The last international break of the year is over and that can only mean one thing: Uninterrupted Premier League action for the next few months!

And while Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers finally have something to look forward to on the weekend, the volatile nature of the English top-light makes it nigh-impossible to make accurate predictions.

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Don’t miss: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Picking a combined XI for the North London Derby

To ease your selection dilemma, The Statesman  has your back with an comprehensive article on who’s worth splurging on this gameweeek.

The indicators are:

Teams in BOLD are top 4 contenders.

Prices (in £ million) marked in Green indicates a rise in Base Price.
Prices (in £ million) marked in Red indicates fall in Base Price.

Goalkeepers

Julian Speroni

Team: Crystal Palace
Fixtures: Everton (H), Stoke (H), Brighton (A), West Brom (A) and Bournemouth (H)
Price: 4.0
Score: 8
Ownership: 3.3%

Why yes: Speroni has dislodged Wayne Hennessey from the starting spot in goal for Roy Hodgson’s side, who have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. The Eagles have a favourable run of fixtures ahead and Speroni is an excellent back-up choice at the least.

Why no: Their defence is one of the worst in the English top-flight and while Speroni is good value, don’t expect too many clean sheets.

Defenders

Chris Smalling

Team: Manchester United
Fixtures: Newcastle (H), Brighton (H), Watford (A), Arsenal (A) and Man City (H)
Price: 5.3
Score: 23
Ownership: 1.5%

Why yes: Since United have switched to a three-man defence, Smalling has started to play regularly and the 27-year-old is one of the cheapest options in the Red Devils backline. Jose Mourinho’s men have the best defence in the league and with two home fixtures back-to-back, expect them to maintain that record. Could prove to be a massive differential.

Why no: While it’s true Phil Jones is a doubt for Newcastle, Smalling’s injury record doesn’t make for easy viewing. Eric Bailly (£6.1m) may be more expensive, but the Ivorian and custodian David de Gea are more likely to garner bonus points. Having several United defenders (and/or their goalkeeper) is an appealing proposition but would be an expensive strategy. Games after Brighton get progressively tougher.

James Tarkowski

Team: Burnley
Fixtures: Swansea (H), Arsenal (H), Bournemouth (A), Leicester (A) and Watford (H)
Price: 4.5
Score: 38
Ownership: 0.6%

Why yes: Burnley continue to punch above their weight and having a player from their defence is essential if you want to do well in FPL this season. Away from home, they are a force to be reckoned with and the Clarets are currently level on points with Liverpool and Arsenal. Tarkwowski is a safe beat as Sean Dyche’s side have decent fixtures lined up.

Why no: Their form at home hasn’t been as good as their away one and Swansea shouldn’t be taken too lightly. Avoid him if you have a Burnley defender or Nick Pope in your FPL team already. Considering he’s a centre-back, don’t expect too many goals/assists.

Midfielders

Philippe Coutinho

Team: Liverpool
Fixtures: Southampton (H), Chelsea (H), Stoke (A), Brighton (A) and Everton (H)
Price: 8.8
Score: 30
Ownership: 4.5%

Why yes: Those who don’t want to get on the Mohamed Salah bandwagon should look at Liverpool’s brilliant No.10. After missing the previous two games due to an injury, Coutinho is fit again and against the goal-shy Saints, should pick up a double-digits points haul. On the whole, the Reds have suitable fixtures on the horizon. With Mane injured, Coutinho and Salah (who is considerably more expensive) are the only options from Liverpool’s midfield and the Brazilian would save you some money.

Why no: Why wouldn’t you go for Salah is the question, for the Egyptian may be pricier, but is certainly in devastating form. Rumours of a move to Barcelona refuse to go away and Coutinho’s form may dip as January nears.

Wilfried Zaha

Team: Crystal Palace
Fixtures: Everton (H), Stoke (H), Brighton (A), West Brom (A) and Bournemouth (H)
Price: 6.8
Score: 21
Ownership: 4.5%

Why yes: This week’s wildcard pick, Zaha has been getting into his groove and the winger is worth a dekho, especially if you consider the fixtures Palace have. Barring West Brom, neither of the sides have an impressive defence. Everton may have won their last game in thrilling fashion, but the jury is still out on whether the Toffees can still salvage their season.

Why no: Palace are the bottom-ranked team in the Premier League and in this range, there would are plenty of ‘safer’ alternatives.

Forwards

Harry Kane

Team: Tottenham Hotspur
Fixtures: Arsenal (A), West Brom (H), Leicester (A), Watford (A), Stoke (H)
Price:12.8
Score: 65
Ownership: 38.7%

Why yes: Kane withdrew from national team duty, much to the delight of FPL managers, and will look to continue his hot streak against Arsenal on Saturday. The Lilywhites frontman loves a North London Derby and his (and Spurs) away record is impressive. Fixtures after Arsenal look routine, on paper at least.

Why no: The most expensive player in FPL by a considerable margin (£1.0 m) and while Kane may have scored plenty of goals for Spurs against Arsenal, the Gunners have traditionally come out on top at home. Spurs midfielders Christian Eriksen (£9.7m) and Dele Alli (£9.3 m) are worthwhile options as well.

Romelu Lukaku

Team: Manchester United
Fixtures: Newcastle (H), Brighton (H), Watford (A), Arsenal (A) and Man City (H)
Price: 11.5
Score: 64
Ownership: 47.7%

Why yes: After becoming Belgium’s all-time top goalscorer, Lukaku has obviously rediscovered his scoring touch and United are bound to get out of their funk sooner rather than later. Expect the burly Belgian to shoot up the FPL charts after the Newcastle and Brighton ties (both at home).

Why no: Despite a spree of FPL managers selling him, Lukaku’s differential is still marginal. The Red Devils’ goals have dried up recently and it remains to be seen whether they can go back to their free-scoring days. Winger Anthony Martial (£8.0m) has been in excellent form of late and is a solid pick.

PS: The Gameweek deadline is 11.30 am GMT/5 pm IST.