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Saturday had only two games, while Sunday brings us three and Monday the final one of the game week, so things are spread thin, but simultaneously spread out.
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SUNDAY
Burnley continues its attempt at qualifying for European competition, while Stoke has a more existential fight on its hands: avoiding relegation. The good news for the Potters? They’re at home! The bad news? They’ve won only once at home in 2018 (with two draws and four losses). The other bad news? Burnley has been in outstanding form, putting together a five game win streak before the midweek loss to Chelsea, and the Clarets will be keen to get things back on track.
This London derby will have plenty of eyes on it, coming shortly after Arsene Wenger’s exit announcement. Arsenal’s collective mind is clearly on winning the Europa League, but rather than resting players in advance of Thursday’s big game, Wenger has hinted that he will field a full team to prepare for it, which could see cup-tied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang benched. The Gunners have been very strong at home this season, and emotions will be running high at the Emirates, so the visitors may face an uphill climb in their effort to pull further away from the drop zone.
Manchester City v. Swansea (late game)
After a rough spell, City has its mojo back. That, combined with a lack of distracting competitions, has to leave the Swans with little to no chance here. So if you’re the type of person who bets on the underdog hoping for a rich reward, put a couple quid down on the seemingly doomed travelers... and surely you already put Jordan Ayew, Tammy Abraham and company in your fantasy teams instead of Gabriel Jesus, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, right?!
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MONDAY
With 9th place against 10th place, this is the very definition of an even, mid-table match-up. However, Newcastle comes in as one of the hottest teams in the league, having won four straight, so you may point to them to come out on top. One the other hand, home turf could prove the edge, as Everton has taken 30 points at Goodison, compared to only 16 for the Magpies away from St. James’ Park.
Which games are you watching and whom do you have going for your fantasy teams? What potential line-up decisions have you worried? Who on your barn-door watch list as we finish the week? Let us know in the comments!