Gameweek 10 of the English Premier League promises to be another enthralling round of fascinating fixtures. Right from Everton’s home game against Leeds United to Tottenham’s trip to Stamford Bridge, fans are certain to be entertained.

The fantasy managers, however, will once again have the selection dilemma with so many football stars pitted against each other. To ease the pressure, we give you five players who are tipped to shine in the upcoming games.

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) vs Brighton

Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson has been quiet so far, this season. With a solitary goal and three assists in nine Premier League games, the Scotland international has been a shadow of his former self. Hence, Liverpool’s clash against Brighton on Saturday will be a great chance for the full-back to not only get bonus points from a clean sheet but contribute to the goals as well. If you are looking for a defender, Robertson is definitely your man.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton) vs Leeds United

If there’s one player who needs to be a constant in every fantasy team this season, it is Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 23-year-old striker has bagged 10 goals in nine Premier League games this season and judging how Everton have been faring so far, the tally is sure to rise. Leeds United, on their part, have kept just three clean sheets so far, conceding eight goals in their last three outings. Hence, Calvert-Lewin’s ability to breach the defences should come in handy.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) vs Southampton

Bruno Fernandes�?influence in the Manchester United squad is unparalleled, to say the least. The 26-year-old Portugal international has been the club’s driving force since arriving in January and is arriving at the Southampton clash with three goals in his last two games - which includes the winner against West Brom. Now, Southampton may well and truly be a tough nut to crack, but if there’s anyone in the Manchester United team who can unlock their defence, it is Bruno Fernandes.

Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur) vs Chelsea

Chelsea might have been unbeaten against Tottenham in their last three games, but Jose Mourinho's Spurs are a different beast this season. The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has taken the team to the top of the Premier League standings and a certain Son Heung-Min has been in the form of his life. Having already scored nine goals in the league this season, the South Korean international will be the one to keep a keen eye on against Chelsea.

Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) vs Fulham

Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy has scored two goals in his last two games against Fulham. Moreover, his current form remains another concern for the Cottagers as he comes on the back of five goals and an assist in his last six games across all competitions. A potential threat for any opposition, Fulham will be wary of Vardy’s goal scoring abilities, especially with their leaky defence (Fulham have conceded 18 goals in the league).

The 2020-21 season of the UEFA Champions League is set to get underway from Tuesday and Matchday 1 features plenty of mouthwatering fixtures that pits some of Europe’s heavyweights against each other. With the best players across Europe braced to have a say on the games, expect plenty of goals and excitement.

Here we look at some of the best game-changers who will feature in Matchday 1 and can help your fantasy team score big. 

Player: Erling Haaland 

Team: Borussia Dortmund

Match: Lazio vs Borussia Dortmund

Norway’s Erling Haaland is a simple must-have for your team. The 20-year-old has been in tremendous form since last season and has thrived after joining Borussia Dortmund. He had 10 goals and an assist from eight games in last season’s Champions League and will be the focal point in attack for the German giants.

He’s already bagged five goals from six games for Dortmund in their Bundesliga and DFL-Supercup games this season. Haaland has previously spoken of how much he loves playing in the Champions League and it will take a brave man to bet against him finding the back of the net in Dortmund’s clash against Lazio.   

Player: Lionel Messi

Team: Barcelona

Match: Barcelona vs Ferencvaros

Second in the list of goal-scorers (115 goals) in the competition’s history, Lionel Messi has made no secrets of his desire to win the Champions League once again and you can rest assured that clinching what would be his fifth European title will be high on his list of priorities. He didn’t enjoy the best of Champions League campaigns last season, scoring just thrice in the competition before being humiliated and eliminated by eventual winners Bayern Munich.

Messi, though, will be eager to make amends with the knowledge that his days of winning another European title keeps diminishing with each passing campaign. Despite a slow start to the La Liga campaign that’s seen him net once in four appearances, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Messi were to produce something special under the bright lights of Champions League football.  

Player: Neymar

Team: Paris Saint-Germain

Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester United

Following the heartbreak of defeat in last season’s Champions League final, Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain will be more eager than ever before to lift European football’s holy grail. Even though Neymar’s PSG are in a tough group, they are expected to progress and will want their Brazilian talisman to lead by example.

The last time Manchester United went to Paris, the Red Devils left France with a memorable win to advance in the competition as an injured Neymar watched on helplessly from the sidelines. However, the Brazilian who’s already opened his account for the season in Ligue 1 can be expected to grab the game by the scruff and put United’s fragile defence on the back foot from the outset.  

Player: Andrew Robertson

Team: Liverpool

Match: Ajax vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s marauding left-back has become one of the most sought-after full-backs in football and is a smart choice for your fantasy team. Not only can he get you points for clean sheets, but his ability to consistently gallop down the flanks and produce quality at the end of those runs makes him a massive threat to any opposition.

He provided 12 assists and scored thrice �?including once in the Champions League �?last season and has already bagged a goal this campaign. He already has two assists in the Premier League, making him a prudent choice for any fantasy team owner.

Player: Serge Gnabry

Team: Bayern Munich

Match: Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid

German winger Serge Gnabry played a huge role in Bayern Munich’s Champions League success last season and the 25-year-old will undoubtedly have a big say in the reigning champions�?title defence. He scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists for Bayern in 2019-20.

Nine of those goals for Gnabry came in the Champions League �?a competition that seems to bring the best out of him. Gnabry scored four goals in a group match against Tottenham Hotspur and braces against Chelsea and Lyon in the knockout stages of last season. He’s started this campaign with three goals from six matches and makes for a smart acquisition for all fantasy enthusiasts.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Christof Stache

It has been quite a remarkable season of Premier League football. Liverpool have blown away everyone in their path to establish a near-unassailable lead at the top. Sheffield United have been the surprise package, pushing for a European spot finish on their first season back in the Premier League.

The top-six places are far from being decided yet with a host of clubs in contention, while the same goes for the relegation battle as well.

There have been a number of stellar individual performances along the way, with stars setting the stage alight week after week until the campaign was suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Read | Premier League team of the season �?Excluding top six clubs

With the pause button being pressed, let’s take a look back at the campaign and see who makes it to our Team of the Season so far;

Dean Henderson (Sheffield United) 

While Liverpool’s Alisson Becker has had another standout campaign and Burnley’s Nick Pope has also impressed heavily, it is Dean Henderson that gets the nod in our Team of the Season, owing to his sheer brilliance that has helped Sheffield United mount a surprise European qualification push.

The on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper has kept ten clean sheets so far, helping the Blades to the second-best defensive record in the league. In what has been a fairytale season for him, Henderson has displayed great shot-stopping ability and positional awareness and is deserving of this spot.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) 

One of the easiest selections in this side, Trent Alexander-Arnold has continued to redefine the role of a right-back with masterful attacking displays, acting as Liverpool’s chief attacking outlet from the wing. The England international has the second-highest number of assists this season (12) and is second in the list for most chances created this term as well (75).

Read | Five contenders for PFA Young Player of the Year award

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Last season’s PFA Player of the Year, Virgil van Dijk may not have been able to reach the heights of the 2018-19 campaign, but continues to set the standards for centre-backs in the Premier League. 

A leader on the field, the Netherlands international has marshalled his backline excellently, acting as the cornerstone on which Liverpool’s campaign has been built upon. He has also chipped in with vital goals at the other end, making him an obvious pick in the Team of the Season so far.

Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City) 

Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has shone again, while Sheffield United’s centre-back trio of Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack O’Connell has also stood out. But it is Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City who gets picked owing to the sheer impact that he has made for the Foxes this season.

Losing Harry Maguire in the summer was going to be quite a blow for Leicester, but Soyuncu has fitted in so seamlessly that Brendan Rodgers�?side have hardly felt the England international’s absence. The Turkish international has been an ever-present figure in the Foxes�?backline, helping them to the third place in the League table as well as the third-best defensive record in the competition.

Read | Five centre-backs Manchester City should target in summer

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) 

Ben Chilwell was a contender for this spot given how well he has performed for Leicester, while Everton’s Lucas Digne was also considered. However, it is Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson who gets the nod owing to his impact on both ends of the field. 

One of the most solid full-backs defensively, the Scotsman has been a huge threat going forward as well and has contributed with a goal and seven assists for Liverpool’s title-winning cause. Robertson is an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp’s side and it is not hard to see why.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Last season’s joint Golden Boot winner has been at it once again, spearheading Liverpool’s title challenge from the front. Salah has had ups and downs over the course of the campaign, but has still made a huge difference for Klopp’s brigade.

The Egyptian forward has bagged a total of 16 goals from 26 appearances this term �?joint third-best in the league, while also setting up six more for his teammates. With nine matches still left to be played, it wouldn’t be surprising if he went on to bag the Golden Boot once again.

Read | Five players who could move to the Premier League this summer

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) 

The best midfielder in the Premier League without a doubt. Manchester City may have stuttered in the defence of their Premier League title but Kevin De Bruyne has not missed a step over the course of the campaign, delivering the goods for Pep Guardiola’s side week in week out. 

The Belgian international tops the charts for most assists (16) and is set to beat Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single campaign (20). He is also the leading chance-creator in the Premier League this term with 96 �?21 more than the next closest competitor.

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) 

If the season resumes and Liverpool go on to win the title, a lot of the credit has to be given to captain Jordan Henderson. The midfielder has been a pivotal member of the team, performing in any role that has been asked of him and doing so consistently.

Henderson has scored three goals and set up five more himself, but his influence goes far beyond that. Hence, it was not surprising to see Liverpool go through a bad patch when their skipper was out injured last month. An obvious pick and a top contender for the PFA Player of the Year award for 2019-20.

Read | Rating Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s signings at Manchester United

Sadio Mane (Liverpool) 

Goals, assists, work-rate off the ball, speed, creativity �?the Senegalese international is a complete package. And more often than not, Mane has been the difference-maker for Liverpool this season with his pace and dynamism in the final third of the pitch.

The 27-year-old has netted 14 goals so far this season in 26 Premier League games, while also setting up nine more. Mane has scored six winning goals in the league this term �?with only teammate Mo Salah scoring more (7).

Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) 

His form may have dwindled since the turn of the year, but there is no denying the impact that Jamie Vardy has had on Leicester City’s season. The former England international has been the chief driving force behind the Foxes�?excellent campaign as they sit third in the league table.

Despite scoring just twice since January, Vardy leads the goalscoring charts for the season with 19 goals. The 33-year-old also has four assists to his name.

Read | Five contenders for PFA Player of the Year award

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Where would Arsenal be without their talismanic striker? Time and again, Aubameyang has come to the Gunners�?rescue when they found themselves in difficult positions, proving his worth to the side. Named the club captain midway through the season, the Gabonese international has scored 17 goals so far, with only Vardy outscoring him this season.

There may have been questions over his future at Arsenal, but there is no questioning his attitude and commitment and the way he has led the team from the front.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was quite vocal in his post-match interview about Adama Traore following his side’s 2-1 win over Wolves. After all, the former Barcelona prodigy kept Andrew Robertson on his toes for almost the entirety of game.

Traore, regardless of a few errors in his own half, terrorized the Liverpool defence with his pace and that culminated in him registering an assist. The Reds needed more than Robertson to keep Spaniard in check and despite of that, the 23-year-old managed to display his A game.

“Then Traore gets the ball�?then it’s pretty much, most of the time, unplayable. We were there with two players, three players �?but you close outside, he goes inside. Close inside, he goes outside. At the end, it’s a cross,�?said the Liverpool manager.

8 - Wolves duo Adama Traoré and Raúl Jiménez have combined for eight Premier League goals this season, more than any other partnership in the competition. Telepathy. #WOLLIV pic.twitter.com/sfm8B92v69

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2020

Speaking of crosses, Traore, who completed six dribbles on the night, delivered as many as 10 crosses (four of which found the target) and registered two shots on goal. Remember we are talking about a Liverpool defence who conceded their first goal in 725 minutes in the Premier League.

Traore has now been a part of 14 goals (five goals, nine assists) in all competitions this season. Physically or tactically, Traore was somehow managed to get into dangerous positions, which pushed Robertson back into his own area more often than not.

Some fans were convinced that he was actually auditioning for Jurgen Klopp, but others decided to poke fun at Robertson instead.

Andy Robertson every time he turns around and sees Adama Traore running at him:#WOLLIV pic.twitter.com/vbtaCdRENo

�?Josh Marley (@Josh12Marley) January 23, 2020

Adama Traoré vs Andy Robertson | Wolves v Liverpool Highlights | Andy Robertson career over? ⚡️ | pic.twitter.com/jAkOr4aOXV

�?Joey (@StatmanJoey) January 23, 2020

Andy Robertson | Key Moments vs Adama Traore | 2020 HD | The Ginger Hutton #LFC #WWFC pic.twitter.com/EDBTjV3Ucz

�?ً (@ln1982) January 23, 2020

I wonder if Adama Traore remembered to take Robertson out of his pocket before he left the stadium. Terrifying player that man

�?Brandon Hogan (@I_Am_Hogan) January 24, 2020

Andy Robertson never wants to see Adama Traore again.

�?Gary Hollywood (@GazHollywood1) January 23, 2020

Adama Traore is a lot of fun to watch. Andy Robertson must feel like he's marking three of him.

�?Gerry Johnston (@gjsportsblog) January 23, 2020

Andy Robertson came as Alberto Moreno tonight. Adama Traore roasted him #WOLLIV

�?Mogaji Èkó (@mogajicares) January 23, 2020

Adama traore and Jimenez bullying Andrew Robertson like #LIVWOL pic.twitter.com/Doy972DCG8

�?Gong (@Edo_bwoy) January 23, 2020

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oli Scarff

Another intriguing week of football awaits fans as the Carabao cup returns in England, while the Spanish La Liga sees double headers lined up in what can be termed as a jam-packed week.

The former competition has as many as 11 Premier League sides in the round of 16. That followed by the 11th game-week of Premier League football over the weekend will further send the fantasy managers of Nostragamus users in a vicious circle.

In La Liga, the teams played their game-week 10 over the bygone weekend, and their resolution will be put to test in two days�?time as the action resumes from Tuesday onwards, stretching it until Thursday.

Come the weekend, the players will be on field once again for the third time in nine days.

That said, here are five safest bets you can picks to have a rather relaxed week.

LIONEL MESSI

Club: Barcelona

Match: Barcelona vs Valladolid

Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi has been at his usual best after missing the early part of the season, having scored or marked an assist in each of his last five games in all competitions. As the Spanish champions set about defending their title, a visit by Valladolid gives Messi a great opportunity of elevating his tally of two goals and two assists in the league.

Days after that, Barcelona make a trip to Ciutat de Valencia to face a struggling Levante side, again a fixture where Messi can mark his authority in style.

RAHEEM STERLING

Club: Manchester City

Match: Manchester City vs Southampton

AFP / Paul Ellis

Manchester City begin their Carabao Cup defence when they face a labored Southampton side on Tuesday (Wednesday, 1:15 am IST) in the round of 16 stage of the competition. The Saints, who suffered the biggest defeat in Premier League history against Leicester City on Saturday, not only lack confidence, but will also be on the backfoot for the majority of the game.

That said, a certain Raheem Sterling will look to add more goals to an already illustrious tally. If not in the Carabao Cup tie, his team face the same opponents at home on Saturday in the Premier League. Expect him to make a telling impact like he has done several times in the past.

JAMES MADDISON

Club: Leicester City

Match: Burton Albion vs Leicester City

Maddison, who scored the eighth goal in Leicester’s 9-0 triumph over Southampton last Saturday, has turned out to be an absolute revelation under Brendan Rodgers, scoring three goals and recording two assists in nine Premier League fixtures.

And as Leicester make an away trip to Burton for their league cup tie, expect Maddison to play a key role if the Foxes are to get anything positive from the game. The Carabao Cup game will soon be followed by another away game to Crystal Palace on Sunday, and judging by Leicester’s recent run of form, it could well and truly be an easy rout.

ANDREW ROBERTSON

Club: Liverpool

Match: Liverpool vs Arsenal

Table toppers Liverpool welcome Arsenal at home in the Carabao Cup, and this is certainly not going to be a battle of youth. And Robertson, who started the new campaign exactly where he had left last season, will be key to Liverpool’s approach.

Three days on and the Reds will pay a visit to Aston Villa in the Premier League; again a fixture where Robertson will look to assert his authority. Goals, assists, clean sheets, you name it and the Scot will give you bonuses.

ROMELU LUKAKU

Club: Inter Milan

Match: Inter Milan vs Brescia

New signing Romelu Lukaku has taken to Serie A like a duck takes to water. Having scored six goals in just eight appearances this season, the Belgian has found his groove under Antonio Conte, and will look to add more when Inter meet struggling Brescia on Tuesday (Wednesday, 1:30 am IST). The game will be followed by another away trip to face Bologna, who have won just one of their last five games.

Inter missed out on an opportunity of going on top of the Serie A table last weekend, but Conte will hope to make it up by going with a strong team in both the fixtures. And if that is the case, Lukaku is someone who should be in your team without doubt.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Josep Lago