Stoke City v Manchester
City
Stoke recorded an unexpected loss against Sunderland last
time out and believe me, Mark Hughes was not happy, but they bounced back
midweek to reach the semi-finals. They face another Capital One Cup
semi-finalist, Manchester City who steamrolled past Hull City.
Tough one to call, Mark Hughes always has a point to prove
against Manchester City, but City should win with the quality available. Note: Aguero's not fit again. 0-3 Final Scoreline.
Player picks: Hard to look past De Bruyne for this one, but Kolarov
could do nicely too for the clean sheet and free kick potential.
Arsenal v Sunderland
Boy is Big Sam relishing this one. He actually made Lee Cattermole look good last
week, so he’ll be looking to annoy Wenger once again. Sunderland actually held
Arsenal to a goalless draw in this fixture last week, with Pantilimon pulling
off some amazing saves. Arsenal’s season
is again being disrupted by injuries, and I can see that becoming a problem
once again for the London club, especially in central midfield. Final Score: 1-1.
Player picks: Aaron
Ramsey is back and Ozil will look for him after getting constantly
frustrated by Giroud. On the other side,
Patrick Van Aanholt scored 10 points
last week with a goal, and a defender in an attacking role is always good for
us!
Manchester United v
West Ham
Ugh. This could be a fantasy nightmare. Stay away unless
you’re investing in the defense for Manchester United, cause I really don’t
know who’s going to score. 1-1
Player Picks: Chris
Smalling as the goal-scoring defender.
Mauro Zarate if you’re
feeling brave.
Southampton v Aston
Villa
Hard to call this one.
I’ve started to see some improvement for Villa against Watford last
week, despite losing 2-3. For all of Southampton’s strengths, they struggle
against teams that prioritise their defense, which is what Villa will do away
from home. 1-1 draw (yes, call me
chicken)
Player Picks: Tadic
could come back into the goals with Amavi out of the picture, there could be
plenty of space to exploit. My dark horse pick for this week is Steve Sidwell, there are issues in
Southampton’s backline with Jose Fonte possibly out and no apparent clear
starter for Southampton’s right back spot.
Swansea v Leicester
There were signs of life for Swansea against Liverpool last
week as well, can they engage Leicester the same way? I just don’t see it. Will
Gary Monk make it to 2016? I just don’t see it either.0-3 to Leicester.
Player Picks: Definitely
Vardy. I do have concern over Mahrez being rested by tinkerman Ranieri,
but if he starts, then by all means pick him.
Watford v Norwich
Two promoted teams, but has anyone noticed that Watford are
in the Top Ten right now? Watford are clearly ahead in terms of quality, and
discipline. 2-0 as Flores’ men
continue to do well, but there is uncertainty with regards to Gomes (Watford’s
keeper). Check injury updates.
Player picks: Paredes as a nice out of position
defender pick, and Deeney for the
penalty conversion as Norwich collapse.
West Brom v Spurs
It could’ve been Berahino against Spurs, but West Brom
manager Tony Pulis does not seem to rate him. This could be a real slug fest,
as West Brom will look to contain and frustrate Spurs. Harry Kane finally
blanked last week, will he bounce back this week? I seriously don’t think so,
but Spurs should still win. 1-2 to
Spurs.
Player picks: Erikssen
with a setpiece goal, and Aiderweireld
to continue the Spurs trend of goal-scoring defenders.
Chelsea v Bournemouth
One team becoming defensively solid, one team discovering
their attacking verve. Which shall prevail? Probably the Londoners, but they’ll
concede. 2-1.
Player picks: Willian
blanked last week, but that was Spurs, expect a great free kick this weekend.
All eyes are on Hazard as a false nine, but I’m tipping Loic Remy to return and do well.
Newcastle v Liverpool
It’s hard
not to look at this matchup and think: Massacre. But there you have it. 4 - 1
Player
picks: Firmino, Benteke. Not sure if Coutinho will be ready, but we get to
check.
Everton v Crystal Palace
Everton were
undone last week by a Bournemouth fight back. This is arguably one of their
harder matchups but I think they will do just enough to defeat the Londoners.
Player
picks: Deulofeu with some magic,
Seamus Coleman for the clean sheet and assist.
That’s it
for the matches, here’s my team as it stands:
So obviously I need to replace Sanchez, but it does give me
an opportunity to pick up an extra Manchester City midfielder for the early
match. I also have to decide between playing Cech or Lloris (Cech has the edge
for the home advantage, but….). I’m sorely tempted to use a transfer to bring
in Coutinho, on Sunday, but that’s overloading
(Yup, it’s another week without Vardy!). There’s also the Euro option to
consider, but I’m not sure about that.
That’s it! Good luck this weekend! Stay clear from injuries!