Fantasy Premier League gameweek 21: Ilkay Gundogan, James Rodriguez, Harvey Barnes and more

How many of our selections are in your squad?

Everton midfielder James Rodriguez (Getty Images)

The gameweeks are coming thick and fast at the moment, with a new one starting just 36 hours after the last finished.

If you’ve not already tripled up on Manchester City players, including at least two defenders, there is still time to take advantage of their kind schedule.

Otherwise, this is a difficult week to call with no stand-out captaincy options and a mixed bag of fixtures.

Ones to watch

Ilkay Gundogan - SHU (H)

Retaining his place in our picks after two goals against West Bromwich Albion, Gundogan’s scoring form is no hot streak but a result of favourable fixtures and a more advanced position.  

James Rodriguez - NEW (H)

An early season favourite, injuries quickly diminished Rodriguez’s appeal. He’s back now, scoring against Leicester last time out too, and it’s a trip to leaky Leeds after Newcastle’s visit to Goodison Park.

Ben Chilwell - BUR (H)

It’s still too early to be certain how Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea will line up, let alone what their strengths and weaknesses will be, but they have a run of favourable defensive fixtures coming up. At the moment, Chilwell looks more certain of starting than Reece James.

Harvey Barnes - LEE (H)

Jamie Vardy would be this week’s stand-out captaincy option if not for his hip injury, leaving us to look for other Leicester players who could capitalise on Leeds’ defence. Barnes is the best bet, with a trip to Fulham waiting next week.

Ollie Watkins - SOU (A)

Jack Grealish’s return to form should not be ignored but as we’re full of mid-priced midfield options, Watkins cannot be forgotten either. The former Brentford striker has two in two, while Southampton’s injury-hit backline struggled against Arsenal.

Captaincy

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (Getty Images)

Ilkay Gundogan - SHU (H)

This might be the toughest captaincy week of the season to date. You cannot help but feel that premium options like Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-Min are being overlooked, though away days at West Ham and Brighton do not scream points.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James are also contenders but then there’s City, with Gundogan, Raheem Sterling and even Joao Cancelo up against Sheffield United. Overall, Gundogan’s form and fixture are hard to ignore but it’s a truly open field.

Clean sheets

Once again, there’s no looking past Manchester City. Like in midweek, it’s the top flight’s best defence against one of its poorest attacks. You don’t get more straightforward clean sheet tips than that.

Elsewhere, Chelsea are a decent shout despite the Tuchel uncertainty and Burnley’s hot scoring streak of late. Fulham have potential at the Hawthorns after shutting out Brighton in midweek.

Best XI

Areola; Dias, Cancelo, Chilwell; Salah, Son, Gundogan, Barnes, Rodriguez; Calvert-Lewin, Watkins.