It’s time to drop into the Weekly Shop for our final Wednesday article, as we analyse the player lists of our partner games to highlight 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.
Crystal Palace travel to Upton Park where West Ham have been resilient of late, keeping five clean sheets in seven home matches. With 15 saves and five bonus points over his last four appearances, Adrian (FantasyBet 5m, DraftKings $4,000) could be worth the extra investment compared to more budget-friendly keeper options. In midfield, Dimitri Payet (FantasyBet 7.5m, DraftKings $8,600) carried his league form into the international friendlies by netting a trademark free-kick against Russia, and the Frenchman’s two goals and four assists in five make him difficult to ignore.
Chelsea will be optimistic of extending their 14-match unbeaten league run when they visit Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime. While the Blues have been porous at Stamford Bridge, they have four clean sheets in six on the road and Branislav Ivanovic (FantasyBet 6.5m, DraftKings $4,100) offers the opportunity of points at both ends of the pitch against a team destined for the Championship.
Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at Goodison Park was a promising result for those considering investment in the Gunners ahead of Watford’s visit. The Hornets travel to the Emirates with a single shut-out in nine away trips and Hector Bellerin (FantasyBet 5.5m, DraftKings $4,200) offers the form route into the hosts’ rearguard with three assists over the last two outings.
In midfield, picking between Mesut Ozil (FantasyBet 9.5m, DraftKings $8,000) and Alexis Sanchez (FantasyBet 11m, DraftKings Forward $7,800) is once again a conundrum. The former has been more consistent in the long-term but the Chilean’s goal and a pair of assists over the last three hints at a return to form. A potentially rewarding and cheaper alternative has emerged further up the field, though, with Danny Welbeck (FantasyBet 7m, DraftKings $5,500) bagging three goals and an assist in five since returning from injury.
Sergio Aguero (FantasyBet 13m, DraftKings $8,800) may have blanked in three of his last four outings but travels to a Bournemouth team that have leaked six goals over their previous three. Despite his recent toils, the Argentine has fired 14 attempts in the box over the last four – joint-top along with Harry Kane. With City still limited by injuries in midfield, he may well be paired with Wilfried Bony (FantasyBet 8m, DraftKings $4,900) once again. While the Ivorian has not been on the pitch as much as Aguero, his 11 attempts in the box compares favourably, earning the forward a high placing in Jonty’s Goals Imminent table.
Poundstretchers
An injury to Joe Hart should see Willy Caballero (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $2,900) earn a rare stint between the sticks as City travel to Bournemouth. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have allowed their opponents a mere 11 shots inside the box in the last four – less than any other side.
Norwich are looking to chalk up a third straight clean sheet as relegation rivals Newcastle roll up to Carrow Road. Timm Klose’s (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $2,400) defensive displays have been key to the Canaries improvement, with the centre-half earning five bonus points in the last two Gameweeks. Wes Hoolahan (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $3,800) has chipped in with two goals and a pair of assists in his last four home appearances and looks a value option amongst Alex Neil’s attack.
After three successive draws, Sunderland will be hoping to give their survival bid a shot in the arm as West Brom visit the Stadium of Light. Patrick van Aanholt’s (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $3,900) five goals from defence this term is only equalled by Scott Dann, Wahbi Khazri (FantasyBet 6m, DraftKings $5,400) continues to return some promising attacking numbers, while Jermain Defoe (FantasyBet 5m, DraftKings $4,700) has scored in back-to-back outings and also looks a good value option against the Baggies, who have kept a single clean sheet in four matches.
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.
