Manchester United shake off injury worries to shine

Team to Watch - Manchester United

Manchester United will be full of confidence going into their final game of 2011, after their Christmas goal bonanza when they scored 10 goals and conceded none in their two festive fixtures.

They have now won five games on the trot, and only conceded two goals in their last nine games, a run which has seen them draw level on points with rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Despite being plagued by injury United have still managed to win, and win well, showing they won't be outdone by their big-spending neighbours.

United host Blackburn on Saturday, and Rovers are also struggling with injuries, but they are in the middle of a contrasting run of form.

Rovers picked up a creditable point at Anfield on Boxing Day, but they will have been eyeing their pre-Christmas games for results and will not be expecting to get much here.

Team to Avoid - Queens Park Rangers

Without a win in six matches, Rangers head to the Emirates to face Arsenal, and record-chasing Robin van Persie.

The R’s had an impressive start to the season but now find themselves in the bottom five of the Premier League table and threatened with relegation.

Adel Taarabt has failed to hit the heights expected of him, while dreaming of a move elsewhere, and the defence has failed to keep a clean sheet in nine.

On Saturday they face an Arsenal side determined to avenge the disappointing draw with Wolves, where they missed out on the chance to propel themselves into the top four.

The Rangers defence will also be up against van Persie, who needs a hat-trick to break Alan Shearer’s record of 36 goals in a calendar year.

Few would bet against just this eventuality, with The Hoops set to make it a winless seven.

Banker Clean Sheet - West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion became the first side to stop Manchester City from scoring in the Premier League this season with their 0-0 draw on Boxing Day.

It was only their fourth clean sheet in 18 games so far this season, but it will have given them plenty of confidence.

The Baggies host Everton on Sunday, and the Toffees' have not scored more than one goal in a game since November, a run of five matches.

They are badly lacking a creative influence and their top scorers have just three goals and are left-back Leighton Baines, midfielder Leon Osman and Greek youngster Apostolos Vellios, who has only started two games.

The return of American international Landon Donovan will be timely then, but the LA Galaxy man can't be registered in time for this one, meaning the Baggies have an excellent chance of another shut-out.

Injuries and Suspensions

Newcastle will be sweating on the fitness of in-form striker Demba Ba going into Friday night's clash with Liverpool.

Liverpool could hand a start to Andy Carroll, but Steven Gerrard may be on the bench once again.

Swansea will be without on-loan defender Steven Caulker when they host Tottenham on Saturday, as Premier League rules forbid players from turning out against their parent club.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will miss Friday night's clash against Newcastle through suspension after being handed an FA misconduct charge.

Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas has failed in his appeal to have the red card he picked up against Arsenal rescinded, and he will serve a three-match ban as a result.

Wigan striker Connor Sammon did get his sending off against Manchester United overturned though, and he is available for the trip to Stoke on Saturday.

New Players

Keep an eye on our Ins & Outs page for details of all the arrivals and departures on the Fantasy League Player List.

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...