With the international break finally over, the Premier League returns with an exciting set of fixtures that could yield big points.
Fixtures Analysis: Following their drubbing at the hands of Chelsea last gameweek, Norwich now play host to Arsenal in a match where the visitors should get plenty of chances. Liverpool have the perfect chance to kick start their home form as they welcome Reading to Anfield, and Swansea have a home game against Wigan that could see goals for both teams. Manchester United host Stoke, who key man Robin van Persie enjoyed playing against with Arsenal last year. Finally there’s attractive looking home games in London for West Ham and Fulham, who host Southampton and Aston Villa respectively.
Transfers In: It’s tricky to pick the best Arsenal players for Fantasy Football at the moment, but Santi Cazorla (9.4) should be a fixture in any side. Up front the safest bet is Podolski (8.6) in terms of players guaranteed a start, but the temptation is certainly there to plump for Giroud (8.4), with the striker nabbing a goal and an assist at West Ham, before also scoring for France against Spain. From Liverpool, gluttons for punishment will have to turn once again to Luis Suarez (9.6). The Uruguayan should get plenty of chances against Reading’s ropey defence, hopefully he will stick some away. Michu (7.2) returned to scoring ways for Swansea against Reading last gameweek, and is worth considering ahead of Wigan’s trip to the Liberty. At the same time Swansea have been conceding plenty, so Kone (6.5) might be worth looking at from the away side.
From Manchester United, with Rooney sitting deeper, van Persie (13.4) is the man to have in your team. The Dutchman scored three against Stoke last year and most of United’s attacks should end up going through him. Rafael (5.9) is often a dangerous pick, with Ferguson not shy of dropping him unexpectedly in the past, but he looks a good bet for a clean sheet and possibly some attacking returns this weekend. From West Ham, Kevin Nolan (6.3) looks an excellent budget option for midfield goals, and Andy Carroll (8.3) may get plenty of chances to open his account for the hammers against Southampton. From Fulham, Dimitar Berbatov (7.0) should be back, but carries a slight risk. Hangeland (5.0) is a solid cheap defender to bring in ahead of Villa’s visit.
Selection doubts: It’s often hard to know how serious injuries that keep players out of international duty are, but Lampard and Bertrand should be fit to face Spurs. David Silva, Pepe Reina, Theo Walcott and Bryan Ruiz have all picked up knocks whilst away, with Silva and Walcott seeming to be the most serious doubts for the weekend. Fabio Borini is out with a long term injury for Liverpool.
Captain choice: Robin van Persie is the clear choice for the armband this weekend, though if you’re looking for a differential, perhaps a risky punt on either Luiz Suarez or Olivier Giroud could be the way to go.
image: © ronnie macdonald
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