This article is part of our Mondogoal Fantasy Soccer series.
The Premier League's new scheduling philosophy will rear its head again in Gameweek 7, as a Friday fixture and another four on Sunday will leave just four on Saturday's main slate. With fewer alternative options available due to the limited selection pool, added emphasis is placed on minimizing risk and identifying proven options to build fantasy lineups.
GOALKEEPER
Thibaut Courtois, CHE at HUL (£5.3m): Three consecutive poor results in tough matchups have sunk Courtois' price to its lowest point of the season. The Blues are road favorites versus a Hull side that have won just once in their last five matches, presenting Courtois and the reshuffled back line with the chance to get back on track.
Ben Foster, WBA at SUN (£6.4m): Foster will draw a road matchup this weekend versus a Sunderland side that have managed just two goals in their last three league matches and have been shut out twice in that span. He should be a candidate to face a handful of shots on target and stands out as a solid goalkeeper option for a slate that lacks a wealth of options at the position.
DEFENDER
Adam Smith, BOU at WAT (£9.2m): Smith ranks among the highest-scoring defenders in the league this season with 7.9 fantasy points per match and has already scored at least nine points three times after last week's performance versus Everton. The Cherries will face a tricky away test versus Watford in Gameweek 7, but Smith's ability to join the attack (one goal and one assist on the season) and his uncanny ability to draw fouls at a high rate provide him with a stable floor and a high ceiling.
Cesar Azpilicueta, CHE at HUL (£8.1m): Azpilicueta has been a bright spot for an inconsistent Blues back line, as he has averaged 7.3 fantasy points per game over the last three matches in all competitions against Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal. Azpilicueta and company will face a more favorable matchup in Gameweek 7 versus a Hull side who have managed multiple goals just once in their last five matches, giving them the chance to right the ship after their recent struggles.
MIDFIELDER
Roberto Pereyra, WAT vs BOU (£7.1m): Pereyra has wasted no time adjusting to his new surroundings, as he has a goal and two assists in four appearances (three starts) since being acquired from Juventus. Pereyra has been given license to roam the spaces behind the proven strike duo of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, and the Hornets' attacking unit should have the opportunity to thrive Saturday versus Bournemouth, who have allowed seven goals in their last three matches in all competitions.
Eden Hazard, CHE at HUL (£12.9m): Hazard has been held off the scoresheet in the face of some difficult matchups over the last three weeks, but he should have the chance to get back on track this weekend versus a Hull side that have allowed 10 goals in the last three matches. He remains a focal point of the Blues' attack and has been operating in a free role of late, which should afford him plenty of chances to make his mark on Saturday's match.
Michail Antonio, WHU vs MID (£9.8m): The versatile Antonio has stepped up in the absence of several West Ham strikers early in the season and is currently tied with Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero for tops in the Premier League with five goals. The Hammers will host a Middlesbrough side that have allowed seven goals during their three-match losing streak, making him a prime candidate to continue his prolific start.
FORWARD
Diego Costa, CHE at HUL (£12.9m): Costa was held in check in last week's loss to Arsenal, but he still sits tied for the league lead with five goals through just six matches. Hull have allowed a startling 10 goals in their last three league matches and should find it difficult to cope with Costa and company.
Troy Deeney, WAT vs BOU (£7.9m): Deeney failed to find the net during the season's first month, but he has come alive of late with goals against West Ham and Manchester United within his last three league matches. Bournemouth have struggled to the tune of five goals against in just two away matches this season, and should have their hands full with Deeney, Ighalo and Pereyra.
Salomon Rondon, WBA at SUN (£7.9m): Rondon has a pair of goals to go along with an assist over his last two matches and has landed five shots on target during that time. His strong run of form seems likely to continue Saturday, as he and the Baggies will travel to take on a Sunderland side that currently sit at the bottom of the table and have allowed eight goals while losing all three of their home matches this term.
