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

    Anyone resisting DGW mayhem and maintaining quality players and minimal blankers in GW35?

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

      Aye.
      Probably only going with only 8 DGW'ers too.

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

        and bench boosting?

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

          No.

          Will do that in 37.

    2. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Those with leads in MLs I'm presuming. I'm chasing 70+ so need to go big.

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

        I'm leading by that amount, so may relax a bit more on the DGWs

    3. Super Frank
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      12 DGW'ers here and can field 11 in GW35 using 1FT

    4. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nope. Mayhem over quality.

    5. Ziegler1988
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No, DGWs are awesome

    6. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, will WC in 36. 10 DGWers plus Kane in 34, with Mahrez/Simpson on the bench for 35

    7. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Am hoping Leicester, Arsenal and Spurs repay my faith in GW35.

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

    GW37, Sunderland and Norwich could be fghting to avoid the last relegation place.

    Much more appealing than pretty much relegated Newcastle, sleepwalking WBA and a Palace side who have forgotten how to win and are hoping they have enough points in the bank from the 1st half of the season to see them just about avoid the trap-door.

    1. Ziegler1988
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No one says you have to keep Newcastle or Palace players until 37

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

        The question is why would I want them in the first place?

        Yippee, they have 2 games in a row!

        They've both done eff all for most of the season and are frankly in horrific form right now. Neither are prolific goalscorers and they've shown beyond any reasonable doubt that they can't keep clean sheets.

        Why is that suddenly going to miraculously change because they have 2 games in the space of 3 days?

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

          Haha I love this Nomar. The trick is finding form players that have a dgwk, Coutinho,Sanchez,Lanzini etc

          Bolasie? You're having a laugh.

  3. Theatre_Of_Screams
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is it Barmy having Iwobi instead of Sanchez to make my team much more rounded/nailed on elsewhere?

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

      I think he's a good punt. Ozil and Iwobi is good.

    2. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Would depend if you have Ozil as well. If Iwobi represents you're entire Arsenal midfield contingent, then you cray.

      1. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Your*

        Getting late.

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

          ** crazy ** too, I presume.

          Clealry much later than you thought. 😀

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

            * Clearly

            See, its late for me too! 😮

  4. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is losing Kane on WC a really really bad idea? His form is insane!

    Would get him back for GW35 somehow.

    Need to decide tonight as need the funds!

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

      I'm too afraid to lose him. Best player in the league atm.

    2. Trae44
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Tempted to start with Kane on my wc this week, switch to Martial next for the dgw's then go back to Kane for the rest of the season

    3. Viper
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'll be bringing in Martial instead but I do not like it one bit.

      If Kane + Mahrez have a big week, my big gwk 34 will only be repairing damage rather than making ground

      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yup- problem is he's now so expensive and my team value is pants.

        I need that cash to make a BB worth it in GW34.

  5. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Kos - Jagielka / Firmino
    B) Gabriel - Clyne / KDB

    Robles - Darlow
    Bellerin - Sakho - Janmaat - ***- ***
    Sanchez - Coutinho - Payet - Lanzini - ***
    Aguero - Lukaku - Martial

    What's your preference gents?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He's gone...solely to ensure Lukaku for four games instead of Harry's two...fingers crossed

    2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B...sorry that earlier answer was for another...

  6. Viper
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Are those of you that are going with Bolasie keeping him for 34 too?

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

      Nope. Straight swap for Coutinho GW34

    2. Ziegler1988
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not unless one of my other mids gets injured or red carded

  7. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I see Ruth_NZ is back.

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Shh. You'll have people jumping all over him

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I didn't see him ?

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Page 4 🙂

  8. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Would you rather have:

    A) Mata and Simpson
    B) Barkley and Fuchs

    Own Lukaku and no other ManU attacker

    1. Sid07
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      A

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

  9. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Rmwct

    Robles darlow
    Bellerin delany sakho darmin simpson
    Sanchz kdb payet coutinho lazini
    Aguero lukaku martial

    0.1 itb

    1. jam sandwich
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      7 players with a blank for 15

  10. jam sandwich
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    a) Smalling + Lennon
    b) Darmian + Bolasie

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

      B but with Rojo

    2. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Sid07
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Ziegler1988
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

  11. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    This is my wildcard defence.

    Bellerin Gabriel Cresswell Sakho Fuchs

    Not happy with Sakho. Liverpool have a poor defence and he offers no attacking threat. 4 pointer inevitable coming up.

    I am interested in gauging peoples opinions on doubling up on Leicester and swapping Sakho for Huth/Simpson. 5 clean sheets in 6.

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

      Not at all. Keep Sakho

    2. Ziegler1988
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      If Leicester win the league early you aren't going to want double of their defence for GW36-38

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

    GW32 WCers: Are you using the Triple captain chip this week? I don't feel confident using it on Lukaku/Bolasie one bit.

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't if I were you

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        DGW 37 looks the best place to use it

      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nope, holding out for Payet, Sturridge or Firmino.

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

      Bolasie. I think I will need to drink heavily on Friday night and then sleep til lunchtime to go through with it.

        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Sounds like the perfect end to the working week.

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

          I'm actually off for the week and will be on a weekend away with my gorgeous wife.
          Bolasie it is!

    3. Ziegler1988
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, have it active on Big Rom. Don't fancy GW37

  13. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    So what needs changing/looking at?

    Mignolet Robles
    Bellerin Gabriel Darmian Sakho Simpson
    Sanchez KDB Coutinho Payet Bolasie
    Aguero Lukaku Martial

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

      Think Martial will out score Kane?
      How many GW35 players?

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I think it's worth the chance for Martial. Think I will have 9 and be able to get 11

  14. SweeSwee
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Robles Darlow
    Smalling Bellerin Sakho Gabriel Simpson
    Ozil Payet Coutinho Mahrez Bolasie
    Aguero Lukaku Kane

    Any comments/suggestions?
    I'm not too sure about the GK combo or Bolasie. Gabriel pitch time a minor concern potentially. Also no KDB - do I need him?

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No Sanchez makes me sad. And I'm not a fan of that GK combo. Do you not want a United attacking threat?

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

        Complete coin flip between Ozil/Sanchez really. Got Ozil because he's cheaper.
        I really don't like the GKs, but can't think of a better combo without sacrificing Kane. I'm not sold on United's attacking 'threat', no confidence in them scoring much.

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Fair does. But then you have gone for Bolasie. Bit mixed message there. United are against two of the weakest teams atm at home...

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

      Ozil and Bolasie to Lanzini and Sanchez

  15. White Hart Kane
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    a) Hennessey Sakho Fuchs

    b) Robles Clyne Simpson

    1. Super Frank
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

  16. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Which is best for GW33/34?

    a) Simpson and KDB for 33 and 34
    c) Bellerin and Lennon 33, -4 for Simpson and KDB for 34

    1. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C should be 'b'

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I do like c but Lennon is a bit lame...

  17. Rex Lapis
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    get Lennon or Lanzini?

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

      lanzini for me

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

    How many DGW players minimum should you have to BB in GW34?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      As many as you want...I am aiming for 10 atm...mainly to ensure a decent quota for GW35...

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

      15 😉

    3. Super Frank
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      13 maybe?

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Minimum of 11 I'd say, otherwise little advantage over non-WC'ers.

  19. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone considering Foster as. GK instead of Migs?

    Looking at Foster, Robles, Darmian, Fuchs, Delaney, bellerin, ## as a back eight atm...

  20. Lionel Ronaldo
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Why are many favouring Sakho over Moreno? Am I missing something?

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Moreno can be rotated more easily I guess?

        1. Super Frank
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          This

    • George Agdgdgwngo
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      How many dgw 33 players are people planning to have?

      At the minute I only have 1, seems like a wasted opportunity.

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I have 2 but no WC left, maybe 3 or even 4 with a WC is more than sufficient.

      2. Ziegler1988
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I have 5

      3. Super Frank
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        2 atm

      4. rozzo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        You only need Lukaku.

    • Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Tottaly lost track of this game once I realized I'm gonna fail my exams, help is truly needed this time, what to do with this bunch? I got bench boost, triple cap, WC and 2 transfers:

      Hennessey, McCarthy

      Kolarov, Huth, Targett, Cedric, Alder

      Willian, Mahrez, Alli, Silva, Siggy

      Kun, Kane, Vardy

      Long term plan what to do with those boosts and wc as well, help is appreciated alot guys, cheers

      1. Viper
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        You need to WC right away.

        Play BB next week.

        Play TC in 37

        1. Super Frank
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          This

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

        Pass your exams and forget the game.

    • asianbeast
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      How's this WC squad look? 0.0 in bank.

      Robles (DDG)
      Bellerin, Clyne, Clichy (Morgan, Klose)
      Sanchez, Mahrez, Coutinho, Lennon (Payet)
      Kane, Aguero, Lukaku

    • Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      It's a funny old season right enough. Of the last seven gameweeks, six of them have given me green arrows. The one red arrow was the second highest score of those seven gameweeks.

    • Viper
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Can't get the feeling I've thrown my season out the window by selling Kane, Mahrez, Alli etc. etc.

      Currently sitting at 14k, I wouldn't be shocked if I finished outside the top 20k.

      I've also gone & handed my rivals the best differentials they could have wanted to try & catch me.

      I'll be watching the fixtures from behind the sofa Sunday!

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

        You nearly had a pair of balls did you starting pisding yourself.

        Your a swashbuckling pirate, say arrrrghhhh.

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

      Sh******t
      I've just transferred Kane out by mistake on my WC!!!
      Was tinkering, made a change but forgot I had Martial in for him!

      Ahhhhh!! Maybe it's fate?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        🙁 .

    • 420king
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Have a lot of money tied up in Özil but with KDB rising in price tonight I think it's time to get rid (on a WC).
      The money would be better spent on Gabriel or Iwobi, right?

    • Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Who's more likely to rise tonight....Coutinho or KDB?

      1. 420king
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Coutinho more likely

      2. FF Dirtbag
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cout

    • Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I know I am going to get shot down here but is Lukaku GW33 / GW34 really essential ?

      He hardly got a sniff on Sunday
      Martinez is prone to rotation
      Everton are safe from relegation
      Focus is firmly on FA Cup Semi's in GW35
      They have 3 fit strikers including one they paid £13m for in January just waiting in the wings to make his debut and prove Martinez was right to pay all that money. Plus there is Kone.

      Do we really think he will play more than 100 mins each of GW33 / GW34

      Let's face it you are all going to be doing Lukaku to Kane for GW35 anyway in which case is there any point doing Kane to Lukaku in the first place (especially if you have to take a hit to get him back). Or put it another way, I would far rather Kane +4 points vs Lukaku

      Kind of feels like a watershed moment tonight as he is rising in price tonight so last chance to take advantage of price changes and play wildcard.

    • Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Boom?
      Robles - Darlow
      Bellerin - Gabriel - Sakho - Rojo - Delaney
      Sanchez - KDB - Payet - Lanzini - Mahrez
      Kun - Lukaku - Kane

      Or could swap KDB or Payet to Coutinho?