Saturday’s events roll on with five afternoon kick-offs with Fantasy managers fully focused on events at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte leaves Alvaro Morata on the bench on his return to the squad as he keeps faith with the formation and personnel that impressed at Huddersfield in midweek. That means another start for Eden Hazard in a “false nine” role, with the Belgian backed by 349,000 (6.3%) armbands. It remains to be seen if Morata’s absence benefits or hinders Hazard’s potential returns.
Elsewhere, Watford’s Richarlison takes 19.9% ownership into a meeting with Huddersfield Town at Vicarage Road. He’s produced returns in eight of his previous twelve Gameweeks and will be backed to build on that in today’s clash.
Arsenal host Newcastle United at the Emirates, without Sead Kolasinac in their line-up. His surprise exclusion sees Ainsley Maitland-Niles – a 4.5 midfielder – retain his start at left-back, disappointing Kolasinac’s 858,000+ owners.
Fantasy managers will be hoping that defences are on top at the Amex Stadium, with a resilient Burnley dropping in on Brighton. Ben Mee returns for the Clarets to appease his 11.8% ownership, though Stephen Ward – part of 21.9% of squads – misses out.
Finally, Stoke City’s fixture with West Ham United could be at risk, with a power cut currently delaying kick-off.
