Gameweek 1 Fantasy Preview

Another year of fun has begun!

The short football holiday for this year is over as Barclays Premier League will start this Saturday! And this time we'll have two great blockbuster games!

PART I: PREVIEWS

In this part I will post up my match previews and I Know The Score (IKTS) predictions. I think it's always good to play IKTS alongside with FPL as your prediction in IKTS will help you in selecting players correctly for your FPL squad.

Tottenham v Manchester City

The brothers are united.

This match will be full of flare. After all, Manchester City lost its Champions League spot over Tottenham last season. But Mancini is now back with vast additions to his squad - David Silva, Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov. City certainly has enough player quality to at least challenge for Champions League position.

Redknapp, on the other hand, has yet to make any major signings in the summer transfer market. I don't think this is a good sign. They certainly have enough of squad depth however they seriously need to improve on their starters' quality, especially when they are fighting for Champions League as well this season.

Although Tottenham plays at home, I think City can at least fight for a draw. The squad quality is too much for Tottenham regardless of whether City have enough teamwork or not.

Prediction: TOT 0-1 MANC

Liverpool v Arsenal

Plays for Standard and with standard.

This is obviously the biggest game of the gameweek. It might be crucial for title charge for both teams, although it's just the first game of the season.

Liverpool, after such a miserable season, is now back on right track with Roy Hodgson. He signed Jovanovic and Joe Cole for free and more importantly, kept Gerrard and Torres on the squad. Added with Kuyt, their offensive quality is certainly incredible.

However, Arsenal is as strong as Liverpool, if not stronger. The arrival of Chamakh has ensured that there will be someone decent enough to cover Van Persie if the latter is injured. Fabregas' commitment for another season and Jack Wilshere's emergence further enhanced the squad depth. Also in the squad is Koscielny who is expected to partner the most offensive centre back last season, Thomas Vermaelen.

Personally I think that Joe Cole has effectively activated the offence of Liverpool and the Reds will have enough quality to pierce the Gunners defence at home. I will favour a narrow win for Liverpool or a draw.

Precition: LIV 2-1 ARS

The Rest
Aston Villa v West Ham (2-1)
Although Martin O'Neill is no longer in charge, but still with Villans at home against lower-mid clubs they should have no problem.

Blackburn v Everton (1-1)
Not much of changes for both sides, and I think Big Sam's side is tough enough to earn a point. Looking forward to seeing two Dioufs combining and giant killer Beckford's performance anyway.

Bolton v Fulham (1-0)
Mark Hughes would need some time in my opinion and Owen Coyle has made Bolton a solid club.

Sunderland v Birmingham (0-0)
With Bent injured and Jones raided, I think Birmingham can aim for a goalless draw.

Wigan v Blackpool (3-0)
I think N'Zogbia and Rodallega is too much for the Seasiders' defence.

Wolves v Stoke City (1-1)
A tough one, but I think Kenwyne Jones will make a good debut for his new employer.

Chelsea v West Brom (2-0)
The Blues' form is a little bit shaky, but the Baggies' leaky defence should not be a problem to them.

Man Utd v Newcastle (3-1)
The Magpies is a natural prey of the Red Devils. But Rooney's form is a little bit worrying.

PART II: SQUAD SELECTIONS

In this part I will assist you in picking your squads. First and foremost, remember to check pundit weekly as it provides some useful suggestions.

Captain Picks
Antonio Valencia
Since Rooney is still finding back his form, I think Valencia has a high possibility to rule the game.

Hugo Rodallega/Charles N'Zogbia
If you love to gamble, they are the men with Blackpool paying a visit.

Key Performers
Steven Gerrard
He will dictate the game if he can bring the form from his national team.

Javi Hernandez
Five goals in five games and I expect that to continue if he plays.

Ashley Young
More hopes on him as Milner will most probably depart.

Bad Picks
Torres/Van Persie/Drogba/Bent/Lampard
All are injured.

James Milner
Still trying to make his future clear and is doubtful to play.

West Brom and Newcastle players
You won't like them this week. Trust me.

Squad of XV
This is by no means my actual squad. I will post my actual squad after the gameweek commences though.

GK: Foster
DF: Evra, Figueroa, Carr
MF: Gerrard, Valencia(C), Chung-Yong Lee, N'Zogbia
F: Javi Hernandez, Anelka, Rodallega

Subs (in order): Jaaskelainen, Givet, Ferguson, Shawcross
Captain: Valencia
Emergency Captain: Value
Starting XI Value: £75.5m
Total Team Value: £94.0m