Gameweek 21 – Best Punts

My punts selection didn’t get off to a good start in the New Year. All three of my selections failed to bring home the points in a rare poor performance on my behalf. Burnley’s Kieran Trippier seemed a good choice despite an unfavourable fixture away at Newcastle but he failed to keep a shut-out or pick up attacking points. Despite a blank, his low price and favourable upcoming fixtures make him a good candidate for those on a Wildcard. My midfielder of choice was Adam Lallana but the winger failed to deliver after bagging a brace the previous Gameweek. I plumped for Arouna Koné as my striker but the Ivorian didn’t net and Everton continue to plummet down the table. After a weekend off I am confident in my selection of punts for Gameweek 21. Ownership figures are correct as of the January 7. At the end of the article I have also included the best punts from the previous Gameweek by position.

Gareth McAuley

Club: West Brom

Position: Defender

Price: 4.8

Ownership: 0.0%

Tony Pulis’ instalment at the Hawthons will have caught many Fantasy managers’ attention. Pulis, who saved Crystal Palace from the clutches of relegation last season, is renowned for his sides’ never-say-die attitude and defensive solidity. The Baggies were already firm at the back, having kept six clean sheets so far this season, but I think they will improve further now and become very hard to break down. That should start this Gameweek as West Brom welcome Hull to the Hawthons. The Tigers have been poor in front of goal in the last few months, and despite a small resurgence in form, I think they will be kept out by a Baggies side under Pulis’s influence.

I have been a long-time admirer of Gareth McAuley. His aerial threat is brilliant and he has scored seven goals over the last three seasons. McAuley has only been reintroduced into the side lately but looks comfortable in his starting role. Under a new manager there is always the risk that the line-up may be changed – indeed, McAuley may not start, but I think Pulis will put his faith in the towering centre-back. In less than 600 minutes, McAuley has connected with three set pieces, two with his head, which highlights his threat from dead-ball situations. Earlier on in the season I chose Craig Dawson from the Baggies for his aerial threat – and he delivered – but I think Gareth McAuley is an even bigger danger in the air. He has won 72% of his aerial duals as well as 70% of his tackles, which are both very high percentages and that puts him in with a good chance of bonus points. With the “Pulis effect” taking control, a clean sheet could be on the cards, and with potential attacking terms thrown into the equation, Gareth McAuley is the way to go this Gameweek.

Jesús Navas

Club: Manchester City

Position: Midfield

Price: 7.2

Ownership: 1.4%

An old punt choice, Jesús Navas returns to the article after some dazzling performances. In the past month the tricky Spanish winger has found his feet in the Premier League – just when City needed someone special to add the dynamism that Sergio Aguero brought, Navas stepped up to the plate. He already has six assists to his name this season, with two in the last three, and has created an incredible 45 goalscoring chances for his side. He is a livewire on the wing, putting in 45 crosses and attempting 32 dribbles. Navas beats defenders with ease and cuts into the box to pull the ball back to City’s hungry attacking players. The Citizens’ have many deadly foxes in the box – especially Yaya Toure and Frank Lampard – to tuck these chances away. Despite not scoring this season, Navas has had 29 attempts at goal so it isn’t for the want of trying.

This Gameweek, City face an Everton side who, it pains me to say it, have been poor this season. Their defence has been shaky since the start of the campaign but the recent loss of Tim Howard is a major problem. His replacement, Joel Robles, is far from convincing and makes mistake after mistake. If there is one match that Navas will net in it will be in this one due to the uncertain goalkeeper between the sticks. The Spaniard’s potential for assists is also great this weekend. Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman are often caught out of position and Navas’ blistering pace will exploit this on the break. He will have acres of space to run into and will pull the Toffees’ defence apart. A low ownership, in-form City player against a very leaky Everton defence is a great option this Gameweek.

Bafétimbi Gomis

Club: Swansea

Position: Forward

Price: 6.5

Ownership: 0.3%

With Wilfried Bony away at the Africa Cup of Nations, and maybe longer with an impending bid from Man City, attention turns to Bafétimbi Gomis. The big Frenchman impressed for the Swans during the pre-season fixtures but has suffered a loss of form so far in the Premier League. However, it seems that the tide is turning. As he gathers more playing minutes, his confidence is growing, and with that his goalscoring tally is too. Gomis bagged a brace and two assists in the FA Cup thrashing of Tranmere Rovers. There is competition from Nelson Oliveira but Garry Monk assured fans that Gomis would start this weekend stating that, “he will be first choice.” The Frenchman is gathering momentum, and at over six foot tall, he is a handful for any defender. His bulky frame makes him the perfect target man, and not only can he spin and score, but he can hold the ball up for oncoming attackers to pick up assists too. He seems to be the complete lone striker and a more than able replacement for Bony.

This Gameweek, Swansea have a home encounter with West Ham. The Hammers played their FA Cup tie on Tuesday night so their defenders may have a little fatigue hanging over them, which will certainly not help when dealing with the bustling Gomis. Sam Allardyce’s side have been great going forward but not so solid at the back; despite their rather lofty league position West Ham have only kept four clean sheets, only one in their last seven. Swansea have only failed to score three times this season – only once at home. An attacking Swansea side should find breaking through a tired West Ham back four no problem and Gomis will spearhead the Swans’ attacks this Gameweek.

Last Gameweek’s Best Punts

DEF – Jores Okore, 9 pts, 4.3, 0.2%

MID – Jack Colback, 13 pts, 4.8, 1.4%

FWD – All players with above 6 pts had over 2.5% ownership.