Gameweek 26 Fantasy Preview

Fernando Torres
A Blue now.

Too fast for the next preview? Sorry but I've to since I'm going back to my hometown (without Internet) for festive seasons. Hope you don't mind.

So the conclusion of the transfer window is pretty much detailed in my last few posts. Since everything is settled, let's move on to our gameweek 26 fantasy preview.

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PART I: PRE-MATCH ANALYSES

Steven Gerrard v Frank Lampard
The battle between two pivotal figures of English football continues.

Chelsea v Liverpool
The Blues are hopeful for a revenge at Stamford Bridge, but they know that it will not be easy against the side which is now led by the legendary King Kenny.

Both sides have done some major signings in their squad, with the move of Torres from one to another the hottest news during the transfer window. El Nino will have to face his former club which he just departed in such a short time.

On the other side, Liverpool have signed two strikers - Suarez and Carroll. However, it's still doubtful that Carroll will recover just in time to help the Reds to teach some lesson to their former idol Torres. 4-5-1 will be a very possible line-up for the Reds.

Honestly, I don't think Liverpool's defence can hold both Drogba and Torres off, and added with home advantage, victory should be in the Blues' grasp.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool

The Rest

• Stoke v Sunderland (2-2) - Both have strengthened their squads during the transfer window and it should be a close fight.
• Aston Villa v Fulham (3-1) - Trust Bent.
• Everton v Blackpool (2-1) - Tim Cahill is back and so does Everton's aerial advantage.
• Man City v West Brom (4-0) - Tevez is expected to demolish Di Matteo's squad.
• Newcastle v Arsenal (0-2) - Carroll went away, just like Newcastle's goals.
• Tottenham v Bolton (1-0) - Bolton sinks again.
• Wigan v Blackburn (2-1) - Hard guess, but Wigan should be desperate to end their victoryless streak.
• Wolves v Man Utd (1-2) - The Red Devils certainly look better in away recently.
• West Ham v Birmingham (2-1) - Robbie Keane effect will do the job.

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PART II: SQUAD SELECTIONS

Carlos Tevez
Takes the armband again.

Captain Picks

• Tevez - West Brom's defence has never been good.
• Bent - Simply prolific.
• Van Persie - More influential than Fabregas.

Buys-In

• Keane - Cheap and proven.

Squad of XV

GK: Hart

DF: Warnock, Hutton, Coleman
MF: Nani, Van der Vaart, Young, N'Zogbia
F: Tevez(C), Bent, Van Persie

Subs (in order): Green, Etherington, Rafael, Alcaraz
Captain: Tevez
Emergency Captain: Value