Player Picks Week 12

Welcome to Week 12! As usual, be wary of teams travelling from their Champions League or Europa matches, such as Liverpool (from Russia). Always check injury news, and remember, even though you would never pick certain players (e.g. Cazorla of Arsenal), if he’s injured, his absence might impact on the fantasy productivity of other players. Another perspective is when a key defender is injured (such as Smalling), it would impact on David De Gea’s chances of a clean sheet.

This week I’m returning to the match-up format where I look at each match-up make a prediction, and pick out the 2 best possible picks. However, this time, the 2 picks do not have to be for each side, but can be for the same team.

1. Bournemouth vs Newcastle

Both teams are playing better than their league position suggests. Last week, Bournemouth steadied the ship after half time against Southampton but just could not get through. They should do well this week at home. Newcastle last week produced a very attacking display but Stoke’s goalkeeper Butland was having a savior complex.  2-2 draw.

Harry Arter was a key player for Bournemouth’s push for promotion last season, now that he’s back from injury, he will look to score, Ayoze was his energetic self, he will be involved in Newcastle’s goals for sure.

2. Leicester vs Watford

A strong attack goes up against a strong defense, both teams are in good touch. A tough one to call, so I’ll go for the 1-1 draw.

Vardy to score for yet another week, amazing stuff going on here. Gomes for the penalty save.against Mahrez (Yes, I’m sorry to disappoint you, and for the record I have Mahrez in my team too!)

3. Man Utd vs West Brom

Another tough game to call, West Brom always set up their team to defend very well away from home. However, I think Manchester United will actually click this time. 2-0 to the Reds.

Martial to finally break his drought, and Mata to be the key supplier.

4. Norwich vs Swansea

Two teams in a bit of a rut, but it’s Norwich who are struggling right no An away win with a 3-1 scoreline. Shelvey with a blockbuster goal and assists another, Mbokani with the consolation goal for the Canaries.

5. Sunderland vs Southampton

Crazily enough, I think this is a game where Southampton are going to be frustrated on. Big Sam will have torn his players a new one after the Everton debacle, expect a much improved performance. 1-0 to Sunderland in the main upset of the week.

Pantilimon with a masterclass performance, and Lens with the match-winning goal.

6. West Ham vs Everton

Sakho injured means that Andy Carroll should start, but he may not yet have the same synergy Sakho did. Everton have been doing well but they need to tighten up the defense, especially with Jagielka injured.  2-2 draw.

Lukaku has scored in all six matches that Everton have played against West Ham since he joined, so he should score again. For the Londoners, expect Payet to get back in the goals.

7. Stoke vs Chelsea

Two teams that are finding it hard to score goals right now. Jack Butland had an amazing game last week, but it all depends on Chelsea really. Narrow 1-0 win for the Blues as both teams continue to struggle in attack.

Begovic with a clean sheet, and Costa to score the winner.

8. Aston Villa vs Manchester City

Aston Villa now have a new manager. Will he have done enough to stop the rot? Not against this Manchester team. No Aguero or Silva? No problem, there’s enough in ammunition in the tank. They had a tough time against Norwich but that’s a speedbump if anything. 1-4 to a marauding team in good spirits.

Kevin De Bruyne and Sterling to grab the spotlight, and one should seriously be considered for the captaincy, even in an away game.

9. Arsenal vs Spurs 

Traditionally this derby usually sees a lot of goals, but of late this has not been the case. Both teams have been defensively strong leading up to this match, and with their goal-scoring also in good form, this should be an interesting match. For Arsenal, the loss of Koscielny will cost them the win, but their attack will make up for it. 2-2.

Sanchez will get back into the goals, and Erikssen will be key for Spurs.

10. Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

A very fascinating match to round off the week with a few additional factors to consider. One, Liverpool are travelling back from Russia. Two, Crystal Palace won both matches against Liverpool last season. Fortunately, this match is at Anfield, and I can see Liverpool nicking it. If it was at Selhurst Park, Liverpool would be in trouble. 2-1 to the hosts.

Coutinho to score again, and Moreno’s attacking style will finally reward us with fantasy points.

That’s it! Do note that the Euro Code will be available again this week. I might actually save it till after the international break, but we’ll see…

All the best!