Selection
7 May 2016 2010 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
Share:

All three of this week’s Picks have a couple of matches on their weekend agendas. This time around, Chelsea, Norwich and West Ham’s midfields supply us with a player apiece as we roll out a trio of overlooked Fantasy options for your Saturday morning consideration.

Willian

Following a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, Chelsea rebounded with a resounding 4-1 victory against Bournemouth and a spirited draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur, renewing our confidence in their offensive assets before successive trips to Sunderland and Liverpool. Eden Hazard’s resurgence (three goals in two) renders him the prime pick, yet Willian (7.0) – who notched a goal and assist in his last two starts – harbours promise as a cheaper route into the Blues’ attack.

In Chelsea’s previous quartet of encounters, Willian charted top among their midfielders for attempts (ten) and joint-second for key passes (six). In addition, only three midfielders around the league managed more shots inside the box (eight) during their last four outings, illuminating his goal threat beyond free kicks.

Considering that the Blues scored four goals in two of their last three road clashes, they’ll be relishing the prospect of facing a Sunderland defence that ranks joint-third-bottom for clean sheets (six) and second for shots inside the box conceded (308). As for their journey to Anfield, Liverpool will certainly have one eye fixated on the Europa League final on May 18, potentially allowing Willian to capitalise on any weakened team sheet.

Cheikhou Kouyate

Belying his role as an enforcer, Cheikhou Kouyate (5.2) emerged as one of West Ham’s most effective attackers across their previous two fixtures, registering a goal and two assists. If the underlying statistics are anything to go by, the Senegal international has been afforded the license to maraud forward as the Irons mount a last-ditch attempt at sealing a top-fourth berth, making him an intriguing alternative to the similarly priced Manuel Lanzini (4.9) ahead of consecutive home ties (SWA, MUN).

Kouyate placed joint-second for attempts (six), second for shots on target (three) and top for shots inside the box (five) among West Ham’s midfielders over their last four outings. Furthermore, he ranked top for penalty-box touches (18), tallying seven more than Dimitri Payet (11). Confirming that his recent output isn’t just an aberrance, Kouyate boasts five more shots inside the box (34) than any of his West Ham counterparts this term.

Ahead of their final two league fixtures at Upton Park, the Hammers’ attack is motoring at present and have scored at least twice in each of their previous seven. As such, they’re well placed to punish a Swansea rearguard that’s conceded the fifth-most goals (31) and fourth-most shots inside the box (171) in away clashes. Feeding into Kouyate’s primary strength, Man United surrendered the joint-fourth most shots inside the box (52) in their previous six outings, which bodes well for the Red Devils’ visit in a match that could prove decisive to the Hammers’ European prospects for 2016/17.

Robbie Brady

In the wake of three successive blanks, Norwich City – who currently sit two points adrift of safety – have no option but to go for broke in their back-to-back home ties against United and Watford this Gameweek. Alex Neil’s decision to reinstate Wes Hoolahan and Nathan Redmond last time out illustrated the Canaries’ adoption of a more attacking philosophy, which in turn augments the appeal of all-action midfielder Robbie Brady (5.4).

Across Norwich’s previous four outings, Brady mustered more shots on target (four) than any of his team-mates. The former Hull City recruit also served up eight attempts and the most key passes (seven), underlining his capacity for attacking returns. Taking the campaign in its entirety, Brady has amassed more attempts (52), key passes (53) and shots on target (18) than the rest of Norwich’s midfield contingent.

Although the Norfolk outfit have struggled in the final third of late, the fact that they recorded the seventh-most attempts (57) over their last four fixtures suggests they have still posed a decent threat. Notwithstanding Manchester United’s laudable home form, they’ve only managed five clean sheets on the road. Moreover, the Canaries will be encouraged that Watford have just three shut-outs to their name in 16 match-ups.

  1. OLEgend
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    GTG this week?
    BB chip activated
    Degea Darlow
    Francis Pva Smalling Simpson Kos
    Mahrez Sanchez Hazard Payet Lanzini
    Aguero Caroll Deeney.

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Captain?

      1. OLEgend
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Caroll

    2. OLEgend
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Francis > Moreno/Kirchoff for a -4?

  2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Delaney > Ivan or Baines?

    1. OLEgend
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Ivan

  3. AccountAnt80
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    The fans are saying the want Dann rested. Might this happen? Safer to do Dann > PVA for -4?

    1. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Only costs you a -2 so for me yes

  4. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Captain?

    a) Payet

    b) Willian

    c) Lukaku

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Payet

    2. Rex Lapis
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. OLEgend
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Payet

    4. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      So much love for Payet.

    5. MoFish
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

  5. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Willian to Hazard for a hit?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      No

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      no

    3. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I have Willian and tempted too, but probably not worth it

      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers.

  6. Yankee Toffee
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    This site stinks on gameday. I'm outta here. Good luck to all!

  7. Ha.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Coutinho > Fabregas for -4?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      No

      1. Ha.
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Think Coutinho will get minutes?

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          around 120 I'm hoping

          1. Ha.
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            And then 0 for WBA?

    2. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      hmmm i think he will play the chelsea game

  8. Dragon Arcana
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Playing BB, Iwobi out for a hit or nah?

    1. OLEgend
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      For whom?

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yay but for whom?

    3. Dragon Arcana
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      No idea, no decent options with a 7.5mil budget.

    4. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Hit.
      Redmond? Lanzini?

  9. Rex Lapis
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    get Carroll (triple up on WHU attack) or Costa?

    1. Ed
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Carroll

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Car

  10. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Defoe or Carroll?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      C

  11. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    In terms of gametime and attacking threat who is best Chelsea def?

    JT
    Cahill
    Ivan

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      none

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        not expecting cs but maybe goal or pair of assist during dgw

    2. Ed
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Would punt on Ivan

    3. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      JT .... final three games for Chelsea.

  12. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    is valencia (united) nailed on?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      No

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Should be after those performances, but it's LVG so can't say for sure

    3. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      LVG mentioned more rotation in his presser. But have a feeling Valencia might be safe

      1. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        its either reid or valencia...i see bigger upside with valencia

        1. siweltrebor87
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          LVG seems to like playing Valencia lately.

          Even Darmian sealing a win with his goal etc wasn't enough to keep him in first 11. Valencia is defo the second most likely to be picked behind the only nailed on defender Smalling.

  13. Teror
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    A. Noble + Hazard (-12)

    B. Payet (-8)

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Well 2 players tend to be better than one.

  14. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Which 3 to play?
    Cresswell, Kirchhoff, Rose, Simpson, Gabriel

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Cress,Kirch, Simp

      1. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you.

    2. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Cress Kirchoff Simpson

      1. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        and thank you.

    3. Rhys85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Cresswell, Kirchoff, Rose

      1. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        and thank you. The only dilemma is Rose or Simpson.

  15. eddscape
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Robles or Gomez to play and why???

  16. Ian Davis
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Current team (playing BB):

    DDG/Darlow
    Bellerin/Simpson/PVA/Mensah/Moreno
    Sanchez/Lanzini/Payet/Hazard/Firmino
    Aguero/Defoe/Carroll

    Who to get in for Mensah?

    A) Smalling (-4)
    B) Ivanovic (-4)
    C) Baines (-4)
    D) Cresswell (-8 with Lanzini > ____)

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A) but slight conflict as you are triple WHU attack as well...

      1. Ian Davis
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah that's true mate, just hope that most of the damage is done in the first game.

  17. bigbudgie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Aguero, Lanzini, Rose > Carroll Hazard Cresswell (-8)
    Yay or nay...

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yay

    2. stewlynz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yup

    3. Invincibles
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yaya

    4. FPLVegard
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Thinking about doing the exact same moves... but... not sure about dropping Lanzini... (I am stuck with Payet / Lanzini, and wanting Cresswell & Carroll)

  18. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Captain

    A) Carroll
    B) Hazard

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      toughie

      a - just

    2. stewlynz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers! Hazard too much of a gamble?

      Could Carroll be rotated?

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        decent option but both games away,

        i'd back carroll to get one or two against swansea

  19. John Nerdelbaum
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    can't see me using AOA this season at all with smalling, bellerin and gab for next week

    seems a bit pointless - do you think that one will get binned next season?

    1. 420king
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      it's a pretty useless chip, i wasted mine..lots of people even lost points because of it

    2. Rhys85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I ended up with 25 points on the bench when I used it! I'm definitely not bothering with it next season!

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        ouch

  20. stewlynz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I and ML rival both done done -8.

    Considering Mane > Haz. What's reckon?

  21. RED PILL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Just cant decide who to bench De Bruyne or Sanchez?

    1. stewlynz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      De Brunye

  22. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Sold Sturridge and haven't bought Firmino. Funny feeling they could well in DGW

  23. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Team all set... Bench Boost Active
    ROBLES Darlow
    SMALLING CRESSWELL PVA Fuchs Gabriel
    PAYET(C) HAZARD LANZINI Townsend Sanchez
    DEFOE Kane Aguero
    -8

    Kinda wished i bought Willian in instead of Townsend but i had this horrible feeling we'll see the kids get a run out vs one of sunderland/pool.
    Good luck to you all

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I hope Haz is one of the kids

  24. Invincibles
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Robles (mannone)
    Pva cresswell simpson (bellerin fm)
    Sanchez payet coutinho noble (mahrez)
    Defoe kun Kane

    Looking g2g or a further hit needed?
    Do I need sturridge?

  25. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    A - Huth > Smalling or Creswell for a - 4. If this which one?
    B - Play Toby no hit

  26. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    For the rest of the season:

    A) Smalling
    B) Cresswell

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Gazpilicueta
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. Invincibles
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

    5. Sylas
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      B ~ I don't see Man U keeping a clean sheet away from home, nor has Smalling been involved in goals off late.

      1. siweltrebor87
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        you don't pick Smalling for goals, you pick him as he is a banker in the United Defense that has kept so many cleanies thanks to DDG/Romero.

        1. Sylas
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Pick him then.

  27. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Choose one:
    A) KDB -> Fabregas for -4
    B) Clyne -> PVA for -4
    C) Delaney -> Azpi/Ivan for -4
    D) none

  28. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    martial as a TC option over payet?

    1. CableEnable
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Can't make my mind up between Martial, Defoe or Payet

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      2 decent fixtures but I remember what happened to a few last DGW.

    3. MoFish
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Im sticking with Payet

  29. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Lanzini to Payet for a -4?

    1. Rhys85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I did!

  30. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Why so much love for Payet for DGW? Lack of better options?

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      for Captain i mean

      1. Rhys85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Consistency, last 2 home games at Upton Park, playing 2 teams who are vulnerable to set pieces and he'll be feeding Carroll.

        1. 420king
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Carroll(c)