So the international break is nearly over, and it seems like an age since our last set of Premier League fixtures. With just 8 gameweeks left, fantasy managers are frantically trying to make up some points to help them rise up the ranks. Here is our preview and tips for the upcoming gameweek.
Arsenal v Liverpool
The key clash of the weekend’s action sees the battle of two teams fighting for Champions League football next season. It will be difficult to pick a winner between the two in-form sides in the division right now.
STAR MAN – Olivier GIROUD
The French frontman cannot stop scoring in the league and is one of the hottest strikers in Europe right now.
Everton v Southampton
Everton’s season is effectively over as it is incredibly unfeasible that the Toffees will get relegated this season, which will give incentive to Ronald Koeman’s men to plough on with the final push for a top-four position.
STAR MAN – Shane LONG
The Saints are going to have to rely on their attack now following the injury to Fraser Forster, and Shane Long netted in his previous appearance.
Leicester City v West Ham
The Foxes need to pick up as many points as possible from now until the end of the season, and this may be a good place to start as West Ham have cemented their Premier League status already for next season.
STAR MAN – Jamie VARDY
With Vardy having a good rest over the international break, he recorded a goal and an assist in his last faring.
Manchester United v Aston Villa
Louis Van Gaal’s side are playing at their best just at the right time of the season and will look to continue their winning run into this winnable home game against Aston Villa who still find themselves in a relegation scrap.
STAR MAN – Juan MATA
The Spaniard was simply stunning in the away win at Anfield and he is such a key player in the Man United midfield.
Swansea v Hull City
The Swans appear to have slowly drifted away in the latter stage of the season following their fantastic start to the campaign, but will want to give the home fans something to shout about at the Liberty.
STAR MAN – Neil TAYLOR
An unsung hero on fantasy football this season, Taylor should be able to utilise both his defensive and attacking abilities this match.
West Brom v QPR
Unfortunately for the West Londoners, it is looking all doom and gloom as they are struggling massively. Tony Pulis’ men are defensively compact and look increasingly stable in the division.
STAR MAN – Joleon LESCOTT
A solid centre-back with multiple Premier League titles under his belt, Lescott shows great leadership in the Albion backline.
Chelsea v Stoke City
It looks like Mourinho’s men are going to be lifting the title, and it is only a matter of time before John Terry lifts the huge piece of silverware. Stoke will try to still put in a decent account of themselves.
STAR MAN – John TERRY
And it is the captain himself, JT, who provides a goal threat himself along with his world-class defending.
Burnley v Tottenham
Burnley need to step up another gear if they are to survive in the league for another season, but Tottenham also have something to fight for as they will want another season of European football come August.
STAR MAN – Harry KANE
Simply magical, Harry Kane has lit up English football as he slowly develops into the perfect centre forward.
Sunderland v Newcastle
The new Black Cats boss kicks off his home management with a Tyneside derby against their fierce rivals. Sunderland still need to avoid the drop whilst their opposition sit comfortably in the middle of the table.
STAR MAN – Daryl JANMAAT
The Dutch right-back, who blossomed in the World Cup last summer, has most probably been Newcastle’s signing of the season.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
The champions will probably have to pick up every single point available to them if they are going to seriously mount a title challenge, but this in itself will not be an easy task as they face a tough tie against Pardew’s Palace.
STAR MAN – Edin DZEKO
Despite perhaps underperforming in the league this season, Dzeko recorded a hat-trick whilst on international duty with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Aston Villa v QPR
Perhaps a good idea to boost teams with players from both of these sides as they feature in the double game-week, it does look like it will be another away loss for QPR and Sherwood will look for all three points.
STAR MAN – Christian BENTEKE
Benteke has been scoring loads of goals lately, with two in the away win at Sunderland and further netted for Belgium in qualifying.
Dean.
