Selection

Scouting the Doubles – Gameweek 34 – The Attack

Having checked out what’s on offer from the Double Gameweek 34 defences, we shift our attentions to the business end of the pitch in our quest for goals and assist potential.

After limping out of Man United’s Europa League clash with Anderlecht last night due to a worrying looking knee injury, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to miss the upcoming pair of trips to Burnley and Man City.

The exodus is in full swing amid growing concerns over the Swede’s availability, with the 6.5-priced Marcus Rashford the likeliest to benefit from a central role.

A goal and assist against the Belgians last night maintained the fine form that has seen the youngster score in three of his last four outings across all competitions.

Yet the upcoming couple of hosts have been defensively solid in front of their own fans. Both sit amongst the top six sides for fewest goals conceded at home, with Burnley (14 against in 16) even more resilient than City (15 against in 15).

Two goals and an assist in his last four starts highlights the potential of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who also found the net last night. But four first-team outings in eight, allied with three unused sub appearances, make the 8.8-priced Armenian a risk too far. Without a goal or assist since Gameweek 19, Paul Pogba (8.2) will also remain out of contention for most.

Meanwhile, coming in at 5.6 and 6.3 respectively, Jesse Lingard (five successive starts), and Ander Herrera, with a goal and two assists in two, could be mid-priced punts. Over 45,000 have acquired the Spaniard after he registered a season-high 13 points in the home win over Chelsea.

Floundering six points adrift of safety, Middlesbrough must throw caution to the wind in their vital clashes with Bournemouth and Sunderland.

Certainly, their opponents’ defensive records offer a degree of encouragement – the Cherries have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight at home, while Sunderland have a single clean sheet on their travels all season.

The Teesside team may struggle to convince, though – a total of 26 goals scored is less than any other side in the top-flight.

Nonetheless, a change in manager seems to have boosted their prospects in the final third. More than 93,000 have snapped up Alvaro Negredo on the back of his two goals in five since Steve Agnew replaced Aitor Karanka at the helm.

Over that period, only four players have started every match for The Riverside outfit – Stewart Downing being one of them.

Hardly a fashionable pick, the veteran has played from start to finish in every match under Agnew and grabbed the assist for Negredo’s equaliser against the Gunners.

Elsewhere for Boro, Gaston Ramirez returned from injury on Monday night, though with five starts since Gameweek 21, his minutes may need to be managed.

Crystal Palace approach their testing Double Gameweek against Liverpool and Spurs in fine fettle, chalking up four wins and a draw in the last six.

Having seen off the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal over that run, Sam Allardyce’s side have the form to prevail despite a far from favourable pair of upcoming opponents.

Unlike United and Middlesbrough, the Eagles offer us viable in-form options both in midfield and up front.

On the flanks, both Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend have served up two goals and three assists over the previous six.

Number one for transfers in among FPL midfielders in the Gameweek, the Ivorian international has been subject to over 82,000 new owners and now boasts a 15% ownership, thanks to recent double-figure hauls against Chelsea and Arsenal. Townsend remains the differential, though, sitting in just 2% of sides by comparison.

With three goals and an assist in the last four, Christian Benteke has been key in steering Palace towards survival. Over his previous four matches, the Belgian is joint-top with Sergio Aguero for shots inside the box among forwards, firing 16 apiece. Indeed, over the season, Aguero is the only player to have produced more efforts inside the box than Benteke.

The Top Targets

Marcus Rashford – with Ibrahimovic expected to miss out, Rashford has earned over 120,000 new owners in the last 24 hours alone. While there still has to be slight concerns as to whether he’ll have his pitch time managed, given that he played 120 minutes last night, the youngster’s pace and eye for goal will surely be vital in a Gameweek that could see United overtake neighbours City in the race for fourth.

Wilfried Zaha – priced at a very kind 6.0, the Palace winger boasts the underlying numbers to justify his recent output. Over the last four Gameweeks, only Tottenham’s Son Heung-min has fired more shots inside the box from midfield.

Christian Benteke – the in-form forward ahead of Double Gameweek 34. Sitting in just 9% of FPL squads, the Belgian also offers the greatest security of starts among the Double Gameweek forwards – he’s played from start to finish in each of the last 12 league outings.

Alvaro Negredo – since Agnew’s appointment in Gameweek 29, Negredo has gone stride for stride with Benteke. Level with the Belgian for shots (19), efforts in the box (16) and attempts on target (seven), his contribution will be vital if Middlesbrough are somehow scramble to safety.

The Differentials

Andros Townsend –has bettered the more popular Zaha by 42 points to 37 over Palace’s last six outings, producing maximum bonus on three of those occasions. Townsend’s total of 15 chances created during that time is at least seven more than any team-mate, with his supply from out wide becoming increasingly crucial.

Jesse Lingard – with Juan Mata sidelined for the season, Lingard is another United asset whose minutes are on the up. A goal and two assists over the season clearly highlights the risk, yet his threat in the final third is on the up – only Ibrahimovic and Rashford have managed more attempts in their respective last four.

Stewart Downing – priced at just 4.9, the Middlesbrough winger has created at least twice the number of goal scoring chances than any team-mate since Steve Agnew was appointed to the hot seat.

Gaston Ramirez – coming in at 5.2, the Uruguayan could also benefit if he can remain injury-free for those two favourable fixtures. Ramirez has created more scoring chances than any team-mate this season and is second only to Negredo for shots on goal.

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1,365 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is Hennessey worth a hit for this DGW only?

    I have Pickford for GW 35 before WC.

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nope

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        He won't get a sheet. Pick might. Plus he won't get four points from saves

  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Joel Matip and Lucas Leiva are winning their respective battles to be fit for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Anfield on Sunday.

    If they prove their fitness then Matip will start alongside Dejan Lovren at the back with Lucas likely to operate in the holding midfield role.

    http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-pair-winning-battles-fit-12928301

  3. AceKn1ght
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all, does anyone know if Jack Stephens is going to be nailed until the end of the season? Thanks! 🙂

  4. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is this madness for -8?

    Ibra -> Kane
    Heaton -> DDG
    Funes Mori -> Gibson

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Take a -4, Wouldn't do Heaton transfer

      1. DV8R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I won't have any United DGWers then

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      those are actually good transfers

  5. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who would u take out?
    A. Aguero
    B. Lukaku

    And who to bring in
    1. Negredo
    2. Benteke (already own Zaha)

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Neither

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      kun out IMO
      soon lukaku too

    3. Golden Soccer Ducks
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero out, Benteke in

    4. ManUtdFan_UK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A2

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

    any chance Romero will get game time in this DGW?

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Don't think likely, no

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Don't think so...Romero got a run out against Anderlecht.

    3. ManUtdFan_UK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Doubt it

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

    Bottomed -

    Is Hennessey worth a hit for this DGW only?

    I have Pickford for GW 35 before WC.

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      To be worth it, he has to get at least one clean sheet. Which I can't see happen

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

    Which Man U defender for the rest of the season?

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Bailly

    2. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Has to be Bailly

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

        Cheers lads.

  9. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Best thing to do :

    A : Play Gabbiadini ( Free )
    B : Gabbiadini > Negredo ( -4 ) would also mean another - 4 down the line
    C : Carroll > Townsend ( -4 ) bench gabbiadini.

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C

    3. zotter
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C

  10. Sweetboi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Pick one please:

    a) Jakupovic + Blind

    b) DDG + Barragan (good chance he'll get dropped)

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

    Anything worth a hit chaps? 0FT and no WC but 5.2m burning a hole in my pocket!

    Heaton
    Baines, B.Davies, Valencia
    Sanchez, Alli, King, Zaha
    Negredo (c), Kane, Lukaku

    (Jakup)(Snoddy, Brunt, M.Wilson)

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nope. All good for now.

    2. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm captaining Kane, and Lukaku vc fwiw

  12. monte
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one GK, two defenders, and one attacker
    1. A. Valdes, B. Heaton
    2. A. Barragan, B. Holgate, C. Stones, D. Stephens, E. Valencia
    3. A. Hazard, B. King, C. Son, D. Alli, E. Sanchez, F. Negredo, G. Kane, H. Lukaku

    Currently on benching
    1. B
    2. C D
    3. C

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B
      B D
      C

  13. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Play 2

    A Eriksen (Have Kane)
    B Alli
    C Valencia (Have DDG)
    D Robertson

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      AB

    2. balint84
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      a-c

    3. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A & b

    4. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      AC

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry AB

        1. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Cheers lads

  14. Sess!
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    My thoughts are bailley could play both in the dgw but then get his red at home to swansea.

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Rest even. The former would upset a few.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Blind

        1. DV8R
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I'm sure his eyesight is fine.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think it's either Burnley or Swansea which one of them only Mou knows.

    3. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Could be. Wouldn't mind that outcome, will have replaced the Boro boys with better options by then 😀

    4. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      This is why I'm going Blind and hoping Rojo and others aren't back in time, giving Blind all 3 games in 34+35

  15. BBC_TF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Ibra + baines - > Negredo + Gibson for -4pts?

    I never thought I would ever write this 🙂

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      dunno but I would go for it .

    2. Holy1
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I will go Ibra > Negerdo/Rasford and keep Baines.
      I think that Gibson will give maybe 1 CS w Sunderland and after this DGW will be useless and another -4 to swap him later

  16. Zp200
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi guys
    Hennessey or grant ?
    Holgate or Pieters ? Caz barragan not play
    Son or alli ?
    If I play them which player in bench coutinho,Sanchez, king

    1. Zp200
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      !!

  17. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Are there any knowledgeable United fans about?

    Will Rashford start both games

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nobody knows, not even knowledgeable United fans.

      My feeling is that Rashford will be benched at Burnley then start against City.

    2. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think on balance that he will.

    3. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think he will, but none of us are sure. Rooney could even get a game upfront as Rashford has been playing a lot. Mourinho's presser literally screamed rotation everywhere.

    4. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'd be surprised if Rashford start Sunday after his heroics for us last night plus the Derby next Thursday. Roo, Martial, Young, Fellaini, Lingard, Mkhi can all cover his position(s)

    5. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      They're mutually exclusive

  18. Blame it on Traore
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I appreciate that Lukaku is on paper probably the safest captaincy pick this week, but isn't his form away from home a bit worrying? 8 goals all season, and 3 of those were against Sunderland, who are just awful.

    1. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Kane by far a better option if you're not captaining a DGWer for me

      1. Blame it on Traore
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I have Kane too but that Chelsea Cup-tie at the weekend diminishes his appeal a bit, I think.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes. Scores a lot when Everton have flattened poor opposition. But still a good captain pick this GW.

      1. Blame it on Traore
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I do agree. West Ham haven't exactly been great at the back.

  19. Holy1
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi guys,
    Play SIGGY (STK (H) or VARDY (ARS (A) for this GW ?

    1. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Siggy

    2. Olee
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think I would play Siggy, cause Arsenal desperatly needs to get in top 4, Swans needs points to stay in PL. Leichester on the other hand has "nothing" to play for. But its almost a 50/50, Vardy's form is more tempting than Siggy's

    3. ManUtdFan_UK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Siggy

    4. Holy1
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks

  20. Óró Sé…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    When time are the scout picks picked..?!

  21. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I can't face selling any of my midfielders (Alli, Eriksen, King, Sanchez, Siggy). You guys think Negredo + Rashford is enough cover for the DGW?

    1. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I only have Negredo! So yes 😉

    2. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Think that'll do. I've only zaha & Gibson so ur up on me.
      Personally don't think this will be a mega scoring DGW

  22. Olee
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    G2G?

    Heaton
    Valencia-Chambers-Mustafi
    King-Sanchez-Eriksen-Alli
    Kane(c)-Benteke-Rashford

    Randolph-Holgate-JWP-Yoshida

    Only wonder is if I should captain a DGW player instead of Kane...Thoughts?

    1. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Htg

  23. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What CPL defender would you bring in?

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      If u want to risk pva

      1. Olee
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        None, but if u have a WC u could gamble on PVA...depends on who u ship out

  24. Coffe and the city
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hazard vs Coutinho

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Haz

  25. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Using my WC. Should I change Stephens to Yoshida if money isnt an issue?
    Read that Van Djik can return and take Stephens place...

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      VD won't return soon. Hold off on WC if you've not triggered it yet.

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Already did, couldnt bear getting Ibra for -4 and selling for -8. Having said that I am doing the team with a big eye on 37 🙂

  26. Gashead9
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A) Rashford & Downing
    B) Lingard & Negredo

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

      B

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

        There's really not much in it

    2. Bill Haverchuck
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't bother with Lingard or Downing unless you're wildcarding next week. Prefer Rashford to Negredo so A

  27. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rashford or Negredo IN FT ??
    WC next week..

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Do u know already your wc plans for next week?

      1. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Not really... rough idea but nothing set in stone.

  28. Individual
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Pages flying

    Cmon scout picks!

  29. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Jose confirmed Young will play against Burnley, I'm fairly sure he is picking him and Darmian as full backs and rest Valencia for the City game. Just leaving this here to frustrate fellow Valencia owners.

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

      Not really sure why it would frustrate anybody. If you own him you play like all other owners if you don't own you don't buy.

      It is what it is.

    2. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Young played as left winger against Chelsea

  30. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Team for this week is:

    Jaku
    Gibson J.Ward Valencia
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen Zaha Townsend
    Kane Negredo(c)
    (Mannone Alonso Naughton A.Carroll)
    6m ITB
    Taken a -8 due to Ibra shinanigans, would you just pull the WC trigger or stick with the GW36 plan?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      GW36 plan.