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. He Kane He Saw He Conquered
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Studge -> Carrol -4

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

      No

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

      Yes easily

  2. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Alderweireld to cresswell worth -4?
    starting to have doubts

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Easily, imo. Can see the Saints scoring.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Siggy less Swansea + United at home. The attacking threat also.

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

      Not in a zillion years.

      Hammers barely do cleanies.

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

      Nope. Adrian also out.

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

    Ivan back to LB. Maybe he gets an assist or goal. Who knows.

    Tempted to take a hit and bring him in

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      RB*

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

        Isn't Azpi RB?

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

          Azpi is LB

        2. Park the bus
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          No Azpi has been left back for a long time. Naturally a right back but Ivsn almost always plays there unless injuries where he can drop in st CB

          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          😯

    2. Twelve years a slave
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Is he nailed on now or are tthere kids after his spot

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

        Played every minute since gw13 and Hiddink pretty much said to field strongest possible team for Sun and Liv games

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

          And he was terrible against Tottenham. Browsing through the forums, with JT and Cahill fit, Baba could play one instead of Ivan/Azpi.

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

            Baba able to play both RB and LB?

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

              Never mind. He has played in Ivan's position while he has played as CB.

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

              Don't know if i'm honest

      2. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        hiddink said he would field a strong 11 against sunderland, that it should be equally important selection wise as the tottenham game. and against liverpool he will surely play his strongest side. against leicester we may see rotation though.

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      me 2. Will play instead of Simpson

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

        Not sure if I should sell Simpson for him for a hit. Tempted.

        1. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          If Simpson was "sure" to get a CS against Everton I wouldn't, but now I'm also tempted because I don't want 2 points from Simpson.

  4. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    so many decisions
    - which chel mid to get
    - which forward to get
    - who to sell between coutinho and alli

    robles
    smalling pva bellerin -- clichy gabriel
    payet milner sanchez coutinho -- alli
    kun martial mitro

    A: clichy + mitro >> cresswell + carroll/defoe/deeney (-4)
    B: clichy + alli + mitro >> cresswell + willian + defoe (-8)
    C: clichy + alli + mitro >> martin + fab + defoe (-8)
    D: clichy + cout + mitro >> reid + fab + carroll (-8)
    E: bellerin + cout + mitro >> reid + hazard (c) + defoe (-8)

  5. Hazardous Liege '76
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    torn between Hazard and Payet for captain?!

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

      Keep Calm and Payet(ccc).

      Alternatively,

      Be fearful/ecstatic and captain Haz.

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

    want to bring in haz
    who do i sell

    Alexis
    or
    KDB

    if i sell Alexis, plan to bring him back for gw38

    thoughts please!

  7. Le Blues
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Repost
    Robles or Darlow?

    Robles(lie,sun) has 2 tough fixtures with a clean sheet unlikely in either
    Whereas Darlow(avl) has an easy fixture and could very easily pick up a cleanie

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

      Currently on Robles. Want to change though

    2. FC Tinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'm still going to go with Robles. Two games gives him more chances for save points.

      Weak Villa unlikely to yield more than 6 pts for a GK, so Robles could score more points even when he concedes in both games.

  8. adidasOriginals
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    It's not worth bb this is it?

    Robles Sanchez Bellerin Mangala

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

      Would transfer out 3/4 but Man City and Arsenal have got decent fixtures in gw38

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

      I'm thinking of saving BB for next week. Similar bench

  9. zencro 42
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Migs, Robles,
    Gabriel, PVA, Reid, Simpson, TFM
    Sanchez, Payet, Hazard, Townsend, Mahrez
    Kun, Sturridge, Carroll (c)

    BB played. Hoping to seal ML this week, rivals all chips played and no WC, looks like they will have a maximum of 4 DGW players.

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

    Mane purple patch over? Or good to get him in?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'm getting him next week.

  11. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    1. Milner to start both DGW game?

    2. Mahrez > Hazard for -4pts?

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      1. na
      2. ya

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I would love to know answer to 1 but fear he won't play against Watford

  12. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Firmino > Brady -4
    B) Delaney > Kirchoff -4
    C) Kun > Costa -4

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

      Why sell Firmino?

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        probably won't even start one of the games IMO

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'm playing Delaney. CS + goal threat

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I'm playing Simpson..

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

    Milner KDB Kane. Do I trade them to anyone for hits? Have Carroll already. Don't fancy Defoe. Thinking KDB>Hazard. Kane to Costa or Rooney for a punt?

  14. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    3 questions:
    1. Hazard, Fabregas or Willian
    2. Costa or Defoe
    3. Clyne -> PVA for a hit?

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

      Fab

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

    Do clyne to pva for a hit or save?

    Robles darlow
    Smalling Reid clyne Gabriel Simpson

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

    Last two decisions, help really appreciated chaps!

    Would you start Milner or Sanchez?

    Would you do Sturridge > Defoe (-4)?

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

    Bellerin/Alexis to anyone worth a hit?

    1. AidanCass7
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nah mate.

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nah just because of GW38

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

      No.

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

      not given AVL in 38

  18. AidanCass7
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    TC?

    A) Deeney
    B) Costa
    C) Payet
    D) Martial.

    I am currently 70 points behind in my minileague and would love to bring it back somehow. Have a hunch the leader is TC Payet. I am leaning towards Deeney. Please help!:)

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

      D or C

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

    A) HAZ + DEFOE + Simpson (-4)
    B) WILLIAN + Kane + PVA (-4)

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

      Tough one, A just

  20. Sean.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A; Kane,LANZINI, Fosu-Mensah >Carroll,Hazard,CRESSWELL
    (play Sanchez)
    B; Kane, IWOBI,Fosu-Mensah,> Carroll,Hazard,PVA
    ( play Lanzini,bench Sanchez)

    1. AidanCass7
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      B 100%
      lanzini is a good option

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

    Sturridge to Defoe for -4?

    Cheers.

    1. AidanCass7
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Good shout

    2. rab1982
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      As a Liverpool fan I can't see Sturridge playing the best part of 90 mins in three back to back games. I also can't see him playing much in the final league game with the Europa Final to come.

      So what im saying is, Defoe if you're going to do it

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

        Cheers Scouser. Fellow red here too. Do you think Bobby Firmino will play both games?

        1. rab1982
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I think he'll be involved but doubt he'll do 180 minutes in the double.

  22. rab1982
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hows this for a WC with a BB chip next week

    De Gea / Gomez
    Van Aanholt / Cresswell/ Cathcart / Bellerin / Francis
    Sanchez / Payet / Willian / Mahrez / Tadic
    Kun / Defoe / Kane

    Gives me seven double gameweek players. Just need a captain now...

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

    Repost, Got a mixed response last time,

    Buy one

    Pva or Cresswell

    Sell one

    Lanzini or coutinho

    i already have Payet & Carroll, can get only another west ham

    thanks

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

      cress, cout

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

        can't, that'd leave me with 4 hammers

  24. Perthite
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Coutinho->Hazard
    Kane->Carroll

    For 8 point hit.

    Yes or No?

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

      No although hazard is worth getting

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

        Problem is I need to gain 1.4m from somewhere - which is why I am thinking Kane out to a DGW player is needed.

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

      Yeah, but only if you caption either of them imo

  25. Luz1978
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is this a gamble worth taking? Forsu-Mensa to PVA. Would be a -4pt hit on top of a -8 point hit I have already taken...

    But would mean having 9 double fixture players...

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'd do it

      1. Luz1978
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        It's done!!

        Team:

        Robles
        PVA Smalling cathcart
        Hazard payet lanzini Townsend
        Aguero Carroll Defoe

        Bench: 3 x Arsenal!

    2. JoJoRed
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Most definitely

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

    Alexis > Hazard
    Walker > Creswell
    for -4 yes or no?

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

      Alexis v Aston villa gw38

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

        plan on bringing him back for KDB

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

          or hazard

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

    Hit this?

    -8
    kane > carroll
    kdb > hazard
    simpson > smalling

    would leave...
    robles
    smalling pva lovren
    payet lanzini coutinho hazard
    carroll kun defoe

    darlow/all arsenal

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah go for it.

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

      yeah, looks alright. taking hits it never ideal, but you are where you are

    3. Luz1978
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Do it, similar team to me!

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

      thanks all

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

    Would you do the following

    Sturridge + Iwobi OUT for

    1. Defoe + Firmino
    2. Defoe + Mahrez
    3. Defoe + William
    4. Defoe + Fabregas

    Cheers

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      4.

  29. JoJoRed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play 1)
    a) TFM
    b) Toby
    c) Bellerin

    Bench 1)
    a) Mahrez
    b) Sanchez
    c) Kane

    Thanks

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

    Predict scores

    Man City vs Arsenal

    Spurs vs Soton?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      3-1
      1-1

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

      3-1
      0-2

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Really? After Madrid? Do I play KDB or sell to Hazard for a hit