Woo hoo! I get to write the first fan post. Thanks to you all for picking such a quality blogging platform.
So I have hastily had to come up with an idea for a weekly post that I can write. So here goes.
One to pick - Victor Moses
When he moved to Wigan he brought with him some very high expectations. He had been playing well for Crystal Palace and was one of their very few sale-able assets. He has represented England up to under 19s level he has been called up to play for Nigeria although he has yet to appear for the Super Eagles.
This season has finally seen him deliver on some of his early promise. A secure place in the Wigan team has helped his production. He averages 5.5 points at a cost of 7 but has been averaging 7.5 in his last three games with an 8.5 last week. What makes him the pick of the week is his matchup. Bolton have shown none of the rugged determination for being hard to beat and keeping clean sheets that they have in previous years. Although I am not saying Wigan are a lock to win this, as their troubles run almost as deep as Bolton's, but they are at home and there's a very slim chance of this game ending 0-0.
Possible alternative pick - Ben Watson. Same reasoning behind Moses and probably a slightly safer but more expensive pick.
One to risk - Mario Balotelli
Mad Mario is the epitome of a risky pick. You are never sure what you'll get from him. Will you get the goal scoring form he showed in scoring a hat-trick against this week's opponents Aston Villa in 2010? Will you get a petulent display that will see him taking an early bath? Will Mancini's rotation policy even see him hit the field?
Bear in mind though that Balotelli is suspended for the midweek visit of Villareal to the Theatre of Comedy. Couple this with Augero's injury struggles and Dzeko potentially still being in the Mancini's dog house - all signs point towards Super Mario getting a start. Villareal at home is a must win game for citeh and if Mancini has to rest a few players ahead of it, then that just increases the likelihood of Mario playing.
On the back of 13.5 and 9.5 point performances he is certainly in form and for an investment of 9 he is one risk that may be worth taking. It pains me to say it but citeh have looked good at home and even though Aston Villa, under Alex McLeish, have looked good at the back citeh will almost certainly score.
Possible alternative risk - Peter Odemwingie. 14 is a lot to spend on a player whose season has yet to get into full flow. At home to Wolves is as good a time as any for Odemwingie to show some of the form that he showed last year. There is potential for him to score big points this week but there's also a risk in picking someone at 14 and averaging 5 points per game.
One to Miss - Nani
Manchester United's mercurial winger is their top scoring midfielder. But Fergie has never shown any trust in Nani when it comes to big games and when he has, he hasn't been rewarded with a world beating performance. With Park, Young, Valencia and Giggs all now available and offering more predictable and reliable options, I expect Fergie to go with one of those and maybe use Nani the following week in the title deciding Manclassico.
Manchester United visiting Liverpool is unpredictable at best. The match could end up 3-0 to either side just as easily as it could end up 3-3 or 0-0. And with Nani, like with Rooney in this fixture, you always have that threat of a booking or worse hanging over them.
I may even stretch as far as saying I would avoid most Manchester United and Liverpool players, except those held at silly discounts - like De Gea.
Possible alternative player to avoid - Fernando Torres. Until he shows me a reason to not avoid him, he will permanently be on this list. At home to Everton should be a good reason to buy but with so many other attacking options available to Chelsea, the One-Year-Wonder isn't worth it.
