Norwich’s shock win over Arsenal threw a spanner in the works of many teams, and with the in form Chelsea facing Manchester United this weekend, picking the points looks tricky.
Fixtures Analysis: Manchester United and Chelsea face off on Sunday, making picking their players harder than usual. But with both in fine attacking form, and showing defensive frailties, their attacks should still be considered. Aston Villa vs Norwich also offers the chance for players from both teams to pick up points. Usually Manchester City at home to Swansea and Arsenal at home to QPR would be points bankers, but worrying form from each of the big sides, along with rotation in vital areas, means players are harder to pick. Tottenham Hotspur have been impressive away form home, and their trip to Southampton could see good returns, as could Fulham’s visit to struggling Reading.
Transfers In: Robin van Persie (13.4) and Juan Mata (9.1) are impossible to ignore, and with the Dutchman scoring a hat trick at Stamford Bridge last year, he clearly holds no fear about making the visit. Juan Mata is in exceptional form, and has to make your side with United’s leaky defence. Despite Arsenal’s poor form, Santi Cazorla (9.5) should be in contention with QPR visiting the Emirates, and with Hughes’ side struggling to find the net, Carl Jenkinson (5.2) could be worth having as well for one last hurrah, with Sagna’s return imminent.
Manchester City are a selection nightmare, with Mancini rotating players all over the pitch. Given his recent league form Edin Dzeko (7.5) should be starting alongside Sergio Aguero (11.1) for Swansea’s visit, but both could be rested after the Champions League game at Ajax, so Carlos Tevez (9.4) could be your man. In defence, Kolarov (5.8) is a risky choice with a chance of high returns. Whoever you pick from City, brace yourself for the possibility of seeing them starting on the bench.
Aston Villa vs Norwich could end up a dull, goalless affair, but with Grant Holt (6.0) netting three in three he could be worth putting in your side. Lambert is hard to predict, but Bent (8.0) and Benteke (6.5) should both see some playing time against Norwich’s usually leaky defence. Dimitar Berbatov (7.0) is a good man to have as Fulham visit Reading, and new father Gareth Bale (9.5) should be fresh as Spurs head to Southampton. Jermain Defoe (7.8) is also worth considering against the Premier League’s worst defence, as is Aaron Lennon (7.0).
Selection doubts: Apart from all the rotation risks above, Mousa Dembele is still a risk ahead of the Southampton match, though Adebayor should be in the squad. Lampard and Kagawa are both doubts ahead of Sunday’s match, as is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Jack Wilshere could make an appearance from the bench against QPR, with Arsenal in dire need of his dynamism. Keiran Gibbs has been ruled of the match.
Captain choice: Possibly the hardest pick so far, on form Juan Mata or Robin van Persie could be your man, though QPR’s awful record make Santi Cazorla just as good a choice.
What are your tips for the weekend games?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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