The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

The day’s programme continues with six three o’clock kick-offs, before the tea-time north London derby concludes the action on offer. For once, there’s a big cast of heavy-hitters on show on Saturday afternoon, with United, City and Chelsea all in action.

Diego Costa and his fragile hamstring starts for the league leaders against Villa at the Bridge, sporting the armband for thousands of Fantasy managers. Meanwhile, down at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal’s attacking riches get to run at the West Ham rearguard in the hope they can score one more than their opponents. We’ll continue our scouting of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, then, whilst assessing the Hammers’ ability to expose an injury-ravaged United defence. City’s trip to Hull is perhaps a lesser attraction, although Sergio Aguero’s form has to be monitored carefully as Manuel Pellegrini’s charges begin to warm up ahead of some improved fixtures.

Elsewhere, Ronald Koeman’s Southampton revolution looks to maintain momentum with a St Mary’s meeting against struggling QPR; Fantasy managers will be focused on the returns form Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic in that one. Meanwhile, Leonardo Ulloa will look to boost his stunning 5-goal start to the campaign as Leicester make the trip to Palace and Garry Monk’s stylish Swansea side clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.