Eurosport - Sat, 25 Apr 12:00:00 2009
We might be crazy but we reckon a couple of Newcastle players could help you steal in a march in the fantasy run-in.
GOALKEEPERS
Choose 'em: Newcastle badly need a win against Portsmouth at home and under the lights on Monday night you have to fancy them to do the business against a Pompey side who have failed to score in their last two away games. That makes Steve Harper (5.56) look like a real steal this weekend. Sunderland's Craig Gordon (5.27) also has a favourable match-up away at West Brom and could be worth picking up, while for the real cheap skates Paul Robinson (1.49) is useable given Blackburn's nice home tie with Wigan. If you have money spare then Liverpool's Jose Reina (11.70) is the man to go for because his price has dropped a little after he conceded four at Arsenal.
Lose 'Em:Manuel Almunia (13.68) is back in training for Arsenal so all those who picked up Lukasz Fabianski (6.61) have to look for a new keeper. Everton have a stingy defence and Tim Howard (12.46) is usually a good pick at Goodison, but Manchester City are the type of team that can score some goals if they catch fire.
DEFENDERS
Choose 'em: Manchester United have a few problems in defence which means the returning Wes Brown (6.15) is sure to get plenty of action in the final few weeks of the season. Johan Djourou (5.76) returns for Arsenal this week and could be useful for a similar reason - although neither are guaranteed starts so proceed with caution. Gael Givet (2.02) started for Blackburn last weekend and could pick up some cheap points at home to Wigan. Fulham's mean defence are unlikely to give much away at home to Stoke so John Paintsil (8.89) looks a good pick-up. West Ham's James Tomkins (7.10) still has the best average points total of any defender in the game which should be respected even, with the tough game against Chelsea.
Lose 'em: Guus Hiddink has conceded defeat in the title race so be careful picking Chelsea players as some might be rested with the Champions League in mind. Ricardo Carvalho (8.35) and Ashley Cole (11.55) both have knocks so they certainly could be absent. John O'Shea (7.37) and Gary Neville (3.87) are both injured so don't let their attractive prices catch you out. Tottenham's Alan Hutton (6.08) was impressive off the bench against Newcastle last week so he is one to keep on your radar before the end of the season, but not this weekend with Spurs going to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
MIDFIELDERS
Choose 'em: With Steven Gerrard out for Liverpool, Yossi Benayoun (12.64) will once again play the role of Liverpool's chief attacking midfielder. His price might look quite expensive but he is decent value compared to the attacking midfielders of the other members of the 'big four'. Everton rested Marouane Fellaini (8.66) for the mid-week game against Chelsea so he should be fresh to do some damage against Manchester City. Fulham's home game with Stoke makes their midfielders worth a look and Simon Davies (7.69) looks the best value. Finally, Theo Walcott (9.76) and Sami Nasri (9.68) both have the talent to do serious damage to a poor Middlesbrough side.
Lose 'Em: Aaron Lennon (10.63) is a fantasy favourite but unlikely to get much change out of a Manchester United defence that is starting to look mean again. Middlesbrough's Stuart Downing (12.06) is another who should get locked up against Arsenal. Niko Kranjcar (9.73) will again be out for Portsmouth so dump him from your side if you have him. Wigan's Lee Cattermole (4.62) is back from suspension and cheap as chips, but he gets more cards than a pretty girl on Valentine's Day so a minus total is always a danger.
FORWARDS
Choose 'em: We must be out of our tiny minds but we are advising you to go with a Newcastle striker. The Magpies must win against Portsmouth on Monday night and Michael Owen (8.48) is due a goal - call it a gut selection. If you have money to burn well then why not splash the cash on Fernando Torres (21.28)? With Liverpool out of the Champions League you at least know he is going to play. Andrey Arshavin (11.71) should already be in your side at a much cheaper price but if you still don't have him - do it now! He is guaranteed to start against Middlesbrough as he is cup tied for the Champions League. Djibril Cisse (13.08) ended a goal drought with the winner against Hull last weekend - now watch him go against West Brom. The credit crunch busting option is Benni McCarthy (6.47), Blackburn's only fit striker and capable of scoring against a Wigan side who have been leaking goals lately.
Lose 'em: You should proceed with caution when it comes to all Arsenal and Chelsea strikers. They have nothing to play for in the league and, with big Champions League games coming up mid-week, nobody but Arshavin is guaranteed to start. Jo (12.45) has been producing the goods for Everton - especially in home games - but he cannot play against parent club Manchester City this weekend as per the terms of his loan agreement. Tottenham's Robbie Keane (11.00) still looks underpriced but maybe wait until after the trip to Old Trafford before adding him.
Comment 1 - 10 of 10
we've got some work to do now,hello scooby doo where are you . .
scooby doo where are you ?
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peven gerread
"Arsenal have nothing to play for in the league", what cr@p. We haven't guaranteed our Champions League spot yet, i'm pretty sure that will still be on Wenger and the players mind's.
miceal owen
You mean the same Aaron Lennon who destroyed Evra at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final? Yeah, no chance tomorrow...;)
come on Arshavin, more four goals
I no have any idea..
lose gerrard!!!
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