A half dozen three o’clock kick-offs help us to shake off the international break hangover, with Saturday afternoon offering up a cast of heavy-hitting Fantasy assets.
Almost all the major captain candidates are on show, with Sergio Aguero carrying the hopes of 29% of FPL managers for Manchester City at Crystal Palace. Romelu Lukaku will surely run him close, backed by just 10%, the Belgian will face a much-changed Swansea City outfit at Goodison Park having scored in his last three home matches, registering 32 points.
The Toffees striker is the most popular captain pick amongst the top 100 FPL managers, with 44 backing him, compared to 25 who are looking to Aguero.
Elsewhere, Liverpool’s midfield, a regular source of double-figure returns, will face a stern test at Southampton. Philippe Coutinho is named in the starting line-up, diffusing doubts surrounding his availability and reassuring his 45.6% ownership. The Brazilian has returned 29 points in his previous three Gameweeks, with compatriot Firmino chipping in 26 points over the same spell. Adam Lallana misses out for the Reds.
Saturday’s supporting cast includes Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe who seeks his 150th Premier League goal in the clash with fellow strugglers Hull City, while Joe Allen’s 19.5% ownership will be looking for further returns for the Welshman. However, Allen looks to have been shifted to the double pivot against Bournemouth today and will need to avoid a yellow card to keep him from toppling from the suspension tightrope.
