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This is a really difficult "week" for fantasy owners when it comes to the Premier League. With only forty-eight hours (or less) between match kickoffs, it becomes difficult to determine who will play, who will sit, and who will star with the short turnaround.
While we know some players will be out no matter what--looking your way, Diego Costa--there are others who did not play on Boxing Day that will get their chance tomorrow and Tuesday. There are others still who did not play the full match on Saturday because their managers needed them somewhat ready for big matches tomorrow--which is why Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy were subbed off while losing to Liverpool.
While we cannot tell you exactly who will be out there and who you should have, we can provide you with some advice on who we believe can help you this week. Whether it's on Fantrax, the Official BPL game, or Draft Kings, we have you covered!
Week 19 Fixture List
Watford v Tottenham
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle
Norwich City v Aston Villa
Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth
Leicester City v Manchester City
Sunderland v Liverpool
Goalkeepers
Petr Cech (ARS)
After the awful performance against Southampton, he will be out for retribution. Against a Bournemouth offense that is not as potent as before due to injuries, the Gunners are a heavy favorite, and he should win with a clean sheet.
Declan Rudd (NOR)
Facing the lowest scoring team in the league, Norwich should handle Aston Villa easily at home. A win with a clean sheet, at a low cost? That's a nice combination.
Wayne Hennessey (CRY)
Palace are also big favorites against the second-lowest scoring team in the BPL, and they have not lost in five matches. One of the hottest teams right now, they also should hold a clean sheet and take home another win.
Defenders
Leighton Baines (EVE)
He's cheap, he takes corners, he sends in crosses constantly....if that isn't enough, they're almost 2-to-1 favorites over Stoke City. Get him, play him, profit. A must-play across all formats.
Joel Ward (CRY)
As we said before, Palace are on a roll right now, they aren't likely losing to a very bad Swansea team. Clean sheet and a win are highly likely.
Cuco Martina (SOU)
If you don't know who he is, then you've been sleeping off that Christmas food the past two days. He only scored the goal of the season in his first start of his career, and will likely get the start again on Monday. He's a cheap play in fantasy, and almost a must-play on DraftKings tomorrow.
Alberto Moreno (LIV)
Unlike many on this list, he gets four days to rest, as Liverpool will not play until Wednesday. And they'll be taking on a very bad Sunderland side. Liverpool are a good bet for yet another clean sheet, after keeping Leicester City off the scoresheet this weekend.
Nacho Monreal (ARS)
Another Gunner who will want to bounce back from an awful performance, he should get plenty of crossing opportunities against Bournemouth, in an almost must-win match.
Midfielders
David Silva (MCY)
Manchester City has four straight wins against Leicester City, and he showed on Saturday that he is back with a great assist. His price is lower than it should be due to time missed, especially in Fantrax, and he should be a focal point of the attack for City in a Tuesday match that could go a very long way in determining the champion.
Riyad Mahrez (LEI)
On the other side of the pitch from Silva, the other Spaniard who will have a big say in this match is Mahrez. Subbed off to get some extra rest on Saturday, he will be crucial in attacking the left side of the City defense. If Kolarov pushes too far forward in attack, look for Mahrez to exploit that space and get lots of chances and crosses in. He also gets an extra day to rest, as his match will not be until Tuesday.
Yohan Cabaye (CRY)
He played one half on Saturday and likely will return for a start on Monday against Swansea. He is a key piece of the Palace attack, and he will look to get back onto the score sheet quickly. His role as the set-piece taker is also critical for points.
Willian (CHE)
Going up against a United team that may have a new manager after this match, Willian continues to just be a force. Yet another assist on Saturday, he is a crossing machine. His price is rising on all formats but his ceiling continues to be well above his cost.
Mesut Ozil (ARS)
It wasn't his fault that Arsenal got destroyed, as he worked his tail off but just couldn't find much space to operate against Southampton. That should change when he faces the Cherries. I'll be shocked if he doesn't register his sixteenth assist tomorrow.
Forwards
Olivier Giroud (ARS)
Keep an eye out to see if it is the Frenchman starting, or Theo Walcott. Play whichever one gets the nod. Giroud should be the target of many crosses on Monday, and I'll be shocked if he doesn't put one in. A terrific play across all games.
Jamie Vardy (LEI)
Also taken off after about 60 minutes against Liverpool, he will be fresh on Tuesday for a title-decider level match. City have failed to hold a clean sheet in the seventeen matches that Vincent Kompany has failed to start--and with the Belgian out for another few weeks at least, Vardy will have less resistance against a City defense that will struggle with his speed.
Shane Long (SOU)
Long scored a brace against Arsenal on Saturday, and he will most likely start again Monday when Southampton takes on a very poor defense in West Ham United. With Graziano Pelle still out, Long will lead the attack and could grab another goal or two with ease.
Loic Remy (CHE)
Well, now that Mourinho is gone, the French striker will get some playing time. And it will start on Monday, as he replaces a suspended Diego Costa as Chelsea take on Manchester United. With the turmoil surrounding the club, United looked distracted this weekend, and Remy should have some opportunities to break down the defense. His cost is low, so he presents terrific value.
Christian Benteke (LIV)
With four days rest, Benteke will be one of the freshest high-ceiling options available this slate. He came on midway through the match due to an injury, and he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Leicester City. He will terrorize a poor Sunderland team who is prone to turnovers, and with the pressing style that Liverpool now employ under the management of Jurgen Klopp, he will get plenty of chances to score or assist. Or maybe both.
Draft Kings Picks
We didn't forget about you guys who are here for the DFS plays! Our pals over at DFSportsGods have a sample lineup for your Draft Kings plays tomorrow:
GK: Butland
DF: Pieters, Hutton, Martina
MF: Willian, Alli, Veretout
FW: Jordan Ayew, Giroud
UT: Berahino, Brady
So there we are! It's a short turnaround but hopefully this gives you some players to keep an eye on in terms of getting your team out there! Do you have others that you plan to watch or play? If so, share your thoughts with us below!