Fantasy Football Premier League Preview!

It is my turn to have a go at the fixtures this week, and attempt to point out where you guys should rest your hopes, and who to avoid like the plague!

My previous forays into match predicting have left egg all over my face, so while I give you my thoughts, don’t put your house on them!

Saturday

12:45pm

Newcastle vs Liverpool
Liverpool have another game straight after the International break, which does not make Rafa Benitez a happy bunny. Liverpool’s defence looks a little slow without Daniel Agger, and the pace of Obafemi Martins could expose this further. I doubt the Reds will keep a clean sheet, but as long as Rafa picks his strikers well, we should see a Liverpool victory.
Player to Watch: Obafemi Martins
Prediction: 1-2

3:00pm

Arsenal vs Wigan
Steve Bruce’s hold-up at St Andrews’ checkout desk has meant that Wigan go into this game managerless, and the Gunners are not the team to play at the moment, especially if you are in limbo between bosses! Fabregas is suspended for this game, which is a blow, but Arsenal should have too much quality. Keep an eye on Alexandr Hleb, as he has been putting in some great shifts that have been overshadowed by Fabregas’ superb form.
Player to Watch: Alex Hleb
Prediction: 4-0

Birmingham vs Portsmouth
Managerless Birmingham host free-scoring Pompey at St Andrews, and could be in for a tough time. Somehow Portsmouth have transformed from no-hopers two season ago to genuine contenders for Europe this season. The form of Benjani is partly to thank, but their whole team seems to have a hunger about them. However, Birmingham will fight, and they have a great player in Oliver Kapo. Pompey should have too much though.
Player to Watch: Benjani
Prediction: 1-3

Bolton vs Man United
The Champions have always enjoyed playing Bolton, and I doubt this trip to the Reebok will be any different. Gary Megson’s men will fight hard, but the skill of Man United’s young frontline will be too much. If Anderson gets a start, his passing could slice thruough Bolton’s defence, and he could collect a few Key Contributions.
Player to Watch: Anderson
Prediction: 0-3

Everton vs Sunderland
I went to the Stadium of Light to see Sunderland take on Fulham, and the score of 1-1, quite frankly, flattered the Black Cats. I have never seen such a one man team as them. Kenwyne Jones is a superb forward, full of running and devastating in the air. He may, however, meet his match in Lescott, Stubbs and Yobo. Everton should win, but their defence will know they have been in a match.
Player to Watch: Joleon Lescott
Prediction: 2-0

Man City vs Reading
Reading are terrible away from home, and Man City have won all of their home games so far this season. That’s pretty much it… Reading’s only hopes are Nicky Shorey and Kevin Doyle. All of their positive play has come through these two players, and if they are to stand a chance in this game, they both need to be on top form. Man City, and in particular, Elano, will have too much quality for the Royals.
Player to Watch: Elano
Prediction: 4-0

Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa
Gareth Southgate must be close to getting the sack. He is not producing the results, and his signings are not working… yet. Villa boss Martin O’Neill is being linked with the England job, but he has distanced himself, and is concentrating on the task at hand. Villa could be without Gabby Agbonlahor, but the pace and ability of Ashley Young will really test the Boro defence. Should be a spirited game, but the Villians will take it.
Player to Watch: Ashley Young
Prediction: 1-2

5:15pm

Derby vs Chelsea
I think it is a bit unfair that Billy Davies is reported to have been told he has 2 games to save his job. Derby are going down regardless, and the first of those two is at home to Chelsea! The Blues have found their feet again, and look like going on a run as we approach Christmas. The man to watch is Frank Lampard, who played (and scored) apparently on Wednesday for England. No douby Lamps will return to his club form and score a couple in this rout.
Player to Watch: Frank Lampard
Prediction: 0-3

Sunday

1:30pm

West Ham vs Tottenham
Juande Ramos’ men travel to East London to face Curbishley’s Hammers, whose last game was a confidence-boosting 5-0 thumping of Derby. Ramos seems to have stopped the rot at the back for Spurs, and his willingness to swap things around is re-envigorating the team. However, this does not bode well for Fantasy Managers, and we have no idea who will play! One player sure to start is Paul Robinson. I would not bet against him playing a blinder and reminding everyone how good he is!
Player to Watch: Paul Robinson
Prediction: 0-2

4:00pm

Fulham vs Blackburn
Due to season tickets being only £300, and living about 150 yards from the ground, I will be at Craven Cottage on Sunday, eagerly awaiting which Fulham defender will muck up this week. Fulham do have the potential to be a real attacking force, but they need to sort out the backline. No clean sheets here, as both teams’ attacking players will come out on top to give us a very entertaining game. If Bouazza plays, he will be one of the most effective players out there.
Player to Watch: Hameur Buazza
Prediction: 1-1 Wednesday

8:00pm

Blackburn vs Aston Villa
The game that could very well decide who will take away the £10,000 prize for November Manager of the Month. Both teams will be looking to get the three points, as this is one of those games that decides the finishing order of position 5-10. Santa Cruz is looking like one of the signings of the season, and Villa’s young midfield and attach is looking very exciting. Should be a cracking match, with lots of top performances, and a point each will be a fair outcome.
Player to Watch: Roque Santa Cruz
Prediction: 2-2

Well that’s all I have for you guys… Looking forward to seeing the final results for the £10k Manager of the Month competition, to see if any of you paid attention to a word I just wrote!!

Good luck!

Dave

Tags (click to view more!): Newcastle, Liverpool, Daniel Agger, Obafemi Martins, Arsenal, Wigan, Steve Bruce, Alexandr Hleb, Birmingham, Portsmouth, Benjani, Oliver Kapo, Bolton, Man United, Gary Megson, Anderson, Everton, Sunderland, Stadium of Light, Kenwyne Jones, Joleon Lescott, Man City, Reading, Nicky Shorey, Kevin Doyle, Elano, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Gareth Southgate, Martin O’Neill, Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Derby, Chelsea, Billy Davies, Frank Lampard, West Ham, Tottenham, Juande Ramos, Paul Robinson, Fulham, Blackburn, Craven Cottage, Hameur Buazza, Roque Santa Cruz, Manager of the Month