Scouting the Doubles – Gameweek 34 – The Attack

After running through our preferred picks in defence for double Gameweek 34, we now turn our attention to the key attacking targets.

Our analysis also takes into consideration that half of those double Gameweek 34 sides – Crystal Palace, Everton, Man United, Watford, West Ham – are without a fixture the following week, which somewhat diminishes their short-term appeal. Those Fantasy managers who have already used their Wildcards must be wary of which players they select then, in order to avoid weakening their squads for Gameweek 35.

Of the five teams who face a blank in Gameweek 35, it’s United who have been handed the most favourable match-ups, entertaining Aston Villa and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Villa have conceded 24 goals over the last eight matches, while Palace have shipped 12 in their previous five road trips. Louis van Gaal’s side have only scored a single goal in each of their last two home matches against Watford and Everton, though, after netting six times in their previous two encounters on home turf against Stoke and Arsenal.

Having only missed one of United’s last 19 league matches, Anthony Martial (7.7) offers a security of starts and is their leading scorer with eight goals. Marcus Rashford once again illustrated his quality with a sublime finish in the 2-1 FA Cup win against West Ham on Wednesday night, though, and whilst the return of Wayne Rooney brings a degree of uncertainty over his overall minutes, the youngster’s value at just 4.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is undeniable.

A trip to resilient Leicester prior to their Gameweek 35 blank somewhat lessens West Ham’s appeal. Certainly, the home encounter against Watford boosts our faith in Dimitri Payet but, after failing to garner any attacking points in the 3-3 thriller against Arsenal, there’s a strong case that he may not be quite so essential this week. At 6.3, Andy Carroll looks to have grabbed the Hammers’ lone striker role in time for the double and followed up his hat-trick against the Gunners with an assist against United in the midweek cup loss.

We’re avoiding three of the other four sides with Gameweek 35 blanks, with Palace (ars & mun) and Watford (wba & whm) likely to find goals hard to come by on their travels. Following his blanks in double Gameweek 33, along with the fact Everton face two testing fixtures in Gameweek 34 (SOU & liv) ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Man United, which is likely to be their priority, Romelu Lukaku doesn’t quite make our shortlist. The Belgian is also a doubt for the weekened clash against Southampton due to a groin problem.

Of the five sides with a double Gameweek 34 and fixture in the following week, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City are the most eye-catching candidates. No team has scored more goals (11) than the Gunners over their last four matches, while the Merseysiders have netted an impressive 25 times in nine league outings.

Amongst Arsene Wenger’s charges, our focus immediately turns to Alexis Sanchez (10.9), who has returned to form in recent weeks with three goals and as many assists in his last five outings. With his place in the starting XI looking nailed on, he looks a leading contender for the armband this week and currently leads our Captain Poll with 50% of the votes.

Mesut Ozil (9.6) is another who looks a sure starter for the three matches during Gameweeks 34 and 35. Still owned by over 41% of FPL managers, the German is the second-most popular player with a double Gameweek 34 (behind Lukaku’s 44%) but offers far less form than Sanchez and has mustered just one goal in five. Alex Iwobi has established himself as a starter over the last three Gameweeks, and while he faces competition from Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell, the Nigerian, who’s scored twice and bagged two assists over that period, could be worth the risk at just 4.6.

Liverpool also face a double Gameweek 37, handing them seven matches in the final five rounds of fixtures – more than any other side. In light of their comeback win over Dortmund last night, however, it’s fair to say that we can expect rest and rotation over the run-in, as indicated by Jurgen Klopp’s team sheet against Stoke on Sunday. Whilst the Reds offer a host of in-form assets, then, pinpointing any assets likely to start all three upcoming league matches looks tricky.

Philippe Coutinho (8.2) is the Reds’ form player and bagged a goal and assist against the German side ahead of their clashes with Bournemouth and Everton. Having been rested against the Potters last time out, though, there’d be no surprise if his minutes were managed, with the Merseyside derby the likeliest exception. Similarly, Roberto Firmino (8.1), Daniel Sturridge (9.9) and Divock Origi (5.4) are also in decent form but may also alternate in the final third. With the Reds hit by injuries and suspension in central midfield, though, it may well be that James Milner (6.5) could emerge as the most secure option amongst Klopp’s regulars.

After qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions League, there are clearly valid concerns over rotation for Man City attackers. Away matches against Chelsea and Newcastle in Gameweek 34 are followed by a home clash with Stoke, which comes just days before their Champions League semi-final first leg. Sergio Aguero (13.5) and Kevin de Bruyne (10.3) could easily see their pitch time limited for that clash against the Potters, although the pair still have the potential to deliver hefty scores over the three matches. Manuel Pellegrini has stated the importance of finishing in the top four this season, though, so Aguero in particular, given he’s on a run of 14 successive league starts, should feature heavily during the next three matches. De Bruyne is perhaps a different case, bearing in mind that he’s still building up match fitness following a knee injury. As evidenced against West Brom last week, the fact that Samir Nasri (6.7) is ineligible to play in Europe only adds to the Belgian’s possibility of rotation.

One side with plenty to play for are Newcastle, who face a pair of home matches in Gameweek 34, against Swansea and Man City, before travelling to Anfield in Gameweek 35. Andros Townsend (5.7) has shown some form of late, registering a goal and assist in his last two outings, and is perhaps the safest bet. With numerous options at Rafa Benitez’ disposal up front, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s (6.2) minutes could come into question should he blank in Saturday’s crucial encounter against the Swans.

The Top Targets

Alexis Sanchez – the Chilean looks to have rediscovered his mojo in recent weeks, hitting the target with eight of his nine goal attempts over the last four matches. With three favourable fixtures across Gameweek 34 and 35, Sanchez looks primed to continue his strong form.

Sergio Aguero – five goals in his last six road trips highlights the City striker’s improved away form ahead of trips to Chelsea and Newcastle. With a home clash against Stoke also factored in, Aguero has the platform to build momentum ahead of the Champions League semi-finals.

Anthony Martial – United’s two fixtures in Gameweek 34 look hugely favourable for the Frenchman. After providing both assists in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over West Ham on Wednesday night, Martial looks an integral part of the Red Devils’ forward line at home to Villa and Palace.

The Differentials

Alex Iwobi – the Arsenal winger has taken his chance in the first-team with both hands and produced points in all three starts. Given his output and kind batch of fixtures, Iwobi looks worth taking a chance on.

Kevin de Bruyne – offers explosive potential, but with City progressing in the Champions League, there are valid concerns over how many minutes he will log over double Gameweek 34, and, in particular, the Gameweek 35 home clash against Stoke.

Andy Carroll – has looked back to his majestic best over the past week. With the Hammers now only having the Premier League to focus on, Carroll could well be a regular starter over the run-in, providing he maintains form and fitness.

Andros Townsend – looks a key player for the Magpies as they battle to avoid the drop. Having started the last three matches, Townsend provides much-needed quality out wide for Rafael Benitez’ side.

James Milner – with Jurgen Klopp’s options limited in central midfield, the 6.5-priced Milner looks a relatively secure pick for the double. A pair of assists against Dortmund last night continued the form that’s seen him serve up three double-figure hauls in his previous eight league outings.