Merry Christmas everyone! Aren’t we all excited about Boxing Day? I’m going to keep this one short, I’m sure a lot of us are busy partying and visiting friends and families during this festive period. There are a lot of good fixtures on the board with Leicester vs Liverpool to be the headlining match followed by Wolves vs Manchester City. I’d preferably have just one player from each of these four teams in my plating eleven.
1. AFC Bournemouth
Vs Arsenal (H)
-
2. Arsenal
M. Aubameyang (10.8)
Vs Bournemouth (A)
If Ljungberg was still at the helm I would go for Bournemouth winning this round 1-0 but with Arteta in, I’ve read a lot of reports of changes in training and of him being ruthless. I’m not sure as to how Arsenal are going to line-up and Aubameyang still remains the clubs most potent player despite having only 1 goal in his last five games. It would be interesting to see who’ll start along with Auba, whether it’ll be Martinelli, Pepe or Lacazette.
3. Aston Villa
M. Grealish (6.2)
Vs Norwich (H)
I’ve always had Grealish over McGinn since GW1 and with McGinn ruled out with injury managers will flock to have Aston Villa’s captain due to his rich form. Also, playing Norwich at home means that a lot of us will expect the Canaries to concede.
4. Brighton and Hove Albion
Vs Spurs (A)
-
5. Burnley
M. McNeil (6.0), F. Wood (6.2)
Vs Everton (A)
If you watched Burnley play, you would’ve definitely noticed the threat McNeil brings to the team. Hendrick will miss out due to suspension while Chris Wood could be a thorn in the attack. The Kiwi is the clubs highest goal-scorer with 7 goals.
6. Chelsea
M. Willian (7.1), M. Pulisic (7.2), M. Mount (6.5), F. Abraham (7.9)
Vs Southampton (H)
Willian is enduring a decent season, his form has been consistent for the last few games. I don’t understand why Pulisic was rested but he could have a major impact today. Abraham and Mount have honestly surpassed my expectations and it has been a treat having the duo in my team. Southampton have conceded in each of their last 10 games, I don’t even remember when the Saints kept their last clean sheet.
7. Crystal Palace
D. van Aanholt (5.5), M. Zaha (6.9)
Vs West Ham United (H)
Zaha makes a good differential, he’s one for the mini-leagues in case you want to move up the table. I’ve got a hunch that Patrick van Aanholt will do well, just a good feeling.
8. Everton
M. Richiarlison (8.0)
Vs Burnley (H)
Will be interesting to see how Ancelotti’s first game in charge goes. Richiarlison is in great form which makes me think that he won’t be dropped. The Brazilian has 6 goals and 2 assists with most of his attacking returns coming from recent gameweeks.
9. Leicester City
M. Maddison (7.8), F. Vardy (10.1)
Vs Liverpool (H)
I have Vardy here simply because of form and goal-scoring train that he is on. The England forward made a fantastic run and a beautiful finish to beat Ederson last week. Thinking about this game reminds me of Maddison’s goal in the reverse fixture. The duo will once again be instrumental in any attempts of closing down the lead on table toppers, Liverpool.
10. Liverpool
M. Mane (12.2), M. Salah (12.2), F. Firmino (9.2)
Vs Leicester City (A)
Liverpools front 3 are undoubtedly the best in the world and I expect Klopp to hammer that final nail in the coffin which will see Liverpool as CLEAR title winners. With 10 points ahead and a game in hand, Liverpool will want to walk into New Years with some ease. This game will be crucial to the clubs title challenge.
11. Manchester City
M. KDB (10.4), M. Sterling (11.8), F. Jesus (9.6)/ Aguero (11.7)
Vs Wolves (A)
Wolves away is a nightmare for any manager coming from the ‘Top 6’. KDB is tipped to well, with the Belgian midfielder bagging 6 goals and 10 assists this season. I don’t trust Pep and have been caught in the Pep Roulette quiet often this season. Whoever starts, be it Jesus or Aguero will have tough task but these guys are predators.
12. Manchester United
D. AWB (5.3), M. James (6.2), M. Pogba (), M. Martial (7.7), F. Rashford (9.1)
Vs Newcastle United (H)
United will be boosted by the arrival of Pogba and finally have a creative midfielder in their midst. We could see a new version of how United’s front 3 operate. I’m still backing AWB to do well and he got unlucky last week.
13. Newcastle United
Vs Manchester United (A)
-
14. Norwich City
M. Cantwell (4.8), F. Pukki (6.6)
Vs Aston Villa (A)
Norwich are known for struggling in away fixtures but I’ve noticed a recent bounce in their performances. Cantwell is back in the good books of FPL owners while Pukki could act as a differential.
15. Sheffield United
GK. Henderson (4.8), D. Lundstram (5.2)
Vs Watford (H)
Dean Henderson and KDB have been 2 of my most trusted players this season. Henderson made some exciting saves to keep a clean sheet last week and Lundstram has showcased that keeping faith in him will eventually get you points.
16. Southampton
M. Ward-Prowse (5.9), F. Ings (6.5)
Vs Chelsea (A)
Ward-Prowse has 4 goals and 2 assists this season, I think he’s got more assists in the game and can be deadly from set pieces. I’ve got no words for Danny Ings, nobody saw this coming but after this fixture, you might want to reconsider having him in your squad.
17. Tottenham Hotspur
D. Aurier (5.1), M. Alli (8.9), F. Kane (11.0)
Vs Brighton (H)
Spurs will want to avenge their 3-0 defeat to Brighton in the reverse fixture. Alli has been doing bits while Aurier could be a cheap buy and is someone who can bag attacking returns. Spurs have a good run of fixtures and you may want to own their top prospects ASAP.
18. Watford
Vs Sheffield United (A)
-
19. West Ham United
Vs Crystal Palace (A)
-
20. Wolverhampton Wanderers
M. Moutinho (5.4)
Vs Manchester City (H)
Moutinho has racked 5 assists this season, most of them coming at home and there’s one thing we know for sure, Wolves will give City a really, really tough time at the Molineux.
