Wayne Rooney delivered in style for us last weekend, but Arsene Wenger’s decision to bench Theo Walcott against his former club Southampton left us frustrated. This week sees Sergio Aguero welcome Swansea to the Etihad and Luis Suarez roll up to Hull City on Sunday – with Fantasy managers desperate to find room for one, or even both, we scour the budget end of the PlayON Price List to free up cash to splash up top:
If you’re new to PlayON, read this season’s introduction article for more information. If you’re already a PlayON player, read on for our selection of this week’s targets…
Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet
The Liverpool keeper comes in at just 8.7m this weekend ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hull. Whilst Brendan Rodgers’ side have struggled for clean sheets on the road, their hosts have scored a mere four goals in six matches at the KC Stadium, suggesting a shut-out could well be on the cards for the Belgian. West Ham’s Jussi Jaaskelainen is another solid option this weekend. Setting you back 9.0m, he welcomes Fulham to Upton Park and, with Martin Jol’s men failing to score in four of their last five road trips, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce will be optimistic for a seventh clean sheet of the season.
Defender – Martin Olsson
The Swede has started the last seven at left-back for Norwich, but could be set to benefit from injuries to Anthony Pilkington and Robert Snodgrass in midfield. Chris Hughton may opt to utilise Nathan Redmond on the right, with Olsson – priced at just 7.9m – handed the role on the opposite wing. In addition, the Canaries are playing host to a Crystal Palace side with just three goals to their name on the road so far. Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan also looks a real option ahead of a trip to Hull. With Jose Enrique sidelined after knee surgery, the youngster is expected to retain the left-back berth after an impressive showing in last week’s Merseyside derby – coming in at just 7.3m, his battling abilities are favoured by the PlayON scoring matrix. Aston Villa’s fit-again Antonio Luna looks set for a return to action against basement-dwellers Sunderland tomorrow. The Black Cats have scored just twice on their travels all season, suggesting the Spaniard, who will cost 8.1m of your budget, could be set for defensive returns – Luna’s raiding runs down the left offers the chance of attacking potential as Paul Lambert prepares to return to 4-3-3.
Midfielder – Samir Nasri
A home game against Swansea hands Manchester City further chance to rack up the goals after they hit Tottenham for six last weekend. With David Silva still sidelined due to a calf complaint, Nasri – who scored in the midweek Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen – looks poised to play a crucial role, with his creativity teeing up chances aplenty for an attack that has now scored 26 times in six matches at the Etihad. If the Frenchman’s 9.2m price tag is too hefty, Norwich’s Nathan Redmond is available for 8.2m ahead of the home game with Palace – his eye for a shot may well be rewarded by the PlayON scoring matrix. We are also keeping faith with last week’s headliner Theo Walcott – he’s been eased back into action by Arsene Wenger, but may well be set for a start away to Cardiff. At 6.3m, he’s more than kind on the budget.
Forward – Christian Benteke
The Villa striker has struggled to make an impact since returning from injury and has now failed to score in each of his last five appearances. Last Monday’s draw at West Brom saw both Gabby Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann climb off the bench to signal their comebacks from injury and, with his trusty sidekicks back in contention, a return to 4-3-3 for the visit of Sunderland could prove the catalyst for a turnaround in form for the 10.9m-priced Benteke. Man City’s Alvaro Negredo has been kept firmly in the shade by Sergio Aguero’s displays, but the Spaniard, at 11.2m, has also racked up the goals in front of the home faithful. He offers an alternative to his strike-partner and also appeals to those willing to go all-out on Manuel Pellegrini’s attack. If you’re shopping on a budget, Shola Ameobi is one of the cheapest guaranteed starters this weekend as Newcastle go in search of a fourth successive win at home to West Brom – at 9.8m, he picked up 970 points in last weekend’s triumph over Norwich.
£500 Guaranteed Pot This Week
PlayON has a £500 Guaranteed Pot on offer this week for a £5.50 entry fee. Once the number of entries reaches 100, the pot will continue to rise above £500, so invite your friends and help to increase the pot size.
How To Play
PlayON is weekly Fantasy Football for free or for cash, 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 two hours before the first kick-off – 1pm this Saturday), 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 up 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 bragging rights only 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.
