This article is part of our The Armband series.
With another international break in the books, it's back to league action for Gameweek 12.
Before we go any further, let's look back at the last weekend of Premier League play, which happened to be pretty fun. For starters, there was only one clean sheet, with that coming from Chelsea against Everton. In addition, four sides managed at least three goals, with Chelsea and Liverpool combining for 11. And it wasn't just one player dominating, as the goals were mostly spread out across each team.
Sure, Eden Hazard and Pedro led the way for the Blues, but six different players scored or assisted for the Reds. Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the score sheet, which I unfortunately did not project. However, he picked up another yellow card and is suspended this weekend against Arsenal.
At the least, my top three captain choices all scored or assisted, Charlie Austin included, despite the loss for Southampton. Sam Vokes also came through for Burnley with a goal and assist, one of my favorite contrarian plays. Manchester City only scored once, but Sergio Aguero was at the end of that, while Harry Kane returned to the lineup and tallied for Spurs.
Personally, the best part of the week was Robert Snodgrass returning from injury to score and assist, while sitting on my bench.
Getting to this weekend, there are some injury concerns in addition to Ibra's suspension. Diego Costa and Hazard are in danger of missing the favorable trip to Middlesbrough. That would definitely dampen some fantasy owners' prospects, though things are looking good for Hazard in mid-week.
Wayne Rooney is also on that list, and before you say anything about his relevance, he did have two assists in United's win at Swansea. Man Utd-Arsenal is obviously the match of the week, but with Ibra out and the Red Devils solid defensively at home, it may be another scoreless result for the Gunners (their only goal vs. Tottenham was own goal).
Southampton hosting league-leading Liverpool presents a fun match, but the Saints have fallen in their last two league games. Either way, this should be an up-and-down game as Liverpool's defense often fails them away from home. Austin could be another sneaky play, while many will be keen to back any of the Liverpool midfielders with Philipe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino at the top of that list.
Struggling Manchester City hope to get back on track against struggling Crystal Palace. Aguero will likely be the top captain choice yet again, considering Palace have allowed 10 goals in their last three matches. Kevin De Bruyne is obviously in the conversation as well.
As for all the non-Aguero backers, Romelu Lukaku will be captained by plenty, with Everton hosting Swansea. Lukaku has been scoring consistently and the Swans have been consistent at allowing them, having given up at least three in three of their last four matches.
Kane may once again warrant captaincy as Spurs host West Ham. While he just returned from injury, the striker has scored in his last three league starts. That's reason enough to give him the go against the Hammers.
For the contrarian lovers, West Brom host Burnley. The problem is that Salomon Rondon and Nacer Chadli are nursing injuries, making Matt Phillips an extremely deep play.
Hull are coming off a win, but they have still allowed the most goals in the league and Jermain Defoe has scored in his last two matches. While the Black Cats sit at the bottom of the table, Defoe continues to find the back of the net.
Watford and Stoke City are in the same boat, hosting two clubs that have given up goals in bunches on the road, Leicester and Bournemouth, respectively. I suggested Watford a few weeks ago and they let me down, but let's hope Troy Deeney and Etienne Capoue can get back on the score sheet after a month-long run of nothing.
I'd rather consider Joe Allen for Stoke, who's on nearly 20 percent of fantasy teams these days. In his last three home matches, Allen has three goals and two assists. That's good enough for me against struggling Leicester.
