WITH THE BIG talk this week concerning the Euro 2012 draw, it’s easy to forget that there are also some important Premier League games taking place over the weekend.
While Newcastle versus Chelsea is the standout game, every match will hopefully be worth watching, especially in light of some of the bigger teams struggling last week (sorry, Fergie).
And while it may mean excitement on the field, this strong level of unpredictability means Fantasy Football reverts to even more of a lottery than usual.
Sadly, my assumption that Robin van Persie would score at least a hat-trick against Fulham turned out to be ill-founded. Alas!
Two players to pick this week
Gareth Bale (Tottenham): Spurs continued their excellent form against West Brom last week, and so, few critics would bet against them dropping points in their upcoming fixture against Bolton. Gareth Bale– like the rest of the Spurs team– had a slow start to the season. However, his improving form has coincided with their ascent of the table. As the team’s confidence flourishes, expect Bale to thrive even more so than he has done in recent weeks.
David Silva (Man City): City were disappointing against Liverpool last time out, but their home game against Norwich this weekend should leave them feeling a little more comfortable. Silva has also gone off the boil slightly, but as the sporting cliché goes: form is temporary, class is permanent. Don’t be surprised if the Spaniard is pulling the strings again on Saturday, as he has done so often this season.
Two players to avoid this week
Steven Taylor (Newcastle): Taylor and Newcastle have been in superb form this season, however, they have ridden their luck at the back quite often of late– most notably against Man United. The Toon Army have another tricky fixture this weekend at home to Chelsea, and their luck has to run out at some stage, doesn’t it?
Wayne Rooney (Man United): The United striker, despite having a fine start to the season, has been quiet of late. Assuming he plays, he’ll be making his 250th league start on Saturday, but Villa’s defence is invariably strong at home, so it may well turn out to be a less than memorable occasion for Rooney.
Predictions for the weekend:
Newcastle 1-2 ChelseaBlackburn 1-2 Swansea
Man City 3-1 Norwich
QPR 2-1 West Brom
Tottenham 3-0 Bolton
Wigan 1-3 Arsenal
Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Everton 2-1 Stoke
Wolves 2-1 Sunderland
Fulham 1-2 Liverpool
How my team got on last gameweek: As I said, Van Persie let me down.
Who’s leading TheScore.ie’s league? Pa Morrissey’s “Bullcelona” have been displaced at the top once again by Paudie O’Neill’s “Deceptively Slow”.
