THIS WEEKEND, ALL of the supposed big teams in the Premier League have games that they should ostensibly win.
United and City face Sunderland and Newcastle respectively, while Arsenal take on Reading and fourth place Everton are up against Stoke.
However, as was the case last year, this year’s campaign has been considerably unpredictable, with the so-called smaller clubs taking points off title contenders with increasing frequency.
All of which means not only that Premier League action is more entertaining to watch, but from a Fantasy Football player’s perspective, it’s arguably harder than ever to excel in the game.
Two players to pick this week
Damien Duff (Fulham): The winger may lack the lightening pace of old, however he remains effective as his career reaches its twilight years. He is consistently one of the league’s top-performing midfielders, represents relatively good value at 6.6m and could well thrive against a weak QPR side this weekend.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool): Though the midfielder may not be the dominant force he was in his prime, he remains one of the first names on Liverpool’s team-sheet. And Brendan Rodgers’ improving side will be expected to pick up all three points at home to Villa tomorrow, with Gerrard likely playing a pivotal role in the process.
Two players to avoid this week
Papiss Cisse (Newcastle): The striker was a revelation for Newcastle last year, however he is in danger of becoming known as a one-season wonder, on the basis of his start to this year, with only two goals in 14 appearances being symptomatic of Newcastle’s decline in general this campaign. Therefore, it would be a major surprise if he managed to get on the scoresheet in this Saturday’s early kick-off, as the Magpies face formidable opponents in the form of Man City.
Brad Friedel (Tottenham): The Spurs shot-stopper had a good start to the season, but now appears to have been displaced as Tottenham’s number one by Hugo Lloris. At 41, don’t expect the American to be given too many more chances at the club.
Predictions:
Newcastle 1-2 Man CityLiverpool 3-1 Aston Villa
Man United 3-0 Sunderland
Norwich 2-1 Wigan
QPR 2-2 Fulham
Stoke City 2-2 Everton
Tottenham 2-1 Swansea
West Brom 2-1 West Ham
Reading 1-2 Arsenal
How my team got on last week
Thank god for James McCarthy, who almost single-handedly rescued an otherwise dour week for me.
Who’s leading TheScore.ie Primera Division?
Neil Cullen’s ‘Riggins’ Rovers’ have maintained the lead at the top, though Gerry Ward’s ‘Donkeys Ride Again’ are only five points behind them.
