Player Picks Week 13

It’s been a long wait but here we are again. The biggest match this weekend is obviously Manchester City and Liverpool, I hope you’ve got your viewing spots settled at your favourite mamak. It’s 1:30am on a Sunday morning but it shouldn’t stop you hardcore fans from watching with your pals!

Before I start, I’d just like to let you know that thanks to Astro, I will be on the Bual Bola talk show tonight at 830pm on Astro Awani 501 to talk, what else, football and fantasy football! Hope you guys tune in!

Right, let’s take a look at each match in turn (again, 2 picks per matchup using my matchup format).

1. Watford vs Manchester United

This match is surprisingly tougher than it looks. Watford have only conceded 4 goals at home, and are second only to one team, which happens to be Manchester United. However, Watford’s   and despite not likely to have Martial, Manchester Untied should nick it. 1-0 close win.

Mata should be fresh for this one, and he should deliver the goods. Darmian should return to the starting line up with a clean sheet and possible assist.

2. Chelsea vs Norwich

A must win for Chelsea, there is no way Chelsea will not win this one. A loss would be diabolical, and even I would start considering those otherwise outrageous conspiracy theories as bandied about by Jose Mourinho. 3-0 to the Blues.

Costa and Hazard to be amongst the goals, giving hope for the embattled Malaysia Blues Army.

3. Everton vs Aston Villa

It’s hard not to expect Everton to easily win this one, but Aston Villa are still experiencing that new manager effect. I fancy Everton to win, but only just. 2-0, with the late second goal due to Villa chasing for an equaliser.

Deulofeu to continue his rich vein of form, and Funes Mori scores with a set-piece header.

4. Newcastle vs Leicester

There could be a festivity of goals for this encounter. Leicester will attack and so will Newcastle Although there’s an issue of Leicester’s captain Wes Morgan being quite late back from the Internationals, Leicester should still win with their commitment to attack. 2-3 to Leicester.

Wijnaldum gets back into the goals, while Mahrez scores another brace. NOT Vardy, sorry.

5. Southampton vs Stoke

It’s a hard game to call this one. Stoke have improved viciously on their defense yet their attack continues to struggle. Southampton might be unable to pierce the Stoke backline, even at home. 0-0 draw.

Ryan Bertrand and Jack Butland for their respective clean sheets.

6. Swansea vs Bournemouth

A match against two teams struggling offensively. For this match though, I expect Bournemouth to push hard and find that match-winning goal, pushing Gary Monk’s position into serious questioning. 0-1 to Bournemouth.

Matt Ritchie with a blockbuster goal, and Francis with a rare clean sheet.

7. West Brom vs Arsenal

Is this really as straightforward as it looks? Arsenal have scored the most in away goals, West Brom have conceded the most at home. Beware of Sanchez though, the possibility of him getting rested is getting more and more likely. I have my reservations, but Arsenal should win. I think. I’m really not sure, I have my doubts! 2-2 draw. There you go.

Ozil to continue to conduct the orchestra, he was not involved in the internationals and will be well rested. James Morrison to score for West Brom. A red card could be in the works here, so be careful!

8. Manchester City vs Liverpool

The match of the week sees a match with so many factors to consider. The possible return of Aguero and Silva to the fold. The likely absence of Kompany, and some of their key defensive players (Otamendi, Demichelis, Fernandinho) all travelling back late from South America. Liverpool’s defense with Sakho. Sterling playing for the first time against his old club. Coutinho and Firmino being well rested and ready to rock.

After all that, I’m going for a massive prediction and bank on Liverpool upsetting the apple cart with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City, incredible as it sounds. See, I’ve also warned you of my possible bias.

Sterling will most likely score against his old gang. Firmino to open his account!

9. Spurs vs West Ham

While most are focused on the Manchester City – Liverpool match, one should not overlook this London derby against the fourth and fifth teams in the league. It’s a potentially explosive encounter, but West Ham are on the back foot a bit with Payet out and uncertainty with their strikers, while Harry Kane has rediscovered his form and is in good touch. 2-1 win for Spurs.

Erikssen with a set piece goal, and Sakho with the consolation goal.

  

10. Crystal Palace vs Sunderland

Another possible upset here, Most of Sunderland’s key players were not involved in the Internationals, as such Big Sam will have had ample time to whip the squad into shape. They showed signs of improvement against Southampton last time out, while Crystal Palace have not scored at the rate they used to. Believe it or not, Palace have only scored one more goal than Sunderland. 1-2 to Sunderland

Lens to come back and prove to Big Sam he belongs in the starting line-up, with Cabaye scoring the obligatory penalty that Sunderland always tries to concede.

That’s it for the matchups! Here’s my team as it stands:

Regardless of whether or not Martial is injured, I will most likely sell him after the first match and maybe grab Costa. Then Mane to Firmino if he starts, and my last move will be to grab Kane in.

Good luck this weekend!