Opinion
3 April 2018 1326 comments
James H James H
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Our coverage of Gameweek 32 concludes now as we assess the latest player, team and talking point to draw our attention from the previous round of matches.

Marko Arnautovic steps up his form just as the fixtures turn against West Ham United. Spurs sweep aside Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to announce their intentions ahead of a very favourable run-in. Meanwhile, a quick return for Harry Kane seems set to change the plans of many Fantasy managers as we look to exploit the Double Gameweeks.

The Player

After a run of three straight blanks, just 21,000 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers acquired Marko Arnautovic for Gameweek 32.

With many focused on bringing in Double Gameweek 34 assets, the West Ham United midfielder boasted a mere 4% ownership as he served up two goals and 16 FPL points in the 3-0 home win over Southampton.

That brace at the London Stadium continued the Austrian’s remarkable transformation since a change of position under manager David Moyes.

Moved up front at home to Chelsea in Gameweek 16, he fired the winner in a 1-0 victory.

Since then, Arnautovic is second only to Mohamed Salah in midfield for both goals (nine to 17) and shots on target (21 to 29).

He also places among the top five midfielders for total attempts (40), efforts in the box (30) and big chances (11) over that timeframe.

Indeed, with nine goals, four assists and ten bonus points accrued from Gameweek 16 onwards, he’s averaged 7.4 points per match as a centre-forward.

But one look at West Ham’s fixture list suggests that Arnautovic will keep that differential tag over the run-in.

Clashes against Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City in three of the next four leave just a home encounter with former club Stoke in Gameweek 34 as the most promising match on his short-term agenda.

With an expected Double Gameweek 37 likely to comprise of matches against Leicester and Man United, Moyes’ men don’t have it easy, though a visit from Everton in the final round of fixtures offers a silver lining.

That schedule indicates that the Hammers will still have everything to play for as the season unfolds, ensuring that Arnautovic remains firing on all cylinders as one of the most explosive out-of-position options around.

The Team

Spurs picked the perfect time to finally end their 28-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge, all but extinguishing Chelsea’s hopes of claiming a top-four finish in the process.

Now eight points ahead of the fifth-placed Blues, Mauricio Pochettino’s men are braced for an outstanding run-in that pits them against just two top-half opponents from this point onwards.

While the big news pre-match was all about the return of Harry Kane, it was notable that the north London outfit’s big-hitters all delivered in his absence – indeed, they were already 3-1 up by the time he emerged from the bench on 74 minutes.

With Kane now expected to be recalled to the staring XI away to Stoke, the concerns over Son Heung-min’s rivalry with Erik Lamela for pitch-time may persuade many to now limit their targets in midfield.

Handily, Dele Alli’s brace and Christian Eriksen’s stunning equaliser showcased their points potential as we start firming up our plans for the remainder of the season.

As one of just six sides expected to offer two Double Gameweeks, the Spurs attack looks conducive to Fantasy investment.

In defence, though, Pochettino’s tendency to rotate at full-back means that centre-half Jan Vertonghen is the only secure pick into a rearguard that’s the third most resilient for both clean sheets (14) and goals against, with 26.

While 11 starts in 12 on the left underline Ben Davies’ potential, his omission from the squad as recently as the Gameweek 30 trip to Bournemouth shows that the Welshman’s acquisition doesn’t come without a degree of risk.

That’s likely to ensure that most of us will focus mainly on the Spurs attack as Pochettino’s men look to maintain the form that’s seen them lose just once in 19 matches across all competitions since the turn of the year.

The Talking Point

Kane’s speedy recovery and late cameo has already impacted on the FPL market.

Sold by over 1.1m over the previous two rounds of fixtures, the Spurs frontman is the top transfer target for Gameweek 33 ahead of a trip to a Stoke side that he’s fired eight goals past in the last four league meetings.

Roberto Firmino has been the major fall guy. Devoid of a Double Gameweek and with just a goal and assist in four, the Liverpool forward has earned more than 52,000 sales already.

Over 30,000 have parted company with Romelu Lukaku for Man United’s trip to the Etihad – overlooking the Belgian’s four goals and two assists in six and a Double Gameweek 34 against West Brom and Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s brace against the Potters took his tally to 6.5 points per match since arriving at Arsenal. Given that Arsene Wenger’s side, along with United and Spurs, are also expected to offer us a Double Gameweek 37, his case for inclusion has built nicely following Sunday’s 13-point haul.

While those still with Wildcards to wield can shuffle their packs accordingly, those without both a Wildcard and Kane now face a major decision.

Surprisingly, the Spurs man has managed just one double-digit haul from Gameweek 22 onwards.

Yet with an anticipated Double Gameweek 37 against West Brom and Newcastle, Kane will be a heavy favourite for the captaincy and Triple Captain chip at that point.

While overlooking him altogether looks a very risky tactic in light of Spurs’ fixtures and form, the decision when to bring in Kane may ultimately prove a decisive one in our quest for a final surge up the rankings.

We will have a Burning Question, surveying the views of some leading and experienced FPL managers on the Kane issue, later this week.

  1. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Bold Font for Arnie

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      He's a bold boy

  2. Essan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    no need to shout 😛

  3. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    LOUD NOISES!

  4. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Who is in charge of editing the articles? 😉

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

      Well done with Auba, gutsier than I

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I wouldn't call it gutsy, I just honestly thought he would score the most. I've missed out on many a Salah a haul with this sort of thinking.

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

          Well it's the risk of Salah getting a great haul and the inevitable red arrow that would come. What you doing for Salah v Everton?

          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            This one is a bit of a tougher call I think. After seeing Arsenal's showing I'm weary to captain Auba again, I think he was fortunate to get a haul. He could have easily got nothing. But yeah I'm still leaning towards Auba though.

  5. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Well done by Mark though getting Arnautovic on his wildcard. Curious to know if he's keeping him through gw34 or getting rid for a dgw player.

    1. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I'd keep for home match v Stoke

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

      He's an easy bank for Kane but also a good game in GW34. A good headache to have!

  6. Solly The Seagull
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Save ft with this slot? 0.1 itb

    DDG Ryan
    Alonso Smalling Tarkowski Lowton Morgan
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian Gudmundsson
    Auba Firmino Vardy

    Planning GW34 Auba+Firmino to Kane+Austin

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

    THE PLAYER

  8. #FPLBhuna
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Ouch... my ears.

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

    Itv was intentional for Arnie.

  10. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Baines Ake Alonso
    Walcott Salah Eriksen Shaqiri
    Aubamayang Lukaku Deeney

    Elliot VLP TAA Schindler

    0.3 ITB & 1 FT, 0 WC, 0 FH

    Any ideas? Willing to take a hit.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Pool and Burnley

  11. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Kane comes in for gw36 for me unless I see something magic vs stoke. Man City in 34, fa cup game on the following week are enough to convince me to risk going without

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Kane doesn't show magic in advance. He just scores big all of a sudden.

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        well he can start doing that in gw36 then please

      2. Cok3y5murf
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Magic vs Stoke has nothing to do with whether or not he'll do well the next week.

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Reply fail to OP

        2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          true, i keep looking at Man U fixtures gw34 against spurs and lukaku tempts me more

          1. Cok3y5murf
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Yes, for that reason you can avoid. I probably will.

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I could get him in for auba gw34 but more tempted by lukaku currently

  12. #FPLBhuna
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Gtg?

    Lloris
    Smalling - Maguire - Robertson
    Salah - Mahrez - Zaha - Mili
    Kane(c) - Lukaku - Vardy

    Bench: Elliot - mcarthur- Keane - kenny

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

    Better downgrade to enable Kane in GW34?

    A) Willian ➡️ Lingard (No Kaku)
    B) Groß ➡️ Gudmundsson (Have Barnes)

    Cheers! 🙂

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

      Gudmundsson more likely to play both games and Willian more explosive potential than Groß so B. But personally resisting Kane until week 36 and going Auba to Lukaku in 34, reverse in 35

  14. Wednesday1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Is it worth taking out Firmino and Mane to get Kane and Kennedy for this week for -4

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Decide after tomorrow.

  15. Bubbles1985
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Any reason why Pope is being dropped by everyone on WC?

    Can't see him getting dropped for Heaton?! Would be harsh!

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

      Picking a defender means not having to worry about Heaton.

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Pope owner.

        Not keen stacking up on Burnley defence!

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

          You'll be cheering against their defence in a few weeks 😉

  16. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Bench 1 for next gw ... ?

    a) morgan - home to newcatle
    b) lowton - away to watford

    tnks

    1. FPL Costanza
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Would bench Lowton

  17. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    A) Lukaku Willian Gudmundsson
    B) Vardy Alli Lingard

    Ddg Ryan
    Vertonghen Christensen Morgan Lowton Dunk/Tark
    Mahrez Salah Gross _____ _____
    Kane Barnes _____

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

      B) with Aubamyang. Next week Aubamyang to Lukaku.

      1. Scheister
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        ...so A) with Aubameyang?
        ...or B) with Aubameyang instead of Kane?

  18. Waylander
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Play this week:
    A) Grob
    B) Barnes

    Cheers.

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Barnes

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

      Barnes if not both.

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A for me.

    4. DJ1000
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Gross no brainer at home to Huddersfield

  19. Malkmus
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Evening all, do we think one of these things is likely to happen this gw, before saturday?

    1 - Auba to rise again
    2- Kenedy to rise

    Cheers !

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

      1

      1. Malkmus
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

  20. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Baines Ake Alonso
    Walcott Salah Eriksen Shaqiri
    Aubamayang Lukaku Deeney

    Elliot VLP TAA Schindler

    0.3 ITB & 1 FT, 0 WC, 0 FH
    Schindler, Baines, Walcott, Aubamayang, Deeney - Out

    This worth two -8 hits over the next two weeks?

    Morgan, Lowton, Groß, Kane, Barnes - In

    1. Scotty B
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Lloris in for Elliot also

  21. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    fresh opinions on my only quandary this week:

    A - DDG (mci)
    B - Fab (wba)

    currently on fabianski

    1. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      DDG

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      DDG - WBA are shite but they will score.

      Even if Man Utd don't get a clean sheeet DDG should have 20 saves.

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        true. I have thought about that, and if they do pull off the unthinkable and get a CS he’d probably end up with BAPs. will probably not decide till about 2mins before deadline

  22. trinzoo
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Who is more nailed?

    A) Chilwell
    B) Morgan

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

      B

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B

  23. frenchfries
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    Morgan Mustafi Alonso
    Salah Mahrez Willian Sterling
    Vardy Aubameyang Barnes

    De Gea Gudmundsson Lowton Dunk

    Was planning on going Sterling -> Son for the doubles. Still the right call? Got Sterling at 7.9m

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      City almost won PL. Think that we will se rotation there.

    2. #Swish41
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Can’t argue with that move

  24. Vpan
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    For WC :

    a) Lukaku + Willian

    or

    b) Kane + Gross/Lingard

    ?

  25. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    On WC (BB34)

    DDG, xxx
    xxx, xxx, xxx, Morgan, Lowton
    Salah, Son, Mahrez, Willian, xxx
    Kane, Lukaku, Barnes

    a) Ryan, Alonso, Dummett, Chilwell, Gudmundsson
    b) Ryan, Christensen, Robertson, Chilwell, Lingard
    c) Ryan, Christensen, Mustafi, Dummett, Lingard
    d) Lloris, Christensen, Dunk, Chilwell, Lingard

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      a) looks the best of those

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

      All good choices.

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I know 🙂
        which looks like the best in your opinion?

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

      a)

  26. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Best mid up to 4.5

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Cork or King

  27. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Out of Son, Willian, Lingard the ManU mid is less nailed, right?

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

      All similar I'd say

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah probably

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Lingard definitely less nailed than the other two

  28. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    The big question is ..........

    Kane or Lukaku for GW 34 ?

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

      and* 🙂

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Both obviously mate

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

      Both

  29. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Baines Ake Alonso
    Walcott Salah Eriksen Shaqiri
    Aubamayang Lukaku Deeney

    Elliot VLP TAA Schindler

    0.3 ITB & 1 FT, 0 WC, 0 FH

    Baines & Walcott > Morgan & Son for -4?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      What about GW35?

      1. Scotty B
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        What about it?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Losing GW35 players.

          1. Scotty B
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Got to do something.
            What do you suggest?

  30. PocketZola
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    when is scoutcast?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Supposed to be right around now.

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Usually just after 21:30...so half an hour