Our Wednesday Weekly Shop regular is rolled out this evening, as we assess the player lists of our partner games to pinpoint the likely targets that will make up our weekend lineups.
The player analysis is split into two sections: I’ll break down the key targets that no squad can do without in “Better Buys”, before seeking out those one-shot “Poundstretcher” prospects that can provide us points, whilst freeing up funds.
For this week’s selection, we’re scanning the players lists in our two partner games – FantasyBet and Premier Punt.
Better Buys
Manuel Pellegrini will be looking closely at his defence after the 4-1 rout against Liverpool. Joe Hart (FantasyBet 5.5m, Premier Punt 8.8m) was the only member of the backline to shine, making six saves to keep the score relatively respectable, though with Nicolas Otamendi surely set to return and Vincent Kompany edging towards a comeback, City could be a little more resolute this time around, given that visitors Southampton are missing top scorer Graziano Pelle due to suspension.
Despite his defensive lapse leading to Jermain Defoe’s winning goal on Monday night, . Scott Dann (FantasyBet 5m, Premier Punt 7.8m) remains capable of picking up points at both ends of the pitch. Opponents Newcastle visit Selhurst Park having scored just twice on the road in six outings, making a double-up with Wayne Hennessey (FantasyBet 4m, Premier Punt 5.5m) a viable tactic as Alan Pardew looks to get one over his former club.
Philippe Coutinho (FantasyBet 8m, Premier Punt 11.8m) has four goals and an assist in Liverpool’s last three matches, demonstrating Jurgen Klopp’s positive influence on the Brazilian. If fit, a home tie against a Swansea side that have been lacklustre in recent weeks offers a chance to add to that record, particularly when there are signs that the Brazilian is striking up a highly effective partnership with compatriot Roberto Firmino (FantasyBet 8.5m, Premier Punt, Forward 11.5m) for the Merseysiders.
Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy have all been in excellent form of late, which has somewhat kept Olivier Giroud’s (FantasyBet 9m, Premier Punt 12.3m) recent exploits off the radar. The Frenchman has four goals in five league matches for Arsenal and, given that he has scored in four consecutive away outings, a visit to Norwich makes the Gunners striker a differential worth considering.
Poundstretchers
After an inauspicious start to the season, Jack Butland (FantasyBet 4.5m, Premier Punt 6.8m) now has a formidable five shut-outs in six appearances for Stoke. The keeper travels to a Sunderland side struggling to find an attacking edge in front of their own fans – the Wearsiders have managed only 58 attempts at home so far, the joint worst record in the league. Only Costel Pantilimon (54) has made more saves than the Potters’ number one (51), so a goalless draw would not be a surprise here.
Alberto Moreno (FantasyBet 5m, Premier Punt 7.5m) offers a secure route into the Liverpool backline as they welcome a Swansea team that have failed to net in three of their last five – only Aston Villa (22) have had less than the Swans 23 shots in the box over that run. As highlighted in the Scout Squad article, the left-back is providing promising numbers, with his frequency of key passes (one every 40 minutes) the best in the league for defenders.
Yohan Cabaye (FantasyBet 6.5m, Premier Punt 7.9m) and Yannick Bolasie (FantasyBet 6.5m, Premier Punt 7.6m) may have blanked against Sunderland but they still look to be worth investment against Newcastle at those prices – Palace fired 19 attempts last Monday and were unlucky not to find the net. Another budget midfield option with a potentially profitable home fixture is Manuel Lanzini (FantasyBet 5.5m, Premier Punt 7.9m). The Argentine’s consolation at Spurs took his tally to three goals in the last five Gameweeks ahead of a home encounter with West Brom.
Watford’s Odion Ighalo (FantasyBet 5m, Premier Punt 7.4m) is the stand out striker in the budget category this week. The Nigerian travels to Aston Villa with seven goals and three assists to his name already and is heavily involved in most of the Hornets’ attacking play. Given that Villa have conceded 11 times in their last five outings, Ighalo looks a likely source of points once again.
These are the contenders for my weekly contest lineups heading into the weekend. I’ll return on Friday with a further assessment of this week’s partner games – FantasyBet and Premier Punt, as I continue my quest for profit in the 2015/16 campaign.
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