WEEK 28 London Derby Alert!

Very fast turnaround this week, we have matches on Tuesday and Wednesday evening followed by the weekend. All teams play in midweek and the weekend. Take note you’ll only have three transfers to use during this period (the third only during the weekend) so plan carefully.

I have already dealt with the first batch of matches in my last article, but here’s a quick summary for your thoughts, again, in case you have injuries:

Aston Villa v Everton – 0-2 Lukaku, Barkley

Bournemouth v Southampton  - 0-0

Leicester v West Brom – 3-2  (Vardy, Mahrez, Berahino)

Norwich v Chelsea – 0-3 (Costa, Willian)

Sunderland v Crystal Palace – 3-2 (Khazri (he’s now available at 8.5m), Defoe, Bolasie)

Note: With Saido Berahino back and firing, it’s no longer a straightforward win for Leicester, but a helter-skelter type of match. Leicester have the quality and discipline to still win though.

Let’s take a look at the matches on Wednesday:

Arsenal v Swansea. For Arsenal, it’s yet another game where they need to bounce back from previous disappointment. Seriously, how did Arsenal lose against a team patched up with youngsters and a makeshift defence? Lack of mental strength, that’s what. I can’t see Giroud not starting this one, after Walcott bombed, and boy will he need to set the example. Ozil did well last week, he’s still the best pick of the bunch. Arsenal have their London derby with Spurs this weekend, which could rain points. That derby is ALSO the first match of the weekend, take note.

Stoke v Newcastle. Haven’t got Arnautovic in? Here’s another chance. I went for the wrong midfielder (Shaqiri) because I wasn’t sure of Arnie’s fitness. Newcastle are well rested though, so it could be the difference. Stoke play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next though, so not sure if you’d want to keep your Stoke players.

Liverpool v Man City. It’s a Wembley rematch, and Liverpool will be looking to exact some revenge on home soil. It’s a dangerous one to invest in, but Sturridge, Aguero, Coutinho are possible options. Do note that City play Aston Villa this weekend, so it’s not a bad idea to invest early (Liverpool will play Palace).

Manchester United v Watford. No doubt Manchester United have found a spring in their step, which could very well be thanks to the injuries they’ve sustained. Having thirsty youngsters can certainly be a plus. Mata was brilliant in the middle, I think he likes having speedy youngsters in front of him, instead of a plodding balding billionaire, unfortunately it’s not translating into fantasy points. This will still a tough match though. Martial might be back for this one. Sorry folks, Rashford is not in the database yet. Feel free to remind Silent Manager to get him in, like we did for Khazri. (Man U play West Brom this weekend, another potential points banker). On Watford’s side, they’ve been blunt in recent weeks, so it’s hard to recommend their strikers.

West Ham v Spurs. I left this match for last because it’s a potentially explosive London derby encounter. Spurs are now in second, with visions of grandeur ahead. Payet, Antonio, Kane, Alli are your regular suspects in what could be a high goal-scoring match. West Ham play Everton during the weekend. Spurs as mentioned earlier, play Arsenal at White Hart Lane. That’s TWO London derbies in a row, if ever there was a period for Spurs to prove their title credentials, this is it!

My team:

Surprisingly, I went up 4 spots to 71. My free transfers Daniels and Shaqiri did ok while Defoe bombed. For my live transfers, Vardy gave me points but Sanchez and Depay did zilch. Nothing spectacular (Oh, Arnautovic!) With the Depay transfer, I’ve taken two huge risks and sold off Ronaldo and Payet. We’ll see how that pans out later this week. If I have an injury before Tuesday, I’m definitely bringing in Khazri.

This Friday, you’ll get a new Euro code, so it’s another challenge on the cards. We’ll deal with that in my next article.

Good luck everyone!