Teams to target: Arsenal & Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Burnley
As a result of defeat to Newcastle United last time out, Arsenal sit fourth and three points off top spot, but they have a superb fixture in GW12.
Going forward Arsenal haven’t been as threatening as last season and that’s reflected in the points total of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.
However they thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 a couple of weeks ago and you wouldn’t be shocked to see a similar outcome here.
Saka came off injured in the midweek victory over Sevilla, but it didn’t see that significant of an issue and if he’s okay, then there is no doubt he starts.
Eddie Nketiah and Odegaard are both doubts for Saturday, meaning I’d probably only have the one Arsenal offesenive option this week.
Gabriel remains a rotation risk and William Saliba is perhaps the better lock pick this week and he’d be the Arsenal defender I’d select on a free hit.
Liverpool vs. Brentford
Liverpool missed a glorious chance to go within a point of top spot last time out when they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Luton Town.
At Anfield though their record is superb this season, winning all five matches, scoring 14 times, whilst conceding just twice.
Brentford represent a difficult opponent, but a comfortable victory for the Reds is expected.
Liverpool are top of the xG standings this season and as a result I’d have two of their offensive players in a free hit side.
Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez very much pick themselves this week and the former is perhaps the best captain pick in GW12.
Kostas Tsimikas was benched against Luton and perhaps isn’t the lock in the side many thought when Andrew Robertson sustained his injury.
Should you have the budget then Trent Alexander-Arnold is perhaps the best defensive Liverpool option this week.
Opposition to target: Luton Town & Sheffield United
Manchester United vs. Luton Town
Manchester United’s horror season shows no sign of relenting and they were embarrassed in the Champions League midweek, losing 4-3 away to FC Copenhagen.
Despite that they have perhaps the stand out fixture in GW12 against Luton Town who have just six points from their first 11 matches.
Bruno Fernandes has goals in his last two matches in all competitions and in a free hit side I’d definitely be gambling on the United captain.
Incredibly United have just 12 goals in 11 league matches this season and as a result I’d be avoiding a second offensive asset, despite the favourable fixture.
Diogo Dalot hasn’t been great this season, but you’ve got to fancy a clean sheet for the hosts and he is the best defensive pick.
Brighton vs. Sheffield United
Brighton are without a win in five league matches, but should end that run against rock bottom Sheffield United.
The Blades continue to struggle with set-pieces and were lucky not to concede from one last time out vs. Wolves.
Lewis Dunk isn’t guaranteed to start given Brighton’s heavy fixture list, but he’s worth the risk considering how much of a threat he is from dead balls.
Somehow Brighton are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season, but if that streak is going to end then it will on Sunday.
Brighton have numerous offensive options and the risk of rotation is there with all of them. Kaoru Mitoma has failed to start just once this league season though and remains the best bet.
Other options
Wolves vs. Tottenham
Tottenham suffered defeat for the first time under Ange Postecoglou in their mad 4-1 loss to Chelsea last time out.
Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were both sent off and will miss out here, whilst both Micky van de Ven and James Maddison came off injured.
Wolves away on paper is a nice game, but both Manchester City and Newcastle United have come unstuck at Molineux already this campaign.
Given the probable absentees, I’d actually avoid Tottenham assets here. Son Heung-Min is the best bet, but there are better options in GW12.
Aston Villa vs. Fulham
Fulham’s defensive statistics have improved in recent weeks, despite games against sides in the top half of the division.
However I’d feel uncomfortable without an Aston Villa attacking option in this one given their incredible record at Villa Park under Unai Emery.
It’s a real toss up for me between Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins, but perhaps a slight preference for the former with Watkins struggling slightly against sides who defend with a low block.
GW12 Dream Team: Areola; Dalot, Alexander-Arnold, Saliba, Dunk; Mitoma, Salah (C), Saka, Fernandes, Diaby; Nunez
