The excitement continues for Fantasy Football fans with a break of just 3 days from gameweek 16 drawing to a conclusion. Half way through the busy Christmas period, player rotation will be inevitable leaving all Draft managers with tough decisions to make when it comes to your lineup this weekend.

16th Crystal Palace v Chelsea 1st – Sat 12:30 KO

Two of the highest scoring teams meet at Selhurst Park in the early kick off, where Palace entertain a Chelsea side who have won 10 consecutive Premier League matches following their 1-0 win away at Sunderland midweek. I expect to see Hazard restored to the Chelsea lineup, shaking off the knock that prevented him from travelling midweek, with Conte putting out his preferred starting XI.

Crystal Palace have scored at least once in each of their last 8 matches, however they will be facing a tough task in breaching the Chelsea defence who have kept 8 clean sheets so far this season, all of which coming in the previous 10 games. As with any game of late, any Chelsea defender appears to be a great option.

For the home side, Benteke is likely to be the main threat once again, with the top scorer having 8 goals to his name so far, 4 of which coming in the previous 4 games. Being on penalty duties offers the Belgian the added opportunity to get on the scoresheet this weekend in what should be a match of limited opportunities for the Palace attack. Zaha is the other Palace player to offer the greatest threat, with 7 assists coming in his last 8 matches.

As for Chelsea, expect the main threats to come from the usual suspects. Hazard should be fresh following his absence midweek and will be looking to add to his 8 goals so far this season. The leagues top goalscorer in Costa has been averaging 6 points over the course of the last 10 fixtures. I would be surprised if he was unable to continue this form on Saturday when facing a Palace defence with only 1 clean sheet so far this season and the third leakiest defence in the league.

Chelsea have won 6 of their 8 away fixtures so far this season and I expect them to extend their run, again adding to their clean sheet tally.

Palace Predicted Lineup: Hennessey, Kelly, Delaney, Dann, Ward, McArthur, Ledley, Cabaye, Zaha, Townsend, Benteke.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Alonso, Moses, Kante, Moses, Pedro, Hazard, Costa.

Prediction: 0-2

Key Players: Hazard, Costa.

17th Middlesbrough v Swansea 18th – Sat 15:00 KO

With only 2 home wins so far this season, Middlesbrough they will be eager to improve their home form starting with the visit of Swansea who have lost 6 of their 8 away matches so far this season. Middlesbrough have scored the fewest goals so far this season, with a mere 13 in their 16 games. However, they will not be faced with many better opportunities to improve this stat than on Saturday against the second leakiest defence in the league.

The home side average just 0.75 goals per home match, whereas Swansea narrowly better this with an average of 0.88 in each away fixture. I see this being a low scoring encounter with the Middlesbrough defence the more likely to pick up the clean sheet, especially with the possible return of Friend who has been out for over a month with a knee injury. Negredo looks set to continue leading the line and will provide the main threat in what is otherwise a rather toothless attack. The Spaniard tops the scoring and assist chart with 3 of each so far this season.

With just 7 goals in their 8 away matches so far, Swansea will be looking to Sigurdsson and Llorente to provide them with the goals this weekend. Both started the midweek fixture away at West Brom and neither can afford to be dropped in what must be described as an early 6 pointer for the Swans. Sigurdsson and Llorente both have 5 goals so far this season with the Icelandic midfielder also chipping in with 5 assists for the Welsh side. Sigurdsson currently sits 17 points clear of the next Swansea player, highlighting his importance to the team. With West Ham, Bournemouth and Palace to come next for Swansea, both appear to be solid investments for the near future.

Middlesbrough Predicted Lineup: Valdes, Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, De Roon, Forshaw, Traore, Downing, Negredo.

Swansea Predicted Lineup: Fabianski, Naughton, Amat, Mawson, Taylor, Cork, Fulton, Routledge, Sigurdsson, Barrow, Llorente.

Prediction: 1-0

Key Players: Negredo.

12th Stoke v Leicester 14th – Sat 15:00 KO

Leicester hold the 19th worst away record so far this season, above Burnley only on goal difference. With 7 losses and 1 draw in their 8 away fixtures, Stoke will be hopeful of taking all three points away from The Bet365 Stadium on Saturday. Arnautovic is set to serve the first of his three match ban following his red card at home to Southampton on Wednesday. I expect Diouf to come into the starting XI as his replacement. With Bony currently out of favour, playing not a single minute of football in the last four matches, I expect Walters to continue leading the Stoke front line.

Leicester are yet to keep an away clean sheet. Conceding 2.38 goals on average, this presents the Stoke attack with an opportunity to score points. Allen currently tops the goal scoring table for Stoke and in an attack with no standout individual you should consider either Shaqiri who will need to step up to the plate in Arnautovic’s absence or Adam who will provide a threat from set pieces and the penalty spot.

Schmeichel is expected to return from his long lay off in goal, whilst Vardy looks certain to continue up top, eager to prove that his hat-rick last weekend against Manchester City was not just a one off. Scoring just 6 goals in their 8 away games, Leicester will be hoping Mahrez and Vardy can rediscover just a little of their form that resulted in them finishing 7th and 8th in the recent Ballon d’Or vote

Stoke Predicted Lineup: Grant, Johnson, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters, Adam, Whelen, Allen, Diouf, Shaqiri, Walters.

Leicester Predicted Lineup: Schmeichel, Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs, Mahrez, Drinkwater, Amartey, Albrighton, Okazaki, Vardy.

Prediction: 1-1

Key Players: Shaqiri, Vardy.

20th Sunderland v Watford 11th – Sat 15:00 KO

I expect to see Ndong return to the Sunderland starting XI following his suspension, along with Kaboul for Watford who returns from a 3 week absence following a calf injury. Having rested Deeney for the away trip to Manchester City midweek, the Birmingham born striker will return to the starting lineup fresh, seeking to put an end to his poor run of 9 games without a goal. On his return after suspension, Pereyra was taken off after just 30 minutes with a knee injury and looks set to miss this weekends fixture, with Zuniga the likely replacement.

A major contribution to Sunderland’s league position is that they currently possess the worst home form in the Premier League with a return of 7 points from their opening 8 matches. Both sides have struggled defensively this season, each conceding 28 in the opening 16 matches. On average so far this season Sunderland concede 1.88 in each match at home, whereas Watford concede 2.00 in each away. For any Draft players with defenders involved in this fixture, do not expect a clean sheet for either side.

Defoe has contributed to 71% of Sunderland’s goals this season, but this heavy reliance sees the Black Cats sit 2nd in terms of least goals scored in the league. With 8 goals so far, in addition to 2 assists, Defoe is the only worthwhile and reliable individual worth possessing from Sunderland, holding a real chance to increase his tally on Saturday.

Although a clean sheet is unlikely, Holebas will continue to provide a threat from set pieces in a Watford team with no standout candidate for point scoring. Capoue, rather surprisingly, tops the goal scoring chart with 5, having not managed a single goal in over 2800 minutes last season. Although on poor form, Deeney will be presented with chances on Saturday and in addition to being on penalty kicks looks the best option in the Watford attack should you be eager to draft one in.

Sunderland Predicted Lineup: Pickford, Jones, Djilobodji, O’Shea, Kone, Van Aanholt, Denayer, Ndong, Januzaj, Borini, Defoe.

Watford Predicted Lineup: Gomes, Janmaat, Prodl, Kaboul, Holebas, Capoue, Behrami, Zuniga, Amrabat, Ighalo, Deeney.

Prediction: 1-1

Key Players: Defoe, Deeney.

15th West Ham v Hull 19th – Sat 15:00 KO

West Ham have beaten Hull in each of their last 5 home meetings. With 69% of West Ham’s points being earned at home and Hull having lost their previous 6 away fixtures, not scoring in their previous 4, the home side will be confident of coming away from this fixture with all three points. Mbokani returns from suspension for Hull, who I expect will start the striker ahead of Diomande who has scored just the single goal in his last 12 outings.

Hull are without a clean sheet in their previous 14 matches and possess the leakiest defence in the Premier League having conceded on average 2.19 goals per game. The door is wide open for the West Ham attack to benefit from this opportunity, with the home side scoring in 7 of their 8 home games so far this season. The likes of Antonio, Payet and Carroll (if he starts) are the most probable threats for the Hammers. Antonio has 2 goals in his previous 4 matches, whereas Payet has the single goal and 2 assists in the same time period. Providing Carroll starts this weekend, West Ham will be looking to benefit from his aerial ability and the quality of delivery from Payet in what has the potential to be a match winning formula.

Snodgrass is a guaranteed starter for Hull, whom without they would be in even more trouble. The Scotsman has 5 goals and 2 assists so far this season. Being on set pieces and penalties ensures he is the only credible forward worthwhile of possessing from this Hull side.

West Ham Predicted Lineup: Randolph, Kouyate, Reid, Ogbonna, Antonio, Cresswell, Noble, Obiang, Lanzini, Payet, Carroll.

Hull Predicted Lineup: Marshall, Maguire, Davies, Dawson, Elmohamady, Robertson, Mason, Livermore, Clucas, Snodgrass, Mbokani.

Prediction: 2-0

Key Players: Payet, Carroll.

7th West Brom v Man Utd 6th – Sat 17:30 KO

West Brom will seek to continue their impressive form against a Manchester United side who are unbeaten in their last 7 matches. Brunt could continue filling in the Left Back position after the injury to Evans, allowing Chadli to continue in attack alongside Morrison and Phillips. Following his midweek hatrick, Rondon is a sure start in the late kick off on Saturday. As a result of Bailly picking up a knock in their 2-1 win away at Palace on Wednesday, I would expect to see Valencia return to the side after his suspension, with Jones and Rojo continuing their central partnership. Ibrahimovic will start upfront with Pogba behind, however with Rooney and Mata playing midweek I would expect Mourinho to rotate his side bringing in Martial and Lingard.

For a West Brom side who have scored 2 goals on average in each home fixture this season, expect Phillips and Rondon to be involved once again should they breach the United defence. Phillips holds an impressive record of late with 3 goals and 4 assists in his last 6 matches. A returning Chadli also offers the home side with greater creativity when going forwards, who following the recovery of his injury will be looking to return to the form which saw him score highly at the beginning of the season.

Ibrahimovic continues to get on the score sheet of late, with 5 goals in his last 5 appearances. I expect to see the Swede heavily involved again this weekend and would be surprised to see him fail to add to his impressive run. Another player who has stepped up his performances massively of late in the record signing Pogba, who with a goal and assist in the midweek fixture looks as if he is beginning to settle down with the pace of the Premier League. For owners of the Man Utd defence its very much play at your own risk in this fixture. I would expect to see West Brom get on the scoresheet following their terrific run of form, but the returning Valencia will certainly be a positive influence.

West Brom Predicted Lineup: Foster, Brunt, Dawson, McAuley, Nyom, Fletcher, Yacob, Morrison, Chadli, Phillips, Rondon.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Pogba, Martial, Lingard, Ibrahimovic.

Prediction: 1-2.

Key Players: Phillips, Ibrahimovic.

10th Bournemouth v Southampton 9th – Sun 13:30 KO

Separated only by goal difference the local bragging rights, in what is a very new rivalry, will be up for grabs at Dean Court in the early kick off on Sunday. Bournemouth face a goal-shy Southampton side who have managed just 6 goals in their 8 away matches so far. The loss of Austin continues to provide difficulties, with Southampton against drawing a blank against 10 man Stoke on Wednesday night.

Southampton have failed to score in half of their away matches so far this season, so this could be the opportunity to play a Bournemouth defence in the expectation of a clean sheet. Bournemouth do possess a strong defensive record at home, keeping 4 clean sheets in their 8 home matches.

Bournemouth have failed to score in just the one home match so far this season and score on average 1.88 goals per match. Having been rested midweek at home to Leicester I would expect to see Wilson return to the starting lineup with fresh legs, in the place of Afobe. Wilson will be eager to put an end to his two match goal drought, adding to his 5 goals of the season and given his penalty kick responsibility looks the best bet in the Bournemouth attack.

With 76% of Bournemouth’s points coming at home this season, I expect to see their strong home form continue, keeping out the toothless Southampton attack in a low scoring tie.

Bournemouth Predicted Lineup: Boruc, Francis, Ake, Cook, Daniels, Arter, Wilshere, Smith, King, Pugh, Wilson.

Southampton Predicted Lineup: Forster, Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Romeu, Davis, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Tadic, Boufal.

Prediction: 1-0

Key Players: Wilson.

4th Man City v Arsenal 3rd – Sun 16:00 KO

The formidable unbeaten away record possessed by Arsenal dating back to February was broken midweek, by an Everton side who ran out 2-1 winners against the Gunners. I would be surprised if Stones was not returned to the starting lineup following his resting midweek, along with Iheanacho who will be looking to stake his claim in the two remaining matches of Aguero’s ban. With Mustafi injured with a hamstring injury keeping him out until early January expect to see Gabriel retain his place in the side, pairing up with Koscielny in the centre of the Arsenal defence.

Manchester City have scored in each of their previous 9 matches and have scored in all of their 8 home matches so far this season. Additionally Arsenal have scored in each of their last 7 matches, with both sides experiencing over 2.5 goals in 69% of their matches. With only 2 clean sheets for Man City this season and Arsenal conceding at least one goal in their last 7 matches, this fixture is certainly not one for the defence.

Iheanacho is expected to return up top for City, with the Nigerian scoring 3 in his 4 starts so far this season, whilst having a record of 11 goals in his 11 starts since joining the Manchester club. De Bruyne returned to the points midweek claiming his 10th assist, topping the assist chart in the Premier League this season. He has now matched his total from last season and will be sure to be at the heart of everything for City on Sunday. After returning to the City starting XI Sterling appeared to be back at the form which saw him terrorise defences at the beginning of the season, claiming an assist himself and having an effort ricochet back off the bar. All three look assured to start for this fixture.

Scoring in 7 of their away matches so far, averaging 2.38 goals in each, the Arsenal attack must be started even in a tough fixture away at City. It is evident that goals will be available on Sunday, its only a matter of getting the right goalscorer now. Sanchez becomes the first player to reach triple figures, standing on 108 points, a lead of 17 over Costa in second. The Chilean has 12 goals so far this season, just one goal short of last seasons tally, the hopes of winning the title rest on his shoulders. With 6 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 matches, averaging 10.75 points in each game, expect to see him on the scoresheet once again. Behind Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain appear set to provide the support, with each likely of contributing on some capacity to an Arsenal goal.

Man City Predicted Lineup: Bravo, Sagna, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov, Fernando, Sterling, De Bruyne, Silva, Nolito, Iheanacho.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Xhaka, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Sanchez.

Prediction: 1-2

Key Players: De Bruyne, Sanchez.

5th Tottenham v Burnley 13th – Sun 16:00 KO

Pochettino could call for the changes in this fixture to keep his squad fresh over the Christmas period but I expect to see the usual back four, with Dier continuing in Dembele’s absence alongside Wanyama. I anticipate Defour will return to the Burnley midfield, with the away side putting five in the midfield, leaving Vokes up top alone.

Tottenham face a Burnley side who possess the worst away record in the Premier League so far this season. Burnley have a return of just one point, losing 86% of their away fixtures. Furthermore, they have failed to score in 5 of their 6 away matches, averaging just 0.14 goals in each. This fixture looks as close to a certain clean sheet as you can get for the Spurs defence, who have kept 5 clean sheets in their 8 matches at White Hart Lane this season.

Spurs are unbeaten at home this season and have scored in each of their 8 matches, averaging 2.12 goals in each. Eriksen is in fine form of late, scoring 5 goals and assisting 2 in his previous 4 appearances. Kane is another standout for this fixture. The Englishman currently tops the goal scoring chart for Spurs with 7 goals, all of which have come in his previous 8 matches. With Eriksen on free kicks and Kane on penalties, both appear the obvious candidates for being on the scoresheet on Sunday.

Tottenham Predicted Lineup: Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Rose, Wanyama, Dier, Eriksen, Alli, Son, Kane.

Burnley Predicted Lineup: Heaton, Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward, Arfield, Marney, Defour, Boyd, Hendrick, Vokes.

Prediction: 3-0

Key Players: Spurs Defence, Eriksen, Kane.

8th Everton v Liverpool 2nd – Mon 20:00 KO

Everton’s midweek win at home to Arsenal, putting an end to a winless streak of 5 matches will fill the home crowd with optimism ahead of the local derby with rivals Liverpool on Monday night. However, Everton fans will be well aware that they have been unable to beat their local rivals in any of the last 12 meetings. Following Jagielka’s red card on Tuesday, Funes Mori will return to the centre of defence. Barry looks set to return to the side in the centre of midfield to partner Gueye, with Barkley continuing to sit in the number 10 role behind Lukaku. For Liverpool, Mignolet will keep the goalkeeping jersey following his clean sheet midweek with Matip expected to be fit enough to start.

Everton have scored in 100% of their home matches so far this season. Coming up against the top goal scorers in the division, similar to the Man City v Arsenal game I expect this to be a game to leave out your defence. Everton have conceded in each of their last 6 matches, whereas Liverpool have kept just a single clean sheet away from home this season.

Lukaku is the obvious threat for the home side. The Belgian has 9 goals so far this season, but has drawn 5 blanks in his previous 6 matches. Surprisingly Coleman is the clubs second top goalscorer currently with 3 goals, whilst Barkley sits on just the 2 goals so far in what has been a poor season for the youngster.

As for Liverpool, with Coutinho out until the new year and Firmino under-performing since being shifted out to the left hand side, the main goal threat looks set to come from top goal scorer Mane, Origi and/or Lallana. Mane has 7 goals and 6 assists to his name so far this season and has averaged 6.75 points over the course of the last 8 matches. Since the injury the Coutinho, Origi has taken the opportunity with both hands having scored in each of the last 4 matches, also contributing the single assist. Finally, having returned from injury two weeks ago, Lallana has been in scintillating form of late, scoring 3 goals in the last two matches. Lallana will be sure to start this weekend after his midweek display at Middlesbrough which earned him 16 points.

Everton Predicted Lineup: Stekelenburg, Coleman, Williams, Funes Mori, Baines, Gueye, Barry, Deulofeu, Barkley, Lennon, Lukaku.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup: Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana, Mane, Firmino, Origi.

Prediction: 1-2

Key Players: Lukaku, Lallana, Origi

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