The Overthinking Preview: GW20 (New Year) Edition

In which we try to pick the interesting elements from an entire slate of games in one post.

Hello again. This is the third Preview in 7 days, as we hurtle towards New Year. Games every few days mean we get little time to really think about what’s going on and even less waiver periods to tinker with our teams. So, for one last time this Festive Period, let’s get to Previewing!

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Luton Town - Chelsea

Key Storylines: Chelsea showed some signs of Christopher Nkunku inspired life against Crystal Palace in attack. Is it real? And with Luton having now gone four consecutive games of looking threatening in attack and competent at the back, are they finding their feet in the division?

Streamer Potential: Chelsea are going to be forced into changes once again. We’ve promoted Malo Gusto a few times in these Preview articles. This is the absolute last chance to get him. He was a clear Man of the Match for Chelsea against Palace and will be gone from the few Waiver Wires he was still on as soon as they process. The other wildcard on the Chelsea side is Noni Madueke. We’re not sure that he’s going to be rewarded for his cameo with a start, given Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling likely return. But it’s not impossible, especially with Mykhailo Mudryk picking up a minor knock. If he does start, he tends to score fairly well because of his dribble-based floor. For Luton this isn’t one to chase the defenders but with Chelsea facing more midfield availability challenges if you wanted to bet on the revenge game narrative, Ross Barkley is returning to the club where he probably feels some unfinished business.

Top 3 Projected Expected Points (expected starters): Cole Palmer (13.79), Alfie Doughty (11.03), Conor Gallagher (10.84)

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Aston Villa - Burnley

Key Storylines: Can Villa pick themselves back up after some indifferent form with a trademark home win? And for Burnley, is Wilson Odobert in the midst of a Fantrax breakout?

Streamer Potential: We hinted above that Winston Odobert is quietly putting up consistently good points scores. Since his goal against Brighton on December 9, he’s put up 9, 23.5 and 10 points in his next three starts. And, more importantly, he’s starting to look a goal threat for a Burnley who really need one. He’s one of very few Burnley names we’d consider away at Villa, who are notoriously good at home. He should face Alex Moreno on the Villa side, who is a good full-back but more so for his attacking ability. For Villa, we would expect them to move back towards their strongest looking eleven for the next game, though Pau Torres is possible to still miss out. That means fewer streamers, but more points likelihood for those that do play. And if you expect Villa to dominate, as they often do at home, it brings defenders like Ezri Konsa or Clement Lenglet into play as options.

Top 3 Projected Expected Points (expected starters): Alex Moreno (13.52), Ollie Watkins (12.7), Moussa Diaby (11.99)

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Crystal Palace - Brentford

Key Storylines: There will be some involved at Crystal Palace a little confused how they didn’t leave Stamford Bridge with a point, having played pretty well. With only a small window to rest and a number of players just back from injury, can they pick themselves back up here? And can Thomas Frank come up with anything to revitalise a Brentford side in free-fall?

Streamer Potential: Brentford are understandably struggling right now under the weight of their injury crisis. They did see Mathias Jensen back off the bench and getting him healthy is going to be huge but most of their other absentees are longer term. Ben Mee will miss this one again with suspension, which hurts them, even if Nathan Collins can be expected to have better days than he did against Wolves. They also are expected to get Kevin Schade back at some point soon. None of that is soon enough with this game upcoming. And without so many key players, you’d imagine Crystal Palace will be strong favourites here. But Palace are also managing the fitness of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise after various injuries and are still without Odsonne Edouard for this one in all likelihood. We have recommended Jean-Philippe Mateta in one of these Previews before and we’d likely look there again in this matchup. We just don’t feel great about it if Palace decide to rotate either or both of their creative outlets (which may be the sensible long-term decision).

Top 3 Projected Expected Points (expected starters): Eberechi Eze (14.09), Michael Olise (12.8), Ethan Pinnock (11.02)

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Manchester City - Sheffield United