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Fantasy Football advice: Week 13

Sports Mole offers tips to fantasy managers ahead of the next round of Premier League fixtures.

The time has come again to decide who makes the grade for fantasy teams, and who should be avoided if possible.

Last week, we produced a mixed bag as Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku impressed, before Fraser Forster made a big mistake in the Monday night game.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at which players are likely to gain plenty of fantasy points this weekend.


Who to pick

1. Yaya Toure

The Ivorian sat out Manchester City's best moment of the season so far on Tuesday as the suspended midfielder was forced to watch on as the hosts claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. However, missing that game has moved Toure to the top of our list this week. A rest in midweek should suit Toure, who has been the target of criticism for his inconsistent form this season.

Yaya Toure of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Manchester City and CSKA Moscow on November 5, 2014© Getty Images

The champions make the trip to St Mary's Stadium on Sunday to meet Southampton knowing that a victory will see them replace the Saints in second spot. In a week when the likes of Sergio Aguero, Jesus Navas, and Samir Nasri were put to the test by Bayern, a fresh Toure is a good bet to score some fantasy points.

2. Charlie Austin

If it hadn't been for Charlie Austin, a difficult start to the season for Queens Park Rangers could have been much, much worse. His six goals have been crucial for Harry Redknapp's side, and his energetic performances have won praise from everyone, including England manager Roy Hodgson. Austin's doubters have been silenced this season, but his next challenge will be to find the net on a regular basis. There's no reason to suggest that the striker can't lead QPR up the Premier League table. Leicester City visit Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon, and the hosts will be desperate for a win against a side who have not won since beating Manchester United in September. If QPR are to pile the misery on the Foxes, Austin will surely play a key role.

3. Gylfi Sigurdsson

Sigurdsson has been key to Swansea City's best start to a Premier League season. The Icelandic midfielder appears to be enjoying his football again after a difficult spell at Tottenham Hotspur, and his ability to provide assists for teammates means he has always been a valuable option to fantasy managers. In truth, it could have been easier to select Wilfried Bony ahead of Sigurdsson, but it's the midfielder who arguably plays a more crucial role than the Ivorian striker. Garry Monk's side host Crystal Palace on Saturday and the home supporters will be expecting three points. The battle between Sigurdsson and Palace's Mile Jedinak will be intriguing. Back the 25-year-old to deliver his best against the Eagles.


Who to avoid

1. Allan McGregor

McGregor recently returned in goal for Hull City after a spell out due to injury, and very few will dispute the importance of the Scottish goalkeeper to the team. However, his job is to be the last line of defence for a side which is struggling to find their best form in recent weeks. A run of five matches without a win has seen Steve Bruce's men slip to 17th in the Premier League table. What comes next? A visit to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United side full of confidence following a victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. United head into the game as firm favourites to pick up another win. If the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Angel di Maria hit top form, it could be a long afternoon for McGregor.

Edin Dzeko of Manchester City scores his team's third goal past Allan McGregor of Hull City during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and Manchester City at KC Stadium on September 27, 2014 © Getty Images

2. John O'Shea

Can Sunderland stop the Chelsea charge? Only a few supporters of the Black Cats will be confident of their side's chances heading into Saturday's clash with the Premier League leaders. Sunderland managed to record two victories over Jose Mourinho's team last season, but they're big underdogs for the match at the Stadium of Light. Chelsea have been unstoppable at times this season, and they'll be desperate to continue their fine form after beating Schalke 5-0 in midweek.

O'Shea could be the latest victim of Chelsea's ruthless streak. The Irish centre back has plenty of experience, but he'll be in for a tough test against Diego Costa, who has already scored 11 goals this season. If Sunderland cause a shock result, O'Shea will probably have had a very good game. If, as expected, Chelsea record a comfortable win, the former Manchester United defender could do some damage to his fantasy value.

3. Graziano Pelle

It's a brave move warning fantasy managers to avoid a player who has impressed for a high-flying Southampton side, but Pelle is heading for a tough test at St Mary's this Sunday. Man City are the visitors, and Manuel Pellegrini will be eager to see his side replace the Saints in second spot. As always, a key player for City will be Vincent Kompany, who is likely to be given the task of keeping tabs on Pelle. The Italian forward has six league goals to his name, but he hasn't found the net in the Premier League since the 8-0 thrashing of Sunderland on October 25. On Monday he was worryingly quiet in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. There's no reason to suggest that Pelle won't return to his best form at some stage, but Kompany won't be doing his rival many favours this weekend.


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Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's third goal with team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on November 23, 2014
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