AFTER THE VERY rude interruption from the FA Cup, we are back in the fun fun fun world of weekend Fantasy Football.
So what did we miss in the interim? Well, the transfer window closed so you had better check your line-up to make sure you hadn’t accidently captained Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Also, Liverpool and (according to unconfirmed reports) Andy Carroll are right back in form. Roberto Mancini prepared his team to fail against Everton and so their lead in the title race is down to goal difference.
This weekend, there are some more big clashes afoot with Manchester United in London to face Chelsea and Spurs going the opposite direction to visit Liverpool on Monday night.
So (claps hands together and rubs vigorously) let’s get down to business.
Two players to pick this week:
Robin Van Persie: It was another disappointing midweek away from home for Arsenal, but Van Persie rattled the woodwork twice.Blackburn will arrive at the Emirates on Saturday following a spirited, dominant but ultimately fruitless display against Newcastle. Their confidence will be brittle and early Gunner goal could open the flood gates.
Luis Suarez: The long wait is over, Suarez will return from his eight game ban on Monday night and will soak up all the unconditional love that the Kop has to offer. All that nasty racism business will be quickly forgotten about and the Uruguayan will score or create a goal. Has a lesson been learned here?
Two to avoid this week
Clint Dempsey: The American was on the score-sheet again on Wednesday, and his Fulham side have a good record away to Manchester City. City will have a renewed focus after Mancini accepted the blame for defeat at Everton and they will have all guns blazing for this one to ensure United can’t overtake them.
Shay Given: Alex Mcleish’s football philosophy is based on a solid defence, but he just cannot organise one. The kind of error made by Stephen Warnock against QPR simply doesn’t happen when a defence is confident and well run.
Villa have conceded at least twice in each of their last three games and haven’t managed a clean sheet since the St Stephens Day draw with Stoke. This week Given returns to his in-form former club, Newcastle.
Predictions
Arsenal 3 – 0 Blackburn
Norwich 2 – 0 Bolton
QPR 2 – 1 Wolves
Stoke 1 – 1 Sunderland
West Brom 1 – 0 Swansea
Wigan 0 – 2 Everton
Man City 2 – 0 Fulham
Chelsea 1 – 1 Man Utd
Liverpool 1 – o Spurs
How my team got on last gameweek:
I should have captained Gareth Bale. The Welsh wonder got 15 of my 60 points. Charlie Adam, James McClean and Ryan Taylor also chipped in generously.
Who’s leading TheScore.ie league?
Slowly, but surely, Paudie O’Neill and Deceptively slow‘s lead is being whittled down. Tog in your useless scored 81 this week, three more than the leaders. The gap is now 25 points.
Shane Rattigan’s Dyslexia Untied was the week’s top scorer with 97 points thanks to Captain Bale, Scott Sinclair and Staphane Sessegnon.
Good show, sir.