When it comes to fantasy football, I’m not normally one to choose players from mid- to lower-table sides when playing away from home. However, Christian Benteke is an exception.
Aston Villa is undefeated in its last five matches, winning each of the last two. Benteke scored and assisted in the two victories for Villa, and is returning to form just in time for fantasy owners trying to replace the injured Sergio Aguero.
Back in January, Benteke was vital in a 4-3 comeback win over West Brom. He scored the winning goal from the spot, and provided an assist for an earlier goal. Benteke and Villa meet the Baggies again on the weekend. For me, he is a must start this week.
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Here’s what else I’m looking at for Week 16 in fantasy football.
GOALKEEPERS
Julian Speroni (5.87M) – Crystal Palace: Palace are hosting Stoke City who may be in for a letdown after beating Arsenal last week. High risk, but high reward.
DEFENDERS
Phil Jagielka (10.8M) – Everton: Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines offer the bigger offensive upside, but a clean sheet may be on the horizon with QPR visiting Goodison on Monday.
Marcos Rojo (8.23M) – Manchester United: Liverpool hardly ever score anymore, and last week Rojo racked up 15 fantasy points without a clean sheet: seven interceptions, five tackles won, and one blocked shot.
Honourable mentions: Joel Ward (Crystal Palace), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City)
MIDFIELDERS
Kevin Mirallas (9.81M) – Everton: His talent is not in question, but his consistency is. Lately, though, Mirallas has been Everton’s best player, and it’s not close. The match up vs QPR is too good to ignore.
Aaron Ramsey (13.31M) – Arsenal: Not just because of THAT goal midweek against Galatasaray. The Welsh international scored last Saturday against Stoke, and followed that up with two goals and an assist in the Champions League.
Mile Jedinak (15.12M) – Crystal Palace: The No. 1 midfielder in all of fantasy football is this Australian standout. Takes penalties, collects defensive points—what more could you ask?
Marouane Fellaini (9.34M) – Manchester United: He seems to be a mainstay in the Red Devils’ line up, and has been useful with his head this season—which is exactly the type of goals Liverpool often give up.
Obvious pick: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
FORWARDS
Romelu Lukaku (13.39M) – Everton: Maybe it’s Belgian week in fantasy footy? Decently priced, great matchup, three goals in his last five. Start him.
Edin Dzeko (8.37M) – Manchester City: Set for an extended run as a starter with a team that has won six in a row in all competitions, and doesn’t face an opponent lower than 15th in the table until 2015.
Obvious picks: Diego Costa (Chelsea), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal).
My starting XI: Courtois; Okore, Cresswell, Mangala, Bertrand; Mirallas, Ramsey, Jedinak, Costa, Benteke, Sanchez