Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 32

Man City’s fit-again Belgian barges his way back into Fantasy managers’ plans ahead of double Gameweek 34. Arsenal are building momentum as the fixtures turn kind, though Palace and Everton’s lack of form is posing problems as they both prepare to play twice in each of the next two rounds of fixtures.

The Player

Kevin de Bruyne’s recovery from ankle ligament damage looks perfectly timed for Fantasy managers ahead of double Gameweek 34.

Handed his first start since Gameweek 23, the Belgian thrived in a central support role behind Sergio Aguero as City ran riot in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth. Despite featuring for just 56 minutes as he builds up his match sharpness, De Bruyne still found time to grab a goal and fire four attempts at Dean Court on Saturday afternoon.

The scoreline also strengthens our belief in City’s attack prior to a double Gameweek that sees them travel to Chelsea and Newcastle. Manuel Pellegrini’s side had scored just 13 goals on their travels before the weekend but the Belgian’s return looks to have immediately boosted their potential.

After peaking at 10.8 prior to injury, De Bruyne has since dropped down to 10.2 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL). Although he’s been snapped up by over 33,000 so far, the summer signing is still very much a differential prospect with 5% ownership.

Having averaged 5.5 points per appearance – fourth amongst midfielders and level with Sergio Aguero – a fit-again De Bruyne now seems set to play a major part in the run-in. With upcoming home clashes against West Brom and Stoke in the next four – the latter in Gameweeks 35, when six teams are without a fixture – the stage looks set for the Belgian to pick up where he left off as Pellegrini seeks to sign off at the Etihad in style.

The Team

A slick 4-0 win over Watford saw Arsenal serve up points at both ends of the pitch for Fantasy managers once again.

As the Gunners brace themselves for a pair of home fixtures against Palace and West Brom in Gameweek 34, Arsene Wenger’s side look full of enticing options for our wildcard consideration.

At the back, Hector Bellerin’s goal against the Hornets, allied with a trio of assists in the last three, means he has now served up 35 points over that period. The Gunners’ second straight shut-out has also persuaded many to opt for Gabriel as the cheaper route into Wenger’s rearguard – priced at 4.3 to Bellerin’s 6.4, he’s now started seven of the last eight.

In midfield, Alexis Sanchez is belatedly justifying his lofty price at a time when Mesut Ozil looks devoid of form. Whilst the German has blanked in four successive outings, Sanchez has bagged two goals and three assists over that period and his explosive potential has to make him one of the captaincy favourites for the double. There’s also Alex Iwobi to consider. Handed back-to-back league starts by Wenger, he’s scored on both occasions and, at a price of 4.5, is looking far more than just a budget enabler for those constructing wildcards.

A run of three successive starts up front also brings Danny Welbeck into the equation, though with a single goal in four, his form hasn’t been convincing.

Nonetheless, there are more than enough options on offer at the Emirates to tempt Fantasy managers. With the schedule very much in their favour – Arsenal are also afforded clashes against three of the bottom four from Gameweek 35 onwards – their customary late-season rally could come to fruition once again.

The Talking Point

It’s fair to say that Everton and Palace both approach their back-to-back double Gameweeks in dire domestic form.

The Eagles have drawn five and lost nine of their last 14 and are without a clean sheet in 12 now, whilst Everton have tasted defeat in four of their last five and failed to find the net in each of the last two Gameweeks.

With that in mind, just how much interest should we pay them as we start piecing together our wildcard teams?

With Palace, the situation seems fairly cut and dried. Alan Pardew’s side have one home match in the final four and look no more than short-term punts – planning an early exit route looks essential.

A pair of home clashes with Norwich and Everton in Gameweek 33 hold particular appeal, with Scott Dann and Yannick Bolasie the men most likely.

Although he’s not scored in six, Dann is joint-top for attempts (seven) and top for efforts in area (six) in the last four matches for defenders. He’s also Palace’s most popular player by far, with 18% ownership. Bolasie, meanwhile, hasn’t scored since Gameweek 14 and has produced points in only five of 23 appearances this season – a lack of consistency is a real concern here.

Everton’s situation is trickier as they also have a double Gameweek 37 sandwiched in between home matches with Bournemouth and Norwich in the final three rounds of fixtures. The Toffees key assets are perhaps less disposable, then, though with rotation rife in defence, only Joel Robles (seven straight starts), Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka seem nailed-on in light of the weekend XI. The latter two cannot compare to Dann’s goal threat and may have to rely defensive points to boost their potential but bearing in mind that they have two clean sheets in nine, Roberto Martinez’ rearguard has been highly unconvincing.

Going without Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley could be dangerous, though. With ownership levels of 39% and 31% respectively, a big haul from one or both could severely punish non-owners and force you down the rankings.

Again, though, their form is thin on the ground. Barkley has blanked in 10 of his last 11, though, whilst Lukaku has scored in only three of those matches. Having notched in four of the last seven, Aaron Lennon – who started in a central support role at the weekend – is certainly the form alternative to Barkley. He’s cheaper (5.6 to 7.1) and with 1% ownership, is shaping up as the big differential.

Furthermore, Everton have fired just 40 attempts on goal in their last four – a tally superior to only three other sides – and seem to be going off the boil at the wrong time.

Whilst a carefully-planned double Gameweek can prove one of the most gratifying moments of the Fantasy season, the lure of a pair of fixtures can sometimes dull our judgement and persuade many to run the risk of over-indulgence. Striking that balance between form and fixtures, and avoiding the obvious pitfalls of loading up on out-of-sorts options, looks vital as we start to reassemble our squads for the run-in.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

2,403 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I think getting KDB destroys the balance of my team

    May have to go without
    *gulp*

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Balance is what is needed for BB IMO...

    2. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Too expensive for me... Will just stick with Aguero

      1. gawa11
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I agree, I don't think he worth it, best having sanchez/payet/kun and a decent defence

    3. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      What does Silva do?

      Silva rarely gets dropped. Esp compared to KDB

    4. Slam
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No Sanchez or KDB here.
      *gulp*

      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Ozil?

        1. Slam
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Yep

    5. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Same here Evs!

      The one thing I'm hoping is that as he's just returned from Injury, he may well be rotated or subbed most games at 60. That's what i'm telling myself anyway to make my decision easier!

      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        The little swine helps with the blanks as well in gw35, so that's appealing too 😡

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          LOL. "The little swine." He is an expensive swine, yet when he produces, it's often hauls. The gw35 is big, and even the juicy home game against West Brom this gw is big (that is a nice bonus, actually). I have a high sv (107.9), and am more inclined to have KDB in lieu of Ozil, and then replace Ozil with Gabriel. If Gabriel was not so in the picture, then this decision would be tougher. Something like this:

          DDG, Darlow
          Bellerin, Simpson, Gabriel, Sakho, Delaney
          Sanchez, KDB, Payet, Coutinho, Lanzini
          Kun, Kane, Lukaku
          0.1 itb

          Problem: Aside from Bellerin, defense is solely based on the team, not the player

    6. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Finding the sane - hopefully his ownership will be lowish anyway

  2. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Which wildcard team looks better?

    A) Robles Hart
    Bellerin Gabriel Smalling Moreno Delaney
    Sanchez Payet Coutinho Milner Lennon
    Agüero Lukaku Wickham

    or

    B) Robles DDG
    Bellerin Gabriel Sakho Jagielka Delaney
    Sanchez Payet Coutinho Milner Bolasie
    Agüero Lukaku Mitrovic

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      The one without Delaney

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        In answer to your question, B

        1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          But still without Delaney? :p

    2. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Or in other words:

      A) Hart, Smalling, Moreno, Lennon and Wickham

      vs.

      B) DDG, Jagielka, Sakho, Bolasie and Mitrovic

    3. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B

    4. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B

    5. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B

    6. Ryssel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B... Just remember to keep a transfer for the goalie in 35

  3. Swan - Villa Proud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Decided to WC, after weeks of planning WC36. Injuries play a part, plus I've got a better chance of winning my ML by going all out now, instead of waiting for GW36 and hoping some punts pay off.

    Appreciate any thoughts ion this draft.

    DDG, Robles
    Bellerin, Smalling, Dann, Sahko, Gabriel
    Sanchez, KDB, Payet, Lennon, Milner
    Kun, Lukaku, Mitrovitic

    - I know, no keeper in 35, but with 2 FT, willing to take a -4 to get Forster (villa away), and 2 players from SUN and/or CHE in 35.
    - I could also go DDG+Milner->Firmino+Mingolet

    1. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Looks really strong. Best of luck to you!

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Similar to mine. Same defence, but I have Coutinho and Martial for KDB and Mitrovic. I suppose you're not tempted by Martial?

    3. Ryssel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Very similar to mine as well... but I have KDB/Janmaat where you have Milner/Dann.
      As for the 35 Keeper... I was leaning towards Lloris, but Foster is probably a better bet. thanks for the idea 🙂

  4. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Girlfriend went to the Barca game today as she's on a family holiday to Barcelona...

    God dammit! Jealous.

    I'll stick to the Pirelli then.......!

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Are you sure she went to the football with 'family' 😯 ?1

    2. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Tyres? Is that some kind of weird fetish?

  5. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Last call to fill out survey in hot topics. Will be tallying the scores in the next 10 mins.

    1. Slam
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Good idea Beavis.
      Did mine half an hour ago

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Have fun! 🙂

  6. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Ok, now I got it. At least until the tinkering starts again tomorrow. Can't seem to fit de Bruyne in here anywhere, and I lost Kane, but other than that I think it's decent.

    4 dgw'ers for 33
    14 dgw'ers plus Mahrez for 34
    Two FTs in 35 allows me to field 11 and with only one hit (bar injuries) I've got 10 dgw'ers plus Mahrez in 37. Wish me luck.

    Robles Mignolet
    Bellerin Jagielka Smalling Gabriel Sakho
    Sanchez Bolasie Payet Mahrez Coutinho
    Aguero Lukaku Mitrovic

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good, good luck mate

  7. Arctic monkeys
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Torres, the great Troll ever ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      😎

      1. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Haha lol

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          👺

  8. le flem
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    anyone fancying pelle for capt. gwk 35? could destroy

    1. Back on the horse
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      good turn of form

    2. Trae44
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Austin could play

  9. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I have the money for a second Liverpool defender, do i opt for...

    A) Morgan

    B) Clyne

    I have Sakho already

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No other options? Double Pool D (unless one is Mings) is dangerous imo. Clyne if you have to

      1. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Well coming to think of it I could upgrade Ozil to Sanchez instead which leaves me with a 4.7m defender to choose from (already got Gab, Bel, Smalling, Sakho)

  10. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Worth downgrading Ozil to upgrade def (Darmian) with this? Cheers

    Mignolet / Robles
    Bellerin / Sakho / Darmian / Delaney / Simpson
    Sanchez / Ozil / Coutinho / Payet / Mahrez
    Kun / Lukaku / Martial

    0.4 ITB

  11. Slam
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Those with the Triple Captain chip available this week,
    are you Triple Captaining Lukaku? Why or why not?

    These two tables are swaying me into putting it on him:
    http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/12374/
    http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/6810/

    Would love some thoughts

    1. djpete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

      Why?
      Double bonus opportunity - it's either now or GW37.
      2 games, triple captain will be relatively differential, 1 or 2 goals in apparently straight forward games could leave the rest behind.

      Why not?
      Hope of a better option in GW37, when it may already be too late.

      1. djpete
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Oh. Plus he's on pens.

  12. Arctic monkeys
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Really bugged about dropping Aguero in WC. Convinced that a great Midfield with the money he'll provide can match him. But not sure that KDB would play all the games.

    1. White Hart Kane
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Gotta back kun

  13. Dugout
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Ok what looks better to you:

    1) Clichy + Lennon

    2) Smalling + Lingard

    1. Slam
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      2)

    2. Ryssel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      2..... although there is a bit of threat of Rooney coming back and Lindgard dropping to the benh... but he seems in good form right now

  14. JohnnyBGoode
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Why the love for Sakho? Lovren is cheaper and looked far steadier than Sakho vs Spurs...

    1. Mickey Tyrion™
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Playing time seems all over the place for him.

    2. White Hart Kane
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Lovren ain't cheaper

  15. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Can I get a vote:

    A) Mignolet, Lanzini, Sakho
    B) Hart, Lingard, Sakho
    C) Mignolet, Lingard, Clichy

    To go in this team:
    ??? Robles
    Bellerin Gabriel Smalling Simpson ???
    Sanchez KDB Coutinho Payet ???
    Aguero Lukaku Martial

    1. Dugout
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      c

    2. Ryssel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      You can't go Hart/Lanzini/Sakho.....
      The liverpool double defense looks a bit sketchy, and how nailed on is Glichy and (when Rooney comes back) Lingard.

  16. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Transfers made, TV down to 107.6m 🙁

    1. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      TV won't matter much after that though hopefully!

    2. Ryssel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mine went down from 109.3 to 105.9.... but yes, its end of the season so Team Value is losings its importance... you finish higher on points not on Team Value.
      (Having a higher team value did help me with my wildcard for sure!)

  17. New Post
  18. Krul Runnings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this, draft #907,465

    Robles/Cech
    Sakho/Smalling/Delaney/Gabriel/Simpson
    Sanchez/KDB/Milner/Lennon/Cout/Firm
    Aguero/Lukaku/Martial

    4 DGW 33
    14 DGW 34
    11 in 35, Smalling -> Azpi and one other move.
    11 in DGW37

    I've had Payet in every single WC draft but not happy with any team. Lennon over Lanzini weir the extra fixture.

    Thoughts?

    1. Trae44
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Great team

    2. Mickey Tyrion™
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      4 liverpool? 3 in the mid tho?

    3. White Hart Kane
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      That's an impressive midfield...

  19. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think of this latest draft, had to sacrifice Sanchez and keep Ozil to accommodate KDB...

    DDG, Darlow
    Sakho, Bellerin, Gabriel, Delaney, Simpson
    Couthino, Ozil, KDB, Payet, Mahrez
    Martial, Aguero, Lukakaaaaaaa

    I may actually bring in Barkley or Lennon for Couthino for the GW33 WC then transfer one of them out for Couthino in 34.

    Any thoughts?
    (No Sanchez or Eve defender/GK :cry:)

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Will post on new thread...

    2. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't sacrifice Sanchez for KDB personally; what about downgrading Bellerín and keep Sanchez and KDB?

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I like it and have something similar. What is your total selling value?

      Icon makes a good point, yet the catch here is that Gabriel has emerged. He is an amazing value into that Arsenal team. Sitll, if there was a way to have Sanchez, KDB, Lukaku, Aguero, and DDG, that would be sublilme. Here is what I can put together, with 0.1 itb (SV=107.9):

      DDG, Darlow
      Bellerin, Simpson, Gabriel, Sakho, Delaney
      Sanchez, KDB, Payet, Coutinho, Lanzini
      Kun, Kane, Lukaku
      0.1 itb

  20. Magic Hamster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Fairly settled on this:

    Robles mignolet
    Clyne bellerin Gabriel smalling Simpson
    Coutinho Lennon Sanchez Payet lanzini
    Lukaku aguero martial

    2.5 ITB to make any ches for gw35 or whatever.

    Any thoughts, changes I should consider?

  21. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    A or B
    A)KDB and Lanzini (-4 points)
    B)Firminho and Barkley

  22. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    How nailed is Clichy?

  23. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Even if I WC I cant see dropping Daniels this GW

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Bournemouth are already on the beach

  24. Back on the horse
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    WC this week or wait until 36?

    Hennessey Cech*
    Fuchs Dawson* Alderweireld (Targett Williams)
    Firmino* Özil* Silva* Lingard* Mahrez
    Lukaku* Agüero* Kane
    0FT 0.5m

    (gw34- Aldy to Bellerin. maybe a hit for one more?) then TC Ozil or someone or could use AOA

    1. Miro
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Hit not really needed, good team, I'd save wc for later..

  25. Trilogist
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I have Firmino and havent heard any concrete info on Injury. Anyone got any links?

  26. JAC THE CAT
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I know people don't like WBA on the WC but...

    A, Dawson + Sakho

    or

    B, J.Evans + Clyne

    1. Mancunian
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A. Dawson more nailed & goal threat

  27. Richd
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I was gonna keep Fuchs, until I realised the magic that could be done.

    Robles, Mignolet
    Bellerin, Gabriel, Sakho, Coleman, Ward
    De Bruyne, Sanchez, Countihno, Payet, Lingard
    Mitrovic, Lukaku, Aguero.

    Ahh.

  28. DrunkPhilosophy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I think I finally got a decent draft.

    Robles Darlow
    Sakho Bellerin Gabriel Smalling Huth
    Mahrez Sanchez Coutinho Payet Lennon
    Kun Lukaku Martial

    Thoughts?

    I still have Kane instead of Martial + 3 mil , but leaning towards the guy with two games.

    1. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think Martial will do great in those 2 home games. And he plays twice in 37 too.

  29. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I want to avoid risks. DGW player must play at least 60 mins in each.

    GW 33:
    Robles, Darlow
    Smalling, Bellerin, Sakho, Jags, Dann*
    Sanchez, Payet, Coutinho, Mahrez, Bolasie
    Kun, Lukaku, Martial

    GW 34, BB:
    Bolasie, Dann to McAuley, Wijnaldum
    9 Players for GW 35
    7 players for DGW 37

    1. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      7 DGW'ers in 35

  30. Ynwalfc
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Forster,Cech
    Bellerin,Cresswell,Daniels,Delaney,Huth
    Sanchez,Firminho,Payet,Mahrez,Alli
    Kane,Lukaku,Vardy

    Was thinking of bringing in Mitrovic and Smalling or Sako and Martial for Vardy and Daniels for GW34 any recommendations would be really appreciated. Thanks