This article is part of our The Armband series.
Gameweek 15 went as expected for the most part and to add to the fun, seven different sides scored at least three goals in seven Saturday matches. While Sunday didn't live up to that production, at least the beloved Diego Costa scored again and Sadio Mane assisted twice. Alexis Sanchez didn't score, but he didn't blank as he got an assist on the final goal. It may or may not have been an accident.
Wilfried Zaha may have had the most impressive weekend (goal and two assists) if it wasn't for Jamie Vardy and Leicester taking down Man City. It wasn't a lucky hat-trick for Vardy, either. While he's struggled this season, Vardy seemingly went back to his 24-goal form from the title-winning campaign. With a favorable upcoming slate, he'll likely be targeted by many.
As for the rest, Romelu Lukaku scored a brace when no one thought he would. So, nothing new. Robert Snodgrass was a bad penalty call away from two yellow cards, but he tallied a goal and an assist to back up my faith in him. The same can be said for Gylfi Sigurdsson, who no one seems to believe in but me. Still owned on fewer than 10 percent of teams at the official Fantasy Premier League game, Sigurdsson has scored or assisted in eight of the last 11 matches and has three goals and four assists in the last six. The best side that Swansea play in their next five matches is West Brom this Wednesday.
Gameweek 16 is a short week, but players aren't often rested in this stretch. Rest usually comes at the end of the year, starting with Boxing Day. Then again, who am I to predict what some of these managers will do?
Arsenal have one of the more interesting situations as they go from the Emirates to Goodison Park in a matter of three days. Everton are not playing well, allowing three goals to Watford, but back at home, the Toffees have allowed just three goals in their last four. Alexis will be considered by plenty, but he's not my favorite captain choice this week. On the other side of the pitch, Lukaku will probably get a hat-trick and we'll be left to scratch our heads. Of course, I'm not backing him against the Gunners.
My armband goes to Harry Kane, who is home against Hull. While Kane didn't do anything at Old Trafford over the weekend, he has scored four goals in his last two matches at White Hart Lane. That's all we need to know. It doesn't hurt that Hull just allowed three to Crystal Palace and have allowed a league-high 32 goals this season. Contrarian picks like Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli are in the mix as well.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have another favorable matchup on the surface. Costa came through again against West Brom last weekend and that could be the case again for the Spaniard. Sunderland sit at the opposite end of the table, but have won their last two at home. I'd be wary of captaining Eden Hazard in this one.
Sadio Mane falls into that Hazard category as well, despite going against Middlesbrough. Boro are seemingly always in a defensive match at home and have allowed just seven there all season. As for Liverpool, they've had some mixed results away from Anfield. Mane has become trustworthy, but this matchup could disappoint.
Man City are in a great spot, home against Watford, but is there anyone to trust? Kevin De Bruyne is at the top of the list, though he hasn't been at the same level as the first six matches of the season. Kelechi Iheanacho can be risked or even David Silva.
For players that are actually in form, the aforementioned Vardy travels to Bournemouth, who have allowed eight goals in their last three matches. Sure, they just beat Liverpool at home, but their back line is struggling.
At less-heralded clubs, West Brom and West Ham are both in good positions. The Baggies host Swansea, who won over the weekend, but are still brutal on the road. The Hammers are less trustworthy coming off two huge losses, but Burnley have scored one goal and allowed 15 on the road. Matt Phillips has been on a nice run, while Salomon Rondon is hoping to find the back of the net again after going cold in the last three. No one is considering Chris Brunt, but my favorite fantasy star from five years ago is still listed as a defender despite playing in an advance midfield role. If he can get a clean sheet and also find the score sheet, you're in business.
As for the Hammers, Dimitri Payet has scored or assisted in his last three with Michail Antonio also in the conversation.
