After a week off due to the UEFA Nations League fixtures, it’s back to the Premier League grind. We have a few juicy games on the slate this week, including the fixture between Manchester United and minnow West Bromwich. So without further ado, let’s delve into the player options for this upcoming slate of matches. I’ve broken down the selections between forward, midfield, defender, goalkeeper, and utility. Best of luck to everyone with their lineups this weekend.
Forward
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton v Fulham)
I like for Calvert-Lewin, to have a solid rebound game, following a quiet performance against Manchester United. Consider that in six of his prior eight games this season, he has picked up at least one goal or more. In addition, Calvert-Lewin has hit the target on 14 of his 26 shots on the goal. He did not go mia during the off week either, supplying England’s third and final goal in a three-nil friendly win of Ireland. Fulham has done a reasonable job of holding off opposing offenses recently. However, that defense is still vulnerable. Keep in mind the Cottagers sit second overall in goals conceded, having already allowed 15 goals in eight games.
Midfielder
Bruno Fernandes (Man United v West Bromwich)
Coming off a two-game goalless streak, Fernandes was not to be denied against Everton. By the 32nd minute, Fernandes had converted on a pair of Manchester United goals. Both of which would, in fact, come just five minutes apart. He was actually involved in all three of United’s goals, assisting on the goal by Edinson Cavani in the 90+ minute. In addition, Fernandes would manage to record six total shots, three of which hit the target. Fernandes will be looking to build upon his stellar performance against an ailing squad in West Bromwich.
The Baggies come into this fixture against Manchester United as the weekend’s heaviest underdog. And that’s not to surprising, given the fact West Brom has been sputtering through the first eight games. Keep in mind they have gone winless so far this season, losing three of their last five games. Currently, they are in a struggle just to keep themselves out of the relegation zone.
Defender
Aaron Cresswell (West Ham v Sheffield United)
Cresswell has shown a whole new side of himself since the switch in defensive positions. Only eight games into the season Cresswell is on pace to shatter his record for most assists in a single season. In fact over his previous five seasons, he would only top four assists once.
Cresswell will get his opportunities to handle set-pieces against Sheffield United and should be able to get himself involved throughout the match. I also love the value here in terms of a potential clean sheet. Keep in mind that over the first eight games, Sheffield United ranks second to dead last in goals scored with four. Additionally, West Ham has earned three clean sheets already this season.
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa v Brighton)
Coming off a 3-0 skunking of former club Arsenal, Martinez answered back from the rough loss to Southampton in a big way. Along with picking up the clean sheet he also saved a pair of Arsenal shots. Consider he has already racked up four clean sheets in seven games played, which ranks tied for first among all Premier League goalkeepers this season. Currently, fourth in the table, Villa is within striking distance of league leader Leicester City. Martinez will be expected to put on a sound performance at Villa Park as they look to keep pace. Keep in mind that Brighton has gone winless in its past six meetings with Villa.
Utility
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal v Leeds United)
Arsenal gets a golden opportunity, to get its offense off the snide this weekend. They now face a Leeds United squad that is leaking goals left and right as of late. In fact, over their prior couple of games, they have conceded four goals in each of those meetings. The Gunners weren’t able to get much going against Aston Villa. However, Auvameyang was able to create a couple of chances on top of setting up a handful of crosses. Currently ranked second in club goals and assists, Aubameyang should be given plenty of opportunities against Leeds in which to get himself onto the scoreboard.
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