Will He or Won't He...Match-ups Of The Week

So, if you don't know what the title is referring to, then you should probably turn in your username and password and do something else to pass the time at work. The bet here is that he will start, and score vs. a depleted Boro squad that has JFH, Viduka and a host of others in doubt. Due to the encroachment of my day job, this will be a slightly abbreviated version of "Match-ups":

Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - go ahead, don't start him, I dare you.

Roonaldo, ManYoo - I hate to say it, but the hype is at least somewhat justified AND Boro are in rough shape as they journey to OT.

Bergkamp, Arsenal - yup, I'm biased, in my humble opinion, Bergkamp is god and I can't imagine what Charlton might do to stop that.

Shearer & Kluivert, Newcastle - Headed to B'ham which is never a recipe for goals but they are in form.

Johnson, Palace - Our first promoted striker recommendation of the year - he's been solid every week and Palace are playing Fulham at home which means there will be goals available.

Midfielders
I usually start out this section with Pires but he's out - please make a note of it, it would be a shame for someone to start an entire midfield of players who don't actually play (ahem, Rob).

Giggs, ManYoo - All signs point to a ManYoo scoring-fest this weekend - Giggs has been finding a way to accumulate fantasy points despite mediocre ManYoo performances, it can only get better if team performance improves.

Fabregas, Arsenal - He's back, sans mullet to replace the injured duo of Edu and Gilberto - maybe we'll see that attacking style again and the points will follow. How is it that the Brazilians had to get hurt before this happened?

Duff-man, Chelsea - Could it be that he'll actually play? He looked good with Drogba last weekend. Do you have the stomach for this one yet?

Okocha, Bolton - Back in the line-up after breaking hearts last weekend due to his unannounced groin injury. Playing at WBA means that Bolton could improve on their early form.

FLYER OF THE WEEK - Leon Osman is back and despite playing vs. a tough Tottenham defense, he's been clutch for Everton so far. If you're looking to do something a little different, this might be a good strategy.

Defense
Heinze, ManYoo - It still turns my stomach to endorse a Red Devil so strongly, but, he's a stud. Start him every week, good things will happen.

Everton Defense - A stingy defense at home to anemic Tottenham. There is a reasonable chance of a clean sheet here.

Clichy, Arsenal - Starting in place of Ashley Cole, he'll get into the offense on the left, Arsenal has a reasonable chance of a clean sheet at home and he'll give you a financial boost if he does well.

'Keeper
Cech, Lehman, Carroll - its a bit of a toss-up between these three - the Arsenal keeper has been getting more shots against him but also letting more in. All three are reasonably well-positioned for a win/clean sheet combo.

If you're looking to be a little bit different, Shay Given might be a nice change of pace outside of the "big three" keepers.

Enjoy the Weekend...