Robin Van Persie is also rested, then suddenly Nasri will be back on set-piece and spot-kick duty at the DW Stadium. Regardless, Nasri will surely be a key player against Wigan as Wenger’s side look to build on the win over Chelsea.
Steven Gerrard
Liverpool will surely find the net once or twice against the Wolves defence and while Fernando Torres looks the most obvious option to cover this, there are strong, cheap alternatives to Torres as an option up front. So Gerrard comes into the Picks to cover Liverpool’s attacking potential – back from injury and dominant at set-plays, we could see Gerrard played just behind the Spanish striker and figure on the scoresheet as a result.
The Forwards
Carlos Tevez
The dogged Argentinian is single-handedly leading his side’s title bid with 5 goals in his last 5 league starts. A brace at Newcastle and another 3 point Bonus haul demonstrated his worth once again and, against a wounded Villa side that has failed to record a clean sheet in 8 league games, Tevez is surely nailed on for further returns as City look to recover from the 3-1 defeat to Everton the last time they appeared in front of their home fans.
Danny Welbeck
While Torres looks the more explosive pick, Welbeck offers exceptional value at just 5.1 in the Fantasy Premier League and with 5 goals in 6 outings, he brings strong form into a home clash with Blackpool. The visiting defence has kept 2 clean sheets in their last 3 away trips and have the potential to surprise, but it’s hard to overlook the Sunderland attack which has scored in all but one of their home matches this season.
