With less than a couple of hours until Gameweek 21 gets underway, we catch up on Premier Punt’s latest competitions as I roll out an update on my ongoing quest for Fantasy Football profit.
This Week’s Games
There is even more guaranteed prize money than usual for the midweek slate on Premier Punt. This time around, they are offering four big guaranteed contests and it’s possible to enter three line-ups into these games. The largest has a £350 pot with a £5 entry fee, whilst there is also a £150 pot for a £10 fee and, for the high-rollers, there’s a £20 contest for a chance to win a share of £180. This week they are also offering a £100 prize pot for just £2 entry.
Premier Punt also offer a unique single-game format for each fixture – these contests are quick to enter with no budget and only five picks are needed with at least one player from each team.
For this round there’s a free £30 pot for Arsenal’s visit to Anfield if you play any of the paid games. Liverpool were struck by an injury crisis over a busy schedule but should have some returning first-team members now so it’s worth waiting for team news on this one as it will be in before the deadline. The Gunners will be expecting to pick up a second win in five away matches with Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey likely to feature prominently in line-ups.
My Team
Stoke may have conceded in their last three, including at League One Doncaster in the FA Cup, but they should get back on track against a Norwich side that don’t create much on the road. Shot stopper Jack Butland (7.4m) gets his regular slot, then, whilst I’ve also gone for a double-up with captain Ryan Shawcross (6.2m) due to his generous price tag. The centre-back has had a clear impact with the Potters, recording six clean sheets in ten league matches since his return from injury, compared to just two in the previous ten.
With three clean sheets in the last four, I turn to a Swansea defence that’s set to host relegation candidates Sunderland. Ashley Williams (7.6m) has shown a tendency to pick up bonus points but, as those don’t apply in Premier Punt, I’ve gone for the cut-price Angel Rangel (5.5m), who served up an assist at the Liberty last time out. I’ve selected another full-back in the form of Cesar Azpilicueta (8.8m), with Chelsea facing a West Brom side that have had just 70 attempts on goal in nine matches, the worst in the division.
In midfield, I’ve gone for two players in the clash at White Hart Lane, with both offering form and value as reasons for selection. Dele Alli (8.1m) has racked up five goals and as many assists this season, with returns in four of his last six appearances. Riyad Mahrez (9m) has now blanked in three successive outings but his away form this term has been unparalleled, netting seven times in his last five on the road.
Chelsea scored three at Crystal Palace last Gameweek, with Willian (10.4m) one of the stars for Guus Hiddink’s side with a goal and assist at Selhurst Park. Kevin De Bruyne’s (10m) home form earns the Belgium a place against Everton – four of his five league goals have arrived at the Etihad, along with all eight of his assists.
The return to fitness and form of Sergio Aguero (16m) makes the Argentine a must-have pick despite the hefty price tag – he’s bagged two goals and a pair of assists in his last four appearances for City, despite limited pitch time. Marko Arnautovic (9.2m) makes it a full quota of Stoke assets. The forward has four goals in as many outings at the Britannia and looks set to cause Norwich plenty of problems. The side is completed with a budget differential in the shape of Andy Carroll, (7.8m) who should be leading the Hammers line at Bournemouth after netting in back-to-back league outings.
The Bottom Line
A seventh-placed finish in the big pot with 45 points provided £14 in winnings, which at least covered my stake for the week. It was a disappointing Gameweek nonetheless, given that I captained Laurent Koscielny – his 24 points were over half my overall total. Andrew Ogden took first place with captain Sergio Aguero and Willian helping to deliver 54 points overall. That leaves me on a respectable £260.93 going into Gameweek 21.
This Week’s Stake
As usual, I place two teams into the big £350 pot for £5 per line-up and also enter two teams into the £100 guaranteed contest for £2 apiece. These also allow entries into the single game freeroll contest.
Stake – £14
Current Balance – £246.93
If you would like to take me on in that £2 challenge a pundit game or try out PremierPunt’s unique single fixtures game sign up here.
