Predicting the outcome of each weekend is tough. So many factors go into fantasy lineup decisions, and hopefully this article helps to make some of those toss-ups easier. Below we will preview some of the marquee matchups of the weekend, and highlight some Fantrax players that you should look to pick up and stream as a one week punt.
Fantrax Preview Gameweek 13
Here we outline our Fantasy EPL Preview and how to plan ahead this GW.
Matchup Previews
Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Prospects: The headlining match for the weekend is the GW opener following the international break. The good part is managers will know who is starting in these two heavy rotational teams without needing to worry about backups. In terms of start, I am starting every attacker in this game. This game has the makings of a high scoring affair with two of the three top scoring teams facing off. There are quite a few tossups in the XI especially with the likes of Nunez, Alvarez, & Diaz returning late from the break. This is a matchup in which I am not starting these guys off the bench. There is no guarantee they get on if Liverpool are holding a 1-0 lead, and if they do, we could see them do more harm than good to your fantasy team.
The City lineup also has some question marks, with the most prominent being the constant Doku vs. Grealish battle. More than likely Pep will opt for Grealish and his "safer" attributes against such a high scoring attack. If Grealish does start, then this will be the perfect time to try and buy low on Doku for those very friendly fixtures coming up. I really can't say who will win this matchup but I am avoiding starting any City defender. They don't really score well already and Liverpool not scoring a goal seems like a long shot. I am more than happy to start Liverpool defenders considering most of them score well regardless of clean sheets, but I'd still be hesitant to start one of Konate/Matip unless I had no better matchup options.
Verdict: Start all attackers, bench City defenders and Konate/Matip.
Newcastle vs. Chelsea
Prospects: Newcastle are missing a plethora of players for this one, and will be severely depleted. Chelsea, on the other hand, are nearing full strength and could field Nkunku feature for the first time this season. This Chelsea attack will be brimming with confidence after putting 4 past each of City and Spurs in the past two gameweeks. It is expected that Pochettino will start with Palmer - Gallagher - Sterling - Jackson as the front 4 with the likes of Mudryk, Broja, and Nkunku coming off the bench. With the exception of Caicedo, I am confidently fielding any Chelsea starter in this matchup. Pochettino should consider this a must win game, and be disappointed if Chelsea don't come away with all three points. With regards to Newcastle I am okay starting anyone in their front 3, Trippier, and Pope, but benching the rest of their XI. Newcastle were defeated comfortably by Bournemouth, and will be looking to get back on track. But I don't see this being their bounce back game.
Verdict: Newcastle will struggle here, and Chelsea players are a must start with the exception of Caicedo.
Spurs vs. Aston Villa
Prospects: Spurs are coming off the back of two poor displays, and are without 3 of their best players in Maddison, Romero, and Van de Ven. Aston Villa are one of the top scoring teams in the EPL and should prove to be a tough test for Spurs. I expect Postecoglou to add some creativity in midfield by starting Lo Celso and "going for it". Lo Celso is a high upside streamer here, but be prepared to pivot to another player if Ange decides to go with Bentancur - Sarr - Hojberg instead. Spurs defenders will be hit and miss this weekend, as a clean sheet shouldn't be expected. Eric Dier should not be rostered in any size league no matter what. With regards to Villa assets I am more than happy to start any of them with the exception of Torres and Konsa who don't score well at all.
Verdict: Expect a tough battle for both teams, but avoid the poor scoring streamers in this unpredictable matchup.
Everton vs. Manchester United
Prospects: This is another unpredictable matchup with Everton just coming off that 10 point deduction and United potentially welcoming back Luke Shaw. It remains to be seen how that deduction affects Everton's play this weekend. But they are definitely a team that was in good form prior to the break/this decision. I could see this being a 3-2 type game hopefully in United's favour. Both teams struggle defensively, which could open up the door for goals. If Onana is missing, I expect the United back line to struggle. I would be okay starting most players in this matchup with the exception of Lindelof, Young, and Gueye. All three are players that just don't score well. Be prepared to have a backup or pivot to a starter in the Monday game with this being the last game of the gameweek. There are question marks over the likes of: Hojlund, Onana, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka/Dalot, and Antony starting this one.
Verdict: An unpredicatable matchup, but one that will require backups in the Monday game.
Punts for the Week
Ryan Giles (MID, LUT)
Prospects: With Kabore seemingly suffering a concussion, and Doughty potentially facing a late fitness test, Giles could get a surprise start. He is one I am happy to start as an upside MID5 over defensive mids such as Onana/Gueye, but don't expect 90 minutes if he goes. Palace aren't the easiest of matchups but should give him the opportunity to whip in crosses and pick up points.
Anthony Martial (FWD, MUN)
Prospects: This punt only applies if Hojlund is ruled out. Martial loves playing vs. Everton and with him still somewhat in Ten Hag's good books, he could get the start vs. Everton if Hojlund doesn't make it and Antony isn't trusted. He is a high upside FWD3 against a leaky Everton defence. Be prepared to drop him if he doesn't start.
Toti (DEF, WOL)
Prospects: With Dawson out, Toti should be guarenteed a start against struggling Fulham. He has scored well in his ghost points the last few games, and will be up for an aerial battle with Jimenez. I expect this to be a very low scoring game, so Toti has the added upside of a potential clean sheet here.
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