The idea of the game is that you pick a team from the Premier League or the Championship from the fixtures each weekend. If your team avoids defeat then you pass through to the next round. If your team loses, you’re out. To make things more interesting, not to mention more challenging, and to stop people picking Manchester United every week, you cannot pick the same team twice.

Sounds complicated? I thought so when I first came across the site, but in reality it is a really simple game to play. But it takes a lot of forward thinking and strategy to play with any degree of success. You will need to study the fixture list for the weeks in advance to plan your strategy due to the game’s unique point of only being able to pick a team once through the course of the season.

Do you go with “the big 4″ for the first four weeks and hope they’ll get you that banker result that will guarantee that you get at least into week 5 still in the competition? Or do you hold those banker cards until the later stages, hoping that you can select positive results in the meantime from the smaller clubs?

There’s a lot to think about, but the important factor to remember is that to pass through to the next round, you only need to select a team NOT to lose. That makes things just that little bit easier, especially once you get to a stage where perhaps you have already chosen the bigger, better, more consistent sides. You may not think, for example, that Wolves will beat Fulham at home, but the odds are improved when you can afford for them to draw the game as well. But as I’m sure you are all aware, football is an unpredictable game at times.

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The site runs individual games starting at the beginning of each month (August until February), which will each last until everybody is eliminated from the game or until the end of the season, whichever comes first. The winner will be the “last man standing”, the player or players who have remained unbeaten for the longest period, and they will take home the jackpot cash prize fund from the money created from entries to that particular game.

If there is more than one winner, then the money is shared equally between them. The site also awards cash prizes to the top 20% of players, so you have a good chance of winning at least something. And with the site becoming ever more popular, the good news is that the prizes at stake are increasing all the time. The bad news with that is that you have all the more people to try and beat! But if you do well, then the rewards are well worth winning. Entry to the game is ?10, and you can submit multiple entries to each of the monthly games, which can provide you with up to eight months of playing time, so it’s good value for money.

It’s great that there are variants of the regular fantasy football games that are already available. As in all of these games, the sportingko.com game is all about strategy. Rather than picking the right players at the right times as in other fantasy football competitions, here you must study the fixtures, not just for this week or the next few weeks but for the season long, and select a formula that will keep you in the game for the longest possible amount of time. But the thing that makes all of these games work though is the great sport of football.

But with the title all wrapped up, and the Europa League as well as Cup spots finalised, you’d think that there’s not much left in the league, eh? Well, if you do, then I’m sorry to say that you’re badly mistaken!

For some teams, winning is a far of dream…survival is a more immediate concern. Dubbed as ?Survival Sunday’, this Sunday promises a special treat for football fans with the relegation battle reaching its crescendo.

This week, we have a special treat for you! We’ll explore all the permutations and combinations possible at the bottom of the table, and see how the turn of events might bring smiles on the faces of some, and lead to heartbreak for others.

Here’s a look at the bottom 5 teams before their last league matches:

Sunderland?????????? – 36
Hull City?????????????? – 35
Newcastle United???? – 34
Middlesbrough??? ???? – 32
West Bromwich Albion – 31

As things stand right now, West Brom are already relegated. Practically speaking, so are Middlesbrough…but technically they still have an outside chance. So basically it’s a battle between three teams: Sunderland, Hull and Newcastle. Two survive, one goes down. It’s a real pity that none of them are playing each other…such a tie would’ve been off the hook! Anyway, here’s a lowdown on these teams’ fixtures, and possible results and consequences:

Sunderland vs Chelsea
If Sunderland win, they survive. Though, unfortunately for them, a victory is highly unlikely against a strong Chelsea side.
If they lose, then it’s all open. But both Hull and Newcastle will need victories to overhaul them (on account of goal difference and points). If either drops points, they’re through anyway.
If they get a draw against the mighty Blues, a very interesting situation arises. If Hull and Newcastle both win, Newcastle survive on account of a superior goal difference! That would be a highly unlikely, yet enticing outcome!

Hull City vs Manchester United
The result of such a match would’ve been beyond a doubt on another day, but not on this particular Sunday! Hull will give almost anything to survive in top flight English football. Also, Manchester United are likely to field a second string squad to protect their stars for the Champions league final against Barcelona.
A Hull victory wouldn’t be a very surprising outcome, in which case they’ll survive.
If they get a draw, and Newcastle don’t win, they still survive. But if Newcastle do win, then they’re out, even though they might be level on points with Sunderland (Goal Difference).
If they lose, the only way they stay is if Newcastle don’t get even a single point at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
For Newcastle, the equation is pretty simple. Only a victory gives them a strong chance at survival (they’ll live if either Sunderland or Hull drop points).
They’ll be praying that Hull loose to Manchester United, in which case a draw will be sufficient for the Magpies.
A defeat sends them straight out…nothing can save them in that case.

West Ham United vs Middlesbrough
Most likely Middlesbrough are out. The only scenario in which they can survive is that both Newcastle and Hull loose, and they improve their goal difference by at least 5 in the 90 minutes they have. Seems like a very tall order.

So there you have it folks. Now you know exactly how things stand, and how good the chances of all four teams are. Pick your sides!!

Here’s how I see things:
Frankly speaking, you can’t really say anything on ?Survival Sunday’. Even the most unlikely of results are possible…But personally, I don’t see Hull beating Manchester United, and I don’t think a Newcastle victory at Aston Villa is improbable. The implication being that for me, Sunderland and Newcastle will survive the battle, while Hull go down along with Middlesbrough and West Brom.

Here’s a list of the remaining matches, which really don’t serve any purpose as everything has already been decided. So no predictions this time!

Arsenal vs Stoke City

Blackburn Rovers vs West Bromwich Albion

Fulham vs Everton

Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City vs Bolton Wanderers

Wigan vs Portsmouth

A few words of advice for dedicated fantasy league players. I’d say don’t bet on the matches of the relegation threatened teams… unless, of course, you have that daredevil hidden within you.

Liverpool’s Sami Hyypia is likely to give a strong farewell performance at Anfield, and the run of form Steven Gerrard has been in makes him a safe pick. Nicholas Anelka will look to move ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the golden boot, so he’s likely to put up a spirited performance as well (Ronaldo is unlikely to play, considering the upcoming Champions League final). Please note that Newcastle’s Michael Owen is doubtful due to injury, as are Luke and Ashley Young for Villa. Borough flanker Stewart Downing is also out.

The surprises are not over dear readers! As it is the last day of the league, all the matches will be held on Sunday, 24th May, at 4 PM. As we have already seen, the fates of all the clubs involved lie more in the hands of the other teams than in their own…so their fates will be more intertwined than you can imagine! Whatever the outcome, ?Survival Sunday’ will surely be a day to remember…for all the teams involved as well as the fans!

Your comments and views are welcome. Also, we welcome your ideas and suggestions…what would you like to read now that the Premier League enters the off season?? Enjoy your football, and Happy Fantasy!

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At the other extreme for the table, West Brom and Middlesbrough are almost certainly relegated, while Hull, Newcastle and Sunderland battle it out for top flight survival.

Manchester United vs Arsenal: Saturday 16th May, 12.45 PM
Prediction: With a commanding 6 point lead over title rivals Liverpool with just 2 games to go, United will look to wrap up the Barclay’s Premier League in front of their home fans this Saturday. Considering the form both teams have been in, and the result of both the legs of the Champions League semi finals, it really shouldn’t be too tough for the Red Devils, but you never know! Arsenal will be hoping that their star striker Andrei Arshavin is fit to play. But I believe we’re looking at a United victory, and a third consecutive title for the defending champions!!

Robin van Persie (Arsenal): With 9 goals and 9 assists this season, he’s been one of Arsenal’s top players. He’ll try his best to leave his mark on this all important clash!

Carlos Tevez (Manchester United): The prolific Argentinean has been an intermittent part of the United first team this season. But despite the uncertainties over his future, he’s been a consistent performer. Expect him to fire!

Bolton Wanderers vs Hull City: Saturday 16th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Bolton are safely clear of the relegation zone, while Hull are in desperate need for some points. Normally, one would predict a comfortably home victory for Bolton, but if someone is fighting for survival, you never know what might happen! Watch out for a charged up Hull!

Matthew Taylor (Bolton): With 10 goals this season, Taylor has been the mainstay of Bolton’s midfield. He’s also the top scoring fantasy player for the club. Watch out for him!

Deiberson Geovanni (Hull): He has been Hull’s most prolific player this season, and he’ll try his best to inspire his team to ensure survival in the Premier League.

Everton vs West Ham United: Saturday 16th May, 3 PM
Prediction: One of the best contests of the weekend! Everton will try to overhaul Aston Villa to rise to 5th spot, while West Ham will try their best to ensure qualification for the Europa League (for which Everton have already qualified). This one should be as close as it gets!!

Tim Cahill (Everton): The aggressive Australian midfielder has been impressive this season, and will look to add to his tally of goals and assists in the last couple of games..

David Di Michele (West Ham): Faced with an injury crisis of sorts, West Ham turn to their player on loan to guide them to victory.

Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Saturday 16th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Aston Villa look to gain some momentum towards the end of the season, after losing their way and letting go of an excellent start. Middlesbrough are almost certainly going to be relegated, and the only chance of survival they have is winning both the remaining matches… No predictions here!

Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough): The only way Middlesbrough are going to survive in the league is by scoring…and the veteran Turk is one of their only hopes of doing that.

James Milner (Aston Villa): Going by recent form, he has been one of Villa’s most effective players.

Newcastle United vs Fulham: Saturday 16th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams have something to fight for. Fulham look to secure their place in the Europa Cup, while Newcastle are fighting for their very survival in the league. This one should be a closely fought contest, with both teams putting in their all.

Steven Taylor (Newcastle): Truthfully speaking, not even one of the Newcastle players has really been performing this season. They desperately need points to survive, and for that it’s imperative that they don’t concede. That’s where the defender comes in.

Bobby Zamora (Fulham): He is one of the most cost effective players in Fantasy Football, and with Andrew Johnson doubtful, the responsibility on his shoulders increases.

Stoke City vs Wigan Athletic: Saturday 16th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams are tied at 42 points with Wigan ahead on goal difference. There’s nothing else to play from apart from league position. This should be an interesting contest..

Matthew Etherington (Stoke): Partnering Delap in the midfield, Etherington has also been very cost effective this season. Having him on your team is a pretty good idea!

Lee Cattermole (Wigan): With an impressive assist against Manchester United last weekend, he has been in impressive form. Expect him to do well…

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City: Saturday 16th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Another match with something at stake. The Spurs and City are 2 of 4 teams fighting for two Europa Cup spots… Both teams have been pretty consistent as per recent form, and are within one point of each other. This one should be a cracker!!

Luka Modric (Tottenham): The young Croat has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent players this season, and his recent form is pretty good too! His role will be more important than normal considering the injury problems facing Tottenham.

Robinho (Manchester City): The first of City’s high profile signings since their new owners took over, he is also their highest placed Fantasy striker. Recent form suggests he’ll have an impact on this game!

West Bromwich Albion vs Liverpool: Sunday 17th May, 1.30 PM
Prediction: This match represents the two extremes of the premier league spectrum. But still, they have something in common. Both teams need a miracle… Liverpool to win the league, and West Brom to survive in it. No doubts about the results of this one though..

Chris Brunt (West Brom): The midfielder is West Brom’s highest ranked Fantasy player this season, and his recent form has been pretty impressive too. If West Brom are to score, he may very well have a part to play in it.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool): The Liverpool captain has been inspirational this season, and is presently ranked 3rd in this year’s overall Fantasy list. He’s as likely to score as anybody else!

Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers: Sunday 17th May, 4 PM
Prediction: Chelsea are still smarting under their Champions League semi final loss to Barcelona, and look to prove their mettle by winning all their matches. No doubts about the results of this one…the only thing we don’t know yet are the number of goals!

Frank Lampard (Chelsea): The English midfielder is this season’s highest ranked Fantasy player. He’s been on top form, and is likely to perform well this weekend too!

Benedict McCarthy (Blackburn): With Roberts and Santa Cruz injured, the responsibility on his shoulders increases further. If Blackburn do score, he’s likely to do it!

Portsmouth vs Sunderland: Monday 18th May, 8 PM
Prediction: Technically speaking, both teams can still be relegated. Sunderland are in more direct danger, and will look to secure some points to ensure their survival. This will, again, be a closely fought match!

Peter Crouch (Portsmouth): Crouch is Portsmouth’s highest ranked Fantasy player this season, and has been pretty consistent with 10 goals and 5 assists. He’s likely to do well!

Djibril Cisse (Sunderland): He is another player who’s been pretty consistent this season, with 10 goals. Expect him to do well.

I really love the end of the season time… No results are certain, anything may happen. And the relegation battle is pretty intense too!

Hope this was useful to you, enjoy your football this weekend! Happy Fantasy! As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome.

Fantasy players, please note that both Manchester United and Wigan play twice this game week. So if you think that some players from these teams may perform well, make sure that they figure in your squad! Here’s a round up of all the matches, my predictions and the key players:

Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth: Saturday 9th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams have been just average over the past few weeks, and both come off disappointing losses to teams better than them. Blackburn and Portsmouth are also within a point of each other in the Premier League table, so this should be one of the most evenly matched fixtures this weekend. It’s pretty likely though that the home advantage will swing it Blackburn’s way.

Keith Andrews (Blackburn): The Irishman got the consolation goal for Blackburn against Manchester City last week. Expect another impressive display from him this Saturday.

Sean Davis (Portsmouth): The experienced Englishman who was once tipped to be hot property for the national side is one of Portsmouth’s strongest assets. With Kranjcar out for the remainder of the season due to injury, he’ll be the key man in the midfield.

Bolton Wanderers vs Sunderland: Saturday 9th May, 3 PM
Prediction: This is another match which seems to be evenly matched. Both teams are struggling, and though both look like they’ll survive in the league this year, they won’t really be that far above the bottom three. Bolton might pull through owing to the home advantage.

Johan Elmander (Bolton): The 27 year old Swedish international has been pretty impressive for Bolton since his signing last year. He’s regularly featured in the playing 11, and scored a few too. Expect him to get better over time.

Djibril Cisse (Sunderland): The French international who’s on loan from Marseille this season is Sunderland’s top scorer thus far, with 10 goals. He’s been starting regularly and giving strong performances. Expect more from him in the final weeks!

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur: Saturday 9th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams are decently placed in the league. Everton’s place in next year’s Europa Cup is nearly confirmed, and Tottenham are also in the running for one. Recent record gives Spurs the upper hand, but Everton will enjoy being the home team. Again a very evenly balanced tie.

Marouane Fellaini (Everton): The Belgian international has been giving impressive performances since his signing last year. He’s scored 8 in the league thus far, and is very likely to add to that tally.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham): The inspirational English winger, who’s supposedly the shortest player in the Premier League, has been a key figure in the revival of Tottenham. He’ll continue to play an important role.

Fulham vs Aston Villa: Saturday 9th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Aston Villa finally managed to hold their free fall with a hard fought 1-0 victory against Hull at home. Fulham, who’re battling for a Europa Cup spot, stand strong in the way of their recovery. My vote goes to a Fulham victory.

Danny Murphy (Fulham): One of Fulham’s strongest players off late. Expect him to do pretty well.

Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa): With 11 goals and 9 assists so far this season, Agbonlahor has been a consistent performer this season. He’s one of the fastest runners on the football pitch, expect good from him!

Hull City vs Stoke City: Saturday 9th May, 3 PM
Prediction: With just 1 point in their last 6 games, Hull desperately need a win to avoid being threatened by relegation. Stoke have a pretty decent recent record, and will take the fight to Hull at KC stadium.

Michael Turner (Hull): Apart from Geovanni, Turner has been one of Hull’s top fantasy players this season. Hull will try their best to secure points in this fixture, and for that it’s essential that they don’t concede. He will be a key figure.

Ricardo Fuller (Stoke): Stoke will look to be on the offensive, and the veteran striker will have an important role to play.

West Bromwich Albion vs Wigan Athletic: Saturday 9th May, 3 PM
Prediction: Yet again, both teams have been poor over the past few weeks, both home and away. The only difference is that Wigan are safely above the relegation zone while West Brom are most likely out. Wigan are in a position to hope for a Europa Cup place, so they’ll put their hearts and souls into this match. For me, Wigan should win this one.

Chris Brunt (West Brom): With 8 goals so far this season, Chris is the top fantasy player for West Brom this season. Lets see what he can do this weekend.

Antonio Valencia (Wigan): The youngster has continued to impress, and will have an important role to play this weekend too.

West Ham United vs Liverpool: Saturday 9th May, 5.30 PM
Prediction: Even though Liverpool have been at their dominating best in the league, victory against West Ham at Upton Park is not as easy as it might look. This should be an interesting contest, with a Europa Cup place on the line for The Hammers.

David Di Michele (West Ham): With Carlton Cole injured, the veteran striker on loan from Torino will have a key role to play if West Ham are to score.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool): With this year’s League drawing to an end, Liverpool will chase after Manchester United with everything they’ve got. If they’re to cause some problems, their inspirational captain will have the most important role to play.

Manchester United vs Manchester City: Sunday 10th May, 1.30 PM
Prediction: This game week’s most tricky fixture, there’s no knowing what might happen in the Manchester derby. Even though City are traditionally poor away from home, and United traditionally strong, anything is possible in this match. Though I would really like to see a United victory, I won’t dare make a prediction!

Michael Carrick (Manchester United): Midfield domination will be the key to victory in this match, and that’s where Carrick comes in.

Stephen Ireland (Manchester City): With 9 goals and 10 assists so far this season, Ireland is City’s top fantasy player thus far. He’ll be the key to overcoming United’s powerful midfield.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Sunday 10th May, 4 PM
Prediction: Both teams come off Champions League heartbreak, losing out in the semi finals to Manchester United and Barcelona respectively. Both will be keen to prove their worth. This one is going to be a cracker folks!!

Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal): The young Arsenal captain will be keen to prove his side’s strength at home, and will be a key figure in the match.

Frank Lampard (Chelsea): Chelsea’s most experienced midfielder will be keen boost his side’s morale with a victory after a controversial loss to Barcelona. He’ll play an important role.

Newcastle United vs Middlesbrough: Monday 11th May, 8 PM
Prediction: Both teams are struggling big time, lying level on points at the bottom of the table. A victory will give either team a ray of hope that they may survive in the league. Both teams will fight with their lives for the victory here..

Damien Duff (Newcastle): The experienced Irishman will have an important role to play if his team is to have any hope of victory.

Marlon King (Middlesbrough): The veteran Jamaican international will play a key role if Middlesbrough are to walk away with the victory.

Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United: Wednesday 13th May, 8 PM
Prediction: This is the crucial match in hand that Manchester United have at the moment, and it may well go on to determine the outcome of the season.

Ji Sung Park (Manchester United): The hardworking South Korean midfielder has been on a roll with two goals in his last two matches, including in the Champions League against Arsenal. If he features, he’ll have an important role to play.

Antonio Valencia (Wigan): The youngster will look to prove his worth to United, who hinted that they might be interested in the youngster.

Well, that’s it for this week’s ?Friday Feature’. Hope you’re all set for the weekend…don’t miss it at any cost! Your suggestions and comments are welcome as always. Happy Fantasy, and enjoy your football!

Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough): The flanker has been one of Middlesbrough’s most consistent players this season, and he’ll try his best to match up to United’s strong lineup.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United): Despite his problems with injury, he currently the joint top scorer in the Premier League, which is an achievement in itself. A Ronaldo goal won’t be a surprise at all.

Chelsea vs Fulham: Saturday 2nd May, 3 PM
Prediction: Fulham are on a decent run of form with 13 points in their last 6 games. However, beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge looks like too tall a task. Fulham, currently place 7th in the league, will try their best though.

Didier Drogba (Chelsea): The Ivory Coast striker is back in top form, performing notably well since coach Guus Hiddink took over. He was the only one who got even close to threatening Barcelona in their midweek Champions League encounter. Expect him to play a major role in this match.

Andrew Johnson (Fulham): The veteran striker has been pretty consistent this season, and is currently Fulham’s top front man. He’s likely to make an impact!

Manchester City vs Blackburn Rovers: Saturday 2nd May, 3 PM
Prediction: Both in terms of recent form and league position, Manchester City are clearly the stronger team. Plus they have the home advantage. This is probably going to be a tough weekend for Blackburn.

Blumer Elano (Manchester City): With the pacy Shaun Wright-Phillips out due to injury, it’ll fall on the experienced shoulders of Elano to handle the right midfield. The creative Brazilian can be expected to give a noteworthy performance.

Portsmouth vs Arsenal: Saturday 2nd May, 3 PM
Prediction: Portsmouth have been average of late, and if we speak in terms of team strength, they’re really not a match for the mighty Arsenal. But they do have the home advantage on their side, let’s see if they can spring a surprise.

Peter Crouch (Portsmouth): Since his move back from Liverpool, he’s been Portsmouth’s best player. If Portsmouth manage to score, he’s very likely to be their man!

Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal): The prolific Russian striker is cup tied in the Champions League, as he’d already featured for Zenit St Petersburg. He’s very likely to get a start this weekend, and as likely to score after his breathtakingly brilliant quadruple against Liverpool!

Stoke City vs West Ham United: Saturday 2nd May, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams have been in decent form (results notwithstanding), and will look to consolidate their position in the league. West Ham face some problems because of injuries and otherwise, and will be glad to take anything away from The Britannia Stadium.

Rory Delap (Stoke City): The superman with the super-long throw will have to take on extra responsibility this weekend with two of the strikers out due to injury or otherwise. Hope to see a strong performance from him, maybe an assist or two.

Matthew Upson (West Ham): With an injury crisis of sorts, the team will clearly not be at 100 percent. It falls to their best defenders to keep the Stoke henchmen out!

Tottenham Hotspur vs West Bromwich Albion: Saturday 2nd May, 3 PM
Prediction: This is not the first time I’m saying this, Tottenham have been constantly improving after the Berbatov transfer episode left them at the bottom of the table early on. Their last 6 games have produced nearly as many points as many top teams. West Brom are the ones who’ve been at that place for some time now, and are almost certain to be relegated at the end of the season. The result of this one looks beyond question my friends!

Darren Bent (Tottenham Hotspur): The English striker has been pretty impressive, with 12 league goals already this season. He’s quite likely to add to that tally this weekend!

Marc-Antoine Fortune (West Brom): The Frenchman, on loan from AS Nancy, has been a consistent performer for West Brom with 2 goals and 4 assists. He was probably brought in to try and prevent relegation. Even though that looks unlikely, he continues to give strong performances.

Wigan Athletic vs Bolton Wanderers: Saturday 2nd May, 3 PM
Prediction: This one is like a battle among equals as the two team are nearly equal in terms of points in the league. Both teams haven’t fared too well in their latest set of matches, but Wigan will enjoy the home advantage and hope that it sees them through.

Antonio Valencia (Wigan): The 23 year old Ecuadorian midfielder has impressed many this season, and rumour has it that he’s caught the Red Devils’ eye. Whether Manchester United sign him or not is a different question, he’s pretty likely to make an impact in the coming weeks.

Matthew Taylor (Bolton): He’s Bolton’s highest scoring fantasy player so far this season, with 10 goals and 5 assists. He’s likely to continue doing well..

Liverpool vs Newcastle United: Sunday 3rd May, 1.30 PM
Prediction: After being knocked out of the Champions League after a mind blowing encounter against Chelsea, Liverpool will look to focus all their energies on winning the league. I really don’t see Newcastle doing anything enough to stop them from giving Manchester United a tough time..

Fernando Torres (Liverpool): The young Spaniard has impressed one and all with his fleet footed dribbling and strong finishing. He’s pretty likely to score again this weekend.

Michael Owen (Newcastle): Newcastle will try to do everything in their power to prevent being relegated. Michael Owen will have a major role to play if they manage to do so.

Sunderland vs Everton: Sunday 3rd May, 4 PM
Prediction: Everton are currently 6th in the league and gunning for 5th place. Sunderland are trying to secure their survival in the league. With only 3 points in their last 6 league games, Sunderland are in deep waters, and will need to work hard to survive!

Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland): Sunderland will look not to concede, and a key man in that regard is Rio Ferdinand’s younger brother Anton. He was a familiar face at West Ham before moving to Sunderland, and will play a key role this Sunday.

Louis Saha (Everton): Former United striker Saha is likely to get a start this weekend, and there’s no doubt about his scoring ability. He may very well add another goal to his name.

Aston Villa vs Hull City: Monday 4th May, 8 PM
Prediction: In this late game, strugglers Aston Villa face relegation threatened Hull. From league positions you’d say that there’s really no match between these teams, but on the basis of current form, both look square at the bottom of the charts. Villa should take this game due to the home advantage…but I wouldn’t put my money on either.

Ashley Young (Aston Villa): The Englishman has been pretty successful at Villa this season, and will look to help them out of their trouble with form.

Deiberson Geovanni (Hull City): He has been Hull’s most valuable fantasy player this season, with plenty of goals and a few assists. It’s quite likely that he’ll deliver a worthwhile performance.

We hope you liked the latest edition of ?Friday Feature’, and it is helpful for your fantasy pursuits! May the best teams win, and Happy Fantasy! Your valued comments and suggestions are always welcome.

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Aston Villa vs West Ham United: Saturday 18^th April, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams come from a disappointing weekend, and will look to secure their position in the league. After last week’s hard fought 3-3 home draw to Everton, Aston Villa are just one point ahead of the Merseyside team, falling further off the pace of the top four. West Ham also suffered a surprise defeat at struggling Tottenham. This should be an evenly balanced match. Aston Villa will have the home advantage.
John Carew (Aston Villa): Aston Villa face a severe attacking crisis with all top strikers apart from this man injured. He’s been on an impressive run of form, and should play a key role.
Mark Noble (West Ham): With striker Carlton Cole injured, the English youngster will have an important role to play.

Middlesbrough vs Fulham: Saturday 18^th April, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams come off impressive 3-1 victories, Middlesbrough trying to avoid relegation and Fulham trying to secure a top 8 finish. With both teams eager to secure favourable results, this should be another keenly contested match.
Marlon King (Middlesbrough): If Middlesbrough are to win this match, the veteran striker will need to fire for them. He has been somewhat inconsistent this season, but gave a strong performance in the last match.
Danny Murphy (Fulham): One of Fulham’s most consistent performers this season, he can be banked upon to give a strong show, and hopefully come away with a goal.

Portsmouth vs Bolton Wanderers: Saturday 18^th April, 3 PM
Prediction: The two teams are nearly even on points in the EPL points table, and both come off spirited performances. A special mention of Bolton’s spirited comeback at Stamford Bridge, nearly equalling Chelsea’s tally of 4 goals. And amazingly, a third evenly matched contest! J
Niko Kranjcar (Portsmouth): The Croatian midfielder has been another strong performer this season, specially at home. With a goal in the last match, his current form is also pretty good. His duel with the Bolton defence will be one to watch!
Kevin Davies (Bolton): The experienced Bolton captain lead from the front last weekend, with two assists in the inspirational performance against Chelsea. He’s one of the most dependable men in the team, almost guaranteed to do well.

Stoke City vs Blackburn Rovers: Saturday 18^th April, 3 PM
Prediction: Another pair of evenly matched teams square off in this clash. Recent form and the home advantage will probably see Stoke safely through, especially considering the 4-0 drubbing Blackburn were subject to by Liverpool last week.
Ricardo Fuller (Stoke City): The Jamaican front man has been Stoke City’s top striker this season, often the beneficiary of the famous Delap long throws. Even though his goals have been intermittent, in the long run he’s a safe bet!
Benni McCarthy (Blackburn): The veteran striker will have an important role to play with the other regular strikers Roberts and Santa Cruz out injured. If Blackburn score, he’s very likely to be their man.

Sunderland vs Hull City: Saturday 18^th April, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams, uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, will be keen for a victory to secure their position and survival in the league. Sunderland come off a spirited performance against Manchester United, nearly taking the defending champs to the wire. They should manage the home victory here.
Steed Malbranque (Sunderland): The experienced midfielder who moved in from Tottenham last season hasn’t really been getting the goals at Sunderland, but still is one of their most valued midfielders with 9 assists this season. Watch out for him!
Geovanni (Hull City): With Bullard out injured and Ashbee suspended, much of the midfield responsibility falls on the dependable shoulders of Geovanni. Expect a good performance from him..

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United: Sunday 19^th April, 1.30 PM
Prediction: Tottenham are one of the top scorers in the league in their last five matches. Newcastle are one of the bottom. That really says it all, and the writing seems clear on the wall for relegation threatened Newcastle. Alan Shearer, the heart and soul of the Newcastle of his time, has returned to manage the team…let’s see if he can conjure up something special. But still, Tottenham should walk away with this one.
Roman Pavlyuchenko (Tottenham): The young Russian striker has made an impact whenever he has appeared. With Jermaine Defoe out injured, it’s likely that he’ll get a start, and also likely that he’ll score!
Damien Duff (Newcastle): The Irishman needs to come up with something inspirational for Newcastle to plough through the relegation crisis. And he’s likely to deliver!

Manchester City vs West Bromwich Albion: Sunday 19^th April, 3 PM
Prediction: Both teams have been exceptionally poor over their last six games, with West Brom not even recording a single victory. Manchester City, though poor on the road, boast of a very strong home record. They should be clear victors in this tie, further sealing the fate of WBA, currently bottom of the points table.
Stephen Ireland (Manchester City): With Wright-Phillips doubtful due to an injury, the responsibility yet again falls on the young Irishman, who’s already scored 8 goals in the season (including one in the last match).
Robert Koren (West Brom): The Slovenian midfielder is one of the only performers for West Brom this season. It’s highly unlikely that they’ll even manage to score in Manchester, but if they do, he may have something to do with it.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Tuesday 21^st April, 8 PM
Prediction: It’s always a special occasion when any of the big four square off. This particular match holds a further charm, with the outcome of the premiership title race depending heavily on it. Liverpool come right from Champions League heartbreak, while Arsenal sit pretty with a semi final berth. The strength of Liverpool’s resolve, and their desire to hold the Premiership trophy will be tested in this clash of the titans.
Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool): The Dutchman has found the back of the net 8 times so far this season. In the gruelling battle against the young Arsenal midfield, he could have an important role to play.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal): Back from injury, Adebayor is looking good and going strong after seeing some Champions League action. The Togolese hit man could very well find the net this Tuesday.

Chelsea vs Everton: Wednesday 22^nd April, 8 PM
Prediction: Even though Everton are a strong team, and on a decent run of form, no prizes for guessing the winner of this one. The home advantage, if not anything else, should see this one through for the former champions.
Nicholas Anelka (Chelsea): The Frenchman has finally done justice to his potential, being Chelsea’s top striker this season. Expect big things from him!
Joleon Lescott (Everton): Currently one of the top defenders in the league, he also has a knack of chipping in with the occasional strike. That’s the kind of mix Everton need in this difficult tie.

Manchester United vs Portsmouth: Wednesday 22^nd April, 8 PM
Prediction: United have been wobbly of late, barely securing two victories after two shock losses. But they seem back in the groove, becoming the first ever English team to beat Porto in their own backyard, securing a Champions League semi final berth in the process. Also, with Rio Ferdinand back in the squad, the defensive worries seem to be a thing of the past. Portsmouth have a poor away record anyway, so this one should be a United victory. But ensuring it is important to keep the defending champions in the driver’s seat!!
Wayne Rooney (Man Utd): Wonder boy Rooney might not have found the net as often as he would’ve liked, but his strike potential is unquestionable. He’s as likely to score as anybody else on the squad!
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth): In this match, they’ll need to defend…and for that, Johnson’s their man!

This game week the big four play in midweek matches, primetime (8 PM) Tuesday and Wednesday. Plan accordingly!

Please note that Portsmouth play twice this game week, with Wigan not playing at all. If there are some Portsmouth players you trust will perform well, make sure they’re on your team!!

Your valued comments and suggestions for improvement are always welcome. Happy Fantasy!