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Looking forward its a big week for the the title race. The two favourites Manchester City and Chelsea face off. City will go into the game with Kun likely missing. Jose will play to pinch the win and take the draw. City will play the way they play home and away, just attacking none stop. My prediction is with Kun missing out, Chelsea out think the city attack and pinch a draw, maybe even a late winner. Meanwhile the dark horse in the race Arsenal host the even more defensive Crystal Palace. An Arsenal couple goal win is expected. Failure to do so will add pressure on a squad suffering from injury while concerned with the nightmare fixture run to come. From a title bid point of view, it is must win for the gunners and hopefully they get the job done to keep it interesting.
At Old Trafford the question is whether David Moyes will try and risk Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in the same side for the trip to Stoke. Mark Hughes will hope not, most will hope he tries.
Onto the latest team news.
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Out: Walcott, Wiltshire, Flamini, Ramsey
Doubt: Monreal (rotation)
In: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky
Win: This all depends on whether Arsenal get a first half lead. Do so and I will tip Oliver Giroud to pick up a brace.
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Out: Kozak
Doubt: Agbonlahor
In: Lowton
Win: With Evertons injuries building up Benteke is the obvious pick here to continue his form.
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Out: Taylor
Doubt: Hudson, Mutch
In: Zaha, Fabio
Win: Noone has been impressing in recent weeks and if he can cause Man City issues then Norwich should be worried.
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Out: Torres, Van Ginkel
Doubt: Cole
In: Luiz in defensive midfield
Win: Eden Hazard was purchased just for games like these. Bar far the form player and Man Citys defending does not convince. A goal on the break then.
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Out: Murray, Thomas
Doubt: Parr
In: nothing new
Win: Ward. A trip to Arenal will need plenty of tackles won and blocked shots. Ward has been the man for these all season
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Out: Coleman, Deulofeu, Disten, Gibson, Kone, Lukaku, Oviedo
Doubt:
In: Naismith, McGready
Win:
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Out: Ruiz, Briggs
Doubt: Risse, Amorebieta
In: Richardson, Duff, Bent, Holtby
Win: If and it is an if he gets the nod, Darren Bent will get yet a further chance to save his Premier League career.
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Out: Chester, Mcgregor,
Doubt: Livermore (going back to spurs or not)
In: Harper, Meyler
Win: With Spurs defence all shook up its time for Jelavic to open his Hull account.
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Out: Agger, Lucas, Johnson, Enrique, Sakho
Doubt: Allen
In: Flanagan
Win: Suarez who would you have expected?
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Out: Miner, Nasri
Doubt: Aguero
In: Negredo
Win: David Silva has played well but not found the fantasy points. I a tight game a moment of magoc may be needed and Silva is the best magician City have.
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Out: Nani, Vidic
Doubt: Ferdianand
In: Smalling, Rooney, RVP
Win: Robin Van Persie. If Utd roll out with Rooney and Mata behind him he will be licking his lips.
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Out: Remy, Cabaye, Collocini
Doubt:
In: Ameobi,
Win: HBA. May get kicks now Cabaye has gone but flops more than he hits. In many sides this week I'd guess.
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Out: Bennett, Howsen, Turner
Doubt: Pilkington, Redmond both rotation
In: Gutierrez
Win: Snodgrass as master of the phantom. A goal is due.
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Out: Lovern, Fox, Ramirez
Doubt: Lambert
In: Yoshida
Win: JayRod. Space galore offered in the Fulham back line and Jay has the pace to take advantage.
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Out: Etherington, Huth, Wilkinson
Doubt: Ireland,
In:
Win:Assaidi a Liverpool loan against Man Utd.
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Out: Cuellar, Westwood
Doubt: Cattermole
In: Fletcher
Win: Adam Johnson has been on fire but cannot keep scoring as he is not that good. However Newcastle are missing most of their spine so one more week anybody?
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Out: Michu,
Doubt: Vorm, Routledge (rotation)
In: Dyer (rotation)
Win: Bony. Will obviously score when we all drop him.
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Out: Townsend, Rose
Doubt: Soldado (rotation)
In: Vertonghen
Win: Eriksen who had been racking up the points prior to City. Back in his grooves here.
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Out: Sessegnon, Popov
Doubt: Anelka
In: Amalfitano,
Win: Brunt in form and on penalty duties.
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Out: Joe Cole, Petric
Doubt: Reid,
In: McCartney
Win: Carroll will be giving Chico and co a sleepless night.
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My side hit 143 points midweek, a score I would have been happy with Tuesday lunchtime. However, this was good to drop me 6 places to 56th. This is one brutal game this season. I have yet to play with my side this week but as often I am getting stuck with discounts which I have fought hard to avoid. Worse I'm concerned RVP and Rooney may just rotate their starting position for a couple of weeks to build fitness. I assume Moyes has not got that luxury but the thought is in my head.
Stall