Back after yet another international break, we’re determined to return to form after a somewhat disappointing showing in Gameweek 7. This time around, the return of a number of players from injury plays a part in our selection process as treatment rooms around the country begin to empty.
If you’re new to PlayON, read this season’s introduction article for more information. If you’re already a seasoned PlayON player, read on for our selection of early weekend targets…
Gameweek 8 Picks
Goalkeeper – Julian Speroni
Coming in at just 7.5m, the Palace stopper is the second cheapest of any starting keeper in the Gameweek. Whilst Sunderland’s Kieran Westwood will set you back 7.2m, he faces a testing trip to Swansea – Speroni, on the other hand, prepares for a home clash against a Fulham side that has scored just once on their travels so far, with his shot stopping also crucial to the Argentine’s appeal. If you’re prepared to spend a little more between the sticks though, Joe Hart costs 8.4m for Man City’s trip to West Ham, whilst Wojciech Szczesny is priced at 8.9m as Arsenal prepare for the visit of Norwich.
Defender – Glen Johnson
Passed fit to return by Brendan Rodgers in Thursday’s press conference, Johnson looks an intriguing option for Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle. If the Reds boss continues with his recent 3-4-1-2 formation, Johnson will line up on the right of the midfield four against the Magpies, affording us a real out of position option at the price of just 8.6m. Keep an eye on the Chelsea and Manchester United team news later today though – if Ashley Cole fails to recover from a rib problem, Ryan Bertrand will set you back a mere 7.2m and has a home game against Cardiff on his agenda, while Rafael is priced at 8.4m and is expected to shake off a knock in time for the champions’ Old Trafford showdown with Southampton.
Midfielder – Pablo Hernandez
Like Johnson, the Swansea playmaker is just back from injury and is therefore kindly priced this week. Finally free from a hamstring problem, Hernandez comes in at a bargain 6.8m for Swansea’s home clash with basement-dwellers Sunderland and will be looking to replicate the form that harvested a goal and two assists in his first three appearances. Elsewhere in midfield, a trio of his playmaking compatriots offer strong value. Santi Cazorla sits at just 7.5m for Arsenal’s clash with Norwich, though it’s uncertain whether he’ll feature from the start or be introduced off the bench, Chelsea’s Juan Mata is slightly more expensive at 7.8m and will be hoping to retain his starting berth as Cardiff roll up to Stamford Bridge, while David Silva is priced at 8.2m in this week’s PlayON list – he has scored or assisted in three of his four league games ahead of a trip to West Ham.
Forward – Luis Suarez
With plenty of top quality options available in the mid-price bracket in midfield, it should enable us to splash the cash up top. The Uruguayan has been in sensational form since returning from suspension and looks primed to continue his recent run of displays against a Newcastle side bereft of both Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor at the back. Suarez is priced at 11.3m to Daniel Sturridge’s 11.8m and will be looking to engineer a repeat of last season’s 6-0 win at St James’ Park. Robin Van Persie is also significantly cheaper than his strike-partner, costing 10.8m to Wayne Rooney’s 11.7m for the visit of Southampton, whilst further down the price bracket, Christian Benteke, at 10.0m, looks a tempting choice for Aston Villa’s home game against Tottenham if he recovers in time from injury. Fit-again Steven Fletcher at 8.8m is also worth mulling over for those who reckon Gus Poyet can spring a surprise at the Liberty Stadium.
£1,000 Guaranteed Game this week
PlayON has a £1,000 Guaranteed Pot on offer this week for a £5 entry fee. Once the number of entries reaches 200, the pot will continue to rise above £1,000 so get involved and spread the word so the pot builds in size.
How To Play
PlayON is weekly Fantasy football so you can dip in and out of playing throughout the season. Once your starting XI is built (you can keep changing your team right up to 2 hours before the first kick-off – 10.45 on Sat morning), you can compete for cash. Entering a multiplayer game for a set stake, you’ll have a chance of winning your share of the pot should you finish high enough in the rankings.
Similarly, you can challenge other players to one-on-one games, selecting the amount at stake. The likes of Robbie Fowler, Les Ferdinand and OptaJoe are all playing the game and are there to be challenged for free or for £1. The Fantasy Football Scout team is also available to be challenged and has a 58% win rate to this point.
The Fantasy Football Scout Game
We’ve also got a £2 multiplayer game, dedicated to our community, which is now open and the prize pot is building.
Challenge Your Mates
You can also set up your own multiplayer games with your mates to play for free bragging rights or for cash. Create your own game at www.playon.co.uk.
Finally, a reminder that we have published a strategy guide, offering some tips for getting the most from your PlayON lineup, right here.
You have to be over 18 to enter cash games at PlayON. If you do wager some cash, please remember to gamble responsibly. PlayON is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
