Fantasy Premier League 2013: Projecting Optimal Lineup for Week 9

Arsenal's storm to the top of the Premier League table has also led to them producing fantasy stalwarts. With the Gunners playing a Crystal Palace side that has lost seven of eight matches, don't look for that trend to change this week. 

Of course, it's not like Gunners stars in the vein of Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud are going to come cheap, and a good fantasy team has to be balanced out with a few value players as well. 

I'll fit all the pieces together as best as possible in the below optimal Premier League fantasy lineup for Week 9. 

Player values and points according to fantasy.premierleague.com.

Goalkeeper: Artur Boruc, 4.7

Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc is a clean sheet waiting to happen. He has five of them already this season, and he has 23 saves as well. 

This week, he'll take on a Fulham team with nine goals in its eight Premier League matches. As you'll also see with the selection of my defenders, I expect another strong showing from Boruc and the Southampton defense. 

Defenders: John Terry, 6.4; Dejan Lovren, 5.4; Jose Fonte, 5.1; Jan Vertonghen, 7.1

I'm riding the Southampton defense to what is an excellent value for consistent production. Spending just 10.5 on Lovren and Fonte allows me the path to a productive, yet relatively cheap defense.

John Terry can pop for big points. In Matchday 6, he posted 11 points. He is facing Manchester City this week, but the Citizens have not been all that impressive on the road.

Jan Vertonghen is more of a splurge, but with Tottenham taking on a Hull City team that has scored just seven goals, he is worth it.

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey, 7.0; Robbie Brady, 5.2; Mesut Ozil, 10.7; Eden Hazard, 9.0

Here is where I shift from a Southampton focus to an Arsenal focus. Mesut Ozil is pricey, but he is worth it, and I like him for the captain's spot this week.

Facing a Crystal Palace team that has allowed 17 goals this campaign, Ozil is looking at picking up a couple of assists and a goal himself. His teammate, Aaron Ramsey, will benefit from playing a weak opponent and is a nice value. 

Speaking of values, Robbie Brady has been a solid one all season. He has picked up 13 points in his last three matches. 

I round it out with Eden Hazard, whose stock is soaring as Chelsea's attack is beginning to flourish. He's picked up a combined 26 points in his last two matches. 

Forwards: Olivier Giroud, 9.5; Loic Remy, 7.8

On to the forwards and another Arsenal standout. Olivier Giroud should come away with at least one goal in this match.

Loic Remy is a nice play this week. He's been a solid performer this year and has 23 points in his last three matches. He is also facing the almost-nonexistent Sunderland defense this week. 

Bench: Asmir Begovic, 5.5; Winston Reid, 5.0; Steve Sidwell, 5.0; Yoan Gouffran, 6.3

Asmir Begovic has been a solid value this season and is coming off an nine-point performance. He is facing Manchester United this week, but that is not as frightening as it once was.

West Ham's Winston Reid can pop for big performances like he did with a 15-point outing against Tottenham in Matchday 7. Fulham's Steve Sidwell has a tough outing against Southampton, but he is a nice value and scored a goal his last time on the pitch.

Then I figured I might as well include Remy's teammate, Yoan Gouffran, as he takes on Sunderland, which makes him a steal at 6.3.