Charlie Austin has been quite brilliant this season for Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League.
The English striker netted a hat trick in last week’s win over West Bromwich Albion, and there’s growing talk that he may get an England call up in 2015. It’s warranted, especially when you compare his form to that of Rickie Lambert of late. It’s not exactly comparable—Austin wins every time.
His goal per minute ratio in the Premier League (one goal every 125 minutes) is impressive. However, of his 11 strikes (in 15 appearances), nine came at Loftus Road. QPR has yet to register a point on the road. So remember, if you decide to use the Premier League’s third-highest scorer, be sure the Hoops are on home turf.
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Here’s what else I’m looking at for Week 18 in fantasy football.
GOALKEEPERS
Tim Howard (4.75M) – Everton: It has been a rough start to the season for the Toffees, and Howard has been the victim of a declining defensive line. From the best defensive record in the league a year ago, Everton is now near the bottom midway through this campaign. This is a risky option, even against Stoke on Boxing Day. But the price is right for the possible reward of this pick.
Honourable mention: Woijcech Szczesny (Arsenal), Costel Pantillimon (Sunderland)
DEFENDERS
Seamus Coleman (10.89M) – Everton: If you’re willing to make the Howard choice, then you might as well go all in on the Toffees. Coleman has a very high ceiling, with potential for goals and assists always being there with the marauding right back.
Jonny Evans (7.93M) – Manchester Untied: Newcastle has cooled off considerably since beating Chelsea early in the month. The injury bug has hit the Magpies, making Evans a decent pick this week.
Kyle Walker (6.03M) – Tottenham: Consistently one of the most expensive defenders last season, Walker is available at a bargain right now—and just as Spurs are finding their form under Mauricio Pochettino.
Sebastian Coates (5.37M) – Sunderland: The Black Cats host Hull City on Boxing Day, so there is no better time to take a chance with a Sunderland defender. Liverpool loanee Coates is fairly priced and produced 10 points for fantasy owners last week.
Midfielders
Angel Di Maria (13.86M) – Manchester United: It’s an obvious choice, as he’s returned from injury. Last week, Di Maria produced 12 points in just 45 minutes on the field.
Christian Eriksen (12.39M) – Tottenham: Eriksen continues to be Spurs’ engine in attack. Looking at his underlying stats, he’s on the verge of truly breaking out. He has just one assist despite producing 2.5 key passes per game and more than one accurate cross per game. The goals are already there (6), the assists are coming.
Raheem Sterling (12.6M) – Liverpool: The Reds have certainly looked better going forward of late. Sterling is the biggest beneficiary if Liverpool does find their form of last season. I’m not buying in completely just yet, but am definitely intrigued.
James Milner (7.33M) – Manchester City: Aguero, Dzeko and Jovetic remain out injured. The success of Milner as the striker last week may see that same philosophy carry over to this week’s matchup. Worth the risk considering his price.
FORWARDS
Olivier Giroud (14.29M) – Arsenal: Three goals in his last two matches. Arsenal hosting QPR on Boxing Day. Need I say more?
Wayne Rooney (15.28M) – Manchester United: It’s rare to see Rooney come down to this price. The decision is being made for you, really.
Steven Fletcher (6.02M) – Sunderland: He certainly isn’t the sexy pick, but Fletcher is due for a big game. He’s had a couple of two-goal performances this season, and could be in for another one against struggling Hull on Boxing Day.
Watch list: Mario Balotelli (Liverpool), Radamel Falcao (Manchester United)
My starting XI: Howard; Okore, Mangala, Bertrand; Eriksen, Milner, Lamela, Di Maria; Rooney, Costa, Giroud
Boxing Day programming alert: Watch Burnley vs Liverpool on the four main Sportsnet channels at 9:30 am ET, Leicester City vs Tottenham on Sportsnet ONE at 9:30 am ET, Crystal Palace vs Southampton on Sportsnet World, and Arsenal vs Queens Park Rangers on the four main Sportsnet channels at noon ET. || Also, watch Sunderland vs Hull City at 9:30 am ET online at Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule