Games
12 May 2016 1205 comments
Tom Fenley Tom Fenley
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We visit the Weekly Shop for one last time this season, as we analyse the player lists of our partner games to pinpoint the targets that will mainly populate our own weekly squads.

As always, we divide the player analysis into two parts: I’ll assess the key targets that no squad can do without in “Better Buys”, before seeking out those one-shot “Poundstretcher” prospects that can provide us points, whilst freeing up funds.

For this week’s selection, we’re focusing on the FantasyBet and DraftKing player lists.

Better Buys

Despite their late capitulation at Upton Park, Manchester United still have a slim chance of taking a top-four spot this weekend. Only Leicester City have netted past David De Gea (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $4,400) over the last five at Old Trafford and the visit of a Bournemouth side that have guaranteed their top-flight status for next season provides a strong chance of a fifth clean sheet in six in front of their own fans.

Arsenal have already clinched a Champions League berth for next season but the opportunity to finish above rivals Spurs (should Mauricio Pochettino’s men lose at Newcastle) is more than enough incentive ahead of their home encounter with Aston Villa. Three straight clean sheets prior to the draw with Manchester City gives little hope for a Villa side that have failed to score in five of their last seven on the road. Hector Bellerin’s (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $4,200) five assists this campaign places him second amongst defenders and illustrates his license to forage forward down the Gunners’ right.

Alexis Sanchez (FantasyBet 11m, Draftkings Forward $7,500) is Arsenal’s form attacker after producing a goal or assist in eight of his previous ten. The Chilean scored a 13th goal of the season at the Etihad and 11 attempts over the last four points towards more returns against Villa. We’re also looking at a double-up with Olivier Giroud (FantasyBet 8.5m, Draftkings Forward $5,900) for Sunday’s showdown. Arsenal may yet finish above Spurs in second and with Danny Welbeck ruled out, the Frenchman will be looking to build on his goal and assist at the Etihad.

An impressive solo goal against Liverpool was Eden Hazard’s (FantasyBet 10.5m, Draftkings $5,600) fourth in as many matches. A total of nine attempts and seven chances created over that run indicates the Belgian has shaken off the malaise that had so strangely subdued one of the most effective players of last season. Chelsea may only be playing for pride against champions but Leicester will find it difficult to stop the Blues midfielder in current form.

Southampton’s Sadio Mane (FantasyBet 7.5m, Draftkings $6,100) braces himself for a plum home clash with Palace. The Senegal international has bagged five goals in the last four and looks likely to recover from the illness that forced him off at Spurs last Sunday afternoon.

While United’s resilient defence has been epitomised by their Spanish keeper this season, Anthony Martial (FantasyBet 7.5m, Draftkings $6,400) has been their main asset at the other end of the pitch. Three strikes in his last couple of appearances brings the summer signing’s tally to 11 league goals and makes the Frenchman a stand-out pick for the Cherries’ visit.

The pursuit of the Golden Boot generally is a motivating factor at this point of the campaign. Jamie Vardy (FantasyBet 7.5m, Draftkings $7,200) is likely to shrug off the hamstring cramp sustained last weekend and visits a Chelsea defence with one clean sheet in 13. With eight goals in six, Sergio Aguero (FantasyBet 13m, Draftkings $7,900) travels to Swansea as City look for the win that will confirm a top four, whilst Harry Kane (FantasyBet 9.5m, Draftkings $7,700) has netted six times in his last four on the road as Spurs roll up to relegated Newcastle.

Poundstretchers

Including those big-hitters suggested above may leave little funds for the fringes of our teams and with the final Gameweek often ending in a goals frenzy, it’s difficult to pinpoint clean sheets. Top-scoring keeper Heurelho Gomes (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings $3,700) hasn’t been recording many shut-outs of late but, given that eight of the Brazilian’s 11 clean sheets have arrived at Vicarage Road, he could be in line for a shut-out as Big Sam looks to hand some youngsters pitch time after Sunderland secured their safety in midweek.

Arsenal’s tie with Villa at the Emirates looks the likeliest source of defensive returns. Central defender Gabriel (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings $2,400) provides a cut-price route into Arsene Wenger’s back-four and looks set to start with Per Mertesacker sidelined. Alex Iwobi (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings $4,800) has failed to build on an explosive start to his Arsenal career but seven attempts and four chances created over the last four could see the youngster end the season on a high.

Southampton have lost only once in nine outings and should record a fourth consecutive win as they host a Crystal Palace side with one eye on the FA cup final. Dusan Tadic (FantasyBet 7m, Draftkings $6,600) has turned in his most impressive form of the campaign in recent weeks, with two goals and six assists over the last four. Forward Shane Long (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $6,000) has also been one of the Saints’ most consistent performers, returning five goals and four assists over his last ten appearances.

Troy Deeney (FantasyBet 5m, Draftkings $5,400) may have been overshadowed by strike partner Odion Ighalo (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $5,400) earlier in the season but the Hornets frontman has scored three goals in as many matches and assisted his Nigerian team-mate in the loss at Norwich. Only Newcastle have conceded more away goals (41) this term than upcoming visitors Sunderland (40) as Watford look for a win in what may well be Quique Sanchez Flores’ final match in charge.

These are the contenders for my weekly contest lineups. Tomorrow I’ll also bring you up to date on my progress in FantasyBet, as I conclude my quest for profit in the 2015/16 campaign.

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

    Why are people selling Defoe? Did I miss anything?

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

      big sam came out and said he will give under 21's a chance

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

        thanks

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

    Anyone thinking of drafting Lukaku back in for the final game?

    1. St. Joseph
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I have a suspicion he may be awoken from his slumber.

  3. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Are we exaggerating Palace to be that bad.

    They have conceded more ehan 1 goal only once in last 6 games

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

      No they are in for a hammering

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

      Could play a weakened side due to FA cup final.

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

        Fa cup final is nearly a week after no ? plenty of time to rest

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

          Southampton are solid at home nonetheless.

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

          risk of injury to consider also.
          They have nothing to play for in the league , why risk them.

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

      I expect one or two key def to be rested.

  4. St. Joseph
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    AoA

    Would u rather have :

    A) sanchez payet lanzini kdb* lingard*

    Or

    B) sanchez payet lanzini firmino* arnautovic*

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

      A

      1. St. Joseph
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Is that because firmino in B?

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

          nahh mainly because i think kdb will score more points than arnie

          llingard will start and could do well too. firmino no chance

  5. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think Mignolet and Milner won't start?

    1. St. Joseph
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Milner wont start..

      Mignolet waiting on ward's news

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I also have Willian... I think I must take a hit then

        1. St. Joseph
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Hows ur team?

          1. Gooner97
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Look below

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

      No chance

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Then I must take a hit. I also have Willian...

  6. Hypnos
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Milner & Carroll > Tadic & Long -4 for my last transfers of the season! Thoughts?

    1. Prison Mike
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Thinking of doing the same transfer but Defoe instead of Carroll.

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

        it wouldn't make a difference as I would bench one once I sell the other one haha!

        1. Prison Mike
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Haha fair enough, my 5th mid will be Iwobi so will likely bench him and play Carroll.

  7. Bob.
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    have had such a bad season this year but I am after finally getting a bit of luck this year with a 120+ score to go from 7th in my cash mini-league to 1st by 20 pts! There are 3 or 4 teams behind me with similar pts so I am just going to ignore their teams and play it safe for the final gw in the hope of winning it out. Has to be Sanchez (C)? I still have my AOA left but dont think I need it:

    Darlow
    Bellerin Smalling Gabriel
    Sanchez (c) Hazard Townsend Payet
    Aguero Defoe Martial

    Robles Redmond Van Aanholt Martin

    Would you do Townsend/Redmond to a mid up to 6.0 and play AOA or just ignore the AOA and play Gabriel?

    Cheers lads.

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

      I would go AoA

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

        If playing AOA, if have a player missing does a def come in any idea?

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

          Yeah that happens.

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

    Exactly 30 points behind a money spot in ML..should I

    A) captain Sanchez and hope it works out elsewhere
    B) Take a punt and captain a differential, hoping Sanchez does minimal

    Thanks!

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

      B.

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

      Captain Aguero.

    3. Bob.
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      punt time.

  9. Chilli2k
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Mignolet likely to start this weekend?

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

      Klopp not focused on the league whatsoever, wouldn't be surprised mate

      1. Chilli2k
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ward is injured I believe, but they still have Bogdan.

        Mignolet played both games in the DGW.

        Robles is my reserve keeper 🙁

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

          Same boat for me.

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I would say so.

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

    iheanacho as a punt for the last gw?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah.

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

        trying to be as different as possible but still in the frame of games where opportunities arise

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

      Kids on fire. why not. id recommend long over him though

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

        If I'd be bringing anyone from saints, it would be either mane or tadic as their ceiling is higher and I'm on -15 to leader

  11. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    AOA.
    Mignolet (Darlow)
    Bellerin Smalling (Cresswell, Clyne, Simpson)
    Sanchez(c) Payet Lamela Willian* Milner
    Martial Aguero Carroll

    I think Willian, Milner & Mignolet won't start... Would you take a hit or even -8?

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm toughie

      If you're chasing take the -8 and be lavish with your GK. Otherwise I'd just -4 Willian and Milner out

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Willian out defo?

    2. St. Joseph
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A hit max.

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Who'd you get? Tadic?

        1. St. Joseph
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Nah, not into sou this week.
          Not following the crowds..

          I expect
          Kdb/ eriksen/ arnie / mata / mahrez maybe will do better

          1. Gooner97
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Ta

  12. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    The greatest punt for GW38 that could go extremely well or disastrously.

    Jay Rodriguez (£6.4m)

    1. St. Joseph
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      What about
      Firmino ---> sheyi ojo

      😉

  13. Niemi
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Defoe and PVA now a risk for the weekend?

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

      yes..

  14. Karan_G14
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Guys please help with this

    Choose 2 Def :

    A) Alder
    B) Cresseell
    C) PVA

    Choose 2 Att:

    1) Townsend
    2) Carroll
    3) Defoe

    Thinking of benching C & 3.

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

      AB, 12
      could get a few 1 point cameos I'm afraid

    2. EMILE FOR ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      AB and 12. (Allardyce has said he will be making a lot of changes but I'm expecting that across all teams

  15. Egg Fried Reus
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Any reason why Pelle has played 26 minutes in the last 3 matches?

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

      Long

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

        chemistry between him and tadic/mane has been great

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

      heading home to Italy after this season!

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

      Many, and it will not change against Palace. I even expect him to leave this summer.

  16. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Predicted scores for:

    KDB (swa)
    Mané (CRY)
    Hazard (LEI)

    Martial (BOU)
    Rondon (LIV)
    Long (CRY)

    More than likely going to take a -4 to take Redmond and Defoe out

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

      well done on Redmond, was a coin flip for me and went for Martin instead

    2. St. Joseph
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      8
      0
      2

      6
      2
      6

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

      I would consider keeping Redmond. Always lots of goals in Everton - Norwhich

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

      12
      4
      2

      8
      1
      6

  17. EMILE FOR ONE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Need help on the best option please (1FT, 2mil ITB. Overall Rank 1950)

    I've sewn up my minileagues so decision will be based solely on improving rank further. Up for a hit if justified

    Cech (AVL)
    PVA (wat), Smalling (BOU), Gabriel (AVL)
    San(C)hez (AVL), Payet (stk), Lanzini (stk), Fimino (wba)
    Kane (new), Kun (swa), Defoe (wat)

    Robles (NOR), Simpson (che), Soare (sou), Alli (new)

    Alli and Firmino to Tadic and Mane (-4)?

    1. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Alli Firmino out for Tadic and Mane(if fit) looks good.

  18. Chilli2k
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What I don't really understand is why Sunderland players are allegedly anymore at risk of not starting than players from teams that have nothing to play for?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      They all have rotation issues. Sunderland players have been under more pressure than the ones at the beach. Manager also said that u21s will be getting a game.

      1. Chilli2k
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        That makes sense. I have Khazri and Defoe 🙁

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

    A) Darlow, Kane/Giroud, Tadic

    B) Cech, Defoe, KDB

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

      A

    2. EMILE FOR ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A with Giroud

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

    Mahrez + Defoe > Giroud + Tadic for a (-4)?

    Or Defoe > Icheanacho

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

      first one looks good

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

      I'd go with A

  21. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I have a feeling Dembele theory will be shredded into pieces this week

    Kane to seal the Golden boot with a brace

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      You're biased.

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

        actually a man utd here. bad week this

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Still a Kane fan.

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

      the dembele theory was largely based on the fact when he didn't play there was nobody holding fort to compensate Alli's raiding. so kane ended up slipping further back on the heat map.

      Now that Ali isn't playing either the theory cannot be applied.

  22. Fred54
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    This season's Uefa Champions League and Europa League finals will be broadcast live on YouTube.

    Broadcaster BT Sport has the rights to the competition and, in addition to its TV channel, will show both games free-to-air on the video-sharing website.

    Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool face defending champions Sevilla in the Europa League final on Wednesday, 18 May. La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid then meet in the Champions League final on Saturday, 28 May.

    ....

    I presume its a UK only.

  23. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Top-51K, would like to break into top-30K. Any suggestions on how to improve this lot?

    Darlow (Mignolet)
    Bellerin | Gabriel | PVA (Simpson, Rose)
    Hazard (v) | Sanchez (tc) | Payet | Mahrez (Noble)
    Iheanacho | Martial | Kane

    money isn't an issue.

    1. St. Joseph
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mignolet to DDG
      Play rose, bench PvA
      Iheanacho to aguero

  24. Juventino4life
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchez- payet - hazard - Firmino - noble
    Kane - Carroll - Defou.

    I want to bring in Aguero. 5.7 ITB.
    A. Firmino and Defou --> aguero and wilshere
    B. Firmino and Carroll to
    Aguero and Tadic.

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

      Wilshere, first time this season I have seen his name come up. I like it! B also fine.

      1. Juventino4life
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Lol. He's the only midfielder I can afford.

  25. Chilli2k
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Badly need advice:

    I am only 9 points ahead in my private league. This is my team (using All-Out-Attack)

    Mignolet (Robles)
    Bellerin, Gabriel (Simpson, Ake, Sakho)
    Sanchez(c), Payet, Noble, Khazri, De Bruyne
    Carroll, Aguero, Defoe

    I have big concerns over Mignolet, especially as Robles won’t start. I believe the Sunderland lads are rotations risks too. With only a tight 9 point lead, what should I do?

    Help!!

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

      migs to de gea, khazri to tadic/mane

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

      Good question. How many FT and budget do you have?

      1. Chilli2k
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Money is no issue, I have 8.5m in the bank. I have 1 FT.

        My rival is likely to take at least 1 hit having used his WC last week for the DGW.

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

    No Fabianski or Williams for Swans and still not many Kun cappers here

  27. jdogg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Darlow robles
    Bellerin gabriel cresswell simpson kone
    Kdb hazard sanchez payet lanzini
    Martial defoe aguero

    1ft 0.9 itb

    Was all set on robles to forster but am seeing defoe is a risk?

    Any ideas?x

  28. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Trying not to mull over next seasons FPL as I'm looking forward to the break and the Euros after a season to forget, but can't help thinking that West Ham are going to be very strong again next year.

    They're usually not the most reliable side for clean sheets but I expect improvements in that area with signings to arrive, and Håvard Nordtveit already signed a pre-agreement(?) to protect the backline.

    Thoughts? West Ham strong again or a dip next season?

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

      Will see a lot of investment and be expected to push on.. not always that simple

  29. Theatre_Of_Screams
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Darlow and Robles owners, who are you starting?

    Obviously Robles probably won't play, but as they have a better fixture, are you going to start him just in case?

  30. InSaneMan-e
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Need some help please. Which transfer do you prefer?

    Current team of :
    Ddg (Darlow)
    Creswell bellerin Pva (lovren, fosu )
    Payet Couts Pedro hazard (lenon)
    Kun martial deeney

    A: Pedro +Kun ->Sanchez Giroud (-4)
    B: Pedro + martial -->mane+giroud (-4)
    C: Pedro -->mane
    D: other (please suggest)

    Thanks