Of central defenders

Interestingly, there are bits and pieces of news, not necessarily very fact based, but nonetheless may play a part in this weekend's matches. In general, central defenders are not the best picks for your team, since they depend on keeping a clean sheet for their points. Here's the deal:

Bassong - Injured after his Cameroon debut. Spurs hosts Man Utd over the weekend and will have to field either Corluka or possibly Huddlestone vs Rooney and company. Dawson and Woodgate are of course still out.

Edit 110909: Bassong will most likely start after shaking off his injury. But it's against Man Utd so I wouldn't bet on a clean sheet in a battle between 2 form teams.

Toure - Has been named Citeh's captain by Hughes. Highly excitable, this will have a positive effect on him and he will do a Captain Fantastic and try to win the game by galloping up to the other end of the field with the ball. This lapse will create a opening for Arsenal's goal-happy attackers to score.

Vermaelen - Is suspended over the midweek international and will have had an extra 4 days of rest. This will translate to less fatigue, better conditioning and probably a clean sheet. Hence my prediction will be an Arsenal away win over a Man City side that has yet to concede a goal so far.

Turner - Plays for Sunderland this weekend against his old club. And we all know what happens when players go against their old club. Expect a swashbuckling performance from Hull's ex star defender. I wouldn't even rule out a goal.

Edit 110909: I'm still keeping him, but it's a risky pick. Sunderland's first choice keepers are out, and Trevor Carson (who?) is set to start in place. George McCartney is also out so it's a weak Sunderland defence.

Sonko - Joins Hull on loan from Stoke and looks to be replacing Michael Turner in a one for one swap at the back. Cheap enough, though Stoke faces Chelsea at home. There could be more though, Stoke is the form team after Spurs, and the two Manchester clubs. In addition, they are notoriously difficult to play against at home. I'd say watch his performance this weekend before making a decision to BD him.

Dunne - Is expected to start for Villa. Against Birmingham, this is tough call. Christian Benitez is expected to start this weekend and will test Dunne. I would say Dunne will triumph. That or he gets sent off and Birmingham wins 1-0.