Fantasy Football preview: Who to pick and who to drop this weekend

'International Break', two words that draw groans from fans of the fantasy football format. Not only does it mean that you have to wait two weeks until you can tinker with your team again, you just know that one of your star men is going to get injured, owners of Dirk Kuyt, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott and Michael Dawson, I feel your pain. Karl Sears offers his thoughts on the players to bring in to replace your crocked stars, and the players to get rid of.

Get 'em in:
Jonathon Walters (Stoke)
Stoke have had a poor start to the season, but a shining light in this dark period is the emergence of striker Jonathon Walters. He was very good against Tottenham, scored in the Carling Cup, and while he couldn't match his form in his next league game, bare in mind that he was playing against Chelsea. Aston Villa will be tough opponents, especially since the Villa players will be playing with that 'new manager' buzz, but I fancy that Walters will break his league duck on Monday night in a draw at the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke vs Aston Villa (Monday, 20:00)

Alex (Chelsea)
The other half of Chelsea's centre-back pairing has had a very good season so far and seems to have made himself a fixture in the starting XI. With John Terry questionable for Saturday's clash, Alex's role in the team could be even more important and he has the ability and experience to be able to deal with this extra pressure. He is also a cheaper alternative to Terry, so i would advise managers to snap him up. Chelsea's defensive record is flawless so far this season and I can see this run continuing.
West Ham vs Chelsea (Saturday, 15:00)

Chris Brunt (West Brom)
I like his match-up this weekend. Tottenham are going to have to use an untried defensive pairing after the news that Michael Dawson is facing a spell on the sidelines and Harry Redknapp looks as if he will have to rush William Gallas into first team action to play alongside either Sebastian Bassong or Younes Kaboul. There is also a chance that some of the Spurs players will have half an eye on their Champions League fixture on Tuesday night, so this is a good time to play them. West Brom have had some tough fixtures so far and will want to put on a good show in front of their home fans. Chris Brunt was the Baggies' top scorer in their last Premier League campaign with eight goals and this will be a good chance to get his season up and running.
West Brom vs Tottenham (Saturday 11th, 15:00)

Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal)
Last time around I advised you to drop Chamakh, and it proved to be a wise move, but now it's time to get him back. Arsene Wenger is facing an injury crisis with attacking players Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner all on the sidelines, so Chamakh is essentially a guaranteed a run in the side. Make the best of Wenger's striking headache by starting the talented Moroccan international for the next few weeks. Bolton will be making the trip to Arsenal without experienced goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskaleinen, so expect Arsenal to be piling on the pressure from the start.
Arsenal vs Bolton (Saturday, 15:00)

Get 'em out:
Phil Jagielka (Everton)
If Everton were playing this fixture after Christmas I'd fancy an Everton win, but history tells us that Everton are slow starters and this season is starting to look worryingly familiar for fans of the Toffees. Whether Rooney plays or not, I fear that Manchester United will prove to be too strong for their Goodison Park opponents this weekend. Despite his fine England form, Phil Jagielka could have a torrid afternoon.
Everton vs Manchester United (Saturday, 12:45)

Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham)
Harry Redknapp's enforced defensive juggling has already been explained, and paired with the fact that West Brom are dangerous at The Hawthorns, I wouldn't want a Spurs defender in my team this week. Assou-Ekotto had a stinker against Wigan and I don't think Tottenham will keep a clean sheet this weekend either.
West Brom vs Tottenham (Saturday, 15:00)

Bobby Zamora (Fulham)
Zamora will be returning from injury, so don't expect too much from the striker, and don't be surprised if he doesn't complete 90 minutes. Wolves will be tough opponents and will settle for a draw, and as there have been five draws in the teams' six league matches this season, this could prove to be a pretty drab affair.
Fulham v Wolves (Saturday, 15:00)

Wildcard: Robbie Keane (Tottenham)
The lengthy injury lay off of Jermain Defoe will mean that the door could be open for Robbie Keane to have a run in the team. Keane's form however has been pretty dire lately so don't be suprised if Harry Redknapp goes with one up front at the weekend, or even if he plays his two big men together. Keane though is still in good form for the Republic of Ireland and he has a knack of playing well once he's been written off. Either way it could prove it be an intriguing affair. Let Harry make his decisions before you make yours.