After the international break, Fantasy Football managers are back to their bread and butter of Premier League action.
Martin O'Neill's depleted Ireland squad may have earned a valuable point for World Cup qualification against Wales in Dublin on Friday night but it came at a huge cost as inspirational captain and serial Fantasy points gatherer Seamus Coleman was carried off the pitch with a horrendous leg injury. There was no doubt a loud groan from Fantasy managers as they knew Coleman would have to be transferred.
But with whom should you replace the Donegal man this weekend in order to do the business in the Galway Advertiser Tribal Leader League in association with St Anthony and Claddagh Credit Union?
1 Gary Cahill (Chelsea ) v Crystal Palace
It is an obvious choice. The Chelsea captain has picked up more Fantasy points than any other defender in the Premier League this season; 135. On Saturday afternoon, Cahill and the Blues face league strugglers Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. I expect the Blues to keep a clean sheet and for Cahill to pop up with a goal.
2 Alfie Mawson (Swansea City ) v Middlesbrough
Yes, I have selected a Swansea City defender and no, I have not lost my marbles. The Swans welcome Middlesbrough to Wales on Sunday and I fully believe the home team will come away with a win and a clean sheet. Middlesbrough have scored a paltry 20 goals in 28 Premier League games this season; less than one a game. The stats are even worse for the Teeside men when you realise they have failed to find the back of the net in 13 games out of the 28; nearly half. Swansea are in good form and will shut out 'Boro. Good news for Mawson and great news for Fantasy managers.
3 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea ) v Crystal Palace
It is difficult to look past another Chelsea defender to replace Coleman. Alonso is third in the Premier League Fantasy points table for defender, after the aforementioned Cahill and Coleman. The big left wing back has had a stellar season in West London since his big money move from Fiorentina in the summer. Like Cahill above, Alonso will benefit from a clean sheet and will be a threat at the other end, having already bagged himself four goals to date.
