Our fantasy football scout previews the big games ahead of game week 18 of the Premier League and suggests two players you should consider to strengthen your team
The festive period is traditionally a make or break time at both ends of the Premier League table, with quickfire fixtures testing the quality and depth of all teams. Good management is the order of the day in the Fantasy Football league, juggling players and switching personnel to maximise points scoring.
Manchester United v Sunderland
Monday, 3:00pm
A string of successive frustrating draws now seem a distant memory for Jose Mourinho's side after a Zlatan-inspired run has seen them take maximum points from the last three games, though not always convincingly. The much-maligned David Moyes may get a mixed reception on his Old Trafford return, and a win is surely too much to ask for a stuttering side in the relegation zone? 
PLAYER TO WATCH
PLAYER TO WATCHZlatan Ibrahimovic, Forward, Manchester United (£8.7m)
A return of 16 goals in all competitions by Christmas is impressive - but nothing less than you’d expect from the giant Swede. He shows no sign of letting up, which will be ominous news for the Wearsiders.
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday, 7:45pm
A couple of Jay Rodriguez goals made Sunday’s south coast win at Bournemouth a comfortable one for the Saints, who will be keen to record a victory against their former manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Seven points from nine have given Claude Puel’s side a good tee up to Christmas, while a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford is Spurs’ only recent blotting of the copy book 
PLAYER TO WATCH
PLAYER TO WATCHDele Alli, Midfield, Tottenham Hotspur (£7.5m)
Alli hasn't yet hit the heights of last season, when he won Young Player of the Year, but the 20-year-old is still a goalscoring threat and should have more in the tank than most to get through what will be a frantic Christmas period.
