This article is part of our Mondogoal Fantasy Soccer series.
Gameweek 8 of the Premier League season is here after the second international break, and Saturday's six-game main slate features several intriguing matchups. Squad rotation should be considered, as it is almost always a factor following a period in which most national teams played two matches. However, some players will look to build on the momentum they generated during the break, while the additional time off has allowed some of the injured to heal ahead of a return to the pitch.
GOALKEEPER
Petr Cech, v. (£8.2M): Cech has kept clean sheets in consecutive appearances and has averaged 7.6 fantasy points per game in league play this season. The Gunners have not conceded a goal in 371 minutes overall and will enter Saturday's match versus Swansea on a five-match winning streak, making them heavy favorites to win and provide strong clean sheet odds.
Artur Boruc, v. (£4.9M): Boruc has kept a clean sheet in each of his last two home matches, scoring 19.6 fantasy points in that time. With a basement-level price and a fixture with a Hull side that has managed just five goals in the last six matches, Boruc should be among the favorites at the goalkeeper position to return value.
DEFENDER
Shkrodan Mustafi, v. (£9.3M): Mustafi has been outstanding through four Premier League matches, totaling 12 tackles, 13 interceptions and lending a hand in two clean sheets en route to an average of 8.3 points per game. Arsenal have not allowed a goal in 371 minutes and will host low-scoring Swansea on Saturday, providing Mustafi with the opportunity to continue his strong run of form.
Pablo Zabaleta, v. (£8.0M): Zabaleta will be thrust into a starting spot after it was revealed that Bacary Sagna will miss at least three weeks with a hamstring injury. The fullback has only started three of his five league appearances this season, but he is still aggressively averaging 3.6 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 5.8 fantasy points per game in limited action. The Citizens have been dominant for most of the season and should have the upper hand in what could be a competitive match versus Everton, presenting Zabaleta with the opportunity to flourish in his expanded role.
Scott Dann, v. (£6.8M): Dann missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury, but he is ready to return after the additional rest provided by the international break. Dann has scored in each of his last two home matches, and as one of the more prolific scorers among Premier League defenders, he could make an impact from set-pieces versus a West Ham side who have allowed a league-worst 17 goals already.
MIDFIELDER
Robert Snodgrass, at (£10.3M): Snodgrass ranks sixth among midfielders on this slate with an impressive average of 9.57 fantasy points per game, despite facing the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester United this season. He has landed seven shots on target and has been a threat from set pieces as well, putting him in a prime position to perform versus a Bournemouth side that have allowed 10 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.
Nacer Chadli, v. (£7.6M): Chadli has exploded back to life since transitioning into the Baggies' side and has three goals, two assists and five shots on target en route to an average of 15.51 points per game over the last three starts. Tottenham present a difficult matchup on paper, but Chadli's exceptional form, his affordable price and the added motivation of facing his former club should see him come through with another fine effort.
James McArthur, v. (£4.4M): McArthur has become a regular in the lineup and has two goals and an assist in his last three league appearances, while adding another for Scotland during the international break. With one of the cheapest prices on the board, an average of 10.57 fantasy points per game since Sep. 18, and a matchup versus West Ham's league-worst defensive unit on tap, McArthur is one of the most intriguing value plays available for Saturday's main slate.
FORWARD
Christian Benteke, v. (£7.5M): Benteke netted a hat-trick for the Belgian national team Monday, giving him six goals in his last five starts for club and country. Benteke's fine form could result in a productive afternoon on Saturday as Palace play host to a West Ham side that currently rank last in goals allowed and have been breached nine times in just three away matches.
Wilfried Bony, v. (£5.3M): Bony has gotten off to a slow start with the Potters and has seen his price drop after going scoreless through four league matches. Saturday's opponent, Sunderland, rank 17th in defense and have yet to earn a win in league play, providing Bony with the opportunity to end his drought at a discounted rate.
Theo Walcott, v. (£9.8M): Walcott did not score in Gameweek 7 versus Burnley, but he still has four goals in his last four games and has averaged 14.3 fantasy points per game in that span. He played 62 minutes for England on Tuesday, but with manager Arsene Wenger keen to keep together a side that has gone undefeated in eight matches, Walcott should be given the opportunity to continue what has been the most productive start of his career.