WEEK 8

With Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres out, it is time to shake up that forward line. Look no further than Everton's Louis Saha.

As Tuesday's blog entry pointed out, you should be wary of any player who has had a long-haul international trip - especially if they have been ordered to have a party by a military junta.

GOALKEEPERS

Choose 'em: You only get one selection this week, as there is no need to look past Paul Robinson (3.59), whose Blackburn side are in derby action against Burnley. Other goalkeepers are available, you just don't need them. The Fantasist will spend Sunday morning baking a humble pie, just in case Burnley stick four past Robbo.

Lose 'em: Ben Foster (6.74) is an ex-Manchester United goalkeeper, and can be safely disposed of. The returning Edwin van der Sar (11.77) ain't cheap, and The Fantasist is notoriously stingy when it comes to keepers. Frustratingly, Arsene Wenger is playing his cards close to his chest when it comes to Manuel Almunia (9.06), who is rated as 50-50. That's no good for anyone, so just stay away from Arsenal keepers unless you have insider info.

DEFENDERS

Choose 'em: Paying double figures for centre-backs is usually a mug's game, but Birmingham are toothless and William Gallas (10.29) scores a goal or two. Take the points. Fulham can put a dodgy start to the season behind them against Hull on Monday, which means now is the time to renew acquaintances with John Pantsil (6.91). Blackburn play Burnley in the East Lancs derby and it promises to be attritional stuff. Gael Givet (6.27) looks a decent bet for a clean sheet.

Lose 'em: Liverpool have struggled at the back all season, and Sunderland are more than handy going forward. However tempting Jamie Carragher (7.82) looks, don't bite. Jose Bosingwa (9.62) will be a popular choice this week as he returns from injury. But away to Aston Villa? Play the match-ups and look elsewhere. And don't let Portsmouth's win at Wolves fool you - they're still hopeless. So leave the likes of Tal Ben Haim (7.05) well alone.

MIDFIELDERS

Choose 'em: Two international games for Tomas Rosicky (8.39) make him unlikely to start against Birmingham, and The Fantasist fancies Theo Walcott (9.93) to get a run out in the Czech's place. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (6.51) did well enough on his first start for Everton to suggest he will keep his place. The Russian takes a lot of set pieces. And after two and a half weeks sitting on his tush, it's about time Ryan Giggs (13.45) did something brilliant - especially considering what happened to Manchester United without him against Sunderland.

Lose 'em: Cesc Fabregas (21.03). It's not so much 'lose' as 'don't choose' for the Arsenal skipper. His stunning performance against Blackburn sent his value through the roof, and Birmingham's defence isn't all that bad. Javier Mascherano (7.04) is a key player for Liverpool, but he must be knackered having played in Uruguay late on Wednesday. The Argentine did not play the Saturday following the last international break - don't risk him this time. Wilson Palacios (5.32) misses Tottenham's trip to Portsmouth after being ordered to celebrate Honduras's World Cup qualification by the country's President. Not a bad excuse.

FORWARDS

Choose 'em: Wayne Rooney's absence for Manchester United opens the door for Michael Owen (9.08), who claims to be fully fit after his groin injury. Stoke play host to struggling West Ham at the intimidating Britannia Stadium, where you have to fancy James Beattie (8.05) to do the business. We can definitively state that Wolves are not very good following their defeat to Portsmouth; that's why you should jump all over Everton's Louis Saha (11.43) for tomorrow's game at Goodison.

Lose 'em: Wayne Rooney (18.05) misses Manchester United's game at home to Bolton with a calf injury. Lose him. Carlos Tevez (10.72) saw just five minutes of action for Argentina on Wednesday night, but Mark Hughes may choose to rest the striker as he has Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy and Roque Santa Cruz all champing at the bit. And Fernando Torres (19.40) owners have a dilemma after he was ruled out of Saturday's game at Sunderland. Unless you are writing off a huge leap in value, The Fantasist would advise getting rid.

Goalkeepers

P. Robinson

Defenders

T. Vermaelen
I. Sonko
J. Heitinga
G. Givet

Midfielders

A. Arshavin
D. Bilyaletdinov
M. Etherington

Forwards

S. Ebanks-Blake
R. van Persie
L. Saha