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EPL Week 14 Fantasy Preview

Matches come early this week. Let's take a look at who to start and who to sit.

By Nabae Asfar
Clive Brunskill

We are treated with early EPL matches this week, but have no fear, we will still have a full slate of EPL matches over the weekend too! Crystal Palace vs West Ham are the only teams playing today (3:00 pm EST), the rest of the games are tomorrow.

GOALKEEPERS

Artur Boruc - The injury he suffered during the Chelsea game turned out to be a broken hand. Obviously, Boruc won't be playing this week, or next week, or for the foreseeable future. Backup keeper, Paulo Gazzaniga will take the reins and you should avoid him at all costs. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Jussi Jääskeläinen - Also known as "Mr. Umlaut" is a fine start today against Crystal Palace. West Ham have kept a clean sheet in four of their last seven EPL matches. I expect Jussi to keep a clean sheet today against a struggling Palace side. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Tim Howard - He came through last week against Stoke City with a clean sheet, but this week he faces Manchester United. I see goals in this match, possibly another 2-2 draw, so I wouldn't start Howard if you are looking for a clean sheet. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Wojciech Szczesny - He has catapulted himself to #2 amongst all goalkeepers, trailing Tim Howard by four points. Arsenal face Hull City this week and even though they managed to put three goals past Simon Mignolet, I don't see that happening again. Szczesny should be able to record his third consecutive clean sheet. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Petr Cech - He has been pretty disappointing with only four clean sheets on the season. To be fair to him, a lot of the blame should be on his defense. Sunderland have not been the most dangerous attacking side, I expect Chelsea to keep a clean sheet. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Maarten Stekelenburg - Facing a Tottenham side that has struggled for goals, I still wouldn't start him. Tottenham should fire at least a couple past him. Especially if they want to remain relevant in the top 4 race. (VERDICT: BENCH)

DEFENDERS

Jan Vertonghen - It's been a rough couple of weeks for Vertonghen, he should be able to get back on track against a lowly Fulham side that just fired their manager. (VERDICT: PLAY)

John O'Shea - Tough task against Chelsea, plus he's recovering from a slight knock. He should still start for Sunderland, but he shouldn't be starting on your fantasy team. (VERDICT: BENCH)

James Collins - Facing Crystal Palace, I am pretty confident starting him and any other West Ham defender. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Dejan Lovren - I expect to see goals in this match, and with a young, inexperienced keeper as well as Christian Benteke running at him, Lovren will have his hands full. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Laurent Koscielny - He has been solid lately and should have another good game against Hull City. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Phil Jagielka - Manchester United will score, that means no clean sheet for Jagielka. (VERDICT: BENCH)

MIDFIELDERS

Aaron Ramsey - You have to do it. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Oscar - He has been ruled out with the injury he suffered against Southampton. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Kevin Nolan - I expect a big game from Nolan today. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Samir Nasri - Coming off a fantastic performance last week, Nasri needs to build on that and show he can be consistent. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Gerard Deulofeu - He dazzled in his first start ever in the EPL last week, and as we predicted, he did not disappoint. I expect him to take off from here. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Scott Parker - Don't do it, just don't do it. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Jonjo Shelvey - Swansea are riddled with injuries, Shelvey is one of the few healthy players. But, that does not mean you should start him. (VERDICT: BENCH)

STRIKERS

Luis Suarez - I expect a bounce back game from Suarez. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Daniel Sturridge - Still recovering from injury. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Romelu Lukaku - Don't ask, just do. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Wayne Rooney - You have to start him. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Olivier Giroud - There's no other competent striker on the squad. (VERDICT: PLAY)

Gary Hooper - He proved me wrong last week, but I still don't trust him. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Christian Benteke - This is your week! Take it! (VERDICT: PLAY)

Frazier Campbell - Cardiff will struggle to find the back of the net against Stoke. (VERDICT: BENCH)

Questions on who to start and who to sit? Fire away in the comments or on twitter.

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