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. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Alright, I just did Delaney, Lanzini and Kane to Cresswell, Payet and Defoe for a -8
    think i did ok?

    Gomes
    Dresswell, Bellerin, Lovren
    Payet, Firmino, Sanchez, Hazard(CCC)
    Defoe, Carroll, Aguero

    Robles, Simpson, King, Gabriel

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

      Play Simpson over Bellerin.

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

        nah

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

          Why not? Ballerina against City; Simpson against Lukaku.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Always the attacker first on the bench

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

        ok yeah

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

        This

  2. tjmall1980
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Current team that I'm playing is:-
    Mannone (DGW)
    Moreno (DGW), Dier, Bellerin
    Lingard (DGW), Barkley (DGW), Mahrez, Sanchez
    Kane, Lukaku (DGW), Aguero

    Bench - Bolasie, Gabriel, Simpson

    I am 7pts ahead in my mini league and thinking of taking a -4 point for:-
    a) Payet + Caroll - for Bolaise & Kane - Bench Sanchez
    b) Payet + Caroll for Bolasie & Aguero - Bench Sanchez or Mahrez
    c) Payet + Noble for Bolasie & Mahrez - Bench Sanchez

    If Payet in TC him or Caroll? Please help...Cheers..

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

      a, c, b in that order.

      Play Simpson over Bellerin.

      TC Payet if leading (Carroll is for us chasers 😛 )

      1. tjmall1980
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers....

        Just have a feeling that City will struggle after Madrid and Bellerin could pick up BP with attacking runs..Simpson will have been on the beers...

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

    Madness to change coutinho for mane -4 ???

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

      Yes if changing, do it for a DGW player.

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

        but coutinho is probably not going to play

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

          Likely to play one surely?

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

      Coutinho was taken off quite early on Thursday so I'm expecting minutes (from an optimistic Coutinho owner)

  4. Coffe and the city
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Which one is better Hazard or Payet for -4?

    (I already have Carroll)

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Haz if you're chasing

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

      probably hazard

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

      Payet. Higher ownership.

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Dullard

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

          Safety first (I have both anyway so...)

    4. phantasm
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Both likely to repay the -4. Hazard if looking for a differential. Payet if looking to keep up with the bunch.

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

    Hart > DDG

    Or

    Coutinho > Fabregas

    For -4

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

      B. Not certain United will keep West Ham out and they also play a Norwich side who NEED points.

  6. phantasm
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Current team:

    Darlow (Hennessey)
    Fuchs, Bellerin, Darmian, (Gabriel, Sakho)
    Payet, Mahrez, KDB, Coutinho, (Sanchez)
    Kane, Carroll, Defoe

    A. KDB or Coutinho > Hazard for free -- Which one?
    B. Sakho > Cresswell (-4) and bench Bellerin/Darmian -- Worth it?

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

      A. Coutinho.

      KDB will play both matches now. Swansea next week and you have no Aguero.

  7. Loker Joker
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Bench one:
    a) Sanchez
    b) Mane
    c) Aguero

    Triple capt one:
    a) Payet
    b) Defoe
    c) Hazard

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

      AA

    2. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Mane
      Payet

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

      A
      A (if protecting) / C (if chasing)

  8. Numb
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    How many hits you taken this week?

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

      none so far

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

        How many are you planning to take then?

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

      2 (-8)

    3. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      2.

    4. SheBangsTheDrums
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      8. Thinking of 12 to get another DGW defender

    5. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      2 here

    6. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      None yet. But took a hit to bring PvA in last week, with the view of not taking many this week.

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

      1

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

      1

    9. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      -8

  9. snowman
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Start Sanchez or Mahrez?

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

    I know what the obvious choice is but I am chasing a big gap so could take a gamble.

    Who to captain? And more importantly, why?

    a) Payet

    b) Lukaku

    c) Willian

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

      B. High potential if you're chasing

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

      Lukaku is the biggest risk here having not scored in about 5000 games. Payet obviously the safest choice.

      Willian could be a nice little gamble, but I still think I'd just leave it on Payet and hope that the rest of your teams scores are enough to claw the points back.

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

      Payet - 2 big home games, he's a big home game player

    4. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      C. Like the punt, great stats and probably going to start both games.

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

    It is mental to C Lukrapu yes?

    Lei have been on the beers all week and Sunderland are Sunderland

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

      Worried about him being benched

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

        Urgh, have Studge too

        Where did you hear that pal?

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

          just based on last game and form

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

            Missed the game but guess Niasse did little last week which might help his cause?

  12. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Morning guys,

    Anything worth a hit?

    Reluctant to go for Hazard as double Sunderland defence, but maybe Aguero -> Carroll?

    Darlow
    Clyne - Smalling - Kirchhoff - PvA
    Payet (tc) - Sanchez - Noble
    Deeney (tv) - Aguero - Lukaku

    Robles - KDB - Bellerin - Iwobi

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

      But surely if Sunderland then concede at least if it's a Hazard goal then it softens the blow.

    2. LeBron - King of Argentina
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I got Carroll and ditched Kun mate, would also get Hazard - live a little! 😉

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

      I highly doubt Clyne wiLloyd play both games. Probably play the 2nd so would you want him against a motivated Chelsea. Motivated because it's an Anfield and they are playing for places at the Euros?

      I'd use the KDB money for Hazard and bench Clyne personally.

      Covered if Sunderland covered probably then.

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Excellent. Thanks guys.

  13. Here's the manager
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Bench Coutinho or Milner ?

    1. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I think both will not play the first game. Coutinho has more upside so bench Milner.

  14. The 12th Man
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    All set. Gtg? -8

    Gomes
    Smalling,Ivanovic,Kirchoff
    Hazard,Payet,Lanzini,Firmino
    Aguero,Defoe,Carroll(TC)

    Robles,Sanchez,Bellerin,Gabriel

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

      Yes u r

    2. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, great team! 🙂

      1. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks. I keep swapping TC between Hazard and Carroll. Agh.

  15. Mikkyf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Gomes
    Cresswell PVA lovren (smalling)
    Payet Barkley mahrez (Townsend)
    Deeney Lukaku sturridge

    A - go 4 / 3 / 3
    B - 3 / 4 / 3
    C - take a -4 hit and bring carrol in for sturridge & hazard in for mahrez

    Making all players DGW

    I'm 8 point behind leader and he has sturridge and mahrez, just my look they both go sik and out score my subs....

    Advice guys?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'd do c

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

    Alexis > Haz (-4) (TC)?

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

      You want Sanchez next week against us though...

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

      Hi there

      Will you be playing 90 mins for both games?

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

    Play bellerin or Delaney?
    Play Aguero or Sanchez?

    1. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Bellerin and Ageuro. Bases covered then.

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

        Hmm ok. Thanks

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

          Why would you openly want to play a striker vs a defender buddy !?

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

            For some reason I though bench kun + bell which made more sense

  18. Clive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Difficult benching decision. What does everyone think?

    1. Mahrez
    2. Sanchez
    3. Kane

    Must bench one of them. Currently Mahrez due to thinking Leicester just won't have the same motivation as Spurs or Arsenal.

  19. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    How many DGW have you got? I'm on 7!

    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      9 here.

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      14 here. No hits

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

        No wildcard either?

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      8 plus Clyne on bench, no hits

    4. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      8
      And Fosu-Immensah on the bench

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

    Bench one:

    A) Aguero
    B) Sanchez
    C) Lukaku

  21. MikeyBoro
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Who for TC:
    1) Hazard
    2) Payet
    3) Defoe

  22. Coffe and the city
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Who is prob gonna get more point btw Arnautovic and lennon?

  23. Anders
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Should I play Sanchez or Antonio with his DGW?

    Triple C this week on Payet?

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

      Antonio

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

        Thanks. That was my first thought.

  24. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Have Kun and Defoe. Want to get rid of Studge for -4. Cannot get Carroll as maxed out on Hammers. Who should I get?

    A. Deeney
    B. Martial
    C. Costa
    D. Lukaku
    E. Brady/Redmond and play 352

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

    sorry for the repost

    A: reid + hazard + defoe.....payet/haz/martial as cpt
    B: reid + fab + carroll....carroll as captain
    C: cresswell + willian + kaku....payet as cpt

  26. flippetyflop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Play Mignolet or Gomes this week? Worried that Mignolet doesn't play both games.

  27. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Buy one-

    PVA or Cresswell

    Sell one-

    Lanzini or Coutinho

    Already have 2 west ham, so can't keep both Cresswell & lanzini

    so, DO NOT say C & C

    thanks!

  28. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    -12. All in once again!!

    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Since gw32 WC, it's now a -16, -8, -8, -12. And mainly green

      Robles*
      Baines* Smalling* Cresswell* PvA*
      Hazard* Pedro* Payet*
      Rashford* Caroll (c)* Deeney*

      (Rashford, Sanchez, Ozil, Bellerin)

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

        I like it

  29. Captain Tsubasa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Cresswell or van aanholt?
    Willian or Hazard?

    1. #Swish41
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Cresswell and Haz easy

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

      cresswell / hazard

  30. #Swish41
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Any of these worth a hit:

    A. Sanchez to Hazard (Sanchez my FT back next week)
    B. Bellerin to Smalling (to cover rivals - I'm 100pts clear)

    Cheers

    ROBLES (LLoris)
    PVA CRESSWELL Simpson
    PAYET COUTINHO Sanchez Mahrez
    CARROLL Kane Aguero