New Options
Trent Alexander-Arnold put his name up in lights with a strong points-scoring for Liverpool and he looms as the best defensive option, given how the Reds have started.
Joao Cancelo is another strong defensive option, with a lower price, who did well last time out, while his Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva will have a few people tempted, although look out for Pep Guardiola’s tinkering.
Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo both produced the top scores last round and also netted in midweek in the UEFA Champions League, so they’re both making a compelling case to be essential. The challenge is finding space in the budget. Getting at least one in the next round or two feels crucial.
Previous week lessons
The aforementioned point, specifically on Ronaldo, is pertinent. Some coaches may have opted to take a look at Manchester United’s new signing before buying, but he looks the goods. Age doesn’t seem an issue.
Ronaldo’s arrival didn’t hugely impact Bruno Fernandes’ ability to score either which will comfort plenty of coaches tossing up whether to offload him. Keep an eye on that situation though, particularly against stronger opposition.
Staying on United, well-owned defender Luke Shaw has frustrated coaches but he nabbed an assist in United’s 4-1 win over Newcastle which offered some reward for patience. Stick with him.
Can you trust Tottenham players? After three wins from their first three games, they seemed on the up, but a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace dents confidence.
Who to captain?
Given the quality of opposition, the obvious choice is Mohamed Salah with Liverpool playing at home to Crystal Palace. But the Eagles have only conceded five goals in four games, so tread with some caution. Alexander-Arnold could be a better option.
The likes of Newcastle, Norwich City and Leeds United have all conceded more than 2.5 goals per game on average. Newcastle play Leeds so Patrick Bamford, who is fit, is a left field option.
Chelsea’s Lukaku is up against Tottenham, Manchester United trio Paul Pogba, Ronaldo and Fernandes go to West Ham, who have Michail Antonio out suspended.
Injury front
Son Heung-Min is no guarantee to return from injury, having not been in the Tottenham squad for their midweek UEFA Conference League match.
Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss two to three weeks minimum with a quad injury, while Spurs picked up some new problems with Eric Dier, Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura.
Antonio is suspended for one game, leaving coaches with a dilemma, while Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is in the mix to return for Aston Villa.