One of the most anticipated Gameweeks in memory starts with just five matches on offer from its Saturday serving. Nonetheless, there’s some big guns on show.
Arsenal’s encounter with Norwich at the Emirates includes a cast of double Gameeweek assets, including the runaway winner of the Captain poll – Santi Cazorla. Elsewhere, Marouane Fellaini makes a return to the Everton lineup as they face a seemingly doomed QPR lineup at Goodison. With Dimitar Berbatov in action for Fulham at Villa Park, those who spent points on double Gameweek assets are well provisioned from today’s matches, and that’s without a mention for the likes of Luis Suarez, who will surely pose the key threat to Reading at the Madjeski.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open to accompany you throughout the afternoon’s events for those who like their banter in a real-time format.
Today’s team news finds Theo Walcott returning to Arsenal’s matchday squad but only to the bench as Arsene Wenger keeps faith with the in-form Gervinho on the flank. Wenger does find a spot for Jack Wilshere, however, he returns with Tomas Rosicky ruled out through injury. Elsewhere, both Fellaini and Steven Pienaar make returns for Everton against QPR, as David Moyes elects to start Victor Anichebe once again, with Nikica Jelavic benched and Kevin Mirallas presumably deployed on the right-flank.
Daniel Sturridge will have been sold on by many a Fantasy manger this week but he makes it into the Liverpool starting XI at Reading; Stewart Downing is relegated to the bench to make way. Elsewhere, Martin Jol drops Stanislav Manolev and Jon Arne Riise from his teamsheeet at Villa, handing starts to Urby Emanuelson and Kieran Richardson – presumably with the latter at left-back. Gabby Agbonlahor misses out for the host – potentially, a big loss. Down at St Mary’s the flu bug bites as Luke Shaw misses out and Jay Rodriguez is relegated to the bench, presumably still feeling the effects. There are starts for Daniel Fox and Adam Lallana in this one.
