GW23 represents a sort of return to normalcy, at least as far as the weekly schedule is concerned. Draft Fantasy managers should be optimistic that Mo Salah and Romelu Lukaku can return by the 13th, while Gabriel Jesus will definitely miss out and a few top defenders like Laurent Koscielny and Antonio Valencia are doubts.
So without further ado, here are the top picks for GW23.

1. Harry Kane, FWD, Spurs

Kane is such an obvious choice, but there is no reason not to think he won’t be back amongst the goals in two weeks time. The only thing holding him back was a bout of illness, but he was fit enough to come off the bench against Swansea will be more rested and recovered when he faces Everton. Big Sam Allardyce’s new-look Everton have fared better lately, but they didn’t have enough firepower against Manchester United and they don’t figure to have enough against Spurs. Jordan Pickford should expect to be peppered throughout the contest, and the strong midfield play on Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, and Heung Min Son in recent weeks makes Kane a no-brainer. With Mo Salah injured (though could return) and Romelu Lukaku in desperate need of a rest, the choice is that much simpler.

2. Eden Hazard, MID, Chelsea


Hazard, like Kane, will never be a differential or controversial pick for top scorer, so naturally he is listed here. The star Belgian attacker has been the best player on the pitch in several of the last few matches, but while his play has been pleasing to the eye, he has only one assist since GW16, and was rested in GW21 against Stoke. A hungry Hazard will be ready to impress against Leicester, who may be without the leadership of their captain Wes Morgan, and there are some great betting sites you can use to bet on his team. Riyad Mahrez has been producing at the level that Hazard’s chances and quality should, but that could easily change. A depleted Arsenal backline will have to deal with Hazard first, and a strong showing there will only feed his confidence.

3. Kevin De Bruyne


De Bruyne may only be injured after he is dead and buried. He wasn’t even expected to play against Watford, but still managed two assists and all three bonus points. With Gabriel Jesus out for a few months, Sergio Aguero gets a sizable bump, but De Bruyne has been the player of the season no matter what else has happened. His MVP level of performance means he will get rest later on as Pep Guardiola looks at trophies outside the EPL, but De Bruyne will not be expected to miss the clash against Liverpool. Both teams can score, neither like each other, and it figures to be an enthralling game. Against a lesser team, De Bruyne might be the top choice in TIR and bonus leagues, but even here where both teams will have a fair amount of possession, De Bruyne is worth a very top spot.

4. Paul Pogba

Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil might have been listed here instead as Bournemouth is an enticing opponent, but Pogba, unlike the Arsenal stars, is not rumoured to be unhappy or wanting away. Despite Manchester United’s slight dip in momentum, especially the period when he got a 3 match ban, Pogba is still doing the business as evidenced by his two assists against Everton, and commanding midfield display. Like De Bruyne, Pogba excels in TIR leagues because he does so many things well. All this to say that he is an automatic starter on a top-four team, has a very high individual ceiling, and faces a Stoke squad that are really struggling for confidence and form. All spells a field-day for Pogba.

5. Marko Arnautovic

Arnautovic is the one name on this list that doesn’t normally belong with the others. He lacks the same name recognition as the others, and is owned in less than half of all leagues. But Draft Fantasy managers should not ignore a player who has average 8 points a game over the last six matches, only failing to return once. Arnautovic is leading the West Ham renaissance under David Moyes, and the Hammers will need a result against Huddersfield after they may not get anything from Spurs on Friday. Huddersfield drew there last three before losing 0-3 to Leicester, and West Ham will look to hit them on counter in the same ways. If Moyes can follow the same game plan, Arnautovic will have a chance at more returns, a clean sheet, and bonus points.