Fantasy Football Tips for Gameweek 11 in the Premier League

The last round of Premier League fixtures loom before the dreaded international break and it’s important to finish this period on a high note before being able to take stock of your team and make the necessary changes to hit the ground running when club football resumes.

As always, the WhoScored tipster has analysed the fixtures and noted some players that should definitely come into consideration ahead of gameweek 11.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN (MANCHESTER CITY)

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder perhaps illustrated in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Barcelona just why Pep Guardiola was prepared to gamble on his injury record in the summer. Ilkay Gundogan is perhaps unique in the skills set he offers from midfield and he has really hit the ground running for Manchester City this season, exemplified in his performance on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola may be tempted to rest the 26-year-old after such an impressive performance against Barcelona, but with Fernandinho set to miss out through injury, the City boss may not want to take too many chances with wholesale changes.

Gundogan has played a direct hand in five of City’s last seven goals over the last two matches (four goals, one assist) and the midfield ace should be looking to extend his form when they welcome a feeble Middlesbrough side that have lost four of their last seven matches.

JACK WILSHERE (BOURNEMOUTH)

Jack Wilshere’s loan move from Arsenal to Bournemouth raised eyebrows but the England international has finally settled after a slow start for Eddie Howe’s side.

The Cherries have only won one of four Premier League matches without Wilshere in the starting XI this season and his influence behind Callum Wilson has been noticeable, particularly in recent weeks. In fact, the on-loan midfielder arguably should have already weighed in with some goals. No player has been denied by the woodwork more times in the Premier League this season than Wilshere (3) and he will be looking to exert his influence against the worst team in the league this weekend.

Sunderland are the only side in Europe’s big five leagues yet to win a single game this season and the way they collapsed against Arsenal last time out was embarrassing. David Moyes is banned from the touchline for this match and Bournemouth will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday, with Wilshere primed to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season.

JOE ALLEN (STOKE)

The Wales international has been absolutely superb since the end of September and his performances have been key in turning around Stoke’s fortunes this season. Mark Hughes has moved Joe Allen further forward into a No.10 position and the former Liverpool midfielder has thrived with the added responsibility of scoring and creating for the Potters.

In fact, Allen has played a direct hand in six goals (four assists, two goals) in his last five matches. Not only that, but only Yannick Bolasie (7) has created more clear-cut chances in the Premier League than Allen (5) this season. Stoke are unbeaten in that time and are now on the cusp of entering the top half of the table.

To do so, they must overcome a terribly inconsistent West Ham side that come into this match off the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton. The Hammers will also be without Winston Reid, who is suspended, while even more will be demanded of Allen with Marko Arnautovic with Xherdan Shaqiri also out of this fixture. The London Stadium hasn’t proven a place of solace for West Ham and Stoke should be able to inflict further misery on Slaven Bilic’s side, with Allen set to play another lead role.

MATTEO DARMIAN (MANCHESTER UNITED)

The Italy international didn’t appear to have a future at Manchester United following an underwhelming debut campaign at Old Trafford. The arrival of Jose Mourinho over the summer seemed to confirm his future was away from the club, particularly after Antonio Valencia, who is not a right-back, started the season as Mourinho’s first choice.

Matteo Darmian is still expected to return to Serie A at the end of the season but has now been presented with the chance to revive his United career with Valencia a long-term absentee. Transferring him into the side could also prove a wise investment as his price would have dropped dramatically having only made his first league appearance of the season in United’s 0-0 draw with Burnley last time out.

The 26-year-old wasn’t particularly tested defensively against the Clarets but did show on occasion what he can offer in the attacking third. Jose Mourinho was left incensed, and then sent to the stands, after penalty appeals were waved away when Darmian was brought down inside the Burnley box prior to half-time. United travel to Swansea on Sunday and should be confident of shaking off their recent hoodoo against a side that new manager Bob Bradley claimed didn’t have enough belief when they were beaten 3-1 against Stoke on Monday.

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