With the return of Sergio Aguero and Dimitri Payet changing the landscape of the fantasy market considerably in recent Gameweeks, here are some of the best options out there to rake in the points this week.
There is no better place to start than at the beginning, with Saturday's lunchtime kick-off providing a handful of tantalising options.
Spurs host Sunderland and, despite the heroics of Jermain Defoe midweek, it's nigh impossible to evade Spurs cover in your starting XI this week.
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Remarkably, Dele Alli (5.5) has somehow become the most encouraging attacking outlet, even if we ignore his classification as a midfielder and cheap price tag. His teammate Harry Kane (9.9) has been a constant source of frustration and will need to find the back of the net tomorrow to prevent something of an exodus.
Toby Alderweireld (6.1) is always worth a start, too. Especially on this occasion. He's due a goal, you know.
Fraser Forster’s (4.8) return to the Southampton fold yielded a second consecutive home clean sheet midweek and suddenly brings Ronald Koeman’s rearguard back into view. Virgil van Dijk (5.4) was the man who inspired an early-season bandwagon and could now return to prominence, despite the premium price tag. It's West Brom who arrive at St. Mary’s this time so things look good on that end.
Man City are playing at the Etihad which automatically brings them into consideration. While it is a sturdy Palace side who come to play, it's hard to avoid not captaining Sergio Aguero (13.2). That being said, his midweek blank was a huge disappointment and another one would question how essential he really is. Kevin de Bruyne (10.8) may actually be the smart manager's choice for captain here, then, given his success in front of his own fans.
Unlike Aguero, Dimitri Payet (7.9) has immediately come right back to life in the Premier League and commands our immediate attention. With a trip to Newcastle on the horizon this weekend, he is a tantalising option, although his cheaper alternative Michail Antonio (5.2) can't be overlooked just yet. At the back, Aaron Cresswell (5.6) is in the top tier of defenders right now, given his attacking tendencies, and is certainly worth thinking about.
Manchester United's captain Wayne Rooney stands dejected after missing a chance to score during the English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
It's impossible to know whether Man United’s last two Gameweeks can be taken seriously. They've started scoring goals once more, with Wayne Rooney (9.9) rolling back the clock to bang in a few. He's worth monitoring, and the potential to do damage at Anfield this week is real. It may seem like a ludicrous notion, but could this be a possible route for a Sergio Aguero antidote should the Argentine start to disappoint on a weekly basis?
Leicester’s dominance in our thinking has waned recently, but that only goes for their attackers. Our focus has shifted to their defence, now, with just one goal scored in the last three Gameweeks to go with their three consecutive clean sheets. Robert Huth (4.3) is the man who sticks out, having netted his first goal of the campaign on Wednesday night.
Finally, for all you non-Aguero owners out there, let’s give a nod to Branislav Ivanovic (6.5). If you don’t own the Man City striker, chances are you have the funds to expand in other areas and Ivanovic is exactly the sort of luxury with massive upside. Sure, he’s returned a couple of assists since Jose has left but, most encouragingly, he has notched a goal and two assists (his only attacking returns of the campaign) in that period. You get the feeling he is very much back in form, with his ownership steadily growing once again. Everton are at the Bridge this week.
You can listen to Eoin Sheahan and Tommy Rooney get their teeth into a new gameweek on Team 33 every Tuesday.
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