Okay pop pickers, time to put your managers’ caps on, we have an early game on Friday so the League weekend starts here. The big news is Lukaku’s injury for Chelsea so if he’s one of your big hitters you might want to look at other options. Okay, here we go with preview – all dates and times BST (UK)
Friday 22nd October
Arsenal 20:00 Aston Villa
This set of fixtures kicks off on a Friday night and features two mid-table teams, 12th place Arsenal and Aston Villa who lie in 13th. Arsenal played on Monday night and salvaged a 2-2 draw against Palace. Villa managed to go down 3-2 against Wolves last weekend after leading 2-0.
Saturday 23rd October
Chelsea 12:30 Norwich City
Saturday's early game sees top of the table Chelsea taking on bottom of the table Norwich at Stamford Bridge. The big news is that Both Lukaku and Werner are out of this one so expect Havertz to start up top. Not much to say about the Canaries - they play in yellow.
Crystal Palace 15:00 Newcastle United
Four 3pm games this Saturday, the first is Crystal Palace v Newcastle United. Palace played well against Arsenal with Edouard scoring. Wilfred Zaha is a possible doubt for this one. Manager Steve Bruce has left Newcastle. Callum Wilson scored for Newcastle against Spurs but they still lost last weekend.
Everton 15:00 Watford
Next, at Goodison Park, Everton versus Watford. The Toffees are eighth but have a mixed bag of results recently. Calvert Lewin still injured but could Richarlison make the bench? Watford have collected 4 points from a possible 15 and new manager Ranieri didn't get off to a winning start.
Leeds United 15:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leeds against Wolverhampton Wanderers next. Leeds sit just above the relegation zone and are suffering from second season syndrome. They've numerous injuries including Bamford, Phillips and Ayling. Wolves come into this game buoyed by last week's victory over Villa.
Southampton 15:00 Burnley
The final 3pm match sees Southampton taking on Burnley at St Mary's. The Saints got their first win of the season last weekend and started Broja up top as Adams was injured and Armstrong benched. Burnley are in the relegation zone, their only points coming from draws.
Brighton & Hove Albion 17:30 Manchester City
Saturday's late game is Brighton against Manchester City. These two teams are separated by a couple of points so a win for the Seagulls will catapult them above City in the table. Brighton's form has been lots of draws of late. Who knows what line-up Pep will field.
Sunday 24th October
Brentford 14:00 Leicester City
Two early afternoon games this Sunday, first up is Brentford v Leicester. The Bees have done very well for a recently promoted team and may fancy their chances against the Foxes. Vardy has hit a run of form for Leicester and may be the ideal Lukaku replacement for any fantasy managers.
West Ham United 14:00 Tottenham Hotspur
Next is a London derby between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers are up to 7th place after winning against Everton last time out. They also got a good win in midweek. Spurs lost in their European tie on Thursday so will be hoping to bounce back today.
Manchester United 16:30 Liverpool
And finally, the weekend's big match - Manchester United taking on Liverpool at 4:30pm. Man United are currently 6th after a poor run in the League but did that typical United thing in the Champions league going behind but winning - Ronaldo with the winner. Their opponents Liverpool, and Salah in particular, are in very good form in both the League and Champions League.
So an interesting week – stick or twist? With a number of micronational managers only separated by a few points expect some to an froing in the league this weekend! Good luck!
Friday 22nd October
Arsenal 20:00 Aston Villa
This set of fixtures kicks off on a Friday night and features two mid-table teams, 12th place Arsenal and Aston Villa who lie in 13th. Arsenal played on Monday night and salvaged a 2-2 draw against Palace. Villa managed to go down 3-2 against Wolves last weekend after leading 2-0.
Saturday 23rd October
Chelsea 12:30 Norwich City
Saturday's early game sees top of the table Chelsea taking on bottom of the table Norwich at Stamford Bridge. The big news is that Both Lukaku and Werner are out of this one so expect Havertz to start up top. Not much to say about the Canaries - they play in yellow.
Crystal Palace 15:00 Newcastle United
Four 3pm games this Saturday, the first is Crystal Palace v Newcastle United. Palace played well against Arsenal with Edouard scoring. Wilfred Zaha is a possible doubt for this one. Manager Steve Bruce has left Newcastle. Callum Wilson scored for Newcastle against Spurs but they still lost last weekend.
Everton 15:00 Watford
Next, at Goodison Park, Everton versus Watford. The Toffees are eighth but have a mixed bag of results recently. Calvert Lewin still injured but could Richarlison make the bench? Watford have collected 4 points from a possible 15 and new manager Ranieri didn't get off to a winning start.
Leeds United 15:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leeds against Wolverhampton Wanderers next. Leeds sit just above the relegation zone and are suffering from second season syndrome. They've numerous injuries including Bamford, Phillips and Ayling. Wolves come into this game buoyed by last week's victory over Villa.
Southampton 15:00 Burnley
The final 3pm match sees Southampton taking on Burnley at St Mary's. The Saints got their first win of the season last weekend and started Broja up top as Adams was injured and Armstrong benched. Burnley are in the relegation zone, their only points coming from draws.
Brighton & Hove Albion 17:30 Manchester City
Saturday's late game is Brighton against Manchester City. These two teams are separated by a couple of points so a win for the Seagulls will catapult them above City in the table. Brighton's form has been lots of draws of late. Who knows what line-up Pep will field.
Sunday 24th October
Brentford 14:00 Leicester City
Two early afternoon games this Sunday, first up is Brentford v Leicester. The Bees have done very well for a recently promoted team and may fancy their chances against the Foxes. Vardy has hit a run of form for Leicester and may be the ideal Lukaku replacement for any fantasy managers.
West Ham United 14:00 Tottenham Hotspur
Next is a London derby between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers are up to 7th place after winning against Everton last time out. They also got a good win in midweek. Spurs lost in their European tie on Thursday so will be hoping to bounce back today.
Manchester United 16:30 Liverpool
And finally, the weekend's big match - Manchester United taking on Liverpool at 4:30pm. Man United are currently 6th after a poor run in the League but did that typical United thing in the Champions league going behind but winning - Ronaldo with the winner. Their opponents Liverpool, and Salah in particular, are in very good form in both the League and Champions League.
So an interesting week – stick or twist? With a number of micronational managers only separated by a few points expect some to an froing in the league this weekend! Good luck!