As always on a Friday lunchtime, we analyse the PlayON player price list ahead of tomorrow’s 10.45am deadline. Below we offer a couple of picks per position: one essential weekend target and a left-field alternative for your consideration.
This weekend there is a £1,000 Guaranteed Pot on offer at PlayON where you can enter up to three different teams into the game.
Goalkeeper – Steve Harper
Hull’s back-up keeper is set to earn his first start of the campaign after Allan McGregor was ruled out for a month with a shoulder injury. Coming in at only 6.9m, Harper looks a great budget option as the Tigers play Hull host to Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon, with save points likely to heighten his points potential. West Ham will be hoping for a first clean sheet of the season this weekend at home to Queens Park Rangers. Sam Allardyce’s side have been untypically porous so far and their backline options are subsequently priced on the kind side – Adrian is available for just 7.6m and faces an attack that has scored just once on their travels to date.
Defender – Alberto Moreno
The Liverpool left-back is our defensive punt for the weekend, ahead of a home encounter with West Brom. Rested for the midweek trip to FC Basel, Moreno – who sets you back just 8.1m – is set to return to the Reds’ starting XI and, although his side are still struggling for clean sheets, the Baggies have scored just one away goal this season. Moreno’s raids down the flank could make the investment worthwhile alone, as he goes in search of a second league goal in six appearances. At only 7.1m, Neil Taylor looks an absolute steal for Swansea’s home clash with Newcastle. The home side have conceded just once in front of their own fans, whilst the Magpies have drawn blanks in all three road trips, suggesting a clean sheet could be on the cards. Taylor’s recent assist against Chelsea also underlines his potential at both ends of the pitch.
Midfielder – Will Buckley
Handed his first full 90 minutes for Sunderland last week, the summer signing from Brighton looks set to retain his role after impressing manager Gus Poyet. After scoring 19 in 96 appearances for Brighton, Buckley will be keen to get his first goal in the top flight as the Black Cats entertain Stoke and, at just 7.7m in PlayON this week, the winger also allows funds to be utilised elsewhere in the team. David Silva is our essential midfield pick. The City playmaker reminded us of his ability by serving up a pair of assists at Hull last weekend and with a trip to Villa up next for the champions, the Spaniard – who costs 10.3m – offers an in-form route into Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Forward – Diafra Sakho
The West Ham striker has now scored in each of his last four starts across all competitions, including recent strikes against Liverpool and Man United. With the Hammers welcoming a QPR side that have conceded 10 times in three away matches this season, Sakho could be amongst the goals yet again for Big Sam’s side and looks excellent value at just 9.4m.Leicester’s home clash with Burnley brings Leonardo Ulloa into contention. The Argentine has netted five times in six appearances for the Championship winners and, crucially, has scored in every home fixture – coming in at 10.5m, he’ll fancy his chances against a backline that shipped four goals to West Brom last Sunday afternoon.
Head over to www.playon.co and get picking ahead of the 10.45am deadline tomorrow morning.
