Dugout Discussion – Saturday

Gameweek 26 arrives with a reduced programme of fixtures and a late start but, following the FA Cup hiatus, we will gladly take what we are given.

Fantasy managers will be focused mainly on two venues, as Romelu Lukaku and Diego Costa carry the armband expectations of many.

Everton face basement dwellers Sunderland at Goodison Park having spanked Bournemouth in their previous home outing. Lukaku destroyed the Cherries defence and will be looking to make a similar impact on a Black Cats rearguard which already suffered at his hands back in Gameweek 4 – the Belgian scored a hat-trick in that encounter.

David Moyes’ side are without Jason Denayer through illness, though Jordan Pickford returns in goal. He could be busy.

Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, Costa and Eden Hazard provide strong captain alternatives ahead of a clash with Swansea City.

Costa has yet to claim a double-digit score on home turf this season but faces his favourite opponent in the Swans having scored seven goals in four previous meetings. Hazard has provided five double-figure hauls at home, as he looks to follow on from his wonder goal display against Arsenal when last at the Bridge.

Elsewhere, West Brom’s array of Fantasy assets clash with Bournemouth at The Hawthorns, with the 19.5% owned Matt Phillips missing out through injury.

Finally, Crystal Palace look for a vital three points at home to Middlesbrough, while Burnley drop in on the much improved Hull City, as Tom Heaton and Edlin Jakupovic go head-to-head in a battle of two top Fantasy stoppers.