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19 August 2015 2174 comments
Tom Fenley Tom Fenley
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Our new mid-week regular arrives for your perusal this evening, as we take an early look at those players currently under consideration for our squads across weekly and daily Fantasy Football games.

We’ve divided this early scouting into two sections. The “Better Buys” will look at the key players for the week ahead, generally assessing those in-form assets who are braced for a promising fixture. The “Poundstretchers”, on the other hand, are the Gameweek prospects that should offer excellent value – often one-week punts, whose lower price tags enable funds to be spent on the big-hitters elsewhere in our lineups.

In this week’s article, we take a look at what’s on offer in this week’s two featured games Fantasy Bet and PlayON…

Better Buys

Manchester United’s Sergio Romero has kept back-to-back clean sheets in David de Gea’s absence and is the highest scoring goalkeeper in Fantasy Bet, with 18 points so far. The player prices in Fantasy Bet are not influenced by the value changes in the official Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game until later in the season, so the Argentine is still available for 5.0m and is also reasonably priced at 7.1m in PlayON.

Investment in Crystal Palace’s backline looks a viable tactic as Aston Villa visit Selhurst Park. The Eagles are yet to keep a clean sheet but Tim Sherwood’s visitors, alongside Stoke, have recorded the joint fewest attempts on goal so far. For 4.5m in Fantasy Bet, assets such as Joel Ward, Damien Delaney and Pape Souare have all registered attacking returns in the opening two weeks – the latter is even a cut-price option in PlayON at 6.4m.

Further up the pitch, Alan Pardew’s side look to have carried on their attacking threat from the end of last season. Yohan Cabaye promptly reminded us of his quality with a goal in the opening match at Norwich and could prosper against Villa – the midfielder is available for 6.5m in Fantasy Bet and 8.3m in PlayON.

We’re also eyeing up Manchester United’s midfield as they host Newcastle, with the misfiring Wayne Rooney overlooked. Memphis Depay’s (Fantasy Bet 9.5m, PlayON 10.4m) mid-week brace against Club Brugge has put him on our radar for the weekend, while Juan Mata’s nine points in Fantasy Bet against Aston Villa, including all three bonus points, makes the Spaniard another viable option for 8.5m and 11m in PlayON.

Swansea and West Ham are both in our thoughts with at least one option from each of their attacks likely to make our weekend squads. Andre Ayew and Dimitri Payet both scored last Gameweek and should offer plenty of support again to Bafetimbi Gomis and Diafra Sakho. The Swans travel to a struggling Sunderland side that conceded three to newly promoted Norwich and, ominously for the Black Cats, the in-form Gomis (available for 7m in Fantasy Bet and 9.9m in PlayON) is looking for a third goal in three matches. Although Sakho is yet to get off the mark for the Hammers, visitors Bournemouth offer the Senegalese striker a chance to open his account for the season – he is a cheaper alternative to Gomis, with price tags of 6.5m in Fantasy Bet and 9.0m in PlayON.

Poundstretchers

We return to West Ham for this week’s stand-out budget keeper. Darren Randolph is likely to make his league debut for the Hammers and take the suspended Adrian’s place between the posts as the Cherries visit Upton Park. The Irish international is available for a cut-price 4.5m in Fantasy Bet and 5.5m in PlayON.

Norwich’s Russell Martin’s 1800-point haul was only outscored by Vincent Kompany in PlayON last week. The centre-half netted in the 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light and, as mentioned, with opponents Stoke recording the joint fewest attempts so far this term, Martin looks a solid budget option at 4.5m in Fantasy Bet and 6.3m in PlayON as the Potters visit Carrow Road. Nathan Redmond (Fantasy Bet 5.5m, PlayON 7.8m) has also caught the eye with back-to-back goals from the wing and looks to be the main threat for the Canaries, with striker Cameron Jerome yet to find the net.

We’re also looking at Swansea’s assets again in the budget midfield bracket and there are a couple of alternatives to Ayew and Gomis for those squads where funds are tight. Jefferson Montero (Fantasy Bet 6.0m, PlayON 7.6m) and Jonjo Shelvey (Fantasy Bet 5.5m, PlayON 7.9m) both recorded an assist in the 2-0 win against Newcastle and could make the difference again at Sunderland, also enabling the likes of Sergio Aguero to find a place in our teams this week.

Last week we backed Troy Deeney (Fantasy Bet 5.5m, PlayON 8m) to bag a first Premier League goal. The Watford forward was frustrated again by West Brom but being in the top four forwards for attempts over the opening couple of Gameweeks keeps the striker in our thinking as the Hornets welcome a Southampton side that have conceded five in two matches.

These are the players on my radar ahead of this weekend’s weekly contests. On Friday, I’ll be back with a further look at both this week’s partner games – Fantasy Bet and PlayON – as I continue my quest for profit in the 2015/16 campaign.

2,174 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Danstoke82
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Currently have Huth and Richards at 4.5. Is Gomez worth bringing in instead?

    1. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I would stick, although Gomez is tempting. I suspect he'll be rotated and then you'll need to use a FT to get him out,

      1. DVassell
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Stick like baker baby says baby

      2. Danstoke82
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers for reply

    2. Dutchboy
      11 years, 2 months ago

      When Moreno came on on Monday he looked explosive. I doubt Gomez will keep his place. Didn't look very good at LB.

  2. Think
    11 years, 2 months ago

    ?????
    After worst second gameweek score
    ?????

    Can you beat this ? 23 from 11players including captain.

  3. Nelson Vivas Fan Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Alrite, team is:

    Butland - Schmeichel
    Mertesacker - Kolarov - Cedric - O'Shea - Saylor
    Hazard - Sanchez - Sterling - Ritchie - Wanyama
    Rooney - Benteke - Defoe

    Should I
    A) play wildcard or
    B) do Rooney & Hazard for Aguero & Depay

    ??

    1. Nelson Vivas Fan Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      B for a hit

      1. Think
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Very good team. Why u want to wc ?

        Just make a move to save fund and bring kun in gw 4

    2. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      B. Not necessarily Depay.

    3. Pompey5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling and Rooney out Aguero and then one of the many mid priced options in midfield.

  4. Hazardous Liege '76
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Predicted starting price for Pedro?

    1. Frank Black
      11 years, 2 months ago

      8.5

    2. PainInDiaz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9.5

      1. Jimbo123
        11 years, 2 months ago

        No chance

        1. PainInDiaz
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Why would you be so confident? Someone with such a great goals/assist record won't be priced any dearer. Not less than 9 in my opinion.

    3. BabyB
      11 years, 2 months ago

      10

    4. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9

    5. The Train Driver
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9

    6. Bubz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      8.5

    7. Jimbo123
      11 years, 2 months ago

      8.5 or 9 at a push

    8. Nicks93
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9

    9. Clumsy Sakho
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9.5

    10. Ludo
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9.0

    11. Al Bundy
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9,0

    12. Every Dog Has Its Day
      11 years, 2 months ago

      8.5

    13. il Brutto
      11 years, 2 months ago

      9-9.5

    14. Dutchboy
      11 years, 2 months ago

      8.5

  5. John t penguin
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who will drop out to give song a place in WHU team

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Payet 😉

      1. John t penguin
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Good

    2. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      ... ... ... ... ... Adrián
      Jenkinson, Ogbonna, Tomkins/Reid, Cresswell
      ... ... ... Obiang, Song, Noble
      ... ... ... ...Kouyate, Payet
      ... ... ... ... ... Sakho

      1. Mull
        11 years, 2 months ago

        No Nolan 😯 😉

        1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Strange, that. Going to Bolton, I believe ...

          1. Frank Black
            11 years, 2 months ago

            I still haven't understand Kouyate's role. Wasn't he a CB at first? I thought he played DMF now or CM...

      2. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Screams Clean sheets

        1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Aye. Good man. 🙂

        2. pundit of punts
          11 years, 2 months ago

          This.

  6. Randy_Marsh
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Best site for prem highlights?

      1. FrankieTheGent
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  7. JimmyCoop
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard please Gents:

    Butland McCarthy

    Darmian Kolarov Richards Gomez Huth

    Sanchez Silva Mahrez Payet Westwood

    Aguero Lukaku Gomis

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Template, all good

    2. ANON.
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Better options than Lukaku imo given fixtures but I guess you choose to with him anyway

      1. JimmyCoop
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Think he's a on form and a big threat, can trouble any side - especially at home.

        Might look to switch him to Benteke in a few weeks...

    3. Je suis le chat
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Good, maybe Benteke for Lukaku and Francis for Huth though maybe moneys tight.

  8. Dacra
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Really don't know where to spend 1.3?

    McCarthy - Myhill
    Gomez - Kolorov - Richards - Williams - Shaw
    Sanchez - Mahrez - Payet - Yaya - Westwood
    Aguero - Lukaku - Gomis

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'd take Silva over Yaya if u can find .2

    2. Jimbo123
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Don't spend it then.

      1. Dacra
        11 years, 2 months ago

        But that seems wasteful!

        1. Al Bundy
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Its not. Very useful to have when a few of your picks misfire. If you are happy with your team, dont think that you have use all your cash

    3. Mull
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Lukaku to Kane/Benteke

      Everton have the worst fixtures I've ever seen.

    4. Clumsy Sakho
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kolarov to kompany
      Lukaku to tekkers

    5. FrankieTheGent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Have you seen Everton's fixtures up to November
      Lukaku to diouf
      Then worry about spending 2.8
      Hint Westwood

  9. ElDaddy
    11 years, 2 months ago

    A) Sanchez-Payet-Mata
    B) Depay-Silva-Mane
    Tough..

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      C) Sanchez Silva cheapie

  10. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Would you sit Kolarov this week?

    Ward, Williams and Shaw all have better fixtures on paper

    1. Think
      11 years, 2 months ago

      All day long, I just bench him agaist chl and it hurts.

    2. ANON.
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No, Kolarov is an attacking midfielder

  11. Ludo
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hmm. Darmian worth 0.2 more than Shaw for the BPs?

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. The Train Driver
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw will be 5.6 tomorrow

      1. Ludo
        11 years, 2 months ago

        No problem if I can get him for 5.5 today...

    3. Every Dog Has Its Day
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No! I've opted for Shaw because I feel he's more nailed and won't be facing Mr.Montero.

      1. Ludo
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Less of a card magnet I guess. Not worried about Rojo/Blind taking his spot when Rojo returns?

        1. Every Dog Has Its Day
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Not at all; Shaw's has been playing well.

    4. Beavis
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah although why didn't you get Darmian when he was on 5.6?

      1. Ludo
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Wasn't interested in United defence, have changed my mind since!

        1. Beavis
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Ah fair enough.

          I think Darmian is a better option slightly because of baps and less injury prone. Think Shaw will have a big season and is maybe a bit better attacking wise but I prefer the steadiness of baps rather than random attacking points.

    5. Bubz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I prefer Shaw. Double the amount of touches in opponents half and final third. Bound to start getting assists.

      1. Beavis
        11 years, 2 months ago

        More likely to get injured as well.

        1. Bubz
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Think he looks fit as a fiddle personally. Sure he had an unlucky season last year with injuries but I see no reason to avoid him just because of that.

          1. Beavis
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Certainly looks in prime fitness condition this season. 🙂

      2. Ludo
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Interesting. I dismissed his attacking threat due to his lack of assists in the past, but he's only young, stats look promising, and I do fancy him to up his game this season...

        Cheers all!

  12. jimbobmij
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Can we have a discussion on the benefits of saving the first half wild card rather than using it now if your team could use a bit of tinkering but isn't "in ruins"?

    I was originally set on not using it since my team isn't THAT bad, but then I thought about when WOULD I need it in the first half of the season, since we're very unlikely to get any DGW's.

    So why not use it now if there are 8 or 10 transfers I could make that might benefit my team, even if not all of them are HUGE upgrades.

    Opinions on this?

    Re-posting since I got buried on the last page.

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I played mine for this reason.
      Wanted to wait 'til end of transfer window ideally but terrible start.

    2. Les Bleus
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Because two GWs is such a small sample size for anything. You'll see that the template will change in a few weeks time. It happens every year.

    3. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Think I'll keep it til December to have a
      chance to freshen up the squad for the 2nd half of the season.

    4. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      You can use it around the Cheistmas period as if you were playing your Jan WC and use the other for a DGW

    5. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Check hot topics. There is a great discussion with interesting views on both sides. It may help you decide.

    6. Nicks93
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not enough sample size to judge form, defences and starting line ups. You could very well hate your team in a couple of weeks

    7. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1/ You have only 2 GWs worth of information.
      2/ The transfer window hasn't even closed yet.
      3/ All the good players are in the same boat and casuals using their chips have distorted how bad the start actually is.
      4/ If you are planning on saving your 2nd WC for a DG week you have a hell of a long wait before you can restructure your squad.
      5/ You won't make any money because WC transfers don't count and loads of people are playing their WC this week. Not a single player has risen twice this GW and the vast majority of fallers are players no sane person would have anywhere near their team.
      6/ Because you get to wind people up on here for weeks by saying "Hmm ... wonder if I should use my WC this week?".

  13. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    11 years, 2 months ago

    G2G here?

    Ruddy
    Azpi Kos Kolarov
    Haz Mane Chadli Mahrez
    Kun Benteke Sakho

    Rudd Huth Targett Bentaleb

    2 Fts were Walcott and Rooney out Mahrez and Kun in.

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

  14. Skipdipper
    11 years, 2 months ago

    West Ham and Villa fixture rotation next seven game weeks:

    BOURNEMOUTH
    SUNDERLAND
    NEWCASTLE
    WEST BROM
    NORWICH
    STOKE/Sunderland
    Crystal Palace

    Tempting

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, I'm thinking that or Villa/Brom

    2. Think
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Whu & Bou ? Also looks good.

      1. Skipdipper
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah jenks and Francis crossed my mind

    3. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting, which players are you considering?

      1. DVassell
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Richards and Jenkinson baby

      2. Skipdipper
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Richards and jenkinson defensive rotation with lovren, Darmian and kolorov in the other spots

    4. KING KOUNDER
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Villa just dont look like a clean sheet team.

      You convinced?

      1. Skipdipper
        11 years, 2 months ago

        They didn't give much away to United

  15. FrankieTheGent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Mane to utd rumours!!!!

    As a saints fan can I ask all other teams (particularly liv, got, mun)

    Can you all just *******************************

    1. Syd.
      11 years, 2 months ago

      It won't happen

  16. Count of Monte Hristo
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hristo not holding back in his criticism of van Gaal

    1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bacuna Matata!

      It's a problem free ...
      FiloshoFEE ...

      Bacuna Matata!

  17. oghash
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Rooney or Costa, both misfiring but both playing bad teams. Leaning towards Costa as I've a feel JM won't let a third game pass without sending a statement out. Opinions would be welcomed

    1. Les Bleus
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Neither at this point.

  18. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Williams or Mertesacker

    1. KING KOUNDER
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Williams

  19. KING KOUNDER
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Silva or Sanchez ?

    Final piece of my WC toy.
    Anyone have a sound rationale if at all you can pick one and be happy ?

    Getting both occurred to me, but just doesnt fit my plan.

    1. Moore FPL
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Sanchez if I had to pick one but u gotta have both really

    2. PainInDiaz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Sanchez, because goals over assists.

      1. KING KOUNDER
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Point noted, thanks mate !

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Silva short term, sanchez for the long haul

    4. Think
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If u have kun then Sanchez otherwise silva
      .

      1. KING KOUNDER
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Ofcourse I have Kun.

  20. nibby
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Villa defense worth spending ?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If you can find them.

    2. pundit of punts
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Don't think so.

      It's Sherwood after all.

  21. Right boot
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Kasper

    Azpili, PVA, Cedric,

    Caz, Haz, Payet, Mahrez

    Tekkers, Rooney(C), Wilson

    Bench: Mignolet, Ritchie, Targett, Kos

    1 free transfer, £1.0 itb

    What to do? Keeper change?

    1. Les Bleus
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Caz to Yaya.

  22. pundit of punts
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Got a feeling that the Mahrez wagon will be halted this gw and the Ritchie wagon will be gaining steam.

    Mahrez ➡ Ritchie on the cards for WCers.

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Stats say Mahrez all the way.

    2. Nicks93
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Dont really understand the hesitation with Mahrez, seems like a quality player with the stats to back up

  23. Who Ate All Depays?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 2 months ago

    For 3rd striker to play alongside Aguero & Gomis
    A) Diouf
    B) Sakho (already have Payet)

    1. Skipdipper
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I've gone Diouf. Fixtures too hard to ignore

      1. Bubz
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Sakho --> Diouf GW6 for me

    2. Bubz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not a believer in coverage, but I'm not sure if I would want doube WHU attack tbh. Would make me swing towards A

    3. Lovren an elevator
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Sakho, even tho you have Payet aswell

    4. PainInDiaz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If WHU blank, won't be good having both Sakho and Payet. So Diouf. Also believe that Stoke have the better fixture.

    5. Think
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Diouf

    6. Clumsy Sakho
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Diouf

  24. Shearer & Sutton
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Which is better option? Currently I have A.

    A) Butland/Myhill+0.4m
    B) Courtois+4.0m

    1. Skipdipper
      11 years, 2 months ago

      b

      1. Shearer & Sutton
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers!

  25. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
    11 years, 2 months ago

    How does my WC team look? Any improvements I can make?

    Butland | McCarthy
    Williams | Kolarov | Ward | (Richards) | (Gomez)
    Payet | Sanchez | Silva | Mahrez | Montero
    Benteke | Aguero | (Deeney)

    1. ANON.
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Get a 4.5 mid as benching player and upgrade Deeny to one of Gomis, Sakho, Diouf, Pelle

  26. dz1984
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Almost nailed my WC team - would love to upgrade Targett but not sure i have many options to downgrade without degrading my team.

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy / Butland
    Kompany / Targett / Darmian / Richards / Muniesa
    Sanchez / Depay / Payet / Toure / Mahrez
    Aguero / Gomis

    1. dz1984
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Oh and Agbonlahor :/

      1. Think
        11 years, 2 months ago

        All good expect gks

    2. Lovren an elevator
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Good team. Who's 3rd striker?

      1. dz1984
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Agbonlahor (not the greatest but half decent fixtures)

        1. Lovren an elevator
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah not a good option but just stick him on the bench. I'd wany to play all 5 of those midfielders every week!

  27. Wolverine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Nice to see van gaal so methodical trying to get his attacking 4 to all begin with M. Memphis, mata, mane...

    Can't wait until Mueller signs 😀

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Good start for Celtic

      1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Woops

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      11 years, 2 months ago

      and Meinsteiger of course

  28. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    11 years, 2 months ago

    evening ladies n jellyspoons

    1. DVassell
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Evening baby

  29. Moore FPL
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I'm presuming Sanchez will rise at some point this week?
    The price predictor sites seem to disagree when.

  30. EAGLES (0 Chelsea players)
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero at 22% now -_-

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Glad I got dat guy

    2. Bubz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      So 78% of people playing don't have him? This is good news.

      1. Moore FPL
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Unbelievable news! Why the **** not?

      2. EAGLES (0 Chelsea players)
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I guess I'm still a little upset that non owners got away with murder last gw cuz Aguero coulda had a hattrick