Will They or Won't They?

THAT is the question of the week...Will Yahoo include the Wednesday Liverpool/NUFC match in the point totals? Or will those points go the way of the Pompey/Boro match from earlier in the season (assuming that those points are, indeed, gone forever)? This is even more critical given the circumstances both clubs face. Both are a) in mediocre form; b) returning from mid-week European dates; c) facing tough weekend competition; and d) both are on the road on Sunday. One the basis of their regularly scheduled matches and travel circumstances, neither team is particularly attractive to Fantasy Managers. If, however, they are both going to be playing two matches then they there is reason to get excited about at least a few guys from each team. I'm still undecided but am leaning towards taking the chance that Yahoo will get it right. Regardless of which way you're leaning, I'll try to have something in here for you as you get ready to set your line-ups for this Battle of the (supposed) Titans weekend...

Chelsea - Ordinarily, Chelsea vs. Liverpool would be a HUGE deal given the history between the two clubs over the past few years and the recent war of words between Rafa and Jose. Unfortunately, Liverpool haven't produced the goods yet this season and what looked to be part one of a fantastic Sunday doubleheader looks a bit lopsided right now. That said, there are, as always, a few players worth considering from these two teams. Even given his woes Frank Lampard is a fantasy stud HOWEVER in the realm of high priced midfielders, he's only worth it if you think Gerrard will count for one match. Gerrard's form has been mediocre at best so far but right now I have him Lamps because he should get two matches. Elsewhere among the "take 'em if you think they're going to get two" ranks at Liverpool are Aurellio, Reina, and if you're feeling particularly biased towards the Reds then Kuyt (he's cheap, their best striker, and will probably play at least 120 minutes combined).

Elsewhere on the Chelsea side of the field, you have to think that 5.95 Ashley Cole will start again following his Starting XI debut on Tuesday in the Champions League. Given Liverpool's ineptitude in front of net, you have to think he's a reasonable bet for a clean sheet plus whatever offense he generates as Chelsea's only wide option on the left. Drogba just pisses me off - he does well when I ignore him and sucks when I choose him - so I'm just not even trying anymore. Sheva is getting close to being dead to me for his combination of hype and lack of production.

The Race for the Champions League - The other half of "Clash of the Titans Weekend" is Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford. Like their Anfield-based counterparts, Arsenal have managed to dim this high profile match with their mediocre start to the campaign. Henry and van Persie are doubtful and Henry has a history of coming up small in big clashes like this anyway. [Heresy for a Gooner to type, I know, but it can't be denied] Giggs is out. Rooney and Scholes are back. Saha looked great on Wednesday but the United defense looked TERRIBLE. Where does this leave us? If you're not going with the Liverpool/NUFC double thing, then it leaves you with the following real candidates for your line-up - Rooney, Scholes (but he is dead to me), Saha, van der Sar, Cesc and Rosicky. I haven't seen the injury report yet but Walcott or Baptista might have to be on this list as well if it is clear which will partner Adebayor (assuming The Beast is available on Yahoo by now). In general, though, I'd probably stay away from this one and if you have to get involved, go with the Red Devils (and yes, it hurt to type those words).

Speaking of teams that have disappointed out of the gate - we now arrive at Spurs who come off their UEFA Cup journey to Prague to host the Bullard-less Fulham. With Berbatov still seemingly injured and Keane/Defoe off to a stumbling start there aren't many strong candidates to choose from on either side of this battle. If you must Assou-Ekotto is probably your best bet.

The Relegation Zone - There's a battle between Reading and Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in what at least one commentator will surely call a "relegation six-pointer" even though Reading are sitting on six points after four matches. If you have space in your midfield Bobby Convey and Steve Sidwell are reasonable bets here as is Marcus Hahnemann. Given the influx of new, cheap strikers, I'd stay away from Reading's duo of Lita and Doyle but neither would be a terrible bet.

Watford gets a slightly more difficult task as they host the rejuvinated Aston Villa squad. In my mind, this match will feature two of the better bargain-priced non-two-match midfield bets this weekend - Stilian Petrov and Ashley Young. Petrov looked great in his debut this past week finishing with 10 points which would have been more if not for a spectacular goal line clearance by Tyrone Mears. For those looking for a Jimmy Bullard replacement, I think this is your guy. As for AY, the bandwagon rolls on and there's no reason to think that Villa are SO good that you shouldn't expect at least 8 points if not more like 12. If you're looking at this as a comfortable Villa win then you might also want to consider the super-cheap JP Angel as well as Gareth Barry who has looked great on crosses and free kicks. Another one to watch is Gabriel Agbonlahor who has looked somewhat dangerous on the left wing. Not a star yet but with a favorable match-up he might be good for an assist plus some "phantom points".

The Rest - Obviously, we'll start with Newcastle. If you're thinking they'll get two then Parker, Emre, Milner, Duff, and Martins should all at least cross your mind. Of that group, Scott Parker seems like the best bet to me. Martins hasn't found his range, Milner has never seemed comfortable at NUFC, Emre is up and down and Duff ended up the UEFA Cup match playnig left fullback. If you're spending time on the NUFC defense, well, there's nothing more I can say to you.

Charlton vs. Pompey leaves me wondering if this can really continue. If it does, then Sol Campbell, Kanu, and David James are all good bets. Until Pompey gives up a goal, I'm not going to bet against them so I'll leave the Charlton crew off my team.

If you were looking for a time for Nikky Anelka to announce his arrival back onto the Premiership scene, you might want to target this week's visit of the pourous Boro defense. They've given up a league-high nine goals so far and it seems like the ideal time to put "Le Sulk" on your roster.

Everton look to continue their hot start as they host Wigan - look for more great performances from Howard and AJ and both Arteta and Cahill should be in your consideration set until this streak is over. On the Wigan side, not so much.

Rovers and Man Citeh - nothing to see here, please move along.

And finally, we have the Premiership debuts of Tevez and Maschereno. Given that he's playing against Newcastle's defense and there aren't really any strong striker candidates from the LIV/NUFC double pairing, I think it's time to give Carlos (or Zamora who should get more space based on Tevez's reputation) a shot and hope for the best. The rest of the Hammers side will have to wait.

Best of luck and happy shopping...