FanDuel

The Weekly Shop – Gameweek 7

Thursday finds us occupied with the Weekly Shop, where we bid to help guide your selections for daily and weekly Fantasy Football squad building, paying particular attention to FanDuel’s player list.

We divide the player analysis into two parts: I’ll assess the key targets that no squad can do without in “Better Buys”, before seeking out those one-shot “Poundstretcher” prospects that can provide us with points and free up some crucial funds.

If you’re new to FanDuel, be sure to check in with our strategy guide, which will help you get to grips with their scoring model, as well as passing on some key tips for success.

Let’s now look at the week at hand and offer a run down of the players piquing our interest, starting with the big name signings.

Better Buys

Arsenal are showing signs of defensive improvement, leading us to consider Petr Cech as an option in goal. Arsene Wenger’s men secured a second shut-out of the season in the convincing 3-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates.

Their settled rearguard improves Cech’s (£7.3m) chances of a clean sheet as the Gunners travel to Burnley on Sunday. Rested for the midweek Champions League visit of Basel, he will be fresh and remains reasonably priced for the match-up at Turf Moor.

FanDuel’s scoring does not reward defenders for clean sheets, so our sights are set on players who register actions such as clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI’s). That often means targeting dominant defenders in teams who are set to be on the back foot.

Virgil Van Dijk (£8.4m) certainly fulfills that criteria ahead of Southampton’s trip to Leicester City.

The Dutchman has recorded 76 CBIs so far this season – only Hull City’s Curtis Davies (£10.1m) has managed more (106). The Saints defender has also fired in five efforts on goal, a factor that could come into play, with the Foxes conceding a pair of headers in their defeat at Old Trafford.

Burnley’s Ben Mee (£6.9m) and Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji (£7.4m) are joint second overall with Van Dijk for CBIs and both have the form and fixtures worth considering for inclusion.

The Clarets centre-back made nine clearances against Watford last time out and will be kept busy once again for Arsenal’s visit.

Meanwhile, despite the home defeat to Crystal Palace, Djilobodji picked up his best score of the campaign, a haul of 30.75 FanDuel points.

An impressive 17 CBIs and three tackles in that performance makes the Senegalese defender worth considering as West Brom drop in at the Stadium of Light.

Moving to midfield, we’re looking to Willian (£9.7m) as the value pick from an out-of-sorts Chelsea outfit.

The Brazilian has averaged 25.1 FanDuel points per appearance compared to the 22.79 points mustered by the more expensive Eden Hazard (£12.8m).

Willian’s 20 chances created (worth three points apiece) is level with Kevin De Bruyne’s output and that creativity will be a key weapon for the Blues’ trip to Hull City.

Liverpool’s form urges us to consider at least one of their assets in our line-ups for the visit to Swansea City.

Only Hull have conceded more shots from inside the box this season than the Swans, indicating that Jurgen Klopp’s side won’t be short on opportunities.

Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana are both available for £9.6m. They’ve made 11 and 10 penalty area goal attempts this season and, with those price tags, they look to be wiser investments than fellow midfielder Philippe Coutinho (£13.7m) and FanDuel forward Roberto Firmino (£10.5m).

Up front, Alexis Sanchez’s (£14.3m) four goals and three assists in four outings makes the Arsenal forward difficult to leave out of our teams for the trip to Burnley.

There is, however, another Gunner whose recent displays have cemented his place as a cheaper alternative – or even as a means of doubling up on Wenger’s forwards.

Theo Walcott (£9.7m) has averaged 26.88 FanDuel points compared to Sanchez’s 27.04 points. Having fired two goals in the impressive Champions League win over FC Basel, Walcott will head to Turf Moor brimming with confidence and seemingly reborn as an attacking prospect.

The Clarets won’t be pushovers on Sunday but, notably, only Sunderland (112) and Hull City (139) have allowed more goal attempts than Sean Dyche’s side (102).

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (£15.3m) may have missed out on goals and assists in the 4-1 win over the champions, but the Swede has to be backed to fare better with Stoke City due at Old Trafford.

Mark Hughes men sit second bottom and have shipped 15 goals over their six league outings thus far.

Starlet striker Marcus Rashford (£9.3m) looks set to retain his United starting role against the Potters and, after finding the net in his last three outings across all competitions, provides cheaper coverage for those who have lost confidence in the Ibrahimovic option.

Poundstretchers

Liverpool succumbed to yet another set piece goal to prevent Loris Karius (£5.7m) from earning a clean sheet on his Premier League debut, but the summer signing is expected to retain his start at the Liberty Stadium.

The German appears to be Klopp’s favoured choice between the sticks and, at that price, offers strong value in front of a backline that boasts some impressive defensive numbers.

Klopp’s men have conceded just 30 attempts from inside the box – only Chelsea can match that statistic.

As mentioned, in FanDuel, we often seek centre-backs that will be under the cosh – making them more likely to rack up points from defensive actions.

We certainly feel that Swansea City will be hard-pressed against a vibrant Liverpool midfield so we’re looking to Jordi Amat (£6.8m) once again.

The Spaniard has been our regular pick from Francesco Guidolin’s rearguard and has seen his price rise on the back of a 18.17 FanDuel average.

Mike van der Hoorn could also be an option, so be sure to check the teamsheets on Saturday’s early kick-off. Available for just £4.4m, the Dutchman earned his full Premier League debut against Manchester City and could retain his start in the Swans back four.

It’s Tottenham’s turn to host Manchester City this weekend, which has us look to their rearguard for options.

Surprisingly, Jan Vertonghen (£6.3m) has a budget price tag for Sunday’s encounter. The centre-back has made 67 CBIs this term and will surely be in the thick of the action against the league leaders, either from central defence or left-back.

Bruno Martins Indi (£6.1m) is our pick from a Stoke City defence that face a tough afternoon at Old Trafford. The towering centre-back will be tasked with shackling Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so should amass some big numbers for defensive actions.

His team-mate Joe Allen (£7.8m) was top for FanDuel points earned per million last Gameweek and also has to be a consideration. The Welshman scored and made eight tackles from a number ten role, and it’s his defensive attributes that make him an option against United.

Manchester City boast a pair of budget midfield players whose all-round abilities are well-suited to the FanDuel scoring matrix.

Fernandinho (£7.9m) and Ilkay Gundogan (£7.7m) are both cut-price options and should be heavily involved in the clash at White Hart Lane.

Kevin De Bruyne’s absence could also hand Leroy Sane a start. Available for £6.0m, the German presents an even cheaper, albeit riskier route into Pep Guardiola’s attack.

In attack, Jermain Defoe’s (£8.5m) brace against Crystal Palace last time out confirmed the veteran striker remains a factor. A tally of 49.25 points saw the Black Cats’ marksman rank top amongst forwards for points per million last weekend.

Four goals from seven shots on target illustrates that Defoe remains as lethal as ever; he is undoubtedly key to Sunderland’s prospects for the Baggies visit to Wearside.

Islam Slimani (£8.4m) made his Premier League debut for Leicester City against Burnley, resulting in a 48.5-point haul via a brace of headed goals.

The Algerian looks to be a worthy target as Foxes cover for the visit of Southampton. Certainly, he appears to offer stronger value than both Jamie Vardy (£9.7m) and compatriot Riyad Mahrez (£12.1m).

The Saints have their own striker in form. Charlie Austin is priced at just £5.9m in FanDuel this weekend which makes him a consideration for those scratching for funds or deploying three strikers.

550 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TM44
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hi all,

    My team for the next gw is below, gtg? 1ft available, £0itb

    Pickford

    Walker. Williams Mcauley

    Firmino. Sterling. Antonio. Capoue

    Kun. Lukaku. Ibra(c)

    Bench:jaku, snodgrass, amat, love

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice, quite similar to mine. I would save a transfer.

  2. razmo
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Rashford, Defoe or C. Wilson?

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Defoe

    2. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Defoe. Btw I wouldn't captain Wilson

      1. PvA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        This is a joke before people try and come in to get upvotes

        1. razmo
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          took me a second but i got there in the end....

    3. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Rashford

    4. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Defoe

    5. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Defoe

    6. FPL Footy Show Pod
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Defoe I settled on with the same decision

  3. Bad Butcher
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Cześć wam! Hello from Poland!

    Pickord (Karius)
    Evans Holebas Kosc (BAINES Amat)
    ANTONIO Sanchez(C) Snodgrass Firm (Capoue)
    Lukaku Kun Rashford

    1FT 1,5 ITB

    1. ANTONIO ---> WALCOT
    2. Baines ---> 4,5 - 5,0
    3. Save and have got 2FT after International Break?

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      3 boring but effective

    2. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Save, nice side

  4. Everyday im Schneiderlin
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A ibra and antinio
    B rashford/defoe and sanchez?
    Thanks

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Everyday im Schneiderlin
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  5. Sgt. Schultz
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys. Anyone got Gundogan in their team ?
    If yes, what is your rationale?

  6. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Who's everyone bringing in for Baines?

    Won't play this week then Man City away next gameweek.

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      How do you rate Cedric ?

      1. Clump
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I like him. Fixtures not the best though.

      2. pax888
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I rate him just don't like their fixtures at the moment plus I think they will gradually get stretched by euro games on Thursday nights.

  7. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    hey guys any need to act on this defence for this week

    Valencia. Baines. Walker. Evans. Amat

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      You're more than good, Just play Walker, Valencia and Evans

      If you have a ft and nothing else to do then take Baines out

    2. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Used up your FT? If not save it for nex GW

      1. Phil Dagger ⭐
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        used unfortunately for sanchez

        1. Sgt. Schultz
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          forget abt it. U'll do fine. Good luck with ur GW !

          1. Phil Dagger ⭐
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            thanks 🙂 have a good weekend to you mate

  8. boogle
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Shaw today? Have both him and Baines 🙁

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      He is ill. Won't play today. Will have to wait for tomorrow to find out more

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Got AOA and at least 2 half-decent defenders?

      1. boogle
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Can play Capoue AOA

        Defence is Baines* Shaw* McAuley Pieters* Amat*

        If Shaw can play then I'll probably just roll with Pieters, if Shaw can't play then I'll definitely AOA

        1. Pasqualinho
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          You're in a position where it's almost certain you'll be better off with AOA, which is never guaranteed. It's an ideal time to play it.

          1. Clump
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            ^

          2. boogle
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            True. Thanks for your input! I guess Capoue has a nice fixture and it would be very satisfying to get points from him after benching him every game up to now (had him from the start)

      2. boogle
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Or Baines > Clyne -4

  9. Teror
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Pick two plz:

    A. Sterling

    B. Walcott

    C. Son

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      AC

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      AB

    3. Carcetti
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      ABC

    4. Benster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A and B

    5. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      AC

    6. Gabhini Gupini
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      XYZ

  10. razmo
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    RMT Wildcard team please

    Pickford, Heaton
    Wiliams, Klavan, Holebas, Bellerin, Pieters
    Walcott, Sanchez, Mane, Arter, Snod
    Aguero, Deeney, Rashford

    0.6mm in bank

  11. Shultan
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Mourinho says ibra is going to start tonight as rooney is injured. Anyone else worried this means ibra won't start v stoke?
    Slightly worried ibra owner who hadn't sold purely because i wanted to wait for the stoke game

    1. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      he will start both, be amazed if he doesnt

    2. Dre
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No internationals for him

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Remember that Ibra has retired from International football so he has a 2 week break after the Stoke game anyway

    4. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Good point! I forgot he has a 2 week break coming up, so could start both

  12. Glokollur nr.1
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    is Terry going to play next game?

  13. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Redmond starting for Saints. Either he's the most nailed on bar steward ever or id be geting worried for sunday

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Good thing I sold him for Lallana to double up with Firmino

  14. Jasoooooooo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Pick 2 to field:
    1. Evans (already have Foster in goals)
    2. Capoue
    3. Austin
    If I pick the last 2 I'll play AOA

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Go AOA

  15. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    Foster
    Shaw Williams McAuley
    Firmino Sterling Walcott Antonio
    Zlatan Kun Benteke

    (Jaku Capoue Amat Souare)

    Worth taking a hit to get Shaw out? No FT, AOA used

  16. Carcetti
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    These good moves?

    Alexis for Hazard
    Sterling for Payet

    2FT.

    1. Dre
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes although you've missed out on 0.5 by waiting.

    2. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I did the EXACT moves but for a hit lol

      1. Carcetti
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Was thinking of giving them one last chance but I've got alot of catching up to do..

  17. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Southampton XI v Beer Sheva: Forster; Martina, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Targett; Romeu, Clasie; Redmond, Ward-Prowse, Hesketh; Long #UEL #Saintsfc

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Why are Souhampton playing a beverage?

  18. PvA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    This captain poll is very close

  19. New Post
  20. RustyBz
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Good for a save? Bench in order? Thanks guys.

    Pickford;

    Williams, Holebas, Evans;

    Sanchez(C), Sterling, Antonio, Firmino(VC);

    Aguero, Lukaku, Deeney;

    Jaku, Walker, Capoue, Amat.

    0.1ITB 1FT

  21. jon.terry.tfh
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A,B or C?
    Currently have antonio sterling firmino sanchez and tinkering

    A)Son + Sterling

    B)Walcott + Sterling

    C)Antonio + Son and use the money to upgrade defence

    D)Walcott + Son and use the money to upgrade defence

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      WC?

  22. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I believe Howe had his presser already today but I am not finding any status update for Adam Smith. Anyone know what the score is? I think I am replacing Shaw with him and would like to do it today, cause Smith is teetering on a price rise.

    Cheers

  23. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Jay and WR both with green arrows for -12 last week and both my -8's this year have got me green arrows again.

    The patience game is a little over rated IMO.