Fantasy Premier League Player Picks: Week 24

Goalkeepers:

Hugo Lloris - In a week where I can't seem to pick out any fixture with a certain CS opportunity, Norwich v Spurs seems the most likely. Excluding the 4 goals scored last week against Liverpool (who haven't been very solid at the back), Norwich have not found consistency in front of goal. Spurs head to Carrow Road with the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 19 goals in 23 matches. I expect the Tottenham defense to keep Norwich to very few opportunities even at home. I expect a win for the North London club here.

Joe Hart - City have been quite good defensively despite having lost their talisman Vincent Kompany for most of the season so far. Having conceded just 23 times in 23 matches, a visit to Sunderland looks as good an opportunity as any for a clean sheet in this unpredictable season. Surely Patrick Van Aanholt can't score for the 5th consecutive match as a full back?

Adrian - West Ham were unlucky to not do the double over Manchester City last week, but can continue their stellar season at home to bottom dwellers Aston Villa. Having only scored 18 league goals so far this season, Villa have been the worst side in front of goal. Now on the road, registering a goal doesn't look very likely for Remi Garde's side.

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Defenders:

Leighton Baines - The loss to Swansea last game week was certainly not according to plan for Roberto Martinez's side. But Everton will have a chance of redeeming those dropped points against relegation threatened Newcastle. Having cemented his place back within the side after a lengthy injury spell, Baines will be one of the main men to get Everton competing again. With kicks in his locker, Baines has always been a fantasy favorite and it would be unthinkable to see a season go without the fullback bagging a goal or two.

Toby Alderweild - As mentioned above, Spurs have a very clear chance of a win and clean sheet this week against a Norwich side flirting with relegation. For a team looking to solidify a top 4 spot this season, Spurs have been ruthless when they have needed to be. I expect very few opportunities for the Canaries against the leagues best defense.

Sam Byram - The new signing came on for the injured Carl Jenkinson in their 2-2 draw with City. Now likely to have a chance to seal a spot in the starting 11, a home match against Aston Villa looks a great time to shine against the league's worst offense. One thing to consider, although West Ham have been in fine form against the top sides this season, they have been prone to silly lapses that have cost them points. As long as West Ham don't underestimate Villa, even in their current position, attacking and defensive returns look likely.

Gael Clichy - The former Arsenal fullback has seen his time on the pitch limited this season. But with Kolarov still injured and unlikely to be match fit, Clichy has another opportunity in City's starting line up against Sunderland. Big Sam still hasn't managed to get the Black Cat's out of the bottom 3 and a visit by City certainly doesn't help his battle to avoid relegation. While Sunderland have been able to score when presented the chance, they haven't done much to suggest they can over turn a side like City. Again, surely PvA can't keep scoring for Sunderland can he?

Chris "Michael" Smalling - United haven't been prolific in front of goal this season, marking the lowest goal tally for a side in the top 8. Where United have been strong is in their defense, allowing only 21 goals this season, second only to Tottenham. Old Trafford just hasn't been the fortress it once was in seasons past, but I see United having a very clear chance at keeping Stoke City at bay. With his presence on corners and free kicks giving an option on goal, Smalling looks a good buy for Week 24.

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Midfielders:

Dimitri Payet - Probably the first name on my team sheet this week as West Ham face Aston Villa at home. Payet has been instrumental in the Hammer's success this season and his deliveries from set pieces always causing havoc in the box. Expensive but given his goal threat a must have this week against the worst team in the league.

Raheem Sterling - Hasn't done bad for City this season but has proven he still needs time to develop. Without a consistent threat in front of goal, Sterling can often disappoint in fantasy terms if he doesn't find the back of the net. But with Kevin de Bruyne no facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the door is open for Sterling to cement a place in City's attack. His pace should keep Sunderland busy and open up plenty of channels for Aguero and Silva to exploit.

Dele Alli - With what may turn out to be the goal of the season against Crystal Palace, Alli is well on his way to becoming a top talent at Spurs. Following in the same footsteps as Harry Kane when he broke into the first team last season, Alli has exploded in his debut season. Probably too hot to drop and consistent enough to pick up now if you are late to the bandwagon. The former MK Dons midfielder is a great option against Norwich City.

Cesc Fabregas - It has been a long season for the former Arsenal and Barca maestro, but against the fore-mentioned Gunners, Fab4 was looking much more composed in the heart of Chelsea's midfield. Could we be seeing the Fabregas from Chelsea's title run last season? It may be early, but Cesc looks like he may finally get back some of that form. Watford shocked Chelsea last time at Stamford Bridge, but I expect the Blues to return the favor in this one.

Ross Barkley - Everton's star youngster has been heavily involved in attack with 6 goals and 8 assists in what is a disappointing season so far. Having showed flashes of quality, Everton have often found themselves falling out of games and having no answers to get back in. Case in point the recent 2-1 loss to Swansea City. Barkley and his attacking team mates welcome Newcastle to Goodisen Park, a good match to reclaim some of the dropped points this season.

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Forwards:

Harry Kane - Continuing the trend with a representative from Spurs in each category, but Kane's fantasy selection writes itself. The main penalty taker, the main goal threat, and facing Norwich City look like all good reasons to put Kane into your side for Week 24.

Romelu Lukaku - Really wasn't playing up to par in Everton's loss to Swansea, but neither were many of his team mates. With relegation contenders Newcastle rocking up to Goodisen, Lukaku's physical presence will be a force to deal with in front of goal. Having a fine season given Everton's short comings, Lukaku will have opportunities to build off his 15 goals and 5 assists so far.

Sergio Aguero - No comment, you know you just need him.

Benik Afobe - 2 goals in 3 starts is a perfect start to life for the former Arsenal striker at Bournemouth. Having navigated the early season troubles after losing the dangerous Callum Wilson, Afobe looks a crucial January signing for Eddie Howe. Crystal Palace have been sixes and sevens at the back for a long stretch of matches now, so expect Afobe to be given a few chances to punish the Eagles once again.

Diego Costa - Love him or hate him, Costa can be a force on his day. Scoring the go ahead goal in Chelsea's 1-0 victory over rivals Arsenal, Costa proved again how important he can be for the Blues. Leading the line once again, I can't see Watford keeping him at bay. With Fabregas getting back some form of the previous season, Costa's production should see him add to his 8 goals and 4 assists.

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Who do you believe will be crucial for Week 24? Good luck with your team selection!

Cheers,

Kellz