Wayne Rooney EvertonGetty Images

Fantasy Premier League: Five players to consider in Week 18

We are approaching the halfway stage of the Fantasy Premier League season, with Gameweek 18 this weekend.

The action starts when Crystal Palace visit Leicester City in the early kick-off on Saturday before wrapping up with Everton's match against Swansea City on Monday night.

In between, Manchester City will face Tottenham in one of the biggest matches of the season so far.

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Goal has five players to consider adding to your fantasy team for the weekend ahead.


ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE


Alexandre Lacazette ArsenalGetty Images

After a disappointing 0-0 draw against West Ham, Arsene Wenger is sure to get Alexandre Lacazette back in his starting lineup as soon as possible provided he has shaken off a groin problem.

The good news is that they face struggling Newcastle United at home next.

That should give Lacazette, who has not quite caught fire yet in England, a chance to get back among the goals.

Some Gunners fans would argue he has been taken out of the team too much to really get going. He has still scored eight times in 17 matches, though, and had two in three games before his knock.

Next match: Newcastle United (H)


ADRIAN


Adrian West HamGetty Images

David Moyes knows failure at West Ham could see him banished from the Premier League for good - and he has made a promising start.

After a narrow defeat against Manchester City, the Hammers beat Chelsea and drew with Arsenal without conceding a goal and will now head back on the road to face an out-of-form Stoke City side.

West Ham could overtake the Potters with a win and goalkeeper Adrian, who has replaced the struggling Joe Hart, deserves credit for their improvement defensively.

As he was only expected to be Hart's backup this season, Adrian is available for a dirt-cheap price at the moment that won't last if he continues to get the nod in goal.

Next match: Stoke City (A)


LUKE SHAW


Luke Shaw Manchester United

Could Shaw be about to salvage his Manchester United career?

The injury-prone left-back got through 83 minutes against Bournemouth in midweek and impressed as United won 1-0, seemingly earning the approval of manager Jose Mourinho.

It is widely expected that Mourinho will take another look at Danny Rose in the January transfer window, but there is a busy Christmas schedule to navigate before then and United have lacked a clear first-choice at left-back all season.

Shaw has the most potential of their existing options and an away match at goal-shy West Brom might be a chance for him to take another step in the right direction.

Next match: West Brom (A)


WAYNE ROONEY


Wayne Rooney EvertonGetty Images

Since swapping Manchester United for Everton, Rooney has gone from something of an over-the-hill fantasy option to an under-the-radar one.

His price is down below the most popular forward options but he has nine goals in 15 league games this season and should only get better now Sam Allardyce has steadied the ship.

The early signs are very good: Rooney has five goals and an assist in his past four games.

He won't be able to keep that up, of course, but Allardyce has a track record of getting the best out of players of proven quality in the later years of their careers.

Next match: Swansea City (H)


BERNARDO SILVA


Bernardo Silva Manchester City

Silva is one to keep an eye on and pounce before he really breaks out into top form.

The former Monaco man was very good against Swansea City in midweek, getting the chance to start centrally with Kevin De Bruyne pushed out to the right flank.

He will get more chances to play over the Christmas period as the fixtures pile up and while De Bruyne and David Silva are obviously great players, part of their excellent production this year has been a consequence of Pep Guardiola's free-flowing system.

Any player who is occupying those central roles without the high price tag the top stars command should be on your radar.

Next match: Tottenham (H)

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