Let me take you by the hand (honestly itโs fine) and lead you around the Fantasy football touchline to ponder our final teamsheets. Iโm going to miss our Saturday strolls, our little dip into the brains of the press boys before deadline…
This weekend there are relatively few issues troubling us. We can surely expect major Chelsea rotation for todayโs early kick-off at the Emirates, with a vast number of us hoping that swings in favour of Robin Van Persie and Arsenal. Elsewhere, the City lineup looks decided for the run-in now that Tevez has reminded us of his class. As for United, there is one issue, mainly concerning the collapsible talents of Ashley Young.
Can Young keep his feet place in the United lineup for the meet with Everton? Certainly The Times, The Guardian, and The Mail all think so, which means no start for fit-again Nani. Personally, Iโm expecting Sir Alex to grant Young a rest. Thereโs been chatter all week on the wingerโs…ahem….loss of balance and, having stated heโs carrying a slight knock in his press conference on Friday, it seemed that Sir Alex was laying the groundwork to justify handing Nani a first start since his return from injury. Just an educated hunch and one that the Sun and the Telegraph agrees with. Thatโs dubious company mind, as weโll see in a bit.
Elsewhere some Fantasy managers will be wondering if fringe defenders Jose Enrique and Philippe Senderos will come in from the cold. I say fringe, Enrique really isnโt that, while Senderos doesnโt even have a fringe – but you get the gist. Aside from The Sun who have Dan Agger at left-back, the press boys are all backing a return for Enrique this morning, just in time for the Gameweek 36 doubles. They reckon Dalglish wonโt look to three centre-backs for the visit of shot-shy West Brom, with the Spaniard returning and ousting the calamitous Carragher to the bench.
As for Senderos – itโs a split. Some, like The Guardian, feel that Chris Baird will get the nod at right-back with Stephen Kelly out with a wrist injury (best not to ask). The majority, however, go with Aaron Hughes at right-back with the balding Swiss tower returning alongside Brede Hangeland. Whether heโll be able to fetch a clean sheet with the wizardry of Victor Moses in opposition is another matter. There you go – I can now use Moses and the phrase wizard in the same sentence without any irony. Almost.
To round off our little wander, letโs stroll through this morningโs contenders for the โDo they know something we donโt?โ award.
The Times feel that Leroy Lita will lead the Swans attack at Bolton. Brendan Rodgers has hinted at changes so perhaps itโs perhaps not far-fetched that Lita will get a roll of the dice at the expense of Danny Graham. Itโs no goals in nine league starts for the former Watford hitman, turned bungling blank-firer.
The Guardian have Djibril Cisse back in the QPR lineup for their crucial home clash with Spurs. The thing is, theyโve restored him at the expense of Bobby Zamora. Very odd. An oversight or have the Guardian got wind of a knock, illness or some backroom shenanigans?
The Independant have Ryan Taylor back in the Newcastle lineup for the clash with Stoke – he comes in at left-back with Davide Santon making way. The Sun also cut Santon, with James Perch shifting to the full-back role to make way for Cheick Tioteโs return in midfield. Certainly it seems that Santon is yet to cement his starting role in some folkโs eyes. Ryan Taylorโs inclusion would come as big news for Fantasy managers for the final weeks. It would be nice, but I have my reservations.
Not to be outdone, The Telegraph have paired both Andy Johnson and Pavel Pogrebnyak up front for Fulham, while Alex Kacaniklic earns a start on the flank with no place for Damien Duff. Would Martin Jol really dump the impish winger and go 4-4-2? The Guardian also go with a Johnson/Pogrebnyak pairing – Iโm not sure I agree. In fact, maybe we should take the Telegraphโs views with a pinch of salt – they feel that Dean Whitehead has the legs to play at right-back and central midfield for Stoke at Newcastle. Whoops.
Did you notice that there was no mention of the mavericks from the Daily Mail amongst those potential bloopers? I know. Itโs slightly unsettling.
Enjoy the Gameweek.
