After a weekend full of mind-blowing FA Cup shocks, I think we all need some Fantasy Premier League back on our weekend agenda to calm us all down, and it has come about in the form of gameweek 23!
Hull City v Newcastle
Hull City were impressive last season in cementing their Premier League status but a serious case of second season syndrome may be emerging this campaign as they still lie in the relegation zone, so Newcastle will fancy themselves.
STAR MAN – Daryl JANMAAT
This Dutch full-back has been impressive in recent games, but mainly for his attacking intent rather than his defensive ability.
Crystal Palace v Everton
To the surprise of many, these two sides are both currently level on points despite the fact that Palace is portrayed as a relegation candidate whilst Everton have European football, so they will most probably share the spoils.
STAR MAN – Jason PUNCHEON
Puncheon seems a completely revitalised player and Pardew seems to have renewed faith in him, with Palace’s recent attacking form impressive.
Liverpool v West Ham
It has been a fantastic new year so far for the Merseyside club, with them being unbeaten and going strong in four competitions, whilst West Ham have already exceeded expectations, so it will be tough to call.
STAR MAN – Stewart DOWNING
With Stewie D playing against his former club, he will have even more incentive to add to his goal and assist in his last two league matches.
Manchester United v Leicester City
Leicester are starting to find their feet again, and despite still sitting at the foot of the table, they have won three matches in the past month or so, but surely the Red Devils will have too much quality for the Foxes.
STAR MAN – David DE GEA
One of the most outstanding goalkeepers this season in terms of world football, De Gea really should be keeping Leicester at bay.
Stoke City v QPR
The Potters have enjoyed some quiet success, and are perhaps the unsung team of the season with them sitting comfortably in the top ten, and should win well against a side that have not got an away point all season.
STAR MAN – Ryan SHAWCROSS
The club captain has been leading from the back, and he also loves a headed goal from a set-piece.
Sunderland v Burnley
This fixture is what can only be described as a relegation six-pointer in which both sides will be desperate to win, and have both been struggling for goals recently, so something has got to give.
STAR MAN – Kieran TRIPPIER
Perhaps an underused option by many fantasy players, Trippier is a great full-back and should not be troubled by the Tyneside attack.
West Brom v Tottenham
The Baggies are unbeaten under new manager Tony Pulis and their impressive defensive record will be put to the test against arguably the most inconsistent side of the season, Tottenham Hotspur.
STAR MAN – Christian ERIKSEN
The Danish playmaker has been Spurs’ saviour at times in the league, and they will look for his creative spark to shine going forward once more.
Chelsea v Manchester City
The biggest game of the season, yet both sides go into the game following embarrassing home losses to lower league opposition in the Cup. However, City have lost their last two and the Blues will look to take advantage.
STAR MAN – Eden HAZARD
The Belgian playmaker has been finding his feet recently, and Chelsea looked lost without him for their cup match last weekend.
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Arsenal really are playing some fantastic football which has been very pleasing for both the manager and the fans, so this should be a home win with ease against the lowest scorers in the whole of England.
STAR MAN – Mesut OZIL
The German attacker welcomed his full return from injury with a tidy finish in the Cup, and will be looking to assist too.
Southampton v Swansea
With both sides being dumped out the Cup, they will both seek to amend their ways in the league with a win, and Southampton are on a fantastic league run which they should continue against Monk’s men.
STAR MAN – Graziano PELLE
The Italian frontman has started to vanish from our striking options but he was effective up top in the Cup last weekend and has hit the woodwork the most times this year.
Dean.
@footywriterdean
