New Options
Christian Pulisic returned to form last matchweek with a double in Chelsea’s 4-1 win away to Crystal Palace and he appears to have a role domestically as the Blues push for UEFA Champions League glory.
There’s nothing new about Jesse Lingard being an option, but now more than ever, he’s an essential part of your side and a must-start player.
Others to note are Everton keeper Robin Olsen who has assumed the gloves, while Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min is back from injury and set for a double.
Previous week lessons
We’ve been flirting with this story line all season but perhaps Trent Alexander-Arnold actually is back in form. Perhaps. He scored the late winner in his side’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa last time out and Liverpool have now strung together three straight league wins, conceding once.
Manchester City’s rotation with a fully fit squad has already been noted but with FA Cup and UEFA Champions League distractions and an 11-point lead, they may drop a few games here or there, so we cannot rely on the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Ederson and their defenders as much anymore.
Who to captain?
Tottenham are on the double, playing first up against Everton, so you need to get busy but that’s mighty seductive, given Harry Kane’s ability, while Son is a solid option if you’re not blessed with the England frontman. Spurs’ two fixtures are against Everton and Southampton.
If you opt to put the VC on Kane or Son, there are reasonable alternatives with Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United hosting Burnley, while Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool go to Leeds United, in a likely goalfest.
Injury front
The major concern is Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who will miss after contracting malaria on national duty with Gabon. It’s expected he’ll recover fast but he won’t play this matchweek.
Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another who will miss due to an adductor issue, while Jack Grealish remains out with his calf problem.
Marcus Rashford is a major doubt for Manchester United, while Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu has been cleared after his COVID-19 scare.