Even after New Year’s Day, the players are given only a very short break, because unusually there is not even a restday between the 18th and 19th matchday. After a surprising last matchday in which many favourites failed to take any or only one point, it will be exciting to see how this matchday unfolds.

Goal:

David Raya (93₵, Brentford): His performances are really something to behold. Of his last five games, he made over 300 in three, had the most super passes and the second most saves. He will have plenty to do again against Liverpool and could shine with his strength of form.

Defence:

Willy Boly (63₵, Nottingham): He joined from Wolverhampton in the summer but then hardly ever featured for Nottingham. For the last three games, however, he has been allowed to play from the start and has shown solid performances in all of them. Against Southampton, both teams have very important points at stake and he will give everything to keep the back line tight.

Kenny Tete (54₵, Fulham): Started very strongly from the international break, scoring 240 and 337 in the games, he also made an assist and will be an important part of the Fulham team against Leicester.

Virgil van Dijk (168₵, Liverpool): Points wise he is the best defender in the Prem. League and even so he has dominated defensively this season. In his 17 appearances so far he has only once scored less than 200 points and regularly cracks the 400-point mark. Against Brentford he will want to show his defensive class again to help the Reds to a win.

Pascal Struijk (92₵, Leeds): Coming from the Leeds U21s, the left-back has cemented himself in the starting line-up of the 1st team and has been particularly convincing in his last five games. In these he scored over 200 twice and even over 400 twice. He will be looking to build on his performances against the Hammers and could once again fulfil his scoring potential.

Levi Colwill (52₵, Brighton): At just 19 years of age, the Seagulls centre-back seems to have solidified himself in their starting line-up and can also impress in terms of points at SPITCH. In his three starting eleven appearances so far, he has averaged 244 points and we can look forward to seeing how the defensive talent continues to develop.

Midfield:

Bruno Fernandes (100₵, Man. United): The Red Devils are really attacking after the World Cup and have managed two wins from two games. The main component of that performance is also him, who creates the most chances for his side and could be an essential part again against promoted Bournemouth.

James Ward-Prowse (75₵, Southampton): The Southampton all-rounder struggled with a scoring drought until just before the World Cup, but he seems to have found his feet again in the last four games, impressing with an average of 293 points, two goals and one assist. Despite his strong performances again, the Saints have lost each of their last five games and are desperate to break this negative streak.

Declan Rice (79₵, West Ham): Both in the national team and now with the Hammers, the young defensive midfielder shows his class and also scores really strongly. Against Leeds it will probably be a very even match, but one in which he could shine with his dominance in midfield.

Thiago Alcantara (100₵, Liverpool): For me, I couldn’t understand why he didn’t go to the World Cup, because if he is a difference player and has shown us what he is capable of, especially in his last five appearances. He has won the third most duels and managed to score more than 300 points in three of the five games and without a single goal contribution. Against Brentford he could be involved in a goal and give you even more points.

Attack:

Antony (133₵, Man. United): In his eight league games for Man. United, the Brazilian winger has impressed and scored three times. Above all, his average of 297 points is something to behold and he could continue like this against Bournemouth.

 Other alternatives:

Other players to keep an eye on are Konstantinos Tsimikas (70₵, Liverpool), who could come on instead of Robertson, Casemiro (92₵, Man. United), who is playing really strong and Cody Gakpo (130₵, Liverpool), who could make his debut and has a very big scoring potential.

About me: I have been supporting SPITCH in the 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.