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Gameweek 15 – Best Punts

After Glen Johnson’s heroics last weekend my midweek punts failed to live up to his high standards. For the first time ever none of my punts came off. Defender Brede Hangeland didn’t threaten from set pieces and a defensive error from his colleague Damien Delaney saw Christain Benteke ruin any clean sheet returns. Robin van Persie played a passive role in Manchester United’s match, an all too common theme this season. I was most pleased with Leon Osman’s performance as he had a shot cleared off the line and impressed for Everton, however he failed to capitalize on opportunities and didn’t bring home the bacon. Here are Gameweek 15’s best punts with ownership figures correct as of November 4.

Vlad Chiriches

Club: Spurs

Position: Defender

Price: 4.7

Ownership: 0.1%

There was only one option for me this week in defence. Over the past couple of fixtures Vlad Chiriches has really stood out from the crowd. He is an attacking defender who manages to put deadly balls into the box without committing himself forward and consequently being left exposed at the back. This Gameweek’s fixture will be a relief for Spurs. After facing Chelsea and Everton in the last two Pochettino’s men welcome Crystal Palace to White Hart Lane. Despite their matches being tough over the past two games, the Londoners did beat Everton, though were thrashed by Chelsea in the midweek round of fixtures. Tottenham are improving under boss Mauricio Pochettino and new arrivals are finding their feet as they rise up the table. A lacklustre Crystal Palace side, who have failed to score four times this season, should pose little threat to the Tottenham backline.

What makes Chiriches so appealing is his assist potential. These articles must sound a little like a broken record lately with so many defenders being highlighted for this but it really can make the difference between first and second place in your mini-league. In only just over 400 minutes Chiriches has attempted 16 crosses and created three goalscoring chances. He likes to run forward and receives a pass in the final third just over every ten minutes. As previously mentioned, Chiriches avoids getting caught out of position and it is rare for him to attempt to get in behind his full-back. Not only does this make it more likely for Spurs to keep a clean sheet but increases the chance of defensive bonus points. He makes a recovery every 13 minutes and has made 20 interceptions so far this term. This defensive solidity combined with pinpoint crossing makes him a great punt this week.

Sone Aluko

Club: Hull

Position: Midfield          

Price: 4.6

Ownership: `0.1%

I was incredulous when I saw that Aluko was classed as a midfielder on the Fantasy Premier League game. He came on to replace the injured Diame against Everton and scored Hull’s goal on Wednesday night. Diame is set to miss out on this Gameweek’s meeting with West Brom and Aluko should keep his place. He is set to play just in behind Nikica Jelavic, although it is worth bearing in mind that Abel Hernandez has returned to training this week.

Aluko is a monster in the air and wins knock-downs for fun – if he can be in the right place at the right time there will be goalscoring opportunities. West Brom have only kept one clean sheet in their last eight and have lost some of the defensive form they were finding early on in the season. Hull have been struggling for goals but with the return of Jelavic this seems to have been sorted and Aluko will want to make sure of this.

He is also sure of shot, with six out of ten of his efforts finding the target. There is also strong assist potential with his eagerness to cross. A favourable fixture for an in-form striker classed as a midfielder – perfect!

Christian Benteke

Club: Aston Villa

Position: Forward

Price: 7.9

Ownership: 0.5%

Benteke was the obvious choice for this Gameweek’s punt. He is finally back playing again after injuries and suspensions and his importance to the Villa side is huge. When on the pitch he is involved in half of Villa’s goals, although it is worth pointing out that the West Midlands side don’t score many goals. Just like all the other punts this Gameweek, Benteke has found game time hard to come by in recent months, playing a mere 369 minutes this season. However, whilst on the pitch he has wasted no time getting shots off – with 13 attempts this season, he averages out at a chance every 28 minutes. Benteke is not one for assists, though. He is a selfish player that is only interested in scoring goals.  This was clear to see midweek as he charged at Palace’s defence, refusing to square the ball to a team-mate and instead netted himself with a classy finish. While his lack of assists limits his Fantasy prospects to some degree, his eagerness to score more than makes up for it.

Sunday afternoon sees Aston Villa play Leicester at home. Nigel Pearson’s side have been in poor form lately, not winning since the 5-3 thriller against Manchester United in Gameweek 5. Furthermore they haven only kept two clean sheets this season. Captain Wes Morgan is suspended for this weekend’s game and there will be a lack of stability in the back four. Benteke’s ruthlessness in front of goal should prove too much for Leicester.

thepuntmaster Twitter - @thepuntmaster Freelance journo and FPL addict. Everton fan.

34 Comments Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Sooo tempted to get Benteke in for a punt this week. May well do. Think you've a good selection here. Skrtel and Caulker my pick of the other differential defenders this week - exceptional attacking stats combined with good fixture.

    1. Think Tank
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Skrtel and Ramsey this week.

    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Hey!

  2. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Great punts. All should score reasonably, if not very, well. Cheers, TPM.

  3. Mr. Perfectionist
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Chiriches has really stood out but clearly for all the wrong reasons!

  4. Crystal
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke could become a natural replacement for Bony when ACON, kicks in. Could be 1 post the Xmas schedule

    1. Bailly Given a Fuchs
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Is Acon going to Wales? I hate his voice.

      1. Jimbo123
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Eh?

  5. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Chiriches is a great shout. Going to monitor Benteke for now.

  6. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I can already see next weeks top post....A likely poor week for Baines and a goal or two from Costa will see a plague of...

    Baines and Bony > Hutton and Costa (-4) ?

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      ooops..wrong thread.

  7. nolicnosnhoj
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Sakho @ home vs Swansea?

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      If he plays he's proven a good option already

  8. d1sable
    • Has Moderation Rights
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Caulker
    Bolasie
    Anichebe

    You heard it here first!

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I have Bolaise so hope so!

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Are you playing him this week . I am going to rotate him with Austin ?

  9. Graziano
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    The only problem is that he is not nailed on

  10. Just A Hat
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    is VLAD CHIRICHES nailed on for the future?

    1. Graziano
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He is not and that is a problem. Moreover it is likely that he will be sold in January. Spurs would be very happy to sell him to one of the Russian club which offered some good money, comparable with what Spurs paid for him.

  11. Bailly Given a Fuchs
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I reckon Caulker, Benteke and Kane are gonna have good ones this week.

  12. A-VB
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Will monitor Chiriches from now on..

    Was rather surprised to see that he yielded 5 points all season till now.

    However that doesn't do anything.

    I will monitor him and probably will take him in if Wenger starts making Chambers warm the bench and play Debuchy.

  13. setemadi
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    VLAD CHIRICHES- is noted as doubtful to play this weekend...

  14. jordinho23
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Chambers will move central I think and has looked decent can't see Wenger dropping him

  15. FAITHNOMORENO
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Big decision to make with bony being replaced by either austin,kane or benteke.advices much appreciated.

  16. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    It appears Chiriches is a doubt

    Risky punt

  17. VougieDipond
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I play you in the cup tomorrow. Any of these guys going to feature in your lineup?

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I doubt it to be honest... happy with my front and back line just midfield.

      I am tempted to do Barkley > Aluko but there is one other player I have i mind 😉

      1. thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Did sell Barkley but got Fer instead 😉

  18. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Point predcitions:

    Chiriches - 2
    Aluko - 2
    Benteke - 13

  19. Jimbo123
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance of a rare RMT / request for any suggestions??? Got 2 FT!

    Krul, Foster
    Yun, Clyne, Dummett, chambers, Naylor
    Hazard, Samchez, Siggy, Downing, 4.5
    Aguero, Costa, Bony

    Thanks chaps

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Krul to Guzan
      Bony to Austin?

      1. Jimbo123
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Have thought seriously about Guzan.......appreciate the input/reassurance.

        Not had Bony long and thoooose fixtures.....! With the obvious exception of this week 😉

  20. Sticky Mockwell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Chiriches was one of my favourite FPL players last year. He was a bonus point magnet when he played, coming in at a low price. I actually bought him for a hit for GW38, just for fun, and he duly delivered a 9 pointer.

    When I've seen him this season (in the Europa matches), he's looked like an accident waiting to happen though! Nice punt though...