Selection
7 May 2016 2010 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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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. La Vida Latte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Is KdB -> Hazard for -4 worth it?

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

      Id say so

      1. La Vida Latte
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Nobody worried about chelsea nothing to play for and guus promise of playing youngsters?

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

      I'm asking same question

    3. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yes for me.. Could be DGW madness if KDB does well against arsenal but the lure of hazard on form and 2 games is too much for me to ignore

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

      Yes imo

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

    Soon be Martial time, stuck with him for half the season & this is where it pays off

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

      C for me this GW

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

    what do you guys think of LAnzini to PAyet for a minus 4?

  4. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Play Kane or Kun or -4 for another player. Already have Carroll TC

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

      Kane

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

        I'm keeping Kane, seems like a differential the way people have binned him off to keep Sergio, surely Spurs want to secure second place especially with Arsenal knocking at the door.

      2. La Vida Latte
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Golden boot motivation?

  5. kbaptiste
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Mignolet, Robles
    Smalling, Cresswell, Simpson, Rose, PVA,
    Hazard, Sanchez, Townsend, Mahrez, Payet,
    Defore, Caroll, Aguero

    Based on the fixtures between GW37 and 38, do you think i should play my BB now or the last week?

    If i dont play it, my bench would be Simpson, Sanchez, Rose.

    If I wait till GW 38, i make 1 change and bring in De Gea for Robles and activate it and get everyone on the last day

    Please help - this move could make or break my season!!!

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

      Play it now

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Worth more now!

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

      I thought Howard was playing instead of Robles.

      Shouldn't you wait until the last week and get DDG in, so you have a second goalkeeper who plays.

      I suggest playing BB on the last week.

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

      Play BB today.

  6. JurgenRocks
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Buy Martin or Bassong?

  7. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Russell Martin or Martin Olsson ?

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Olsson

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Sure?

        1. JoeJitzu +42
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          No, just thinking attacking threat
          Personally I wouldn't get either?!

          1. Gideons Rolling Another One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            OK. Just trying to get some cash to upgrade loftus!

  8. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Gtg? Have I TC right?

    Robles
    Smalling PVA Cresswell
    Hazard Payet (TC) Townsend KdB
    Aguero Carroll Deeney

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

      GTG

    2. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'm on Carroll for TC.. Something I never though I would write..

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

    I keep switching Triple C between Carroll and Payet.

    Payet has defo been quieter since his other team mates are getting amongst the goals, first Carroll then Kouyate and Noble, Looks like the assist game is where he will be stronger, he is often restricted to shots outside the area yet very likely to score once inside the area.

    Carroll for me is only a risk for game time. Two games in close quarters, both at home, think he will be up for a swansea side that struggle particularly against him, also the last goal at home vs united, big game to see off the stadium, i could see him being in the form to bash a cheeky one in.

    I could literally flip a coin. I've sided against payet before and he then burns me, not tried Carroll all season for years even, yet here he is possibly being relied upon to get me the win in my mini league.

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

      I have gone Carroll

    2. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'm on Carroll - I have my doubts but your logic is sound - he could do well..

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'm on carrol. But I fear him not starting vs Swansea and saved for scum game. Also his injury record isn't great obviously

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

        Seeming as West Ham are still chasing fourth in theory, also defending against Southampton and Liverpool narrowly behind and also aiming to get ahead of United for fifth, I would expect rotation and rest not to be a factor with West Ham now, They want three wins from three to end the season so strongest team will feature.

  10. FantasyFS007
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    What would you do with this lot?

    -------------------| Robles | --------------------
    --------| PVA | Smalling | Simpson | --------
    -| Hazard | Payet (TC) | Lanzini | Coutinho |-
    ---------| Lukaku | Kane | Defoe |-----------

    Subs: | Darlow | Sánchez | Bellerín | Gabriel |

    1FT, £0.7m ITB
    *chasing ML leader (50 points)

    1. TC Hazard or Payet?
    2. Kane to Carroll/Rooney?
    3. Start cout or sanch?

    Thoughts greatly appreciated as always!

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

      Haz
      Carroll
      San

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

    Do I go Carroll or Defoe?

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

      Carroll

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

      Most will say Carroll, I say Defoe

    3. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      It's your decision

      I've got Carroll in for my one week punt. The previous 2 punts did good

      Ulloa
      Deeney

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

        3 times the charm 🙂

        Also, I suggest welbeck, iheanacho or long for next week 😉

        1. Syd.
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Long next week is my transfer

  12. Kevtheotter
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Quick vote lads

    A)KDB

    B) Hazard -4

    Cheers

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

      Hazard

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

      B

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

      b

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

    Play:

    Bellerin or Simpson

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

      Tough one, I've just sold Simpson and have Bellerin on the bench. Leicester could still keep a clean sheet, and Bellerin could get assists. Go with your gut!

  14. Shrimpy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Hmmmm, Alexis > Haz (-4) (TC)?

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

      Can you score today please

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

      Sign for Man Utd this summer please, worked well for Rooney, let's win together.

  15. ۩۞۩Tommo727™۩۞۩
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Play 2:
    a) Rose
    b) Clyne
    c) Bellerin
    d) Otamendi

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

      A & B

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

    Who would you bench?

    A) Simpson (EVE)
    B) Bellerin (mci)

    Cheers

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

      Same question, thinking Bellerin

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

      I'm benching Bellers

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

      I am benching Simpson, sure clean sheet opportunity looks better, but who knows, Leicester might throw out 10 nobodies, and Bellerin is always good for an assist

    4. Schwarzer
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks all.

  17. kingbails
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Kane to Carroll
    OR
    KDB to Hazard

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

      Enough money for both?

      1. kingbails
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        yup but would bring the grand total up to -16

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

      Both. Live a little

      1. kingbails
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I have a feeling that KDB could be a better option than Hazard -4

    3. redwalker
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      both

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

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

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Go to FPL and sort by points per game. Why not?

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

        If you go by form over the last 2 games, is haz in with a shout as tc?

        1. VS10_
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Sure, I have him, but won't TC as he has only played 1,5 games this year.

    2. MagnetBPS
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Guaranteed 180 mins, takes FK like pens, takes corners, involved in the majority of WH's attacks, against a terrible Swansea team, and he has 2 home games. Come on Payet(3C)!

  19. MagnetBPS
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Bench 1

    Hazard Townsend Payet Sanchez Mahrez

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

      Mahrez

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

      Sanchez

  20. Dabooka
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    This would be a whole lot easier if I could bring myself to play some Sunderland. Am I the only one that lets their club loyalty overrule obvious selections in the FF team?!

    #Toon

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

      I have done the same. Last GW I picked DDG over Darlow because I 'm loyal to my club. This week I'm with Darlow 🙂

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

        Glad it's not just me then!

  21. redwalker
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Already took a -4 for Carrol Haz > Kane Ali
    Do i take another hit for Cresswell > Fuchs
    Are Cressys attacking options worth the hit

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

      Yup.

  22. Koolswan
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    NEED help guys.
    I have Countinho since game week 34 and he has done nothing. In fact I lost my lead in the ML. I have already a -8. Should I keep him in the hopes that he will play 130mins and score and assist atleast once or sell him for Willian or Mane or Noble or someone else? Budget only 8.2.

    PLS help.

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

      I would be worried yes, your results are testament to that I guess

      Any DGWers you fancy? I would not hit for a SGW without good reason i,e, Townsend vs Villa

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

        Is Willian worth the hit?
        noble won't explode either so I m not sure.
        Got Townsend.
        Can't afford Hazard so looks like I m stuck with Continho.

  23. SweeSwee
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Is this worth -12? Are any worth a -4 individually?

    A) Aguero > Carroll
    B) Rose > Cresswell
    C) Lanzini > Hazard

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

      B and C maybe...go with your gut.

  24. Jereme Halliday
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    How many minutes for studge over the dgw lads?

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

      118, split evenly over 2 games

      1. Jereme Halliday
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks, enough for him to make an impact I reckon

  25. jimbobmij
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else feel like Carroll is the safe TC pick rather than Payet?

    Payet is unlikely to explode, so if he hits points it shouldn't be too much of a dent, whereas Carroll could easily explode and if your rival has TC'd him that's pretty massive

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

      Yup.

      (C)arroll

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

        Payet seems to score mostly away from home I've noticed, which is aiding my nudge towards Carroll.

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

    Get rid of Aguero or Kane for Carroll?

    Can't help but think Kane will get a couple against Southampton.
    They have been pretty bad defensively lately.

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

      I've sold Kane for bandwagons in the past and I've always lived to regret it.

      This time I've got rid of Aguero so let's see what happens.

  27. Tshelby
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Just realized that Defoe only scores away..

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

    Will Robles play both games? Or should I bring in DDG for -4?

  29. Psojkee
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Mignolet
    Creswell Fosu-Mensah PVA
    Townsend Lanzini Coutinho Payet (TC)
    Kane Aguero Defoe (VTC)

    Robles Sanchez Bellerin Gabriel

    What i should do? 5 mins ago did Mangala>PVA
    Probably Aguero>Costa / Cout>Hazard / Fosu > ?

    Really need help

  30. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Totally freaking out. Iv no Payet,no Carroll,no hazard,. 25 ahead in ML. Rival has hazard, Carroll and took a -8 to get another dgw attacker at least. (based in money itb) and he has his TC.

    Should I get payet hazard and Carroll for a -8 therefore selling Kane? Leaving me with only smalling as dgw defender. And capt hazard?

    PLEASE HELP

    1. Park the bus
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

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

      Personally I'd stick with Kane. Payet is a good move for sure, Hazard more of a gamble, but could pay off. You considered PvA or Cresswell as a DGW defender?

    3. johnnymorrocco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      do it. it's boring but you should defend your lead based on the info you have shared. no idea on your other players though. Hazard, payet and carroll all viable capt. but I would say only payet to def start both games. Kane historically has been poor without dembele. This, combined with alli being out should see spurs dry up