Selection

The Watchlist – Rashford Arrives

Our Gameweek 34 preview continues with the updated Watchlist rankings in midfield and attack, influenced by the upcoming double Gameweeks and, in particular, the recent demise of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Thursday night saw the Manchester United striker – the overwhelming leader in this week’s captaincy poll – hyperextend his knee during the Europa League clash with Anderlecht to send shockwaves through the Fantasy communities.

Reports have since have suggested that the striker will now face up to nine months of the sidelines; while that remains unconfirmed, our plans now exclude Ibrahimovic from our thinking.

As a consequence, Thursday’s match-winner and natural successor in the United attack, Marcus Rashford, soars up our Watchlist rankings.

It remains to be seen if Jose Mourinho risks the 19-year-old at Turf Moor on Sunday with Thursday’s derby clash in mind – a 120-minute run-out against Anderlecht will have surely taken its toll. However, Rashford clearly now has the opportunity to make the United striker’s role his own and, given his price point, he is destined to be a prime target in any Wildcard refresh to come.

Elsewhere, the abasence of Ibrahimovic ensures that Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke’s stock receives a boost.

While his fixtures with Liverpool and Spurs remain daunting, the Merseyside trip now looks more favourable following news of defensive concerns in Jurgen Klopp’s camp. It’s also Benteke’s first match back at Anfield since departing last summer, ensuring that he’ll be determined to make his mark. Future Selhurst Park clashes with Burnley and Hull City also work in the Belgian’s favour.

Those forthcoming fixtures also retain Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend in the frame as midfield candidates in our Watchlist.

Zaha now boasts a 15.3% ownership, but it’s Townsend who should perhaps receive the plaudits for the Eagles’ recent turnaround. His latest three Gameweeks have delivered a goal, three assists and maximum bonus points on two occasions.

Despite the promise on show at Palace, it’s Spurs who continue to dominate the top spots in both our midfield and forward rankings.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are in irresistible form and present a cast of compelling attacking options following 4-0 wins over Watford and Bournemouth.

Harry Kane’s 12-point return against the Cherries means he’s now provided six goals and two assists in his last three starts; with a double Gameweek to come, his status as the most coveted striker option looks assured.

Meanwhile, Dele Alli has produced attacking returns in seven successive matches, giving him 59 points over that spell.

That keeps him just ahead of Christian Eriksen in our midfield reckoning, atlthough the Dane remains a profitable source of points. He continues to suggest he can provide a goal threat to accompany his undoubted creative talents: topping the charts with 16 assists, Eriksen has also fired more shots than any other player this season (119).

Son Heung-min is unfortunate to be forced into a backseat role and sit lower down our ranks. He keeps providing significant returns but could yet be sacrificed in the Spurs line-up should we see a shift to a three-man defence. The clamour for Kane also forces us to consider Alli and Eriksen as the priority for the remaining two Spurs slots.

Elsewhere in midfield, we’ve seen Alexis Sanchez’s value drop by 0.4 in recent weeks, although he remains a factor in our rankings, despite troubling form. His sublime strike at Middlesbrough was his first for four weeks but, with his additional fixtures, he surely remains a Wildcard target for the run-in.

With little movement immediately below Sanchez, we have to look at Manchester City’s Leroy Sane before we hit a name who could genuinely threaten to shake-up our squads over the remaining weeks.

The winger appears immune to Pep Guardiola’s rotation, retaining his start while David Silva, Raheem Sterling and even Kevin De Bruyne fall victim. Owned by just 5.4%, Sane looks to be an assured Wildcard target to cover City’s pair of Gameweek 37 fixtures, with Leicester City and West Brom the visitors to the Etihad – particularly with striker Sergio Aguero now under threat from the fit-again Gabriel Jesus.

Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard is another figure who could be promoted in our thinking ahead of Gameweek 37. Claiming just a 0.8% current ownership, Lingard can provide cheap coverage and a midfield alternative to Rashford.

Elsewhere, the potential of Marko Arnautovic as a differential gamble prior to the second Wildcard has the Austrian figure in our ranks. Stoke City will face West Ham and Bournemouth to follow their Gameweek 34 trip to Swansea City.

Josh King may not be able dangle a double Gameweek but, with exceptional fixtures and a prolific recent record, he will likely be identified as a key element of Wildcard squads.

As for Chelsea’s Eden Hazard – his convincing form keeps him bubbling, with Diego Costa’s alarming decline also playing its part in ensuring that the Belgian remains our weapon of choice in Antonio Conte’s ranks.

Costa’s demise is recognised in the Watchlist, with the likes of Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo and Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini now elevated above the Blues striker for the campaign run-in.

Negredo’s generous double-header provides a temporary boost and he’ll need to deliver on his Gameweek 34 promise to retain his current placing.

Meanwhile, Gabbiadini seems destined to emerge as the end of season hot property in attack.

Southampton have a home meeting with Hull City to act as a springboard into their two Gameweek 36 fixtures; points for Gabbiadini in that one would cement his starting role and surely seal his passage into our squads for the final three sets of fixtures.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

1,311 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Js31
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Play
    1- Heaton
    2- Jak

    Captain
    1- Kane
    2- Lukaku
    4- Rashford

    1. Geri-hatricks
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Jaku

      Lukaku

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Jak, Kane

    3. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Jak & Kane

    4. The Albatross
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      2, 2

    5. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Jaku
      Kane

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

      2&4

    7. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      1 (because rest for Rashford)
      2 (as above)

      1. Js31
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks all. Going to be swapping between Kane & Kaku till the deadline!

  2. Geri-hatricks
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Barragan won't start now that Chambers is back right?
    Will it be Chambers Ayala Gibson Friend/Fabio for Boro's back 4?

    If so, I'm thinking of playing Valencia and Alonso (SOT) and benching Barragan, Robertson (WAT) and Baines (whu)
    Right move?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      yeah probably

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Probably not

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      it could be that or
      fabio chamber gibson friend.

      either way i think Barra will be the make way , given half the chance.

      1. Geri-hatricks
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Fair. Looks like it'll be too risky to play him then

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

      Barragan Chambers Gibson Friend

      IMO

    5. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Recent article has Chambers still out and Batra in. Take it for just another opinion.
      http://the4thofficial.net/2017/04/must-win-match-middlesbrough-team-news-head-head-predicted-outcome-bournemouth/

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Barragan in*

      2. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        thats interesting news re Chambers.
        I though he was fit as of last week.

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

        Lol they are just some guy on the Internet blogging. It's not official

  3. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Chasing in my ML with Kane being a differential in the league, Kane(C) over Lukaku right decision?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

    2. Geri-hatricks
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hmm, Lukaku has scored 1 in last 7 away games but he has also scored in his last 9 games against Hammers. Also, West Ham's defence is pretty bad right now. I would captain Romelu

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

      Yes'ish. With Dann out it's possible but unlikely for me. They can still play ultra defensive and count on Townssi and Zaha. At this moment I would not captain Harry.

  4. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A)Valdes > ddg(-4)
    B)bertie/benalouane > darmian/blind (-4)
    C)ndidi > townsend/downing(-4)

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

      A) Dave saves

    2. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

    Is Tekkers on penalties like Negredo?

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

      Cabaye maybe

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

        Ok not cabaye then

    2. DLL18
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No, Milivojevic took the last one.

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

      Nope, Milivojevic is.

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

      Don't think so

    5. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Milivojević probably

    6. Geri-hatricks
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      The new mid Milo something took their last pen with all the big dogs on the pitch

    7. Backup Dancer
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Puncheon on pens

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Puncheon won't stop trolling

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

      Sam said the other week that Milivojevic will be on pens and freekicks now

      1. Oven Glover
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        But Milivojevic stated that he "would not argue with Benteke" if he wanted to take the next one. Imo it's likely that Tekkers will take spot kicks against Pool (his former employer). But Milivojevic seems to be no 1 for spot kicks otherwise.

  6. Unsuccessful
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Kane to Negrado -4. I'm going mad if I do that.

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

      Yep imo

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      If you wildcarding next week then yer

    3. Adz87
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Don't do that

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

      More than mad

    5. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Don't do that

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

      ONLY if you think that CPL will play old good bus and count on 1 or 2 chances to score. Obviously you have to bring Kane back asap

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

      DGW Mirage is now on.
      Let's see...the best striker in the league racing for the title and golden boot against ...uhm..Negredo?

  7. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Pick 2 to play:
    A. Sterling (utd home)
    B. Siggurdson (stoke home)

    1. Walker (palace away)
    2. Alonso (southampton home)

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

      B2

      1. Adz87
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        This

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B2

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

      B2

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

    Any of these worth it?

    A. T. Carroll->King (-4) and bench Baines
    B. Valdes->Hennessey/DDG (-4) and bench Pickford

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes for both and DDG

  9. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Captaincy Help

    Kane, Lukaku, Sanchez, Hazard, Coutinho, Zaha?

    1. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard would be a nice differential if your chasing rivals. I think Kane would be the popular choice

  10. Ninja Škrtel
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Bench Siggy or De Roon?

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

      Siggy

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

      De Roon

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

      Hate to say that but Siggy. de Roon scored the most points form Boro midfield and you have extra 90 minutes to create things. Also 'favourable' fixtures.

  11. WUSS
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    heaton (valdes)
    valencia walker alonso (mculey amat)
    alli sanchez zaha king
    negredo kane lukaku

    A. ddg in valdes out for a hit
    B. bailly in mcculey out for a hit
    C. no transfer

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

    Bench one:

    A) Siggy
    B) King
    C) Eriksen

    Currently on C (also have Kane). Thoughts?

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

      king

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

      B

  13. Licious Lizard
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Which Man United defender to get in for the double and GW 35?

    Cheers

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

      bailly

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Leaning this Way.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm going Blind but not completely confident

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

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

      I'm steering clear, too much doubt

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        My option for 3rd defender are McAuely and 2 Soton defenders. Thought I'd do McAuley -> Gibson for a few weeks, but can easily see Boro conceding both games actually .

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

      Baily 99,9% nailed (and only him)

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, Faver. Think it will be him.

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

        Baily is knackered. Could be rested.

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

          Who would play in the centre then? Fellaini?

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

            Maybe to make up for blinds lack of height 🙂

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

              And Eric's lack of hair

  14. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Still have WC

    Aguero to Kane, Negredo or save

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

      Negredo if FT.

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

    King or Alli to score more this week only?

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

      Similar points

  16. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    one week punt

    a) DDG
    b) Bailly
    c) Blind

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

      A

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

  17. BALOOO
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Valencia Alonso Vertonghen (Pieters Amat)

    Would you bring in Gibson and play him over any of the 3 i currently have for -4?

    1. 8ball
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No. You will not consider playing Gibson again after this week, unless you have your WC left.

  18. 8ball
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one

    Sanchez, Haz, Zaha, Son, King

    1. 8ball
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Is it crazy that I am leaning towards benching Son? I have Kane

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

        I can see Son missing out v Palace

        1. 8ball
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Can you see Son no longer starting anymore? I am on a WC so I can still get him out.

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

            I think he'll play today but then Wanyama will start v Palace and it'll go back to normal with Son being on the bench

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

            No. Only reason for him not playing is resting. He's in great form and also fits Poch plans.

    2. Jacket Potato
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King I think out of thos

  19. Pirlø's Pen
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone know if Fabio travelled today??

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

      this,
      why don't we know.
      nothing in the local rags either.

      1. Pirlø's Pen
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        V irritating, if you find out please let me know mate! Currently starting him over Alonso which I'm not overly keen about if he'll only play 1.

  20. Jacket Potato
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    How many hits are people taking this week if any? Thanks

  21. Shrimpy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    1) How many hits is everyone taking?
    2) How many DGW players does everyone have? 🙂

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      possibly -4 and 3-4 DGWs

    2. Jacket Potato
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      On a -4
      Have 3 DGWs, how about yourself?

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

        Thinking about a -8 and 4 DGW

        1. Jacket Potato
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I do love a DGW so very tempted to do the same. Best of luck

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      2 hits (Negredo, Townsend, DDG)
      6 DGW players (added to Valencia, Barragan, Zaha)

  22. Elijah's Wood
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Defence in order?

    Alonso Baines Valencia // Davies Holgate

  23. Rhys85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Am I the only person thinking of giving Coutinho the armband this week?

    1. Elijah's Wood
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Risky, think Sam will go into that game organised and compact.

    2. tets mcgee (Bachmann an Rob…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      thats who i ended on. is a lottery for me

  24. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Either or Grant or Pickford to Guzan for -4?
    Already have Chambers

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Get DDG- good 34 and 35

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

    This is the high ownership team. How many do you have?

    De Gea - Jaku
    Walker - McAuley - Valencia - Azpi - Stones
    Alli - Hazard - Coutinho - King - Zaha
    Lukaku - Costa - Negredo

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

      8

    2. jiGGidyJ1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      5

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

      Only 3!

    4. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      8

  26. Darth_Newdar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Would you consider doing:

    McAuley & Sané --> Bailly & Townsend (-8)

    Bit worried about losing Sané, but I'm concerned that he might be rotated if he plays in the FA Cup match tomorrow.

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes
      Townsend and DDG good for 34 and 35

  27. Erlinjo
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all!

    De Gea
    Bailly Fabio Holgate
    Alli Eriksen Hazard Zaha
    Kane Negredo Lukaku

    Pickford, King ,Yoshida, Stepenhs

    Bench ok ? Or King in for someone ?

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      King in for Holgate play AOA

  28. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    None of the dgw players are great options!

    But with only 4gw left and if you are chasing a lead I think you have to take a gamble on them.

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Agreed

  29. Jim Moriarty
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    No differentials article this week ?

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

    Who wins:
    A) Jaku (WAT, sou)
    B) DDG (bur, mci, SWA) -4

    Cheers

    1. Jacket Potato
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      DDG

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      DDG