Selection

Selection Strategies – Gameweek 35 – The Defence

After checking out the machinations behind the Free Hit chip ahead of Gameweek 35, we now delve a little deeper into the approaches open to Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers for the reduced slate of fixtures.

First, a reminder that, with the FA Cup semi-finals taking place this weekend, we are limited to the following fixtures:

Gameweek 35 Schedule

West Brom vs Liverpool
Watford vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal vs West Ham
Stoke vs Burnley
Man City vs Swansea
Everton vs Newcastle

As discussed in our previous article, many managers had therefore pinpointed this Gameweek as the best time to play their Free Hit chip.

This tactic involved Wildcarding in either Gameweek 32 or 33 to load up on the sides who play twice in both Double Gameweek 34 and 37.

That affords the freedom to freshen up their squads temporarily to take advantage of this weekend’s reduced slate.

However, we are also aware that, by this point, other FPL managers may have already wielded their Free Hit chip and we have therefore factored that into our thinking when considering the strategies available.

In the first of two further articles, we look at the targets in defence, both for those with and without their Free Hit chips.

The Free Hit Chip Targets

The Free Hit chip already gives Fantasy managers a distinct advantage for Gameweek 35 given that they have total freedom with unlimited transfers right up until the deadline.

But those with the chip active can also seek to maximise this scenario by pinpointing players with very favourable weekend fixtures who are likely to be ignored by non-Free Hit chip rivals.

With five of the 12 teams to feature in this weekend’s slate set to play twice in Double Gameweek 37 – Arsenal, Man City, Newcastle, Swansea and West Ham – those without Free Hit chips can focus extra trades on form players who they expect will start three matches over those Gameweeks. In doing so, they can spend points on transfers in the hope that the extra fixture will help repay the investment.

Obviously, there will be some crossover in terms of targets for the Free Hit manager and the “chipless”.

Taking Man City as an example, the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Kyle Walker may well be named on Pep Guardiola’s teamsheet from this point onwards, starting with a very favourable home encounter with travel-sick Swansea.

Both offer considerable attacking upside as routes into the league’s most resilient rearguard – only Marcos Alonso has scored more goals than Otamendi’s four, while Walker’s tally of six assists is just one off the summit for defenders.

Similarly, for Arsenal, Shkodran Mustafi remains seemingly immune to rotation at a time when Arsene Wenger has swapped his full-backs due to their ongoing Europa League campaign. The German international has played all but 18 minutes from Gameweek 20 onwards and has chipped in with three goals and an assist ahead of a visit from West Ham.

Arguably, though, outwith that trio, the appeal of most defenders with considerable upside in Gameweek 35 will mainly be exclusive to those with the Free Hit at their disposal.

Man City captain Vincent Kompany is expected to start Sunday’s title party at home to the Swans but, given his injury history, Pep Guardiola could well manage the Belgian’s minutes over their subsequent four league fixtures. Kompany has a goal, an assist and two clean sheets in his last five league outings.

Rested for last week’s loss to Newcastle, Hector Bellerin is another short-term option who looks likely to start Gameweek 35 but not necessarily every league fixture that follows. A total of two first-team outings in the previous five league matches is likely to deter those without Free Hit chips from taking a punt on the Gunners’ right-back.

Elsewhere, teams without a Double Gameweek 37 are the ones most likely to be overlooked by non-Free Hit chip managers.

With that in mind, the likes of Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Burnley can offer in-form solutions across the positions for those set to play their Free Hit chip.

Priced at just 4.0, Kevin Long benefitted from Ben Mee’s absence to claim a double-digit haul in the first of the Clarets’ two Double Gameweek 34 matches. Ragnar Klavan is likely to come in for Liverpool’s trip to West Brom given that Dejan Lovren is a minor doubt for next midweek’s Champions League encounter with Roma.

The Reds have conceded five times in their last 12 in all competitions, which could also promote Loris Karius and Virgil van Dijk in some managers’ Free Hit plans if Jurgen Klopp shuffles his full-backs. The Dutchman offers a goal threat to increase his points ceiling and, given Lovren’s fitness issues, may well start at The Hawthorns.

Elsewhere, Stoke’s Jack Butland is the number one keeper for saves (102) and BPS points (419) since Gameweek 15. That suggests save points will be on the menu at least for the visit of in-form Burnley and, if the Potters can earn a shut-out, Butland’s potential points may even push double-figures. Along with Everton’s Jordan Pickford (4.9), he arguably has the highest points ceiling of any Gameweek 35 active goalkeeper.

Toffees left-back Leighton Baines is another target likely to be the exclusive of Free Hit managers. He has 19 points in his three home matches since returning from injury in Gameweek 30 ahead of a visit from Newcastle.

Similarly, Patrick van Aanholt has the attacking threat to reward short-term investment. Palace go to Watford in Gameweek 35 but, like Everton, do not offer a double to come, which could see the Dutchman largely ignored by those without the Free Hit active. Over his last six matches, Van Aanholt has scored twice and fired eight attempts on goal, with five shots on target – more than any defender.

The Non-Free Hit Targets

As mentioned above, players such as Otamendi, Walker and Mustafi will appeal to managers regardless of the Free Hit being active.

Crucially for those without the chip, both Man City (SWA whu HU & BHA sot) and Arsenal (WHU mun BUR & lei hud) are ranked as the top two defences for points potential in our season ticker. This boosts the chances of gaining a refund on any transfer “hits” taken to acquire them.

Investment in the other three teams with a Gameweek 35 and Double Gameweek 37 – Newcastle, Swansea and West Ham – has less immediate appeal, with all set to hit the road this weekend.

Of those three, the Magpies’ remaining schedule (eve WBA wat & tot CHE) is rated as the most favourable and fourth overall defensively.

Away to Everton on Monday night, Jamaal Lascelles has found the net three times this term and is their likeliest source of points from the back. At 4.2 to the centre-half’s 4.8, though, Paul Dummett is the cheaper option.

Lukasz Fabianski (4.7) is sure to deliver save points at least for Sunday’s trip to the Etihad and will then offer three home matches (CHE bou & SOT STK) in the final three Gameweeks.

If you’re not in the market for a keeper, though, at 5.1, Alfie Mawson (two goals and an assist) is the attacking option in defence, with Federico Fernandez (4.5) the budget-friendly pick.

West Ham’s remaining schedule (ars MCI lei & MUN EVE) hardly looks conducive to clean sheets.

But Angelo Ogbonna (4.2) could appeal as a squad filler, particularly for those with a Bench Boost chip planned for Double Gameweek 37. Meanwhile, Aaron Creswell (4.9) is the luxury item in David Moyes’ backline, having produced seven assists over the season, a tally matched only by Ben Davies among defenders.

In the final part of this series, we will move to assess the attacking options appealing ahead of Gameweek 35, again attempting to cater for both Free Hit managers and those using transfer hits to reinforce their squads.

1,736 Comments Post a Comment
  1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Feel for Bailly owners. Really felt he would start

  2. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Hope utd lose

  3. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Stupidity. Now need a DDG CS and pen save, OR BOU early goal and Lukaku off the bench to score a brace.

  4. Chris_H
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Ironic that the Kane 3pt triple captain in January is going to be matched all these weeks later.

    That’s three triple captain fails in three years for me. Nailed it 😎

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Is that ironic?

  5. JJO
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Just happy for those Lukaku captainers that laughed at Kane captainers after that Tot-City game

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Completely this. They deserve everything to believe in Maureen and that lukaku clown and troll kane

  6. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    So.. at least can go get sme sleep early today.. there is no football i guess. Bye everyone.

  7. Viper
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Sanchez & Lukaku can still do harm from the bench. Wouldn't be overly concerned (says non owner admittedly)

  8. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Jose, my man! Just need DDG, Smalling and Lingard to get the points now and for Lukaku to stay on the bench.

    1. NWA
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      need a massive 11 from DDG 🙂

  9. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Scenes as Flukaku is benched. Haha

    1. NWA
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      if he is benched the all game so does sanchez this GW will a lot of people season 🙂

      1. NWA
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        *end

  10. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Damn. I don't think this GW is going to get any better. Southampton will sub 2 nil against Leicester, mark my words

  11. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    lol @ me

  12. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Lukaku off the bench late on against tired Bournemouth legs......

    1. Fantastisk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      This lol

  13. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Ferking Lukaku TC. Imbecile move Mourinho

    1. NWA
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      loooollll

  14. MTPockets
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Should've captained Alonso.

    • Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Wilson & Daniels vs Lingard & DDG

      Full house 😎

      1. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        1-1 Ake and Rashford goals 😉

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Guaranteed 😀

    • Scotty B
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Bye bye Lukaku
      Hello Gabriel Jesus

    • The Yorkshire Pirlo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lol Valencia and Lukaku(c). Game over.

    • Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Jose is a deluded idiot having this team on the pitch!

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Why? There is nothing to play for in the league and spurs in a cup semi saturday..people need to take their fantasy football specs off and get real

        1. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          true but losing in mini-league wasn’t a plan

    • Viper
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      What is happening with Bailly. Is he not there best defender??

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Find out in FA Cup.

    • boc610
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Extra extra football manager rests star striker before cup semi in meaningless league game shocker!!!

    • faux_C
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Meltdown time.

    • Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Confirmation that nobody on this site knows anything.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Mark got 3 starters tonight.

        1. Les Bleus
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Same

        2. lilmessipran
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          The fact that Mark owns those 3 players is the reason why they are starting

        3. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Mark thought Tim Krul would start for Brighton!

        4. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Did he have 3 the first game ?

        5. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Surprised you haven't, your teams been identical all season ....

    • Mr_Barbs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Has mourinho lost trust in Bailly? He's been back fit for a fair while now. Or is he being saved for Tottenham?

    • Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      All motivation to watch this match removed.

      1. Garth Marenghi
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        It would be to have bournmouth score a lot and early

        1. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Have DDG so couldn't even enjoy that.

    • tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      early Utd goals please. ML top 10 has several Lukaku & Sanchez TCs.

    • Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I should've captained Gross.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I sold him to enable Kane lol

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I should've bought Gross

      3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I sold the jammy bugger as I thought he was guaranteed 4 points

    • Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez (C) no show is a bummer. Come on Wilson, time to repay the faith!

      1. NWA
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Whats the rule with the bench on a DGW? if a DGW player doesnt start the 2nd game can you get points from someone on your bench who doesnt have 2 games?

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          of course but you have to email them to advise which players points you want and they manually adjust it

          1. NWA
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            are you sure?

        2. TallestJohn
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          If the starter plays in either of the games you don't get any points off the bench.

        3. badgerboy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          If they have played 0 minutes over the 2 games then whoever is on your bench will sub in. Same as normal.

          1. NWA
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            i have tomkins 8pt as my first sub. freakin sanchez shouldnt have played at all.... So really no points from my bench then 🙁 ?!

    • drughi
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      sanchez and lukaku could still come in and score so wouldnt laugh to hard

    • El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Should hv gone with my heart and get Vardy instead of overthinking and getting Lukaku for that price!

    • Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Selling this useless Bailly guy week after the free hit