Match Day Thoughts: Fantasy Analysis from the Stands

Only 3 early games to take in today as Manchester United and Blackburn are set to kick-off any minute. No WAG sightings, but we do have a bit of fantasy player analysis:

Wigan 0 -1 Middlesbrough: Boro get their first away win of the season courtesy of an 89th minute Aliadiere strike. Disappointment for Zaki owners but there is no reason to hit the panic button. The Egyptian striker and Premier League leading goalscorer should still be universally owned.

Sunderland 1 - 1 Arsenal: Fabregas gets on the scoresheet for the first time this year, equalizing in injury time. Denilson and Song start together in a central midfield role but provide little attacking flair. Denilson owners beware: A Nasri - Fabregas - Song - Walcott midfield may become the norm sooner rather than later. You have been warned. Arsenal's season looks over in October, but at least they have the youngsters in the Carling Cup.

WBA 1 - 0 Fulham: Perhaps a surprising result but WBA were attacking, somewhat organized at the back, and took the game to Fulham in the second half. The game was open and even, and in place of the suspended Andrew Johnson, American Clint Dempsey impressed. Jimmy Bullard came inches away with a first half free kick, but Fulham never threatened. WBA value plays: Bednar (5.4M) was full of industry up front, while Greening (4.9) provided quality service in the midfield. Fulham bargain option Bobby Zamora was nowhere to be found.

Early Blackburn - Manchester United starting lineup news of fantasy rotation note: Gary Neville is not even on the bench for United. Neville is slow, old, and injury prone. I think it's his thigh this time. Who knows, he still wears the Captain's armband and is an Old Trafford hero, but Wes Brown will continue to see playing time if Neville can't recover.

Share your weekend thoughts in the comments section.