Fantasy Premier League 2013 Week 4: Key Midfielders to Include This Round

September’s international break is one of the cruelest additions to the football calendar.

No sooner have domestic leagues launched into a new season then the club scene takes a back seat for another week, as players depart to play for their countries.

As well as being deprived of club football, fans have to wait patiently to continue their fantasy leagues, with the transfer window’s final offerings sure to alter several squads.

In preparation for the Premier League’s return, again, here’s a look at some key midfielders to select in this week's XI.

Antonio Valencia £6.4 million

David Moyes’ promising start at Old Trafford has stuttered, somewhat, with a 1-0 reverse at Liverpool. With only Marouane Fellaini added on transfer-deadline day, his side will be looking to take out their frustrations on newly promoted Crystal Palace.

Antonio Valencia should prove central to this potential mauling, and isn’t overly expensive for such a creative midfielder. Only Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney registered more assists for United last season and he’s likely to produce a plethora of chances as his side feast on Palace.

With van Persie likely to be on the end of his crosses, expect Valencia to serve up an assist-filled afternoon and bring in some useful points for fantasy teams.

Robbie Brady £4.6 million

Selecting players from newly promoted clubs is risky but can also be highly rewarding, as they are often available cheap without such widespread recognition.

One player sure to increase in value once he establishes himself is Robbie Brady, and the fact Hull face Cardiff at home means the midfielder can be included at great value.

Brady has been one of his side’s leading performers during their opening three games, scoring against Norwich, and will look to expose Cardiff’s full-backs—arguably the weakest spot in their team. Hull should score against their fellow promoted rivals and he's likely to be involved in that process.

Andros Townsend £4.6 million

Andros Townsend has been Tottenham’s best performer in recent weeks, producing impressive displays in both Europe and the Premier League. How he's still available for £4.6 million is a mystery and he should be snapped up now before that price begins to soar.

His direct running and explosive dribbling make him a hard man to suppress. Despite fierce competition for places, manager Andre Villas-Boas would be extremely harsh to drop him now.

Look for him to continue his fine form as Tottenham entertain Norwich in a match that should provide plenty of goals for the hosts—many as a result of Townsend’s influence.

All values courtesy of fantasyfootball.skysports.com