Our tips to managers of a fantasy football team were largely successful last weekend.
Wayne Rooney and Pablo Osvaldo scored a goal apiece, while Romelu Lukaku bagged a brace for Everton against Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Dejan Lovren kept a clean sheet as part of the Southampton side that defeated Crystal Palace.
What's more, as Sports Mole predicted, neither Samuel Eto'o nor Ricky van Wolfswinkel found the net and although his Aston Villa side won against Manchester City, defender Ron Vlaar was present as Paul Lambert's team conceded two goals.
As we look to build upon our decent selections from last week, here is who feel would be worth picking and avoiding this weekend.
Who to pick
1. Romelu Lukaku: The big Belgian was among our selections last week and he duly obliged by scoring twice against Newcastle United. In truth, it was a routine pick, particularly because the Magpies defend like a leaky tap. Believe it or not, the same accusation could be aimed at Manchester City's rearguard, or at least on occasions. Lukaku will be up against fellow countryman Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic, neither of whom covered themselves in glory last time out against Aston Villa. With Lukaku on top form, he is bound to fancy his chances of scoring again on Saturday. Furthermore, the Toffees have won four of their last six trips to the Etihad Stadium.
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2. Luis Suarez: Talk about hitting the ground running. The Uruguayan dusted off the cobwebs in the League Cup against Manchester United, before scoring twice on his Premier League return against Sunderland. It was the sort of performance from the Liverpool striker that probably had Crystal Palace defenders hiding behind the sofa. The Eagles make the trip to Merseyside having conceded 10 goals so far this season and it would take a brave punter to back against Suarez adding to that tally.
3. Jan Vertonghen: The Belgian centre-back has been in the headlines this week for his role in the sending-off of Fernando Torres at the weekend. That actually did the Tottenham Hotspur man a disservice, because he defended extremely well against Chelsea. This time around he will be up against a West Ham United attack that has not scored in any of their three matches on the road this term. Not only does he have a good chance of collecting a clean sheet, Vertonghen is also a threat in the opposition's area from corners.
4. Yohan Cabaye: After the first 45 minutes, the Newcastle fans that had made the trip to Goodison Park on Monday must have wondered why on Earth they had bothered. The second half was much brighter, though, thanks in part to the introduction of Cabaye, who had been nursing a thigh injury. He scored a great goal from distance and livened up the entire team. Manager Alan Pardew confirmed after the match that the Frenchman would be starting against Cardiff City and if Newcastle are to gain anything from the clash, Cabaye is likely to be at the crux of it.
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5. Rickie Lambert: What a few months Lambert is having. In August he was selected for England for the first time and just last weekend he scored the 200th goal of his career. He takes that confidence into Sunday's meeting with Swansea City, who are likely to be without the physical presence of Ashley Williams. Should the Swans defender miss the clash, Lambert could well make the most of his absence.
Who to avoid
1. Julian Speroni: From a personal point of view, the Argentine goalkeeper has very little to lose this weekend. His Palace side take on Liverpool, who have their own version of 'SAS' firing on all cylinders right now. The Reds are expected to win at a canter, with the bookmakers offering odds of just 18/1 that they record a 5-0 victory. If they score an early goal, you'd have to fear for the South Londoners.
2. Modibo Maiga: Played three, won none, scored none - that is West Ham's record away from home so far this term. With Andy Carroll injured, the responsibility of scoring goals has more often than not been handed to Maiga, but the Mali international has struggled so far. Add to that the fact that he is up against a Spurs defence that has shipped just two goals and it's unlikely that he will break West Ham's duck at White Hart Lane.
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3. Ricky van Wolfswinkel: This is by no means a witch hunt against Van Wolfswinkel (he was in our avoid list last week), but the fact of the matter is that the Dutchman has struggled since he arrived at Norwich City in the summer, having scored just once. Those that have left 'The Wolf' in their teams in the hope that he will come good, now may be the time to make a change. Gary Hooper is fit again and with Chris Hughton's liking for just one centre-forward, RVW could well find himself among the substitutes against Chelsea.
4. Chico Flores: The Spaniard is a solid defender, there can be no doubt about that. Like so many centre-backs, though, Chico is at his best with his usual partner alongside him. At Southampton on Sunday, it has been reported that injury will rule out Williams, which in turn makes Swansea a weaker unit. With the likes of Lambert in form and Osvaldo now off the mark, it could be a worrying afternoon for the Swans. Chico also has a tendency to collect silly, needless bookings.
5. Carlos Cuellar: Daniel Sturridge would outpace most defenders in the Premier League, so there is no shame in that happening to you. Even so, Cuellar looked as though he was running through treacle as he tried to catch the Liverpool striker, who then crossed for Suarez to score. It doesn't get much easier for the Black Cats and Sunderland on Saturday evening, with Manchester United visiting the Stadium of Light. The champions may not be in great form, but they boast a Wayne Rooney in clinical mood of late and a fit-again Robin van Persie.
Liam Apicella
