This article is part of our Starting Eleven series.
MATCHES (EDT)
10:00 a.m: Burnley v. Huddersfield
10:00 a.m: Crystal Palace v. Wolves
10:00 a.m: Leicester City v. Everton
10:00 a.m: Tottenham v. Cardiff City
10:00 a.m: Watford v. Bournemouth
12:30 p.m: Manchester United v. Newcastle
Due to European obligations, four of the top six clubs from last season will play Sunday, which allows us to select from a variety of mid-to-lower table matchups, as well as two big favorites in Tottenham and Manchester United.
FORWARDS
Other than Eden Hazard, there might not be hotter player than Harry Kane. He's scored four goals in his past three matches, including one in Wednesday's 4-2 Champions League loss to Barcelona, and Saturday's home match against one of the worst Premier League defenses awaits.
Jamie Vardy's per-90 stats are remarkable, as he's averaging 3.7 shots, including 1.9 shots on goal, which are the best marks of all players on Saturday's slate. Additionally, Vardy is the only player in the top-eight goal scoring odds that doesn't play for Tottenham or Manchester United.
I'm going to go ahead and list Romelu Lukaku here as I attempt to do my due diligence, but I'm not going to feel good about it. Manchester United haven't won in their past four matches across all competitions, while they failed to score in Tuesday's draw with Valencia. Aside from Paul Pogba, Lukaku is the other United asset I'm considering. Lukaku is pacing United in goals (four) and has the third-best scoring odds on the slate. The odds highly favor Lukaku and United, making the Belgian a potential consideration.
Finally, Raul Jimenez leads all players on the slate with 22 shots and will next play in what is expected to be a hotly contested matchup between the ninth and 13th place sides in the table. The Mexican international has been solid lately, scoring once and providing two assists in his last three starts. He's not an eye-popping pick, but he has a decent floor due to shots and could make it worth your while with a goal or assist.
MIDFIELDERS
Tottenham are dealing with a number of injuries, which should keep Erik Lamela in the lineup after starting Wednesday's 4-2 loss to Barcelona. This is a hypothetical play based on the favorable matchup with Cardiff, and you could arguably pivot to Lucas Moura if you still want a slice of the Spurs cake.
Jose Mourinho said in his press conference this week that he is intent on bringing "the happiness of a win" back to Old Trafford on Saturday. It's very likely that in order for that to happen, he'll need Pogba to be the midfield general he's capable of being. From a fantasy standpoint, Pogba has been extremely dependable, failing to dip below 11.70 fantasy points across seven starts. His fantasy floor keeps him in the back of my mind, while the ability for a monster match is never out of the question.
James Maddison is an early contender for signing-of-the-season after starting his Leicester career with three goals and two assists. He has filled Riyad Mahrez's shoes adequately and continues to be Jamie Vardy's main supply line. Everton have allowed at least two goals in their four away matches, which could be the perfect hunting ground for Maddison and the Leicester attack.
Speaking of the Toffees, Everton are coming off a convincing 3-0 win over Southampton last Saturday, which saw Gylfi Sigurdsson miss an early penalty to break the scoreless deadlock, but then recover and net two goals in the matter of 15 minutes. He helped cap the scoring with a late assist to Cenk Tosun as Everton cruised. Another reason the final scoreline favored the Merseysiders was the performance of Idrissa Gueye. He's not a name that typically comes up as a big fantasy asset, but his consistent performances as a holding midfielder warrant consideration. Gueye's averages of 6.3 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and 0.7 blocks per 90 minutes give the defensive midfielder a fantasy floor that can be relied on.
DEFENDERS AND GOALKEEPERS
Tottenham and Manchester United are nearly tied for clean sheet odds Saturday, but as I noted before, Manchester United aren't exactly playing their best brand of late. Hugo Lloris returned to the starting XI in Wednesday's loss to Barcelona and is expected to keep his place now that he's healthy. Kieran Trippier is always a danger on set pieces as well as serving in crosses, while an injury to Jan Vertonghen has the potential to keep Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld as the center-back pairing. Cardiff have four goals across seven matches, which is unlikely to put much fear in the Spurs defense.
Ashley Young has been productive when in the starting XI, but he's shared time with Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia at both fullback spots, something worth monitoring if you'd like to fit a piece of the United backline in your lineup. David de Gea has the potential for a clean sheet against Newcastle's dismal attack, and he would be a good pivot from Hugo Lloris.
Joe Hart leads all goalkeepers in saves and will have a favorable matchup against Huddersfield, who are still looking for their first win of the campaign. James Tarkowski is battling a slight injury and will be given every chance to make the lineup. If he starts, he's in my starting XI.
Willy Boly was nominated for September Premier League player of the month for good reason. He's been a major reason why the Wolverhampton backline has kept three clean sheet and allowed just six goals. A matchup with Crystal Palace awaits, one that could be productive if they can lock down Wilfried Zaha.
