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Can you believe it? We only have four more weeks left in the season! What a season it's been so far and the drama is just beginning. Absolutely huge matches this week, most notably, Liverpool against Manchester City in what could be a title deciding match. On the other end of the table, Fulham face a Norwich side who just fired their manager. Both of these teams are in danger of being relegated, with Fulham occupying one of those spots. A Fulham victory would bring the Cottagers just two points away from safety and Norwich two points from the danger zone. Anyway, let's look at who to start and who to sit this week.
Goalkeepers
Julian Speroni - Palace have been quietly putting together an impressive season. They have kept a clean sheet in their last two matches, including the huge 1-0 victory over Chelsea. They face a depleted Aston Villa side this week and a third straight clean sheet would not be surprising at all. (VERDICT: PLAY)
Vito Mannone - He was on a hot streak for quite some time but has now conceded 11 goals in the last four games, including 5 last week. It's not going to get any easier this week against a Manchester City squad who score in bunches. He also has to face Everton before that and they won't take it easy on him either. I feel bad for Vito, he's about to have a nightmare of a week. (VERDICT: BENCH) Note: Manchester City have two matches in this game week. The Liverpool match on Sunday, and Sunderland on Wednesday the 16th. Sunderland face Everton on Saturday and City on Wednesday.
Asmir Begovic - Stoke face a depressing Newcastle who have failed to find the back of the net in three straight matches! The loss of Loic Remy has hit them hard and the French striker was expected to be back in action this week but he has been ruled out once again. (VERDICT: PLAY)
DEFENDERS
Seamus Coleman - He's got two matches in the same game week. Love playing players with a double header, especially players that will face crappy teams in both matches. Coleman gets Sunderland and Crystal Palace this week. (VERDICT: PLAY)
Wes Brown - The opposite of Seamus Coleman. Has a double header but against teams that will crush his teams soul. Everton and Manchester City? Bench all your defenders. (VERDICT: BENCH)
Ryan Shawcross - Faces Newcastle who cannot seem to score. (VERDICT: PLAY)
MIDFIELDERS
Christian Eriksen - This guy is unplayable right now. He can't be stopped. You would be a fool to bench him at this point. 35 fantasy points in the last 3 games. Get him on your team, NOW! (VERDICT: PLAY HIM YOU FOOL!)
Eden Hazard - Out injured for at least a few weeks. Sub him off your team and replace him with someone healthy. (VERDICT: BENCH)
Yaya Toure - Another guy who has been on fire lately and now gets a double header in the same game week. I expect both of City's matches to be high scoring affairs. (VERDICT: PLAY)
Jonjo Shelvey - Playing against Chelsea, I don't like their chances of scoring. (VERDICT: BENCH)
Frank Lampard - The old man has definitely lost a step. Age is catching up with him and it is pretty evident. (VERDICT: BENCH)
Adam Lallana - With Jay Rodriguez out for the season, Lallana, along with everyone else, will have to step up their game to make up for his loss. While Rickie Lambert may be the biggest benefactor from this, Lallana will need to step up his creative play and goal scoring. That shouldn't be a problem against Cardiff. (VERDICT: PLAY)
STRIKERS
The Usual Suspects: Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Romelu Lukaku - START THEM ALL!
Olivier Giroud - The French womanizer has been in a slump lately and I don't think he gets out of it this week. (VERDICT: BENCH)
Rickie Lambert - See: Adam Lallana. (VERDICT: PLAY)
Emmanuel Adebayor - Adebayor has received a lifeline under Tim Sherwood and seized it. He has 10 goals on the season and faces West Brom this week. (VERDICT: PLAY)
Wilfried Bony - Not this week, buddy. Not against that Chelsea defense. (VERDICT: BENCH)
Brian Stultz, the man that regularly brings you these picks is celebrating his birthday today so join me in wishing him a very happy birthday and let's just hope he doesn't drink himself into a coma. CHEERS!
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Is there anyone you feel strongly about this week? Let us know in the comments or reach out on twitter @houndsoccer.
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