Dream Team (for the slightly shorter "week" ahead)

Although the Champions league and FA cup games were very entertaining, Fulham vs. Blackburn did no quench my appetite for premier league games and subsequent fantasy points flowing in. So now that we are back into the thick of things, let's look at the match-ups and the golden boys. 

Everton vs. Stoke will likely be a tight game, ending with a 2-0 Everton victory. The man to look to in this game is as always Tim Cahill. I have held onto Jo for the last few weeks and have been sorely disappointed with his return, so my suggestion is to stay clear, especially since he is likely to do poorly against an organized Stoke defense. Look out to pick up Fuller barn door if he puts in a good performance. He has looked very sharp lately, along with an inflated Beattie. 

Hull vs. Newcastle could go either way. Although Manucho stole the show last week with a last gasp winner against Fulham, I don't expect him to start. Owen will probably be back for Newcastle, which will be a big boost for them. I wouldn't pick him up because he is likely to be a step behind the pace, but Obefemi Martins should prosper from Owen's reinvention of himself as a supporting striker. 

Manchester United vs. Liverpool could go in so many different directions that I don't really know what to say about it. I picked up Rooney because he is in form and always rises to the occasion. I put my money on United winning, but I don't know by how much. Definitely stay away from the defenders in this game because they will surely all be picking up yellows. 

Middlesbrough vs. Portsmouth The spoils will likely go to Middlesbrough, who are a bit hotter than their southern opponents. I say there will probably be 2-3 goals in this one, and Tuncay is likely to have some hand in the Middlesbrough win. 

Sunderland vs. Wigan Hard to call, but the players that are worth looking at in this one is a hot Kieron Richardson, and two defenders whom my rivals in my leagues have held onto for a while, Figueroa and Collins. Figueroa has been in stunning form, consistently tallying SOTs ever since he scored his first goal for the club, while Collins has been in decent form. 

Bolton vs. Fulham is an interesting one. I would definitely go with Bolton players seeing as Fulham are garbage away from home, can't find the back of the net, and are on a terrible run at the moment. Players worth considering are Elmander, Taylor (I have him), and Steinsson.

Arsenal vs. Blackburn Arshavin will be fresh after missing out on the Champions league marathon against Roma. That combined with his excellent form and price makes him a great addition to your team. Picking anyone besides Arshavin and the defense might be risky business seeing as players are coming back from injury and might oust companions. 

Aston Villa vs. Tottenham Lennon is pretty hot, but against this tight Villa defense + Brad Friedel I doubt he will get his name on the score sheet. For me the star in this game is a red hot Robbie Keane, but same problem as with Lennon. Probably a good game to avoid. 

Chelsea vs. Manchester City There are some players on City that are playing wonderfully, i.e. SWP, Ireland and Elano, but this is not the game to choose them. Let their price fall against Chelsea and then pick them up for next week. Robinho is also one to watch out for who scored against Chelsea earlier in the season and is beginning to show signs of life after a good display vs. Aalborg midweek. Undoubtedly the players that will shine in this game are the smoking hot Didier Drogba and the ever present Frank Lampard. I have Shay Given because he always likes making tons of saves against teams like Chelsea, although a Man City loss is probably inevitable. 

West Ham vs. West Brom Players from any team playing West Brom are worth looking into. I happened to pick up Tomkins who has been playing center back for West Ham and will likely pick up a CS. Other good options are Parker, Noble, and my favorite Di Michele, who is very tricky and might bag a brace. 

Good luck, and as always you can post your team below and I will comment.