We visit the Weekly Shop a little later than usual this time around after Gameweek 34 finally concluded last night. As usual, 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.
Better Buys
Hugo Lloris (FantasyBet 5m) has picked up four clean sheets in five matches as Spurs ramp up their bid for the title. The Frenchman is looking for a 14th shut-out of the campaign at home to a West Brom side that have failed to score in three of their last six away trips. Danny Rose (FantasyBet 5m) seems to have nailed down the left-back spot after starting the last six league matches – a goal and seven assists this season shows his influence in the final third.
Southampton have now gone eight matches without a clean sheet, their worst defensive run of the season. Nonetheless, a visit to a relegated Aston Villa who have scored only once in six outings means we’re backing the Saints defence to end that poor run. With three goals to his name already, Virgil Van Dijk (FantasyBet 5.5m, DraftKings $3,300) is our pick from Ronald Koeman’s backline.
Considering that Aston Villa have conceded the most goals of any side this season, Southampton’s attacking assets have to be considered for our squads. Sadio Mane (FantasyBet 7.5m, DraftKings $5,800) grabbed his third goal in four with the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Everton, while frontman Graziano Pelle (FantasyBet 8m, DraftKings $6,100) has served up four goals and three assists in five outings.
Alexis Sanchez (FantasyBet 11m) maintained his best run of the season against West Brom last night – the Chilean’s brace against the Baggies means he’s produced points in seven successive matches ahead of a trip to Sunderland. Likewise, Sergio Aguero’s (FantasyBet 13m, DraftKings $8,700) strike at Newcastle was a sixth goal in four and the Argentine appears indispensable for a home tie against a Stoke side that have recently leaked four goals to both Spurs and Liverpool.
Poundstretchers
Leicester City’s may have conceded twice to West Ham but five consecutive clean sheets prior to that set-back bodes well for the Foxes defence as they welcome Swansea to the King Power Stadium. Kasper Schmeichel (FantasyBet 4.5m) could be in line for a 15th shut-out of the campaign against a side that failed to score at Newcastle last time out.
Jurgen Klopp will have one eye on the upcoming Europa League tie and could well decide to rest and rotate his squad, as evidenced by last week’s team sheet at Bournemouth. That could allow opportunities for some fringe players to make rare starts against Newcastle and provides some budget routes into an in-form Reds team, with the likes of Kolo Toure (FantasyBet 4m, DraftKings $2,300 ) and youngsters Sheyi Ojo (FantasyBet 5m, DraftKings $3,200) and Jordan Ibe (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings $3,100), who both picked up an assist in recent appearances, potential budget enablers if you’re willing to gamble on the German making wholesale alterations once again.
We backed Andros Townsend (FantasyBet 5.5m, DraftKings $5,600) last week and the Newcastle winger duly delivered with a goal and assist. Klopp’s potential to rotate means we’re sticking with the Magpies man ahead of their vital trip to Anfield.
Chelsea have struggled for a semblance of resilience in recent matches and registered a single clean sheet – against Aston Villa – over the last nine. Bournemouth should fancy their chances against the champions, then, and Josh King (FantasyBet 4.5m, DraftKings Forward $4,400) looks an in-form budget option for the Cherries, with four goals and an assist in six outings.
Arsenal have conceded eight goals in their last four away trips which should give Sunderland fans some hope as the Gunners travel to the Stadium of Light just three days after hosting West Brom. Jermain Defoe (FantasyBet 5m) scored a 13th goal of the season at Norwich and, with three strikes in five, may well be the difference for Big Sam’s men.
