Dugout Discussion – Saturday

After a 1-1 stalemate at the King Power, we turn our attentions to five mid-afternoon matches.

Liverpool’s home encounter with West Ham United will be the focal point for many.

Mohamed Salah is again the top captain pick by Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers as he goes in search of a thirteenth double-digit points haul of the season.

Backed by over 1.6m with the armband – including 77 of the top 100 managers – the Egyptian has already delivered a 15-point return against the Hammers back in Gameweek 11.

The Reds are one of four teams among the 3pm contingent who are guaranteed to play in Gameweek 31, with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk also among the key targets.

Another of those sides, Bournemouth, entertain a Newcastle United outfit with a single clean sheet in their last 11 on the road.

Owned by 9.8%, Callum Wilson is their most popular pick on the back of 12-point hauls against both Arsenal and Chelsea in the last five Gameweeks.

Yet with two goals and as many assists in four since returning from injury, Junior Stanislas (0.9% owned) could be worth considering as a differential in midfield.

West Brom and Huddersfield also play in Gameweek 31 and go head-to-head at The Hawthorns in a vital six-pointer.

Encouragingly for the Baggies, Salomon Rondon has scored in each of his last two home matches across all competitions.

Meanwhile, the Terriers arrive with a woeful away record, failing to score in ten of their 13 road trips. However, David Wagner’s side will be buoyed by a 4-1 hammering of Bournemouth last time out, with Alex Pritchard and Steve Mounie both delivering double-figure tallies.

Elsewhere, Pascal Gross and Jose Izquierdo could be instrumental as Brighton welcome Swansea to the Amex Stadium.

The German has scored all five of his goals at home, playing a part in 60% of the Seagulls’ strikes in front of their own supporters. Izquierdo, meanwhile, welcomes the Swans on the back of successive goals against West Ham and Stoke in the previous two Gameweeks.

Finally, Burnley will look to rectify a run of one clean sheet in nine when Southampton make their way to Turf Moor. With the Clarets set for a kind run-in to the campaign, a return to resilient ways could bring the likes of Ben Mee back into consideration for some Wildcard squads.