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  • Louis van Gaal's Manchester United face a massive test over the coming weeks, while Cesc Fabregas (R) will serve the first of his two game suspension this weekend.

    Each week, Sport360 will bring you tips for the English Premier League’s official fantasy football game. Fancy pitting your wits against us? Join the newly established “Sport360 Fans'” league using the code 476463-715903.

    With 10 gameweeks remaining, your decisions are crucial in the race to finish at the top of your fantasy football league. This week’s fantasy football column will focus on the gruelling test that Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United side face in the upcoming weeks, plus a look at the players that are sitting on the fence of a two-match suspension including Chelsea playmaker Cesc Fabregas. 

    It hasn’t been a great week for Van Gaal’s team. First of all they got knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal so their trophyless season is now practically inevitable. To add insult to injury, their record signing midfielder Angel Di Maria got sent off so faces a one-match ban. This comes after Jonny Evans was given a six-match suspension for his spat with Papiss Cisse.

    Although they don’t play the prettiest football, Man U have been in impressive form – boasting a record of three defeats in their last 21 Premier League games.  They need this to continue in their most difficult run-in.

    As Premier League legend Alan Shearer said on BBC Sport last week, “Manchester United’s main priority this season is finishing in the top four. If they don’t then it will be a catastrophe.”

    The Red Devils next six matches determine their presence in either the UEFA Champions League or the Europa Cup next season. Although they sit in fourth position, they play four other teams that are in the top six with them in their upcoming five matches. Here are their fixtures:

    Decision Time

    Who should I get rid of?

    David De Gea (5.9m) chosen by 23.1%

    Although he is one of the best keepers in the league/world, Manchester United will struggle to keep more than two clean sheets at most in the next six matches. This isn’t enough for a keeper that is the second most expensive in fantasy football.

    Angel Di Maria (9.5m) chosen by 12.2%

    It has been a fall from grace for the Argentine after an implausible start to his Manchester United career. Louis van Gaal doesn’t seem to know his best position, he has been unlucky with both injuries and burglaries. It just hasn’t gone well for the star. For 9.5m, it might be worth switching him for a cheaper midfielder and investing more into your defence or strike force.- especially with both Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero fighting it out to be top scorer this season.

    Phil Jones (5.2m) chosen by 3.4%

    Phil Jones (L).

    Jones is always a tempting prospect in fantasy football because there’s the odd chance he could be utilised in a midfield role. With Evans out for six weeks, there’s only one position he will be operating it and that lies in a dodgy defence. Get rid!

    Who should I keep?

    Wayne Rooney (10.6m) chosen by 16.1%

    Only if you don’t have enough money to upgrade for Diego Costa or Sergio Aguero,  you should keep Van Gaal’s main man.  Robin van Persie is out with an ankle injury and is not back until the end of March, whereas Radamel Falcao still isn’t backed to lead the line. With Rooney being responsible for all set-pieces, he should gain points even in these big matches.  The England captain is in promising form since being pushed back to his usual striker role. He netted against Arsenal in the FA Cup defeat and bagged two on their trip to St James’ Park a fortnight ago.

    Suspension Tightrope- something to keep an eye on..

    If a player picks up ten Premier League yellow cards before April 12 (Gameweek 32), they face a two-game suspension.

    Cesc Fabregas.

    There are a number of players that are walking a disciplinary tightrope including Cheslea playmaker Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard has been incredible in fantasy football this season accruing 15 assists. However, if he picks up a yellow in their next four matches, he will be missing for a further two.

    If you own Fabregas, you don’t only run the risk of his suspension but also of Jose Mourinho’s wisdom. If Chelsea are winning with 60 minutes gone, he will most likely substitute the 27-year-old to eliminate any risk of him picking up a yellow.

    Others that are teetering one booking away from a two-game suspension:

    From L-R: Neil Taylor, Phil Bardsley, Ciaran Clark and Sebastian Larsson.

    DEF- Neil Taylor (Swansea)
    DEF- Phil Bardsley (Stoke City)

    DEF – Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)

    MF – Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland)

    Dream Team: If you fancy using your wildcard…

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