Week 26 Saturday Live Chat: Post-Transfer Excitement

Shortly after the close of the winter transfer window, now is the chance to see some of the big name players who didn’t feature in the mid-week games, so be sure to tune in for the fun!

By Chris Manfredi Feb 3, 2018, 4:15am PST

Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League — A certain somebody looks to recapture his scoring form for his new West Brom team

Hold your breath, after a torturous two day absence, the Premier League is back, folks! There are seven games today, so buckle up for some post transfer window fun.

Burnley v. Manchester City (early game)

What the heck happened to Burnley? Looks like that challenge for Europe wasn’t just a bit outside, it was WAAAAAAAAAAY outside, on the order of Nuke Laloosh hitting the mascot in Bull Durham. It has been eight games without a victory for the Clarets, and I don’t think anybody’s expecting that streak to end this weekend, even at Turf Moor. Everton transfer Aaron Lennon came on as a sub against Newcastle, and here he’ll be expected to earn the start. Poor Manchester City didn’t get Riyad Mahrez or Fred as rumored, but they might just be o.k.

Bournemouth v. Stoke

Fresh off a 3-0 shellacking of defending champions Chelsea AT STAMFORD BRIDGE, the Cherries are riding high as they welcome a struggling Stoke side. Bournemouth is now in the top half of the table — repeat — the TOP HALF of the table. Meanwhile, Stoke is one point clear of the relegation zone. The game is at Bournemouth, so it doesn’t take Nostradamus to discern who the betting markets have favored.

Brighton v. West Ham

Jurgen Locadia is still on the shelf injured, so... Leonardo Ulloa to the rescue?! Joao Mario got off to an active start on his debut for the Hammers, but of course the side is still walking wounded, giving a beleaguered Brighton squad that hasn’t won in its past half dozen a chance to end that streak at home.

Leicester v. Swansea

Riyad Mahrez is pouting, while Andy King, Ahmed Musa, Islam Slimani and Leonardo Ulloa are gone from the home team. Meanwhile, the Swans are coming off two huge wins against Liverpool and Arsenal, plus they welcome back Andre Ayew on his return from West Ham. Will the momentum carry over?

Manchester United v. Huddersfield

Alexis Sanchez got off to a sluggish start against Tottenham at Wembley, but this one’s at Old Trafford against Huddersfield, so, um, yeah, things will expected to go much better. Terence Kongolo could be in line for his first appearance for the visitors, but it’s difficult to imagine many fantasy managers taking a punt on him here.

West Brom v. Southampton

Daniel Sturridge should get his first post-Liverpool start at the Hawthorns in a huge six pointer from two teams desperate to avoid relegation, while Guido Carrillo will also look to debut for the Saints. If either can score, he’ll earn a hero’s mobbing.

Arsenal v. Everton (late game)

It’s Aubameyang time! Henrikh Mkhitaryan could also make his first start, after coming on as a sub against Swansea. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to see Auba, Alexandre Lacazette, MkHit, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey play together. Good thing the Gunners are a great home team, because dealing with on-fire former Gunner Theo Walcott could be a tall order.

Which games are you watching most closely? On whom are you relying for big fantasy returns today? Let us know in the comments below!