One of the fastest growing fantasy games is the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) - a season-long version of fantasy soccer for the English Premier League (EPL). With almost six million players this year, the FPL game is becoming a fixture for soccer enthusiasts across the globe.

Here at RotoBaller, we will try to give you the best analysis possible so that you can beat your friends and take on the rest of the world by managing your team in the fantasy version of the beautiful game.

Here is the team analysis and lineup picks for fantasy drafts heading into Gameweek 25. At the end of the day, remember to make the decision you feel is best for the team. Good luck, and enjoy!

 

The Ones To Buy This Week - Fantasy Premier League

James Tarkowski - D, Burnley (Price: 4.7M)

The towering Burnley defender has been a critical part of the team's success this season, contributing to nine clean sheets this season. With Burnley continuing their successful defensive form, look for Tarkowski to be one of the players who contributes the most to clean sheets and solid performances from the back. With a price that could stabilize after a rise in the coming weeks at around 4.9M (projected), it would be good to buy Tarkowski now while he remains around the mid 4M threshold. Tarkowski is a key part of the Burnley defense, and he could be a key part of your team too.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - M, Arsenal (Price: 7.6M)

After being removed from Manchester United's starting lineup due to differences with head coach Jose Mourinho, Mkhitaryan was sent to Arsenal in a direct swap with Manchester United for former Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez. The talented Armenian winger is now one the highest paid players at his new team and will hope to find his old form with some success in his first few games alongside forward Alexandre Lacazette and midfielder Mesut Özil (as well as potential teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang). Mkhitaryan has shown that he can compete alongside the best in the past, and with a value of 7.6M plateauing after peaking at 8.5M after the first few weeks of the season, it might not be a bad idea to invest now. You can get him at a mid-range price for a potentially elite option.

 

Keep Your Eye On Him

Richarlison - M, Watford (6.3M)

The young Brazilian took the Premier League by storm, scoring five goals in his first twelve appearances for his team. However, reports that the winger has become jaded due to interests from top Premier League teams have left his recent performances in doubt. Although the winger has three assists in his last seven appearances, he has yet to find the goal in recent weeks. Therefore, it seems as if the time for Richarlison to find some form should be soon, as he still features consistently for his side. Keep your eye on the young talent, as he may find his previous form in the coming future.

 

Offload Him Now

Marko Arnautovic - M, West Ham  (7.1M)

The West Ham winger has been in electrifying form for the last few weeks, scoring six goals and four assists in his last eight weeks. However, Arnautovic sustained a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him until the middle of February. With a value of 7.1M and some tough fixtures for his team as well as congestion in the front third of the pitch for his team, it might not be the worst time to sell Arnautovic for a better replacement down the stretch.

Potential Replacements: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (7.6M), Xerdan Shaqiri (6M)

 

RotoBaller Weekly XI

Team (Prices Over 100M):

GK: Nick Pope (4.7M)
DF: Nicolas Otamendi (6.5M), Phil Jones (5.7M), Cesar Azpilicueta (7.0M)
MF: Mohamed Salah (10.3M), Raheem Sterling (8.9M), Eden Hazard (10.6), Christian Eriksen (9.2M), Juan Mata (6.8M)
FW: Roberto Firmino (9.2M), Jordan Ayew (5.2M)

Analysis:

By conserving money across the front line and adding strength across the middle of the field, RotoBaller's Weekly XI combines value, depth, and breakout ability across all three levels of the team. Take advantage of Nick Pope's value while you can, as he may lose his starting job to returning goalkeeper and team captain Tom Heaton. If there is one player to set-and-forget in this lineup, it is Mohamed Salah. Despite the price, you can't argue with his form this season. Finally, a player that many may consider too expensive but is playing in better form has been Eden Hazard - he could break out in the second half of this season.

 

That's all for this week - good luck!