This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
Diego Costa can't come back soon enough
Chelsea's attack has been sterile over the past three games, since the Spaniard has been sidelined by his most recent hamstring injury. Chelsea have averaged two shots on target per game in that period, whereas Costa alone averages 1.6 per game in his 24 Premier League appearances. Simply put, Chelsea without Costa have struggled to match the shooting performances of just Costa. The Blues are hoping upon all hopes that their frontman returns for Wednesday's trip to Leicester so their offense can look more threatening. Outside of Eden Hazard, there has not been a consistent offensive performer. To make matters worse, Oscar is doubtful to feature after an ugly collision with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina on Sunday. If Costa returns, start him with confidence against Leicester, along with Hazard and possibly Cesc Fabregas.
Speaking of Leicester...
...their run in after Chelsea (v. Newcastle, v. Southampton, at Sunderland, v. QPR) only add to their recently emerging options. Look to invest in forward Jamie Vardy, midfielder Marc Albrighton, Jeffrey Schlupp (only as a defender) and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for the final stretch run. It would be surprising if the Lions find themselves relegated come the end of the year given their current form and position outside of the drop zone.
Eagles Grounded
Firing two straight ill-timed blanks against Hull and West Brom at home should cause even the hardiest fans of Crystal Palace to bail on all options with trips to Chelsea and Liverpool sandwiching a home match against Manchester United. The lovefest was fun while it lasted, but the hot streak is over as the Eagles have likely seen their wings clipped.
Aleksandar Kolarov is a must start as long as he starts.
With Gael Clichy injured, Kolarov started for City and provided a goal and an assist against high-flying Villa. The left back is a threat going forward with both his crossing ability from open play, on corners and from free kicks. That combination is rare to find in a defender and is akin to the skill set of fellow left back Leighton Baines. It has been said many times on the RotoWire Fantasy Soccer Podcast that the only difference between Kolarov and Baines is playing time, and that it's surprising that there is even that difference. Continue to start Kolarov with confidence in almost all formats should the Serbian continue to grab a spot in Manuel Pellegrini's XI.
Quick Trivia
Which midfielder has the most shot attempts over the past six gameweeks? If you guessed Stoke City's Charlie Adam, you likely cheated. Either way, the Englishman has not only shot the most, but has also scored in three of the last four gameweeks. The Potters' run-in includes trips to Swansea and and Burnley, along with visits from Tottenham and Liverpool, so there are no terrible matchups that suggest that Adam's run of form will end imminently.
Repeat Hero
If Sunderland avoid the trap door to relegation, it will be because of Connor Wickham...again. Wickham scored five times in the last six games in the Black Cats' 2013/14 campaign, and has scored in the last two games this season. This knack for timing could prove advantageous or just as a mere coincidence, but if there's anyone in which to invest at Sunderland, it's Wickham.
