Insider Eye - Week 40

10th May 2012By: Fantasy League

The end of the season is nigh! Run to the hills, save yourselves. Oh wait, wrong premonition. Bolton to survive the drop makes more sense.

Team to Watch - Bolton

Premier League survival is at stake for Bolton this weekend and they'll be going all out to keep their place in English football's top flight.

They're currently in the relegation zone, two points adrift of QPR and safety, but the Hoops go to champions elect Manchester City.

Bolton therefore know that a win at Stoke on Sunday should keep them at the top table and the Potters current run means they have an excellent chance.

Stoke have gone five games without a win and their last victory was against Wolves so doesn't even count.

In fact that win over Wolves was the only time they've collected three points in 11 attempts.

Tony Pulis' men have lost five of those 11 and haven't scored more than once in a match since February.

Team to Avoid - Sunderland

If Manchester United are going to win the league this weekend they need goals, lots of goals.

Leaders Manchester City are in the box seat and are expected to record the routine victory at home to QPR that would hand them the title.

They have what looks like an insurmountable eight goal advantage over the Reds, but could get edgy if the goals start flying in at the Stadium of Light.

All this is bad news for Sunderland, Manchester United's opponents on Sunday.

It's even worse for any fantasy football managers with Black Cats defenders in their line up.

Sunderland haven't won since crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Everton in March and have shipped 11 goals in their last seven outings.

Banker Clean Sheet - Tottenham

Tottenham host Fulham on Sunday, knowing that they will need to win to have any realistic chance of overhauling rivals Arsenal in the race for third place in the Premier League.

Only Manchester City and Manchester United have managed more than the eight clean sheets Tottenham have achieved on home soil this season, which gives them the perfect base for the victory they need.

In contrast, Stoke are the only side to have scored fewer that the 12 goals Fulham have scored away from home this term.

The Cottagers have also only scored two goals in their last eight trips to White Hart Lane.

Facebook Fans' Tips

On the final weekend of the season all the matches kick-off at the same time meaning your Supersubs will be left watching from the bench.

So we asked our Facebook fans who they'll be selecting when they pick their last day of the season 11s.

Matt Rowson has a secure lead at the top of his league so he's giving youth a chance and will field Marvin Sordell even though the Bolton striker is yet to register a single point.

Meanwhile, Graham Yates is keeping faith with Demba Ba up front, despite the Newcastle hit-man's goal drought and the presence of in-form Andy Carroll in his squad.

Join the debate and make your Insider Eye debut by liking our Facebook page.

Injuries and Suspensions

Chelsea are hopeful that defender David Luiz will play some part against Blackburn at the weekend, to try and build his match fitness ahead of the Champions League final.

Rovers will be without Bradley Orr for the match, while keeper Paul Robinson and David Dunn are both doubtful.

Bolton midfielder Chung-Yong Lee could make his first start of the season, after returning from his broken leg last weekend, but there are concerns over Martin Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Chris Brunt has been ruled out of the game against Arsenal after having his tonsils out.

Tottenham may play William Gallas at left-back against Fulham in the absence of the injured Benoit Assou-Ekotto and the suspended Danny Rose.

The Fantasy Football Show

For more insight and analysis ahead of the weekend's Premier League action listen to our podcast, The Fantasy Football Show by clicking here.

Fantasy League have made their predictions for the weekend. Do you agree? Which teams do you think are the ones to target? Please leave your comments below...

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