We make our way to the Weekly Shop this Wednesday evening, as we assess the player lists of our partner games to pinpoint the likely targets that will make up our own weekly squads.
As always, the player analysis is split into two sections: I’ll break down the key targets that no squad can do without in “Better Buys”, before seeking out those one-shot “Poundstretcher” prospects that can provide us points, whilst freeing up funds.
For this week’s selection, we’re once again scanning the player lists in our two partner games – FantasyBet and Premier Punt.
Better Buys
Manchester United picked up an eleventh clean sheet of the campaign at Anfield, maintaining the best defensive record in the division. David de Gea (FantasyBet 5.5m, Premier Punt 8.1m) made four saves and picked up two bonus points against the Reds and now welcomes Southampton to Old Trafford this weekend. United have conceded just four times in 10 matches in front of their own fans, whilst for all their recent improvement, the Saints continue to toil on their travels and have scored just twice in the previous four away matches.
Everton’s 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge exhibited both their strengths and weaknesses last weekend. Only City have scored more goals this term, though on the other hand, the Toffees record of 32 goals against is better than just six other sides. Given that weekend visitors Swansea have scored just twice in their last five road trips, though, Roberto Martinez’ men will be optimistic of a third clean sheet in six. Leighton Baines (FantasyBet 6m, Premier Punt 6.5m) offers a relatively cut-price route into the defence and served up two assists against the Blues, reminding us of past glories and his ability to produce returns at both ends of the pitch.
Given that the Swans have kept just a single clean sheet away from the Liberty, Everton’s attacking assets are also worth considering. Ross Barkley (FantasyBet 7m, Premier Punt 10.4m) has been quiet in recent weeks but has already notched six goals and eight assists and is a viable midfield option, having recorded nine attempts over the last four league matches. Striker Romelu Lukaku (FantasyBet 9m, Premier Punt 12.3m) is also likely to be a hugely popular pick this week, having scored or assisted in each of his last six home appearances.
After a lay-off with injury, Roberto Firmino (FantasyBet 8m, Premier Punt 10.6m Forward) has featured more regularly for Liverpool and had growing influence over the last 12 Gameweeks. The increased pitch time has seen the Brazilian record a 50% involvement in the Reds’ goals over that period, picking up three goals and four assists, including double-figure hauls against Man City and Arsenal. Up against a Norwich with three clean sheets to their name all season, Firmino looks the man most likely for the Merseysiders.
Poundstretchers
Watford’s home encounter with Newcastle offers the Hornets a chance to bounce back after chalking up a fourth straight loss at Swansea last Monday evening. Quique Sanchez Flores’ men have kept six clean sheets in ten in front of their own fans and with the Magpies drawing blanks in their last two away matches, Heurelho Gomes (FantasyBet 4.5m, Premier Punt 6.9m) looks an ideal option between the sticks. The Brazilian remains third on points in the overall goalkeeper leaderboard and with new arrival Costel Pantilimon waiting in the wings, should be eager to put in a performance here.
We’re also backing Watford’s budget frontman Odion Ighalo (FantasyBet 5.5m, Premier Punt 8.1m) to end a three-match goal drought this weekend.. The Nigerian had netted nine times in as many matches prior to that run of blanks and Newcastle roll up having shipped 21 goals in their last ten away fixtures, conceding two or more in five of those ties.
Sam Allardyce’s pragmatic approach appears to have given Sunderland a fighting chance of survival – two wins and eight goals scored over the last three indicates a revival of fortunes on Wearside. Patrick Van Aanholt (FantasyBet 4.5m, Premier Punt 7.6m) has been the unlikely source of three of those goals and even served up an assist against Swansea. The in-form left-back now welcomes a Bournemouth side that have drawn blanks in each of their last two on the road.
Jermaine Defoe (FantasyBet 5m, Premier Punt 8.3m) has also been in fine form. The veteran striker netted five times in the two recent victories including a hat-trick against Swansea and could deliver great value against the Cherries.
If you’re looking for a cheap enabler in midfield this week, Jesse Lingard (FantasyBet 4.5m, Premier Punt 5m) could help to fill a spot and provide funds to spend elsewhere. The Manchester United youngster is a bit of a risky pick, but, having started the last two and scored against Newcastle, the midfielder could be utilised once again for the visit of Southampton.
West Brom’s Craig Dawson (FantasyBet 5.0m, Premier Punt 7.6m) is another to consider. The right-back welcomes midlands rivals Villa to the Hawthorns and, as well as scoring twice this term, provided the assist for Salomon Rondon’s FA Cup winner over Bristol City last night. Remi Garde’s side have scored just three times in their last five road trips, suggesting a clean sheet could be on the cards for Tony Pulis’ defensive regulars.
These are the contenders for my weekly contest lineups heading into this week’s fixtures. I’ll bring you up to date on my progress in our partner games – FantasyBet and Premier Punt – in my articles next week, as I continue my quest for profit in the 2015/16 campaign.
