This article is part of our TheSix Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
7:30 a.m: Chelsea v. Watford
10:00 a.m: Swansea City v. Leicester City
10:00 a.m: Manchester City v. Burnley
10:00 a.m: Newcastle v. Crystal Palace
10:00 a.m: Stoke City v. Bournemouth
10:00 a.m: Huddersfield v. Manchester United
12:30 p.m: Southampton v. West Brom
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
FORWARD
Alvaro Morata, CHE v. WAT (€10M): Morata's price dropped a bit after missing some time with injury, but he's clearly Chelsea no. 1 option up front when he's fit. He has one of the highest anytime goal-scoring odds on the slate and now faces a Watford side that has conceded 10 goals in their last four league matches (though the first was a 6-0 drubbing by Manchester City). A cheaper Chelsea option up front is Pedro (€7M), and while he hasn't started Chelsea's last four matches, he picked up an assist off the bench Tuesday against Roma and could start ahead of the struggling Willian.
Sergio Aguero, MCI v. BUR (€10M): Speaking of Manchester City, we could see some significant squad rotation after their tough 2-1 win over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday. Or not, who knows with Pep Guardiola. Aguero did not come off the bench in City's last two matches as he finishes up his recovery from a broken rib, but if he gets the start Saturday he could provide a huge return against a Burnley side that has been significantly better this season but will still be greatly overmatched. Aguero had six goals in his last five matches in all competitions before suffering the injury, and he comes in tied with teammate Gabriel Jesus (€13M) for the highest anytime goal-scoring odds.
Anthony Martial, MUN at HUD (€7M): Martial's spot in the first XI isn't guaranteed either, but with Marcus Rashford (€9M) picking up a knock during United's Champions League match at Benfica on Wednesday, Martial is certainly closer to starting. United should be in control for a majority of the match against Huddersfield, and Martial's activity from the wing gives him plenty of opportunities to shine. If you're looking for a more goal-upside play from this game, you'll have to spend €12M for Romelu Lukaku.
MIDFIELDER
Ander Herrera, MUN at HUD (€9M): Herrera continues to play well in place of the injured Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini. Teammate Nemanja Matic (€12M) has a solid floor as well thanks to his pass, touch and duels won numbers, but Herrera can match him while also contributing with other defensive statistics. You could go even deeper with United by rolling with Juan Mata (€7M) because he also gets plenty of touches and should be involved in any kind of attacking onslaught the Red Devils throw at the newly promoted side.
Wilfried Zaha, CRY at NEW (€7M): Zaha was excellent in his return from injury last weekend against Chelsea, scoring a goal on three shots while also winning nine duels and adding 47 touches. His upside is much more attacking than a player like Yohan Cabaye (€12M), but he's also much cheaper. If you're looking for Cabaye-type production for a bit less money, Luka Milivojevic can be had for €10M, and if you have no problem risking a really cheap player who may not start (there is no late swap option on The Six), then Ruben Loftus-Cheek (€6M) could be your guy.
Eden Hazard, CHE v. WAT (€9M): Hazard exploded Wednesday against Roma, scoring two goals on three shots while also creating five chances and winning five duels. He's in top form and should have no problem continuing to it against a Watford side that has been solid this season but is likely to struggle at Stamford Bridge. For those looking for some more safety in terms of passes and touches, paying up for Cesc Fabregas (€12M) certainly makes sense.
Ilkay Gundogan, MCI v. BUR (€6M): Given the congested schedule City are playing with Champions League earlier this week and league cup action next week, we could see Gundogan and possibly Bernardo Silva (€7M) make the first XI. Unfortunately, we won't know the lineup before lock, so picking either player is a risk. Gundogan will have an excellent floor if he starts because he's likely to be on the ball often, while Silva has attacking upside for a team that is expected to score multiple goals.
DEFENDER
Davide Zappacosta, CHE v. WAT (€5M): Zappacosta is a much more attack-minded defender, which limits his touch volume, but he provides significant salary relief while likely starting for a heavily favored side. Because the Chelsea match is the first one on the slate, we'll know for sure of Zappacosta is starting, removing any doubt before lineup lock. Pretty much all of the Chelsea defenders are in play, and if you don't mind paying up a little more for a higher floor, David Luiz (€8M) certainly fits the bill, even if he starts in the defensive midfield again like he did against Roma (when he scored a goal).
Chris Smalling, MUN at HUD (€7M): Smalling has started each of the past four matches in all competitions and has failed to complete 50 passes just once in that span, a scoreless draw against Liverpool when United had just 38 percent possession. He's also won 23 duels over that span, a fine number of a defender. Smalling's solid floor combined with United's excellent clean sheet odds should make him pay off quite easily.
Danilo, MCI v. BUR (€6M):Danilo is another City player who could find his way into the starting XI if Guardiola decides to rotate, though it's worth noting he hasn't started a Premier League match since Sept. 9 against Liverpool. However, he completed an impressive 108 passes in that match, which would be a huge foundation to making value at his low salary. His versatility allows him to sub in for a number of different players, making his chances of getting a start a bit higher.
GOALKEEPER
Jack Butland, STK v. BOU (€7M): Butland is one of the cheapest starting goalkeepers on the slate and has a solid matchup against Bournemouth, who have just one goal in their last three matches and have been shut out five times in their eight Premier League games. Admittedly, the Stoke defense hasn't been great, as evidenced by the seven goals they allowed last weekend against Man City, but the save upside should be there and Butland is unlikely to get beaten nearly as much while playing at home.
