Staff Picks: Best EPL Fantasy Fixture, Week 28

Chris - Stoke City v. Newcastle

I rarely think of Stoke when it comes to expecting a comfortable victory, but signs point to the Britannia Stadium this week for a very favorable result. In recent times, the Potters have fared well at home welcoming relegation fodder with 2-1 and 3-1 victories over Aston Villa and Norwich, respectively. Enter Newcastle, with the Magpies having lost their last three away games by a combined score of 10-2 and failing to register more than one goal in any of their past five contests overall.

You should feel quite confident rolling with Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri who starred against Villa, though you may also consider Ibrahim Afellay and Giannelli Imbula in search of cut rate value plays in Fantrax. I would not blame you if you were gun shy regarding Jack Butland and company, who have not delivered a shutout in any of the past five games, but keep in mind that the Villa result easily could have been 2-0 had an obvious hand ball been called on Rudy Gestede's assist. Phil Bardsley is a nice bargain basement option with Glen Johnson out injured, while Geoff Cameron also offers a cheap chance at a clean sheet.

Simon - Aston Villa v. Everton

A rest with no fixture in week 27 and playing at home against a side who are woeful. Everton haven't convinced in recent home games but that must be only a slight concern.

Usual suspects Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukakau then. In defence Bryan Oviedo grabs our attention but you just get the feeling he could lose his place back to Leighton Baines at any time. For now he seems likely to start if fit.

For alternative selection we can go with Aaron Lennon. He has played the full 90 in 2 of the last 3 and started them all. Phil Jagielka is a temptation too and overdue a goal.

Gavin - Arsenal v. Swansea City

The Gunners put in one of their worst team performances of the season on Sunday and still would have come away with a result against Manchester United had it not been for the heroics of Marcus Rashford. I fully expect them to bounce back with a much-improved performance at home on Wednesday. Olivier Giroud should come back into the starting lineup after Theo Walcott's anonymous performance, but it's Danny Welbeck who has been showcasing excellent form since returning from injury. If he looks set to start again, he's a great option in attack against the Swans.

Alberto Paloschi got on the scoresheet for the first time over the weekend against Tottenham, but I'm not expecting him to find as much joy against the other North London club. Arsenal have to claim a victory to keep the pressure on Leicester City and I don't think the Welsh outfit will have enough quality to take them down.

Charles - Leicester City v. West Bromwich Albion

At this juncture the Foxes appear to be a team of destiny, right, so what's not to like? Yes, I realize West Brom appeared to wake up at home and score three against Crystal Palace, but I particularly like Leicester's defense, which has carried them recently, as it did against Norwich Saturday in their thrilling 1-0 victory. After a while, we knew that Norwich wasn't going to score, it was only a question of whether Leicester would get one, which they did with another unlikely candidate, substitute, Leonardo Ulloa, delivering the dagger to Norwich at the death. Losing coach, Alex Neil, said that King Power, Leicester's stadium is now the toughest place to play in the Premiership.

West Brom has scored but 9 goals in 14 road matches this season, with 27 in their 27 matches. I like Kasper Schmeichel in goal, Danny Simpson returning from suspension, along with Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs in the back. Most of us may have added the dynamic duo of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy for the easier appearing fixtures that the Foxes have approaching. Keep an eye on the injury report for N'Golo Kante, whom I have in a private league. He has a hamstring concern, was subbed off in the 69th minute and may be rested with only a three day interval.

One of the season long concerns for Leicester has been a lack of depth, so there is a chance that City may be worn down a bit and the game could turn into a defensive battle. Craig Dawson has been a stalwart for West Brom, defensively, this season and delivered a goal against Palace. He would be the player I might recommend for West Brom.

These are the games that Claudio Ranieri must win for Leicester to achieve their destiny. One bit of a concern, the first thing he said following the Norwich match was that he was going to take some chances in order to win the title. That could easily mean there might be a bit of rotation in the cards.

Roberto - AFC Bournemouth v. Southampton

As the Saints look to continue their dream of Europa League qualification, things have to be expected from Graziano Pelle up front with the injured Shane Long out. That being said, a mid-priced buy such as Dusan Tadic or Sadio Mane might help provide some points in the midfield. Meanwhile at Bournemouth, an underrated pick like Charlie Daniels have been something of an advantage given how many points he has scored this season on FPL. If he can keep Southampton at bay, expect major points for him, as well as Artur Boruc being a wall in goal. Up front, a cheap buy in Benik Afobe and Matt Richie might provide some good bargain buys on your team for a cheap price.