It’s time to make our way to the Weekly Shop this 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
Southampton have now conceded in back-to-back matches after keeping six consecutive clean sheets but upcoming visitors Sunderland face a long trip down to the South coast and failed to net at West Ham in their last away trip. Fraser Forster (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $4,200 ) has made just two saves in each of his last four appearances so there is room for improvement for the English keeper and his shot-stopping abilities are likely to be needed with the Black Cats fighting to maintain their Premier League status.
Chelsea have not been at their usual level defensively at Stamford Bridge this campaign and have conceded in their last seven at home. Nonetheless, Branislav Ivanovic’s (FantasyBet 6.5m, DraftKings $4,200 ) recent attacking form, notching two goals and three assists since Jose Mourinho’s departure, makes the full-back a tempting prospect against a Stoke side that have failed to score in four of their last seven away trips.
The 2-1 win at the Emirates last night was Swansea’s first in five outings and a home tie with Norwich provides an opportunity for the Welsh side to distance themselves further from a relegation battle. Gylfi Sigurdsson (FantasyBet 7m, DraftKings $ 6,800) was rested for the first half in North London but appeared from the bench to deliver the assist for the winning goal. The Icelander had netted five goals in the previous eight matches and with set-piece duties also in his locker, looks the prime candidate to include from the Swans.
While Liverpool may have struggled for consistency this season, Jurgen Klopp has at least got them scoring in the league – only Leicester have held the Reds over the last five, while they’ve netted 16 goals in the other four encounters. Roberto Firmino (FantasyBet 8m, DraftKings Forward $6,300 ) has four goals and as many assists in that run, while James Milner (FantasyBet 6.5m, DraftKings $6,300) has netted three and served up a trio of assists, so both are worth looking at ahead of a trip to a Crystal Palace side that have shipped 21 goals in nine matches.
Sergio Aguero (FantasyBet 13m, DraftKings $8,600 ) has now blanked in successive league outings but seven goals in the preceding six matches make it difficult to ignore the Argentine as basement-dwellers Aston Villa roll up to the Etihad. Manchester City have looked out-of-sorts recently, though the 3-0 loss at Anfield should be a wake-up call for a team still capable of challenging for the title. Villa have conceded 11 goals over their last three so Manuel Pellegrini’s side should see this tie as chance to re-discover some attacking rhythm.
Poundstretchers
Swansea have kept just six clean sheets this campaign but, crucially, five of those have arrived at the Liberty Stadium. Lukasz Fabianski (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $3,800 ) has only conceded more than once in a single outing over the last seven so the visit of a Norwich side that have blanked in four of their last five away trips offer a promising opportunity to notch another shut-out. Alberto Paloschi (FantasyBet m, DraftKings $3,900 ) is also worth considering if you plan to save funds in forward positions – the January signing was rested midweek but should return against the Canaries, having scored at Tottenham last weekend.
After the loss to Bournemouth, Ronald Koeman may look to shake up his defence after hauling off Maya Yoshida in the first-half at Dean Court. Should the Saints boss roll out his wing-back set-up for the visit of Sunderland, Matt Targett (FantasyBet 4m, DraftKings $3,700 ), who missed the Tuesday night defeat, could offer a bargain route into the Saints backline.
The match at Goodison features two budget-friendly midfielders that have both been in convincing goal scoring form. Aaron Lennon (FantasyBet 5.5m, DraftKings $3,400 ) has scored four in six league appearances for the Toffees, while Michail Antonio’s (FantasyBet 5m, DraftKings $5,100 ) move to right wing-back did little to dent his attacking instinct, scoring the winner against Spurs, a fifth goal in ten outings for the Hammers.
Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri (FantasyBet 6.5m, DraftKings $6,100 ) is an option worth considering for the trip to Stamford Bridge, particularly in Draftkings, having recorded the most crosses (47) of any midfielder over the last four. The Swiss international may not even need to score to secure a points haul, then, though with a goal and two assists over his last three outings, should be a key threat to the Chelsea defence.
For the Blues, Bertrand Traore (FantasyBet 5m, DraftKings $2,800) has emerged as an inviting option with Guus Hiddink backing the youngster for a forward role ahead of Loic Remy and Pato while hinting he may rest Diego Costa. Three goals in three substitute appearances and an assist against Norwich makes it clear why the midfielder may keep his more experienced team-mates on the bench.
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.
