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. The Red Devil
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Pick a Trio-

    A- Lanzini + Hazard + PVA

    B- Coutinho + Hazard + Cresswell

    C- Townsend + Hazard + Otamendi/Bellerin

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A as all dgw players

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C with Cresswell.

      1. The Red Devil
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        That'd mean a -12 😛

    3. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A).

    4. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

  2. Black Panther
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    This is my bench boost team. Is it worth transferring Bellerin to Lovren or save FT?

    Gomes, Mannone
    PVA, Smalling, Cresswell, Azpilicueta, Bellerin
    Mahrez, Payet, Townsend, Hazard, Sanchez
    Kane, Carroll, Defoe

  3. Art Vandelay
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Morning gents. Is Rose > Cresswell worth a second hit?

    Cheers

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    3. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I like it myself.

    4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Possibly - just, yes.

    5. Art Vandelay
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers folks.

  4. kempc23
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think Simpson or Eriksen are worth a -4 to anyone? I currently have 8 DGW plus simpsons, eriksen and aguero.

    1. kempc23
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Forgot to add, already have Hazard, Payet, Lanzini, Smalling and PVA.

  5. Shack
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Best differential defender who is not PvA or Creswell, thinking:
    A: Moreno
    B: R Martin
    C: M Olssen
    D: Someone else
    Thanks!!

    1. Cristi@no R7
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Dabooka
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Gone Moreno myself

  6. Goonsquad245
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    On a wildcard...

    Aguero or Sturridge?
    Mahrez or firmino?

    De gea
    Smalling Cresswell PVA
    Mahrez Townsend Hazard Payet
    Defoe xxxx Carroll

    Henn sanchez bellerin Gabriel

    Thanks

  7. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play Kane or Coutinho?

    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Coutinho.

    2. Fowler23
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Tough one. Coutinho

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      the one with the DGW

      1. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure that applies to coutinho

  8. PURPLE-RONNIE
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Start Delaney or bellerin?

  9. The Legend Squad
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I'm chasing 40 points - and I know for a fact my opponent is captaining Payet. Who do I captain?

    A - Payet
    B - Costa
    C - Carroll

    1. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      definitely Carroll in your case.

    2. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C) is the best option anyways,imo.

    3. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Carroll then.

  10. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    -4 to bring in a DGW defender or start Bellerin?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I did just that, got Cresswell in

      1. Tomlette Greggs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        cheers. Don't have him (have 3 WHU attackers) but might go with a SUN defender.

    2. 8ball
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I would stick with Bellerin as he has a great gw 38. Who are you planning to bring in?

      1. Tomlette Greggs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        would be transferring out Sakho for the DGWer, and will keep Bellerin on the bench for GW37.

        Might double up on SUN defence (chasing in my ML), as I can't bring in any more WHU players.

        Worth the risk?

        1. 8ball
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          How many points are you chasing down? Just on the face of, I do not think a non PVA, SUN defender will outscore Bellerin by more than 4 points in the next 2 gws. If chasing and taking a hit, I would rather take a hit on a mid or forward who can bring in double digit points.

    3. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Unless you can guarantee a cleanie or think City will score 4 I'd start Bellerin.

      1. Tomlette Greggs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        do think City will score, and think Sunderland might manage a CS against Everton (and allows me to play that SUN defender in GW38 against Watford too).

  11. mr. inconspicuous
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Start Sanchez or Lingard?

    1. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lingard

  12. matiakez
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Just do Coutinho to Hazard (-4) and play Kosc

    or

    Coutinho and Delaney to Fabregas and Creswell (-8)

    Thanks

  13. Zebrahimović
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    7 DGWers, is it enough?

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      If there is no TFM or Liverpool, then sure.

      1. Zebrahimović
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        No Liverpool, No TFM.

  14. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Mané or Mahrez?

  15. Fowler23
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Fosu Mensah to Smalling worth a -4?

    1. siweltrebor87
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      yes

  16. albie.s
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Playing BB...
    Currently second in my cash league (10 points behind)

    Current squad:
    Hart // Hennessey
    PVA // Bellerin // Alderweireld // Simpson // Williams
    Sanchez // Mahrez // Payet // Firmino // Iwobi
    Carroll // Kun // Sturridge

    1. Williams // Iwobi // Mahrez ---> Valencia // Willian // Lanzini
    2. Williams // Iwobi // Kun ---> Valencia // Hazard // Defoe
    3. Any other suggestions??

  17. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone C/TC Townsend?

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Put it on DGW, Townsend is a nice differential to have without the armband.

      1. siweltrebor87
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        barely a differential now, so many people already have him or got him in for Villa.

        1. VS10_
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Lol

      2. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        But we learnt from last DGW, SGW players can score just as much or more 😉

        1. VS10_
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Go ahead then, don't listen to anyone else if you have already made your mind up.

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Dear lord

      1. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Check the rank before you say anything else 🙂

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          🙄

    3. Fowler23
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No.
      Brace and assist incoming

  18. Shrimpy
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Alexis > Hazard -4 triple captain done.

    Can always bring Alexis back next week 😀

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      You starting today??

      1. Shrimpy
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        no

  19. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is anyone saving triple captain for Sanchez next week vs villa?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      \o/

      1. siweltrebor87
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I would but last game of season is always risky when you have nothing to play for in theory.

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Was going to but my cup opponent has a full dgw side and bench boosted so have reacted with the TC.

  20. John Nerdelbaum
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    gtg?

    Bit worried about no cresswell and the pool boys but can't have 'em all

    -8

    robles
    pva lovren smalling
    haz coutinho payet lanzini
    kun defoe carroll

    darlow / arsenal

  21. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Double up on Sunderland defence or go with Norwich?

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      norwich

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Double

    3. Dabooka
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Norwich, Sunderland are spent!

      (I hope.... #Toon!)

  22. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Robles Cech
    TFM Clichy Simpson Bellerin PVA
    Milner Sanchez Payet Noble Mahrez
    Kun Kane Martial

    Clichy to Cresswell and Sanchez to Hazard -8?

  23. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Chasing 35 points so captain Carroll ?

    1. mahone24
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      That's what I've done

      1. mahone24
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Chasing 41 points

  24. 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I am sure this must have been posted but I haven't been around for while..

    http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/05/ashley-williams-swansea-wales-euro-2016-rest-break

    Looking forward to being a Lanzini and Payet owner this week, and Aguero next!

  25. Captain Vantastic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku owners keeping him?

    1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  26. Eoin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Apologies for repost!

    Settle for this and triple captain Payet. Or, bench Fuchs for Lennon / Lukaku and play All Out Attack?

    Robles

    Lovren - Kone - Fuchs

    Hazard - Payet - Firmino - Coutinho

    Aguero - Defoe - Lukaku

    Subs: Darlow - Lennon - Bellerin - Gabriel

  27. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Kun and Nasri --> Hazard and Caroll

    Y or N ?

  28. John Nerdelbaum
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    has the bus driver quit again?

  29. easy_conners
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play Ward or Koscielny?

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Kos. Goal threat.

  30. Shack
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Moreno's minutes over the DGW?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      With Smith suspended could play both games