Finding the perfect balance between superstar players and strong value plays has as much to do with the schedule as anything else. When it comes to building the best starting XI for this weekend’s Premier League action, Arsenal stands alone thanks to a favorable matchups versus Burnley. Here is a look at the best bets for your starting XI.
GK: David Ospina, Arsenal
Ospina gets the added advantage of the possibility for a clean sheet when it comes to evaluating fantasy goalkeepers for this week with Arsenal set to play Burney this week. The Arsenal keeper already ranks third among all goalkeepers in fantasy points for this season, so it only makes sense to take him at a decent price in a very favorable matchup.
D: Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
Only Burnley’s Kieran Trippier has registered more fantasy points than Clyne among defenders this season and considering the matchup versus Arsenal alluded to above, it makes much more sense to go with the Southampton man versus Hull this weekend.
D: Martin Kelly, Crystal Palace
There is only so much money to go around when building you’re starting XI but there is plenty of value picks available among defenders. While Clyne is an expensive addition, a player like Kelly can offset that money spent. Sunderland has scored only two goals over its last six games so the possibility for a clean sheet offers even more value here.
D: Joel Ward, Crystal Palace
Sticking with Crystal Palace’s relatively favorable matchup and the fact that their defenders are available at a decent price, it makes sense to plug in Ward as a decent option in this spot.
D: Hector Bellerin, Arsenal
Another strong defender play available at a reasonable price is the Arsenal defender Bellerin, who scored in last week’s win over Liverpool. He has put up consistent numbers across the board this season. The Gunners should have their way with Burnley and that makes Bellerin a sneaky play considering what we saw from his last week.
M: Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Finding the perfect balance between superstar players and value picks is difficult but when it comes to the players that you absolutely should have in your lineup this weekend, Hazard is either at or near the top of the list. Hazard leads all midfielders in fantasy points this season and he has the potential to register another monster performance against Queens Park Rangers.
M: Estaban Cambiasso, Leicester City
Offsetting the substantial price paid for Hazard is Leicester’s Cambiasso, who is coming off a strong performance a week ago when he scored against West Ham United. He might have trouble finding the back of the net again this week but he has played an integral role in Leicester’s midfield. Also, the matchup isn’t too daunting at West Brom.
M: Matt Phillips, Queens Park Rangers
Mesut Ozil might be the most attractive midfielder on the board other than Hazard but in terms of balancing the budget, Phillips is the smart play as QPR tries to hang around with Chelsea this weekend. Phillips has been a steady contributor in each of his last four games including a goal and three assists over his last two games against West Brom and Aston Villa and if QPR is going to do anything against the Blues then Phillips should be a central figure.
M: Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton
Schneiderlin has to be considered among the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League as he continues to secure the majority of his points with his tackles and passes intercepted. The matchup this weekend at home versus Hull City should help his numbers as he looks to register a strong fantasy performance.
F: Olivier Giroud, Arsenal
Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney both have the potential to produce but considering the price tag on both players, it’s wiser to look elsewhere. With that in mind, Giroud could be the best value on the board up front. Giroud has put up excellent numbers across the board all year and he has the potential for a monster performance versus Burnley as an outstanding value play for this weekend.
F: Glenn Murray, Crystal Palace
Speaking of value plays, Murray has scored five goals in his last five appearances for Crystal Palace and will have an excellent opportunity to add to his totals against a Sunderland side that is tied for the second-most goals allowed at home this season. Aguero, Rooney, Alexis Sanchez and Charlie Austin are all on the board but considering his price tag, Murray easily offers the best value out of that group of strikers.
