Best Punts – Gameweek 28

It may have only been one of my selections but it is a step in the right direction. Kyle Naughton’s Swansea side kept Burnley at bay in a 1-0 win and Naughton picked up six points. Swansea were the only away side to keep a clean sheet last Gameweek so those who risked investing were rewarded. Elsewhere, Diafra Sakho let me, as well as the Scout Picks, down as the Hammers were thumped 3-1 at home by an impressive Palace side. Enner Valecnia scored West Ham’s only goal and Stewart Downing grabbed the assist so Sakho only picked up two points.

My midfielder, Kevin Mirallas, was influential in the first half of Everton’s away clash with Arsenal but as soon as the first goal went in his impact died out. He was then substituted by Martinez in the 61st minute so it was again a mere two points for the Belgian. On an improving trend, I keep the articles coming with a Double Gameweek to contemplate this week. All ownership figures are correct as of March 1st.

Jan Vertonghen

Position: Defender

Club: Tottenham

Price: 5.9

Ownership: 2.5%

It is a double Gameweek for Spurs and their favourable fixtures have led to many fantasy managers investing in their defence. The ownerhips have risen but Vertonghen is the lowest owned player who is ‘nailed on’. Although he has failed to hit the heights of his first season in England, in which he managed five goals and three assists, Vertonghen has been solid at the back so far this term.

He has picked up bonus points in three matches this season which is proof that when Spurs do keep a clean sheet the Belgian is the one commanding the defence. He has won 50 aerial duals with an average of 69% and he has also won a similar percentage of tackles. Opposition forwards struggle to get past him thanks to his consistency; the Belgian hasn’t made any defensive errors according to the members’ area stats. Despite only scoring once so far this season Vertonghen is getting into all the right places. He has attacked 11 set pieces and won seven which highlights the fact that he is still a threat from dead ball situations.

This Gameweek Tottenham face Swansea at home and Queens Park Rangers away. I can see clean sheets up for grabs in both of these fixtures for Spurs. Swansea have been consistent this year but since the departure of Bony look a little toothless up front. Their goals in the past few Gameweeks have come from midfielders as Bafétimbi Gomis fails to make his mark on the Premier League. Although the Swans midfield do have firepower I think that Mauricio Pochettino’s side have enough defensive stability to snuff out any potential threat. Their second fixture, away at QPR, also makes a clean sheet seem likely as Rangers have only scored one goal at home in their last four fixtures. Chris Ramsey has revitalized his side but again, Spurs should have enough about them to pick up a clean sheet. Two possible shut outs and perhaps even a headed goal from a set piece makes Vertonghen a good Double Gameweek option.

Matthew Phillips

Position: Midfielder

Club: QPR

Price: 4.6

Ownership: 0.2%

Matt Phillips is the in-form player in the QPR side and one of the most obvious options for the double Gameweek. The fixtures are unfavourable for Rangers this Gameweek but they face both Arsenal and Tottenham at home. I wrote above that I think Tottenham will keep a clean sheet and arguably there is just as high a chance of Arsenal doing so.

However, Chris Ramsey has transformed his side and if they can re-find their early season home form then anything could be happen. Liverpool, Manchester City and Swansea all failed to keep a clean sheet at Loftus Road so who knows when it comes to Arsenal and Spurs. They have been goal-less at home recently, as already mentioned, but ever since Chris Ramsey’s arrival they certainly haven’t looked goal shy.

Matt Phillips was a relative unknown until the new manager placed his faith in him. The winger is lightning quick and deadly on the counter attack. QPR might be absorbing heavy pressure in their two fixtures, especially against an Arsenal side who love to dominate possession, so his pace may result in points if QPR can capitalise on their chances when breaking. Phillips has created 10 goal scoring chances in the past few Gameweeks which is over 90% of his total for the season. This shows that he is in improving form and those fantasy managers who gamble on him could benefit from the upward turn in his points income.

Phillips is also a good crosser of the ball; he has attempted an incredible 30 crosses in the past four Gameweeks! He also has three attempts on goal in the last four Gameweeks which shows that he is not afraid to shoot either. If you fancy a real punt this Double Gameweek then Phillips is the man for you!

Shane Long

Position: Forward

Club: Southampton

Price: 5.4

Ownership: 1.3%

With Graziano Pellè misfiring there is a chance that Shane Long will creep into the Southampton starting line-up against Crystal Palace today. However, that is far from guaranteed and that is what makes this punt extra punty! Pellè hasn’t scored since before Christmas and is looking desperate in front of goal. The Italian Stallion only managed one shot in last Gameweek’s clash with West Brom and that is not good enough if the Saints are truly challenging for the Champions League. Pellè is more of a goal threat but Long offers more creativity. He can pull back from the forward position and allow midfielders to run ahead of him. The Saints have a midfield full of goals with Tadic, Elia and Mane so Ronald Koeman may try a new style of play with Long up front.

This Gameweek Southampton face Crystal Palace. The Eagles will be delighted with their 3-1 away win at West Ham last weekend and will head into this clash wanting three points. However, their eagerness may come to bite them as if they commit too many men forward the Saints could punish them with their pace, of which Long has plenty, on the counter. Palace have been solid defensively on the road but have only kept one clean sheet away from home against sides in the top half (Tottenham). Long looks set for an unlikely start and could profit against an ultra-attacking Palace side.

Last Gameweek’s Highest Scoring Punts*

DEF – 4 players with a score of 9 points.

MID – Jack Cork, Swansea, 7 pts, 4.3, 1.4%

FWD – Glen Murray, Crystal Palace, 9 pts, 5.1, 0.0%

*These are not the players I picked in my article but the highest scoring players with under 2.5% ownership in the official FPL game.