The 2020/21 season of the Premier League marks its return this Saturday, with as many as six games being lined up for the weekend. With Manchester City and Manchester United having played their part in the European competitions last season, their respective games against Aston Villa and Burnley have been postponed.
So as things stand, the league kicks off with Fulham taking on FA Cup champions Arsenal at home, followed by Crystal Palace and West Ham hosting Southampton and Newcastle United respectively. Leeds United travel to Liverpool to face the defending champions, while Leicester and Everton play away to West Brom and Tottenham respectively.
That said, the fantasy managers are certain to be in a dilemma as far as picking the right players, and thus, here we give you five names that are most likely to give you maximum points.
Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Team: Arsenal
Match: Fulham vs Arsenal
Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the man in form. The 31-year-old, in fact, is coming off the back of scoring five goals and an assist in his last three appearances, which includes an FA Cup final against Chelsea and the Community Shield game against Liverpool.
Having scored 22 goals in 36 league matches last season, Aubameyang is one to keep a keen eye on this campaign. The Gabon international is certain to make an impact against Fulham, be it through a goal or even an assist, and thus, a must-have player in your team.
Player: Allan Saint-Maximin
Team: Newcastle United
Match: West Ham United vs Newcastle United
Versatile forward Allan Saint-Maximin has given his team Newcastle United a whole new edge altogether. Blessed with extremely impressive dribbling capabilities, and delivering defence-splitting passes, the 23-year-old is sure to be an absolute threat to West Ham United on Saturday.
The young Frenchman was recently on target during his side’s training game against Middlesbrough at Rockliffe Park, and you can expect nothing less from him when the league resumes.
Player: Pablo Hernandez
Team: Leeds United
Match: Liverpool vs Leeds
Nine goals and as many assists in 36 Championship games last season made midfielder Pablo Hernandez one of the main reasons why Leeds achieved promotion to the Premier League. Playing in the heart of his team’s midfield, or sometimes even out wide, Hernandez will be the one his team will count on if they are to take anything positive from their away trip to Liverpool.
Known for delivering cutting through-balls and having a go at goal from distance, expect the 35-year-old to play a massive role in Leeds’ attempt at causing an upset in their tournament opener.
Player: Jamie Vardy
Team: Leicester City
Match: West Brom vs Leicester
For someone who has committed a long-term future to the club, a goalscoring start would be an ideal way to kick off the new season. The top scorer of the 2019/20 season, striker Jamie Vardy is rightly tipped to be on target as his team face newly-promoted side West Brom away from home.
A man who has carried Leicester in the league since their promotion in 2014, Vardy ended the previous campaign as one of the top points-getters in the fantasy league, and you can expect more of the same on Sunday.
Player: Son Heung-Min
Team: Tottenham Hotspur
Match: Tottenham vs Everton
Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min has enjoyed relatively decent outings against Everton of late. He was, in fact, on target twice when Tottenham registered their last victory over the Toffees (December 2018) prior to the 2019/20 season.
Tottenham taking Everton has been a feisty encounter, to say the least, as both teams have managed to cancel each other out some way or the other. As for the South Korean, he has bagged three goals in as many friendlies for his side recently, and he would want to build on the momentum by delivering what is expected of him against Everton.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Owen Humphreys
