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Game-week 19 certainly was hectic; not only did we have a double game-week to navigate in FPL, but we had the new high water mark of games and players being at risk due to coronavirus. To add to the drama, we had even more football to view with the FA Cup 4th round over the weekend! Even though we’re back to a single game-week, the games are still congested with game-week 20 being all mid-week fixtures.
Tuesday
[ This is one of TWO matches that should show confirmed lineups before the Fantrax deadline. ]
Crystal Palace vs West Ham United
Both sides have mostly full squads with all key assets fit and healthy except Wilfried Zaha who has a slight knock. Crystal Palace was dumped out of the FA Cup a while back, so the Eagles have had time to re-group from their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Man City. The Hammers are in good shape and form, and they were able to rotate in their comfortable 4-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Prediction: 1-2
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Newcastle United vs Leeds
[ This is one of TWO matches that should show confirmed lineups before the Fantrax deadline. ]
Newcastle has no fresh injury concerns, defender Ciaran Clark remaining as a slight doubt (calf). The Magpies have been in awful form recently, losing their last four on the bounce in the League. Leeds has stuttered recently, losing the last two. The Peacocks hope that shot-stopper Illan Meslier returns to the fold after sitting out last time with an illness.
Prediction: 1-1
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Southampton vs Arsenal
The Saints will be without left-back Ryan Bertrand who’s suspended for one-match, with Kyle Walker-Peters also set to miss out. Elsewhere Nathan Redmond is probably only recovered enough to ride the bench. The Saints fielded a strong side in their FA Cup victory over Arsenal on Saturday. The Gunners rested some of their players so should be back to full strength except for captain Aubameyang who is doubtful due to a personal situation.
Prediction: 1-2
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West Brom vs Manchester City
The Baggies have no injury concerns in this fixture, and they’ll need their best to keep out the high-flying Citizens who have won their last six. But Man City has been dealt a blow with Kevin De Bruyne ruled out for six calendar weeks with a hamstring injury. Elsewhere, Aguero is still no closer to returning, now positive for coronavirus. This will be a huge task for the Baggies, but the two sides shared the spoils back in December.
Prediction: 0-3
Wednesday
Burnley vs Aston Villa
Sean Dyche’s men famously ended Liverpool’s Anfield 68 game unbeaten run with a late penalty. Left back Charlie Taylor is still struggling to return, but otherwise there are no new concerns for the Clarets. Aston Villa has the luxury of a full squad to choose from as the Villans look to rediscover some of their strong form from earlier in the season.
Prediction: 1-1
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Chelsea vs Wolves
It has suddenly gone horribly wrong for manager Frank Lampard. The Blues are struggling right now, with just one win in their last five league matches. They do have a fit squad to pick from, with Kante the only doubt (hamstring). Wolves are also struggling, not helped by the long-term absence of talisman Raul Jimenez. Unfortunately, forward Daniel Podence is also a long-term absentee.
Prediction: 2-0
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Brighton vs Fulham
Struggling Brighton managed to grab an important win over Leeds last time out even though the trio of Lamptey, Lallana and Welbeck are are all out long-term. Fellow strugglers from Fulham have solidified at the back in recent weeks, and they don’t have any new injury concerns. This six-pointer is one to watch with both sides fighting for survival.
Prediction: 1-0
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Everton vs Leicester
The Toffees missed out last game-week, their opponent Aston Villa idled by a COVID outbreak. This has given striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin a chance to get fit for this fixture. Teamate Doucouré will sit this one out suspended. Foxes’ talisman Jamie Vardy is out for hernia surgery, and his recovery will keep him away until at least mid-February.
Prediction: 1-2
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Manchester United vs Sheffield United
The Red Devils are in fine form, winning four of their last five, and they’re buoyed that they don’t have any current major injury concerns. Lindelöf has a slight back strain, but fellow defender Bailly should come back into the side either way. John Egan will sit out for Sheffield United due to suspension. The Blades have recently recorded their first win of the season, so one monkey is off their backs anyway.
Prediction: 2-0
Thursday
Tottenham v Liverpool
After slipping a bit recently with a string of frustrating draws, Spurs won last time out. Competing fullbacks Aurier and Doherty have slight knocks but will try to return for this one.
Liverpool has been in dull form, not scoring in the league for four matches. Apart from their current long-term absentees, the Reds don’t have any other injury concerns. They’ll be desperate to turn their fortunes around, especially against a Spurs side poised to leapfrog them in the table.
Prediction: 2-1
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What are your predictions for this game-week? Are you quick to move out Liverpool assets from your fantasy sides? Or do you think they’ll turn it around? And has anyone bought a January transfer yet? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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