Gameweek 6: The Pre-Game

For once, the really good games are on Saturday. Quality matches all over with Arsenal v Chelsea at the Emirates as an OPENER, we see in-form Everton play Southampton with the expectation of goals all over the place, and straight after that, we see how Sir Alex Ferguson reacts to AVB's tactics in Man United v Tottenham. 

This Gameweek will also see a clash of styles when short-passing Stoke play Swansea, and Norwich's directness square up against Liverpool's possession game.

Arsenal v Chelsea

Arsenal's Formation: With their squad not suffering too heavily from injuries, Arsenal should line up a 4-2-3-1

The only question being who starts as the lone forward. While Gervinho has prospered (relatively at last) from the last two games, the presence of Mikel will no doubt test Gervinho's off the ball movement should be start.

The right midfield spot will also raise questions of Arsenal's game plan; do they flood the midfield like against City with Ramsey or test Cole and Ivanovic with Oxlade-Chamberlain?

Chelsea's Formation: Chelsea's starting XI, however, will be relatively harder to predict as beyond the back four and the Torres, Chelsea's midfield will depend on RDM's game plan.

While Hazard will relish taking on Arteta and Diaby, it is his flankers that will no doubt be the ones that decide the course of this game. Moses and Hazard himself can provide width, but with Jenkinson and Gibbs relatively sound, Hazard should be taking matters into his own hands, and maybe with the help of Ramires or even Mata, dominate the midfield.

Key Battles: 

There will be duels happening all across the pitch. Chelsea's flankers will test Gibbs and Jenkinson. Podolski will test Ivanovic, who has been skinned for pace before. Hazard will try and beat Arteta/Diaby while his counterpart, Santi Cazorla will have his matchup against Mikel. With so many star-studded battles in this match, the winner is simply the team that plays perfectly, as described by Marco Pierre White: "Perfection is lots of little things done well".

Prediction: 

When teams look evenly matched, we refer to form for a better guess. With Arsenal executing their plans better than Chelsea at the moment, and the first half will be tight, but it really comes down to both teams' second half changes that determine the outcome of this match. I DON'T KNOW

Key Fantasy Picks: 

When both teams' goalscorers are not firing, we look to their creators. Hazard for Chelsea, and Cazorla his counterpart are the likely culprits, but for those aiming at mismatches, Podolski I feel will have a hand over Ivanovic, while Chelsea's second striker, whether Mata, Oscar or even Ramires, will be the difference for Chelsea.

Everton v Southampton

Everton's Formation: Everton usually field a lopsided 4-4-2 with Mirallas drifting into the center.

Everton's left-sided offense of Baines and Pienaar have worked wonders together so far, while Fellaini is the monster in attack that gets to the end of clearances and set pieces. Kevin Mirallas has also been highlighted for the past two weeks, as a source of Everton's positive play, but will Southampton finally punish them for it?

Southampton's Formation: A consistent 4-2-3-1 with Ramirez, Lallana and Puncheon behind Lambert or 4-5-1 with Ward-Prowse in for Ramirez

They do have the weapons to punish Everton in the directness of Lambert and Puncheon, as well as the vision of Lallana and Ramirez. Ramirez and Lallana have teamed up relatively well against Villa last week, involving everyone in their offensive plays instead of heavily relying on Lallana and Lambert up front. Stopping Everton from the Saints' point of view will be quite challenging: Puncheon will have to stay dilligent on the right, as Mirallas and Fellaini tend to drift center to team up with Pienaar and Baines.

Key Battles: 

Southampton's dilligence on the right against Fellaini and Pienaar will determine how many they'll let in, while Neville's containment of Ramirez will be key if Everton don't leak goals against Southampton. Mirallas' defense against Lallana and Clyne, should he advance on that flank again, will make a difference.

Prediction: 

I'm not a fan of Puncheon defensively. I can see him losing concentration on marking Baines, and that prompts me to believe in Everton scoring. Southampton's reaction this season has varied from insipid to inspiring, and this game I can see Lambert getting something out of this, but not enough. Everton 3 Southampton 2

Key Fantasy Picks: 

Beyond the holy trinity of Baines, Pienaar and Fellaini, Mirallas and Anichebe are good short term options. For Southampton, Lambert is the obvious choice, and Lallana should finally be the one behind them should the Saints deliver.

Fulham v Man City 

Fulham's Formation: 4-4-2 with Petric and Ruiz waiting in the wings

United's ex-players have a habit of stopping their rivals in title races at various stages of the season. I can distinctly recall Ben Foster pulling heroics Chelsea, as well as Gibson's winner for Everton against City last season. A certain Bulgarian has a point to prove.

In other news, Martin Jol will take lessons from the way Arsenal handled Man City, and although he won't quite know what he'll be up against, at least he'll be safe with the thought that City are beatable, if not stoppable.

City's Formation: A fluid 4-4-2 capable of changing to 4-2-2-2 if needed, or 3-4-1-2 with Toure behind two strikers

City need to figure out their best XI at the moment and fast, because with Mancini's constant tinkering of his squad, their performances and subsequently their results have suffered as well. He dealt with Aguero's injury by pushing Yaya Toure up alongside Dzeko and Tevez with 3-4-1-2 but it rarely worked against Real Madrid. His plan of overloading the midfield also didn't pull off against Stoke, while 4-2-2-2 didn't exactly bear fruit against Arsenal either.

Key Battles:

With Martin Jol's strength in the wings, don't be surprised to see Damien Duff constantly attempting to beat Clichy, whether with the help of his forwards or not. As for City, assuming they stick to their inverted wingers in Sinclair and Silva, expect them to put the pressure on Sidwell and Baird alongside Yaya Toure. Whoever that emerges as the victor of this battle will certainly outscore their opponents.

Prediction:

On paper, City should have this in the bag based on class alone. Fulham have form on their side though, so expect them to give City a run for their money. Fulham 1 City 3

Key Fantasy Picks:

If you are backing Fulham this game, it is most likely Rodallega that wins his individual battle against Kompany or Lescott, as they have conceded quite a lot of space to their opponents recently. Berbatov is a decent alternative, and you can almost certainly bank on his counterpart Aguero to be among the points should City win. It's also interesting to note that Fulham haven't conceded at home, and with City's lineup being unpredictable, I would recommend you to stay away from them this gameweek at least.

West Brom v Aston Villa

West Brom's Formation: 4-2-3-1 with a relatively fluid front four that can be switched around based on the flow of play. 

Steve Clarke's men have established a decent game and we will be watching how they will bounce back from their midweek defeat to Liverpool in the Carling Cup. We'll be examining how West Brom will deal with fatigue, as half of Liverpool's starters played in midweek.

Villa's Formation: 4-4-2 with Agbonlahor, Weimann and NZogbia able to change the game

The good news for Villa is that they are at least scoring. They're next test against a relatively secure West Brom, who have not conceded at home, is a telling one and as most teams have done before, if Bannan and Lichaj can take on Jones on Villa's left flank successfully, goals will be sure to follow. Villa also have to be wary of their tendency to turn defensive too soon, because handing West Brom the initiative can be quite dangerous, as Reading have shown last week.

Key Battles:

Yacob and Mulumbu will have their hands full in dealing with Ireland, Holman and Bannan constantly trying to dictate play around them. West Brom's outcome this game largely depends on how much these two can retain possession and deny the likes of Bannan from initiating quick counterattacks from deep. Eh Ahmadi for Villa, or Westwood if he starts will have to deal with the quality of West Brom's front four, who carry out their roles very well.

Prediction:

With form and quality on their side, I can't see West Brom losing this one as Mulumbu and Yacob have consistently delivered so far this season. West Brom 2 Villa 0

Key Fantasy Picks:

Lukaku started as the lone forward last week, while Shane Long started the week before. Against Villa, however, I'm a bigger fan of their midfield getting in the points this game as I don't see El Ahmadi able to control the likes of Dorrans and Morrison if they start. For Villa, unless Morrison does a really good marking job, Bannan will be the most likely to warrant an assist or two as I am not convinced by Ireland or Holman's performance just yet.

Norwich v Liverpool

Norwich's Formation: 4-4-2 with their left-hand side having several options from Hoolahan, Surman and even Pilkington if he's fit. 4-5-1 is an alternative, but not an effective one. 

I would like to say that Norwich aren't the most tactically flexible team, but at least they have game and are able to pinpoint their strengths and shortcomings. The Canaries' front two also have some depth in the options of Holt, Jackson and Morison, all three forwards offering something slightly different, although I have a feeling we will most likely be seeing Holt and Jackson as they can drop in tandem to receive the ball quite well, as they will need it against a narrow Liverpool side.

Liverpool's Formation: A 4-3-"fluid 3" that defends as a 4-5-1 off the ball. 

This starting lineup will be interesting for two reasons. Firstly, Shelvey's replacement will probably determine the pace of the game. Nuri Sahin flourished in midweek, but in Liverpool's 4-4-2. His goal scoring prowess shouldn't be ignored and with an assured first touch to complement it, the only questions asked of him will be in defense.

Suso is also a decent alternative, as he pressed well against Man United last week, and also looks like a decent runner with the ball. With Suso alongside Gerrard, we'd probably expect a faster-paced game that can catch Norwich off guard if they don't get out of first gear. Henderson's the last alternative, and while he can be said to be in the same category as Allen, expect Gerrard to advance a lot more, which is a scene I can foresee happening in the second half if Liverpool are trailing. 

Key Battles:

Norwich's wide-men will have a lot of responsibility in taking on Liverpool's fullbacks, just as every team before them have done to breach Liverpool's defense. Sterling and Borini, however, are getting better at pressing the fullbacks/wingers and if they rob Norwich in midfield, it will certainly be one-way traffic. While we expect Liverpool to boss possession, expect Norwich's energetic defense to at least attempt to disrupt Liverpool's game, and if Liverpool can wear them down correctly, the Reds will certainly triumph.

Prediction:

I am not convinced by Sahin's role in a 4-3-3, and I will be predicting a draw if he starts. If Suso or Henderson starts, however, I fully expect a Liverpool win. Liverpool Win or Draw

Key Fantasy Picks:

Norwich's formation will have a lot of say in their own fate. If Norwich field a 4-5-1, expect Snodgrass to prosper. If they go 4-4-2, expect Suarez of Liverpool to deliver, whether through assists or goals. Wes Hoolahan, if he starts, is the wildcard in this game should he start, but Liverpool's third midfielder will also have a say in this matchup.

Reading v Newcastle

Reading's Formation: 4-5-1 with the capability to change to a 4-4-2 if needed.

With Reading's formation hardly imaginative, the question for Reading comes down to whether they want to bank on outscoring Newcastle or stifling Ben Arfa. Ideally, though, Reading should field a 4-5-1 and maybe hire Guthrie to track the movements of Ben Arfa to keep control of the game.

Newcastle's Formation: 4-2-3-1 at the moment, but can change to a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 

Tiote's return has definitely raised some questions about Newcastle's lineup this week. Although I can foresee Perch starting at right back again, Tiote's inclusion might actually affect Newcastle badly unless Anita starts alongside him, which makes Newcastle's formation lopsided if Ben Arfa roams. It really comes down to how well Alan Pardew wants to protect his right flank from the likes of Jobi McAnuff.

Key Battles:

Ben Arfa v Leigertwood, McAnuff v Perch. If Newcastle score, expect Ben Arfa to shine. His movement in Newcastle's past games have been very unpredictable. If Reading can keep him down, Newcastle will almost certainly be contained unless Cabaye steps up. Newcastle's defensive midfield also have to keep an eye on Reading's flair players and not be hit on the counter. Tiote/Anita will be MASSIVE here in keeping Reading down.

Prediction:

Newcastle to flourish, unless Reading come up with something special. Reading 0 Newcastle 3

Key Fantasy Picks:

Ben Arfa for Newcastle, but Demba Ba's influence in this game might be quite limited depending on what Pardew puts out. For Reading, McAnuff is a no-brainer.

Stoke v Swansea

Stoke's Formation: 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1

Stoke's gameplan have been very, very consistent, which is very good to see. Having Chelsea and City in the last two weeks, Charlie Adam will have no more reasons to hide behind and we can examine from this game how he's meant to influence Stoke's gameplay.

Swansea's Formation: 4-2-3-1 

Swansea are similarly predictable. The only unknown for them this game, however, will be their mentality coming back from two disheartening defeats. Having being bullied by Aston Villa and Everton, we will see whether Laudrup will stick to his guns and field de Guzman and Britton, or will he go with the directness of Ki again. 

Key Battles:

Dyer/Routledge/Pablo Hernandez vs Kightly/Etherington. Swansea's wingers will no doubt be flying at Stoke's defense, and if Stoke drop deep, we could potentially the likes of Dyer and Pablo taking shots from outside, which is not a strange sight. The Crouch-Walters partnership will also be on full display, and the real key battle here is how Swansea pick up the "second ball".

Prediction:

This, for me, has 0-0 all over it. I believe that both sides will stick to their guns, but both sides' mentalities will be cagey. Goalless Draw

Key Fantasy Picks:

If there were a time to pick Swansea and Stoke defenders, THIS IS IT. Both teams have beautiful fixtures ahead, and in fact you can pick BOTH up because they rotate with each other quite well.

Sunderland v Wigan

Sunderland's Formation: 4-4-1-1 that can change into a 4-2-3-1 depending on circumstances

The stat that sums up Sunderland's performance this season so far is that Fletcher has scored all their goals (4). Two of them, at Swansea were from Swansea's errors, his opener at Liverpool was from Pool's tactical weakness, and his goal against West Ham was from a Collins error as well. Credit to the man for being so prolific so far, but his chief supplier, Larsson, has single-handedly kept Sunderland's season afloat with his quality of crossing.

This game, however, we would potentially see the renaissance (hopefully) of the likes of James McClean and Sessegnon, who have been underwhelming so far but are the ideal men in this match to exploit Wigan's formation's weakness. Stretching the play as Fulham and United have done before them will be key, and their wingers, McClean and Larsson in general will probably be the ones under pressure to deliver this game.

Formation: 3-4-3, but we have seen midfielders coming on for a defender when desperate

Wigan, however, I wouldn't say are in tatters, but with their setup being beaten time and time again by the same tactics, Martinez either has to change his side's formation or their mentality. While Beausejour and Boyce have been quite positive going forward, their tendency to lose their man at the back will be a HUGE cause for concern. Perhaps a change of personnel is imminent. 

Key Battles:

Wigan and Sunderland have a relatively rigid plan A, and so we will look at both teams' respective areas of strength. Sunderland will win this game through chances generated behind Wigan's wingbacks, so Sessegnon, McClean and Larsson have it all to do to stretch Wigan's 3 centerbacks (and James McCarthy if he decides to drop back).

Wigan's area of strength, however, lies in the 7 men up front where they can potentially outnumber Sunderland on almost every offensive area. All they have to do is capitalise on those extra men, with Beausejour and Boyce expected to take their men on frequently and Watson/Maloney/McCarthy/Gomez in the center of the park bossing possession. 

Prediction:

Based on form alone, Sunderland will have the advantage. Based on tactics, however, I ses Wigan finally shining as we will see the likes of Gomez and Maloney come under the spotlight. Sunderland will take the lead, but Wigan to succeed in their comeback. Sunderland 1 Wigan 2

Key Fantasy Picks:

That man Fletcher will be on everyone's minds, but my pick of this week from the Black Cats are McClean and Larsson, who will test Beausejour and Boyce's defensive discipline. For those backing Wigan, I suspect Gomez and Maloney (if they start) to trouble Sunderland. Should one of the wingbacks not make the starting lineup, Ryo Miyaichi and Steve McManaman are certainly the wildcards here if Martinez attempt to change it up.

Man United v Tottenham

United's Formation: Dependent on opposition. 

Sir Alex Ferguson has a very similar problem to Man City. While City being unsure of their best XI can be largely blamed on Mancini's tinkering, United have quite a long list of injuries and out-of-form players that has hampered his side's performances.

Some of his injuries, however were a blessing in disguise as Rooney's gash provided a CHANCE for RVP to shine alongside Kagawa. The only clue so far that Sir Alex's new signings have given him are that (a) Rooney and Kagawa are fantastic together, (b) RVP is quite service dependent and (c) Kagawa needs runners around him to be effective, such as when the fullbacks advance etc.

Spurs' Formation: Dependent on Dembele's position. By default he sits alongside Sandro in a 4-2-3-1, but when he advances Tottenham turn into a 4-1-4-1

As much as I admire AVB for sticking to his guns and sticking to his ideals, he does tend to screw it up quite badly in the Premier League, but in contrast to someone in the same boat as him at Liverpool, AVB actually has 2 wins on the board but not the performances to warrant it. Tottenham's starting XI should be up in lights already as most positions are a no contest at the moment, which makes me worry about his side when they are injury hit. But that is for us to consider another day. 

Key Battles:

I'm going to have to play out 2 scenarios here, i.e. when Spurs do play well and when Spurs don't. If Spurs hit their heights again like against Reading, where Sandro, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dembele initiate their attacks from deep, and the like of Bale and Lennon can utilise that space to finish chances. Under that system, United's players in the center of the park, as well as their full-backs will have a lot of work on their hands in either marking their men, which risks being pulled out of position, or cutting out the passes, which puts more pressure on United's center midfield.

The best case scenario for United, being Spurs relying on Bale and Lennon to bring the ball up when their center of midfield is not firing, will see the likes of United's wingers attempting to cut out Spurs' attacks inside Spurs' half, if United field wingers at all. United have the tendency to field two forwards which push wide to defend sometimes, and United's flexibility will keep all of us guessing.

Prediction:

Spurs are certainly the enigmatic side at the moment, but with no one from United to capitalise, I can only see a United win at this point. It'll probably come down to a tactical change by Sir Alex, where the winner comes in the second half. Spurs to dominate in the second half and maybe get a consolation United 3 Spurs 1

Key Fantasy Picks:

Van Persie is chief punisher at the moment as he has hit Southampton for 3 as well as the winner for Liverpool when they cock-up. For Spurs, Lennon looks like your best bet as neither Evra or Buttner seem to be the most secure option, and could be seen as a weakness by AVB. Expect Defoe to pick up the pieces if Lennon doesn't capitalise, but I believe a certain Mr. Scholes will be pivotal to United's success should Sir Alex see his side overrun again.

West Ham v QPR

United's Formation: 4-2-1-3 without possession, 4-2-3-1 with it. Matt Jarvis and Yossi Benayoun can come on from the bench to make West Ham more lateral.

Sam Allardyce's tactics are known for being annoyingly effective. They have the ball winners in Cole, Maiga and Carroll, the follow ups in Vaz Te, Taylor and Nolan, as well as the wingers who can cross with Jarvis and Benayoun. When West Ham take off, they seem to just overpower you. Only sides that impose their football on West Ham have come away with victory, such as Swansea.

QPR's Formation: 4-4-2. Can be overloaded with attackers in the second half if needed.

QPR have a spine that is consistent at least, with Clint Hill and Ryan Nelsen in defence (for the moment), Faurlin and Granero finally getting back-to-back games, and Zamora up front as the most trusted hit-man. While QPR have shown sparks of quality, they still don't exactly have a plan to break teams down who know what they're doing, and the results are showing for it. 

Key Battles:

Firstly, while West ham's lineup is very predictable, QPR's isn't. The only key battle I can pinpoint here is West Ham's attacking midfielders against their defensive counterparts, Faurlin and hopefully Granero. Granero himself will be QPR's chief playmaker, and if he runs into Mark Noble in midfield, expect Noble to give him a good fight.

Prediction:

Much depends on what QPR put up. If Hoilett starts, I think QPR will score. If he doesn't, I cannot see where the goals will be coming from as West Ham only are usually defeated by quality. West Ham 1 QPR 1 if Hoilett starts, if not West Ham 2 QPR 0

Key Fantasy Picks:

Kevin Nolan's name has been sung in most Fantasy Football forums and sites already, but beyond that Matt Taylor and Vaz Te will be in it to take advantage of QPR's relatively thin midfield. As for QPR, Hoilett will shine should he start alongside Zamora, but if he doesn't then I wouldn't touch that team for now.