Fantasy Football Tipster: Gameweek 4

Our fantasy football tipster is back in full swing, recommending a line-up that we feel may shine in this weekend's Premier League action. None of the 'big sides' come to blows in this gameweek so players from those teams will surely be in high demand, while we also throw in a few potential bargain buys to balance your budget.

As ever our picks are chosen based on stats and likely outcomes from our team characteristics. When opposing sides strengths and weaknesses clash we can then forecast the likely outcomes in a match and choose the players who may benefit accordingly, as well as picking those on form to make up our XI.

We start in goal, and a clean sheet is the obvious prerequisite, so opting for any of the keepers for the top teams should bring points this week as they face weaker opposition. Anders Lindegaard started last time out for United and if he were to do so again, would represent decent value, but that risk has been deemed too high.

Goalkeeper

Instead we have opted for Norwich City's John Ruddy, and while a defensive shut out isn’t assured, a home game against West Ham, who struggled on their travels last time out, will be seen as very winnable. Even if Ruddy were not to keep a clean sheet he may have a greater chance of bonus points based on saves made than a number of the high profile number ones, and if he could achieve both then you'll be laughing.

Defence

Opting for a 3-man backline, we've gone for United's Rafael on the right, who represents greater value than the likes of Vidic or Ferdinand but has started the season superbly in an offensive sense at least. With a goal to his name already, the Brazilian has mustered 5 shots in just 2 games as well as registering 4 key passes. When combined with the fact that Wigan have failed to score at Old Trafford in their last 5 attempts it could be another high scoring weekend for the youngster.

At the heart of our defence is Branislav Ivanovic who, after scoring on international duty in midweek, has 3 goals in 6 competitive matches this season. Chelsea face a QPR side that, when assessing the team characteristics, are very weak at defending from set pieces. Ivanovic is excellent from corners and The Blues have conceded just twice in 5 matches against their neighbours.

Completing our defence is the Serbian's compatriot Aleksander Kolarov, who also scored in the 6-1 rout over Wales. The nature of his goal is key here, coming in the form of one of his deadly accurate free-kicks and, up against Stoke who are weak at avoiding fouling in dangerous areas, he could get a chance this weekend. With Clichy missing international duty in the week he should start and City, like Chelsea, have also conceded just twice in 5 matches against their weekend opponents.

Midfield

Moving into what is a 5-man midfield this week, if you haven't already drafted in Michu you're one of a small group of around two people not to do so! The Spaniard has scored with all 4 of his shots on target this season and faces the youngest defence in the league this weekend at Villa Park. With the hosts weak at defending long shot and set-piece situations who'd bet against another goal for this summer's bargain buy.

Michu is joined in our midfield by another pair of newcomers to the league to have hit the ground running, starting with Eden Hazard. Already with a goal and 4 assists to his name the young Belgian has taken Chelsea by storm and only 4 players have completed more dribbles than his 9. The fact that our team characteristics show QPR are very weak at defending against skilful players should play right into his hands.

Santi Cazorla also takes his place in our quintet having opened his account for both goals and assists last time out at Liverpool. He faces a Southampton side who have leaked a costly 8 goals already this season and could be the creative force that separates the sides. Interestingly one of Southampton's weaknesses is defending through ball situations, while no player in the league has completed more than Cazorla's 4.

Out wide we have plumped for Norwich's Robert Snodgrass, with 14 shots and key passes combined proving that he has made the step up to the Premier League very effectively. Only 5 players have registered more key passes without picking up an assist (6), while the Scot picked up a reputation for scoring some great goals at Leeds, and West Ham are weak at defending long shot situations.

Our wildcard this week is Aston Villa's Barry Bannan, with the Villa-Swansea match forecast suggesting that the hosts are likely to score from a long shot. Of Lambert's ranks the youngster is arguably the most accomplished from distance and he put in a WhoScored man of the match performance at Newcastle, picking up an assist.

Attack

Carlos Tevez is the only other player than Michu to have scored in each of the first 3 games this season and many have already jumped ship to the Argentine after compatriot Aguero's early injury. The former United man has netted 4 times against Stoke in the past and will hope to add to that tally on Saturday. With both finishing and creating scoring chances amongst City's strengths, Tevez should have a key role at The Britannia.

Partnering Tevez we have chosen Nikica Jelavic, whose prowess both aerially and on the ground will be a thorn in a Newcastle defence likely to be without captain Coloccini. The Croat will look to add to the goal he scored against Villa against a Newcastle side that our weak at winning aerial duels, whilst it is one of Everton's main strengths.