Premiership Preview - Weekend of 15/03/08

Another week down as the season approaches the final straight. Lampard grabs 4 as Derby leak another 6, Newcastle continue to slide. But what news of this weekend? Read on to find out…..

Derby vs Man United

This one has massive tonking written all over it. The only question is whether Fergie will rest some of his big guns as he prepares for a tougher match in midweek. Van der Sar is injured, Kuszczak suspended, so Ben Foster will make a belated United debut in nets. Alan Stubbs is a doubt for Derby, but if you’ve got Stubbsy in your YTM lineup, then you’re clearly beyond help.

YTM Prediction : 0-2

Man to watch: Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha (Nani to his mates)

Liverpool vs Reading

Another tie in which the result looks beyond little doubt, and where the major fantasy football questions concern team selection above all else. Back in November, Rafa would probably have rested Gerrard and Torres for this one, but he’s turned over a new leaf and it’s paying off so far. Steve Finnan is a doubt, while reports suggest that Daniel Agger will miss the rest of the season after another operation on that troublesome metatarsal. Reading’s Emerse Fae has contracted malaria, while Graeme Murty and Brynjar Gunnarsson also miss out through injury

YTM Prediction : 4-1

Man to watch: Martin Skrtel

Portsmouth vs Aston Villa

Ah, the Redknapp family. Little does Louise realise what the future hold for the lovely Jamie’s wonderful facial structure. Like Pompey, Jamie’s looking good, but trouble might be around the corner for both. Pompey have been on a good run of late, but their goalscoring record at home is still poor, so expect this one to be tight.

Sol Campbell is rated as doubtful for this one, while Lassana Diarra is set to return from a rest in midweek. Milan Baros should get a run-out against his old club. For Villa, Curtis Davies is still ruled out, so big Zat Knight will continue to deputise. Gabby Agbonlahor, Villa’s most potent threat, is still not 100% and may miss out.

YTM Prediction : 1-1

Man to watch: Jermain Defoe

Sunderland vs Chelsea

Fresh from a 6-1 destruction of Derby, Lampard, Ballack and co. will be raring to go. Other than the continued absence of Petr Cech, Avram Grant’s men are at full strength. Sunderland are woeful away, but a different proposition at home, and Chelsea may not get this one all their own way. Talismanic midfielder Carlos Edwards is close to a return for the Black Cats, who desperately need to pick up some points in their relegation dogfight.

YTM Prediction : 1-1

Man to watch: Andy Reid

West Ham vs Blackburn

The Hammers will be smarting. Surely they can’t lose 4-0 for the fourth match in a row. Curbs is taking his traditional end of season slump to dizzying new lows. Anton Ferdinand may be dropped after his manager publicly rebuked him for his shocker against Tottenham, so Matthew Upson could return. Luis Boa Morte is suspended, as usual, so Mark Noble should regain his starting place. Ryan Nelsen is still out for Rovers, so Zurab Khizanishvili will continue to deputise.

YTM Prediction: 1-1

Man to watch: Benni McCarthy

Arsenal vs Middlesbrough

Arsenal fans will expect a stroll here,but may be nervous after a series of draws have threatened to derail their title bid. Robin Van Persie, among the Premiership’s most lethal predators, should step up his comeback with at least a place on the bench. Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo areruled out through injury. Boro have ex-gooner Jeremie Aliadiere back from suspension, so he’ll have a point to prove to old boss Wenger.

YTM Prediction: 2-0

Man to watch: Alexsandr Hleb

Fulham vs Everton

Everton were scintillating against Fiorentina in midweek, but may be nursing a hangover from their 120 minutes of action. Fulham, meanwhile, have to start winning now if they are to have any hope of Premiership survival. They may be missing Smertin (leg injury) and Litmanen (old age). Everton have a doubt over Tim Cahill, so Andy Johnson should continue up front.

YTM prediction: 0-1

Man to watch: Leon Osman

Wigan vs Bolton

The Premiership’s two least attractive teams meet on a boggy pitch on a Sunday afternoon. This won’t be an advert for the Premiership - expect Ian Gywn Hughes to be handed the mic for this one on Match of the Day 2. Emile Heskey has made a quick recovery from a foot injury, so he should be fit to play. Gary Megson’s big guns should return, after he sent out a virtual reserve side in Lisbon on Thursday. Make no mistake - this match is his priority.

YTM prediction: 0-0

Man to watch: Chris Kirkland

Man City vs Tottenham

City, already missing Micah Richards, have a doubt over skipper Richard Dunne, whose sock was red with blood when he came off second best in a challenge with Stephen Hunt last week. Does anyone want to see a defensive partnership of Garrido, Corluka, Onuoha and Sun Jihai? Joe Hart certainly won’t. Expect Tottenham to score in this one, expecially since Lennon, Keane and Berbatov will all want to make up for Wednesday’s disappointment in Eindhoven. Alan Hutton should return as Jaunde Ramos shuffles his pack.

YTM prediction: 1-2

Man to watch: Robbie Keane

Birmingham vs Newcastle

If the Blues win this one, they’ll go above their illustrious opponents. It seems likely, since everything KK touches at the moment is crumbling to dust. Mark Viduka is set to return, but Obafemi Martins looks a better bet for goals. I know who I’d rather have with me in the trenches, and it’s not the Maureen Rees lookalike. Martin Taylor is suspended (in case you hadn’t heard), while James McFadden is set to return to the Blues’ starting lineup after being benched in midweek. He’ll want to prove that he doesn’t need a rest.

YTM prediction: 2-0

Man to watch: James McFadden

All the best - and fingers crossed that Lamps does the business for my YTM team again this week.

Andy @ YTM