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| Torres (right) returns but Kuyt absents. |
- Dirk Kuyt (LIV)
- Daniel Agger (LIV)
- Darren Bent (SUN)
- Yossi Benayoun (CHE)
With Bent's injury causing the most concern for sure. My last gameweek's score was a catastrophic one - but I was well expected.
PART I: PREVIEWS
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| Will the international break halts Drogba and co's outstanding form? |
This meeting has been one of the most exciting match-ups over the last few seasons. The Villans may sometimes shock us with victories, yet they may lost emphatically to the Blue Lions as well.
Chelsea has lost Terry (doubtful) and Benayoun (long injury) during the break, while Lampard and Agbonlahor from each side are still recovering from injuries and will miss the match-up. The latest news also states that Drogba will be out of the clash following a fever. The long missing Chelsea right back Joes Bosingwa though, is recovered and might be playing this game.
The main problem for Villa is definitely the right flank defence with Luke Young guarding Malouda. The right back will be on big trouble facing the French who's in superb form.
The outcome is expected to be narrow, but I think Villa should be able to surprise us with a draw as they are still under the new manager effect of Houllier.
Prediction: AST 1-1 CHE
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| Sylvain Distin His job became tougher with the return of Torres. |
A pretty embarrassing Merseyside derby with both clubs got stuck in the bottom of the table. But things just get interesting with such circumstances as a victory will leave one side away from relegation zone.
Liverpool fans will be more interested in the ridiculous court battle series thanks to Mr "Pathetic and Desperate" Hicks who is still determined to delay the takeover by New England Sports Ventures (NESV). However I believe he will lose all the things he has got including his fame after the case and the fans have nothing much to worry about. The club should eventually enjoy financial freedom, which will affect the Reds performances positively.
Back onto the pitch. As mentioned earlier, striker Fernando Torres will be fit for the derby, which should be a big boost to Liverpool, especially after the injury of Kuyt and Agger. Aurelio is claimed to be "physically" ready, but let's just see. On the other hand, Everton has been free from any injury woes over the weeks and should be able to play their best squad.
Nevertheless, both sides have a lot of tactical problems that need to be revised. Hodgson's tactics have exposed all the Liverpool weaknesses without giving any advantages, while Moyes has much to do to improve his forwards' accuracy. A goalless match is pretty likely for me.
Prediction: EVE 0-0 LIV
The Rest
- Arsenal v Birmingham (2-0) - Birmingham doesn't have a good away record, let alone facing Arsenal. Take note that fantasy favourite Walcott will be back along with Nicklas Bendtner.
- Bolton v Stoke (2-1) - Both team will have a good fight but I think Elmander will defeat Jones in this one.
- Fulham v Tottenham (2-2) - Tottenham is far from their best form and may again get frustrated this week.
- Man Utd v West Brom (3-0) - An easy game for United. Captain the usual prospects - Nani or Berbatov.
- Newcastle v Wigan (2-0) - The Magpies have no excuse to disappoint the fans again after two consecutive home defeats.
- Wolves v West Ham (1-2) - The Hammers are in a better form with Piquionne-Obinna partnership on fire.
- Blackpool v Man City (0-2) - City aren't Liverpool. It'll be hard for Blackpool to escape from a defeat.
- Blackburn v Sunderland (2-2) - The Rovers like to make games tough for any opposition.
PART II: SQUAD SELECTIONS
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| Luis Nani Will we see it this week? |
Captain Picks
- Nani/Berbatov - West Brom looks great in attack, but not defence.
- Tevez - A less popular option but Blackpool defence shouldn't be too much for him.
Buy-Ins
- Man Utd defenders - More clean sheets are expected with Ferdinand pairing Vidic instead of Evans.
Squad of XV
GK: Fabianski
DF: Elmohamady, O'Shea, Toure
MF: Nasri, Nani(C), Arshavin, Malouda
F: Tevez, Berbatov, Elmander
Subs (in order): Krul, Martin Petrov, Williamson, Skrtel
Captain: Nani
Emergency Captain: Value
Starting XI Value: £83.3
Total Team Value: £103.0
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