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Week 24: Injuries and suspensions

After a midweek treat and with the transfer window almost shut, we take a look at those missing in action this week.

"Everybody back" - Jose copies big sam's tactical plan at Man City but see's nothing wrong this time.
"Everybody back" - Jose copies big sam's tactical plan at Man City but see's nothing wrong this time.
Ian Walton

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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Arsenal

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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Aston Villa

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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Cardiff City

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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Chelsea

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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Crystal Palace

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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Everton

Out: Coleman, Deulofeu, Disten, Gibson, Kone, Lukaku, Oviedo

Doubt:

In: Naismith, McGready

Win:

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Fulham

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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Hull City

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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Liverpool

Out: Agger, Lucas, Johnson, Enrique, Sakho

Doubt: Allen

In: Flanagan

Win: Suarez who would you have expected?

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Manchester City

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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Manchester United

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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Newcastle

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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Norwich City

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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Southampton

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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Stoke City

Out:  Etherington, Huth, Wilkinson

Doubt: Ireland,

In:

Win:Assaidi a Liverpool loan against Man Utd.

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Sunderland

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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Swansea City

Out: Michu,

Doubt: Vorm, Routledge (rotation)

In: Dyer (rotation)

Win: Bony. Will obviously score when we all drop him.

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Tottenham Hotspur

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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West Bromwich Albion

Out: Sessegnon, Popov

Doubt: Anelka

In: Amalfitano,

Win: Brunt in form and on penalty duties.

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West Ham United

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.

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