Fantasy Premier League

Thu May 08 04:16AM by Neal Thurman

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I have to say, as a writer, and a writer about fantasy football, you can hardly ask for more than a final weekend of the season that actually means something for this many clubs.  ManYoo, Chelsea, Everton, Villa, Fulham, Bolton, Reading, and Birmingham all have something pretty serious to play for (the title, UEFA Cup, or safety from the drop).  Sure, we've gotten used to the relegation battle coming down to the last day but with the exception of the final two Champions League spots and the final relegation spot, everything is still there to be won (or lost).  Should be a wild day.

Before we get to the actual week ahead, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on Arsenal's loss of Flamini to Milan.  I have a lot of faith in Wenger and let's face it, whether you're an Arsenal supporter or not, he's earned it.  That said, the loss of both Flamini and Diarra is inexcusable.  Maybe Diaby really has the goods but you have to doubt it based on his performance to date.  Why would you let one of the rising stars in the game go over a little money? The idea that Arsenal wants to maintain a salary structure is noble but unless they can convince the rest of the clubs in Europe to tow the same line, they're ultimately doomed to lose their best players if they continue with this philosophy.  All in all, a very depressing day.  And couldn't he have gone somewhere other than Milan?  Really, just about anywhere would have been better (OK, Juve would have been just as bad).

OK, on to the main event...

Obviously the teams above are the ones to concentrate on since they have the most to play for, especially for the ones that are playing teams that don't have anything on the line.  The teams that match that description are Birmingham, Reading, Fulham, Villa, ManYoo, and Everton.  I'd devalue Everton because they've been pretty rotten the last month or so.  Also hard to get too excited about Reading even though they are playing Derby with relegation on the line.  Basically, you have to ask yourself who you think has the stuff to play under intense pressure.  I'm inclined to think the list for this weekend looks like ManYoo, Chelsea, Fulham, and Villa.  I picture Bolton, Reading, Brum, and Everton wilting.  Not much of an idea what to make of the matches between clubs whose players already have their heads on the golf courses and beaches.

Strikers
Brian McBride because he comes up big for Fulham when they need it...Tevez because you saw what he did last year with relegation on the line...Lita because, well, he's super-cheap and they are playing Derby...Drogba because he's going to want to show everyone what they're missing next season when he's teaming with Flamini in Milan...Walcott because you already have him pretty cheap and he's still auditioning.

Midfielders
CRon because he's the new Henry...Ballack because he's cheaper than Lamps (who would be a nice option as well if you can afford him)...FloMal because there's great symmetry in him scoring on the first and last weekend of the season...Jummy because he's done nothing but produce...Barry because you hopefully still have him cheap from when we told you to get on the bandwagon for the last 6 weeks (he's been killing it ever since)...Olivier Kapo because I just have a feeling and there aren't many great cheap options...Ryan Giggs because he's cheap and Nani is suspended.

Defenders
John Terry because Bolton won't score and he's 30% or so to get a goal off a set piece...Paulo Ferriera because he's pretty cheap and I'm still betting that Bolton won't score...Woody because he's relatively cheap and Spurs have been playing well when he is healthy...Michael Duberry because he's cheap and Derby is Derby and unlikely to score even at home...Silvestre because he's cheap and might get a start (or at least a victory lap for the substitute clean sheet)...Wish I had more to recommend here but there just isn't that much available.

Keepers
Fabianski because he's cheap and there are fewer questions about him than any of the other options...Edwin van der Sar because you might have the money...Scott Carson because he's pretty cheap with the caveat that Villa have been giving up goals even against teams that they shouldn't be...Roy Carroll because you want in on the proposition that Reading isn't going to score even though they need the points and they're playing Derby (only for the true risk-lovers).

I generally don't do this but I just got back from seeing Iron Man and I give it a big thumbs up.  Extremely well done, a great combination of action, humor, and quality acting (Jeff Bridges was especially good).  If you get a chance, see it on the big screen.  We'll look forward to seeing you on Friday for the final Injuries and Suspensions update.

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