Gameweek 26 Preview

We welcome the return of the Fantasy Football following some FA Cup action, as we witness the return fixtures of the games that were played on the opening day of the 2014-2015 season.

Villa vs. Stoke

Aston Villa v Stoke City

Aston Villa have been revitalised by the appointment of Tim Sherwood, and although they lie in the relegation zone, this fixture may be the perfect start to his reign, as Stoke have lost their last two games 4-1.

STAR MAN – Ron VLAAR

The return of the World Cup semi-finalist has given the Villa backline some solidarity and Vlaar should be all hands on deck now.

Chelsea vs. Burnley

Chelsea v Burnley

There is huge potential for this to be a dream fixture for fantasy players, as we hope to see goals galore from the home side. Unfortunately for Burnley however, they may be on the wrong end of an absolute thrashing.

STAR MAN – Diego COSTA

You could place any attacking player in the star man position to be honest, but Costa will hope his return to domestic football is a goal-scoring one.

Arsenal vs. Palace

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

The Arsenal are on a decent run of form, as they still remain in the hunt for three pieces of silverware this season, but Alan Pardew has only lost one league game since he has taken over at Selhurst Park.

STAR MAN – Olivier GIROUD

A vastly underrated striker, Giroud can produce a moment of magic on his day, as we saw with his brace in the Cup last weekend.

Hull vs. QPR

Hull City v QPR

This is a massive six-pointer down the bottom of the league table, and QPR will be buoyed by their first away points of the season. Hull also comes into the game with a win under their belts, so it will be tricky to pick a winner.

STAR MAN – Dame N’DOYE

A January addition to the Fantasy Football, N’Doye enjoyed a goal and an assist on his Hull City debut in the league.

Sunderland vs. West Brom

Sunderland v West Brom

The Tyneside hosts will go into this game after being embarrassed by lower league opposition in the FA Cup, which is the opposite to West Bromwich Albion’s fortunes in that competition, so expect an away win.

STAR MANIDEYE Brown

Despite nearly being sold in the summer, the Nigerian centre forward has been scoring goals and providing assists for fun as of late.

Swansea vs. United

Swansea v Manchester United

Swansea’s fantastic start to the season started off with a win at Old Trafford, but they have been declining recently as they seem to be content with a mid-table finish. Van Gaal will look to press on with his top-four quest.

STAR MAN – Marouane FELLAINI

Fellaini got on the score-sheet in the Cup, and his physical dominant presence is something United have been lacking in the middle of the park.

City vs. Newcastle

Manchester City v Newcastle

The champions have had a very difficult start to the calendar year, but were impressive in their last league win as they thumped Stoke to victory. They should have too much for John Carver’s Newcastle at the Etihad too.

STAR MAN – Yaya TOURE

They will gladly welcome the return of the midfield powerhouse to the side, as they sorely missed him throughout the winter period.

Spurs vs. West Ham

Tottenham v West Ham

The Spurs go marching on as their assault on the top-four is slowly becoming a realistic one, whereas West Ham seem happy with their season so far and looked absolutely knackered in their Cup tie where they were annihilated.

STAR MAN – Harry KANE

Despite defeat in their last game, Kane still managed to bag one goal and one assist against Liverpool the other night.

Everton vs. Leicester

Everton v Leicester City

It seems like a rather long time ago now since Leicester began their season with an impressive 2-2 draw against The Toffees, but The Foxes are running out of time to gain points in order to remain in the division.

STAR MAN – John STONES

Everton’s defence has not been lenient at all in their past few games, and the return of Stones has been an integral part.

Southampton vs. Liverpool

Southampton v Liverpool

The Saints remarkably still lie in a Champions League position and are looking to cement it, but they face a tough game against a Liverpool side who are the only team in the league to be unbeaten for the whole of 2015.

STAR MAN – Philippe COUTINHO

The Brazilian playmaker is playing some exquisite stuff at the moment and will look to continue this fine run in the team.

Dean Ammi

@footywriterdean

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