The Dugout Discussion – Sunday

Sunday moves Gameweek 29 towards its conclusion, serving up three more helpings of top-flight action. League leaders Chelsea entertain Southampton in the lunchtime kick-off, while Everton host Newcastle United and Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur in the tea-time match-ups.

Sunday’s early encounter finds Chelsea attempting to recover from Champions League heartache by maintaining their lead at the summit of the Premier League – surely boosted by City’s demise at Burnley. Southampton will look to keep the title race on ice but will drop in at the Bridge having scored just two goals in their last six league outings: without a goal in his last 12, Graziano Pelle is dropped for the first time this term in one of four changes by Ronald Koeman, as Shane Long replaces the misfiring Italian.

Diego Costa’s 38% ownership will want more from the combative frontman after he came up short in his last two starts, while Eden Hazard enters this encounter with two goals in as many appearances in all competitions.

Everton strive to arrest their descent down the league table when they go head-to-head with Newcastle United at Goodison Park. Having drawn a blank in his last five league starts, Toffees’ record signing Romelu Lukaku needs to rediscover his rhythm against a defence that’s shipped 18 goals in their previous six road ties. The Toon must do without top scorer Papiss Cisse following the Senegal international’s seven-match suspension.

Manchester United can ill-afford to drop points this Gameweek as they duel fellow top-four hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney is set to retain his lone striker berth following a goalscoring performance against Arsenal on Monday. Meanwhile, with eight goals in his last six outings, the effervescent Harry Kane will be observed keenly by 48% of all Fantasy Premier League managers, particularly after the failings of the big captain candidates – Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez – in yesterday’s fixtures.