Gameweek 30 – Best Punts

After last Gameweek’s brilliant outcome I have my work cut out to continue my fine form. In my last article my three tipped players were Jeffrey Schlupp, Yannick Bolasie and Gabriel Agbonlahor. Schlupp’s Leicester side managed a clean sheet against Hull and with a bonus point to go with it his seven-point total more than rewarded those who invested in him. With West Ham at home and West Brom away in the next three more owners may look to invest in the Ghanaian for further points.

My midfielder Yannick Bolasie also delivered a hatful of points. As I predicted, the Palace wide man got the better of young Darnell Furlong and bagged two assists and maximum bonus points, which meant a total of 11 points. Finally, Aston Villa’s shift in tactics, which I wrote about last week, were apparent against Sunderland and Gabriel Agbonlahor duly benefited. The pacey striker bagged a brace and two bonus points which meant a total of 12 points. My three picks outscored my whole Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team last week and I am hoping for similar returns for Gameweek 30. All ownership figures are correct as of the 18 March.

Carl Jenkinson

Position: Defender

Club: West Ham

Price: 5.0

Ownership: 0.6%

I see things going from bad to worse for Sunderland this weekend as they travel to play the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground. Their 4-0 home loss to Aston Villa led to the sacking of Gus Poyet and the appointment of Dick Advocaat. The new manager may inspire a late sprint for survival but I don’t think he will have made any impact by Saturday. West Ham have been fantastic so far this season but with Europe seemingly out of reach and relegation not threatening, Sam Allardyce will want to make sure his team finish strongly. After losing their last three Big Sam will be looking to go back to basics this Gameweek and secure his defence, making clean sheets are a priority. A showdown with a toothless Sunderland, who haven’t scored in four of their last five, gives the Hammers the perfect chance to start again and I think they will manage a shut-out this Gameweek.

Carl Jenkinson himself didn’t play in last week’s 3-0 lost to Arsenal as the Gunners are his parent club but he will be raring to go this weekend. What has impressed me the most about the young full-back is his attacking drive. I have noticed his offensive positions and desire to spearhead attacking moves for his side, which are what Fantasy owners look for in a defender – someone who can bring extra attacking points. Jenkinson has managed a touch in the penalty box every 58 minutes which is a lot for a full-back as they normally attack from out wide. This highlights the fact that he can run into the box directly and challenge defenders. He also completes a successful pass in the final third every 18 minutes and has attempted over 100 crosses. Jenkinson has two assists this season but his new-found attacking threat will help to increase that number, and with a clean sheet possible too, he could bring in a healthy haul this week.

Aaron Lennon

Position: Midfielder

Club: Everton

Price: 6.2

Ownership: 0.6%

For the same reason that I went with Bolasie last Gameweek I have gone with Lennon this week. I have not been impressed by QPR’s wing-backs this season and its likely that Yun, who can leave the defence open with his attacking play, will be up against Lennon.  This will play into the Everton man’s hands as he is given more licence to bomb forward and exploit gaps both in the middle of the park and the wing.  Lennon’s work rate is incredible and he forges his own chances, with his added pressure on the QPR backline set to cause them to concede opportunities.

Since his arrival at Everton Lennon has touched the ball nearly 200 times in just 384 minutes and received over 100 passes. He is the catalyst in the Toffees’ play and his importance cannot be underestimated.  Even at home QPR are leaky and  I think Lennon’s never say die attitude will prove explosive this Gameweek and blow the Rs away; I hope you own him for that.

Andrej Krameric

Position: Striker

Club: Leicester City

Price: 5.5

Ownership: 0.1%

I was in two minds whether to pick Krameric or not as I was thinking of saving him for the double Gameweek. However, I don’t want to miss out on his points as Leicester travel to Tottenham Hotspur this week. After investing heavily in the Tottenham backline for their double Gameweek I have come to the realisation that it is far from impenetrable. Spurs haven’t kept a clean sheet since January and with Nigel Pearson determined to keep his Leicester side in the Premier League he will be targeting three points this week.

In only 425 Premier League minutes The Foxes’ record signing has had 15 shots, eight of which have been on target and scored one goal. He is not afraid to try the extraordinary and has the ability to score some fantastic goals. Not only is he capable with his feet but he is an aerial threat as well. The service he is getting is improving as well, with wingers Jeffery Schlupp and Riyad Mahrez starting to hit some consistent form. If they can get their crosses accurate then the big front man will profit. It is a big punt but I think Krameric will reward his 0.1% of owners this week.

Last Gameweek’s Top Scoring Punts*

DEF – Robert Huth, LEI, 4.7, 0.2% and Ciaran Clark, AVL, 4.3, 0.7% – 9 points

MID – Michael Carrick, MUN, 5.4, 0.1 – 14 points

FWD – Christian Benteke, AVL, 7.4, 0.9% – 13 points

*These are not my selected punts but the highest scoring players in the FPL game with under 2.5% ownership.