With European business done and dusted for another week, it is time for Fantasy managers to refocus their minds and look towards the Premier League.
Round eight is the last set of fixtures before the international break so managers will be looking for a good performance so they can enjoy the time off, away from the pressures of Fantasy management. But who should managers select to give them that good feeling and get them moving up the Advertiser Tribal League in association with St Anthony's and Claddagh?
Marko Arnautovic (West Ham ) v Brighton
Whisper it ever so quietly but I think the Hammers have found some form and the primary reason for that is Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian striker was brilliant last weekend as he hustled and harried the Man United defensive line and his goal to secure the three points was richly deserved. West Ham's number seven is bang on form with four goals in his last five league outings, and on Friday evening I can see him continuing that run against a Brighton side that has failed to keep a clean sheet all year. Get him in your side.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea ) v Southampton
Best player in the world right now. Yes, I said it. Sure Lionel Messi may have scored 10 goals in nine games for Barcelona this season, but the Argentine is playing in a very good Barca side as well as competing in a weaker league in La Liga. Hazard, on other hand, is playing for a Chelsea outfit that is in transition. Without the Belgian, the Blues are ordinary. Since his return to the starting lineup, the midfield genius has scored six goals in five league appearances as well as a goal of the season contender against Liverpool in the EFL Cup. On Sunday, Chelsea travel to the south coast of England to face Southampton. The Saints are having a hellish season with only one win from seven and sit only two places above the drop zone. Expect a Chelsea win and Eden Hazard to do the damage.
Harry Kane (Spurs ) v Cardiff City
The England captain looks to be back in the mood after a drought of two games without a goal. Three goals in two league outings as well as a goal in the Champions League against Barcelona on Wednesday suggest Kane is ready to go on a goal scoring run. Up next for Spurs and Kane is Cardiff City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, and to say it has been a tough term for the Welshmen would be an understatement. The Bluebirds have only scored four times, garnered two points, and conceded 16 goals so far and I cannot see it getting any better for them in London this weekend. Spurs will win and Kane will score. Make him your captain for double the points.
Remember to have team sheets submitted on Friday as the weekend kicks off on the day at Amex Stadium when Brighton host West Ham at 7.45pm.
