There’s no shortage of topics for us to mull over as we assess the upcoming round of fixtures. Aleksandar Kolarov’s pitch time now that Gael Clichy is back for City, Christian Benteke’s momentum on the back of consecutive strikes, Gerard Deulofeu as an overlooked Everton option and Remi Garde’s attempts to blunt the City attack are all on Thursday evening’s menu.

Kolarov’s minutes with Clichy back in the mix…
The Serbian held onto his starting berth for the midweek Champions League win over Sevilla but the return of Gael Clichy could soon have an impact on his security of pitch time. With an ownership of 29%, Kolarov is the third most popular defender in the FPL game but as the fixtures start to come thick and fast, Manuel Pellegrini will surely look to bring the former Arsenal man back into contention to cope with a hectic schedule. Clichy made the bench in Spain last night and if Pellegrini freshens things up, a Kolarov exodus could soon be on the cards.

Kane against the Gunners rearguard…
Despite scoring four times in the last two Gameweeks, the transfers in have been slow for the Spurs forward this week. Only 12,000 FPL managers have acquired Kane for Sunday’s north London derby at the Emirates – understandable, given the Gunners have conceded once in their last four at home. Having scored twice in his only league appearance against Arsene Wenger’s side last year, though, Kane has proven he’s fixture-proof when on top form and with doubts over Hector Bellerin and Laurent Koscielny, the visitors will fancy their chances of breaching the Arsenal backline.

Martial’s role in Van Gaal’s attack…
Just as we’d written him off after a number of outings on the left flank, the United youngster returned to the lone striker role against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday evening. Granted, Martial failed to get on the scoresheet before being subbed off but his owners will now be thinking twice over parting company in light of Louis van Gaal’s tactical tweak. Sold by more FPL managers than any player in the Gameweek, the young Frenchman may yet be handed a stay of execution if he continues up top, given the Red Devils’ upcoming fixtures. Another spot on the left, though, and the exodus will pick up pace over the international break.

Ighalo’s chance to steal Vardy’s limelight…
The two budget forward sensations go head-to-head at the King Power as Leicester play host to Watford on Saturday. Vardy is looking to score for the ninth successive league outings yet sits just ten points ahead of the Hornets’ Ighalo, who is owned by only 15% of FPL sides despite a paltry 5.5 price tag. Can the Nigerian steal Vardy’s thunder and convince us he’s equally worthy of a starting role in our first XIs? The favourable upcoming fixtures certainly suggest Ighalo could go on delivering as he looks to add to his seven-goal haul.

Fletcher as a cheap third forward…
Five goals in the last two outings suggests Sunderland have stepped up their attacking output under Sam Allardyce but, as Sunday’s 6-2 defeat at Everton showed, it’s failed to paper over the cracks in defence. The Wearsiders rolled out an adventurous 3-4-1-2 set-up at Goodison as Big Sam afforded Jermain Defoe a rare start alongside Steven Fletcher and the front two bagged a goal apiece against Roberto Martinez’ men. Whilst Defoe’s security of starts still remains in question, the 5.0-priced Fletcher, with three strikes in four, is starting to make a valid claim for our consideration up top. Another haul against Southampton this weekend will strengthen his prospects as a budget option, with Palace, Stoke and Watford in the subsequent four.

Mane away to Big Sam’s defence…
Whilst Graziano Pelle delivered a goal against Bournemouth, the Senegal international disappointed his owners by blanking and has since been overtaken by team-mate Dusan Tadic in the midfield standings. A mere 10% ownership means Mane still remains a real differential weapon, though, and, having scored against Chelsea and Liverpool in his previous two road trips, now faces a Sunderland backline that shipped six at Goodison. With Stoke, Villa and Palace in the subsequent four, Mane will force his way into many managers’ plans over the break if he can deliver at the Stadium of Light.

Deulofeu as the Everton differential…
Whilst Ross Barkley owners were left disappointed after the playmaker failed to have a hand in any of last week’s six goals, the young Spaniard racked up 13 points, courtesy of a goal and two assists. Deulofeu has now started four of the last five Gameweeks and served up a goal and five assists over that period – announcing himself as one to watch as the Toffees embark on a superb run of fixtures. With an ownership under 1% – compared to Barkley’s 21% – the former Barcelona man has the chance to throw his hat into the ring as a valid mid-price option at just 6.2.

Benteke’s momentum as the Eagles roll up…
In just a couple of league appearances under Jurgen Klopp, the Belgian has already surpassed his output for former boss Brendan Rodgers. Emerging from the bench in each of the last two, Benteke has racked up two goals and an assist and with his fitness on the up, he’s been unleashed from the start against Ruben Kazan this evening. Klopp will surely hand him another first XI opportunity for Sunday’s home clash with Palace and with some very kind looking matches from Gameweek 14, the 8.3-priced striker – who has netted 15 times in his last 19 Premier League outings – has a chance to play his way into our plans this weekend.

Willian as the Chelsea go-to option…
A late winner against Dynamo Kiev continued the Brazilian’s impressive showings yesterday evening. Willian has notched three times in four Champions League outings and with two goals and an assist in the last five Gameweeks, has looked the one bright spark for under-fire Jose Mourinho. With the fixtures very favourable, can Willian – at just 6.8 – emerge as an unlikely candidate for our attention at a time where his costly team-mates are failing to make an impact?

Carroll against the Toffees…
The big target man is set to be unleashed at home to Everton after Diafra Sakho was ruled out through injury earlier today. Carroll has grabbed points in each of his last two at Upton Park and now faces a defence that’s struggling for resilience in light of Phil Jagielka’s knee injury. Given that the Merseysiders have conceded at least twice in three successive league outings, Slaven Bilic will be looking for Carroll to deal further damage as the Hammers attempt to bounce back from last week’s shock loss to Watford.

Garde’s impact on ailing Villa…
Typically, a change of manager tends to usher in a renewed sense of self-belief but Remi Garde could barely be handed a tougher opening fixture as league leaders Man City pay visit. Given that the hosts have lost seven on the bounce, City’s assets will be heavily backed for this one, with many handing the armband to the likes of Kevin de Bruyne or Wilfried Bony as they look to heap further misery on the midlands outfit. Can the Frenchman halt his new side’s slump or will City vindicate our collective belief and hand Villa yet another going over?