Normal Fantasy Football business to be resumed with Van Persie top scorer

With certain clubs benefiting from double gameweeks in the past month of Premier League action, prices to be top Fantasy Football points scorer on any given week have been slightly skewed as a result.

Eden Hazard was the first to profit with Chelsea playing twice because of their previous involvement in the Club World Cup, while Arsenal’s rearranged Boxing Day clash with West Ham also helped Theo Walcott top the points list.

Leighton Baines claimed the first two-goal haul of his career in Everton’s midweek win at West Brom and as a result secured the most points of gameweek 24.

He could go well again in gameweek 25, with Everton hosting a free-falling Aston Villa side who have real difficulty defending an aerial ball.

This offers Baines numerous assist possibilities, while as ever he will be on penalty and free-kick duty.

Baines is 16/1 to accrue the most points this week, with regular favourite Walcott heading the betting at 12/1.

To be fair, Walcott has racked up 61 points across the last six gameweeks and entertains a Stoke side that have become far more generous since the turn of the year.

But given that he is liable to start wide rather than as a centre forward, he may be best opposed.

Juan Mata has been another heavy points contributor of late with 39 points across four gameweeks, but an away trip to a possibly rejuvenated Newcastle does not suggest another big haul. He is 18/1.

Manchester United are also on their travels at Fulham, but this should not prevent Robin Van Persie enjoying a return to London.

He has picked up 21 points from his away clashes with Chelsea and Tottenham and 14/1 looks a fair price that he scores enough to take top points this week.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date