Selection
22 April 2017 1217 comments
James H James H
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After Marko Arnautovic delivered in spectacular fashion last weekend with a 12-point haul in Stoke City’s 3-1 win over Hull City, we’re hoping at least one of this week’s differential choices can produce another double-figure score.

With three teams facing double Gameweeks, we’ve turned to players from Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Middlesbrough, given the potential on offer.

Andros Townsend

Having produced two goals, three assists and nine Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points over his last six appearances, Crystal Palace midfielder Andros Townsend enters the double Gameweek in fine fettle.

The England international, who’s available at just 5.8 in FPL, has been a star performer for the Eagles over the past month or so, and now faces matches away to Liverpool and at home to Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 34, before a plum home fixture against Burnley a week later.

While they appear tough match-ups on paper, Liverpool do rank joint-first for big chances conceded over the last six Gameweeks with 16, while the fact Palace have won three of their last four at Selhurst Park suggests they can trouble an in-form Spurs.

Townsend’s underlying statistics illustrate his growing influence for Sam Allardyce’s side, registering 15 key passes over the last six Gameweeks, more than double the tally of any team-mate, and only bettered by Manchester City’s David Silva among all FPL midfielders.

Despite outscoring Wilfried Zaha by 42 FPL points to 36 over Palace’s last six matches, it’s Zaha who is proving more popular among managers.

The Ivory Coast international has been snapped up by 78,000 FPL bosses since Saturday’s deadline, compared to 33,000 for Townsend.

That’s seen Zaha’s ownership soar to 15.7%, leaving the 2.7%-owned Townsend as the differential option.

So for those Fantasy managers who are running out of time to make a late charge in mini-leagues, it’s arguably Townsend who provides the bigger upside of the two.

Stewart Downing

With Middlesbrough facing the most favourable fixtures of the three teams who have two matches in Gameweek 34, we’ve decided to roll the dice on midfielder Stewart Downing.

Steve Agnew’s side travel to Bournemouth this afternoon, before entertaining Sunderland at the Riverside on Wednesday night.

While goals have been hard to come by for ‘Boro all season long, managing just 23, those two match-ups are pretty appealing.

Bournemouth rank third for most goals conceded (11) over the last six Gameweeks, and second for shots conceded from inside the box (59) over the same period.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have only kept one clean sheet in their 15 away matches this season.

‘Boro attackers could be worth consideration as differentials this week then, with the 0.5%-owned Downing perhaps a dark horse.

Downing is one of only four players to start all five matches since Agnew took charge at the Riverside, and has created 10 chances, double the number of any team-mate.

Under Agnew, there has been an emphasis on getting crosses into the box for forwards Alvaro Negredo and Rudy Gestede.

‘Boro rank second for crosses (126) over the last six Gameweeks, and as seen on Monday night, when Downing’s cross was volleyed home by Negredo, he offers significant assist potential.

So available at just 4.9 in FPL, Downing looks a possible option for maverick Fantasy managers.

Daley Blind

The knee injury suffered by Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo in Thursday night’s 2-1 win over Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa League means we’ve opted for Daley Blind as our final selection.

The Dutch defender has generally been out of favour under United boss Jose Mourinho of late, but with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling also sidelined, he looks to have a good chance of starting both matches in double Gameweek 34, when United travel to Burnley and Manchester City.

Blind’s lack of playing time means he’s owned by just 4.2% of FPL managers, but as a short-term option, he could well be worth a gamble.

The major advantage Blind possess is the fact he shares set-piece duties when in the side.

He has produced 14 successful corners this season, more than double of any team-mate, and has created a chance every 62 minutes, better than fellow defender Antonio Valencia (84).

Given he’s only made 19 appearances, the fact Blind has registered 12 FPL bonus points is hugely impressive, and priced at 5.2, he is also cheaper than both Eric Bailly and Valencia.

United have kept clean sheets in three of their last four league encounters, and with Burnley only scoring in three of their last five, Sunday’s clash looks promising from a defensive perspective.

The Manchester derby will present a far tougher challenge, but over the two fixtures, there’s every chance Blind will prove to be a worthwhile acquisition.

Mourinho’s side also face a very favourable home fixture against Swansea City in Gameweek 35, so particularly for Fantasy managers who still have their wildcard to play, there look enough reasons to take a short-term punt on the United man.

  1. F4L
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Joshuaaaaaa Kingggggg's time to shine baby

    1. itwaswritten
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      YES plz and time to blank for Coutinho

      1. Football Heaven
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Would you play Costa over coutinho?

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think this could happen

  2. Edmond
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Quick fire captain poll?

    Kane (c) here

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Beneteke

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Negredo

    3. itwaswritten
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Negredo or Lukaku. Can't decide.

    4. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke

    5. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Lean towards Kaku.

    6. T444
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Still undecided thinking lukaku as diff but hovering over Kane rashford and de gea

    7. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke

    8. AVIELD949
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kane

    9. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Lukaku or Zaha- trying to decide

    10. Lecky Legs FC
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kane

    11. Mark-O
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke or Lukaku

    12. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Currently on McAuley

      1. Mark-O
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Lmao

    13. drughi
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      zaha

    14. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Negredo

    15. Jacket Potato
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Negredo

    16. Guvnor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kaku due to fears of Kane being rested and not playing the full 90

    17. Sadio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard

  3. Tangerine Army XI
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Captain Tekkers or DDG?

    1. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Tekkers

    2. itwaswritten
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Anyone >>> Benteke

    3. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Tek

  4. fijuhmon
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Foster to DDG for a hit or play Jaku?

    1. Unsuccessful
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It did Foster to DDG for a hit and benched Pickford for what it's worth

      1. T444
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Did the same with valdes for a hit. Pick ford benched

    2. MTPockets
        8 years, 7 months ago

        jaku

    3. L'Aeroplanino
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Puncheon?

      1. T444
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Not a mention for ages. One of the scouts has a little figurine of him. Surprised he didn't get one mention till now

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Captain
      A Lukaku
      B Zaha

    5. Feloh
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      am I the only one (c) Kane, it seems the scales are tipping towards the two dgw donkeys.

      1. Cruz88
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I am too

      2. fiveyears
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Think a few are going Kane or Lukaku, I can sort of see the logic behind Negredo but its definitely DGW fever

      3. MTPockets
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Would do, but he first has fa cup game later today.

      4. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Going to have 5 attacking players from the Palace Spurs game, including my captain.
        Never have I wanted a 3-3 game more. Cue a 0-0

      5. Cruz88
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Bench walcott or Origi? Not sure if Walcott will play against Leicester

        1. NATSTER
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I have both. Too much risk to start Walcott.

          1. Cruz88
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Risk for me to start him you mean?

            1. NATSTER
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Not sure if it was tactic / formation or disciplinary act on Walcott. It's difficult to expect him to start.

        2. BobBradleysOpportunity
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          i own both, can't see walcott starting

      6. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Have a feeling DeRoon will be sitting on my bench with 10+ points

        1. T444
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          AOA

          It's the week the chip finds its place

          1. Rover
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Not if you have 3+ defensive DGWers

            1. T444
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              I have 3 dgw defenders. De gea. Bailly and Gibson
              A O A

        2. MTPockets
            8 years, 7 months ago

            I felt that for 9 weeks. Never happened.

        3. NATSTER
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          RP. If you have to choose one, would you take Walcott or Mustafi out first please ?

          A: Mustafi -> Bailly
          B: Walcott -> Firmino

          Valdes (Jaku)
          Valencia - Alonso (Mustafi, Baines, Stephens)
          Alli - Eriksen - Zaha - Sanchez - Walcott
          Kane - Lukaku - Origi

          1. Paul Psychic Octopus
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Wally

          2. MTPockets
              8 years, 7 months ago

              A just b/c mun double.

            • NATSTER
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              50:50 again

              haha.. it's really tough.

          3. Snikke86
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Bottomed last post 😛

            Can someone explain in short the Negredo love, and so little for Rashford?

            1. diesel001
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Rashford play 90 mins against Chelsea and 120 vs Anderlecht = rest time

              1. noquarternt
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                For who? He hates Martial and Rooney is only just on his way back and unable to play up front on his own anymore.

              2. T444
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Yes but United have no strikers. Rashford will start Burnley, score early, get subbed for Martial at half time

            2. noquarternt
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              I've tried to get my head around it as well. People on this website dramatically over estimate fixtures rather than form and think this is a key example. Despite boro scoring 4 goals in 9 games, everyone is expecting them to hammer other teams fighting to stay up? (I guess).

              1. diesel001
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                They have already beaten Bournemouth and Sunderland this season.

              2. itwaswritten
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                But were those 9 games Bournemouth & Sunderlands? It's now or never for them. They have to score and win.

                1. noquarternt
                  • 10 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  But that's assuming they'll find some dramatic form out of nowhere and pull off a miraculous escape. 'It's now or never' is often 'never'.

            3. MTPockets
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Because Jose said Rashford can't play every game.

              • itwaswritten
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                - Weaker teams, he usually scores against those
                - Has started scoring since the new manager
                - Is foreign (Foreigns are always better and always win)
                - Rashford could get rested for 1 game maybe

              • tisza
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                i'm going to miss the bus on Negredo.
                Just don't see what everybody else is. He may get a goal over the 2 games but Boro have about 3 goals in last 6 home games.
                Just don't see what players they have that are going to create all these chances for Negredo.

            4. Mark-O
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Gestede does seem threatening lately but surprisingly Downing gets the nod over him

            5. YoungPretender
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Captain Rashy or Tekkers?

              1. UnitedFan
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Tekkers

              2. itwaswritten
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Neither. You'll regret it.

            6. Jacket Potato
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Worth another (-4) to get a United defender in, GW35 also looks like a nice fixture SWA.

            7. Digital-Real
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Townsend is a very good pick, proved at the end of last season, he loves a good relegation battle.

              1. Mark-O
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Maybe Cabaye too

            8. Lawrø
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Who to benchw*nk with?

              A) Kane
              B) Sanchez
              C) Zaha

              1. Pirlø's Pen
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                C

              2. Fred54
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Once you go Black...

                Although Sanchez for stamina.

                But seriously this is weird...

              3. itwaswritten
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                KKKane

            9. diesel001
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Sanchez to Zaha for a hit?

              Sanchez stats interesting.

              At home: 6 goals and 5 assists in 15 appearances
              Away: 13 goals and 4 assists in 16 appearances

              Zaha
              Away from home: 1 12 2 6 5 10 16 1 2 3 1 8 11 2 = 80 pts in 14 games = 5.7 ppg
              At home: 1 1 2 2 5 6 3 2 2 9 1 3 3 11 2 = 53 pts in 15 games = 3.5 ppg

              The double digit haul at home was against Chelsea where Palace effectively played as if they were away from home.

              So feel as if Sanchez may underperform (at home) and Zaha may overperform (away and against a tough team at home)

              1. Digital-Real
                • 8 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Zaha is my captain this GW

              2. RoysCallerAnne
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                I got Sanchez IN for a hit.

                1. diesel001
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  Interesting move. I think Giroud or Ozil may get the points at home.

                2. itwaswritten
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  :clap:

                3. Legomane
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  This

              3. noquarternt
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                The madness DGWs breed.

                1. diesel001
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  Is it madness?

                  Sanchez's home form is average. Zaha's away form is good. He is better against teams right at the top or right at the bottom.

                  1. noquarternt
                    • 10 Years
                    8 years, 7 months ago

                    There's not enough statistically sound info to make these kinds of judgements, you can't hold for all other variables. Sanchez is a top point scorer and could get a huge return any gameweek. Home v Leicester is one I'd definitely be keeping for, not to mention double doubles coming up.

            10. MarkoSD
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Soon it's 35 wc time 🙂

              foster pickford
              monreal yoshi kone holebas nyom
              alli alexis 5.1m sane king
              kane jesus gabbiadini

              thoughts?

              1. Bunk Moreland
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Bit early for Jesus imo, maybe Rashford (SWA) or Benteke (BUR) as a placeholder?
                Also, not a fan of Kone or Nyom. Otherwise good.

                1. MarkoSD
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  Tnx. I will have zaha and beneke for burnley and than swap for 5.1m and jesus. Can't find any better for price of kone and nyom

            11. Hansel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Start Grant or Pickford?

              1. The Albatross
                • 16 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Pickford

            12. Pep says
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              I guessed two of the three earlier

              Townsend and Blind. Thought you'd throw Jesus in there.

            13. Blue Moon Rising
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Llorente to Benteke? (-4)?

              1. The Albatross
                • 16 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                I wouldn't

              2. Legomane
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Llorente has been a big let down. I'd swap him out for any of the 3 popular budget DGW'ers this week

            14. RedMarks 赤的
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Which one do you prefer?

              A. Fernandez --> Friend (Bench Robertson/B.Davies)
              B. Robertson --> Chambers (Spread the risks)
              C. Other

              Cheers

              1. itwaswritten
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Is that a Swansea & Hull player? Get both out.

            15. The Albatross
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Can't decide on my captain. Got it down to 3 possibilities:
              a) Lukaku
              b) Zaha
              c) De Gea
              Any thoughts?

              1. Oven Glover
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                A

              2. AF90
                • 13 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Lukaku for me. Top scorer playing a West Ham team with a poor home record that he has scored against in every game. Hoping he can get 2.

              3. Guvnor
                • 8 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                A

              4. itwaswritten
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Lukaku honestly, truly.

              5. The Albatross
                • 16 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                A seems unanimous, thanks chaps

            16. c10™️ ⚽
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              So does it mean Bailly will not play both dgw and Blind will play both dgw???

            17. Jimjam
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Heaton
              Valencia, Davies, Robertson
              Sanchez, Alli, Zaha, King
              Aguero, Kane, Lukaku

              Aguero -> Negredo(c) for a -4

              A) Yep, do it
              B) Nope, DGW fever

              1. The Albatross
                • 16 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                b

            18. King H
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Anybody keeping there TC for another day ?

              1. Mark-O
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Kane TC and WHL final home match

              2. AF90
                • 13 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Sanchez GW36

            19. TheBear
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Either play Grant or do Foster to DDG for -4??

              1. RoysCallerAnne
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                DDG -4. He has 2 DGWs.

            20. Hykkerten
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Captain King doing his thing tonight. Thank me later

            21. Torres76
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Current keepers Heaton and Grant

              Replace Grant for (at -4)

              1. DDG
              2. Hennessy
              3. Boro Keeper

              Thanks

              1. Jimjam
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Not sure it's worth a -4 for any of those... just play Heaton