Despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, today’s Premier League schedule remains intact which means we’ve seven matches to look forward too and seven opportunities to harvest Fantasy points. There are some big names with big prospects on show, as both Man City and Liverpool encounter friendly opponents at home, while Michu targets the Stoke defence and West Ham play the first of their two fixtures in the Gameweek. Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open for those looking to come in from the cold. We can’t promise a log fire but we can warm you with shared joy and agony as the ninety minutes roll by in today’s matches.
The team news from today’s three o’clocks finds Roberto Mancini select an unchanged side from the starting XI that earned the points at Arsenal, which means that both Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero fidget on the bench, gloves ‘an all. Daniel Sturridge is given his full debut in front of the Anfield faithful as Brendan Rodgers rings the changes for the clash with Norwich. Suprisingly, Martin Skrtel drops to the bench to make way for Jamie Carragher, while Pepe Reina is out of the squad through injury, as Brad Jones comes in between the sticks. Raheem Sterling gives way to Sturridge, while Jordan Henderson starts ahead of Joe Allen. The Norwich lineup at Anfield is also interesting, with Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington dropping to the bench; Seb Bassong is out of the squad although did travel according to reports: an injury of some kind presumably is at play.
Down in London, Loic Remy gets his QPR debut at Upton Park as expected; the home side make a string of changes as Marouane Chamakh earns his debut in place of Carlton Cole who drops to the bench. Mark Noble is back, as is Joey O’Brien who earns an instant recall to left-back as Dan Potts drops out. At the Stadium of Light, Alfred N’Diaye is another making a full debut today – he comes into the midfield for James McClean who drops to the bench; David Vaughan keeps his start and Seb Larsson looks set to shift to a wide role.
