.jpg "Fantasy Football Tipster: Gameweek 23")
The transfer window may be relatively quiet in the Premier League right now but in the world of fantasy football wannabe managers are still frantically searching for the next big thing for their sides.
As ever we at WhoScored are here to give you some advice ahead of the weekend with regards to players that may be worth investing in, with budget buys and big name signings aplenty amongst our suggested XI for gameweek 23.
Goalkeeper
In goal we've opted for Swansea's Michel Vorm, back in the team after injury and set to take his place between the sticks against a travelling Stoke side this weekend. The Potters have only managed to net 7 goals in 11 games on the road this season and having failed to score in their last two league outings (at the right end at least) Laudrup's side may be a good bet for a clean sheet come Saturday.
Defence
First in our three-man backline this week is Pablo Zabaleta, whose City side host Fulham this weekend looking for a repeat of last season's comfortable 3-0 win over the Cottagers. Mancini's side's defensive record at home is the joint best in the league (9 conceded) and while Fulham haven't struggled for goals this season they are notoriously weaker on their travels. Zabaleta's barnstorming displays at either end have earned him the best rating of any City defender from WhoScored thus far (7.25).
At the heart of our defence is West Ham's Winston Reid, with the Hammers hosting bottom club QPR this weekend. Allardyce's side are tipped to score from a set piece situation and only Carlton Cole has had more headed attempts for the East Londoners than the New Zealander's 7 this season. Despite adding firepower in Loic Remy, the Royals have only scored twice in 5 games and Reid could be in with a chance at securing points at both ends.
Our final defender is Everton's Leighton Baines as Everton make the trip to Southampton following the Saints shock sacking of Nigel Adkins and subsequent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino. In terms of on-field matters the match forecast suggests that Moyes' side will score from a wingplay situation, as well as being likely to cause problems from set pieces. Baines, therefore, seems a no brainer.
Midfield
It's fair to say that Santi Cazorla has had somewhat of a mid-season lull after taking the Premier League by storm in the early months of the campaign. Fatigue is the most likely cause but the Spaniard has little rest time this week, playing twice in succession against Chelsea and West Ham. We're tipping the playmaker to make an impact, particularly in the game next Wednesday with the Gunners deemed extremely likely to score as a result of individual skill.
On the opposite flank we've gone for a far more cost effective option, with Newcastle's Sylvain Marveaux finding his feet in the Premier League after a difficult debut season. The Frenchman's tally of 3 assists having only started 6 league games thus far is impressive and his guile may be enough to unlock Reading's backline. The Magpies are tipped to score from a through ball situation and host a Reading side that have conceded the joint most goals this season (42).
In centre midfield we've chosen Adel Taarabt to once again be the key man in QPR's revival under Redknapp. The Hoops were buoyed by the news that the Moroccan was not chosen to represent his country at the African Cup of Nations and he will hope to continue his form against West Ham this weekend. Like Newcastle, Rangers are also tipped to score from a through ball and Taarabt is the most likely man to thread that pass this weekend.
Completing our midfield is Sunderland's Seb Larsson, whose trademark screamer against West Ham last weekend opened his account for the season. Martin O'Neill's side travel to Wigan and Martinez's troops are weak when it comes to avoiding fouls in dangerous areas. If the Latics give away any opportunities in and around the box this weekend the Swede will surely look to add to his tally having scored more direct free-kicks than any other Premier League player last season (3).
Attack
Our attacking trio will take some beating this week with the league's two top scorers both deemed unavoidable. Robin van Persie gets his place up front as United prepare to face a familiar foe of the Dutchman's from his Arsenal days when they make the trip to Tottenham. The striker has 17 goals and 6 assists already this season and in his last 10 appearances against Spurs he's scored 5 goals and picked up 5 assists.
Luis Suarez is also too good to miss out on this week as Liverpool host Norwich. The Uruguayan has bagged back-to-back hat-tricks against the Canaries and the match forecast plays into his hands further still. The Reds are tipped to score as a result of individual skill and from a long shot, and all four of Suarez's last four strikes against Norwich have come from outside the box, while his tally of 4 goals from range in the current campaign is the joint most in the league.
Our XI is completed by Edin Dzeko this week, with the Bosnian having taken his chance to impress in the absence of Sergio Aguero superbly at Arsenal. Although he missed a penalty, his opener in the game at the Emirates is likely to see him keep his place despite the aforementioned Argentinean’s return to fitness. City are backed to score by all manner of means against Fulham, with fast break and set piece chances potentially representing Dzeko's easiest route to goal.
Firstly, you make some very valid points. However, I'd just like to say that most FF sites include Arsenal-West Ham in the same gameweek - meaning it seems smart to include multiple players who'll have twice as many games. For that reason, I have Walcott in my team (As captain) as well as Gibbs at the back. And on the contrary, I also have Nolan in the centre of midfield. Another couple of players I'd like to propose would be: Romelu Lukaku: 3 goals in his last couple of games and 9 for the season now. West Brom also play Villa at home who're leaking goals. Steven Gerrard: The highest scoring player over the course of the last 6 gameweeks with 3 goals and 6 assists. Again, like Suarez, he has a home game against Norwich ahead. My team in full: Begovic; Zabaleta, Distin, Gibbs; Walcott(C), Michu, Gerrard, Nolan; RVP, Suarez, Lukaku.