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. MemphisDepay7
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Mahrez to Hazard -4?

    1. Lateriser 12
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure

    2. Loðbrók
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nay, one of the other mids

    3. 1569Tippins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    4. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      yes , dunno what sort of leicester team will turn up

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

        The one that want to give their fans a good party for their last home game

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

          i dunno , guess mahrez could be ok, i certainly wouldnt want to play their defenders

  2. Loðbrók
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Am I good to go on this Wildcard?

    DDG
    Cresswell PVA Baines (Fonte Bellerin)
    Mahrez Firminho Hazard Payet (Sanchez)
    Sturridge Defoe Carroll
    0,3ITB

    Firminho->Mane for gw38

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

      looks good, mins a risk from studge and firminho but solid otherwise

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

        Yeah thats my only concern. But all they need is 90min each. Can go Martial over Sturridge, but not sure..

  3. 1569Tippins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    All set...

    Ruddy
    Smalling - PVA - Cresswell
    Coutinho - Payet(C) - Hazard(vc) - Willian
    Sturridge - Martial - Carroll

    Darlow - Ozil - Bellerin - Sakho

  4. Acquafresca
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    "He's Slav Bilic's man, he's better than Zidane, Dimitri Payet"

    It would be fun they said, TC would be easy choice they said.

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

      it is , youre over thinking it

      1. Lateriser 12
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Rightly so. Payet, great player. Overrated fpl asset.

        1. Ziro Becomes One
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Not overrated.
          What do you expect from him?

          1. Ziro Becomes One
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Depends on mentality, some tced Özil in 34. For those people Payet is ok

            1. Lateriser 12
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              My problem is with the essential cult status he has an FPL asset on these parts and some other better FPL assets don't get enough coverage Re: Firmino

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

        Enlighten me Zophar.

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

    Alli replacement candidates - (Got hazard and Payet), please pick one

    1. Barkley
    2. Willian
    3. Redmond
    4. Firminho
    5. Antonio (means keeping kane and not getting carroll)

    Open to any suggestions, price no bar

    sorry about repost, bottomed on previous page

    1. Lateriser 12
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I went with Fabregas

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

        decent option imo, could have pens .

    2. 1569Tippins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Willian

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

        the one im leaning towards the most, between him and barkley really. would be an automatic pick if i didnt have hazard already

        1. 1569Tippins
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I've had him for a couple of weeks now... just brought in Hazard this week - I see it more of a "get Sunderland walloped" mission so don't mind double up at all! (Newcastle fan if you couldn't tell)

        2. 1569Tippins
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          What puts me off Barkley is - why isn't he in the Captain's Poll on here?

          I know that doesn't mean he can't score well this week but it's an indication of how poor his recent returns have been - it definitely puts me off. But that being said, he does score well on RMT and his recent attacking stats are better than Lukaku's, so he is their main threat.

          Would still go Willian over him on the balance of it.

    3. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Redmond

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

        really does make the most sense of them all but 0 goals for norwich in last 3 is a bit off putting. just a general lack of quality in that side

        1. Jigger & Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          He was very lively against Arsenal. Norwich have to go for wins.

    4. lightspeed
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Willian and carroll I reckon.

      Not convinced by the others.

      TC payet?

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

        barkley tempts me only cause i think leicester will be an open shop today.. willian a bit at risk with mins etc maybe and is 2 chelsea mids away to pool a good idea

  6. Lateriser 12
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Finally think i've maxed this team out when it comes to AppleBonkers' rules of team formations. Any suggestions on how to improve?

    http://imgur.com/f9cHdiB

    1. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      could Payet swap with Lanzini to have the stronger players reading from the left or are you going for position?

      I like the bench.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Payet plays on the wing and Lanzini more central off late is all.

        1. Back on the horse
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I might go for a 5-4-1 seeing as I am bench boosting, just to throw my rivals when they first look at the team.

          1. Lateriser 12
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            I'm keeping 3 Sunderland, 3 Hammers, 2 United, 2 Che, all together.

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

      Who is your GW38 punt?

      Looking at maybe Mane.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I'll decide after Wednesday. Mane and Welbz currently who i'm looking at.

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

      Swap Payet with Lanzini. Remember, left to right

      1. Lateriser 12
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Done.

  7. Demel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    How likely is Loftus-Cheek to get some game time?

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

      maybe in 38, not in 37 imo

  8. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month 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 and play 352

  9. Bathonian Steelers
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play Fuchs or Fosu?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Fuchs

    2. Bathonian Steelers
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Also have Mahrez v Sanchez

      Currently benching Mahrez, what do you think?

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Mahrez

  10. Back on the horse
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    MASSIVE GW this week. This is where mini leagues are won and lost.

    10 pts clear in money league, 1 FT, any changes you'd make to this? BBing this week.

    de Gea - Gomes
    Cresswell - Smalling - PvA - Moreno - Azpi
    Sanchez - Mahrez - Payet - Hazard - Firmino
    Defoe - Kane - Carroll
    1FT 0.6m

    Not sure about Moreno and Firmino minutes or Kane

    can afford:
    Firmino to Cesc or Pedro
    Kane to Costa
    or Save?

  11. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Any love for Chelsea defence? Tempted to bring Ivan for Simpson for extra hit.

    Dgw fewer has got me 😐

    1. Lateriser 12
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I was tempted but Che defence is shiiieet

    2. Areid13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      not in my opinion, sunderland are fighting for points and are at home and L'pool are at home and will have a fully rested first team I think

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks both

    4. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I have Azpi but not really confident about him

  12. Areid13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    With Liverpool constantly changing their team and a couple of cheap players getting dropped I have a lot of transfers I want to make but don't want to spend the points so this is what I think I'll settle with...Thoughts? Will Martial play both games? Using Bench Boost as well and TC Kun next week

    DDG
    Skrtel Rojo Simpson
    Payet Alexis Townsend Mahrez
    Sturridge Aguero Kane

    Schwarzer Iwobi Cathcart Reid

  13. Kevtheotter
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Coutinho Milner or KDB to Payet??

  14. AccountAnt80
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Does my bench boost look like 8 points this week?

    Cech/Bellerin/Sanchez/Fuchs

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Save it for 38

    2. kenzo.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No just play it this week.... Arsenal assets could easily outscore your dgw assets.... One of the most important thing to remember is that your rivals are gonna have a lot of sgw players... Your extra dgw players are going to be your BB.... and 38 has too much rotation

      1. AccountAnt80
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        OK, will do - thanks.

  15. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Link to Jonty's Goal Imminent table anyone?

  16. MrClaude
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    mornng all
    My team after -8 looks like that
    Kane,Alli,Bellerin---------->Caroll, Hazard, Cresswell
    Robles | (Darlow)
    Cresswell | Rojo | Simpson | (TFM | Sakho)
    Hazard | Payet | Sanchez | KDB (Iwobi)
    KUN | Caroll | Defoe

    GTG??
    Play Robles or Darlow??
    Simpson or TFM??
    TC Caroll, payet or Hazard???
    Thanks

  17. Lucky_Z
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Darlow (Hennessey)
    PvA / Fosu-Mensah / Sakho (Souare / Gabriel)
    Alexis / Coutinho / Payet (TC) / Iwobi (KdB)
    Lukaku / Martial / Aguero

    0.3 ITB, 2FTs

    Any better advise than Sakho/Iwobi/Aguero to Cresswell/Hazard/Defoe for -4?

  18. Acquafresca
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Civil War lived up to the hype.

    Amazing film.

  19. Loðbrók
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Martial
    B) Sturridge

    got Firmino

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

      Neither. Defoe/Carroll if you do not have both

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

        got both

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

          I lean towards Martial just to have someone to watch in the 12:45 game 😀

    2. Lucky_Z
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Then depends on who are you selling. Both Martial and Sturridge will be rested in one of the games at least. Costa maybe a punt if chasing.

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

        Why do you think Martial will be rested?

        Im on Wildcard, currently on Sturridge.
        Thinking of Costa, but got Hazard so maybe overkill?

        Cant decide..........

        top8 now:
        Mahrez Firmino Payet Hazard (Sanchez)
        Carrol Defoe Sturridge

  20. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Another Cameroon footballer dies on the pitch.

    😕

    1. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      yeah, saw that. I'm probably safe not doing any exercise whatsoever.

  21. N5 1BU
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    who should i play out of bennett (norwich) or simpson (leicester) ?

  22. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Here's my team lads

    DDG
    Cresswell, PVA, Simpson
    Sanchez, Payet, Hazard, Towsend
    Ageuro, Sturridge, Caroll

    Darlow, Iwobi, Fosu Mensah, Bellerin

    Shall I do:
    1. Sturridge to Defoe
    2. Iwobi to Firmino/Willian (then bench Sanchez or play AOA)

    Cheers Lads

  23. Areid13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Kane or Payet for (c)?

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Payet by a mile

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

    Do you think Rose/Delaney -> Cresswell is worth taking a -4 for?

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

      Delaney yes.

    2. Ferris Bueller
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Delaney > Cres looks worthwhile - how many DGWers does that give you?

  25. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Do we expect Sanchez to get much from the city game? Or is a free transfer to Firmino or Townsend worth it. (Plan to swop back for Villa the week after) ?

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Why would he not get much game time?

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

        No game time - points? Do we expect much in the way of points?

        1. Kevin Twine
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Sorry, I read your question wrong. I think it should be an open game, so he's certainly not the worst option this week. I definitely wouldn't take a hit for Townsend. Firminho maybe worth it.

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

            Cheers Nick

  26. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play which one:

    1. TC - Payet/Carroll DGW this week
    2. TC - Sanchez vs Villa next week

    Thanks people

  27. asif316uk
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    fosu mensah > PVA
    Alexis > Hazard
    Walker > Cresswell

    for -8

    bring back alexis next week

    yay or nay

  28. Mickey Tyrion™
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Rival just took a -12 and I haven't made a transfer yet and have 1FT. Don't know how aggressive to go here..

    1. asif316uk
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Im in exactly the same boat!

  29. zizoo10
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Defoe + Simpson
    B) Kane + PVA
    C) Kane + Smalling

  30. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Which front three is for this week?

    1. Aguero
    2. Sturridge
    3. Kane
    4. Defoe
    5. Caroll

    Cheers

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

      Aguero, Defoe, Caroll