1. Brian Jensen (Burnley)

‘The Beast’, as he is affectionately known, may have conceded more goals than any other goalkeeper this season (73 in the league) but it would have been so much more if it wasn’t for his superb shot stopping. He was a bit of a late bloomer and didn’t play much first team football until he joined Burnley at the age of 28. Undoubtedly good enough to play in the top flight, the newly promoted clubs could do worse than consider adding the Dane to their ranks.

2. Ronald Zubar (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

The signing of Guadeloupian defender Ronald Zubar left many Wolves fans scratching their heads in wonder at who exactly he was. Language barrier problems which delayed his debut until October only added to the mystery, but since then neither club nor player has looked back. With 22 appearances in all, he has firmly established himself in the side and can play at both right back and centre half.

3. Phil Jones (Blackburn Rovers)

Despite having made less than ten senior appearances, Rovers have seen enough to hand 18 year old defender Phil Jones a five year contract. An outstanding performance on his league debut against Chelsea earned him rave reviews and he comfortably filled in for the injured Ryan Nelsen, starting seven consecutive games.

4. Jordan Henderson (Sunderland)

Sunderland supporters feared the worst when big money signing Lee Cattermole was ruled out for 12 weeks early on in the season but they need not have as Jordan Henderson stepped in to fill the void. Calling on the experience gained from a spell on loan at Coventry in 2009, the 19 year old looked comfortable in the middle of the park and picked up the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

5. Scott Dann (Birmingham City)

Unfortunately for Dann, the superb performances of defensive partner Roger Johnson have largely overshadowed his own excellent form throughout the season. Signed from Coventry City last summer, the 23 year old eased into the Premier League and looked immediately at home. He made 30 league appearances before a calf injury ended his campaign three games early.

6. Steven N’Zonzi (Blackburn Rovers)

An absolute bargain signing at just £500,000 from Amiens SC, 21 year old midfielder Steven N’Zonzi slotted into the Blackburn Rovers midfield as if he had been there for years. He netted his first goal in a defeat to Arsenal and his second against Everton was a stunning strike from outside the area. The French under 21 international was recently voted the club’s Player of the Year.

7. Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers)

Korea Republic international Lee Chung-Yong is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects from Asia, and his performances certainly lit up the Reebok Stadium this season. In January of 2009 he was named as one of the top 50 rising stars in football by The Times newspaper. He scored four times in 34 games after joining from FC Seoul in July last year.

8. Mohamed Diamé (Wigan Athletic)

Diamé finally joined Wigan in February after concerns over an alleged heart problem, but since finding his feet he has been excellent in midfield. He began his career with Lens but was forced into an extended absence because of health issues. The 22 year old returned to the game with Spanish lower league side Linares before making his name with Rayo Vallecano.

9. Hugo Rodallega (Wigan Athletic)

Rodallega joined Wigan in January of 2009 and made an immediate impact, in successive games against Manchester United and West Brom. Fans could be forgiven for being slightly apprehensive given what happened to his predecessor up front, Amir Zaki, but unlike the Egyptian, Rodallega has been a model professional and continues to shine. He scored an impressive ten goals to finsih the season as the club’s top scorer.

10. Alessandro Diamanti (West Ham United)

Alessandro Diamanti is the quitessential Italian footballer – charasmatic, flamboyant and very, very good. It’s hard to believe that just three years ago he was plying his trade in the fourth tier of Italian football before moving to the big time with Livorno in 2007. Gianfranco Zola was suitably impressed by the 26 year old’s Serie A performances and signed him on a five year deal. His first goal came from the spot against Liverpool, and he finished with seven in total.

11. Adam Johnson (Manchester City)

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City’s big money January signing was a 22 year old winger from the Championship. However Brian Marwood and his scouting team have been proved correct in their decision to push for the acquisition from Middlesbrough. Johnson has shone since his transfer, and put in some superb performances, most notably away to Burnley where he contributed three assists. His form has been so good that there have been calls for him to be included in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the World Cup.

—————————————–Jensen————————————

—————————Zubar——-Dann——–Jones———————-

Lee————Henderson——–—Diamé——–N’Zonzi——–Johnson

—————————Diamanti—————-Rodallega——————-

Manchester United V Chelsea

As with any top four clash, the outcome of Manchester United’s game against Chelsea is almost impossible to predict.

Manchester United are always strong in the title run in and after losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season they will be determined to settle the score when the two sides meet at Old Trafford.

Although United have the home advantage, the much reported loss of Wayne Rooney is of course a massive blow for the champions.

With Dimitar Berbatov likely to play as a lone striker in United’s, now mandatory 4-5-1 formation, the lack of firepower up front will surely be a concern for United fans.

Chelsea will be brimming with confidence after their 7-1 demolishing of Aston Villa last weekend, and with United still licking their wounds from a mid-week defeat to Bayern Munich in Germany, this, for me might just tip the balance.

Bearing in mind that these big games are notoriously difficult to predict, I would back Chelsea to win on the basis that they have had a clear week to prepare for this clash without the distractions of an away day in the Champions League.

However, at odds of 7/4 for an away win, backing Chelsea to win the game 2-1 at 10/1 represents better value.

Bet: Chelsea to win 2-1 (@ 10/1)

Best of the rest:

Birmingham City V Liverpool

Birmingham have been strong against the top teams this year, especially when playing at home. I fancy them to give Liverpool a real game on Sunday. Why not have a punt on a 1-1 draw at St Andrews at odds of 6/1.

Bet: 1-1 (@ 6/1)

Fulham V Wigan

Fulham are without a win in their last six league games and have lost three on the bounce since their outstanding comeback against Juventus in the Europa League. With Roy Hodgson looking to rest his big players ahead of the return Europa League leg against Wolfsburg on Thursday, they may struggle again this weekend.

But, in Wigan Athletic they face a team who have been difficult to predict this season. Despite the decision to rest key players, I still fancy Fulham to build on their success from mid-week and with odds at 17/2 for a 2-1 win, there is some good value.

Bets: Fulham to win 2-1 (@ 17/2)

It feels weird not having to scrape a team together, and if anything it has been difficult to pick a team because there are too many players that could do a job.

Aston Villa’s double gameweek makes their players an obvious choice for inclusion, and we have replaced Wolves’ Jody Craddock with James Collins.

He joins fellow team mate Carlos Cuellar in the team, and while having two defenders from the same team is quite a risk, if they keep two clean sheets it will have been well worth it.

The only injury doubt at the moment is Cesc Fabregas and as a result the captaincy has been handed over to Manchester United‘s in form striker Wayne Rooney.

He is one of three United players in the side alongside Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra, and they could all score highly at home to Fulham.

The return of both Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez after a week off is a massive boost and, along with Rooney, they make up an extremely potent forward line.

Joe Hart takes over from Thomas Sorensen in goal due to Birmingham City’s good home record and is joined by Roger Johnson in the side, though Lee Bowyer drops to the bench alongside Stoke’s Matthew Etherington and Portsmouth’s Jamie O’Hara.

Last week’s points haul of 38 points wasn’t too bad considering only eight players actually played.

Fabregas started so well as captain, scoring in the first half for Arsenal, but limped off shortly after.

Defenders Leighton Baines and Patrice Evra chipped in nicely, while Jamie O’Hara picked up an assist and two bonus points for Pompey.

The team currently sits in 39,667th position out of a total of 2,283,731 teams.

Team for Gameweek 30 -

Birmingham City are the new Manchester United….in Fantasy Football terms anyway.

With the Champions in Carling Cup action this week, I have turned to Birmingham City and their solid home record for points this week. Out go Rooney, Evra and Fletcher. In come Hart, Johnson and Bowyer.

A home clash against Wigan really could go either way but if Brum do keep a clean sheet then it will give us a great platform on which to build for the rest of the gameweek. That’s the plan anyway.

Carlos Tevez is set to return to action for Manchester City against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, though Blues duo Didier Drogba and Branislav Ivanovic are more likely to contribute points in their clash.

Indeed, Drogba is given the captain’s armband such is his superb form at the moment.

Matthew Etherington remains an injury doubt so with Carlos Cuellar also involved in Sunday’s final at Wembley, we face the real prospect of going into this gameweek with just nine players.

Wolves’ Jody Craddock continues in defence by default while Jamie O’Hara will hopefully do something special for administration-hit Portsmouth.

Last week’s total of 73 points might look good but it was well below the big hitters.

Drogba contributed two goals to the cause, while Rooney justified his selection as captain with a superb performance against West Ham after struggling at Everton.

Arsenal‘s Cesc Fabregas also found the net and picked up his customary three bonues points.

The team currently sits in 39,485th place out of a total of 2,273,960 teams.

Team for Gameweek 28 -

Carlo Ancelotti’s side had taken an early lead at the City of Manchester Stadium after an unfortunate own goal by Emmanuel Adebayor, but were undone by a goal from the Togo international at the right end and a Carlos Tevez free kick.

City keeper Shay Given saved a late penalty from Frank Lampard to prevent an eighth consecutive draw in the league. The win ends a great week for Mark Hughes’ men after they defeated Arsenal on Wednesday night to claim a spot in the Carling Cup semi finals.

Cross-city rivals United overcame injury problems to comfortably see off West Ham at Upton Park, thus closing the gap on Chelsea to just two points.

Paul Scholes opened the scoring just on half time, with Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney completing the 4-0 win.

Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Stoke at the Emirates. Cesc Fabregas missed an early penalty before Andrei Arshavin and Aaron Ramsey both found the net.

Liverpool‘s poor run of form continued with a dour 0-0 draw against Blackburn at Ewood Park, and have been overtaken by Aston Villa in the table after Martin O’Neill’s side easily disposed of Hull City by three goals to nil.

Portsmouth beat Burnley 2-0 in the early game, and Birmingham came from behind to defeat Wigan at the DW Stadium as Sebastian Larsson struck twice.

A win for Wolves at Molineux against Bolton lifted them from 19th spot at the expense of their opponents, but they remain in the bottom three.

In Sunday’s games, a Bobby Zamora header was enough for Fulham to overcome Sunderland, while Everton came from two goals down to salvage a point against Tottenham at Goodison Park, with Jermaine Defoe missing a last minute penalty for the visitors.

Spurs raced into a two-goal second half lead through Defoe and Michael Dawson but were pegged back thanks to strikes from Louis Saha and Tim Cahill.

Results:

Arsenal 2 – 0 Stoke City

Aston Villa 3 – 0 Hull City

Blackburn Rovers 0 – 0 Liverpool

Everton 1 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham 1 – 0 Sunderland

Manchester City 2 – 1 Chelsea

Portsmouth 2 – 0 Burnley

West Ham United 0 – 4 Manchester United

Wigan Athletic 1 – 3 Birmingham City

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, 12:45, Emirates Stadium

Tottenham make the short trip over to the Emirates to do battle with Arsenal in the London derby. Manuel Almunia could be set for a recall to Arsenal’s starting XI for Saturday’s derby after Vito Mannone’s mistakes last week. Wenger is likely to make several changes from the side which beat Liverpool in the Carling Cup in midweek but Lukas Fabianski (thigh), Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott (both knee) miss out. Samir Nasri made his first appearance of the season against Liverpool after recovering from a broken leg and is likely to be on the bench on Saturday. No news has arrived concerning Tottenham’s line-up, with a number of names out. Jermain Defoe is still suspended, Jonathon Woodgate is missing and Michael Dawson is also a doubt.

Fantasty player pick: Cesc Fabregas
Prediction: Arsenal’s home form and Spurs injuries add up to a home win

Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea, 15:00, Reebok Stadium

Bolton manager Gary Megson has an almost fully fit squad to pick from. Johan Elmander made his return to first-team action after a hamstring injury when he came off the bench against Chelsea in the Carling Cup tie between the two teams on Wednesday night. Only long-term absentees Joey O’Brien and Sean Davis, who both have knee problems, remain on the sidelines. Chelsea have doubts over striker Salomon Kalou and defender Branislav Ivanovic ahead of their trip to Bolton. Both will undergo late fitness tests after collecting minor knocks in the Carling Cup win over Wanderers in midweek. But Ashley Cole (ankle), Jose Bosingwa (knee), Yury Zhirkov (knee), John Mikel Obi (knee) and Hilario (concussion) are all out. However, Chelsea welcome back John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Nicolas Anelka, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard. They were all rested in midweek.

Fantasy player pick: Joe Cole
Prediction: Can’t look past an away win

Burnley v Hull City, 15:00, Turf Moor

Hull City can move out of the bottom three if they beat Burnley at Turf Moor. Burnley manager Owen Coyle will give goalkeeper Brian Jensen “every chance” to recover from the injury he sustained in last weekend’s home defeat to Wigan. X-rays revealed the Burnley stopper, who has yet to resume full training, had suffered only slight ligament damage to his ankle so Diego Penny is on stand-by. The Clarets are still without long-term absentees Martin Paterson, Chris McCann (both knee) and Jay Rodriguez (ankle). Hull will be without goalkeeper Boaz Myhill for Saturday’s vital trip to Burnley. Jimmy Bullard did not train on Thursday due to a shin injury and a decision is still to be made on his participation at Turf Moor.

Fantasy player pick: Wade Elliot
Prediction: Burnley to get their home form back on track

Everton v Aston Villa, 15:00, Goodison Park

Villa ‘keeper Brad Friedel is set to make his 200th successive Premier League appearance at Goodison Park on Saturday. Stephen Warnock and Nigel-Reo Coker have knocks meaning Nicky Shorey and Steve Sidwell could be set for re-calls. Emile Heskey is a doubt, but John Carew is available for the visitors. Everton face a major injury crisis after playing three games in six days before their mid-week Carling Cup game. Leighton Baines is poised to return from a calf injury, while striker Louis Saha, who has a similar problem, will be given time to prove his fitness. Yakubu is in contention for a place in the starting XI after overcoming his heel problem to play against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, while Joseph Yobo, who did not feature, could return after suffering concussion.

Fantasy player pick: James Milner
Prediction: Entertaining draw

Fulham v Liverpool, 15:00, Craven Cottage

Steven Gerrard will miss his third successive Liverpool match on Saturday with the groin injury he picked up playing for England in Ukraine earlier this month. Liverpool will also be without England full-back Glen Johnson (calf) for the match against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who made his first-team debut at Arsenal in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, has picked up a virus and will not be in the squad while Rafael Benitez will give a late test to Fernando Torres (groin) but expects him to be available. Lucas Leiva is also missing due to a virus. Fulham will be without Danny Murphy against his old side, along with Andy Johnson, Simon Davies and Dickson Etuhu.

Fantasy player pick: Yossi Benayoun
Prediction: Hard fought draw

Portsmouth v Wigan Athletic, 15:00, Fratton Park

Wigan will be without defender Maynor Figueroa for their trip to Fratton Park. Paul Scharner is also doubtful with a hamstring injury as is Chris Kirkland with a dislocated finger. Pompey welcome back cup-tied quartet Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jamie’ O Hara, Mike Williamson and Tommy Smith. PapaBouba Diop and Hermann Hreidersson are still missing for the home side.

Fantasy player pick: Hugo Rodallega
Prediction: Wigan win

Stoke City v Wolverhampton Wanderers, 15:00, Britannia Stadium

Wolves welcome back Stefan Maierhofer after his one-match ban. Mick McCarthy is set to name an unchanged side, with Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake leading the line. On-loan Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne is available again for the visitors. Stoke are expecting Thomas Sorensen to be fit after injury. Mamady Sidibe is a doubt, while Tuncay is expected to start. Robert Huth is still suspended.

Fantasy player pick: Ryan Shawcross
Prediction: Stoke win

Sunderland v West Ham United, 15:00, Stadium of Light

Darren Bent is currently a doubt for this game, but should make the game in time. Fraizer Campbell, Phil Bardsley and George McCartney are also doubts, while Bolo Zenden and John Mensah have been ruled out. West Ham will be without the suspended Scott Parker, so midfielder Radoslav Kovac comes in. Kieron Dyer has a hamstring injury, while Alessandro Diamanti could re-called after starting on the bench against Arsenal.

Fantasy player pick: Darren Bent
Prediction: Home win

Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers, 17:30, Old Trafford

United have been hit with injuries to Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs as they host Blackburn who are without a number of players who have contracted swine flu. Danny Welbeck is also missing for United, while Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park both remain sidelined. Jason Roberts and Chris Samba are amongst those missing for Blackburn, but David Dunn should be fit after shaking off the virus. Pascal Chimbonda is fit after missing last week’s game, but Vince Grella has not fully recovered.

Fantasy player pick: Wayne Rooney
Prediction: United win

SUNDAY

Birmingham v Manchester City, 16:00, St. Andrews

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes expects Wayne Bridge, Craig Bellamy, Kolo Toure and Martin Petrov to be fit for Sunday’s only Premier League game at St. Andrews. Nedum Onuoha and Robinho are still recovering from injuries. Roque Santa Cruz is expected to drop down to the bench after scoring in mid-week, but Stephen Ireland may start after being left out of the last three league games. Joe Hart is inelidgeble for this one as he is on loan from Birmingham. Gregory Vignal is back for Brum both might have to settle for a place on the bench, Keith Fahey is still missing.

Fantasy player pick: Emmanuel Adebayor
Prediction: Narrow away win

Saturday, 26th September

Portsmouth v Everton, 12:45 kick-off

Everton have picked up on their poor early form with two consecutive wins, and they host Portsmouth who lie rock bottom of the league without a point. Paul Hart, who stormed out of his press conference for this game earlier, should hand Steve Finnan his league debut his returning from Spain. Papa Bouba Diop is still missing, and Aruna Dindane – who scored in midweek – might be rested. Everton are to assess Yakubu who returned mid week to score against Hull, but was taken off due to a groin problem. Mikel Arteta, Phil Neville and Phil Jagielka are still long term absentees for David Moyes.

We predict: Everton to beat pointless Pompey

Fantasy player pick: Yakubu

Birmingham v Bolton

Birmingham have been on fine form since their return to the top tier, and have been solid defensively with four clean sheets. They host Bolton at St. Andrews, who are sat in 17th place. Sebastian Larsson, Stephen Carr, Gregory Vignal and Lee Carsley are all available again. In addition, Teemu Tainio could return after being ineligible for the midweek Carling Cup tie with Sunderland. Sean Davis could miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery, and is the only new absentee to Gary Megson’s side.

We predict: Birmingham in a tight game

Fantasy player pick: Joe Hart

Blackburn v Aston Villa

Blackburn Rovers will be looking to climb out of the bottom three in the Premier League as they host Aston Villa who are bidding for a fifth successive win. Gael Givet is Sam Allardyce’s only injury worry ahead of the game, after he picked up a knee injury last week. Nigel Reo Coker returns to the fold for Villa after a training ground fall out with manager Martin O’ Neill. Steve Sidwell is still missing, but Emile Heskey and Ashley Young are both fit to play.

We predict: Aston Villa to get an away win

Fantasy player pick: Gabby Agbonlahor

Liverpool v Hull City

Liverpool will be looking for their fourth straight win as they host Hull City at Anfield, who have lost four of their opening six games. Italian pair Andrea Dossena and Alberto Aquilani are the only absentees for Liverpool, as Rafa Benitez will revert to a strongest possible line-up after the midweek win against Leeds. Anthony Gardner returns to Hull for this game, as does Ibrahima Sonko who was cup tied during the week. Youngsters Tom Cairney and Liam Cooper could play a part after impressing against Everton.

We predict: Home win for Liverpool

Fantasy player pick: Glen Johnson

Stoke City v Man Utd

Manchester United will be aiming for a fifth successive win in the league as they travel to Stoke City who have won two of their last three matches at the Britannia Stadium. Strikers Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie are both big doubts ahead of the game, so Richard Cresswell could return to the fold. Ben Foster will keep his spot in goals after Alex Ferguson’s public vote of confidence, as United make wholesale changes after the midweek win in the Carling Cup against Wolves, with Evra, Rooney and Vidic some names returning.

We predict: Away win.

Fantasy player pick: Wayne Rooney

Tottenham v Burnley

Tottenham Hotspur aim to get back to winning ways as they host Burnley. After four successive wins, Spurs have lost their last two and now bid to bounce back at home to the Clarets who have yet to pick up a point on the road. Sebastian Bassong and Michael Dawson both return for this one but Jonathon Woodgate and Ledley King are both sidelined. Luka Modric, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Giovani Dos Santos are all missing for Spurs. Owen Coyle is hoping Brian Jensen will be fit enough for the game after suffering a dead leg during the week. Dave Nugent will play after being cup tied during the week, after his brace last weekend.

We predict: Home win, with lots of goals

Fantasy player pick: Jermain Defoe

Wigan v Chelsea

League leaders Chelsea aim to extend their 100 per cent winning record at the start of the campaign as they visit Wigan Athletic who have won two and lost four so far this season. Roberto Martinez has a fully fit squad to choose from, and may make a number of changes after the 4-0 loss to Arsenal last week. Joe Cole and Yuri Zhirkov could both make their debuts for this season, Didier Drogba is available after suffering cramp but Deco and Alex are both out for Chelsea.

We predict: Comfortable away win

Fantasy player pick: Ashley Cole

Fulham v Arsenal, 5:30 kick-off

Arsenal will be bidding to avoid an unwanted hat-trick of away defeats in the Premier League as they make the short trip to Fulham who will want to bounce back from their Carling Cup exit in midweek. Simon Davies suffered a set back in his recovery as Fulham could make a number of changes after making eleven in their midweek trip to Man City. Zolton Gera could keep his spot after the 25-yard strike. Andrey Arshavin returns to Arsenal after missing the last two games, as does Theo Walcott but Manuel Almunia is still missing.

We predict: Arsenal edge a tight derby

Fantasy player pick: Robin van Persie

Sunday, 27th September

Sunderland v Wolves, 4:00 kick-off

Sunderland are going for a third successive victory at the Stadium of Light as they meet Wolverhampton Wanderers who have lost their last two on the road. Steve Bruce will make a late decision of Lee Cattermole who has missed the last two games, but he hasn’t trained yet this week. George McCartney will also be involved along with Marton Fulop who has missed the last five games. A host of players are set to return for Wolves. Michael Mancienne, who was ineligible to play at Old Trafford in midweek, will return while strikers Kevin Doyle and Andy Keogh are both set to come into the starting line-up at the expense of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Stefan Maierhofer. Wales international Wayne Hennessey will return in goal to replace Marcus Hahnemann with Greg Halford taking over from Kevin Foley at right-back. Dave Edwards has also been pencilled in to return for winger Michael Kightly.

We predict: Score draw

Fantasy player pick: Darren Bent .. who else?

Monday, 28th September

Man City v West Ham, 8:00pm

Manchester City hope to pick uo on their first loss of the season last week against West Ham who have picked up four points from their opening five games. Emmanuel Adebayor is still out due to suspension, but Craig Bellamy is available after being cleared of any charges after pushing a fan. Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz are still unavailable, while Vincent Kompany might still be beyond a place in the team after a toe injury. Matty Upson is a doubt for Gianfranco Zola’s side after being taken off against Liverpool last week. Jack Collison and Luis Jiminez are both doubts ahead of the Monday kick off.

We predict: Man City home win

Fantasy player pick: Craig Bellamy

Burnley v Sunderland

Sunderland travel to Turf Moor hoping to inflict Burnley’s third loss in a row, on the back of a 4-1 trouncing of Hull City. Stephen Caldwell is still missing for. Fellow centre-back Michael Duff is fit again after an ankle injury but is unlikely to dislodge Andre Bikey and Clarke Carlisle at the heart of the defence. Lee Cattermole is a major doubt for Steve Bruce, who is still without Marton Fulop but Craig Gordon is fit to keep his place in goals. George McCartney is also a doubt.

We predict: Sunderland win

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Wade Elliot / Darren Bent

Arsenal v Wigan

Robin van Persie returns to the Arsenal line-up after missing their midweek Champions League win against Standard Liége. The Dutch forward sat out the game with a knee problem, but is ready to return after scoring last weekend against Manchester City. Manuel Almunia is struggling to overcome a virus to be available in time, while Wenger is still without Andrey Arshavin. Wigan have a fully fit squad to choose from, with Martinez not expected to make many changes after last week.

We predict: Arsenal win

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Robin van Persie / Hugo Rodallega

Aston Villa v Portsmouth

After a pointless start to the season, Portsmouth face the tough task of ending their atrocious run against Aston Villa on Saturday. John Carew is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up, while Emile Heskey is also available. Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock are all set to make their home debuts after the derby win last week. Paul Hart has no new injury worries this week. Steve Finnan is back in training, but won’t be selected, while Aruna Dindane is undergoing a fitness programme after a knee problem.

We predict: Aston Villa win

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Richard Dunne / Jamie O’ Hara

Bolton v Stoke City

After picking up their first points of the season last week, Bolton will look to double that in what’s certain to be a gritty game against Stoke. Sean Davis is suspended for Bolton, and are still without John O’ Brien and Ricardo Vaz Te. Thomas Sorensen is set to start for Stoke after limping off last week, while James Beattie is a big doubt after bursting a blood vessel in his leg. Liam Lawrence and Matty Etherington are both in contention for starts.

We predict: Stoke have surprised so far, away win.

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Matty Taylor / Tuncay Sanli

Hull City v Birmingham

Both these sides lost last week, Hull conceded four against Sunderland while Birmingham lost in the local derby against Villa. Jan Vennegoor of Hesslink is in contention for his first start since joining Hull, while Dean Marney returns from a knee injury. Jimmy Bullard is a few weeks away from making a long awaited return from knee surgery. Alex McLeish says Birmingham’s treatment room is “bursting at the seams” ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hull City. James McFadden (thigh) and defender Franck Queudrue (hamstring) are the latest players to join an injury list that already includes Cameron Jerome (ankle), Gregory Vignal, Marcus Bent (both hamstring) and Martin Taylor (ankle). Christian Benitez may make his first start since his £8m move in the summer.

We predict: Er, draw

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Karem Ghilas / Sebastian Larsson

West Ham v Liverpool

Saturday’s evening kick-off sees West Ham who lost last week to Wigan host Liverpool who are on the back on a home win against Burnley. Herita Ilunga is available after recovering from a jaw injury, as is Kieran Dyer and Valon Behrami but Luis Jiminez is missing. Liverpool may field the same team in three games, although Ryan Babel may get the nod. Fabio Aurelio is fit again and should make the bench, and Daniel Agger is back in training but won’t be considered.

We predict: Liverpool win

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Alessandro Diamanti / Glen Johnson

Man Utd v Man City

Unbeaten Man City travel across the city to contest the eagerly anticipated Manchester Derby, with United on the back of a win against Spurs. Rio Ferdinand is a major doubt after missing the midweek game against Besiktas, while Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher are set to return to the team. Paul Scholes is suspended after his red card last week. Carlos Tevez faces a late fitness test to meet his old club after returning to training this week. Emmanuel Adebayor is the big absentee due to his suspension, while Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz remain sidelined.

We predict: Impossible to tell, sticking my neck out with a City win. (Neil says Utd win!)

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Wayne Rooney / Shaun Wright-Phillips

Wolves v Fulham

Wolves will be looking for their second win of the season after Fulham came from behind to defeat Everton last week. Wolves are set to be boosted by the return of winger Michael Kightly, striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, right-back Kevin Foley and central defender Jody Craddock. Segundo Castillo could make his Wolves debut, while Stefan Maierhofer could start after coming off the bench to score last week. Fulham have a fully fit squad to choose from apart from Paul Konchesky who is sidelined with a knee problem, and may require surgery.

We predict: Score draw

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Michael Kightly / Damien Duff

Everton v Blackburn

Everton have picked up just three points from their opening four matches and will be desperate for a win when Blackburn Rovers come to town. Lucas Neill is unlikely to make an appearance due to lack of match fitness, while Phil Neville is a long term absentee after injurying his knee midweek. Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s injury is also being assessed, after being subbed against AEK Athens. Sam Allardyce has the luxury of choosing from a fully fit squad as Benni McCarthy and Steven N’Zonzi return from injury.

We predict: Everton to pick up their second win.

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Tim Cahill / Morten Gamst Pedersen

Chelsea v Tottenham

These two sides were unbeaten up until last week when Spurs were beaten by Manchester Utd. Chelsea have been on top form, and welcome back Jose Boswinga and Didier Drogba who were suspended in midweek. Joe Cole, Yuri Zhirkov and Paulo Ferriera are all one week away from returning, but Alex is still out. Luka Modric, Michael Dawson and Jonathon Woodgate are all injured for Spurs, but Heurelho Gomes and Gareth Bale are close to returning.

We predict: Chelsea win

Our Fantasy Player Pick: Didier Drogba / Jermain Defoe

….what do you guys think? Comment us with your thoughts and predictions below…