Premier League action returned last weekend with a few fascinating stories. Veteran Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson became the oldest player in Blues’ history to be involved in three goals in a single league game, in the home rout of Bournemouth.

Manchester City also responded emphatically on the pitch to fight back after being found guilty of serious financial irregularity charges. Fantasy managers have some additional names to contend with, specially given the return of European football. Here are some names to consider in your team.

Defenders

Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham Hotspur, £4.9 million, v Coventry City)

Spurs may have yet to win so far this campaign, keeping just two clean sheets in their first six games. However, the Dutchman has the third most defensive contributions (54) among his price range. The North London club host promoted Coventry and Ipswich in the coming weeks, so the former Brighton man could be a solid pick.

Semi Ajayi (Hull City, £4.2 million, at Fulham)

Hull City showed a different side to themselves in the draw at Chelsea, but Ajayi has struggled since scoring on opening weekend against Manchester United. The Tigers have Fulham and Ipswich coming up, and the Nigerian offers the third best value this season among the promoted defenders.

Chris Richards (Crystal Palace, £4.9 million, at Brighton)

Crystal Palace have kept only one clean sheet this season, but the American has pulled his weight, with 64 defensive contributions, third most overall among defenders. The Eagles take on Coventry and Tottenham in coming weeks. Richards will need to get his attacking returns up to attract the attention of further managers.

Midfielders

Anton Stach (Leeds United, £6 million, v Manchester United)

Leeds have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, and the German star has been critical to their run, with 68 defensive contributions and one goal so far. The Roses derby beckons next, before favourable fixtures make him a strong option until the next international break.

Mohamed Belloumi (Hull City, £5.2 million, at Fulham)

Belloumi has probably been one of the best players in a strong start for the Tigers, with the Algerian opening with five goal involvements in their first six games. He is the second-most popular midfielder in the game, having been transferred in by over 144,000 managers this round. Upcoming games against Fulham and fellow promoted side Ipswich are strong for him to improve his creative streak.

Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United, £6.1 million, v Aston Villa)

Newcastle have enjoyed an inconsistent start under Matthias Jaissle, but the attack has looked cohesive, scoring at least twice in four of their first six games. Barnes has one goal and three assists, and the sixth-most chances created among wingers. The Magpies face Crystal Palace and Fulham, two of the leakiest defences in the division, this period.

Forwards

João Pedro (Chelsea, £7.8 million, at Everton)

João Pedro returned with a bang last round in the home drubbing of Bournemouth, and already has eight goal contributions. The Blues visit Everton and then host bitter rivals Tottenham coming up, and he will be considered for captaincy if fit, given no European distraction.

Sidiki Cherif (Coventry City, £5 million, at Tottenham)

Coventry had their first Premier League win for over 25 years against Newcastle, and the Guinean starred with a goal and assist in his first start. A strong run of fixtures, including Spurs and Fulham, allow the striker to push the Sky Blues to further success.

Igor Thiago (Brentford, £7.8 million, v Liverpool)

Brazilian star Thiago has played under one of the stories of the season so far, but the Bees creators have yet to properly supply him with chances. The Brazilian loves a goal against his next opponent in Liverpool, so he should add to his solitary goal thus far, and further extend that against Hull City and Nottingham Forest.

The verdict

Several key players remain injured across the league, so the approach this week is too difficult to call. European football returned midweek, so Fantasy managers should look at how the teams involved lined up, and what level of rotation was deployed.

There is no Friday kick-off this week, so the deadline to submit your team is Saturday at 7am Bermuda time, before the first match between Everton and Chelsea at 8.30am.