The international breaks are done for the foreseeable future. That can only mean one thing: the crazy Premier League Christmas schedule is not too far away.
The games will come fast in the next six weeks. This makes it imperative for fantasy football managers to find teams with favourable schedules, such as Manchester United.
From now until the end of the year, the Red Devils will face just two teams that currently sit in the top-10: Leicester City and West Ham, or in other words, two clubs that could regress during this busy period. There have been signs of Manchester United coming together offensively, and that’s another reason why you should load up on United players for your fantasy line-ups.
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Here’s what I’m looking for on Matchday 13…
GOALKEEPER
Hugo Lloris (5.1M) – Tottenham: There is little doubt over Lloris’ talent, but in past years his defence let him down too often. That no longer seems to be the case, with Spurs among the best defensive clubs this season.
DEFENDERS
Ryan Bertrand (5.3M) – Southampton: The Saints are going for a third straight clean sheet, and Bertrand has an assist in each of the last two games.
Neil Taylor (5M) – Swansea City: The Welshman continues to be a lock in Gary Monk’s starting XI and the Swans have a favourable schedule lined up. However, this is the week to get him in with Swansea hosting struggling Bournemouth.
Joel Ward (4.4M) – Crystal Palace: Criminally underpriced, and a juicy match up with Sunderland is on the slate this weekend.
MIDFIELDERS
Gerard Deulofeu (6.2M) – Everton: The Spaniard has had to earn his spot back in the Everton squad after a year away, but now that he has found his way back into the starting XI you should give him a look.
Jesse Lingard (4.5M) – Manchester United: With Memphis Depay struggling, Lingard has stepped in and forced his way into the United side. He’s also earned a call up to the England squad. He is a low-risk buy option with plenty of upside. Juan Mata (8.7M) would be the more expensive choice.
Dele Alli (4.9M) – Tottenham: Fresh off dominating the midfield for England against France, the 20-year-old will slot right back into Mauricio Pochettino’s side with high expectations. His two goals and two assists this campaign mean he is among Tottenham’s most prolific fantasy midfielders.
Yannick Bolasie (6.1M) – Crystal Palace: The London club has home matches set up against Sunderland and Newcastle over the next two game weeks, and Bolasie is in fine form scoring twice over the international break for DR Congo.
FORWARDS
Wayne Rooney (10.1M) – Manchester United: I’m going back to the well. He’s been better of late, there is no denying that. If he goes on one of his trademark hot streaks, you’ll regret not having him.
Romelu Lukaku (8.6M) – Everton: He’ll try to make it three straight games with a goal this weekend home to Aston Villa. The Toffees also have Bournemouth next week, making him a must start for two straight.
Watch List: Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Injuries: Dimitri Payet (3 Months), Samir Nasri (2 Months)
MY STARTING XI: Butland; Moreno, Taylor, Sagna; Sanchez, De Bruyne, Mane, Cabaye, Lingard; Lukaku, Rooney