A core of this week’s consists of sides that are in the top 4 of the Premier League with league leaders Liverpool and 2022/23 champions Manchester City having home matches.

Liverpool have mainly home matches coming up, albeit against top half sides, with Jurgen Klopp’s side playing 3 of their next 4 Premier League matches at home and have strong numbers from an attacking perspective (currently 1st for xG and 2nd for goals scored in the Premier League in 2023/24).

Also, Arsenal have a home match against a Brighton team that continue to concede in every Premier League match.

Mohamed Salah has the armband having gotten a double figure haul to coincide with his 200th goal for Liverpool in gameweek 16 (a goal and a assist against Crystal Palace), Trent picked up bonus points (has returns in 4 of his last 5 league matches) and Darwin still has good underlying numbers (scored a brace against Manchester United at home in 2022/23 and arguably does better against sides higher up in the table).

Manchester United despite only having conceded 7 goals away from home in the Premier League this season, and without suspended Bruno Fernandes, may to be without several defenders in GW17 – this could mean a more defensive minded approach in terms of shape but a lack of first team regulars at the back – which could favour Trent – Salah has an especially impressive goal scoring record against Manchester United.

Kyle Walker has played 90 minutes in every Premier League match this season – the former Tottenham defender faces the league’s second lowest scoring side this season.

Argentinan international Julian Alvarez remains in the top 10 for attacking return this season and may profit from Erling Haaland’s current injury (doubt) and is joined in this XI by fellow World Cup winner Emi Martinez (5.0).

Buyako Saka has 13 attacking returns this season (strong minute) and is hugely owned – and offers a threat in open play (in behind) and offer potential for returns as a set piece taker.

Tottenham duo Pedro Porro (has the most assists of defenders who are available for gameweek 17) and Son (vice captain) were both involved in goals against Newcastle United (3 returns for the South Korean international) – Son carries a threat particularly as a player with 7 goals away from home to his name this season and with assist potential with an xA total (expected assists) of 3.48 this season.

Cole Palmer is a budget option and potential route into Chelsea’s good fixtures after ticking off fixtures (mostly away) against sides such as Newcastle United, Manchester City, Tottenham and away matches at Manchester United and Everton – their next 4 matches at are at home at against sides currently mid table or below including Sheffield United this gameweek.

Dominic Solanke is very much Bournemouth focal point and certainly is the main 9 in a side that has scored 2 goals or more with relative ease in recent gameweeks – the former Liverpool forward faces a team in Luton Town who have conceded goals aplenty away from home this season (18).

Bench options include Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka, Brighton’s Van Hecke, Sheffield United’s James McAtee and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.