With varied success in my last Punts article (two of my picks, Everton’s Kevin Mirallas and Spurs man Nacer Chadli came away with a goal apiece that week), I’ve come back with another, this time focussing on attacking punts for Gameweek 6. The three differentials below are my pick of the attacking punts for this weekend’s fixtures that have strong potential to catapult you up the rankings.
Jason Puncheon
Ownership: 3.4%
Position: Midfielder
Team: Crystal Palace
Price: 5.9m
Fixture: Leicester (home)
Form: One goal and two assists in the last five games
The double-Gameweek hero of Gameweek 34 last season hasn’t got much attention this season so far, despite already scoring a goal and two assists in the first five games. But as part of a new look Crystal Palace side, Puncheon is not to be overlooked, and he is emerging as one of his team’s most potent attacking threats. Crystal Palace have already scored eight goals this season, a very different style of football from the way they played last term and one that is set to suit Puncheon.
Palace entertain Leicester City this week and will be on a high after dispatching Everton at Goodison Park in Gameweek 5. Leicester may have claimed a notable Gameweek 5 scalp as well, after beating Manchester United, but they also shipped three goals in the process. A home fixture against a leaky Leicester side looks the perfect scenario for Puncheon to shine.
Romelu Lukaku
Ownership: 10%
Position: Forward
Team: Everton
Price: 9m
Fixture: Liverpool (away)
Form: Two goals and one assist in the last five games
Everton’s 13/14 season star loanee has had a decent start after a permanent move to the club. Playing up front for the Toffees, Lukaku has already scored two of his side’s nine goals this season. It is worth pointing out that only Chelsea have scored more in the Premier League going into Gameweek 6.
The Merseyside derby is traditionally full of goals and Lukaku looks primed to add to his tally this week against a Liverpool side that have already conceded seven goals and kept just one clean sheet.
Stewart Downing
Ownership: 2.4%
Position: Midfielder
Team: West Ham
Price: 5.3m
Fixture: Manchester United (away)
Form: One goal and two assists in the last five games
Downing has been quietly ticking over in the past couple of weeks and has an incredibly low ownership considering his attacking verve this season. His assist potential is a key weapon, creating an impressive 16 chances for his team mates this season, second only to Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas. Downing is also worth drafting in as, following the trip to Old Trafford, he will take on QPR’s shaky defence.
West Ham are also in terrific form having beaten Liverpool, 3-1 last week and, like Everton, have also scored nine goals so far this season. Downing has been an integral part of this new-look West ham side, and has arguably been their best player this season. Coming off the back of two consecutive assists, Downing will surely be looking to add to his impressive assists tally this season, and also put a few in the back of the net along the way. The former England international has already scored once this season.
On paper, Manchester United present a stern test for Downing, but with their defence in ravaged by injury, a visit to Old Trafford will not frighten West Ham. Injuries to Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans will leave the Red Devils relying on their youth team to keep Downing at bay.
9 years, 5 months ago
Cheers, Arvin. 🙂