Fantasy Football: Manchester duo backed to thrive this weekend

After one gameweek, it's usual panic stations for most and their fantasy football teams. There will likely have been a huge increase in players transfering Watford's Roberto Pereyra into their sides after his two-goal salvo last weekend, despite the fact the midfielder's previous best goal return in a single-league campaign is only five. It's unlikely he will add to last weekend's efforts seriously over the course of the season but that's just how fantasy football works. Fans are extremely reactive.

Instead of considering the likes of Pereyra, the WhoScored Expert has four tips that should come to the forefront of your thinking when selecting your teams for the upcoming round of Premier League fixtures.

BERNARDO SILVA (MANCHESTER CITY vs HUDDERSFIELD)

Bernardo Silva played a prominent role for Manchester City during pre-season and even opened his account for the season in their first league match, securing all three points for the champions in a 2-0 win over Arsenal last weekend.

The Portugal international was signed as David Silva's long-term replacement 12 months ago and now looks set for a campaign in the middle after predominantly being used out wide last season.

Silva showed signs of promise against Arsenal, even if he was wayward in possession, but he will now become even more important for Pep Guardiola's side in the wake of Kevin De Bruyne's injury.

De Bruyne is set for a two-month spell on the sidelines after suffering a freak knee injury in training and that will only increase Silva's game-time.

With that in mind, coupled with how free-scoring City are under Guardiola, Silva should be a guarenteed name in your fantasy football XIs. He is also a cheaper option and will free up funds to strengthen elsewhere if needed.

ASHLEY YOUNG (BRIGHTON vs MANCHESTER UNITED)

Luke Shaw deserves to retain his place at left-back when Mancheste United travel to Brighton on Sunday after scoring his first ever senior goal in a 2-1 win over Leicester last time out, but that doesn't mean Ashley Young will not feature this weekend.

Young was an unused subtitute against the Foxes after being given an extended break following his exploits at the 2018 World Cup with England but will surely be considered by Jose Mourinho this weekend.

Matteo Darmian looked poor on the opposite flanks, deputising for an injured Antonio Valencia, and should be replaced at right-back with Young at the American Express Community Stadium.

Only Watford (24) have conceded more Premier League goals from set-pieces than Brighton (23) since the start of last season and Young's ability from deadball positions could prove key to United on Sunday.

Young demonstrated his effectiveness from set-pieces during the 2018 World Cup and is arguably United's current deadball specialist.

JOE HART (BURNLEY vs WATFORD)

It's fair to say that Joe Hart's start to life at Burnley is going better than his time at West Ham and Torino. The England international was signed by Sean Dyche's side to ease their injury crisis in goal and he has barely put a foot wrong so far.

With Nick Pope and Tom Heaton sidelined, Hart has the opportunity to restart his career at Turf Moor and force his way back in the reckoning for England after his 2018 World Cup snub.

Pope will not be fit enough to feature during the September internationals, and with Jack Butland now plying his trade in the Championship, Hart has a good chance to compete with Jordan Pickford for England's No.1 shirt next month.

Hart has kept clean sheets in all three of his Burnley appearances and the Clarets should be confident of continuing their defensive record at home to Watford this weekend. 

The Hornets have failed to score in their last three matches away to Burnley, strengthening the case to include Hart in your fantasy football teams.

JAMES MADDISON (LEICESTER vs WOLVES)

Leicester lost their first match of the season 2-1 away to Manchester United but there was plenty to be positive about for Claude Puel's side, not least James Maddison's debut performance.

The England Under-21 international was signed from Norwich in a deal worth in excess of £20m to compensate for the departure of Riyad Mahrez and the early indications are positive for the Foxes.

Maddison caused United real problems during his 63-minute performance at Old Trafford and will only benefit from Jamie Vardy's return to the side.

With Vardy's tendency to make runs off the shoulder of the last defender, Maddison always have the option of slipping the England international through on goal.

Maddison created the most goalscoring opportunities in the Championship last season (124), while also playing a direct hand in 22 league goals (14 goals, eight assists).