Selection

Scouting the Doubles – Gameweek 34 – The Defence

In the first of a two-part series, we assess the options on offer among the three teams set to play twice in Double Gameweek 34.

We start with an analysis of the defences, scanning the likeliest sources of points both in terms of clean sheets and attacking returns.

Manchester United approach their double in fine defensive form, with five shut-outs in their last eight league matches.

Jose Mourinho’s side also boast the second most resilient rearguard in the Premier League, conceding just 24 times in 31 fixtures ahead of back-to-back trips to Burnley and Manchester City.

In spite of that promising record, United’s involvement in Europe could ultimately dictate how we view their prospects.

If, as expected, they proceed past Anderlecht and clinch a place in the last four of the Europa League tonight, there’s a fear that Mourinho’s recent rotation policy could continue to blight our plans.

Having served up attacking or defensive points in eight of his nine league matches, Antonio Valencia – whose 16% FPL ownership is more than any Double Gameweek defender – has the potential to emerge as the star performer.

Yet the Ecuadorian has started just one of the last three Gameweeks, with Mourinho citing fatigue as a major factor.

With United looking to grab a place in next year’s Champions League via Europa League success, can the Red Devils’ boss be trusted to hand Valencia back-to-back league starts as the schedule intensifies?

Wins in both Double Gameweek 34 matches would enable United to climb above their neighbours into fourth spot, so there’s still plenty to play for in the league.

While Valencia has the greatest upside, goalkeeper David de Gea, along with Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo, could perhaps be more secure picks.

De Gea has started all but one league match this term, while injuries to the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have limited Mourinho’s options in the heart of defence, lessening the prospect of rotation.

On the downside, Bailly has no attacking returns to his name, while Rojo has found the net on just one occasion.

The trip to Turf Moor seems the likeliest source of defensive points, but it’s worth noting that Burnley have scored in all but one of the last 11 in front of their own fans – only Spurs have kept them out over that run.

Elsewhere, Middlesbrough have the most appealing pair of matches among the Double Gameweek contingent, travelling to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon prior to a midweek showdown with Sunderland at the Riverside.

Earlier this afternoon, Steve Agnew ruled Victor Valdes out of the trip to Bournemouth, with Brad Guzan set to deputise again. It remains uncertain whether the Spaniard will miss both matches, though, which diminishes the appeal of either stopper for the pair of matches.

Ben Gibson – having played every minute of the season so far – is the most reliable in terms of pitch time. Priced at 5.0, he’s the costliest option amongst the Middlesbrough contingent and has been snapped up by almost 42,000 FPL managers already.

Elsewhere, George Friend has yet to start under the new manager, while Fabio da Silva – the only Boro defender to create more than ten chances for team-mates this term – remains a doubt, having limped off early against the Gunners due to a knee problem.

The on-loan Calum Chambers missed six matches with a foot injury prior to Monday’s clash with his parent club but, having stepped up his fitness, could also come into contention.

Crystal Palace have a harder task on hand, with a trip to Liverpool preceding a midweek visit from high-flying Spurs.

Although the Eagles have four clean sheets in seven, only one of those shut-outs has arrived in the last four Gameweeks.

To make matters worse for Big Sam, he’s without the influential Mamadou Sakho for the Anfield clash as the on-loan centre-half cannot face his parent club.

Having returned to action with a sub appearance off the bench against Leicester last time out, Patrick van Aanholt will now be pushing for a starting berth at the expense of Jeffrey Schlupp.

The Dutchman has already struck four times this term and, with six goals to his name in the previous campaign, offers the strongest prospect of points at either end of the pitch. Joel Ward looks nailed-on under Big Sam but, coming in at 4.8 to Van Aanholt’s 4.9, offers less value and has a single assist accrued this season.

Meanwhile, Martin Kelly has started each of the last three but looks no more than a budget enabler. At a similar price, keeper Wayne Hennessey could still profit from save points between the posts.

The Top Targets

Ben Gibson – with Valdes sidelined for at least the first match, Gibson offers the safest route into the Middlesbrough defence for a pair of favourable fixtures. A goal and assist isn’t overly convincing, though his total of 13 bonus points is more than any defensive team-mate – 11 of those arrived when his side have earned a clean sheet.

Eric Bailly – like Gibson, the Ivorian’s propensity for picking up bonus points could be vital – his tally of 13 is more than any defensive team-mate. With Mourinho heaping praise on both Bailly and Rojo due to the injury situation at centre-half, the summer signing’s security of starts seals the deal for us.

Wayne Hennessey – having started every league match since Gameweek 12, the Welshman offers a hassle-free route into Big Sam’s backline and can expected to be kept busy, at the very least, in a tough pair of fixtures. Owned by 3%, Hennessey has served up 16 save points in 23 league outings this term.

The Differentials

Antonio Valencia – supplier of more successful crosses than any FPL defender in 2016/17, the Ecuadorian has a goal and three assists in his last nine Gameweek appearances. If he can avoid rotation, Valencia’s penchant for points at both ends of the pitch could make him a canny acquisition.

Patrick van Aanholt – how much faith can we place in a defence that faces in-form Liverpool and Spurs, both with everything still to play for? Owned by just 3%, van Aanholt still offers a chance of attacking points regardless – he sits third for total attempts (29) and joint-top with Marcos Alonso for shots on target among FPL defenders, with 12 apiece.

Calum Chambers – with Fabio forced off on Monday and Antonio Barragan failing to convince, a fit-again Chambers could return to the Boro starting XI. An average of 3.5 points per match – identical to the popular Gibson – illustrates the 4.3-priced loanee’s potential value if handed consecutive starts.

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999 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JoroBG
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    G2G?

    Grant
    PvA* Valencia* Gibson*
    Zaha* Alli Sanchez (VC) Coutinho
    Lukaku Negredo* Ibrahimovic* (C)

    Forster | Alonso de Roon Holgate

    1. Hawk Eye
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Zlatan down, no?

    2. Lanzini girls just want to …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Zlatan for rashford or beneteke

  2. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Team ruined by Valdes & Fabio news.. team as if now is:

    Valdes
    Fabio - Valencia - Robertson
    Siggy - Alexis - Zaha - Son
    Kane - Ibra(c) - Negredo

    Bench: Pickf - Alonso - Sané - Pieters
    0FT - 0.0 ITB 🙁

    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      It'll be ruined even more with an Ibrahimovic no show

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I'm in exactly the same boat mate. Thinking just taking it on the chin and hope Valdes comes back for Sun and then that Fabio plays.

        I really want to save my FT and don't really want any Palace, Midd or United defender after this GW.

        What are you thinking?

    2. Honeyman07 42
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Ah

  3. DMP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    -------------------De Gea----------------

    ----------Valencia-------Gibson---------

    Sanchez---King---De Roon---Alli---Zaha

    --------------Kun----Kaku----Ibra------------

    Bench : Randolph, Maguire, Yoshida, Olsson

    What do you guys think?

    Play AOA with De Roon or play Harry Maguire?

    1. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      It could bite you since Hull have a decent fixture but de roon surely gets 4 points minimum.
      I marginally prefer aoa

  4. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Repost, since I only got 1 reply:

    So what would you do with my team, wildcarding next week!

    Jaku (Valdes)
    Alonso Valencia Davies (Olsson Pieters)
    Sanchez Alli Coutinho Zaha (Siggy)
    Lukaku Kane (Crouch)

    A) Valdes to Hennessey (play him ahead of Jaku)
    B) Crouch to Negredo (bench Siggy)
    C) Siggy to Townsend (bench Crouch)
    D) Sanchez+Crouch to Townsend + Ibra (-4) (bench Siggy)

    Really appreciate your help guy!

    1. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Personally i would play Valdes incase he is back for Sunderland.
      I would opt for D but it is a risk and i understand why others will/would not.
      Gl

    2. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B by some distance for me - or do nothing and play Siggy.

  5. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone bringing in Guzan?

    1. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Was tempted, but no idea if he plays 2. I think he might but probably not worth the risk.

    2. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hell no

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        He's the worst keeper in the prem and championship combined

        1. Moosie the Staggie
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Wow thats some endorsement.
          I dont know to much about the championship but i will take your word for it.

  6. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hey lads, which option is better?
    A) Valdes to De Gea (C) FT
    B) Valdes to Hennessey, Lukaku to Ibra (C) -4

    Basically, if I go A, my captain options are: De Gea, Zaha, Kane & Lukaku.

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think Kane is probably better captain than Ibra dude.

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        So A, but with Kane (C)?

        1. AYLD28
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I'd captain Zaha

  7. I Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    If I plan to WC in 35 anyways is it worth to just WC now with Zaha and Negredo as placeholders for Sane and Gabbiadini and save myself 8 points in hits? The rest of the team would be exactly the same as my current WC35 draft. Thoughts?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      In that case, yes

      Negredo to Gabbi in 35
      Zaha to Sane in 36

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        That's the plan I have in mind.

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Agreed, you'll also be in a better position to respond to any injuries or loss of form between now and the end of the season

  8. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Big Andy price fall before saturday? Am thinking about getting Gabbiadini for gameweek 35 instead of a hit to get Negredo for 34.

  9. Saxe-Gotha
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I have Valdes & Foster. Worth a -4 to get rid?

    1. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No

  10. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Team in tatters by Valdes & Fabio news.. team as if now is:

    Valdes
    Fabio - Valencia - Alonso
    Siggy - Alexis - Zaha - Eriksen
    Kane - Ibra(c) - Benteke

    Bench: Pickf - Davies - De Roon - Bertrand

    1FT 0.5 ITB but no wildcard so was ideally looking to save but now I'm unsure.. thoughts?

    1. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Still a save imo

    2. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Save

  11. vectorman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What would you do with this crippled lot lol.. 1FT

    Valdes Pickford
    Rojo Mustafi Stones Stephens Yoshi
    Erik Alli Walcott Haz Zaha
    Kane Negredo Lukaku

    Call the emergency services? 😀

    1. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Just work on the defen

  12. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    No mention of Barragan anywhere in the article.

  13. Hawk Eye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    So Ibra crocked?

  14. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    after going -8 this week and having Ibra I think iv no choice to but to activate my wildcard, I have a draught which includes Rashford upfront thich I think looks pretty good now!

  15. Hawk Eye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Valdez out
    Ibra out
    A great opp to go top in mini-league gone...
    This is a fun game 🙁

  16. semiconductor
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Would u do sell siggy for king for a -4 this week or next week?

    Next week I'll use my FT to get gabi instead of negredo

  17. semiconductor
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Another question if u have the time. Would u bench
    1. Siggy
    Or
    2. De roon

  18. SUPER MOKH
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hey please help me out here, really need some opinions!

    Grant (Foster)

    Valencia - Gibson - Alonso (Maguire, McAuley)
    Zaha - Alli - Hazard - DeRoon (Siggy)
    Benteke - Kane - Lukaku

    1. Foster to DDG for free and start DDG?
    2. Worth to AoA with that front 8?
    3. If yes, which two defenders to start?
    4. If no, which one midfielder to bench?

  19. Montezuma
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Defence issues, current defence

    Alonso, Valencia, Friend, Bertrand, Brunt

    I have 1 FT

    I was going to start Alonso, Friend & Valencia, however I'm concerned over Friends DGW mins now Fabio may be back and obviously Valencia isn't going to play 2 games next week after Jose's comments and extra time last night, so...

    I'm considering a -4 and to bring in Bailly & Gibson but who for?

    I think Bailly for Valencia as he will start the 2 games but do I risk Friend or go ahead with Gibson who will play both... and if so who for?

    Bailly, Friend & Gibson
    Bailly Alonso & Gibson

    I don't have my WC, just my BB.

    Cheers

  20. FootballGeorge
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    whens the next double gameweek and who has one ?
    thanks