PLFantasy

Blackburn 0-0 Stoke I really liked the Blackburn defense here (3rd ranked) though I didn't fancy Stoke (15th ranked) to join them with a clean sheet. They were no doubt assisted by the withdrawal of David Dunn after half an hour which came as a massive blow to many fantasy owners given his excellent form of late. Neil MacDonald, the stand in manager in Big Sam's absence reports that Dunn suffered from a 'tight calf' which hopefully doesn't sound too bad. Watch this space later in the week. Stoke's defense remain a solid option with Sorensen and Faye my favoured picks. Blackburn's away form is terrible (3.0 GPG conceded) so despite their useful home record (1.00 GPG) I think their defense in unusable right now. Attacking options for both sides are seriously limited, especially if Dunn's withdrawal was anything more than precautionary. At 5.5m Etherington is still good value but with a trip to the Emirates next week and a bye in week 17 I'd stay away f...

A few fantasy owners (including me) have grown increasingly frustrated by the 8m midfield talent on offer, namely Wright-Phillips, Young, Cahill and Benayoun. Aside from Lennon (who himself is out of form a bit) no players in this price bracket have been consistent with huge weeks (Benayoun week 5) followed by several weeks of mediocre production. Another option, held by just 5% of owners, is Michael Ballack (8.0) who traditionally has been an inconsistent fantasy performer during his time at Chelsea due to rotation and injury. This year though, Ballack has missed just one game (week 7) and has contributed 36 points in the other 7 games. His three goals are encouraging while his lack of assists (zero) does concern me a bit. I like Ballack to score 10 goals for the season, adding a couple of assists and bonus points along the way. This kind of production isn't outstanding for a 8m midfielder but so long as he is playing every week he should average out at about 6 points, which is be...

One area I have neglected a bit this season is to help to answer one of the key questions we face each week: who looks like a better play this week between player A and player B. With forwards and midfielders this is hard to do as intangibles such as form and fitness play a huge role and I therefore find it better to pick offensive players based on a 3-8 week period rather than for a one off game. Defenders however rise and fall with their unit and matchup plays a huge factor in determining who is best to play. It is also important to consider where the game is being played as I'm sure we'd all consider Stoke at the Brittania a tough matchup but are we all aware that they conceded the most goals of any non-relegated side on the road last year. Equally, Spurs ranked 1st in home defense last year but 18th when away from the Lane. I have therefore compiled a list which I will update each week of the best plays for this week only . I do not advise buying players on this basis unle...

Arsenal Probable team: Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Song, Denilson, Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie, Eduardo Its a full strength team (if not squad) for Arsene to pick from, including new boy Vermaelen having shaken off a hamstring problem . Wenger should deploy his new 4-3-3 system which will trouble any team, even the stout Everton defense. Should be a good game here, with plenty of fantasy talent to scout, most notably Arshavin who I have tipped to join Lampard and Gerrard in the new holy trinity of fantasy football. Everton scored a healthy 24 on the road last year, though Arsenal conceded just 16 so a clean sheet is definately a possibility, especially with Arteta and Yakubu out. Of the big four though they have the third best fixture and with the week 2 bye, I wouldn't be too high on the Gunner defenders. The offense looks good though and with Jagielka out and Lescott's mind elsehwere (Eastlands? the bank?) Arsenal should be good for a goal or two. Aston Vill...