Finale: Gameweek 38 Fantasy Preview

Congratulations Chelsea!

Overview
Title race? Still on. Survival struggles? Still fighting. Champions League spot? Still in contest. All these make a wonderful finale to this season's Premier League. Exciting.

Game of the Week: Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers

Title hopes on his shoulder.

Three points is a must for both sides: the home side is eager to lift the top flight league trophy since 1968, while the away is hoping to maintain its spot at the Premier League to preserve the pride as last season's League Championship winner, especially when the other two promoters (Swansea and Norwich) were freed from relegation threats much earlier this season.

Aguero and Tevez should lead the line as usual to crush QPR's much fragile defence, with supports coming in from Silva and Yaya Toure. Defensively they should continue to be resolute, like how they held off in-form Papiss Cisse last game.

I can't see how QPR is going to go against all odds and crush City's title hopes. A pray for Bolton to not win sounds more realistic to me.

Prediction: MCI 2-0 QPR
Pick and Captain: Aguero
Pick: MCI defence, Silva, Tevez, Yaya Toure


Fantasy Game of the Week: Chelsea v Blackburn

Great ending for El Nino?

Blackburn has already relegated - this means they would play purely for the sake of entertainment. Chelsea, meanwhile, has nothing to fight for in this very last gameweek of the season and will surely play with less seriousness. Expect some big scoreline.

Torres could lead the line and score a hat-trick again just like what he did against QPR weeks before. Looking good for his price of  £9.9m. Yakubu on the other side looks to be a good investment as well, except that he will be facing Terry who needs to put on his best to lock a spot in England's 2012 Euro team sheet.

A big scoreline in the waiting.

Prediction: CHE 4-2 BLA
Pick and Captain: Torres
Pick: Mata, Yakubu
Drop: Defences


Pick and Drop
Pick and Captain
Rooney - Still chasing City.
Van Persie - Needs to lock on third place for Arsenal.

Pick
P Cisse - Always a good choice.
Van der Vaart - Still fighting for Champions League spot.

Gameweek 38 Dream Team

Vorm

Clichy -- Evra -- Walker

Mata -- Silva -- Valencia -- Van der Vaart

Aguero (C) -- Rooney (VC) -- P Cisse

Subs: Sorensen -- Sigurdsson -- Bosingwa -- Skrtel

Kick-Off: Gameweek 37 Fantasy Preview

Suarez and Torres: Hat-trick heroes.

Overview
The gameweek double went wild some crazy performances including hat-tricks by Suarez and Torres as the top fantasy scorer of the week scored 186 fantasy points. Incredible. Van der Vaart, a long silent major fantasy force, was the top scorer of the week with 22 points.

Game of the Week: NEWCASTLE v MANCHESTER CITY

Huge mission on his shoulder.

Livepool against Chelsea might look more interesting in terms of the clubs' fame, but this one has more importance for both clubs. Newcastle, looking for a Champions League spot, will do their best to outperform the leading club, Manchester City, who also desperately need three points to secure their first Premier League title.

Papiss Cisse continued his unstoppable form, firing two goals past Chelsea last midweek (the second one was incredible). He will continue to be the major attacking force, and Kompany and co will need to do more than usual to stop him.

On the other side, all stakes will be put on offence to secure another three points, so expect anyone of Aguero, Tevez and Silva to slot in some goals. It will be a tough one for City, but their determination should carry them forward.

Prediction: NEW 1-2 MCI
Pick: Cisse, Aguero, Tevez, Silva


Fantasy Game of the Week: ARSENAL v NORWICH

Recommended captain
of the week.

Van Persie would be the no-brainer captain of the week as Arsenal host Norwich at home.

The Canaries had been terrible defensively, conceding three from Suarez last game due to some unforgivable defensive errors. Great chance for the Gunners.

Van Persie will need to bridge the gap away from Rooney, so there is no issue of motivation. Quite some good likelihood of hat-trick.

Prediction: ARS 4-0 NOR
Pick and Captain: Van Persie
Pick: Walcott, Rosicky


Pick and Drop
Pick and Captain:
Rooney - Still on pursuit of Golden Boot.

Pick:
Van der Vaart - Showing good form.
Dempsey - The consistent performer.
D Cisse - QPR on fight of their lives.

Gameweek 37 Dream Team

De Gea

Sagna -- Ferdinand -- Walker

Walcott -- Silva -- Van der Vaart -- Dempsey

Van Persie (C) -- Rooney (VC) -- D Cisse

Subs:  Bogdan -- McClean -- Warnock -- A Ferdinand

Kick-Off: Gameweek 36 Fantasy Preview

Fired as a West Brom coach, reached UEFA CL Final.

Overview
In midweek we saw two richest clubs in the world, namely Barcelona and Real Madrid, got knocked out in Champions League semi-final. £50m Spaniard Fernando Torres actually scored the game sealing goal, and that goal alone possibly has redeemed the huge money spent by Roman Abramovich. Dramatic game by Chelsea. Salute.

Super Gameweek Double
8 teams will be on double this week, namely:

• Liverpool (@NOR, FUL)
• Fulham (@EVE, @LIV)
• Stoke (ARS, LIV)
• Everton (FUL, @STO)
• Chelsea (QPR, NEW)
• Newcastle (@WIG, @CHE)
• Bolton (@SUN, TOT)
• Tottenham (BLA, @BOL)

In my personal view, Everton has a really sound fixtures, especially when attackers like Jelavic are in fine form.

Game of the Week: MANCHESTER CITY v MANCHESTER UNITED

Will Balotelli be forgiven?

Here comes the climax. Defending champion, leading by 3 points, Manchester United, travel to Etihad Stadium to challenge their #1 contender, Manchester City.

A series of shocking results saw Manchester United's 8 point lead got shrunken into just 3 points. With City at home, it's hard to say whether the title race will only be decided at round 38.

City is free of injuries at the moment so it is hard to expect who will Mancini partner for Aguero. While Tevez would be the most likely candidate, Balotelli could also get a head start despite protests from his teammates. Huge riddles to be solved for Sir Alex Ferguson then.

Another question for SAF would be the wings setup. Which two to pick from Nani, Young and Valencia? While Nani poses greater offensive threat, he also is more vulnerable in defence. What will be SAF's priority? My guess is defence.

It should be a dramatic contest, and I'm betting City to win to make create the most exciting Premier League finale ever.

Prediction: MCI 2-1 MUN

Fantasy Game of the Week: Everton's Double (FUL, @STO)

Pienaar enjoying his return
to Everton.

Everton have been in a pretty fine form at the moment, and that makes their players interesting purchases for this gameweek double.

Jelavic has been in superb form, scoring 4 goals in the last 2 games he played. Solid acquisition at interestingly cheap price.

His teammates such as Pienaar, Osman and Fellaini could also provide good offensive returns, while Hibbert will be the real value buy at the defensive line.

Prediction: EVE 2-0 FUL, STO 1-0 EVE

Pick and Captain: Jelavic

Pick: Pienaar, Osman, Hibbert, Fellaini

Gameweek 36 Dream Team

Friedel

Hibbert -- Bosingwa -- Simpson

Bale -- Dempsey -- Pienaar -- Ben Arfa (VC)

P. Cisse -- Jelavic (C) -- Suarez

Subs: Begovic -- Mata -- Kaboul -- Enrique

Kick-Off: Gameweek 35 Fantasy Preview

Drogba: The man who took Barca down.

Overview
It's only 4 weeks away from the closing of the season with the battle getting more and more intense. It's five points separating the top two; the battle for fourth doesn't seem to be able to conclude before gameweek 38; 5 teams are still on a good race to escape from the relegation spots. It's just gotta be intense.

Game of the Week: Arsenal v Chelsea

Lampard continues to impress.

The team on form, Chelsea, will be looking forward to take the fourth spot for at two hours by taking down Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

The Blues are the team on form now, marching on in both cup competitions (FA Cup and UEFA CL). They defeated the unbeatable Barcelona at home, something which was quite surprising.

Drogba who scored against Barca will continue to become the team's focal point in offence, supported by Mata, Lampard and co. Defensively Terry and Cahill will have to work very hard against #1 favourite for Golden Boot, Robin Van Persie. Do not expect clean sheets.

On the other side, RvP and Walcott are expected to cause many troubles again. Don't expect clean sheet for the home side as well, as Chelsea is on a truly astonishing form.

Prediction: ARS 2-1 CHE
Pick: Van Persie, Drogba, Walcott, Mata, Lampard
Drop: Both defence


Fantasy Game of the Week: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City

Caveman back with
total demolition.

City will need to keep up the pace to continue to pressure against league leaders Manchester United.

The Wolves season has practically ended with more than two games difference from survival zone. This should become City's advantage, as the opposition's morale should be very low, not to mention Wolves have not won any of their last 10 league games.

Meanwhile, City seems to recover their early season form, scoring 10 goals in last two games. Ex-captain Carlos Tevez is certainly the shining man now, after scoring a whopping 19 fantasy points in City's 6-1 demolition over Norwich. Aguero and Silva have reactivated their fantasy scoring machine as well.

Should be an easy win and possibly a clean sheet as well for City.

Prediction: WOL 0-3 MCI
Pick and Captain: Aguero, Tevez
Pick: Silva, MCI defence
Drop: WOL team


Pick and Drop
Pick and Captain:
Yakubu - Norwich always give goals.
Dempsey - Just so good.
P. Cisse  - Extremely prolific.

Pick:
AST and BOL team - Gameweek double.
Rooney/ Valencia/ Young - Usual offensive prospects from United.
Ben Arfa - Brilliant lad.

Drop:
NOR defence - Unlikely to withstand Blackburn's offence.

Transfer Traffic
Green light (buy):
Gameweek 35 double gamers - Check the fixtures.
Tevez/ Aguero/ Silva - Sensational form.
AST and BOL team - Gameweek double.

Gameweek 35 Dream Team

 Krul

Lescott -- Evans -- Collins

Silva -- Walcott -- Ben Arfa (VC) -- Dempsey

Tevez (C) -- Yakubu -- P. Cisse

Subs: Given -- M. Petrov -- A. Hughes -- Wheather

Kick-Off: Gameweek 34 Fantasy Preview

Back with unstoppable form.

Overview
First of all, a big apology to fellow loyal readers for missing two consecutive previews for you all. I was very busy last week and therefore wasn't alert of the gameweek deadlines. Rest assured as FPLZ will continue as usual until the end of the season.

Some big news over the last week:

• Manchester United extended the lead to as much as 8 points but was closed down by City later thanks to their shocking defeat to Wigan.
• Keeper crisis at Liverpool as Brad Jones is the only available senior goalkeeper currently (the other two were suspended).
• Tottenham has only one win over the last eight league fixtures as Newcastle now goes level with them in points.
• Wolves is almost certain to book a place in League Championship with nine points away from survival zone.

About This Gameweek

There will be only six games (12 teams) playing this week due to FA Cup semifinals and those delayed fixtures will be replaced in gameweek 35 (1 game) and gameweek 36 (4 games). Plan your transfers well.

Game of the Week: Swansea v Blackburn

Operation Yakubu:
Survival from Relegation

Not really have any game with intense match-up this week, so let's stick to Blackburn who's eager to get a win to escape from relegation.

The Rovers almost defeated Liverpool last gameweek with one-man advantage, but somehow had squandered to comeback. Yakubu remains to be the team's top scorer with 16 goals on hand now. A great striker.

But his supremacy will be tested by Vorm, the most acrobatic keeper in the Premier League. The Swans has leaked for at least two goals per game for the last four games, but you just can't underestimate what this keeper can do.

Sigurdsson will be the man who cause the most threat again, but personally I think Blackburn will be more motivated to get three points.

Prediction: SWA 1-2 BLA

Pick: Yakubu, Sigurdsson

Fantasy Game of the Week: Norwich v Manchester City

Operation Kun:
Revival of title hopes.

Sure, Arsenal are facing Wigan at home. But resurgent City against leaky Canaries are much more appealing to me.

Aguero has found his early season dominance as he scored two and made two last gameweek. Splendid and definitely deserve a captain armband this gameweek. His compatriot, Tevez, started the game and scored one too. Too expensive to own but nonetheless deserves a mention.

In the middle I expect Silva to play the craftsman role again, supplying the creativity needed to breakdown the defence. City's defence has back to its usual resoluteness again, though Kompany is perhaps too expensive to own at the moment.

Should be a comfortable win for City.

Prediction: NOR 0-4 MCI

Pick and Captain: Aguero

Pick: MCI defence, Silva

Drop: NOR defence

Pick and Drop

Pick and Captain:

Van Persie/ Rooney - As always.

Sessegnon - Wolves might have probably given up by now.

Pick:

MUN defence - Villa are quite weak on offence.

ARS defence - Certainly more composed now.

Valencia/Young - The most threatening flanks across the league.

Walcott - RvP's best partner.

Taarabt - Finally shown his true potential.

SUN defence - Wolves have little to fight for.

Drop:

WOL players - It's only a matter of time to get relegated.

Transfer Traffic

Green light (buy):

Aguero - In form for City's final push.

Taarabt - The real playmaker has been unleashed.

Yakubu - With intense desire to take Blackburn to the shore.

Red light (sell):

LIV defenders - Not even paying attention to league.

TOT players - Totally disjointed.

Pogrebnyak  - Doubtful indefinitely.

Gameweek 34 Dream Team

De Gea

Evans -- Sagna -- Lescott

Valencia -- Walcott -- Silva -- Sessegnon

Yakubu -- Aguero (C) -- Van Persie (VC)

Subs: Mignolet -- Sigurdsson -- Turner -- A Ferdinand

An Apology

The author was too busy with his tasks and thus did not realize that gameweek 32 has already commenced. Due to that, gameweek 32 preview will not be issued.

He apologizes for his ignorance.

Kick-Off: Gameweek 31 Fantasy Preview

Kenny Dalglish: Man in pressure.

Overview
So Chelsea continued their fine run under the lead of Di Matteo. The Blues won their first leg of the Champions League quarter finals with a 1-0 win away to Benfica. Great likelihood to progress, but they are expected to face Barcelona next.

Game of the Week: NEWCASTLE v LIVERPOOL

Can Ben Arfa get consistent
starts?

Not pretty interesting in terms of the meaning of the battle, but nevertheless this is the most balanced match-up of the week.

Newcastle are back in winning ways, winning the last two games with Papiss Cisse the man. The compatriot of Ba has scored three goals in the last two games and will be the biggest threat of Liverpool's clean sheet points.

Ben Arfa is the other man where you cannot take your eyes off. The talented winger has shown supreme performance last gameweek by getting involved in all three Newcastle's goals. Coupled with Cisse and Ba, the trio has immeasurable potential against Liverpool.

On the other side, Suarez has managed to find some consistency recently, but his explosive potential is yet to be materialized. Can he unleash that against Newcastle? Seems tough when his teammates are not up to his par except Gerrard.

Should be a comprehensive Newcastle victory as Liverpool continues to drop points horribly.

Prediction: NEW 3-1 LIV
Pick: Cisse, Ben Arfa
Drop: LIV defence


Fantasy Game of the Week: MANCHESTER CITY v SUNDERLAND

Carlos Tevez to get a start?

City certainly is not ready to hand the title out as they host Sunderland in the quest of closing down the gap against United.

The Blue Moon's offensive power has been mediocre recently - they had only scored 3 goals in their last three when they had score 12 in their first three games of the season. David Silva seems to be out of magic as the team struggles to find chances.

Aguero is quoted as "75% playing" so maybe you should sell him considering how much better you can achieve via Van Persie and Rooney. Balotelli will be your main man to trust, as the wonder kid is never short of wonders - both on and off the field.

Defensive wise, Kompany is flagged as "50% playing" but given his importance in the team, I think he should start in order to break down Sunderland's offence which has return to its best after as Sessegnon returned from suspension.

City's superb home record should keep their trail within 3 points so put your City players on and hope for the best.

Prediction: MCI 2-0 SUN
Pick and Captain: Balotelli
Pick: MCI defence


Pick and Drop
Pick and Captain:
Dempsey/Pogrebnyak - Superb potential against Norwich.
Van Persie/Rooney - The automatic picks.

Pick:
Mata - The team are very much settled under Di Matteo.
Jelavic - Seems quite lively recently.
Bale/Adebayor - Expect them to back in form.
Valencia - Never short of magic.

Drop:
QPR defence - Too poor against Arsenal's offensive standards.
BLA defence - Nothing stops United at the moment.

Transfer Traffic
Green light (buy):
Evans - 25 points in the last two games has made him super popular.
G Cahill - Performs impressively under Di Matteo's tactics.
Walcott - Starts for more than 10 consecutive league games.
P Cisse - Cheaper and in better form than Ba.

Yellow light (hold):
Sessegnon - Returned but has back to back tough games.
Jelavic - Looks settled but needs more games to make conclusion.
Suarez - Still waiting for the explosive factor to explode.

Red light (sell):
Enrique/Skrtel - Terrible form at the moment.
Ba - Overpriced compared to his teammate Cisse.
MCI forwards - Overly crowded to get consistent minutes.

Gameweek 31 Dream Team

Hart

Assou-Ekkoto -- Evans -- G Cahill

Ben Arfa -- Dempsey -- Bale -- Valencia -- Walcott

Rooney (VC) -- Van Persie (C)

Subs: Al-Habsi -- Pogrebnyak -- Gibbs -- Hibbert