We bring the curtain down on Wednesday with a visit to the Weekly Shop, as we analyse the player lists of our partner games to pinpoint the likely targets that will make up our own weekly squads.
As always, we divide the player analysis into two parts: I’ll assess 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
Manchester United travel to a Norwich side that have failed to net in three straight matches. David De Gea (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $4,200) has five clean sheets in eight outings and should do well at Carrow Road, though a trip to West Ham on Tuesday poses more of a problem – given that the Hammers have scored at least twice in their last seven, the Spaniard’s shot-stopping abilities will be called into action, meaning save points are likely to be on the cards.
Slaven Bilic’s side may be scoring for fun but a shut-out at the Hawthorns was their first in seven attempts. Visitors Swansea have blanked in back-to-back matches on the road and provide the Hammers a chance to record a twelfth clean sheet of the campaign, while United have scored only once in their last three away trips. Aaron Cresswell (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $4,100) is our pick from Slaven Bilic’s defence, with the raiding left-back producing a goal and assist over his last four appearances.
It’s been a remarkably underwhelming season for Eden Hazard (FantasyBet 10.5m, Draftkings $5,500), who has finally shown glimpses of last year’s form by netting three goals in his last two run-outs. The Belgian’s six goal attempts over those last two ties is more than the midfielder recorded over his previous 12 league appearances, suggesting a recent stint on the sidelines appears to have revitalised him ahead of trips to Sunderland and Liverpool.
We turn to West Ham once again, with their pair of home ties and prolific scoring record making Dimitri Payet (FantasyBet 7.5m, Draftkings $8,400) and Andy Carroll (FantasyBet 6m, Draftkings $5,200) prime candidates for our squads. Payet continues to be the main source of creativity for the Hammers, recording an eleventh assist of the term in the 3-0 win at West Brom, while Carroll also turned provider against the Baggies and has struck six goals in as many league outings.
Jurgen Klopp has preferred to utilise Daniel Sturridge (FantasyBet 10m) in the league while resting the striker in Europe. Thursday night should reveal more about the German manager’s plans but having started six of the last seven league matches, the Reds frontman could be worth investment, having netted five goals over that period.
Poundstretchers
Sunderland have been building a case for survival having lost only one match in eight, whilst three clean sheets in five highlights their late-season resilience. Victor Mannone (FantasyBet 4m, Draftkings $3,500) has made 19 saves over four matches and should be busy again with Chelsea and Everton both visiting the Stadium of Light over the next week.
Bournemouth may only have one match this Gameweek but a home tie against a West Brom side that have scored only twice in seven looks promising in the last home fixture of their debut top-flight season. Charlie Daniels (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings $3,900) remains our choice route into Eddie Howe’s rearguard, whilst further up the field, Matt Ritchie (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $6,400) and Josh King (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings Forward $4,400) look to be the Cherries attacking assets to select.
Andros Townsend (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $6,600) continued his fine recent form by netting Newcastle’s crucial winner against Crystal Palace last time out. It’s three goals and two assists in six matches now for the winger and a trip to Aston Villa affords Rafa Benitez’ side to strengthen their case for survival.
Another former Tottenham player is our pick of the budget forwards. A fourteenth goal of the season at Stoke re-affirms Jermain Defoe’s (FantasyBet 5m, Draftkings $5,300) credentials for the two upcoming home ties. The Black Cats frontman has scored the majority of his goals away from the Stadium of Light but, having had 13 attempts in the box over the last four (second only to Carroll) he will be Sunderland’s main threat for must-win matches with Chelsea and Everton.
These are the contenders for my weekly contest lineups. On Friday, 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.
