Premier League Preview (Gameweek 18)

[Totelfootball]

The Champions League last 16 matches were announced today amid mixed fortunes for the Premier League sides, Chelsea and Manchester United face relatively simple tasks against Copenhagen and Marseille respectively. However, north London will probably be waving goodbye to this season's Champions League as A.C. Milan should expose Tottenham's lack of European experience and Barcelona are simply a class apart. This weekend's games are the last set of fixtures before Christmas, unless you are a scrooge this time of year can be very expensive, why not make an extra effort to take out this weekend's prize pool? Santa will definitely be coming down your chimney if you are top of the tree come Monday evening!

The big game this weekend is undoubtedly Chelsea v Manchester United, the duo are first and second favourites to lift the Premier League trophy. United's current quote of 6/4 would tumble dramatically if they were to win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, particularly if other results went their way leaving them 5 points clear with a game in hand. You must go back to 10th November to locate Chelsea's last league victory, the Blues have already dropped five points at home in the Premier League this season; as many as in the whole of last season. On the other hand, United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League away games. Stamford Bridge is no longer a fortress and Chelsea are simply not performing at the moment; meanwhile United seem to be operating in third gear, winning without impressing. We feel that Fergie will have his men psyched up for this one and their best will prove too much for the home team, it is not often you see United quoted at 11/4, we recommend you take advantage of this early Christmas present. There have been recent signs that a Wayne Rooney renaissance is on its way, take a gamble on him and Nani for your fantasy side.

West Ham travel to manager-less Blackburn and we feel that the midweek upheaval at Ewood Park could offer Avram Grant some respite. West Ham have won none of their last 26 Premier League away games, but Blackburn have failed to beat West Ham in their last nine meetings in all competitions. The Hammers are bottom of the league and the stats do not entirely favour them, but their away form has to improve at some point and they will be desperate to stay in touch over the festive period. Sam Allardyce was an effective manager at Blackburn, although he was never a popular figure amongst the fans; his latest sacking was sealed by a pair of poultry magnates who have surely chosen the wrong time to clip their manager's wings. Take West Ham to roast vulnerable Blackburn at 19/5; Scott Parker will no doubt take the acclaim if West Ham are victorious, rely on him and Victor Obinna for your fantasy team.

Despite a series of conflicts between Houllier and his players, Aston Villa seem to have turned a corner with their narrow victory over West Brom last weekend. They travel to Wigan this weekend, the Latics have won only one of their last 10 league fixtures. Only one of the 10 Premier League games between Villa and Wigan has ended as a home win and Villa have won each of their last three trips to the DW Stadium. It is no coincidence that Villa's reversal in fortune has come at a time when key players like Reo-Coker, Heskey, Cuellar and Agbonlahor have returned to fitness. Wigan will be hit hard by injuries and suspension this weekend so everything points towards an away win, take Villa at a gift wrapped 17/10 to dispose of woeful Wigan. Marc Albrighton is a rising star, so be a wise man and complete your fantasy midfield by including him and Stewart Downing.

To complete our fantasy team we need to find a few clean sheets and where better to start than Eastlands. Everton are the visitors on Monday night and we cannot see anything other than a City win to nil, the Toffeemen have suffered from goalscoring impotence all season, we can't see Saha and Beckford penetrating a stern City backline. Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany are our selections. Liverpool entertain toothless Fulham on Saturday evening, Roy Hodgson will be facing his old team who are now embroiled in a relegation struggle. Fulham's plight is mainly due to the injuries in their striking department, Zamora is a long term absentee, new signing Dembele has looked good but been crocked most of the time whilst Andy Johnson looks a shadow of his former self. We would be amazed if Fulham offered a threat at Anfield, therefore Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel take their place in our fantasy defence. The dubious honour of completing our fantasy line-up goes to Laurent Koscielny, the Arsenal man should have a bruising but ultimately successful afternoon against Kenwyne Jones and company.

This weekend’s competition kicks off as always at 3pm on Saturday and concludes with Monday’s aforementioned televised clash of Manchester City vs Everton. Christmas is not all about giving, it's about receiving too, grab a wad of cash this weekend with a fantasy bet at http://www.totelfootball.com/affiliate/fiso/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;!