After another depressing round of internationals for Ireland where Martin O'Neill's men played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Denmark on Saturday followed by a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Wales on Tuesday evening, it is back to the Premier League.
With international matches always a worry for Fantasy managers, due to injuries and long haul flights, who should you select to get your charges moving up the Advertiser Tribal League in association with St Anthony's and Claddagh Credit Union?
Eden Hazard (Chelsea ) v Man United
Fresh from helping Belgium secure three points in their UEFA Nations League tie against Switzerland, Eden Hazard is back at the Bridge this weekend ready to dazzle. The Blues host a struggling Man United at lunchtime on Saturday with plenty of subplots, none the least the return of Jose Mourinho to his formal domain. Hazard has been in sparkling form this season with seven goals and three assists from eight games, and on Saturday in West London, I believe both his goals' and assists' tallies will increase. Make him your captain for double the points.
Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal ) v Leicester City
Whisper it very quietly but Arsenal are started to look like a half decent football team. That is what six straight wins will do to people's perspectives. Now it is unlikely that Unai Emery is going to do an Antonio Conte and lead the Gunners to a league title in his first season but the Spaniard seems to have got the North London outfit playing some good football. One of the main reasons for Arsenal's superb form has been the performances of striker Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has scored four goals and provided four assists in those six wins, and I can see the number nine doing damage again this weekend against a Leicester side who are struggling to keep clean sheets; two from eight outings. Get Lacazette in your team.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton ) v Crystal Palace
After a very indifferent start to the season, Everton seem to have steadied the ship with two wins against Fulham and Leicester. The upturn in the Toffees' fortunes has been helped by the form of Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Icelandic midfielder has found the back of the net three times in those two victories. On Sunday afternoon, Everton take on Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. The Eagles are struggling this season after only picking seven points so far with profligacy in front of goal their main problem. Expect a 'Gylfi' special and an Everton win.
