Weather permitting it’s Gameweek 18, this roller coaster Premier League season is about to enter its crucial Christmas period. Three points going into the festivities will be a priority for all managers this weekend.

Sam Allardyce can put is feet up on Saturday and watch the club that unceremoniously sacked him take on his potential new employers. Rovers Phil Jones(4.5) is an apparent January transfer target for several clubs, the defender has picked up 48 points so far this season and could be a shrewd acquisition if the rumours bear fruit. Blackburn’s performer of the season so far is the ever consistent Morten Gamst Pedersen(5.9), a 75 point haul this season puts him 12^th overall in the midfield rankings.

Avram Grants tenure at Upton Park is hanging by a thread. He could be trading places with Big Sam come the New Year unless the Hammers can perform a dramatic turnaround. Were it not for the Influence of Scott Parker(5.4) you feel that Grant’s and quite possibly West Ham’s fate would already have been sealed. With Parker again the centre of transfer speculation it could be wise to add the playmaker to your ranks. Goals win Football matches, Frederic Piquionne(4.9) and Victor Obinna(5.5) have excited occasionally and Allardyce could be warming himself by the fire for a bit longer if the pair hit form over the festivities.

It’s time for another West Midlands derby on Sunday as West Brom entertain Wolves. The key to the Baggies success so far this season has been in the engine room. Chris Brunt(5.7) is a massive player for Roberto Di Matteo, if he’s not scoring goals he is creating them. Wide man Jerome Thomas(4.6) is performing well and steady as a rock Paul Scharner(4.5) is a reliable performer who chips in with the odd goal too. Mick McCarthy’s men deserve to be a wee bit higher up the table, if Stephen Hunt(5.3) can recapture the form of his Reading and Hull City days he will play a vital part in Wolves’ survival campaign. Wanderers will also be buoyed by the return of key men Matthew Jarvis(5.3) and Kevin Doyle(5.1).

Gameweek 18 concludes with Everton paying a visit to official title contenders Man City. Reports indicate that Carols Tevez(11.1) will be stripped of his captaincy but will play. There is a bargain to be had at multi-billion pound City, midfielder Yaya Toure is available for a mere 5.3 million. The Ivorian notched 13 points last time out, that’s value for Fantasy League money. Keep an eye on the happenings at Eastlands, a clear out is on the cards. The Fantasy League January sales will start here.

The next round of Premier League fixtures kick off on Boxing Day. I therefore wish you all a very merry and points laden Christmas. May your stocking be overflowing and your Turkey be moist and delicious. Thank you for reading every week and many apologies if you’ve followed any(and there have been plenty!) of my, shall we say, less rewarding suggestions.

If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleaguem.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300

Gameweek 15 of the Barclays Premier League was a brilliant example of just how exciting and intriguing the league can be. There were plenty of goals scored, a few standout performances and some entertaining matches both at the top and bottom of the table. Heading into the weekend, I had high hopes for Bolton v Blackpool which ended up a fantastically open match that ended 2-2. It was a good advert for positive, attacking football and my hope is that both sides continue to play in such a manner and that wins will come to them.

Spurs beat Liverpool 2-1 at home in a game that seems to be defining their kind of season: a little shaky at times, quite brilliant at times, and quite unabashedly Tottenham throughout. Manchester United decided to get out of second gear and into third, and who better to make that transition against than Blackburn at home? The Reds 7-1 thrashing was a case study in efficient, attacking football, while who would have guessed United could score seven without Rooney appearing even once on the score sheet?

Chelsea continue to trudge through November with another result not equaling three points. Having earned a point in their away match at Newcastle, the Champions have now earned four out of a possible 15 points in their last five matches. Definitely not the form of Champs while much uncertainty continues to surround that of the future of current boss Carlo Ancelotti.

While December now approaches, the top five teams in the standings are separated by only five points. With so many fixtures yet to be played and quite a few to come in just the next few weeks, how many of the five title contenders will be left with a realistic shot of winning the league come the new year?

Honorable Mentions –

Luka Modric, Tottenham – Spurs first goal was credited as an own goal to Martin Skrtel, but it was Modric’s fantastic run past Liverpool’s back line at pace and his cross into the box which forced Skrtel into the error. In a match that ebbed and flowed and witnessed both sides enjoy good spells, it was Modric for Spurs who pulled the strings going forward and who remained a threat throughout.

Modric’s qualities are no secret to Premier League fans. He’s a quick, nimble and smart midfield play-maker who can play central or on the left side. He’s an exceptional passer of the ball and is good getting forward. Spurs inability to keep clean sheets this season has only been matched by their ability to get forward, create and essentially outscore their opponents. Modric, along with Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart, has been key in that strength for Spurs.

Chris Brunt, West Brom- In a match mostly overshadowed by the traditionally bigger clubs in the Premier League, West Brom’s 1-4 victory over Everton at Goodison Park remains one of the most impressive of the weekend. Having secured only one point from their last five matches, the Baggies were in desperate need of a positive result after such a fine start to the season.

On Saturday, Brunt scored one and assisted on another as West Brom got the exact result they so desperately needed. Brunt’s assist came when his well placed corner found the head of Paul Scharner who opened up the scoring in the 15th minute. Ten minutes later, Brunt scored one himself when his stunning free kick beat a flailing Tim Howard in goal.

Scott Parker, West Ham – The incredibly influential Scott Parker was back for West Ham this weekend and scored the Hammers’ third and final goal of the day. Important for West Ham not only because of his abilities as a footballer, but also because of his leadership, Parker embodies the kind of gusto West Ham needs if they’ve any realistic ambition of staying up this season.

Strong in midfield, good in the tackle, a good passer and with the ability to get forward to score, Parker, who was all of these things on Saturday, led West Ham to see off Wigan at home 3-1. The win keeps West Ham bottom but supporters won’t be complaining too much about only their second win this season.

Premier League Footballer of the Week -

Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United- Was there ever going to be a suprise here? Unlikely. United were able to put seven past Blackburn while Berbatov had a staggering five to lead the Reds back to the top of the Premier League. So what do you say about a player who was able to score five times in league play?

Berbatov was at his best on Saturday and was able to set a new standard as it pertains to finishing. Widely the beneficiary of quite the impressive team performance, Berbatov was killer in front of goal in actually taking his chances but must give a portion of the credit to his teammates. Wayne Rooney, Nani, Anderson and Michael Carrick were all superb for United in setting up Berbatov.

While the service he received was excellent, Berbatov was quite the striker on Saturday. Finishing from a myriad of angles and making the best of his opportunities, Berbatov enters into the Premier League history books as one of only four players to ever score five goals in the Premier League.

It’s the North London derby this weekend. Arsenal, who are fast becoming serious title contenders play Host to Tottenham. The Gunners sit second, 2 points behind Chelsea. Tottenham find themselves seventh after a much needed win against Blackburn last weekend. Three points for either side would see them make significant strides up the Premier league table, so a point a piece it will be at the Emirates.

With the calibre of attacking players available to both sides you get the feeling it won’t be a goalless encounter. Make sure you have North London’s big hitters in your starting line up by Saturday lunchtime. Arsenal have no fresh injury worries as yet, but Tottenham have lost the services of string-puller Tom Huddlestone for a few months.

Elsewhere in the Premier League it’s the battle of the big number nine’s at the Reebok stadium, well it’s technically three number nine’s. Newcastle’s Andy Carroll acquitted himself well on Wednesday night, considering he was half way back to Newcastle by the time England forged any meaningful attack and will be looking to add to the 77 points he’s already picked up this season. Bolton’s Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies continue their fine form, add midfielder Chung-Yong Lee to the mix and you could find yourself in the points. However, the way this season is going a match featuring a trio of the League’s top strikers is bound to finish in a stalemate.

On paper Stokes trip to West Brom doesn’t look the most exciting match up, but this could be the dark horse of the weekend. Stokes flying winger Matthew Etherington and yo-yo midfielder Dean Whitehead are a risky gamble worth taking. Similarly the home side have mister consistent in Chris Brunt (58) and their very own goal machine in Peter Odemwingie (47), both could reward you with a healthy points haul this game week.

Premier League matches have been so hard to predict this season, so I’m not even going to mention Chelsea’s trip to St Andrews or Man Utd taking on Wigan, and as for Liverpool Vs West Ham, well I’m saying nothing. Sunderland’s fantastic performance at the bridge last Sunday summed up the Premier League perfectly, anything can and will happen in a game week. It’s a pundit’s nightmare.

I am however prepared to stick my neck out in regards to Sunday’s matches – Blackburn Vs Aston Villa and Fulham Vs Man City have got 1-1 written all over them. It will be a day where defences will triumph. Fulham’s Brede Hangeland and Villa’s James Collins will sure up any defence and both have weighed in with a few goals this season.

Game week 14 concludes with Everton’s trip to surprise package of game week 13, Sunderland. It goes without saying that Asamoah Gyan is the star man at the stadium of light right now, but his strike partner Darren Bent could return from injury in time for Monday nights clash. Everton themselves have a few potential bargains available, defensive rocks Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin are good value at 5.8 and 5.5 million respectively and young full back Seamus Coleman (4.9 million) is improving every week.

That’s your lot for this week. If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300

Hello and welcome to EPL Talk’s new weekly Fantasy League tips column. If you are constantly experiencing selection problems ahead of the weekends fixtures this is the column for you (hopefully!). Every week I will do my best to not only pick out the weeks potential points grabbers but also suggest who might benefit from a weekend of bench warming.

Kicking off in controversial style, my first tip is Emile Heskey. The Villa front man may have all the grace of a concussed Bambi on ice but he is shining once again under the guidance of Gerrard Houllier. It’s the second City derby this weekend and I can see a resurgent Heskey being more than a handful for the Birmingham back four.

Looking for someone to Partner big Emile upfront? Look no further than Man Utd’s part owl goal machine Javier Hernandez, the rubber necked Mexican grabbed two at the weekend and came off the bench midweek to help overcome Wolves in the Carling Cup. Come Saturday he’ll find himself up against a Spurs side that, when it comes to keeping clean sheets, are about as successful as “Chicharito’s” absent team mate Wayne Rooney. There are points to be had at Old Trafford and Nani will be looking to get in on the action too. The winger’s toes are beginning to twinkle as brightly as his winking predecessor, seeing him currently sit second overall in the midfield rankings.

Be sure to bolster your engine room with Blackpool’s star man Charlie Adam. Like a pair of Day-Glo hot pants The Tangerine’s are far from fashionable but they certainly catch the eye and Adam is reaping the benefits of Blackpool’s free flowing approach. They host West Brom this weekend in what promises to be an open game. Having notched up a respectable 46 points so far this season, the Baggies Chris Brunt is well worth a look too.

If you’re in the market for a bargain then you may want to cast your eye over Sunderland’s Ahmed Elmohamady (I’d never heard of him either). The Egyptian has so far accumulated 44 points and looks a snip at 5 million. Another potential steal available at the Stadium of Light is goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. The stopper has 35 points on the board and is available for a cool 4.1 million.

It’s not just about who to add it’s also about who to axe. If you have any West Ham players in your squad now is the time to give them a rest. On the back of a Carling cup tie that went to extra time the last place you want to visit is the Emirates Stadium. The Hammers defensive unit will be coughing up lungs and seeing double after 90 minutes of chasing Arsenal shadows.

Finally Manchester City’s barrel-chested nuisance Carlos Tevez is very doubtful for their trip to Wolves with a thigh injury. I’d follow Mancini’s lead and reward wee Carlos with a weekend off.

If you feel like joining in the fun then you can join the EPL Talk League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/  the code you need to join is 13413-5300

In recent years West Brom have picked up the tag as the ultimate yo-yo team, proving too good for the Championship and not quite strong enough for the Premier League. This season under the guidance of Roberto Di Matteo the Baggies are looking to put that name to bed and they have made the perfect start.

After an opening weekend thumping at Chelsea most pundits gave West Brom very little chance of bucking the trend this year but since that result West Brom have looked a very decent side. Home wins against Sunderland and Birmingham and a respectable point against Tottenham sees the Baggies currently in 10th position. The good thing for Baggies fans is that they merit that position. Unlike previous Premier League campaigns they look capable of competing at this level and more importantly capable of scoring goals, which is something they have struggled to do in the past when in the top flight.

New signing Peter Odemwingie has proved an instant hit with the Albion fans netting two goals in his first four games and seems to be flourishing in the passing system that the Italian Di Matteo likes his side to operate under. Chris Brunt has benefited from a season back in the Championship and now looks a player who can make a real impact in the top flight. His left foot could prove a major weapon for West Brom this season. Highly sought after Graham Dorrans also brings creativity and goals to the side to give Di Matteo’s men that extra edge.

There is no denying the fact that West Brom are better equipped to stay up this time around and with sides such as Wigan and West Ham struggling West Brom and Roberto Di Matteo could just put the yo-yo name to bed. Do you think the Baggies can beat the drop this season?

The most impressive side I watched, by far, on Saturday was Middlesbrough. The link-up play between Tuncay, Alves, Downing, Aliadiere and, later, Mido was sensational. Wheater was also impressive. At times, it was like watching Brazil with all of the backheels and blistering attacks. Seriously.

While Spurs controlled a lot of the possession in this match and were doing a better job at passing the ball around, they were sloppy in front of goal and failed to create those pinpoint passes that could have led to goals.

The 2-1 win for Middlesbrough was deceiving. Wheater had a goal in the first half that was incorrectly disallowed, but even ignoring that, Boro was much more impressive than Spurs than the scoreline suggests. For Tottenham, it’s back to the drawing board.

Middlesbrough fans will probably be worrying that Boro will continue to do well against big opposition teams but poorly against weaker sides. Let’s hope Gareth Southgate can fix that because the initial signs from Boro this season are very encouraging. They look like a team reborn.

One more impressive thing about Middlesbrough: For the first time in ages, the Riverside sounded like a real football stadium with a cup final atmosphere and noise compared to the empty red seats and stone cold silence we’re accustomed to from Boro.

Here are my thoughts from the other matches:

• The deafening sound of boos that erupted around Goodison Park at the end of the 90 minutes against Blackburn should worry the club and its fans. They aren’t too many things to be happy with at Everton lately with the move to Kirkby on hold, no transfer signings, injury problems, boardroom problems and a dissatisfied David Moyes.

  At times, Everton’s defending was schoolboy as they let Blackburn run right through the middle of the park unopposed. The perfect example of that was David Dunn who had a lot of space to twist and turn past Phil Jagielka and slot his curving shot into the corner of the net. Joleon Lescott made a crucial mistake to let Roque Santa Cruz pass him to slot the ball into the goal. Even Jason Roberts, yes Jason Roberts, made Everton’s back four look weak by dribbling past three players and getting a shot on goal.

• New Blackburn manager Paul Ince should be impressed by the spirit shown by his side. If they can keep Santa Cruz in his side, they should do well this season up front.
• Sunderland‘s performance at their Stadium of Light against Liverpool was impressive. The team put in every morsel of energy into this match, winning many 50/50 balls and tormenting Rafa Benitez’s side. I wasn’t impressed by Liverpool’s performance at all. Too many sloppy mistakes. Hyypia looked awful. Plessis looked very unsure of himself in central midfield and his replacement Alonso played much better.This is going to be an awfully long season for Liverpool unless they can start making immediate improvement. They created more chances in the second half mostly thanks to Steven Gerrard, but what happens when Gerrard has a weak performance?
• Arsenal looked extremely comfortable and confident in their 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion, but it was classic Arsenal who failed to find a second goal to put West Brom out of reach. Tony Mowbray’s side gave Arsenal a couple of scary moments with the very impressive Ishmael Miller coming close for West Brom. Samir Nasri did well on his first Premier League debut. Chris Brunt also played well for the Baggies, whose side became more comfortable toward the end of the first half. For the first 30 minutes, they couldn’t thread more than a few passes together.Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adebayor continued his frustrating streak of missing some clear-cut chances in front of goal. When he’s off form, the Gunners will be in jeopardy in crunch games.