While Erling Haaland is running away with the competition to be the Fantasy League’s leading scorer, the rule changes this year have helped defenders and goalkeepers enter the equation to be among the biggest earners.

There are six defenders — Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Marc Guéhi, Riccardo Calafiori, Marco Senesi and Dani Muñoz ― among the top ten points scorers, with Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs also occupying that elite company.

Roefs will be tested with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea tomorrow and may be worth a rest.

It’s worth noting that this matchweek begins this afternoon at 4pm Bermuda time, so make sure you are on the ball with any transfers and team changes by 2.30pm.

Today

Leeds United v West Ham United (4pm)

A quick turnaround for West Ham after they were humbled 2-0 at home by Brentford on Monday. Jarrod Bowen remains their best player in terms of points, but defender Malick Diouf — the next player the club may sell to one of the league’s top teams — should be parachuted back into the team.

Leeds are without a win in their past three games after losing 2-0 away to Burnley last week. They have also failed to win any of their past three home games. Midfielder Sean Longstaff has worked his way to be among their top fantasy scorers.

Prediction: 1-0

Tomorrow

Chelsea v Sunderland (11am)

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca seemingly prioritised this match over the Champions League in midweek after bringing in a host of young players, as his side beat Ajax 5-1. Defender Malo Gusto is suspended after being sent off against Forest last week.

Despite winning away to Forest during Ange Postecoglou’s ill-fated month in charge, Sunderland have mostly struggled on the road. Aside from Roefs, defenders Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele have scored 45 and 44 points respectively, but it will take a brave manager to include them this week.

Prediction: 2-0

Newcastle United v Fulham (11am)

Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade is worthy of bringing into your squad, scoring 32 points in just five appearances despite only the teams in the relegation positions scoring fewer goals.

Fulham have lost their past three league games and are heading towards the drop zone. There is not much by way of points production from their forwards, and their best defender, Joachim Andersen, is rated a doubt after coming off injured in the game against Arsenal last week.

Prediction: 2-0

Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion (1.30pm)

Manchester United have won back-to-back league games under Ruben Amorim for the first time after beating Liverpool last week. Bryan Mbeumo has joined Bruno Fernandes as their top points scorer with 36.

Brighton are unbeaten in their past four league games, which has included wins over Chelsea and Newcastle and a draw against Tottenham. One of their star players, Kaoru Mitoma, is expected to be fit.

Prediction: 1-1

Brentford v Liverpool (4pm)

After four straight defeats in all competition, Liverpool got the wheels back on track by beating Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League. Cody Gakpo, with 40 points, and Hugo Ekitike, with 34 points, are worth monitoring.

Brentford played superbly, albeit against a poor West Ham side, to win 2-0 at the London Stadium on Monday and have lost only to Manchester City at home in the league this season. Forward Igor Thiago has accumulated 23 points in his past three matches.

Prediction: 1-2

Sunday

Arsenal v Crystal Palace (11am)

Arsenal’s form is looking ominous and they have won their past five matches in all competitions, conceding just one goal. Your team is likely to be struggling if you do not have at least one of their defenders in your team, while Martin Odegaard is injured.

Crystal Palace may soon find the European games affecting their league form. They were in action at home to Larnaca in the Conference League yesterday and have seven players scoring 35 points or more.

Prediction: 2-0

Aston Villa v Manchester City (11am)

Two of the league’s in-form teams take each other on, but just how Aston Villa stop Erling Haaland remains to be soon. The Norwegian has failed to score in only one of his eight league games and is the one player in the game this season that everyone must have.

Villa played in the Netherlands last night against Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League; in any other week, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez might be considered for drafting into your team.

Prediction: 1-2

Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest (11am)

Sean Dyche is likely to return Nottingham Forest to a more pragmatic style in his first league match in charge. Forest faced a tough game at home to Porto in the Europa League yesterday.

Bournemouth have not lost in the league since the opening day of the season against Liverpool. Forward Evanilson is rated as 50-50 for this game.

Prediction: 1-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley (11am)

A huge game at the bottom of the table, with Wolves still looking for their first league win of the season. If you think you might break their duck, midfielder Andre Neto could be the player to focus on.

Burnley ended a six-game losing run by beating Leeds last week. Jaiden Anthony and Josh Cullen continue to be their standout players.

Prediction: 1-1

Everton v Tottenham Hotspur (1.30pm)

Jack Grealish will return to the side after being unavailable against his parent club, Manchester City, last week. But even Grealish can be overshadowed by Iliman Ndiaye, who is one of the most skilful players in the league.

Tottenham are still inconsistent and Cristian Romero is struggling with injury. Mohamed Kudus and João Palinha continue to impress.

Prediction: 1-1