As we make our way to the Weekly Shop this Monday lunchtime, 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 focusing solely on the FantasyBet player list.
Better buys
It’s difficult to pinpoint clean sheets in this midweek set of fixtures. Only five teams managed to shut out their opponents in the previous Gameweek, while the current lack of defensive nous on offer is reflected by the fact that eight sides conceded two or more goals last time out. Even Manchester United, who have been resilient at home – keeping seven clean sheets in eleven outings at Old Trafford – have conceded in the last two in front of their own fans. Nonetheless, given that opponents Stoke have scored just once in four matches across all competitions, David de Gea (FantasyBet 5.5m) looks a relatively strong pick for the keeper spot.
Southampton secured a win at Old Trafford courtesy of new signing Charlie Austin but that was only a second goal in four away trips, including blanks at Norwich and Crystal Palace. Arsenal should be capable of keeping out a goal-shy Saints side, having registered three clean sheets in their last five league outings. Only Mesut Ozil has accrued more bonus points than Laurent Koscielny (FantasyBet 6m) from the Gunners and the central defender also has three goals already this campaign.
A home tie with Aston Villa is a promising opportunity for West Ham to get back to winning ways after going three matches without a victory. Dimitri Payet (FantasyBet 7.5m) has created nine chances over the last four Gameweeks, so the Hammers playmaker looks key to breaking down a stubborn Villa backline that have conceded just once in three. The Frenchman has failed to contribute over the last two but a goal and assist against Bournemouth shows his ability to serve up substantial scores – at that price, he’ll be a popular pick this week.
Manchester City’s title bid may well rest on improving their unflattering away form. After picking up a first win in seven road trips at Watford, they were then held to a draw at Upton Park but a victory at Sunderland tomorrow night would reinforce their title credentials and put pressure on table-toppers Leicester, who they face next week. The Black Cats have conceded 20 goals in their last nine matches and with Sergio Aguero (FantasyBet 13m) in exhilarating form, scoring four goals in his last two, it’s difficult to see Sam Allardyce’s men keeping the Argentine quiet.
Poundstretchers
With United still plagued with injury problems in defence, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson looks a viable budget enabler for the Saints showdown. Coming in at just 4.0 in FantasyBet, he’s started the last two matches for the Red Devils across all competitions.
Leicester may have had a goal scoring slump at the start of the New Year but they’ve made up for it with some impressive defensive displays that have delivered four clean sheets in their last five league matches. Kasper Schmeichel (FantasyBet 4.5m) has chalked up three straight shut-outs at the King Power, making 16 saves over that run, and is unlikely to be too concerned as he welcomes a Liverpool attack that have failed to net in three of their last five outings across all competitions.
An injury to Jan Vertonghen brings Kevin Wimmer (FantasyBet 4.5m) onto our radar as a cheap route into a Tottenham defence that’s conceded less goals (19) than any other side. The Austrian is expected to slot in alongside Toby Alderweireld for the trip to Norwich tomorrow, though a run of five matches without a clean sheet may prove a deterrent.
While West Ham’s raiding left-back Aaron Cresswell (FantasyBet 5.5m) offers a threat going forward, James Collins (FantasyBet 4m) offers a budget alternative for those unwilling to commit too much funds to a defence that have kept just one clean sheet in six. Certainly, visitors Aston Villa make the Hammers backline worthy of consideration – Remi Garde’s team have found the net just once in three away trips. Further up the pitch, Michail Antonio (FantasyBet 5m) also offers value as an alternative to Dimitri Payet – the midfielder has had nine attempts on goal over the last four and has scored or assisted in five of the last six Gameweeks.
Wilfried Zaha (FantasyBet 5m) was awarded the assist for Jan Vertonghen’s own goal in Palace’s home loss to Spurs and followed that up by scoring a solo effort against Stoke in the FA Cup. With Connor Wickham suspended and Yannick Bolasie sidelined, Zaha’s threat in the final third could be crucial at home to Bournemouth.
Benik Afobe (FantasyBet 6m) should also cause some problems at Selhurst Park, given that Palace have conceded 11 goals in their last four matches. The Cherries new striker has netted in successive matches and looks to have settled quickly since arriving from Wolves, with six shots inside the box and five chances created in three appearances.
These are the contenders for my weekly contest lineups heading into the midweek fixtures. Tomorrow I’ll also bring you up to date on my progress in FantasyBet, as I continue my quest for profit in the 2015/16 campaign.
