The World Cup is over and slowly all players should have arrived back at their clubs. The aim is to really get going again after a long interruption and to pick up important points straight away. We can definitely look forward to an exciting Boxing Day and match day.

Goal:

Danny Ward (50₵, Leicester): Things didn’t go so well for him in the World Cup with Wales, but I think he will be all the more motivated to start the regular season again and in his last few league games he has already shown how strong he is. In three of his last four games he didn’t concede a goal and only against Man. City he conceded goals. He also made a strong 290 average points in those games. It will be interesting to see if he can convince like this again against the strong Magpies.

Defence:

Nathan Patterson (55₵, Everton): The Scot has struggled with injuries on and off after arriving at the Toffees earlier this year, but could play from the start again in the last game before the World Cup. The 21-year-old is also expected to start this fixture and will be looking to build on his strong 308 points against Wolves.

Reece James (138₵, Chelsea): He was sorely missed not only by Chelsea but also by the England national team, but according to several media reports, the full-back is fit again and will be able to play against Bournemouth. If he plays like he did before his injury, then he is a must in any line-up.

Timothy Ream (74₵, Fulham): Despite the USA’s relatively early exit, the 35-year-old did not play a bad World Cup and performed well. At Fulham, the experienced central defender has also always been able to prove himself in recent games and will give everything against Palace.

Ethan Pinnock (90₵, Brentford): He did not go to the World Cup and prepared individually with the team for Matchday 17, which was probably a better option for him as he has already been out for ten games this season with a long-term injury. But he has played his way back into the Bees’ starting line-up and is playing really well. He has averaged over 250 points in his last five league games and will have his work cut out for him against Spurs.

Armel Bella-Kotchap (86₵, Southampton): The youngster has not yet featured for Germany at this World Cup, but with his performances so far, he looks set to get some game time at the European Championships at the latest. The 21-year-old regularly scores close to 300 points and has the potential to do so again against Brighton.

Midfield:

Miguel Almiron (91₵, Newcastle): He is arguably one of the surprises of this Prem. League season and already has a strong eight goals and one assist. In his last five games he never scored less than 250. Leicester had some good form before the break, but I still think he should get back to his points.

Casemiro (92₵, Man. United): Both at the World Cup and with the Red Devils, the Brazilian is putting in very strong performances and especially against promoted Nottingham, he should be able to impress with his dominance in midfield and pick up some points.

Bruno Fernandes (100₵, Man. United): Now for the other essential part of Man. United in midfield. Fernandes is the player offensively who creates the most chances and he too has played an outstanding World Cup. If he continues in the Prem. League he continues the way he left off with Portugal, then he definitely has very big scoring potential.

Phil Foden (135₵, Man. City): I don’t need to say much about him. He is one of the best youngsters in the world and plays consistently well for the Citizens and England. He also has 538 points in his last five starting appearances for City and the Sky Blues are clear favourites to beat Leeds.

Attack:

Edward Nketiah (78₵, Arsenal): Arsenal’s top striker Gabriel Jesus is out through injury and the question is who will replace him as a striker. Arteta tells at a press conference that either Nketiah or Martinelli will start up front. Should the 23-year-old Nketiah start, then he should definitely be kept in mind.

Other alternatives:

Other players to keep an eye on are Virgil Van Dijk (168₵, Liverpool) who could once again show his defensive class, James Ward-Prowse (75₵, Southampton) who always has great scoring potential and Riyad Mahrez (120₵, Man. City) who could start for the Citizens.

About me: I have been supporting SPITCH in its various divisions for over a year now. With my experience on the free pitches, I want to help you find interesting players that maybe not everyone has on their radar.