Each week, Sport360 will bring you tips for the English Premier League’s official fantasy football game.
The congested Boxing Day fixture list is part of the furniture in the domestic calendar and whether the players like it or not, the fans certainly do and it’s here to stay.
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Teams are stretched to the limit over the festive period but it’s not just managers who have big decisions to make, you need to pay close attention to injuries, suspensions and the possibility that players will be rested in favour of back-up squad options to save key men competing in back-to-back matches. Luckily for you, Sport360 is here to help.
Who to pick…Front three – Vardy, Lukaku, Ighalo
It is a populist choice to include the record-breaking Leicester striker, on-fire Everton hitman and surprise package from the Hornets in the Sport360 starting XI – but they are must-have players in yours too. How can you go without them? All three are a threat, especially away from home, with each star capable of causing damage on the road.
England international Vardy has scored 13 in 16 outings, and despite not getting on the scoresheet in the win at Goodison Park last week, his pace and power was too much for the Toffees. He, along with Riyad Mahrez – who is a permanent resident in most peoples’ fantasy sides – will cause Liverpool problems at Anfield with their speed and trickery – so expect one of them to be in the goals at least.
Vardy will also no doubt be looking over his shoulder at Lukaku, who is trying to break his record-breaking goalscoring run. The Belgian has netted in seven straight matches and despite Everton’s poor run, he is well worth having in your side for the Toffees’ trip to Newcastle. Watford’s Nigerian ace Odion Ighalo has fired five goals in four matches to push Quique Sanchez Flores’ men up the table and his power, pace and finishing is perfectly suited to the division.
You’d expect the 26-year-old to cause Chelsea problems at Stamford Bridge and it will be intriguing to see how the match develops, with Guus Hiddink returning to the dugout. Sticking with Chelsea, it’s hard to know what team the Dutchman will select so be wary when selecting Blues stars this week.
Who not to pick…
Manchester City haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders but they do face beleagured Sunderland at home – could the Black Cats’ December fixture list get any worse? You would expect goals so selecting Sunderland players should be avoided. Equally, it’s doubtful there’ll be too many points on offer between Swansea and West Brom, and if you have a wildcard at your disposal, don’t pick a player in this fixture.
Stoke City v Manchester United
A trip to the Britannia Stadium to face an in-form Stoke side is not the ideal fixture to a) get back to winnings ways and b) play on a cold, rainy, winter’s day. Despite losing last time out against Crystal Palace, Mark Hughes men’ recently sent Manchester City packing on home turf.
I would expect Stoke to be resolute and look to get the ball into Marko Arnautovic, who on his day, can cause any defence problems. Obviously defending well will be vital for United but they need to think about scoring some goals too. That’s why Juan Mata and Ander Herrera start in Sport360’s team of the week.
While Mata’s scoring record is good, Herrera’s isn’t, but both players have the ability to unlock the opposition defence and you sense Van Gaal’s men will need to find that creative spark from somewhere to break the Stoke defence.
I think we have to expect a reaction from Wayne Rooney (if he plays) and co, and it would be a safe bet to include a United attacker in your line-up.
