Gameweek 27 Fantasy Preview

Michael Appleton

The new West Brom manager faces gameweek double on his first game in charge.

A very cinematic Gw 26 saw West Brom manager Robert Di Matteo sacked and the game between Arsenal and Newcastle subjected to possible matchmaking claim. That's Premier League by the way.

Eights teams playing twice this gameweek, are you ready for the heat? Congratulations for those who still have their wildcard, don't forget to use it!

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PART I: PRE-MATCH ANALYSES

Carlos Tevez

"None of my teammates love the blue shirt more than I," I doubt.

Manchester United v Manchester City

A very interesting derby at such interesting times.

The Red Devils just have their unbeaten record broken at 29 games. That's a double-edged sword - either their players are relieved of their stress and play better or they loss their confidence and collapse.

On the other hand, City finally secured a clean sheet after a month with Carlos Tevez scoring his 47th, 48th and 49th goals for the Eastlands. The 50th milestone will be good enough to motivate him to score.

A quite even match-up, but since United have to prepare for their Champions League fixtures, I think they won't be able to focus too much on this game. Draw should be very possible for Tevez's side.

Prediction: Man Utd 1-1 Man City

The Rest

• Arsenal v Wolves (3-0) - The Gunners should be wary of Wolves strength. Care though, as the big names might be rotated to prepare for Champions League.
• Birmingham v Stoke City (1-0) - Huth might be superb, but the Brums' defence are capable to guard him.
• Blackburn v Newcastle (1-2) - The 4-4 draw should be a boost for the Magpies.
• Blackpool v Aston Villa (2-3) - Expect another entertaining high scoring match.
• Liverpool v Wigan (3-0) - Five consecutive clean-sheeted victories. That's what I foresee.
• West Brom v West Ham (2-2) - Unpredictable. But goals should fly.
• Sunderland v Tottenham (2-1) - Spurs might got torn between Premier League and Champions League.
• Bolton v Everton (1-2) - In form Saha should provide the edge for the Toffees.
• Fulham v Chelsea (1-2) - Tough game for the Blues with possibility to slip points.
• Birmingham v Newcastle (1-1) - Tough and close.
• West Brom v Wolves (2-2) - Another high scoring match-up.
• Blackpool v Tottenham (2-3) - Goals continue to fly at Bloomfield Road.
• Arsenal v Stoke City (2-2) - Somehow I think the Potters will bring some pain to Wenger's side.

*Important: Teams like Tottenham, Arsenal and Birmingham are not playing on Gw28. So plan your transfers well.

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PART II: SQUAD SELECTIONS

Robin van Persie
To continue his unstoppable form?

Captain Picks

• Van Persie/Walcott/Fabregas - Good picks, but you'll bear the risk of rotation.
• Odemwingie - Two teams with weak defences awaiting.
• Adam - Always a wise choice during the doubles.

Buy-Ins

• Arsenal players - Good time to invest on some, if you still don't have any.
• Villa players - Smooth and easy fixtures on its way.
• Liverpool players - King Kenny makes Liverpool a different team.

Squad of XV

GK: Foster*

DF: Dann, Clichy, Huth

MF: Meireles, Walcott, Adam, Brunt, Van der Vaart*

F: Van Persie, Odemwingie(C)

Subs (in order): Szczesny, Skrtel, Best, Evatt

Captain: Odemwingie

Emergency Captain: Value

*Subject to fitness.