Fantasy Football Tips for Gameweek 13 in the Premier League

It’s hard to look beyond Chelsea’s clash with Tottenham ahead of the weekend, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side look to avenge last season’s heart-breaking 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge that ended their title challenge, but the WhoScored tipster has examined all of the fixtures to provide you with some tips ahead of gameweek 13 in the Premier League.

SALOMON RONDON (WEST BROM)

The fact a Tony Pulis side had scored four goals in a Premier League game for just the third time in his 284 matches stole the headlines from what was a thoroughly impressive performance from West Brom against a Burnley side looks to keep things tight at the back.

Salomon Rondon, who is perhaps one of the most unheralded players in the Premier League, was directly responsible for two of West Brom’s four goals on Monday night, but that should not come as any surprise. In fact, the powerful Venezuela international has played a direct hand in 37.5% of all of West Brom’s goals in 2016.

Next up for the Baggies is a trip to Hull, who have just come off the back of a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Sunderland. West Brom have won two league games in a row for the first time since February and are eying three wins on the spin, having not managed that since recording four in a row back in November 2012. If Pulis’ side are to continue their ascent up the league table, you can bet Rondon will play a major part in it once more.

ROBERTO PEREYRA (WATFORD)

Another player that’s form has slipped slightly under the radar has been Roberto Pereyra of Watford. The Hornets have quietly gone about their business this season and are currently only one point behind Manchester United in eighth.

Watford broke their club-transfer record to land Pereyra from Juventus in the summer, and after being used in several positions already this season, now finds himself on one side of Troy Deeney in a front free. Walter Mazzarri’s latest tactical switch appears a smart one, as it not only gets in all of his talented midfielders, but also dispenses with Odion Ighalo, who has only scored three goals in 28 league appearances in 2016.

Pereyra finished their 2-1 win over Leicester last time out with a goal to his name and as the WhoScored Man of the Match, and he will be looking to carry that form into their league encounter with Stoke on Sunday. Watford haven’t tasted defeat on home soil since August and will be looking to extend that good run against a Stoke side that could be without a number of key midfielders for the game.

Three of the four goals the 25-year-old has directly contributed towards have come at Vicarage Park this season and he could be set for another lead role as Watford continue their quiet but impressive season under Mazzarri.

PEDRO (CHELSEA)

All of the attention in Chelsea’s dramatic resurgence has mainly been focused on the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Victor Moses. However, perhaps lost in Chelsea’s title pursuit has been Pedro’s own resurgence under Antonio Conte.

The former Barcelona winger underwhelmed following his arrival in January last year, but has thrived for the Blues this time around. Perhaps fortunate that his re-introduction to the team came about during a period when Willian was on compassionate leave, but Pedro has taken his opportunity and not let his Brazilian teammate regain his spot.

Interestingly, it’s at home where Pedro has delivered his best form. In fact, no player has directly contributed to more goals in the Premier League at home this season than Pedro (7). The 29-year-old’s WhoScored rating is an impressive 7.52 in the league when playing on home soil, compared to just 6.49 on the road.

It’s for this reason that you should look to invest in the Spaniard, as Chelsea host a weakened Tottenham on Saturday. Not only have Chelsea won their last six league matches at an aggregate scoreline of 17-0, but they have not lost to Spurs at home in the league for 26 years. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be without Toby Alderweireld, Ben Davies and Danny Rose this weekend, which will likely see centre-back by trade Jan Vertonghen play at left-back and only adds to their recent woes.

OLIVIER GIROUD (ARSENAL)

It has taken its time, but Olivier Giroud is finally starting to make an impact for Arsenal this season. The France international has been forced to spend most of the season watching on as Alexis Sanchez has shone in his central position, but Giroud has quickly been making his mark when called upon in the last month.

The 30-year-old has only amassed 109 minutes of action from the bench in the Premier League this season, but he has still managed to weigh in with three goals in that time - no sub in England's top tier has more - and has also scored in both of his Champions League starts, including against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night. Furthermore, Giroud has scored seven league goals from his last eight shots on target, a hugely impressive tally to say the least.

While you’d be right to proceed with some caution given his limited involvement this season, Giroud is certainly forcing his way back into contention with Arsene Wenger and could be set for his first league start on Sunday at home to Bournemouth. The Arsenal manager is reportedly looking to give Sanchez a winter break in some form and this could be the right moment to do so, in order to keep the Chile international fresh for their trip to Manchester City before Christmas.

The Gunners ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in each of their previous two meetings with Bournemouth, who will also be weakened at the weekend without Arsenal loanee Jack Wilshere. Arsenal are known for their November blips under Wenger, but a fresh Giroud could provide them with the necessary shot in the arm to ensure they keep pace with their title rivals.