Ba, Crouch and Defoe tipped to shine in fantasy stakes

The Premier League is really doing my head in. I know it's great to watch and all that, but when you are trying to put together a team and write about which players to pick etc it can really throw up a curveballs or two.

Arsenal losing to Norwich was one of those. No offence to Norwich, but Arsenal were shocking. I had invested heavily in the London side, with Jenkinson, Mannone and Santi Cazorla featuring in my squad. Oh the trials and tribulations of Fantasy Premier League.

The biggest games of the weekend regardless of Fantasy Football are Manchester United at Chelsea and the Merseyside derby. I would stay away from all defenders from these four teams. They will be tight affairs, but I cannot see a clean sheet in them. Manchester United are terribly week in defence and this was shown midweek in the Champions League, but they seem to grind out results against the top teams, heck all teams, by playing not the classiest football, but getting the job done.

Interesting to note that 105,772 fantasy managers have transferred Juan Mata in for this week. A big game for the Spaniard, and one I can’t see him being as dominant in as he was last week. I can’t recommend bringing him in this week as his price will be hiked due to his points heavy performance last week.

Jason Tranter took over at the top last week and now heads the Square Football league . . . maybe he should write this column?

On to this week's studs and duds.

Studs:

Jermain Defoe: A really tasty fixture for Spurs against the lower tabled Southampton. Defoe can always find the net and I won’t be surprised if he hits home this weekend.

Manchester City: Coming up against Swansea this week at home, the Manchester club will be looking to bounce back from the horror show against Ajax. Carlos Tevez should play as he was only on for about 20 mins midweek. But, with Mancini, you never know. Clichy or Kolarov, if you can guess who is starting, could be a crafty purchase.

Peter Crouch: Sunderland were lucky Tiote got sent of last week as Newcastle looked like they would of pummeled them! Stoke host the Black Cats this weekend and I think the tall striker will cause plenty of trouble for the visiting back four.

Demba Ba: Ba set up Cabaye’s goal last week, after Mignolet parried his shot. This week he is at home with 10 other players on the pitch and will be a constant threat as they take on West Brom.

Sasha Reither: Although Fulham's defence looks top notch, Reither has attacking prowess and is my pick of the Fulham defence away to Reading.

Stud/Dud:

Arsenal: If they get themselves together they should be able to hammer basement boys QPR. That is a big IF though. I'm sticking with them (not that I want to, just because I have no other options.)

Duds:

As I have already mentioned I feel as though Manchester United and Chelsea defenders are duds this weekend due to the hard match-ups. Also West Ham defenders have a tough game away at Wigan. I would stay away from them as well as a clean sheet doesn't look likely.

People that are out for this weekend and are therefore duds are;

- Kagawa with a knee injury
- Tiote due to his red card, and
- Pienaar, for picking up two yellow cards.

Calling all fantasy football managers. Do you have any tips you would like to share with your counterparts? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.