FanDuel
5 May 2017 1793 comments
Tom Fenley Tom Fenley
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We return to our partner game FanDuel for a run-through of the contests and prizes on offer in the upcoming Gameweek. We’ll also propose an XI player line-up to help steer your selections for the round.

FanDuel have an extra window this week due to tonight’s match at the London Stadium, making it four in total. The window that covers all ten fixtures, from Friday to Monday, begins when Spurs travel to West Ham for the 8pm kick-off this evening.

The deadline for the Saturday to Monday contests is tomorrow at 12.30pm, when Crystal Palace roll up to the Etihad Stadium.

A key Saturday to Monday contest to enter is the FanDuel Premier League Combo Free Play, a season run-in social league covering the last three Gameweeks of 2016/17, with £250 in prizes and free entry.

The Saturday-only games begin with four 3pm fixtures in the traditional afternoon slot. It also includes Everton’s tea-time trip to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City.

Contests are also available that cover the two Sunday ties and Middlesbrough’s visit to leaders Chelsea on Monday evening.

For newcomers to FanDuel, our handy pre-season strategy guide provides some hints on which players to target considering the unique scoring system.

My Strongest XI

David De Gea £6.9m

Chris Smalling £6.7m

Ryan Bertrand £7.6m

Calum Chambers £7.8m

Lazar Markovic £7.3m

Luka Milivojevic £7.6m

Adam Lallana £9.9m

Eden Hazard £12.7m

Jamie Vardy £10.7m

Gabriel Jesus £11m

Josh King £11.7m

The Key Picks

A visit to the Emirates provides David De Gea with the opportunity to turn in another outstanding performance following his clean sheet at the Etihad in Manchester United’s last away trip. The stopper’s six saves contributed to a 28.75 FanDuel points haul in the derby – that score makes the Spaniard appear underpriced, particularly considering Arsenal’s disjointed displays of late.

Jose Mourinho’s side have conceded only twice in eight road trips ahead of the trip to London, so we’ve doubled up on United defensive assets. Chris Smalling provides another budget route into a backline that has been disrupted by injuries – and now the need for rotation. The United coach has made it clear that he will rest key players at the Emirates as the side prepares for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday. The fit-again Smalling was given a late run-out in Spain last night and looks almost certain to start on Sunday. He has registered a clearance, block and interception (CBI) every 8.4 minutes this season – more frequently than any other United defender.

Our next defensive choice could pick up points at both ends of the Anfield pitch. Ryan Bertrand scored for Southampton at Stamford Bridge and has provided four assists over his last six away matches. That’s helped the full-back accrue an average of 22.5 points per match in FanDuel during that run and indicates he’s more than capable of effective forays up the flank while fulfilling his defensive duties on the road.

Middlesbrough provide the final player for our three-man rearguard as Calum Chambers could return to a centre-back berth in their match at Chelsea. He’s delivered 30 CBIs, seven tackles and a goal in three starts since returning from injury. A 26.5-point average over his last six FanDuel appearances highlights Chambers’ importance to Steve Agnew’s defence – they’ll be facing waves of attack from the leaders.

Crystal Palace travel to Manchester City, and we’ve selected Luka Milivojevic based on his robust breaking up of opponents’ play – he’s recorded the most CBIs (27) of any midfielder over the last four Gameweeks. Factor in eight tackles and set-piece duties that have helped him record nine goal attempts, and the Serb is set for a busy afternoon at the Etihad.

We’ve also opted for his compatriot, Lazar Markovic, from a Hull City side that will be intent on picking up a vital victory against relegated Sunderland. A goal in each of his last two outings at the KCOM Stadium bodes well for further attacking returns from the Tigers’ right winger. Promisingly, the Black Cats have conceded the most chances of any side (148 in 34 fixtures) down their left flank this campaign.

Philippe Coutinho’s early injury at Watford forced Jurgen Klopp to use Adam Lallana from the Liverpool bench earlier than he had likely planned. The midfielder’s creativity will be needed in the home encounter with his former club Southampton should his Brazilian team-mate not recover. An average of 19 points per match this season shows that Lallana’s been influential, but it’s his superior record at Anfield that’s convinced us to invest – he’s netted four and assisted five at home, compared to three goals and two assists away.

We had to include Eden Hazard following a blistering run of form in which he’s provided attacking returns in ten of his last twelve league outings. The Belgian’s numbers at Stamford Bridge add further weight to the need to find the funds – his 11 goals in 16 matches is top for midfielders at home. Visitors Middlesbrough appear particularly vulnerable on their right flank, where Hazard will mainly operate – they’ve conceded 138 chances on that side compared to 112 on the left this term.

Our trio of forwards for this line-up all have favourable home fixtures and should lead the attack for their sides. Leicester City frontman Jamie Vardy has re-found last campaign’s form under Craig Shakespeare, scoring seven goals and serving up three assists in nine league run-outs. Watford arrive at the King Power Stadium having lost four straight matches on their travels, conceding nine goals.

Doubts once again on Sergio Aguero’s fitness made Gabriel Jesus’ first start after returning from injury a timely reminder of his potential. A leveller at Boro provided more evidence that the Brazilian forward is an asset who can deliver plenty of FanDuel points – he now has a 37.8 average over his four league starts for Manchester City. That includes four goals and an assist, which should give his backers confidence as Crystal Palace visit the Etihad.

Bournemouth’s Josh King completes the line-up following his 11 goals in 12 appearances. The prolific forward will likely be deployed as a lone striker against Stoke after Benik Afobe picked up a hamstring strain against Sunderland. A 55.75-point haul last time out at the Stadium of Light underlined how involved King is for Eddie Howe’s side – he created five chances, made four tackles, hit three shots on target and notched the late winner.

This Week’s Contests

The largest pot this weekend is again the Fan Favourite, which has £2,500 in prize money. It’s in the Saturday to Monday window and is £5 per entry. The top 120-placed line-ups will collect winnings, with £500 for first spot.

On Saturday, there’s a £3 buy-in contest which has £300 up for grabs. There’s a £75 pay-out for the winner and 24 of the potential 118 entries will enjoy returns.

The Sunday/Monday window has a £777 game with a £7 entry fee. First prize is £140 and the top 29 line-ups also take a share of the winnings.

Also, remember there is free entry to the Saturday to Monday FanDuel Premier League Combo Free Play, which covers the season run in and has £250 in prizes.

You can register for a free account at FanDuel and enter the tournament via this link.

You must be over 18 years of age, resident in the UK, and of legal capacity to register with FanDuel and open an Account. If you sign up, please always play responsibly.

1,793 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. gawa11
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Sane or the King?

    1. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I would bench Sane. King is in great form and has a good fixture (Stoke at home). Sane is a rotation risk and the fixture is not so good.

      1. Das Phantom
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Aguero out and Silva doubt...= Sane 90min

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Tough. I'd bench Sané as City have so many who can score.

  2. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    A or B ...

    A) Caballero, Koscielny and Davies
    B) Cech, Azpilicueta and Benalouane?

    Wildcard this week and benchboost next week.

    Thank you!

  3. Ambu
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Need to pick 2 for this weekend:

    A- Gabiadini + Cech (2games each)

    B- Costa + Cabarello (1 game each)

    Thanks

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. Ambu
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I've got A currently but leaning towards B with Gabiadini poor form and with Austin almost fit to start 1st team

    2. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Difficult. B, but count that as half a vote.

      1. Ambu
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah a week ago A would've been a no-brainer now B seems more sensible but a little riskier

    3. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd go A due to the number of fixtures

  4. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Fast one:
    Coutinho to King -4
    Next week T.Carroll to Sane
    ?

    Cheers

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah coutinho a doubt go for it

    2. Ambu
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Save both for next week and no hits?

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Already done Jesus in

      2. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        How does that work?

    3. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I think yes. Simply because of Sane's DGW. You could get Albrighton instead and enjoy a good fixture this week, and 2 next week, but that's one for you to consider

  5. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    G2G?

    Cech
    Alonso Cahill Monreal Yoshida
    Hazard Sane Alli Eriksen
    (K)ane Jesus
    Pickford | Stephens Albrighton Anichebe

    How's the bench? How's the captain? Alonso/Monreal/Hazard/Cech are also options for me. Upgrade monreal by downgrading Albrighton? Or by downgrading Cech (could then 'upgrade' Albrighton to JWP)? Cahill to Koscielney this week, and back again for free next week? Or G2G???

  6. Pompel
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Kompany, anyone? Not seeing him in many teams. More nailed than Monreal, no?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Most are covering their defence with Willy.

    2. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Great option for wc but Montreal has two dgws

    3. La Vida Latte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Thought about it...

    4. seanie3
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I brought him in my WC last week and he got me a big fat zero points, yellow card and conceded 2.

      at 5.9 expect more, I'm keeping him as fixtures look good and has the odd chance of a headed goal from corners, but if on a WC this week I wouldn't be bringing in, would be looking at Vert or Kos

    5. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I would if I had 7 or 8 Def slots. Can't fit him in with my defence though (the post above this)

  7. Jay_
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I'm on holiday and internet is so slow, so thanks for any previous replies. No wildcard and I'm left with this:

    A) Play JWP this week and wait a week and get Jesus next week -4

    B) Get Jesus now -8 and bench JWP

    * Part of the -8 is a Valencia downgrade to a 5.3 def and that def isn't even needed this week, makes me think A) as B) can backfire hard. Plus taking a 8 for Jesus seems like I'm throwing away my (unlikely to prosper) diff JWP just to get everyone else's same players.

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A. Is far better

    2. DaveZubie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd stick with JWP for this week

    3. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A for me

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely A, Jay, even if Jesus scores a brace this week. It could backfire spectacularly the other way around.

    5. Jay_
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks lads. Muchas gracias 🙂

  8. DaveZubie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Any idea what time the Scoutpicks is today?

    1. Hooky
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      About 6 would be my guess

      1. DaveZubie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Hope it's before - close to 7 deadline and I'll be driving home! 🙂

  9. bulbuf
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    A) Sane, pedro, davies, monreal
    B) vertonghen, hazard, t caroll, gabriel

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I would say A. But you will need costa at least if you don't go with hazard

  10. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    RMWCT

    Caballero Pickford
    Alonso Vertonghen Yoshida Stephens Monreal
    King Sane Alli Sanchez Hazard
    Jesus Kane Anichebe

    £0.2m ITB.

    Who also to bench this week? Thinking Stephens, Anichebe and which other?

    1. The Chief
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yosh or Vert, big question on here today

    2. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team bench yoshida you Southampton will be goo for a big next week

    3. _Make
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      This is almost exactly my team except I have Cahill instead of Verty. I'm benching Both Southampton and Anichebe

  11. The Chief
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Repost, need some more opinions:

    A. Baillie + Costa (save ft)
    B. Gabriel + Costa
    C. Monreal + Jesus (-4)

    Caballero Pickford
    Kompany Bavies Baillie* Stephens Holgate
    Sanchez Hazard Alli King JWP
    Kane Costa* Gabbiadini

  12. Simon Says...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Final decision is Davies, Yosh or Stephens to start.

    Currently on Yosh. Monreal and Alonso already locked.

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Spot on.

    2. DaveZubie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say it's between Yosh and Stephens - I'd go Yosh

  13. La Vida Latte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think Kosc will play all four games (36+37)?

    1. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

    2. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      If fit, yes

      1. La Vida Latte
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        thanks!

    3. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I think so

  14. davies
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Daniels or Huth?

  15. Big Col
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Final WC decision, which is better?

    A) Kane, Albrighton, Kone

    B) Costa, Vert, T.Carroll

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B

  16. Profa Benitez
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else keen on going Kane(c) despite Sanchez DGW?

  17. enrico.palazzo
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Lucky last

    For this week

    huth (WAT)
    Stephens (playing yoshida)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Huth

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Huth

  18. jdogg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Pickford caballero
    Davies monreal yoshida stephens holgate
    Haz sanchez alli sane king
    Kane jesus gabiadini

    0.3 itb

    Look ok?

    Only issue is no chelsea def but cant see how to get them in.x

    1. Baz
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      monreal to kosc with the 0.3

  19. Fuddled FC
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    a) eriksen & Pickford
    b) Ali & Jaku

    1. Viprin
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

  20. ChelseaB123
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    WC and chasing, so should really change it up.
    Please help me choose one of the below combos:

    A) Gabriel, Sane, King, Gabbi

    B) Kosc, Pedro, Sane, Barnes
    (or B2 if you think Barnes > Anichebe and upgrade Holgate to Prodl)

    C) Kosc, Carroll, Albrighton, Vardy

  21. Moose™
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone who have TC and BB left. Whats your plan?

    1. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Prob TC Sanchez this week, BB next.

      1. Moose™
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Same. Rolling the dice.

  22. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Triple Captain Sanchez?

    1. Hooky
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks.

    2. Moose™
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Currently I am. Not really keen to TC on the last day of the season. Just an assist from Alexis, 2 cs, no yc. Enough for me atm.

  23. Bullet Tooth Toney
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    So my WC has come down to this...

    Pickford, Vertonghen, Pedro
    Vs.
    Caballero, Holgate, Sane

    Any thoughts?

    1. Kingtekkerz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. KUNingas
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Second

  24. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    With a WC, is there pressure to triple up on Arsenal and Southampton this week?

    Looking at their GW36 fixtures, it could be perfect for non-WC'ers to sit tight and wait and see ahead of GW37.

    Arsenal - MUN/sou
    Southampton - liv/ARS

    I don't think I'd be confident on too many players in those fixtures, but I would for GW37.

  25. KUNingas
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all. Last call.

    A) Gabriel + Vert
    B) Holgate + Koscielny

    1. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going to go with A. As I have it 🙂

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Tricky.. maybe just A because of Vertonghen, but I can't really call it.

    4. WUSS
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      b

  26. dhamphiir
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi's international suspension has been lifted, following an appeal.

    1. seanie3
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      of course it is.. Fifa/Uefa love Barcelona and messi is there love child

  27. HD7
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Cech*
    Alonso Yoshi* Smith
    Hazard Alli King Sanchez* (C)
    Gabbi* Kane Jesus

    Subs: Pickford, Stephens*, Zaha, Gibson

    G2G ?

  28. ILOVEBAPS
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I have Stephens. (Like everyone else). Is there any better 4.4 or less options available than Yoshida?

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Holgate & Benalouane

  29. WUSS
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 1:
    1. monreal
    2. vert
    3. yoshida
    4. alonso

  30. Feed tha Sheep
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Costa > Jesus this week?
    A. Yes this week
    B. Next week
    C. Don't do it at all

    **Allows me to do Kelly > Vertonghen next week**

    1. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B