Dugout Discussion – Saturday

With the goals continuing to flow, we move to Saturday’s five afternoon kick-offs in search of further points.

There are several likely sources.

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge meeting with Burnley will have been earmarked for strong returns, with Willian heading into the encounter backed by 17.7% of FPL managers. Meanwhile, with the Blues backline heavily owned, a lesser spotted clean sheet will be the order of the day for many.

Another Chelsea player – Ruben Loftus-Cheek – will be under the microscope as he turns out for Crystal Palace against Huddersfield Town at Selhurst Park. The Eagles teamsheet deploys the loanee as part of a front three for Frank De Boer’s side, as Timothy Fosu-Mensa makes a debut which shifts Luka Milivojević into midfield. Loftus-Cheek already has a 12.3% ownership which will boom should he feature among the points this afternoon.

Jay Rodriguez starts as West Brom’s loan striker against Bournemouth at The Hawthorns, while for the Cherries, Jermain Defoe only makes the bench after a recent injury and a curtailed pre-season.

At St Mary’s Southampton host Swansea City, with defenders Ryan Bertand and Cedric Soares owned by 15.6% and 13.2% respectively. Manolo Gabbiadini starts up front as expected; he is part of 6.7% of squads

Finally, at Goodison Park, Everton host Stoke City with Wayne Rooney leading their attack. He’s backed by a handsome and optimistic 15.5% ownership, in a Toffees line-up which appears to have Dominic Calvert-Lewin at right wing-back.