We cast an eye over the upcoming rounds of fixtures now and assess the most pertinent topics in the Gameweek ahead. Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy’s form as the fixtures finally turn against Leicester, City’s response to their recent goal drought, Chelsea’s defence against Harry Kane and Jurgen Klopp’s options in the final third are all on this evening’s menu.

Mahrez and Vardy’s fixture-proof test….
A home clash against United kick starts a tough run of matches over the next six Gameweeks for the league leaders. The early-season exploits of both Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, allied with their low starting values, has ensured the duo sit in over 59% and 53% of FPL sides right now, making them the two most popular players in the game. Doubling up on the pair has been a hugely profitable tactics so far – Mahrez has delivered in nine of his 12 league outings, whilst Vardy has blanked in just one of 13 appearances – but up against the league’s most resilient defence, their consistency will be put to the test. Some owners are considering parting company as a result of the festive schedule but if the duo can put United to the sword, they’ll surely remain in our plans.

City’s form as the goals dry up….
Sergio Aguero’s consolation at home to Liverpool was City’s only crumb of comfort as they were swept aside 4-1 by Jurgen Klopp’s men. The Etihad side have netted just three times in the last four Gameweeks and toiled yet again last night, going down 1-0 at Juventus in the Champions League. With David Silva still struggling to get out of the treatment room, Kevin de Bruyne managing just one assist in four and Aguero’s minutes continuing to be managed, Manuel Pellegrini’s premium priced troops need a big performance at home to Southampton to turn the tide of Fantasy interest back in their favour.

Chelsea’s resurgent backline against Kane….
Back-to-back clean sheets in all competitions suggest that Jose Mourinho’s side are finally finding the form that served up 17 shut-outs in their title-winning campaign. Up next, though, is a trip to White Hart Lane where their nemesis, Harry Kane, awaits in his best form of the season. Kane was memorably benched by many Fantasy owners on New Year’s Day last season before producing two goals and a pair of assists in a stunning 5-3 win and, having notched seven times in the last four, will surely cement his place in more Fantasy managers’ plans if he can plunder the points against Mourinho’s men once again.

Eriksen as the big-hitting midfield differential….
Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele may offer cheaper routes into the Spurs midfield but Eriksen’s ten-point return against the Hammers served a timely reminder of his talents. The Dane’s two assists last weekend means he has averaged 5.5 points per appearance this season – that’s the same as Alexis Sanchez – yet due to Kane’s popularity as a route into Tottenham’s attack, he remains in just 6% of FPL teams. With the fixtures very much in their favour, we’ll be monitoring Eriksen’s progress as an explosive differential to consider as we approach the hectic festive period.

…and Ramsey….
Whilst most of the talk has been centered around Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in the Arsenal midfield, the Welshman’s midweek return off the bench throws another name into the hat. After a poor start to the season, Ramsey netted for Wales during the October international break and followed that up with a strike in Gameweek 9 away to Watford before he was sidelined through injury. Now down to a mere 8.0 in FPL and sitting in just 2% of teams, he’s on our radar as the Gunners head to Norwich this weekend – despite missing the last four Gameweeks, Ramsey sits second only to Sanchez amongst midfielders for shots (19) and efforts in the area (15) away from home thus far.

Klopp’s attack….
Having emerged from the Etihad with a 4-1 win, the Liverpool manager will surely be reluctant to tinker with his starting line-up for Sunday’s home encounter with Swansea. Klopp has a real dilemma, though, after Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke warmed the bench against Manuel Pellegrini’s men, with both desperate to return to the first XI after recent injury struggles. With Philippe Coutinho (if fit) and Roberto Firmino in such fine form, though, it remains to be seen just how the German will structure his attack as the Merseysiders look to build momentum against a defence with one clean sheet in 11 outings.

Bournemouth’s midfield options….
As mentioned in the recent Big Numbers members article, Eddie Howe’s recent move to 4-1-4-1 has boosted the Cherries’ prospects considerably. Since that switch in Gameweek 11, Bournemouth have fired 63 shots – a tally bettered by only Liverpool and Spurs, with 67 apiece. Whilst Joshua King’s shift up front has caught the eye, both Matt Ritchie and Dan Gosling have served up some highly impressive numbers, bagging a goal and assist respectively over that period. Along with the out-of-position King, they could also profit as the Dean Court side finally find a better balance in the absence of injured striker Callum Wilson.

Pardew’s set-up after Monday’s loss….
A plum home clash against Sunderland looked ready-made for a convincing win but despite having Connor Wickham back in the starting line-up, Palace fluffed their lines. Alan Pardew has conceded that his side are struggling to break down opponents who sit deep at Selhurst Park and “couldn’t get the balance right” against the Black Cats. With the Eagles boss looking to freshen things up ahead of another favourable home encounter against Newcastle, Yannick Bolasie owners will be hoping he can reprise his Gameweek 12 central role as Pardew looks to get one over his former employers.

Big Sam’s tactics at home to resilient Stoke….
Despite seeing his side hammered 6-2 at Everton in Gameweek 11 after trialling a 3-5-2 formation, Sam Allardyce’s rolled out the same approach for last Monday’s trip to Palace. Sunderland secured their first away win of the season and second clean sheet in four as the new man in charge start makes an impact on their previously porous defence. Should he retain the same set-up, the likes of Patrick van Aanholt and Jermain Defoe – with two goals in as many starts – will arrive back the radar as Big Sam finally settles on a formation that could provide the platform for yet another great escape.

Deeney and Ighalo against Villa’s backline….
The Watford pair embark on a trio of excellent fixtures (avl, NOR, sun) that affords them plenty of chances to maintain their recent showings and offer us value up front. After a sluggish start, Deeney has scored in three of the last four Gameweeks, whilst Ighalo has racked up two goals and three assists over that period. With Villa still licking their wounds after last week’s thrashing at Everton, the Hornets front two could be set to heap further misery on Remi Garde’s basement-dwellers.