Fantasy Football round 18 preview

The football just keeps coming and coming. Round 17 produced another humiliating defeat for Arsenal as they were gunned down by the brilliance of Man City's Kevin De Bruyne. Liverpool increased their advantage at the top of the table thanks to a 2-0 home victory over bottom placed Watford and a slip-up by second place Leicester. Chelsea lost at home to Bournemouth and Spurs moved within four points of the Champions League spots.

What does that all mean for the Advertiser Tribal League in association with Monroe's Tavern?

Top three

1 Cian de Lamport - Chris Woodbines - 1068

Having slipped from top spot last week, Chris Woodbines are back on top thanks to a solid score of 66 points. Manager Cian de Lamport's main man of the weekend was the brilliant Belgian Kevin De Bruyne who bagged himself a brace along with an assist. Dean Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and George Baldock secured clean sheets, Sadio Mané, Raúl Jiménez, and captain Jamie Vardy all chipped in with assists to the send the Woodbines to the top of the pile. De Lamport will be frustrated that he left Adama Traoré on the bench as the winger brought in 10 points but for now, the Woodbines' supporters will be revelling in their recent success.

2 Kieran Ryan - TheDodgyTickers - 1060

They may be dodgy by name but they are certainly not dodgy by nature as Kieran Ryan's charges are second, within eight points of the summit. Captain Sadio Mané and Kevin De Bruyne were the key for The Ticks as they secured 68 points. John Lundstram secured a clean sheet with Gabriel Jesus and Jamie Vardy bringing in five points each. What may be a concern for Ryan was the lack of goals his side managed to produce - only two. The Ticks need to be more ruthless in front of goal if they wish to mount a serious challenge for the title.

3 Reggie Red - Reginald's Reds - 1051

For a side that has set the pace for most of the season, round 17 will be a hugely disappointing one for Reginald's Reds. A score of 46 points has seen Reggie Red's men drop to third. Only captain Jamie Vardy made it to double figures with 10 points. The Reds drew a blank so it is clear what area needs to be worked on during training this week.

Top picks

It is the last round of football before we all sit down for our turkey and ham so Fantasy managers will be wanting a great round 18 to have a happy Christmas. Who are the players who will get the job done this week?

Neal Maupay (Brighton - £5.8 million ) v Sheffield United

The French U21 international is in good form for The Seagulls scoring in each of the last three league games. Brighton sit midtable at present but are only five points above the relegation zone and will no doubt have targeted this match when the fixtures were published back in the summer. Sheffield United are simply flying in their first season back at the top table, confounding all the predictions that they would struggle. I feel this match will be a score draw with Maupay getting his name on the scoresheet.

Lucas Moura (Spurs - £7 million ) v Chelsea

When José Mourinho takes over at a football club, he generally gets the best from players. Lucas Moura's form is evidence to that statement with three goals in five games under the Portuguese after only one in the previous 12 under Mauricio Pochettino. On Sunday, its fifth hosting fourth, as Chelsea visit north London. The Blues have hit a wobbly patch with four losses in five games. One issue for Frank Lampard's men has been their defence with only four clean sheets in 26 games in all competitions. I believe Spurs will exploit The Blues' defensive problems at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. I am going for a home win with Moura to continue his goal scoring run.

Marcus Rashford (Man United - £9.1 million ) v Watford

He may have fired a blank last week against Everton but Rashford's recent form has been outstanding with seven goals in nine games. On Sunday United travel to rock bottom Watford who are desperate for three points. United have struggled in the games which they have been expected to win this season and I can see this clash being a close one. I expect United to get a tough 2-1 win with Rashford finding the back of the net.

Don't miss a minute of action with Monroe's Tavern

Remember you can catch all of Christmas period's action live at Monroe's Tavern where punters can enjoy wings and a pint or burger and a pint for €10 during the matches.

Saturday:

Everton v Arsenal (12.30pm ) BT Sport.

Norwich City v Wolves (3pm ) Premier Sports.

Man City v Leicester City (5.30pm ) SKY Sports.

Sunday:

Watford v Man United (2pm ) SKY Sports.

Spurs v Chelsea (4.30pm ) SKY Sports.

St Stephen's Day:

Spurs v Brighton (12.30pm ) Premier Sports.

Chelsea v Southampton (3pm ) Premier Sports.

Man United v Newcastle (5.30pm ) Premier Sports.

Leicester City v Liverpool (8pm ) Premier Sports.

Friday December 27:

Wolves v Man City (7.45pm ) Premier Sports.

Saturday December 28:

Brighton v Bournemouth (12.30pm ) SKY Sports.

Newcastle v Everton (3pm ) Premier Sports.

Norwich City v Spurs (5.30pm ) SKY Sports.

Burnley v Man United (7.45pm ) BT Sport.

Sunday December 29:

Arsenal v Chelsea (2pm ) SKY Sports.

Liverpool v Wolves (4.30pm ) SKY Sports.

 

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