Fantasy Premier League 2013: Projecting Optimal Lineup for Week 8

Following a two-week break, the Premier League is back, with 10 intriguing matchups for fantasy managers to examine in Week 8.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez will look to keep his goal-scoring surge going against Newcastle on Saturday in one of a handful of showdowns that fantasy managers will be watching closely. The Magpies have conceded a dozen goals through seven matches and are sure to be under siege from Suarez and company from the opening kickoff.

But considering he comes with a hefty price tag, fantasy managers may want to consider some other favorable options to make up for the cost in Week 8.

*Player values and scoring statistics according to ESPN.

Goalkeeper: Artur Boruc, 6.4

Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc has been flying under the radar this season despite conceding just two goals through seven matches. 

While the 33-year-old will be up against one of the league's more dangerous squads in Manchester United this weekend, keep in mind that he has 19 saves to this point. Plus, the Red Devils haven't been nearly as prolific as predicted through the first two months of the season, scoring just 10 goals total thus far.

Defenders: Dejan Lovren, 6.9; Jose Fonte, 6.9; Guy Demel, 6.2; Liam Ridgewell, 5.0

Opting to save money on some explosive forwards, I have my eye on a handful of defensive bargains this week. As mentioned, Southampton has been one of the top defensive squads in the Premier League this season, and teammates Dejan Lovren and Jose Fonte are big reasons for that. 

Meanwhile, West Ham's Guy Demel brings consistency to this group. He's scored at least seven points in four of the five matches he's appeared in this season.

West Brom's Liam Ridgewell is another relatively cheap defender with the potential to explode. 

Midfielders: Morgan Amalfitano, 7.5; Yaya Toure, 7.3; Aaron Ramsey, 7.0; Michu, 5.1

West Brom star Morgan Amalfitano has been on fire over the past few weeks and will be up against a decent but far-from-great Stoke City club in Week 8. Manchester City's Yaya Toure and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey are two other dangerous midfield talents who have delivered on a consistent basis this season.

Of the two, Ramsey is the bigger boom-or-bust player without question. He exploded in matchups with Sunderland and Swansea City earlier this year but was a dud against West Brom two weeks ago.

Finally, Swansea's Michu is a solid play this week. Despite back-to-back lackluster outings, look for him to rebound against the Premier League's worst club in Sunderland. 

Forwards: Luis Suarez, 9.0; Sergio Aguero, 5.3

Liverpool superstar Luis Suarez has been sensational since returning to the Reds against Sunderland late last month. The Uruguayan has three goals in two matches and boasts an impressive nine-point average coming into Week 8.

Meanwhile, Manchester City's Sergio Aguero is just a few weeks removed from a brilliant outing against rival Manchester United, in which he scored twice for the Citizens. He has four goals overall this season and can add to that count on Saturday against West Ham.

Bench: Robbie Brady, 6.8; Allan McGregor, 5.7; Ben Davies, 5.6; Peter Odemwingie, 3.7

Hull City midfielder Robbie Brady offers excellent value for fantasy managers with a price tag around £5.8 million. Despite not playing against Aston Villa in Week 7, he's averaging 6.8 points per week and is trending up heading into Saturday's tilt with Everton. 

Allan McGregor and Ben Davies are two quality options if you're looking for consistency, while Cardiff City's Peter Odemwingie has been coming on strong over the past month. 

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