Dugout Discussion – Wednesday

We take a break from the incessant transfer speculation to address the small matter of seven Premier League matches, bristling with a cast of major Fantasy assets.

Sergio Aguero is undoubtedly the leading man. Signed by over 310,000 managers as the top transfer target for Gameweek 25, he goes into his clash with West Bromwich Albion wearing the armband for 960,000, including fifty of the top 100 managers.

Fresh from a hat-trick and 17-point haul against Newcastle United last time out, Aguero will be expected to return and at least keep pace with Mohamed Salah’s 8-point score from Liverpool’s win at Huddersfield.

Harry Kane remains the most captained player in the Gameweek – with “ghostship” teams no doubt playing a part in that statistic.

Even so, Kane is a key figure as always, as he faces off with a Manchester United defence that have earned shut-outs in their previous four Gameweeks. Kane has just a single goal in six league outings against the Red Devils, though that strike arrived in the corresponding fixture last season.

Alexis Sanchez earns his United debut in opposition and, as expected, it’s Juan Mata who makes way in Jose Mourinho’s line-up. It remains to be seen if Sanchez is retained on the left flank, with Anthony Martial shifting to the right. Alternatively, the Chilean could deployed in the No 10 role, though Jesse Lingard starts and seems likely to be favoured in that position.

Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, Eden Hazard is yet another heavy-hitter in action. He claims just 128,000 Gameweek armbands and looks set to lead the attack for Chelsea against Bournemouth, with Pedro and Ross Barkley providing support flanking the Belgian.

Paul Lambert will go in search of a successive three points when Stoke City take on Watford at the bet 365 Stadium. From a Fantasy perspective, Shaqiri is the key asset on show. The Swiss playmaker claimed 145,000 new owners as the fourth most bought player ahead of Gameweek 25

Riyad Mahrez proved even more popular prior to Tuesday’s deadline, attracting over 154,000 new owners but, as expected, he is omitted from the Foxes line-up amid “intense” interest and numerous failed bids from Manchester City over the last 24-hours.