Week 18 Fantasy Premier League Live Chat

We're right in the thick of things now as we approach the midway point of the season, and with another round of fixtures coming in two days' time, we could start seeing heavy rotation on the team sheets in Week 18.

We get started today with Chelsea and West Ham United facing off in the early match, which will surely be a point of contention for Jose Mourinho if his side aren't able to get all three points considering they played most recently on Monday evening. Every extra day of rest at this point of the season is crucial, so the Blues will have to hope fatigue doesn't come into play against the red-hot Hammers.

The mid-day fixtures see last weekend's derby winners Sunderland host free-falling Hull City, Swansea City looking for another victory against plucky Aston Villa, Liverpool looking to build on last week's promising display as they travel to play Burnley, and Everton hoping to rebound with a home win over Stoke City.

We'll also see Manchester City attempt to keep pace with the leaders as they travel to take on West Bromwich Albion, Southampton and Crystal Palace compete for a vital three points, Leicester City try to stop the rot at home against Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United go for a seventh straight victory over surprise-package Newcastle United.

Arsenal close out the day's action in the late match against Queens Park Rangers, where the Gunners will be hoping to better their result from last weekend's draw at Anfield. Harry Redknapp's men will be up for the challenge, though, particularly after the inspired come-from-behind win last weekend. Charlie Austin will have to be at his best yet again if the Rangers hope to get anything from this one, though.

I've opted against holding many discounts for my fantasy team heading into the New Year, instead opting for players who I believe will be nailed-on as starters. Having backup on the bench is a necessity, regardless. Here's where I wound up:

Brad Jones, Mathieu Debuchy, Kyle Walker, Aaron Cresswell, Leighton Baines, Oscar, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Adam Johnson, Wilfried Bony, Harry Kane

Bench: Jozy Altidore, Ryan Mason, Jores Okore, Gerhard Tremmel

As you can see, I've gone for the unorthodox 4-4-2 this weekend as I think Everton will continue their strong home form against Stoke with a win and hopefully a clean sheet and/or goal from Baines. I think Jozy Altidore could be in line for a start against his former club, but concerns over his starting status mean a spot in my starting eleven for the ever-reliable Aaron Cresswell instead.

How did your Week 18 team shape up? Good luck, and let's chat!