This article is part of our Starting Eleven series.
MATCHES (EDT)
Sunday, 8:30 a.m: Arsenal v. West Ham
Sunday, 8:30 a.m: Stoke City v. Burnley
Sunday, 11:30 a.m: Manchester City v. Swansea City
FORWARDS
There is every indication that Manchester City will be putting out a regular squad in front of their supporters after clinching the Premier League title last weekend, which means Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are likely to be popular fantasy options. However, Arsenal are significant favorites at home to West Ham, and even though they may put out a rotated side ahead of Thursday's Europa League match against Atletico Madrid, we could see Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang start because he's cup tied. Jesus has the highest anytime goal scorer odds on the slate, but Aubameyang is only slightly behind.
Speaking of a rotated Arsenal side, Marko Arnautovic may be able to take advantage after scoring at least 12.30 fantasy points in three consecutive games. I wouldn't say it's an ideal matchup, but his consistent rate of shooting gives him decent opportunities against the Gunners' backup centerbacks.
The Burnley duo of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes have been surprisingly effective of late, and their matchup at Stoke City is hardly one to avoid. On the other side of that match is Peter Crouch, who should get consideration if he starts because of how many duels he wins when he plays.
Ultimately the drop off from the Man City and Arsenal attackers is pretty big that it's likely most people will play just two forwards and expand elsewhere.
MIDFIELDERS
Again, Man City's expected dominance over Swansea City will have fantasy players targeting Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Leroy Sane and even Ilkay Gundogan. The possibility of at least one of them getting subbed off is always a risk, but it's one that Starting Eleven alleviates by allowing us to make up to three substitutions during live play. If Sane comes off for Bernardo Silva, for example, we can always pivot to another City midfielder without losing much upside.
With Arsenal likely to rotate, we may be looking beyond names like Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey and considering ones like Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny. Neither instill as much optimism as the former two, and while they could be decent plays, doesn't it feel better to roster the City guys?
If moving away from City is a priority, I wouldn't shy away from Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who has a reliable role on set pieces for Burnley and faces a Stoke side that comes in desperate for points because they're 19th in the table. If you think the Potters come out swinging and get three points then Xherdan Shaqiri has to be in consideration, though he's very goal dependent to provide a serious return. If you're looking for a little more safety, Papa Alioune Ndiaye should get some consideration.
DEFENDERS AND GOALKEEPERS
Yup, Man City again. As such dominant favorites with excellent win and clean sheet odds, Man City defensive stacks will be popular regardless of who starts. Vincent Kompany will be the sentimental pick, while Kyle Walker and Nicolas Otamendi have been the reliable choices all season.
Arsenal's rotation could provide some interesting options like Sead Kolasinac, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding, though if we're clean sheet hunting I'd prefer the Man City options. The same can be said about the other teams on the slate, Burnley and Stoke City, as that match could actually have a few goals in it because Burnley have been attacking well of late and the Stoke defense has been a dumpster fire all season. That being said, Stoke absolutely have to attack to try and get three points as they fight off possible relegation.
