The football is coming thick and fast now as we treat ourselves to our second midweek fantasy football of the season, and this is what we expect to see:
Arsenal v Leicester City
The Gunners will be disappointed following their derby day defeat and will look to easily bounce back against the side that are struggling and are bottom of the league right now. Three points should be on the cards for the home team.
STAR MAN – Per MERTESACKER
Mertesacker is a huge threat going forward during set plays, and his defensive abilities should not be of concern either in this fixture.
Hull City v Aston Villa
Hull will take great pride from their point at the Etihad, in a match that they probably should have held on to win, whilst The Villa will be happy that they have finally managed to find the back of the net after a goalless eleven hours.
STAR MAN – Ahmed ELMOHAMADY
Arguably the best wingback outside all the top sides, the Egyptian right-sided player is a goal threat and hit the bar against City.
Sunderland v QPR
Queens Park Rangers are not having a good February, with their manager having to resign and conceding a last minute goal at home. This should give Sunderland high hopes and lift them to victory.
STAR MAN – Jermaine DEFOE
The Englishman has given Gus Poyet what he’s been missing out on, with the signing giving some fire power up front.
Liverpool v Tottenham
Liverpool’s last three fixtures against Spurs equate to 9-0 on aggregate in their favour, but Pochettino is building something and has already beaten Chelsea and Arsenal this calendar year, so it is a tough one to call.
STAR MAN – Harry KANE
Another Englishman to have up front, Kane is swiftly showing us how much of a perfect forward he is for his club.
Chelsea v Everton
Both sides go into the game being unbeaten for a while, but Chelsea are so dominative at home that Mourinho should ease to a comfortable victory. The Blues have only dropped points at Stamford Bridge to City.
STAR MAN – Eden HAZARD
Hazard is starting to score for fun now, as well as assisting his team mates, and is the highest scoring midfielder on FPL.
Manchester United v Burnley
Van Gaal will take heart from his last-gasp equalizer at Upton Park, and their home form has been decent this season so if they want to push on with their top 4 chase then they need a convincing win against Burnley.
STAR MAN – Daley BLIND
A huge star at the World Cup last summer, Blind is not a household signing but has been effective with his versatile role.
Southampton v West Ham
These two sides have most probably overachieved this season but it’s The Saints who go marching on and should look to win this game, but The Hammers will not be an easy opponent following their creditable point versus United.
STAR MAN – Sadio MANE
Despite having to go to Africa Cup of Nations, Mane actually has four goals in his last five appearances from midfield.
Stoke City v Manchester City
There seems to be an absolute meltdown with the current champions as City have not won a match in their last five games of football, whilst Stoke are heading for a very respectable top ten finish and have won this reverse fixture.
STAR MAN – James MILNER
Milner scored a fantastic equalizer the other day and has the fitness levels to perform well in a midweek clash.
Crystal Palace v Newcastle
Alan Pardew welcomes his former club to Selhurst Park so it will be an emotional game for him, but his side have recorded an impressive number of wins since he has taken over the reins, but Newcastle are unbeaten in two.
STAR MAN – Moussa SISSOKO
The midfield powerhouse has been their best player this season amidst all the signings, and assisted in his previous game.
West Brom v Swansea
It has been a mixed start for Tony Pulis but his team showed great character to come from two down last time out. Swansea on the other hand are on a good run but will be up against a tough defence at The Hawthorns.
STAR MAN – Joleon LESCOTT
Lescott has brought experience and leadership to the back line and has two clean sheets in his last four, and should also look to use his strength in the air.
Dean
@footywriterdean