PlayON Player Picks – Gameweek 1

Having rolled out our Strategy Guide for the weekly Fantasy game over at www.playon.co.uk, yesterday, we now turn our attentions to the player list as we hunt for bargains ahead of the opening weekend.

Gameweek 1 Player Picks

While many Fantasy games have a double Gameweek 1 for Chelsea and Villa, PlayON have limited the Gameweek to just 10 fixtures – excluding Tuesday’s showdown at the Bridge. This affords us a more even playing field as we assess the potential on offer and, as we’ve discovered, PlayON have handed us some budget gems to consider ahead of tomorrow’s big kick-off. Here’s out pick of the bunch:

Goalkeeper – Ben Foster
The cheapest keeper on offer in this week’s game, Foster will set you back a mere 6.0 ahead of a home game against Southampton. While they tightened up at the back as the previous season unfolded, Mauricio Pochettino’s side scored just three times over their final five road trips – prompting plenty optimism for a Baggies clean sheet at the Hawthorns tomorrow afternoon. Alternatively, United’s David De Gea takes up just 6.8 of your budget and may appeal to those who reckon the champions will nullify the threat of Michu and Wilfried Bony at the Liberty tomorrow evening.

Defender – John Terry
Chelsea’s skipper prepares to welcome Hull to the Bridge in Jose Mourinho’s first match back in charge. While the likes of Branislav Ivanovic will set you back 10.4, Terry has been very kindly priced at just 7.4 by comparison and looks set to get the nod at the heart of defence against the Tigers on Sunday. Those looking for similarly priced alternatives may turn to United’s Phil Jones (7.5) – set to step in for the suspended Rafael at right-back, his foraging runs down the flank could come to fruition at the Liberty, while Norwich’s Michael Turner comes in at just 7.0 ahead of the home clash against Everton.

Midfielder – Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool captain is another one who looks like an intriguing option as Brendan Rodgers’ side get set to welcome Stoke to Anfield tomorrow lunchtime. Gerrard comes in at just 7.7 in this week’s pricing list – putting that into perspective, Philippe Coutinho is 10.4 while Norwich’s Robert Snodgrass is 11.7 – and with spot-kicks, set-piece and corners boosting his attacking appeal, Gerrard should also benefit from a scoring metric which rewards defensive work, with tackles and interceptions also key to our selections. Those looking for a budget punt may have an eye on 6.7 priced Jack Wilshere; with Mikel Arteta ruled out, he looks good to start against Villa, either alongside Aaron Ramsey in central midfield or in “the hole” behind Olivier Giroud.

Forward – Olivier Giroud
With just two places available for our frontlines, gambles are always ill-advised. The Frenchman still splits opinion across the Fantasy fraternity but he welcomes Villa to the Emirates tomorrow on the back of an eight-goal haul across the pre-season friendlies – more than any other player in the top-flight. At just 8.3, he looks a strong choice against a side that conceded in each of their last 22 Gameweeks in 2012/13.

How To Play

Once your starting XI is built (you can change your team as many times as you like up to two hours before the first kick-off) you can compete for cash. Entering a multiplayer game for a set stake, you’ll have a chance of wining your share of the pot should you finish high enough in the rankings.

Similarly, you can challenge another player to a one-on-one game, selecting the amount at stake. The likes of Robbie Fowler, Gareth Southgate and Opta Joe are all playing the game and are there to be challenged.

The Fantasy Football Scout Game – £500 Guaranteed Pot

Our £2 multiplayer game, dedicated to our community, is now open and PlayON are offering a guaranteed £500 pot for Gameweek 1 – the pot has already grown above this and currently sits at £636 and rising. Register an account and throw your hat in the ring for a share of the spoils.

Challenge Your Mates

You can also set up your own multiplayer games with your mates. While we have some Fantasy Football Scout games to enter, there’s an incentive to set up your own this week.

If you set up a £2 game and get 10 players and £20 in the pot, then PlayON will add an extra £5 in prize money to your game.

Create your own game at www.playon.co.uk.

Finally, a reminder that we published a strategy guide, offering some tips for getting the most from your PlayON lineup, right here.

PlayON is a form of gambling so you have to be aged over 18 and over to play and, if you do wager some cash, please remember to gamble responsibly.