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Fantasy Premier League: THE FRIDAY FEATURE – Games Predictions & Players Analysis

Published by Robert Nolan on April 9, 2009

Welcome to this week’s Friday Feature! The race for the premiership title is heating up as the pressure mounts and the tension builds. Five teams (Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City) see a heavily packed week with European ties in addition to the weekend premiership matches. At this stage, the Champions League spots for next season look settled, but the race is still on for the Europa League (the revamped UEFA Cup). So this weekend should see some high adrenalin football with the stakes getting higher with each passing minute!

Starting this week we present the Friday Feature in a new format. This site is about Fantasy Football, and Fantasy Football is all about the players. Hence, we will analyse each tie with a special eye for those players who may play an impactful role.

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers: Saturday 11th April, 12:45 PM

Prediction: Liverpool’s dream run almost ended last week when Fulham held them goalless for most of the match, but it wasn’t to be, with Gerrard’s sensational pass and substitute Yossi Benayoun’s sublime finish bagging them the victory. But Liverpool are badly shaken after a humiliating 3-1 home defeat by Chelsea in the midweek Champions League tie. Needing at least 3 goals at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday, Liverpool might rest some key players. Victory should be theirs though…
Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool): It is highly likely that the big-names like Stevie Gerrard will be rested in preparation for Chelsea. Benayoun could have a very important role to play at the weekend..
Stephen Warnock (Blackburn): The main task in front of Blackburn will be to stop Liverpool from scoring, but trying to attack at the same time. That’s where their aggressive left back comes in…

Chelsea vs Bolton Wanderers: Saturday 11th April, 3 PM

Prediction: Both teams are high on confidence, with Bolton coming off a 4-1 mauling of Middlesbrough, and Chelsea decimating Liverpool midweek. Chelsea, too, will probably rest several key players. No doubts about the result though…
John Terry (Chelsea): The Chelsea captain is suspended for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie, so he’s likely to feature in this one. Anyone doubts his performance??
Matthew Taylor (Bolton): Taylor comes off a couple of strong performances against Middlesbrough and West Brom. Against the Blues it’s a different ball game altogether, but still expect something from him.

Middlesbrough vs Hull City: Saturday 11th April, 3 PM

Prediction: Both teams are struggling, but Middlesbrough are struggling more. Desperate to get out of the relegation zone, they’ll be hoping that the home advantage will help them see off Hull.
Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough): He really hasn’t been giving many strong performances of late, but the England lad does have a knack of dropping in at the right time.
Michael Turner (Hull): To ensure that they take away maximum points from the Riverside, Hull will need to ensure that they don’t concede. And if they don’t, this man will play a key role.

Portsmouth vs West Bromwich Albion: Saturday 11th April, 3 PM

Prediction: Both teams are facing a rough time with West Brom at the bottom of the charts, and Portsmouth not too far above them. I really don’t see West Brom coming away with any sort of points here…
Peter Crouch (Portsmouth): The former Liverpool striker has been feeling at home at Fratton Park, and has been getting goals on a regular basis. Expect him to score..
Scott Carson (West Brom): The reserve England goalkeeper has a history of making some remarkable saves. He’ll be a key figure if West Brom dream to come away with any points..

Sunderland vs Manchester United: Saturday 11th April, 3 PM

Prediction: The defending champions have everything going against them, struggling to keep up the pace in the premier league, and just managing a 2-2 home draw against Porto in the midweek Champions League tie. Expect a second string team in preparation for the return leg, but still, I really don’t see Sunderland causing them too much trouble.
Carlos Tevez (Man Utd): I have a feeling that Tevez will start the match, and judging by his recent form, I’d say a goal or two are well within his reach. His energetic display on the field also helps boost the team’s morale.
Kieran Richardson (Sunderland): The former United man has been making a strong impact at the Stadium of Light, and may play a key role in this tie crucial to their survival in the premier league.

Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United: Saturday 11th April, 3 PM

Prediction: Having lost to Blackburn last weekend, I really don’t see Tottenham beating West Ham, who’re undefeated in their last 5 league games. Might get a draw though..
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham): The young English right winger has been on decent run of form recently, expect some heroics from him.
David Di Michele (West Ham): The veteran Italian striker, currently on loan from Torino, will surely have an important part to play with front man Carlton Cole injured till May.

Wigan Athletic vs Arsenal: Saturday 11th April, 3 PM

Predictions: Wigan do have a reputation of causing trouble for the Big Four, but Arsenal do have the quality and inspiration needed to walk away smiling from this tricky away tie. Keep in mind though, probably some major players will be rested in preparation of the home Champions League tie against Villareal.
Mido (Wigan): The Egyptian striker hasn’t really taken off this season, with Amr Zaki doing much better. But with Zaki injured, Mido will have an important role to play if Wigan are to get their name on the score sheet.
Denilson Pereira Neves (Arsenal): The young Portugese lad has been a constant performer this season, fulfilling his father’s dream. He’ll probably have an important role to play for the Gunners.

Stoke City vs Newcastle United: Saturday 11th April, 5.30 PM

Prediction: Newcastle have really been dismal this season, but with their greatest hero Alan Shearer returning as interim manager, they do have a breath of inspiration. Stoke have been doing steady in the middle of the table, and come off a 2-0 away victory at West Brom. This should be a pretty evenly matched contest…let’s see who has the will to win!
Abdoulaye Faye (Stoke City): The Senegal international has been a consistent performer this season, striking the occasional goal too. He’s big, and not afraid to move forward.
Michael Owen (Newcastle): After the criss-cross of his career, the former England talisman has finally settled at Newcastle. Not many inspirational performances yet, but he’s not quite lost his charm yet.

Aston Villa vs Everton: Sunday 12th April, 2 PM

Prediction: Everton are hitting top form with 3 wins in their last 5 matches. Aston Villa, on the other hand, look like a shadow of the side from earlier in the season. They have just 1 point from their last 6 matches. Showing the fight in them, they almost shocked the world with a victory at Old Trafford, but debutant United debutant Macheda ensured that it wasn’t to be. This will be a closely fought match, with 5th place in the league at stake.
Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa): The superfast striker put one past Van Der Sar last weekend. It’s not unlikely that he’ll do it again this week.
Jo (Everton): The Brazilian striker found the net twice last weekend. On loan from Man City, he’s been a lot more at home at the Goodison Park. If Everton score, he’s very likely to be their man.

Manchester City vs Fulham: Sunday 12th April, 4.10 PM

Prediction: Fulham and City lie within two points of each other in the premiership table, with both trying to grab a Europa League spot for next season. Expect this on to be a cracker!
Robinho (Man City): The much hyped Brazilian has failed to give many concrete performances thus far, but never doubt his skills..
Bobby Zamora (Fulham): If not phenomenal, Zamora has been consistent this season, as has been the Fulham side. He’ll be a key man for this fixture.

Well, that’s all we have for this week’s Friday Feature, should be a cracking ten games over the weekend! Hope your fantasies are fulfilled!!

Please feel free to leave any comments or opinions, and discuss your thoughts with others!
Happy Fantasy!

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