First off, apologies for the lack of an article last week. As Arsene Wenger would no doubt put it – this was due to unforeseen circumstances.

There’s no need to panic though, as fantasy football tips are back with a bang this weekend to help all you managers in that final push for glory.

Chelsea midfielder Deco has likened the last three games of the season to warfare, so don those helmets and batten down the hatches because we’re in for a bumpy ride.

Shore up the defence

In times of war a good defence is crucial. The oft unsung heroes work tirelessly week in, week out, to keep opposition attacks at bay, knowing full well that when they do go astray it rarely goes unpunished.

Defending has not been a strong point for too many Premier League sides this season but two of the teams that have done it better than most are the two sides left in the title race. Chelsea and Manchester United both know that one more mistake at the back could destroy their respective campaigns, so their defences are likely to be even more resolute than usual.

For Chelsea, John Terry will miss their match with Man City through suspension, thus giving Alex the chance to become a hero. The Brazilian has rarely put a foot wrong when given an opportunity and also weighs in with the occasional goal.

Meanwhile for Manchester United, Nemanja Vidic has been as steady as ever this term and also has the added bonus of not having to face Fernando Torres between now and the end of the season.

Your manager needs you –

Alex (Chelsea)
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Pick a leader

Teamwork is crucial and every great team has an exceptional leader, so if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to choose your Winston Churchill and give him your full support.

Frank Lampard has quietly gone about his business this season but that’s not to say that he has been any less effective than usual. Weighing in with 18 goals and 12 assists he has been a pivotal part of a Chelsea side that are just three wins from glory.

With John Terry enduring a difficult campaign (mostly of his own making), Frank has stepped up to the mark time and time again and will undoubtedly continue to do so, with his compatriot missing in action once more.

Your manager needs you –

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Don’t forget the heavy artillery

It should be powerful and it should be reliable so make your choices and tool up. Liverpool and Arsenal are both out of the title race, arguably due to injuries to their respective ‘big guns’ and were it not for the consistency of Carlos Tevez, Manchester City would be nowhere near their top four aim.

The Argentinian has been in imperious form all season, scoring a whopping 22 goals for a side that has often flattered to deceive. With City still stinging from last weekend’s derby defeat, Tevez looks to be just the man to personify the inevitable wounded animal tag.

Your manager needs you –

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

Now that all this volcanic ash business appears to have died down, there’s every chance I’ll be AWOL again next week, but fear not, as I’ll be back for what should be a thrilling climax to the 2009/10 Premier League season.