Gameweek 5 – Best Punts

After last week’s manic last-minute changes caused by an injury to Newcastle’s Rolando Aarons, I’m hoping for a calmer deadline this time around with this Gameweek’s selection of punts. Last week was my biggest haul so far. Joel Ward managed six Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points, Riyad Mahrez only a mere one, but my forward, Graziano Pelle, scooped up 13 FPL points, rewarding my faith in him. This week I try for similar returns as I cast my eye of this week’s best punts. Ownership figures correct as of 17th September.

Erik Pieters

Team: Stoke

Position: Defender

Price: 5.0

Ownership: 2%

After an indifferent first season, Stoke full-back Erik Pieters looks to have improved in both confidence and attacking threat this year. It is often the case that new signings take a season to get into the swing of things and this seems to have been the case with Pieters.

QPR have not had a good start to the season. As much as I’m sure we would all like Harry to succeed, whatever he is doing is not working; both at the back, and more importantly in Pieters’ case, up front. The Rs have managed only one goal in their opening four matches, the joint-worst in the league (along with Burnley), as last year’s Championship stars fail to find the net at the top level. Charlie Austin has managed 10 attempts so far, which is not a bad total, but he has only scored once. Pieters has won the majority of his aerial duels, as well as his tackles. This solidity not only makes his side stronger at the back but also increases his chances of getting bonus points. QPR’s drought is a major problem that needs to be solved if they are to stay up, but it won’t get any better in the short term and I see a Stoke clean sheet on the cards.

Offensively, there is also reason to be optimistic, due to both Pieters’ and the QPR defence’s underlying stats. Despite not being a direct goal threat, Pieters is likely to be among the assists each season due to his tendency to hit early crosses and play balls in behind the defence. He is also a good dribbler, completing two of the three he has attempted, and an accurate passer, averaging close to 85% passing accuracy, even in the final third. Against a QPR side that has conceded nine goals this season, Stoke will be confident of increasing their points tally after a solid start, and Pieters will be key if they are to do so.

Stewart Downing

Team: West Ham

Position: Midfield

Price: 5.5

Ownership: 1.9%

I had planned to re-use Aarons this week as he was due to return from injury, though he will now be out until November. However, I promise he will be on one of these articles this season. After many, many years of poking fun at Stewart Downing’s performances during his career, it is finally time for me to eat some humble pie as Downing has managed to hit some form early this season for West Ham. It took me a while to give in to him, but this week I finally have, with West Ham facing a leaky Liverpool this weekend. After a loss to Aston Villa, Brendan Rodgers’ side will come out all guns blazing, which means gaps will be left at the back, as we so often saw last season. With Downing’s new-found form, he will be ready to exploit them.

Downing has become West Ham’s best creative outlet, especially in the final third, where he has had 100 touches this season. Not only is he the creative spark in the midfield, he also likes to have a pop or two at goal. This season has seen him manage 11 attempts, with four on target and one goal. What draws me to Downing the most, just like Pieters, is his assist potential. The wide man attempts a lot of crosses, and with Enner Valencia fit, I reckon a superb partnership could form between the two – If Downing can pick him out accurately, Valencia is perfectly capable of finishing. Furthermore, Downing is on corners for West Ham. The Hammers’ centre-backs aren’t too bad in the air either, and can notch from set pieces. With two of Downing’s corners leading to goals, plus four attempts from set pieces, his dead ball skills are a great outlet for Sam Allardyce’s men.

Nikica Jelavic

Team: Hull

Position: Forward

Price: 6.0

Ownership: 3.1%

Steve Bruce’s bargain signing in January is still scoring, with two goals so far this season. Many of you will wonder why I chose him over the new boy, Abel Hernandez, and the reason is simply because of his Premier League experience. I have no doubts that Hernandez will become a good, if not great, Premier League player, but Jelavic will help him get there. Even if Hernandez does happen to be the one scoring, Jelavic’s greater physical qualities should bring assists.

Hull face a Newcastle side who are in turmoil. Off-pitch affairs have angered supporters and it seems to be having an effect on the team. They sit bottom of the table, after conceding seven goals in their last two games. Hull will not be an easy opposition to face, either. They have what looks to be a very competitive side with a perfect balance in the team. There is plenty for Hull fans to be excited about, especially ahead of a trip to Newcastle.

When Shane Long left in the summer, the goal-scoring for the first few weeks was left to Jelavic, and how he responded. As an Everton fan, it pains me a little to see him playing so well when we are short of forwards. The Croatian has scored with every shot on target this season and has had eight attempts on goal, seven of which were in the box. This highlights the fact that Jelavic is a poacher. He reacts to loose balls and thrives off crosses. He, too, has a good leap on him, which helped him score one of his goals from a set piece earlier this season. Hull look an attacking outfit this season, with bombarding full-backs, wingers with pace to burn and now Abel Hernandez, who is full of flair, to accompany Jelavic.