Last week’s player picks fell short, with both United and Liverpool conceding, Santi Cazorla drawing a blank and Christian Benteke denied by goalkeeping heroics. It’s time to retreat, lick our wounds and take stock of this week’s player list then, presenting our latest cast of potential points scorers ahead of another weekend tilt at the PlayON prize pots.
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 this week’s targets…
Gameweek 10 Picks
Goalkeeper – Steve Harper
Priced at just 6.9m in this week’s PlayON player list, the Hull stopper is set to deputise for the injured Allan McGregor once again. Harper takes his spot between the sticks behind a defence that has conceded just one goal at home in four league encounters – up next is a showdown with second-bottom Sunderland at the KC Stadium and with the Black Cats notching just twice on their travels so far, a clean sheet for the Tigers looks on the cards again. For those who reckon Joe Hart will be rested to the bench for Man City’s home clash with Norwich, Costel Pantilimon comes in at 6.3m but is a riskier proposition than Harper.
Defender – Martin Demichelis
Handed his first start by Manuel Pellegrini in last week’s trip to Chelsea, the Spaniard looks set to take his place in the XI after being rested for midweek Capital One Cup duties. With Vincent Kompany likely to miss out once again, Demichelis – at just 7.8m – affords a cut-price route into a defence that has only conceded two goals in four league encounters at the Etihad – the Canaries have managed to find the net just twice away from home and could well be without influential playmaker Robert Snodgrass. For those with real confidence in City at the Etihad, Pablo Zabaleta, at just 8.3m, looks a viable option for those looking to double up.
Midfielder – Philippe Coutinho
If you can afford to gamble anywhere in PlayON, it’s in midfield. At just 6.1m this week, Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho is an offer that looks too good to turn down. The Brazilian is expected to be in contention for Liverpool at the Emirates this weekend and will surely play some part, if not command a starting role in Brendan Rodgers’ lineup. With Both Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez firing and pulling defences this way and that, Coutinho’s goals creativity from midfield will surely be a major contributing factor to Liverpool’s season from here on in. If the gamble is too rich for you, how about Chelsea’s Juan Mata at 7.7m? Outstanding in midweek, the Spaniard may keep his start for the trip to St James’ Park.
Forward – Fernando Torres
With Christian Benteke priced at just 9.2m, it’s tempting to pimp last week’s pick once more. However, there’s some decent value further up the price brackets, with a gamble on Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, at 10.9m, looking particularly enticing. Sunday’s showing against City provided the latest compelling evidence that the Spanish hitman was recovering form, perhaps slowly edging back to his deadly days of old. That talk may well be premature but, against a Newcastle backline ravaged by injury, Torres looks to have plenty of potential for further returns when Jose Mourinho’s men make the trip to the North East.
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 54% 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.
