da imperador bet： After one of the longest close seasons I can remember, due to lack of a major football competition, the Premier League finally returns on Saturday and it is time to have a look at the players to include in your fantasy team to pick up maximum points on the first weekend of the season. Of course this is dependent on whether the games actually go ahead due to the disorder across the country so fingers crossed the right decision will be been made and the top flight is able to kick off on Saturday.
da supremo： I think Kenny Dalglish will take a risk and play Luis Suarez in their game against Sunderland despite his involvement in the recent Copa America. If he is selected and carries his international form to Anfield, he would be my choice to be captain as not only does he contribute goals but is capable of assists and the is sort of player who will pick up the man of the match performance with ease. I think that Charlie Adam can continue last season’s form and will have a big Anfield debut so for this reason I would include him from the start.
I think Fulham v Aston Villa looks to have goals in it and I would go for Darren Bent to bag a few. He pulled out of the recent England squad to remain fit for the start of the season while fellow Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor is known to start the season on fire before fading by January so if he can repeat his usual form he could be a surprise selection. For Fulham, Clint Dempsey would be a smart choice as he is likely to contribute goals from midfield and is always a favourite in fantasy teams.
Newcastle v Arsenal brings back memories of last year’s 4-4 game at St James’ Park. Robin Van Persie, who is normally a candidate to be captain, is a doubt after picking up a knock in Arsenal’s last pre-season match so maybe Gervinho can make an instant impact for the Gunners. I wouldn’t rely on Arsenal team not conceding so it would be advisable to avoid any of their defenders.
Wigan seem to have a relatively simple start with all three promoted team to play in the first three weeks. Therefore it may be a good idea to include hit-man Hugo Rodallega who is likely to get on the score sheet early on in the season. For Norwich it will be interesting to see how Grant Holt copes with the step up to the Premier League and if the Canaries can repeat former promoted team Blackpool 4-0 thrashing of Wigan in their season opener last season, he may be a player to consider.
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While on Sunday, Manchester United and Chelsea begin their campaigns away against West Brom and Stoke respectively. It sounds like Torres is a doubt for the Stoke game after reportedly suffering concussion during the Spain friendly against Italy so you may want to plump for fellow striker Drogba who has a lot to prove after a summer of speculation. The only man who knows who will start is Andre Villas-Boas so unless you have contacts it may be best to avoid any Chelsea strikers or at least leave it until the last minute and remember that Daniel Sturridge is serving a 3-match ban so avoid him for the start of the season. Stoke have a poor record against Chelsea so shun any Stoke defenders for the first week.
Man United face a tough test away at West Brom who will no doubt be well drilled under Roy Hodgson and United were lucky to win last year at the Hawthorns. Javier Hernández is out until the end of August and if you are to pick a United player I would go for Nani who scored twice in the community shield at the weekend and will be looking to carry this form into the new season.
On Monday night you have to think that Man City will score a hatful against new boys Swansea City so you would be wise to select a striker and for some safe point’s select a defender as Swansea are also unlikely to score against a solid Man City side. Aguero and Tevez are unlikely to start after their recent participation in the Copa America and I would go for Silva or Balotelli up-front and then either Hart or Kompany in defence to help pick up top points.
It is important that you get it right in the first week so try to pick players that will be starting and may score points straight from the off. That is of course if the season even kicks off!
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