Teams to target: Arsenal & Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
Arsenal are in the middle of a sticking patch, suffering a disappointing Christmas period which saw them drop from first to fourth.
Despite that their stats remain decent, especially at the Emirates. They rank fourth for xG and second for xGA in the home league standings.
I’d want a couple of Arsenal assets in my side for a home game with a Crystal Palace side who’ve struggled themselves of late, with just one away win in five matches.
Bukayo Saka returns have dropped off significantly this campaign and as a result I’d be tempted to pluck for Martin Odegaard as my attacking option.
William Saliba remains the safest defensive pick and he’d probably just edge Gabriel out of a free hit side for me.
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool
Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth is one of the trickier matches in GW21, but given the form of the visitors, I’d still want a couple of options.
In the absence of Mohamed Salah, the pressure is on the likes of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez to score and the latter has started to show glimpses in recent matches.
For numerous reasons, this is a really tough GW to call and Nunez’s unpredictability is one of the main reasons why I’d want him this week.
Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained an injury in the cup win at Arsenal and will miss GW21, meaning the defensive lock this week is Virgil van Dijk, who himself will return from an issue.
Opposition to target: Fulham & Sheffield United
Chelsea vs. Fulham
Chelsea remain incredibly inconsistent, however they will be confident of recording a home victory in GW21.
They host a Fulham side who’ve claimed just six points on the road this season, with only Newcastle United and Sheffield United claiming fewer points.
Cole Palmer has been the best budget option this campaign and he’s an absolute lock in a free hit side. Palmer missed a couple of sitters in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg; however given his price and the fact he is on penalties, he appears to be a must own.
Đorđe Petrović has deputised well in Robert Sanchez absence and for me he’s the best goalkeeping pick this week.
A third Chelsea option appears too much given their inconsistencies; especially with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Thiago Silva not guaranteed to start.
Sheffield United vs. West Ham United
Sheffield United have shown a minor improvement under the returning Chris Wilder; however for me they are the whipping boys in the league and will remain a team to target for sometime.
West Ham will be missing a few players for the trip to Bramall Lane, with Mohamed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta all ruled out.
James Ward-Prowse’ attacking returns have dropped off in recent months; however I’m a big believer in playing the fixture and he appears the best bet from an attacking perspective.
Sheffield United have scored a paltry five goals in 10 home matches and have an incredibly low xG of 5.35 in those fixtures.
I’d want a defensive option from the Hammers and captain Kurt Zouma is the safest bet.
Other options
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
Newcastle United are enduring a horrible run of it in the league and in GW21 it gets no easier with the visit of the champions Manchester City.
Erling Haaland is unlikely to start, although a return to the squad here appears probable.
Phil Foden is enjoying his best run of form this campaign and in a tough to call game, looks the best bet.
Brighton vs. Wolves
GW21 represents one of the hardest weeks to call and the final spot in the side goes to an in-form Brighton side.
Joao Pedro hasn’t been a guaranteed starter for Brighton, but his returns have been impressive.
The former Watford man doesn’t look like missing from the spot and he remains a really strong budget selection.
GW21 Dream Team: Petrovic; Van Dijk, Zouma, Saliba; Ward-Prowse, Odegaard, Palmer, Foden; Nunez, Pedro, Watkins
