This article is part of our Mondogoal Fantasy Soccer series.
This round officially signifies the beginning of a busy holiday period that will see Premiership clubs play five matches in the next 20 days, testing the depth and quality of many squads. Gameweek 16's Wednesday slate will see the likes of Manchester City, Spurs and West Ham with enticing home matchups, while Liverpool and Chelsea will be road favorites against lesser sides. Here are some players to target for this special midweek group of games:
GOALKEEPER
Hugo Lloris, TOT v. HUL (£7.1m): Lloris put on a fine display in an eventual one-goal loss to Manchester United on Sunday, and he has now been beaten just twice in his last 309 minutes of play. Spurs boast the top defensive unit in the league and will host a Hull side who rank near the bottom in goals scored, making Lloris among the safest options at his position.
Ben Foster, WBA v. BUR (£7.2m): Foster performed admirably against a rolling Chelsea side on Sunday and has allowed just four goals in his last five matches to help the Baggies reach eighth place in the standings. He should have every opportunity to continue his success Wednesday against 18th-place Swansea, who have managed just six goals in seven matches away from home this season. Their propensity for shooting from distance adds upside for additional saves as well.
DEFENDER
Marc Muinesa, STK v. SOU (£7.5m): Munisea has played well in three consecutive starts, averaging 8.59 fantasy points per match after Saturday's game against Arsenal. The Potters will host a Southampton side that boast a competent corps of attackers but have managed just six away goals in seven tries this season, making Muniesa a good bet to continue his recent production in this match, if he is able to play through a slight knock suffered at the weekend.
Gareth McAuley, WBA v. BUR (£8.3m): McAuley endured a tough fixture with Chelsea at the weekend, but he averaged 8.24 fantasy points per game prior to that match and has been a standout performer along the Baggies' back line of late. He will enjoy a much more favorable matchup against a Burnley side that have scored just once away from home this season, making McAuley a prime bounce-back candidate with clean sheet odds that should rank among the best for this group of games.
Marcos Alonso, CHE at SUN (£9.9m): Alonso has been a revelation since joining the Blues' starting XI and his average of 8.55 fantasy points per game ranks more than a full point ahead of the next-highest scorer among defenders. He brings immense attacking upside, as he is often deployed as a wide player rather than a true defender, and his side's matchup with last-place Sunderland adds some defensive upside to his prospects as well.
MIDFIELDER
Michail Antonio, WHU v. BUR (£7.2m): Antonio started up front for Sunday's match against Liverpool and responded with an important goal that helped his side earn a tough away point. He has been used in a variety of positions this season, but Antonio undoubtedly holds greater fantasy upside if he continues to start at forward with the likes of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini pulling the strings behind him. Burnley have allowed 15 goals in just six away matches this season, presenting Antonio with the opportunity to produce regardless of where he lines up.
Dele Alli, TOT v. HUL (£10.3m): Alli has shown signs of increasing his offensive production of late and will enjoy a promising matchup against a Hull side that have been outscored 16-2 in their last five away matches. He ranked among the top goal-scoring midfielders last season, and with one goal plus an assist in his last four matches, he will have the chance to generate some positive momentum heading into the busiest portion of the season.
Eden Hazard, CHE at SUN (£16.8m): Hazard has been an influential performer of late and is averaging 14.17 fantasy points per match over his last seven. He endured a down week against an organized West Brom side, but he will have a prime opportunity to bounce back with another dynamic performance as the Blues welcome last-place Sunderland to Stamford Bridge.
FORWARD
Kelechi Iheanacho, MCI v. WAT (£6.5m): Iheanacho failed to capitalize in his first start since Sergio Aguero's suspension, but he will face a much more favorable matchup Wednesday as the Citizens host Watford. The 20-year-old has been remarkably productive in limited playing time and ranks fourth at the club in league goals despite making just four starts this season. He should have plenty of opportunities to add to his totals with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Nolito and David Silva supporting him.
Divock Origi, LIV at MID (£8.6m): Origi scored an important tying goal versus West Ham on Sunday, giving him tallies in four consecutive matches heading into Wednesday's match against Middlesbrough. He appears set for a run in the starting lineup now that Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge are both out with injuries, and he carries fantasy value at the head of one of the most potent attacks in the league.
Diego Costa, CHE at SUN (£14.6m): Costa's brilliant solo effort versus West Brom resulted in his fourth goal to go along with three assists in the last six matches. Now in sole possession of first place atop scoring charts, Costa will look to add to his impressive totals and carries immense upside against a Sunderland back line that ranks among the most porous in the Premier League this season.
Editor's note: Eden Hazard was ruled out for Wednesday's match after this article was posted.
