Injuries and Suspensions

Here we go again.  For those who want a quick summary you can find the PhysioRoom.com widget in the middle column if you scroll down a bit.  They aren't perfect but it's about as comprehensive a resource as you can have in one place.  One thing I don't know is if they follow the American convention for the meanings of terms like "doubtful" (25% likely to play); "questionable" (50% likely to play) and "probable" (75% likely to play).  That's generally how I interpret those words after years and years of being trained that way by NFL injury reports (just thought I'd let you know).

Here's the quick rundown of each match, the injury and suspension situation, and what it means to you, the fantasy manager...



Fulham v. Arsenal - Arshavin and Walcott are back with Arshavin likely to start and Walcott most likely to come off the bench (in my opinion).  Almunia is still another week away so Mannone will get another start.  Based on talent, Arshavin should be in your consideration set but at the current price and based on the fact that he hasn't been great when Cesc has been in the line-up, it's hard to think about spending that much money on him.  On the other side of the ball, Fulham players aren't the greatest best this weekend given the opposition but there are no injuries to worry about so if you are interested in someone from their starting XI, they should be available to play.

Blackburn v. Villa - Not many forced changes to report in this one - Sidwell, AY, and Heskey are probable but not definite to play and Big Sam is contemplating giving Benni a start but there are better options out there if you need a striker. If word comes down that AY is definitely out, Milner becomes more valuable.

Birmingham v. Bolton - Seems to be a bit of a theme but not too much to report really - some returning players for Brum (Larsson, Carr, Vignal, Carsley) and Sean Davis to be out for a long spell for Bolton but nothing that should shake the foundations of your fantasy team.

Spurs v. Burnley - Raise your hand if you've heard this before somewhere...there are major questions for Spurs in the centre of defence.  King and Woody are both apparently out.  SeaBass will face the dreaded late fitness test after picking up a few knocks against Chelsea last weekend.  Dawson came through the Carling Cup match so if SeaBass can't go it will likely be Dawson and Corluka in the middle.  Not much of note for Burnley other than Jensen being questionable in net - come to think of it, that could be a big deal for Spurs if Jensen can't go.  He's been a great shot-stopper when Burnley have been under fire from superior attacks.  If Jensen IS out, Spurs attackers (Defoe, Keane, Lennon, THud, etc) will be that much more valuable.

Pompey v. Everton - The Yak is back (fun to say) but it seems unlikely that he'll start this week given Saha's form and the likely desire to work Yakubu back in slowly to ensure that he doesn't re-injure himself.  Elsewhere on the pitch, Pienaar and Yobo willl have "late fitness tests".  Not much of any note to report from a Pompey team that you should probably be avoiding like the plague outside of O'Hara if you have him for a bargain price.

Liverpool v. Hull - Nothing out of the ordinary here - Liverpool and Hull are pretty much fully fit.  No word on who Hull prefers at striker in this situation but given the opposition, I'm not sure it matters too much.

Stoke v. ManYoo - Bad news for Tuncay fans (and those who have him at 1.00).  Even though Beattie and Fuller are both doubtful the team report has Tony Pulis thinking about Richard Cresswell to partner Dave Kitson.  No mention of why Tuncay wouldn't get the call but my recollection is that he's a pretty good player.  The ManYoo question is really at keeper and is a selection choice rather than an injury or suspension issue - looks like Foster will retain his place.  Also looks like Rio will be back in the line-up.

Wigan v. Chelsea - Drogs is healthy and should get the start.  JCole and Zhirkov will be in the 18 but seem likely to have places on the bench as they work their way back but watch the Barn Door in case one or both get a start.  Wigan is fully fit.

Sunderland v. Wolves - Cattermole and McCartney seem very likely to play after recovering from injuries. Wolves appear to be fit not that it should make too much difference to you.