Gameweek 23 Fantasy Preview

Christiano Ronaldo
Could not believe that Messi won Ballon d'Or

Congratulations to Messi for winning another best player award. Quite a number of people think that Xavi or Iniesta deserves it more, but whatever the result is, it won't satisfy all.

Double-gamers failed to grab the spotlight last week as several as numerous cheap performers are on fire including Bardsley, Coleman, Simon Davies and also hat-trick hero Leon Best. However, it weren't too bad for Blackpool players with DJ Campbell scored 12 while captain Adam scored nine in which five were bonus. The only Liverpool player worth mentioning is Torres - he scored the first goal in Kenny Dalglish's reign.

David Bentley
Looking to resurrect his career at Birmingham.

The transfer market has already opened two weeks ago while the second fantasy wildcard can be used any time now until the deadline of gameweek 27. You should use it now if you have serious problems with your squad; otherwise, try to use it only after the transfer market has closed to have more possible options. Here are the list of major transfers that might interest you:

• Bentley [Tottenham to Birmingham (loan)] - Might be interesting if he gains enough playing time.
• Dzeko [Wolfsburg to Man City] - The most anticipated deal currently.
• Khumalo [Supersport United to Tottenham] - The only thing I know about him is he played in World Cup 2010. No idea on how much impact he will do.
• Bridge [Man City to West Ham (loan)] - May be the key for Hammers' survival.

Good luck on your transfers.

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PART I: PRE-MATCH ANALYSES

Rafael Van der Vaart
Vows to take down Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
An entertaining battle is expected this Sunday from these two sides.

United is sailing ahead of its competitors with two points above Man City and two games on hand. Their 19th looks very close now but they must settle what is in front of them first.

White Hart Lane has been a mega fortress since Van der Vaart's arrival and Bale's emergence and that's why Tottenham are still unbeaten at home this season. Redknapp has now a new defender Khumalo but the South African will most probably bring no effect to your fantasy pursuit - Tottenham is known for leaking goals.

On the away side, Rooney should be available for this game and expect him to combine with Berbatov and Nani for goals and assists.

I will go for a draw with goals - not quite a bad result for both sides as they will preserve their home-unbeaten and league-unbeaten runs respectively.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Man Utd

The Rest

• Chelsea v Blackburn (2-1) - Not quite safe for Blues since they could lose to Wolves.
• Man City v Wolves (3-0) - Might be a great debut for Edin Dzeko.
• Stoke City v Bolton (1-1) - Games at Britannia are never easy.
• West Brom v Blackpool (2-3) - Expect a goal feast.
• Wigan v Fulham (2-1) - N'Zogbia's return will give immense strength for home side to attack.
• West Ham v Arsenal (1-2) - The Hammers are not good enough defensively to stop Gunners.
• Birmingham v Aston Villa (2-1) - Not just a simple derby but also a relegation six-pointer. The Brums defensive resolution will help in this game.
• Sunderland v Newcastle (2-0) - The Black Cats should have gotten their lesson and will play their best to revenge.
• Liverpool v Everton (2-1) - It is a big challenge for Dalglish to return to Anfield in such intense Merseyside derby, but thankfully the Toffees offer much less attacking threat without Cahill.

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PART II: SQUAD SELECTIONS

Carlos Tevez
Does not fear about Dzeko's threat.

Captain Picks

• Tevez - Dzeko may or may not merge with the squad yet so the Argentine is still the safer bet.
• Adam - The Baggies are leaky.

Sells-Out

• Gerrard - Red carded.

Squad of XV

GK: Hart

DF: Kolarov, Bardsley, Huth

MF: Adam, Fabregas, N'Zogbia, Nani, Van der Vaart

F: Tevez(C), Torres

Subs (in order): Gordon, Odemwingie, Djourou, Carr

Captain: Tevez

Emergency Captain: Value