Stamford Bridge could prove to be the home of a title deciding fixture this weekend. Chelsea against Manchester City—it’s a clash we’ve had circled on our calendars for quite some time now, and for good reason. A win for Chelsea, sitting on a five point lead over their opponents atop the standings, could prove to be a crushing blow for City.
Jose Mourinho will likely be without the suspended Diego Costa, meaning he will try to filter the attack through Eden Hazard (16.56M). While Manchester City will be missing Yaya Toure who is off at the Africa Cup of Nations, they will have Sergio Aguero (15.43M). The Argentine is slowly rounding back into fitness since returning from injury, and Manuel Pellegrini will need Aguero to be on top form as City looks for their first Premier League win since New Years’ Day.
I don’t see Manchester City stopping Chelsea from scoring, but the Blues have not been a defensive juggernaut of late either. There should be some goals in this one, and those two players are my best bets to get them.
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Here’s what else I’m looking at for Week 23 in fantasy football.
GOALKEEPERS
David Ospina (9.85M) – Arsenal: The Colombian is taking his chance as the Arsenal starter and the Gunners are home this weekend to the lowest scoring Premier League side this season in Aston Villa.
David De Gea (10.83M) – Manchester United: One thing we can say for sure since Leicester City put five past the Red Devils earlier this year—De Gea is United’s MVP and the defence has performed much better (third best in the league).
Bargain buys: Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Joel Robles (Everton)
DEFENDERS
Patrick van Aanholt (8.64M) – Sunderland: The Dutchman has returned from injury and is back to racking up the points. He should be in for a decent return against Burnley this weekend.
Luke Shaw (6.38M) – Manchester United: The young English international has a lot to prove with United still, but as the left wing back in Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 he will get that opportunity.
Kyle Walker (7.83M) – Tottenham: Despite being up against Tony Pulis’ newly employed rigid defensive system at West Brom, Walker will be tough to contain on the right flank as Spurs go for their sixth win away from White Hart Lane this weekend.
Ryan Shawcross (8.71M) – Stoke City: We all know how bad QPR is away from home, so it’d be smart to employ at least one Stoke City defender this weekend. Shawcross is my best bet from that lot.
MIDFIELDERS
Santi Cazorla (17.82M) – Arsenal: One of the surprise performers of the season, Cazorla has benefitted greatly from Mesut Ozil’s absence and is now firmly implanted as the Gunners’ penalty taker.
Mesut Ozil (5.4M) – Arsenal: With all that said, Arsenal will be keen to get their high priced attacking midfielder back in the lineup. It’s only a matter of time before the World Cup winner is back in the lineup on a weekly basis.
Angel Di Maria (12.29M) – Manchester United: While having Angel Di Maria play as a striker didn’t seem to work for United, he is such a talented player that eventually he will start bringing in the points for your fantasy team.
Remy Cabella (11.82M) – Newcastle United: One of my pre-season favourites to have a breakout season, Cabella has been a star since former TFC coach John Carver took over for Alan Pardew. This weekend’s tie against the Swiss cheese Hull City defence could prove to be a good time to start him.
James Ward-Prowse (6.99M) – Southampton: A home date with Swansea could be one of the matchups to watch this weekend, and the young Englishman will be at the heart of the Southampton offence. James has the ability to be among the league leaders in assists for years to come.
FORWARDS
Jermain Defoe (4.92M) – Sunderland: Sunderland is hoping Defoe can help them avoid relegation, meaning the goals will have to start coming. Defoe was alright in his debut match, winning a free kick that later turned into a goal. At this price, he is worth the risk at home to Burnley this weekend.
Graziano Pelle (5.78M) – Southampton: His price has plummeted along with his form, but Pelle has still been getting chances. He is just struggling to finish them. The creative players around him will continue to feed the Italian opportunities, and it is only a matter of time before he turns it around.
Olivier Giroud (13M) – Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez is the first choice, but he may miss out with a hamstring injury according to Arsene Wenger. Either way, Giroud is a good choice this week home to Aston Villa.
My starting XI: Krul; Shaw, Bertrand, Cresswell; Cabella, Moses, Eriksen, Di Maria; Pelle, Defoe, Sanchez
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