It’s time to visit 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 focusing on the FantasyBet and DraftKing player lists.
Better buys
Fraser Forster’s (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $3,900) settling influence is unquestionable after Southampton registered a fifth successive clean sheet since his return from injury. Considering that a sixth shut-out at Swansea this weekend would equal the number kept in the 20 outings prior to his reinstatement, Saints fans will be wondering what could have been if their shot-stopper had been available all season.
Jose Mourinho’s departure from the Chelsea hotseat has coincided with a revival in Branislav Ivanovic’s (FantasyBet 6.5m, DraftKings $4,300) attacking output. The full-back had failed to produce any attacking points before the Special One parted company but has since served up a goal and three assists in the subsequent nine. Although the Blues have now conceded in each of their last seven at the Bridge, the visit of a Newcastle side that has netted once in four away trips gives the opportunity to chalk up a clean sheet.
Dimitri Payet (FantasyBet 7.5m, DraftKings $7,700) has been disappointing since recovering from an ankle problem, with a goal and assist at Bournemouth his only returns in five starts. The Frenchman assisted the winner in the midweek FA cup victory over Liverpool, though, demonstrating the effectiveness of his set-piece delivery, which is an important aspect of DraftKings scoring system. Payet’s 16 chances created and 47 crosses over those five appearances makes him an enticing prospect ahead of a visit to struggling Norwich.
Romelu Lukaku’s (FantasyBet 9m, DraftKings $7,600) pronounced presence on Jonty’s goals imminent table is a sound indicator that substantial returns could be on the cards as West Brom travel to Goodison Park. At Stoke, the Belgian scored a first goal in six league matches but has had 20 attempts over that period, with 16 of those coming from inside the box. The Toffees frontman could reap the benefits up against a Baggies defence that has conceded in seven straight matches away from the Hawthorns.
Poundstretchers
Watford travel to a Crystal Palace side that has lost three in a row at Selhurst Park and scored just three times in the last eight Gameweeks. Even if the Hornets concede, though, Huerelho Gomes (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $3,300) could be worth considering – he impressed in the narrow defeat at Spurs by making eight saves, a factor that we think is worth looking out for in Draftkings.
Bournemouth’s Charlie Daniels (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $3,900) has picked up a goal and two assists over the last four Gameweeks ahead of a home clash with Stoke. Whilst the left-back’s crossing should reap rewards in Draftkings, centre-back Simon Francis (FantasyBet 4m, DraftKings $2,500) is better priced if you’re unwilling to splash the cash, given that the Potters have failed to net in their last four outings. The Cherries, meanwhile, have kept two clean sheets in their last four at Dean Court, only conceding to top-six sides Arsenal and West Ham.
Sunderland have gone eleven matches without a clean sheet, conceding 23 goals in that porous run and look set to continue to leak goals. Weekend visitors Man United appear to have found some attacking fluency with Jesse Lingard’s (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $4,300) continued inclusion providing some much-needed width to stretch opponents. The youngster has scored three in five starts and offers a budget alternative to Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial.
Staying on Wearside, we’re also considering the home side’s new signing Wahbi Khazri (FantasyBet 6.0m, DraftKings $3,400), who made an immediate impression on his first start last weekend by providing the assists for both goals in a 2-2 comeback draw at Anfield.
We return to Bournemouth for our budget forward pick, Benik Afobe (FantasyBet 6m, DraftKings $4,800) – the winter signing may have blanked against Arsenal but goals in each of his three previous outings suggests he is clearly capable of producing the goods. Add to that a visit from a Potters side that have lost 3-0 in each of the last three Gameweeks and Afobe could be in line for a fourth goal in his sixth start for the Cherries.
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.
