Week 15 - Update

First things first - the UK is to be hit by the coldest of cold snaps over the weekend (and beyond) which will include heavy snow fall in the north in particular. When it snows in England there is always risk of postponements, if not for the pitch condition then for the roads/pathways around the ground being unsafe for supporters. Look at Week 18 from last year as an example!

Now those of you who have played YFF before know that if a fixture is postponed, the players you have in that game score ZERO and they also DO NOT get the points when the game is replayed in a later week. At this point I have to stress that there have been NO suggestions from any source that any fixtures are in danger of postponement, but I thought it would be worth adding a weather update to this post just so you're all aware that it's something that you may need to take in to consideration if things deteriorate overnight.

Looking at the fixtures from a geographical point of view, the game most likely to be affected by the weather would be Newcastle v Chelsea and a horse-racing meeting in the area has already been cancelled due to snow fall. I'll be keeping an eye out for any weather/fixture news tonight/tomorrow, so please ensure you check back tomorrow morning just in case there are any last minute announcements!

On to the injury news, and this is what we have at the moment....

-We don't yet know who's set to start upfront for Manchester United, but we do know that Darren Fletcher won't feature as he picked up an injury vs Rangers, and Paul Scholes is a doubt with a groin strain. Despite the lack of confirmation, I'd be very surprised if Wayne Rooney doesn't start.

-Blackburn have a number injury doubts ahead of their trip to Old Trafford with Morten Gamst Pedersen, Benjani, N'Zonzi & Emerton all facing late fitness tests.

-Cesc Fabregas is out for 2 weeks with another hamstring injury, but Andrei Arshavin & Robin Van Persie are back in the Arsenal squad after their midweek rests, and both have a great chance of starting at Aston Villa.

-John Carew is back in the Villa squad and will be involved tomorrow, but that shouldn't affect Gabby Agbonlahor's starting status  (see "Further Updates" section further down this post) . James Collins should also return.

-Van Der Vaart is rated by Harry Redknapp at less than 50-50 after his ankle problem, but there is a chance he'll be ready for Sunday's game vs Liverpool. Jermain Defoe is being tipped to start.

-Mancini has not revealed whether Balotelli, Jo or Adebayor will partner Tevez, but Zabaleta is suspended so he'll be replaced with either Micah Richards or Jerome Boateng.

-Andy Johnson is out for Fulham's home game against Birmingham, which is a shame because represented a great cheap option upfront. With Dembele also out a lot is resting on the shoulders of Clint Dempsey, although Kamara should come in to partner him.

-Mark Noble will be out for up to 6 weeks with a hip injury, which means Obinna should be back on set pieces for West Ham. Carlton Cole could find himself left out after he slagged off the team and the management to the press after last weekend's defeat at Liverpool.

-West Brom are still likely to be without Chris Brunt, which will be a huge blow for them and makes Everton players even more attractive picks.

-Hugo Rodallega and Antolin Alcaraz are suspended for Wigan's trip to Upton Park. Di Santo should come in  upfront.

-According to Ancelotti Lampard, Terry & Zhirkov remain out for Chelsea, Essien is suspended, Bosingwa should start.

-Coloccini, Williamson & Barton are suspended for Newcastle.

-Sunderland have a defensive crisis after Bramble & Michael Turner were ruled out with long term injuries Bruce has also indicated that he'll continue with Wellbeck upfront, so I expect Gyan will be back on the bench as I'm certain Darren Bent will keep his place.

I'll keep adding to this as the day goes on so please keep checking back.

FURTHER UPDATES...

-A few sites are suggesting Seamus Coleman's starting spot is under threat from Jack Rodwell, which is a worry as I currently have Coleman! We're unlikely to have any solid news before the deadline so it'll have to be a gut decision on whether you stick or twist on that one.

-Gabby Agbonlahor has picked up a virus and is now a major doubt for the Arsenal game, a huge blow to him & Villa.

I currently have: Green, Coleman, Kolarov, Bale, Adam, VDV, Cahill, Malouda, Nani, Elmander, Obinna

How's your team coming along?

Cheers,
AM