Admittedly, my fantasy form of late has been about lukewarm, so you might want to take what I say with a singular grain of salt. But if you're looking to knock out a solid 75 points, this advice might be just the thing to get you that tally.
Chelsea vs. Bolton: Chelsea are on a high after getting one and a half feet into the semi-finals of the CL on Wednesday on account of a remarkable display at Anfield. You might be tempted to pick up Ivanovic after his two goal display, but I personally I think he is a bit pricy for a centerback who will likely play out of position. There is news that Carvalho is back, so stay clear of Alex. Matty Taylor has been fabulous these past few weeks, but this is not the week to pick him up (though he does have an uncanny tendency of scoring against big clubs, see last year's final game of the season, and just about every game he has played vs. Arsenal). The players that I suggest getting are a revitalized Drogba and an under the radar Florent Malouda.
Liverpool vs. Blackburn: Liverpool were dealt a massive psycoligical blow on Wednesday after their CL defeat to Chelsea and the consequential loss of their 14 month unbeaten streak at Anfield. If anything is to be learned from Manchester United's reaction to having their clean sheet record stopped in its tracks, we can infer that Liverpool will not be at their best this coming weekend. Especially not with the news that Stevie G is unlikely to start. So my suggestion, just avoid this game. Pick up Torres if you don't believe me.
Middlesbrough vs. Hull: This one is an interesting one only because both teams are playing horrendously at the moment. Hull is good away, but Middlesbrough are great at home. So my verdict? 1-1, Tuncay having some hand in their goal.
Portsmouth vs. West Brom: West Brom have officially become the Derby County of last season, meaning you always want to have players playing against them. The players that I like on Portsmouth, and whom I expect to do well, are Crouch, Nungent, and Hreidarsson. I'm not sure if the suspended Glen Johnson will be replaced by Jermaine Pennant or Nadir Belhadj, so it's best to stay clear of that decision.
Wigan vs. Arsenal: Although you may just be dying to jump onto the Arsenal bandwagon, my suggestion is to keep a level head going into this week. First, rarely do teams go to the JJB and leave with much more than a 2-0 win. Secondly, without most of thier starting defense (Almunia, Clichy, and Gallas), Arsenal may not perform quite as well as you expect them too. So my suggestion is get a hold of Fabregas or Adebayor if you have cash to burn, but otherwise just stick to Arshavin and the players that will be coming in to fill the holes: Fabianksi and Djourou. I'm not sure if Silvestre or Gibbs will start at left back. I expect Arsenal to keep a clean sheet even without their regulars because I just don't have faith in Mido to score.
Tottenham vs. West Ham: Robbie Keane has been in spectacular form lately, and I suppose so has Aaron Lennon too to a certain extent, so they are my picks for this tie. Stay clear of Palacios who is out with a suspension.
Sunderland vs. Manchester United: I can't say I'm positive that Sunderland will keep a clean sheet against Manchester United, but I think that Gary Neville is a must have. I am tempted to sell Ronaldo because although he scored two goals against Villa, he could have just as easily not seeing as he was practically invisible despite those two shots. You might want to pick up Vidic who is coming back from suspension, he won't come cheaply though.
Stoke vs. Newcaslte: I expect Beattie and Fuller to continue their good form. For Newcaslte, I have absolutely no idea who might pop up and save their club, so best to just avoid them seeing as the Britannia is not an easy place to score at.
Manchester City vs. Fulham: City will be tired from their midweek game vs. Hamburg, as well as demoralized from that loss. Fulham are rubish away so don't buy anyone on their team. A player that I can invision doing well for City despite his fatigue is the work-o-holic Steven Ireland. SWP would be a decent pick as well.
Aston Villa vs. Everton: I have no idea what will happen here between the two sides that are tauted as the only ones who can break into the top 4. My suggestion: avoid this game.
