We are hurtling towards the midway point of the Fantasy League season, and with the customary Christmas fixture pile-up on the way, the next few weeks could make or break your managerial seasons.
How well your players cope with the congestion could come down to their respective clubs’ medical departments.
And based on their record so far this season, Leicester City look well-placed to keep up their extraordinary run.
Of their 16 Premier League games so far this season, only Ben Chilwell – of their regular starting XI – has played fewer than 14 times.
It’s a remarkable effort that speaks to the conditioning of their players, but also to some fortune.
If they can emerge relatively unscathed after Christmas, will people start to believe again?
Whilst it’s tricky to find under-the-radar value in a side so consistent, the likes of Harvey Barnes and James Maddison – with seven Fantasy League assists between them so far – should continue to perform strongly.
The current losers in the injury stakes are Newcastle, with as many as ten players currently injured or doubtful for this weekend’s trip to Burnley.
These injuries have a knock-on effect on the fit players you do hold from those clubs, in that they have lesser quality and depth around them.
Tread carefully when looking at Steve Bruce’s men then…
Conversely and with this in mind, it might be time to consider Burnley’s front line for some Christmas pickings.
They have one of the more favourable fixture runs over the festive period, and in Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood, they have a twelve-goal front pairing.
The ever-dynamic Dwight McNeil was said to be on Gareth Southgate’s England radar not so long ago, and though he hasn’t turned in slam-dunk ‘pick me’ displays yet this term, he does have a healthy four assists to his name already.
Lastly, does anyone expect Manuel Pellegrini to turn things around at West Ham?
If he doesn’t pick up at least a point at St Mary’s on Saturday evening, it could be curtains for the affable Argentinean.
But hold onto your Hammers, for we have seen what can happen with a new manager bounce.
The likes of Seb Haller and Felipe Anderson haven’t fired this season, but if they suddenly had to prove their worth under a new boss, their displays might start to match their price tags.
