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. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Lewis Cook starts get in

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

    Stupid to rage transfer kaku to auba rn?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No? Why would it be? Lukaku is useless anyway

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

        Eh?

  3. eazy
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Likely that Bailly wont play? Have Ayew on the bench with 7 points

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah, he probably won't play

  4. Numb
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Kane vice captain could be worse

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Too soon.

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

        Lol

      • drughi
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        bailly captain ?

      • Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        But Lukaku has already played, assuming he was your captain...

    2. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I have Lingard , DDG, Smalling 🙂

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Lingard and DDG here, Bailly can go suck a lemon

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

        5 , 2 , 1

        1. barcaa7
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          sorry

      3. Point-one short
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        same

      4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Do you want a medal?

    3. SheBangsTheDrums
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      K Long turning out to be GW saviour!

    4. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Damn...game over Alexis(TC).
      Insert coin to continue

    5. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Can we get rid of the FA Cup?

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yes,Carabao too and start to go far in CL.

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

        Leave it for chapionship sides like in France

      3. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Getting rid of FPL might be better

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Or just include FA Cup and League points...

      4. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        It's the one cup worth keeping. Carabao has to go

      5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        if it helps your fpl team i can think of no better cause to eliminate it. maybe wind up all non prem clubs too

    6. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Do we think Lukaku will be subbed on at least?

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        for sure

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

        Bournemouth need to score a lot and early

      3. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Unlikely, complete rest

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Why have him on the bench then?

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Because they dont have many subs?

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              Fair. Just wishful thinking on my part...

        2. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Very likely he will be subbed on..

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

        Depends on whether utd need goals as the game goes on?

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

      Nobody ever thinks they were "underthinking". Weird...

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I think most of us actually over think it tbf

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

      something something tired legs?

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I'd say there's a high chance that Lukaku won't see any gametime tonight.

    9. SuperHam
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      As a Lukaku and Matic owner I’m actually more annoyed about Matic - one of my differentials!

      1. Amsterhammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Hardlines with Matic. Seemed a good bet 180 minutes.

    10. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Alli Alonso now Lukaku(c) Wtf

      1. SheBangsTheDrums
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Same here

    11. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Bailly was a solid DGW pick 😎

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

        Same. Can't understand how Mou sees Smalling as a better option really 😀

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Probably because so cheap..... bizarro world

          1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            *was so cheap when he got transferred

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

        Actually despise him. Valencia did this to me last year.

        Must make a note of staying away from United defenders...

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Been a nightmare all season. When you think you have a nailed one they get injured.

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

      Both much rivals (one of which I know uses this site) made risky moves and TC'd Lukaku this GW. I gave him just the armband and used the BB chip. Feeling quite good right now.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Same here, i’m in second place and 1st and 3rd place capped Trollkaku lol

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

      Score predictions after those lineups?

      1-1

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

        2-1 Bournemouth

      2. JurgenRodgers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Bournemouth 1
        Wilson

        Man Utd 3
        Rashford x 2
        Martial

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

        2 nil bmouth. They will be heartened

      4. InvertedWinger
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        3-1 united.
        That United team is fresh, fast, direct. See them doing well tbh

      5. Deus
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        3-4

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

      Has anyone already asked for Smallings week saving hattrick? If not, please Magic Mike, save us.

      1. A Team Of James McCleans
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        +1

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

        Someone has

    15. Freddo
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Trollkaku returns.

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

      Only have ibe and ddg no need to hide behind the sofa anymore

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

      Now Lukaku and Alexis will come on for last 20mins and both score 10+points
      Hahahahahah

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

        Now THIS is comedy

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

          thats how FPL rolls

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

            trolls*

    18. eazy
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      1-1 with smalling og and bailly no show please

    19. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      It has never been looking like a good season anyway.

      Hope Lukaku (c) got at least 2 more points for being sub.

    20. GXNG
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lol @ GW37 rotation

    21. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lol lukaku nailed

    22. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Glad I only own DDG 😉

      Phew!

    23. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      LOL at me for owning Lukaku, putting the C on him and taking a hit. 🙁

      1. Squashed
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Gut feel he's gonna come on 2nd half

    24. Judders
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Ffs Lu(k)aku benched. Knowing my luck my double United defence will go and concede twice aswell. F*** this game sometimes.

    25. Peace-o
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lol everyone in my mini league has Lukaku captain

      1. Squashed
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        TC in my league.

    26. EWH2020
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I hate this game.

    27. A Team Of James McCleans
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Jose... you have nothing else left to play for... what are you resting players for?

      1. Peace-o
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Fa Cup semi final?

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

        fa cup?

      3. Red Star Toro
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        FA semi final

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

        FA cup semi ?

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

        The 2018 Football Association Challenge Cup semi-final?