Our search for a trio of overlooked alternatives arrives, as always, this Saturday morning. We place our faith in Newcastle and Burnley’s frontmen, whilst Arsenal’s forgotten midfielder could yet have a part to play in the upcoming double Gameweek.
Ayoze Perez
Perez has been one of the only bright sparks for Newcastle during their nine-match winless streak. The Spanish youngster boasts three goals in two starts for the Magpies, while only five forwards in the league fashioned more shots on target (five) than the Toon marksman in their previous four matches.
Papiss Cisse’s return to action provides further incentive to invest in the 4.3-priced Perez. Having served out his lengthy suspension, the Senegalese frontman earned minutes off the bench against West Brom and is pushing to start at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. With opposing defences now having to contend with the pace and power of Cisse, Perez – who could either line up on the right flank or alongside Cisse in a two-man attack – should be afforded more space to exploit.
Sitting just two points off 18th-placed Hull City, the Tynesiders will be desperate to secure all three points at Loftus Road, playing into the hands of their attacking contingent. Furthermore, an agreeable match-up against West Ham United (one goal in last four) on the final day renders Perez a solid option in Gameweek 38.
Danny Ings
Danny Ings (5.5) netted for the first time in 11 starts during Burnley’s 1-0 win over Hull City last Gameweek. Notwithstanding his barren spell, the Clarets’ leading man has been engineering an impressive number of attempts (16) in the last six Gameweeks, with only six other forwards surpassing that tally. With a number of suitors eyeing up a summer bid, Ings’ goal at the KC Stadium could be the catalyst to inspire further Fantasy returns.
Strengthening Ings’ case for inclusion, Burnley play host to Stoke City this weekend. The Potters lost three and drew one of their previous four road matches, while Sean Dyche’s side will be confident of getting a result in their final Premier League match at Turf Moor, having taken points off Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in recent home matches. Moreover, the Lancashire club close out their campaign with a trip to Aston Villa – who’ve recorded just one home clean sheet in eight attempts.
Jack Wilshere
With Aaron Ramsey remaining doubtful, and rotation a possibility ahead of the FA Cup final, the fit-again Wilshere (6.3) could come into contention for Arsenal’s double Gameweek against United and Sunderland.
The England international has been handed cameos in the Gunners’ previous two league ties, as he steps up his rehabilitation ahead of a full return. In just 28 minutes against Swansea on Monday evening, Wilshere created five scoring opportunities – joint-top for Arsene Wenger’s side – to suggest that, even if his pitch time is limited, he could still prosper.
It’s unlikely he’ll earn a start at Old Trafford this Sunday but, depending on results over the weekend, the midweek visit of Sunderland could play into the Gunners’ hands. If Dick Advocaat’s side can secure their survival on Saturday, they’ll have a little less motivation come Wednesday evening, and with third spot still on the line, Arsenal will be determined to grab a much-needed win as they look to recover from Monday’s shock loss against Swansea.
