There were plenty of impressive performances to pick from in what was another action-packed week of Premier League football. Here's a look at the best possible XI in Goal's Fantasy Football game over the past few days as well as why it might be time to dump some of the players who are likely to be heavily involved in midweek European ties with their respective clubs across the next few match weeks.
Don't forget, the return of the Champions League means there is midweek Fantasy action to get involved in. Our expert has already set out his side for the round of 16, including some notable absentees. Who are you backing to shine as the knockout stages begin?
GK: Petr Cech - Arsenal - 1 Game, 4 Saves, 1 Clean Sheet = 9 Points
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DF: Alfie Mawson - Swansea - 1 Game, 1 Goal, 1 Clean Sheet = 14 Points
Obviously it’s hard to make a case for a Swansea defender considering they still, technically, have the worst defence in the Premier League (54 goals allowed). That said, Mawson does have two goals in the last five matches. You won’t want to bring him in ahead of the Chelsea match but, at just £4.4m, and with four bottom 10 attacks in their next five matches, the young centre back may well hold legitimate fantasy value.
DF: Martin Olsson - Swansea - 1 Game, 1 Goal, 1 Clean Sheet = 14 Points
DF: Ryan Bertrand - Southampton - 1 Game, 2 Assists, 1 Clean Sheet = 13 Points
DF: Federico Fernandez - Swansea - 1 Game, 1 Assist, 1 Clean Sheet = 10 Points
MF: Sadio Mane - Liverpool - 1 Game, 2 Goals = 14 Points
Well, this kind of performance was predictable. With the entire left side of Tottenham’s defence out through injury, Sadio Mane had a field day. Liverpool continue to have the league’s best attack and, now that he is back from the African Cup of Nations, feel free to bring the Senegalese international back into your team.
MF: Sofiane Feghouli - West Ham - 1 Game, 1 Goal, 1 Assist = 11 Points
MF: Manuel Lanzini - West Ham - 1 Game, 1 Goal, 1 Assist = 11 Points
FWD: Alexis Sanchez - Arsenal - 1 Game, 2 Goals = 12 Points
Handball notwithstanding, what a performance that was. Unfortunately there’s no time to reminisce in fantasy football and, with Alexis likely set to miss both match week 26 and 28 due to Arsenal's European exploits, it’s time to drop him.
FWD: Manolo Gabbiadini - Southampton - 1 Game, 2 Goals = 12 Points
After the injury to Charlie Austin many were wondering where the goals would come from for Southampton. Well, Gabbiadini, who was signed on transfer deadline day, has certainly shown early promise. He, like Sanchez, had a handball goal this week but has technically scored three goals in just two matches at his new club. Now for the bad news. Southampton will not play in match week 26 but after that it may well be worth adding the Italian international.
FWD: Anthony Martial - Manchester United - 1 Game, 1 Goal, 1 Assist = 10 Points
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