Following on from Arsenal’s narrow win over the Baggies, Fantasy managers shift their sights to the three o’clock kick-offs, with six matches to occupy our thoughts.
Points should be plentiful, with the likes of Man United, Swansea and QPR enjoying home comforts against opposition that could and should see them notch goals.
The team news finds Louis van Gaal recall Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young to his starting XI against Hull, as Luke Shaw misses out through injury and Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett drop to the bench. Radamel Falcao returns from injury to join them amongst the subs.
The news from Anfield is even more significant, as Steven Gerrard is “rested” from the Liverpool starting XI to face Stoke by Brendan Rodgers. Philippe Coutinho comes into midfield, whilst at the back, Jose Enrique replaces Javier Manquillo and Kolo Toure retains his start ahead of the out-of-sorts Dejan Lovren who sits alongside Gerard on the timber.
Sam Allardyce is able to call on an array of “yellow flag” assets with Stewart Downing and Cheikhou Kouyate making returns for West Ham; Matt Jarvis also gets a start against Newcastle, who have Cheick Tiote and Yoan Gouffran back in their midfield.
Garry Monk makes two changes to his teamsheet as the Swans take on Palace: both Wayne Routledge and Jonjo Shelvey make returns in place of Nathan Dyer and Tom Carroll. Brede Hangeland comes in for the injured Damien Delaney in the visitor’s back four.
There are few surprises on the teamsheets at Turf Moor, as Joe Cole replaces Charles N’Zogbia for visitors Villa. Whilst down at Loftus Road both Eduardo Vargas and Niko Kranjcar get starts for Harry Redknapp’s side with Sandro missing out through injury and Bobby Zamora out of the matchday squad with a back problem.
