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As always, here's the link to the comprehensive Team News report from our friends at ESPN Soccernet. And, as always, here is the official Never Manage Alone analysis of what it all means for your fantasy team for the upcoming match week and beyond:
Everton vs. Manchester City - Jan Mucha might be an interesting option in net if the opposition weren't City. As it stands, Tim Howard's injury replacement is one to start thinking about after this week - especially if he gets shelled. Similar story for Johnny Heitinga who is likely to start again with Phil Jagielka out but seems more likely for a YC than a CS against City. For City, Sergio Aguero will be out (as will Vincent Kompany) which means that Carlos Tevez should start making him a nice budget alternative to RvP/Rooney - especially with Howard and Jags out at the heart of the Toffees' defense.
Aston Villa vs. QPR - Mostly a lot of "meh" here but if you were wondering where Adel Taarabt was last weekend it wasn't just that he was in 'arry's doghouse - apparently he was sidelined with "a knock". Sounds like he'll be an option this weekend which might sound appealing but for his price and the sneaking suspicion that 'arry still 'ates him.
Southampton vs. Liverpool - Not much to speak of here either with the exception of Pepe Reina being possibility which undermines both his and Brad Jones' value. Frustrating and I'd stay away from both unless there's some certainty before the deadline tomorrow.
Stoke City vs. West Brom - Robert Huth is still out meaning Marc Wilson is still a bargain option. Not much else here worth noting.
Swansea vs. Arsenal - Not too much here that is likely to change your fantasy team - Bacary Sagna is still out so Carl Jenkinson is a reasonable option at just under 6.00.
Manchester United vs. Reading - Nani and Phil Jones are out but, of course, there's no word on who is likely to start in United's midfield. Could be Ryan Giggs, could be Ashley Young, could be Antonio Valencia, could be a narrow formation with guys like Kagawa and Cleverley in a fluid alignment. Who the hell knows. Translated - don't play the guessing game with a solid chunk of budget.
Sunderland vs. Norwich - Not much news that fantasy managers can use here.
Tottenham vs. Fulham - The only news of note comes from Aaron Lennon and Clint Dempsey both being available again with Lennon almost certainly slotting back into the line-up. Dempsey's starting status is less certain.
Chelsea vs. West Ham - There's very little definitive here other than speculation on the returns of Demba Ba and Frank Lampard to the starting line-up. What is certain is that West Ham's midfield will be decimated as they are minus Kevin Nolan (broken toe), Mark Noble (arm) and likely Joe Cole ("major doubt" with a hamstring). One wonders if the Hammers will be able to hold the ball at all without those three.
Wigan vs. Newcastle - Hatem Ben Arfa has been ruled out for the rest of the season - he's certainly talented when healthy but the "when healthy" thing doesn't seem to be very frequent, does it? Yohan Cabaye is also an injury doubt which means you should probably move off of him if you're buying at retail. That's a lot of money to spend on someone who isn't a locked-in starter.