Kick-Off: Gameweek 15 Fantasy Preview

Shocking defeat + shocking exit for Ferguson's team in the
Champions League.

Overview
Calamitous day in football for Manchester as both representatives, namely City and United, were knocked out from the group stage. While City's exit is pretty much expected, United's elimination is a completely different story as it definitely shows how thin is Ferguson's squad currently to fight four ways. Not even half of the season, and the Red Devils are only left with two trophies to compete for. Glazer simply need to fund for new players to arrive at Old Trafford.

Game of the Week: CHELSEA v MANCHESTER CITY

Drogba: still not out of his
prime.

Two clubs which go for very different route. Chelsea, poor in Premier League but progressed through the last 16 in UEFA Champions League; Manchester City, invincible domestically but crashed out of the most prestigious cross-country league of the region. Stamford Bridge is the venue.

Andre Villas-Boas seems to have escaped from the big slump after recording three 3-0 victories against Wolves, Newcastle and Valencia respectively. His decision to relocate Drogba as his centre forward and drop Lampard from his midfield line-up were the key to the sudden shift in form.

However, the back line is as unconvincing as before. David Luiz is a big time bomb there and has caused so much of trouble to Petr Cech and Terry to handle. He will not always be lucky, so expect Mancini's side to exploit such fragile defence.

On the other side, City will surely want to unleash their anger due to Champions League exit on Chelsea. Aguero and Silva are no-brainer picks for offence as always while you can never be sure who will actually play with them among Balotelli, Nasri, Dzeko, Yaya Toure, Barry, Milner and Adam Johnson. Proceed with caution.

I believe it will be a high scoring game. A draw would be a fair result, though City should have a higher chance of victory.

Prediction: CHE 2-2 MCI
Pick: Silva, Aguero, Drogba
Drop: CHE defence


Fantasy Game of the Week: ARSENAL v EVERTON

Vermaelen is not shy to
attack from the back.

Captain Van Persie will get on fire again as the Gunners host the Toffees in this weekend's match.

Wenger's team are surely full of form now, recording 6 wins and 1 draw since 1-2 defeat to Tottenham. They scored 20 goals in total in these matches, including a 5-3 classic victory against Chelsea.

Van Persie should, or probably must, become your captain this week. Everton is in terrible form right now and at home, is all up to him who didn't play in the Champions League tie to blast Moyes' squad into pieces.

It's hard to believe how Everton is going to hold them up with such average defence and terrible offence...

Pick and Captain: Van Persie
Pick: Vermaelen, Walcott, Gervinho
Drop: EVE defence


Pick and Drop

Pick:

1. Long - Should beat Wigan with a goal or two.
2. Adam - Time to perform against QPR especially when Suarez has troubles with FA.
3. Welbeck - Needs to step up given Hernandez's absence.
4. Bale/ Lennon - Their speed will be vital to break through Stoke's tough defence.
5. Yakubu - His morale should be high after bullied Swansea with 4 goals.
6. Ba - Norwich's defence won't be too hard for him to perform.

Drop:

1. BOL defence - Gary Cahill-less and that surely matters.
2. Baines - Surely they will be no clean sheet isn't it?
3. STO defence - Tottenham's gunpowder is just too powerful.

Transfer Traffic
Green light (buy):

1. Van Persie - With only 33% ownership for such incredible performance, he still has much room to grow in price.
2. Vermaelen  - Ultra offensive as a defender.
3. Long - Reinstalled his form and should continue to perform.
4. Ba - Super ace of the team with great offensive capabilities.
5. Yakubu - On  hype and is having a string of easy fixtures.
6. Sturridge - Super consistent goal-rate.

Yellow light (watch):

1. NEW defence - The unchanged defensive line-up is forced to change for the first time.
2. Suarez - Continues to be troubled by FA.
3. Drogba - Powered up again.
4. Romeu - Is very cheap and has started 3 consecutive games for Chelsea.

Red light (sell):

1. Luiz - He will bring the whole Chelsea defend line down.
2. Hernandez - Injured.
3. Vidic - Might be out for the season.
4. Santos - Injured.
5. Lampard - AVB is phasing him out.

Gameweek 15 Dream Team

Vorm

Vermaelen -- Enrique -- Jones

Walcott -- Bale -- Adam (VC) -- Brunt -- Sinclair

Van Persie (C) -- Ba

Subs: Westwood -- Yakubu -- Evans -- Russell Martin 

Kick-Off: Gameweek 8 Fantasy Preview

Wayne Rooney lost his cool for England. Can he control his temper
against Manchester United and Everton's arch-rival Liverpool?

Overview
A long break for the UEFA Cup qualifier with England confirmed a spot in the finals. But Wayne Rooney's red card certainly is a blow for England as it means that he will possibly miss all the group stage of the European's top national tournament. Worries for Capello then.

This gameweek is certainly another good period to use your wildcard. With players like Adebayor and Aguero gone doubtful/injured and players like Nani and Nasri who are both on form, I would advise you to use the wildcard without hesitation should you need it.

Game of the Week: LIVERPOOL v MANCHESTER UNITED

Luis Suarez to whack
Man Utd again?

Nothing in England is greater than this derby. Manchester United, who knocked Liverpool off their perch on May this year, will seek for a victory to push themselves further in front of their arch-rivals in terms of the number of top-flight league trophies.

The Red Devils are definitely having an extremely fine league run, scoring 19 league points out of 21 which include an astonishing 8-2 victory against Arsenal. Rooney is setting his sight for the Golden Boot definitely, with Hernandez and Welbeck competing to become the ace's partner. All three are studs if start.

On the midfield we have Ashley Young and Nani who are both constant threat to any defence. Martin Kelly (whom I prefer over Glen Johnson in this game) and Jose Enrique will need to be 100% (or perhaps 110%) focus to stop them from attacking. Not to be forgotten is Valencia who can deliver precise cross for the forwards to deal the finishing blow.

On the other side, Suarez will want to repeat his feat on the same game last season as he is definitely the most threatening player to Manchester United. His mazy runs should be dealing hell lots of troubles for United's defence led by Phil Jones and co.

The most anticipated one if of course the return of Steven Gerrard to the starting XI after a hell long 7 months. Can he bring instant impact and kiss the camera again like last time at Old Trafford? Big answer to fill in.

I think United's form will match Anfield's home advantage. It can go anywhere, but I'm going in for a scoring draw.

Prediction: LIV 2-2 MUN
Pick: Rooney, Nani, Suarez


Fantasy Game of the Week: MANCHESTER CITY v ASTON VILLA

Edin Dzeko is hopeful to regain
his starting spot.

The top pack teams are all facing tricky oppositions this week, but let's focus on Mancini's squad which will host on form Villa at Etihad Stadium.

Attacking options are becoming much easier at City as Aguero suffers an injury - Dzeko should become Mancini's first choice forward. Balotelli may or may not start depending on Mancini's tactics, while Nasri should accompany Silva to supply the forward(s) after showing some magnificent form both in club and country.

On the other hand, Agbonlahor continues to be McLeish's strongest chip to steal some points from one of the joint leaders of the league as his speed and confidence should give some hard time to Kompany and co.

Given will be eager for a payback to his former club, but City's strength and home advantage will be too strong for him to protect his square.

Prediction: MCI 2-0 AST
Pick and Captain: Silva, Dzeko
Pick: Nasri




Pick and Avoid
Pick:

1. Ramsey - Playing in a more advanced role than Arteta.
2. Sturridge - Cheap and promising.
3. Sinclair - Starting to shine.
4. QPR players - Blackburn are pathetic enough for them to bounce back.
5. Odemwingie, Long - Should be getting goals at home.

Avoid:

1. Aguero, Adebayor - Doubtful.
2. Sagna - Long term injury.

Transfer Traffic

Green light (buy):

1. Ramsey - Cheap and fruitful.
2. Nasri - On hot streak.
3. Dzeko - Set for sure start.

 Yellow light (watch):

1. A Young - Form is dipping.
2. Sturridge - See if he starts most of the time.
3. Andrew Johnson - See whether he hits his high.

Red light (sell):

1. Aguero - People are dumping him.

Gameweek 8 Dream Team

Hart

Enrique -- A Ferdinand -- Bosingwa

Silva (C) -- Nani -- Ramsey -- SWP (VC) -- M Petrov

Dzeko -- Odemwingie

Subs: Vorm -- A Johnson -- Shawcross -- Tamas

Kick-Off: Gameweek 3 Fantasy Preview

Robin van Persie saved Arsenal from Champions League slump, but can
he lead the Gunners to conquer Old Trafford?

Overview
Several midweek games caught my eyes this week, with Arsenal qualified for the Champions League thanks to sparkling effort of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott against Udinese at Italy. Back at England we see Suarez ultimate influence who scored one and created the other two to defeat Exeter by 3-1. Carroll scored his first goal of the season, but whether is it the opening of floodgate remains a question. Take note that Meireles injured his collarbone and should be out for a long period.

Champions League Draw
Group A: Bayern Munich, Villarreal, Manchester City, Napoli
Group C: Manchester United, Benfica, Basel, Otelul Galati
Group E: Chelsea, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen, Genk
Group F: Arsenal, Marseille, Olympiakos, Borussia Dortmund


Lucky draw for Manchester United. Chelsea's games are pretty tricky. Arsenal are in hell of the luck to be drawn in the group of death. Superbly tough for Manchester City too.


On Wild Card Usage
You might be tempted to use that, but I'll say NO. Do you copy? NO. Gameweek 4 will be played on 10th of September, which is two weeks from now, with international games being played after gameweek 3. You surely do not want to see your reshuffled players were injured during their international duties do you? Just wait for another gameweek if you really have to use it.

Will Dzeko score again?

Game of the Week: TOTTENHAM v MAN CITY

Man City will visit to North London in their quest to maintain a perfect start this season.

Tottenham's defence in totally exposed last game, with Friedel made a whopping 13 saves last game and still conceded 3 goals. A big thing for Harry Redknapp to consider as they face the squad who scored the most goals this season.

Meanwhile, Mancini's team is overflowed with gunpowder this season, with Silva, Dzeko and Aguero all making it two in two. Nasri's arrival will further excite City's offence, though it remains a mystery how will he be deployed.

I believe Tottenham will play better at home, but still I think Man City has too much quality to be beaten at the moment. Away win looks highly possible.

Prediction: TOT 1-2 MCI

Pick: Silva, Dzeko

Wazza Roo is hopeful to make
it three in three.

Fantasy Game of the Week: MAN UTD v ARSENAL

It will be another busy weekend at Old Trafford as Manchester United take on weakened Arsenal.

The Gunners can hardly field up a good squad following injuries and suspensions of numerous players. It will be a tough challenge for Arsene Wenger to travel to Manchester with such thin squad, especially after a midweek clash against Udinese at Italy. Fatigue will seriously affect them in my opinion.

On the other hand, the young Red Devils are on a high after a 3-0 demolition against Tottenham last week. Players such as Rooney, Cleverly, Young and Nani will all be ready to open a big wound at Arsenal's cracks. Do take note that Chicharito is back into action - this will affect Welbeck's playing time.

Expect another solid victory by Manchester United. Do captain Rooney if you own him.

Prediction: MUN 3-0 ARS
Pick and captain: Rooney
Pick: Young, Nani, Cleverly
Drop: ARS defence

Suarez is owned by over 40%
of fantasy managers.

Pick and Drop

Pick and captain:

1. Suarez - The Uruguayan is crowning himself as the emperor of Anfield.
2. Moses - A big gamble to consider but I don't see how QPR is going to escape from conceding goals if Wigan can capitalise their home advantage.

Pick:

1. Torres - Not so hype about him after a big disappointment last week, but still I think it reasonable to keep him for another game against Norwich.
2. Tim Cahill  - I am still sticking with him after seeing his potential despite Everton's 0-1 loss against QPR. Blackburn has weak defence.
3. Long - In incredible form and should score at home.

Drop:

1. BLA players - Their current squad and form simply looks to weak to convince me.
2. NOR defence - Chelsea has too much talents to score.

Transfer Traffic

Green light (buy):

1. Suarez, Long, Jarvis, Silva - Follow the bandwagon to get some extra cash.
2. Vorm - A keeper that you can consider to keep for whole season.
3. Rooney - Arsenal is for him to crush this week.
4. R Taylor, S Taylor - A stream of moderate fixtures for them to produce some clean sheets.

Yellow light (buy/sell later):

1. Torres - Norwich is a good them to produce goals, so just give him one last chance.
2. Malouda - With Mata joining you need to see how he is going to be affected.
3. Tim Cahill - He is still playing in an advanced role so there is some good scoring prospects from him.

Red light (sell):

1. ARS players - Too much of instability in the club at the moment.

Gameweek 3 Dream Team

Hilario
Bosingwa -- R Taylor -- Smalling
Silva -- T Cahill -- Young -- Moses
Rooney(C) - Suarez(VC) -- Long

Subs: Vorm -- Sinclair - Enrique -- Figueroa

Full-Time: Gameweek 2 Fantasy Review

Raul Meireles with his middle finger got excited after creating the second goal for Liverpool.

Sunderland 0-1 Newcastle
SUN: Disappointing performance at home. They were lucky to escape with a penalty when Seb Larsson blocked Barton's going-in header with his arm. Sessegnon does look to be a good fantasy bargain with his advanced position anyway.


Potential Pick: Sessegnon
Drop: Bardsley (suspended)


NEW: It's surprising to see Newcastle being able to pick up consecutive clean sheets. That makes defenders like Simpson and Ryan Taylor (both at £4.0m) superb fantasy bargains. But before the window closes at the end of August, you can't be sure whether the Ryan Taylor will lock his place at the left.

In terms of offence, Cabaye is showing more and more potential with his set pieces.


Pick: Simpson
Potential Pick: R Taylor, Cabaye


Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool
ARS: Awfully bad luck for the Gunners. They didn't play as bad as predicted. Frimpong had a good game actually if not for the red card, while Nasri had a one-man show dribbling for 70-yards before unleashing a wide shot. Both goals they conceded were arguable, but Wenger did signed one or two star players before this, they could have already won the game before Ramsey's own goal.

Nasri is expected to be a superb fantasy bargain if he stays.

Potential Pick: Nasri
Drop: Frimpong (bad gamble eh?)


LIV: Still don't look organized as a squad. It's surprising that Suarez was benched, but with Frimpong's red, his introduction from the bench along with Meireles was superbly effective. Enrique-Kelly flank defence combo is very solid. In fact, I rate Kelly higher than Glen Johnson in terms of defensive ability.

Downing continued to show great potential and I believe it will be sooner rather than later for him to harvest some good fantasy scores. As for Meireles, I hope he will start instead of Henderson for his great vision of short passing and teamwork with Suarez. Before that happens, it's hardly justified to own the Portuguese.

Pick: Suarez, Downing, Enrique
Potential Pick: Meireles, Kelly
Drop: Henderson


Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn
AST: Looks like McLeish will stick with his current three-pronged attack - Agbonlahor, Bent and Heskey - as each of them scored once. The rusty Agbonlahor seems to have gone away after a fine display at Saturday. At £6.5m he is a superb acquisition so hopefully he doesn't have any fitness problems after being subbed off during half-time last game.

Darren Bent scored despite not looking really sharp - that's what he is anyway. You'll never be disappointed with his goal rate. What that is differing him with other premium forwards is his lack of participation in creating chances and also his lack of bonus points.

It's a shame that they didn't get a clean sheet, but that doesn't erase the fact that Aston Villa is a good team to invest in defence.

Pick: Agbonlahor
Potential Pick: Bent


BLA: A very courageous header by Gamst Pedersen, but their defence has been horrible. Salgado is increasingly a liability in Rovers' defence - look how easily Agbonlahor teased him before going for a goal. If they don't get some good additions to the squad, I can see relegation coming near towards them.

Drop: BLA defence


Everton 0-1 QPR
EVE: Another story of bad luck. They played good, yet they failed to score. Cahill had a couple of chances to equalise or even win for Everton - he still is the heart of the Toffees' attack.

Meanwhile, youngster Barkley looked very lively throughout the game and should come into your consideration should he get regular starts.

Potential Pick: Tim Cahill


QPR: Nothing much to tell here, as their first choice pair upfront - Bothroyd and DJ Campbell - were both not playing due to virus infection. Certainly needs more observations to evaluate about their defence.


Swansea 0-0 Wigan
SWA: Vroom~! Vorm is looking more and more like the next fantasy keeper of the season with his crazy number of saves. With a penalty saved, he now stands comfortably on the top of keeper's table for this gameweek.

Pick: Vorm


WIG: Moses was unlucky to get two shots on bar. Has a lot of potential with him.

Pick: Moses


Chelsea 2-1 West Brom
CHE: Long way to go for AVB. Their play was sloppy, and Torres seems to return to his last season's form after one game of brilliance.

I like the way Malouda changed the game, but it looks like he is not an absolute starter. With Mata rumoured to be joining soon, things might get worse.

Bosingwa is one of the culprit for the early surprise from Long, but he does look great with his forward runs and crosses.

Potential Pick: Bosingwa, Malouda

WBA: Long made himself famous after scoring back-to-back against Manchester United and Chelsea. Certainly a good fantasy bargain with a price tag of £6.0m. Should have no trouble in pairing up with Odemwingie as well - the latter is both good at scoring and feeding.

Pick: Long

Norwich 1-1 Stoke
NOR: De Laet scored, surprisingly. Too bad he couldn't keep the clean sheet though. Holt still fails to find his form.

Pick: De Laet

STO: Nothing really caught me up here except for Pennant's injury and Shotton's ability for long throw.

Wolves 2-0 Fulham
WOL: Jarvis is the bright star here as Wolves is now currently one of the two teams who got six points. Forward duo Fletcher and Doyle were both influential in the victory again. A much promising team than last season especially in defence which is now led by Roger Johnson.

Pick: Jarvis
Potential Pick: Doyle, Fletcher


FUL: The weak at away syndrome doesn't seem to change under Martin Jol. Senderos looks to be a steal as Fulham's defensive line remains the same as last game.

Potential Pick: Senderos


Bolton 2-3 Man City
BOL: Klasnic on fire! The Croatian continues his fine form by scoring two in two. Kevin Davies also got his first goal of the season with a fine header. Both are expected to carry Bolton to the survival bank along with Eagles and Petrov. But I would still avoid them until next month, where their extremely difficult fixtures end.

Potential Pick: K Davies, Klasnic


MCI: Solid display at offence. Silva continues to look spectacular. Surprisingly James Milner was very productive during the match. Still I don't think he will do that every week.

Dzeko continues to fire as well, and with his style relatively much unique than his teammates, I think his striker position is the safest.

Pick: Silva, Dzeko