Opinion
4 April 2016 3108 comments
Paul Paul
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We cast an eye over some of the main lessons learned from Gameweek 32 this evening, with particular attention paid to those sides with upcoming doubles. There’s no shortage of Fantasy options amongst Arsenal and West Ham’s midfields, City’s big-hitting Belgian is back, Rafa Benitez can’t afford to tinker with his Newcastle strikers, whilst United’s summer signing from Monaco loves his home comforts.

Alexis is finally back in form…
The Arsenal winger has timed his upturn in output to perfection as Fantasy managers reassemble their squads ahead of double Gameweek 34. Whilst Mesut Ozil has failed to produce any points over the last four, Sanchez has earned points on each occasion, with a goal, assist and maximum bonus earning him a 14-point haul at home to Watford. Already subject to a price hike this weekend, the Chilean is poised for a major bandwagon over the run-in, with clashes against Sunderland, Norwich and Villa following also factored in over the final four Gameweeks.

It’s Iwobi’s place to lose…
It’s back-to-back goals for the Arsenal youngster after he followed up his strike at Goodison by finding the net in the home romp over Watford. Iwobi’s immediate impact has surely ensured he remains ahead of Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell for the role out wide and with Ozil toiling, Iwobi, at a mere 4.5, may well be worth the gamble for that pair of home clashes with Palace and West Brom in Gameweek 34.

De Bruyne has hit the ground running…
Handed a central support role behind Sergio Aguero as Manuel Pellegrini rolled out a 4-2-3-1 at Bournemouth, the Belgian wasted no time in serving a reminder of his Fantasy potential. Afforded just 56 minutes on his return from injury, De Bruyne still managed to grab a goal and fire four attempts at Dean Court. Now up to 5.5 points per appearance – equal with Sergio Aguero and fourth amongst midfielders – De Bruyne looks a deadly differential for the doubles, with a mere 5% ownership right now.

Rafa can’t afford to bench Mitrovic…
After grabbing a late leveler against Sunderland in the previous Gameweek, the Serbian was surprisingly dropped to the bench for Newcastle’s trip to Norwich as Rafa Benitez opted for Papiss Cisse up front instead. Whilst his team-mates continued to toil, Mitrovic needed less than half an hour as a second-half sub at Carrow Road to find the net twice, firing six attempts inside the box in the 3-2 loss. Having scored all three of his side’s goals since the new manager’s arrival, the former Anderlecht frontman looks far too vital to his side’s survival bid to be warming the bench again.

Old Trafford suits Martial…
A 1-0 win over Everton keeps United very much in the last for a top-four finish and strengthened Anthony Martial’s claim for consideration. The Frenchman’s winning strike – which also helped secure maximum bonus – means he has now scored or assisted in five of his last seven appearances at Old Trafford. Martial has bagged four goals, three assists and ten bonus points over that period (compared to one away strike since Gameweek 6) and with back-to-back home encounters against Villa and Palace in double Gameweek 34, looks another one to consider for our wildcard plans.

Kane’s consistency may well force a wildcard re-think…
An equaliser at Anfield took the Spurs striker’s tally to six goals and an assist over the last four Gameweeks. Impressively, Kane has therefore played a part in seven of his side’s last eight strikes over that period as he almost single-handedly keeps Tottenham’s title tilt alive. Whereas the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy are struggling for points as Leicester grind out the results, Kane’s deadly eye for goal could persuade plenty to hold firm despite the lack of a double on his upcoming agenda.

Lanzini could be the pick of the budget bunch…
The West Ham midfielder took his tally to 19 points in the last two Gameweeks courtesy of a goal and maximum bonus in the 2-2 draw with Palace. Despite the availability of James Tomkins, Slaven Bilic’s decision to employ Michail Antonio at right-back dented the former Forest flier’s appeal as we assess our wildcard options At a price of just 4.9, Lanzini – currently owned by less than 1% of FPL managers – looks to have barged his way past Antonio and, as evidenced by Saturday’s showing, could even rival Dimitri Payet as the best route into Bilic’s attack ahead of doubles in Gameweek 34 and 37.

Hiddink will chop and change now…
After hinting at rest and rotation for the trip to Villa, the Chelsea interim manager was as good as his word on Saturday lunchtime. Hiddink named Matt Miazga, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kenedy in his first XI and also introduced Alexandre Pato and Jake Clarke-Salter off the bench for their Blues debuts in the 4-0 rout. With the champions having little more than pride left to play for, further teamsheet alterations can be expected and may well steer most away from the Stamford Bridge side over the run-in.

Coutinho’s star is on the rise…
With Roberto Firmino still stuck in the treatment room and Daniel Sturridge looking far from fully fit, the former Inter man has emerged as the choice route into Liverpool’s attack. Coutinho’s opener at home to Spurs on Saturday evening took his tally to two goals and three assists in his last four league outings and has earned him over 35,000 new owners so far second only to Ross Barkley in our midfield shake-ups. With five home fixtures allied with trips to Bournemouth, Swansea and West Brom in the final six Gameweeks, that bandwagon looks set to escalate.

Lennon may be immune from Martinez’ tinkering…
The Toffees manager’s decision to reinstall Gerard Deulofeu to the right wing resulted in a surprise new role for the former Leeds man. With Tom Cleverley stationed on the left, Lennon tucked in centrally behind Romelu Lukaku for the first hour or so before moving to the right after Deulofeu was subbed off. With question marks continuing to hover over the Everton rearguard and with Ross Barkley looking out of sorts, Lennon’s appeal is on the rise ahead of those consecutive doubles.

Hughes needs to find a place for Bojan…
With Jon Walters joining Xherdan Shaqiri on the sidelines, the little Spaniard was afforded a rare start for the visit of Swansea. Stationed in “the hole” behind Joselu, Bojan was instrumental throughout and bagged a goal and maximum bonus in the 2-2 stalemate, taking his tally to six strikes and two assists in just 19 league starts. Impressively, Bojan has converted 19.4% of his scoring opportunities this season – that’s the same as Jamie Vardy – and with the Potters desperate to clinch a Europa League slot, his contribution could be key.

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  1. Gaffa914
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku and Robles not enough Everton?

    1. Sylas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Experiment with Lennon in GW 33 if you don't have any other pressing matters.

      1. Mr Pink
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        This. If you have enough FTs to get 11 players for GW35, I'd take a chance on Lennon.

  2. Mr Pink
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Darmian worth the risk compared to Smalling, if the money saved means that I can afford to get Kane back in instead of Vardy for GW35?

    1. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, I believe that warrants the risk. But it's too much for me

      1. Mr Pink
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Might keep Alderweireld and get Lennon in for Alli instead. Adds an extra game too..... maybe. These DGWs are doing my head in.

    2. MOULACTICOS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure, because Luke Shaw is back in training.

      1. Mr Pink
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. I would be more concerned about Valencia and Jones being back though.

        http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/01/luke-shaw-injury-louis-van-gaal-manchester-united

  3. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    KDB: H Wba, A New + A Che, H Stk
    Payet: H Ars, A Lei + H Wat, Blank

    Surely Payet --> KDB can't be a bad move right?

    I can do Lennon --> Lanzini in gw 34 to have some WHU cover in the double gw, thoughts?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I would rather go without KDB over Payet

    2. Mingles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'd go Payet/Lennon

  4. Mingles
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Robles/Smalling
    B) DDG/Jags

    Just not sure if Jags will be rested.

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A
      Dont waste a defender spot on Everton

      1. Mingles
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ta, A is what I'm on currently.

    2. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Template says A. But if you can squeeze Jags in as a 33'er with a hit, I think it will be worth it for an extra fixture in 33

  5. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lingard a better option than other cheap midfielders in GW34 being at home against Villa and Palace?

    Other cheap midfielders being
    Antonio
    Lanzini
    Lennon

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Is he nailed on to start, especially with Rooney coming back soon.

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I would think so, if Rooney comes back Rashford would give way right?

        1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Maybe even Mata

          1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Wow Mata is not even on my radar as a cheap mid.
            Good shout though

    2. Doolittle
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I prefer Lanzini, but the 0.6 difference is crucial for my team so I currently have Lingard.

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Money is tight for me too, that 0.6 difference means de Gea > Hart and I have no other United defence cover.

  6. Tony Warner Fan Club
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who to choose?

    A. Lingard/Smalling
    B. Lennon/Darmian

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

  7. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Just weighing up options, is it worth bringing in Palace def (Ward / Delaney) over Winston Reid? I could do it a week early (this week) to maximise the double double...? but WHU have superior 34 fixtures,

    I have XI for GW35 so that's not an issue.

    1. Cradders
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I trust in West Ham's ability to keep a clean sheet more than Palace

      1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Agree, and I'm not that confident about the hammers

  8. Gaffa914
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Choose won to get on WC
    Zaha
    Bolasie
    Lennon

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Len

    2. brixtonBob
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lennon

    3. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lennon

  9. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Has anyone had to go as low as a 4.1 defender?

    S.Taylor
    Bennett
    Francis

    Oh dear

    1. ronty
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Matt Targett

    2. Concrete
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I've kept Simpson at 4.0

  10. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What is West Hams defence meant to be?
    I cant seem to work it out
    Cresswell, Antonio (out of position), ?, ?

  11. Concrete
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Mangala or Darmian on WC?

    1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Darmian

      1. Concrete
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers GB

  12. brixtonBob
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Nailed on Liverpool defenders ?

  13. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    GW 33 team correct benching?

    Mignolet
    Bellerin-Sakho-Simpson
    Sanchez-Payet-Mahrez-Ciuthino
    Lu(C)aKu- Kun- Kane

    DDG-Iwobi-Bennett-Darmian

  14. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone going Lingard and Martial?

    1. NobleBlackman
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yessir, Martial's home form is too good to pass up for these fixtures

  15. Milner4eva
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who's not getting Bolasie for GW33?

    1. brixtonBob
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not me. Hard to have any faith in Palace players at all considering their form over the past two months - even if they do have a couple of home games !

  16. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ditching Kane and Mahrez is madness?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No. End of season time.

  17. Jubilanus / BSC Small Boys …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is anybody considering Navas? 3 out of 4 good fixtures coming his way.

    1. John t penguin
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      not unless they give points for hitting the first defender with a cross

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Hahaha

  18. Dr. Agabuse
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Smth for the community:

    We have established (even if not stated as this) that it is advisable to play a WC that involves 7players that don't play in GW35 as we have 3 transfers up till then to remove 3 which leaves 4 on the bench and a starting 11.

    Less than 7 of these blankers isn't sensible because these are the players that have (the most or best) DGWs beforehand and you can't have only Arsenal, City or Liverpool players too.

    Relevant for these 7 places are therefor EVERTON; CRYSTAL PALACE; WEST HAM and MAN UTD. players:

    The following are to consider:

    Everton: 1) Robles is in everyones team, he's an enabler and the best cheap GK

    2) Lukaku is everyones captain. His 4 fixtures in two weeks is all you need to know.

    3) Coleman offers so much potential. If they get their act together, they could get 2Cs over 4 games (they could tighten up for the away games), he could be the best defender on a WC with his goal and assist potential, which is huge.

    4) Jagielka is mid-cheap defender, who I advise against as his attacking potential is limited

    5) Barkley. I wouldn't. Attacking rotation is around the corner as Everton have nothing to go for in the league. But if you must, go Barkley not Lennon who doenst have a lot of efforts too.

    C.Palace: 6) Delaney or Ward are cheap 4games in two weeks and you don't even lose a game.

    7) Bolasie is the one man you trust to deliver in 2 easy homegames. As you will lose your attacking Palace player in place of another DGW33player don't go cheaper. Also Zaha only played 45mins last time around. Strikers are too risky atm.

    ManU: 8) De Gea or Smalling are expensive but with even Jones coming back the only save choices in a solid defense.

    9) Lingard: The enabler. Cheap as dirt and likely to play 120+ in a nice looking DGW

    10) Martial. Nice choice. I'd like to have him myself but feel there's no room, because of:

    West Ham: 11) Payet. He, who can't be missing in any team at a nice looking DGW atm.

    12) Lanzini. Great form. CHeap. Again, there is the room problem... Don't go attack or defense simply because there aren't cheap options that are better than DElaney (4 instead of 3games in two weeks) fe.

    So-- 12 players from 4teams and 7 places.

    I for one believe in Bolasies two homegames this week. I like Colemans 4 games better than Smallings 3. Smalling isn't such a danger anymore and Coleman can be explosive. Delaney is simply so much cheaper than Smalling and has one more game and that nicks it for me. Payet, Lukaku and Robles are clear to me too. So I'm left with 1place after having aquired 5DGW32 players and Payet.

    Lanzini, Martial and Lingard will have to fight that out and because of my low TV, I'll probably end up with Lingard although I'd like to have Martial. Mitrovic is a better choice than Iwobi or Milner and no BellerinGabrielOzilSanchez or FirminoCoutinhoMignoletSakho tho.
    How about you?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sorry what was that? Wasn't paying attention.

    2. jzee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nice write up.
      But do you not mean 6 places from those teams not 7? As we can only transfer out 1 in g34 & 1 in gw35 (leaving 4 on the bench) ... unless you have 2 freebies already?

  19. Colonel Klink
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone feel like they know the Hammers back line going forward?

    Cresswell Collins/Tomkins Reid Byram?

    Ogbonna?

    And might Oviedo get back in Everton defense?

  20. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    De gea
    XXX Moreno Sakho Belleren
    Sanchez payet lanzini KDB XXX
    KAKU KUN Martial

    Fill the XXX lads

    A iwobi and jags
    B lennon and Gabriel

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B all day long

  21. Live Lad
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Did I risk too much to field 15 DGW'ers in 34, selling Mahrez for that? Though all my players bar Iwobi guarantee 60 mins playing time each game. I have a strong feeling that Man U will keep CSs and score a lot in the home games, hence DDG, Smalling, Martial.

    GW 33, WC:
    DDG, Robles
    Smalling, Bellerin, Jagielka, Sakho, Dann*
    Sanchez, Iwobi, Payet, Coutinho, Bolasie*
    Aguero, Lukaku, Martial

    GW 34, BB:
    Dann+ Bolasie to McAuley+ Wijnaldum

    GW 35, 8 players only (will do a hit to field 10)
    GW 37, 8 DGW'ers (only 1 GK counts)

  22. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hey.

    How does this WC team look? Too weak a defence, I know.

    Robles, Darlow,
    Bellerin, £5.0, Huth, Delaney, Klose,
    Sanchez, de Bruyne, Coutinho, Payet, Iwobi,
    Aguero, Lukaku, Martial.

  23. 132mike132
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Activated my WC this week looking at De Bruyne but worried about minutes due to Champions league , thoughts ?

    De Gea (Robles)
    Delany Sakho Simpson (mcauly Gabriel)

    Coutinho Sanchez De Bruyne Payet (stanislas)

    Kane Aguero Lukaku

    no money free

  24. dirtypino
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 29 days ago

    Please help! For today start sakho or bellerin?