This article is part of our Starting Eleven series.
MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Bournemouth v. Watford
2:45 p.m: Chelsea v. Southampton
2:45 p.m: Huddersfield v. Burnley
2:45 p.m: West Ham v. Brighton
2:45 p.m: Wolverhampton v. Crystal Palace
3:00 p.m: Newcastle v. Manchester United
FORWARDS
With Eden Hazard on Wednesday's slate, there's no forward who should be more owned against a leaky Southampton back line that has allowed more than two goals per away match. Hazard has at least 17.9 fantasy points in his last seven starts, and if he makes the score sheet there's a chance he could hit 25 or 30 since he's doing everything for Chelsea. No one has been close to his consistency, though a few Man United players are at least in the conversation. Marcus Rashford doesn't have the same floor, but he's averaging two shots on goal in the last three matches and should have opportunities at Newcastle. It also wouldn't be surprising if Romelu Lukaku was back in the starting XI after scoring off the bench against Bournemouth. Still, Rashford's floor is probably better than both Lukaku and Anthony Martial.
Otherwise, it's a slim slate in terms of consistent forwards. Raul Jimenez may have the best floor of remaining choices, and he has six goals and four assists this season. He should at least get a few shots, and that's more than most other players can say, including Wilfried Zaha on the other end of the field. Steve Mounie isn't often in the conversation, but he's been productive when in the lineup, and Burnley allow the most shots in the league. The matchup between Bournemouth and Watford could also produce a few goals, though neither team has shown much in recent matches. That includes Callum Wilson, who has just one shot in three starts since returning from injury, none on target. As a reminder, Bournemouth took apart Watford in the first meeting 4-0. And if you think Chelsea will grab a few goals, Willian can be used alongside Hazard.
MIDFIELDERS
Similar to previous slates, Man United players need to be owned. Paul Pogba has turned into a better version of Hazard in three matches under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with a ridiculous four goals, three assists, 13 shots and eight chances created in that period. And while those numbers won't continue, his floor is still higher than most midfielders. Jesse Lingard doesn't have the same floor, but he still could start up front for an attack that has 12 goals in three matches. The downside to Man United's new look is that Ander Herrera hasn't accrued as many defensive stats, dropping his floor closer to 10 fantasy points.
Elsewhere, the best defensive midfield options will be Luka Milivojevic, Philip Billing and Jorginho. All have shown attacking capabilities, but Milivojevic is probably the best option since he always has the chance for a penalty. Others like Felipe Anderson, Robert Snodgrass and Ryan Fraser may have more upside and are more likely to make the score sheet, but all of them could easily finish with fewer than 10 fantasy points.
DEFENDERS AND GOALKEEPERS
Defense is the lone position that Man United should be avoided, as none of their players have shown much of a floor. Instead, Chelsea defenders David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta have all held floors of at least 10 fantasy points. Throw in a favorable match against Southampton and even Marcos Alonso is in the conversation because he'll be on the attack for a good portion. The same goes for Wolverhampton defenders Willy Boly and Matt Doherty, who are both in the attack as much as Alonso and should get opportunities against Crystal Palace. That could easily be your entire back line.
The other possible choices include Mathias Jorgensen, Bernardo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who have solid floors around 10 points because they do a little bit of everything no matter the matchup.
It's not as straightforward at goalkeeper, especially since David de Gea hasn't done anything during United's scoring onslaught. De Gea is getting wins, but he has allowed a goal in each one. The same situation applies to Kepa Arrizabalaga because Southampton have at least found the back of the net in most matches. Lukasz Fabianski could be the easiest goalkeeper to trust against a Brighton side that has seven goals in 10 away matches. Jonas Lossl has at least 7.5 fantasy points in his last five starts and faces Burnley, while Rui Patricio hosts a Crystal Palace team that hasn't scored in its last two.
