So the first week of European action has concluded. It is always a nervous time for Fantasy managers as their stars travel around the continent looking to test themselves against the crème de la crème of European football.
Fortunately, there are no major casualties from the week and it is back to domestic matters this weekend. So who should be selected to get your team moving back up the ladder in the Advertiser Tribal League in association with St Anthony's and Claddagh Credit Union?
1 Eden Hazard (Chelsea ) v West Ham United
There is Eden Hazard and then the rest. The Belgian scored a hat-trick last weekend against Cardiff to take his tally to six goals in five games. He is simply untouchable at present. On Sunday the Blues make the trip across London to take on struggling West Ham. The Hammers picked up a vital three points against Everton last weekend after losing their first four matches of the season. Despite the victory on Merseyside, Manuel Pellegrini's men will be no match for Chelsea and for Hazard. Get him in your team.
2 Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace ) v Newcastle United
He might spend most of his games on the floor (because he is being fouled so much he claims ) but there is no underestimating the Ivorian's quality. Three goals in four appearances this season including the winner last weekend against Huddersfield, confirms Zaha as Palace's most potent attacking weapon when he is on his feet. Saturday sees the Eagles host Newcastle at Selhurst Park and it is fair to say that the Magpies have been brutal this term so far. One point is all they have garnered so far and their inability to keep clean sheets, despite being one of most defensive sides in the league, suggests it is going to be a miserable season on Tyneside. It will be a Palace victory with Zaha on the score sheet.
3 Romelu Lukaku (Man United ) v Wolves
Whisper it ever so quietly but Man United might be getting themselves back on track with three straight wins in all competitions. It looked like Jose Mourinho was going to receive his P45 after being thumped 3-0 at home to Spurs a few weeks ago but two league wins plus a victory in Europe makes for better reading for the Red Devils. On Saturday afternoon United welcome new boys Wolves to Old Trafford and I believe that big Romelu Lukaku will have a bit of fun. Newly promoted teams have a track record of targeting certain matches and it is rare that the list contains an away match to one of the bigger fishes in the league. United will win with Lukaku among the goalscorers.
