It is back to porridge for Fantasy managers this weekend after a week of internationals and the new UEFA Nations League.
For Ireland fans getting back to domestic matters cannot come quickly enough after a disastrous week which involved a 4-1 hammering in Cardiff by Wales last Thursday and leaked messages from a Whatsapp group which suggested Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane may have lost the dressing room. A decent performance in Wroclaw and a 1-1 draw against Poland on Tuesday night provided some respite, but not having any international football for Ireland for a month will be the best cure.
So who should Fantasy managers select to get moving back up the Advertiser Tribal League in association with St Anthony's and Claddagh Credit Union?
1 Eden Hazard (Chelsea ) v Cardiff City
Based on form is he the best player in the league? I believe so. The Belgian genius has been slowly integrated into the starting Chelsea line-up after his country's exploits in Russia this summer and the extra rest for Hazard seems to have paid off. The midfielder has two goals and two assists in his first four appearances this season and has produced two dazzling displays against Newcastle and Huddersfield in recent weeks. On Saturday, it is the battle of the capitals at the Bridge as Cardiff City make the trip to west London. The newly-promoted side has been difficult to break down at the back, but offensively they have been non-existent with only two goals to date. Chelsea are the league's second most prolific side in front of goal and I can see the match being a blowout. Expect a Chelsea win and Hazard to be on the score sheet. Make him your captain for double points.
2 Callum Wilson (Bournemouth ) v Leicester City
The striker has had one eventful start to the season with two goals, one assist, one missed a penalty, and an absolute sitter went abegging against Chelsea last time out. It is never dull when The Cherries' number nine is on the pitch but the main thing is that he is getting himself into positions to do damage. On Saturday afternoon Bournemouth welcome Leicester City to the Vitality Stadium. The Foxes have conceded six goals in four games with only one clean sheet secured. I believe this weekend there will be no shutout for Claude Puel's men as Callum Wilson will find the back of the net. Get him in the team.
3 José Holebas (Watford ) v Man United
The Hornets' defender has been absolutely buzzing this season as he bombs down the left flank. With four assists and one goal from his four outings this term, the Greek international has been a revelation for Javi Garcia's men. Saturday evening sees struggling Man United enter the Hornets nest and I can see a high scoring encounter. Although this is bad for Holebas' defensive stats, he will be no doubt involved in everything good that Watford does going forward. At £4.8 million, he is the best bargain in the league.
