Games
12 May 2016 1205 comments
Tom Fenley Tom Fenley
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We visit the Weekly Shop for one last time this season, as we analyse the player lists of our partner games to pinpoint the targets that will mainly populate our own weekly squads.

As always, we divide the player analysis into two parts: I’ll assess the key targets that no squad can do without in “Better Buys”, before seeking out those one-shot “Poundstretcher” prospects that can provide us points, whilst freeing up funds.

For this week’s selection, we’re focusing on the FantasyBet and DraftKing player lists.

Better Buys

Despite their late capitulation at Upton Park, Manchester United still have a slim chance of taking a top-four spot this weekend. Only Leicester City have netted past David De Gea (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $4,400) over the last five at Old Trafford and the visit of a Bournemouth side that have guaranteed their top-flight status for next season provides a strong chance of a fifth clean sheet in six in front of their own fans.

Arsenal have already clinched a Champions League berth for next season but the opportunity to finish above rivals Spurs (should Mauricio Pochettino’s men lose at Newcastle) is more than enough incentive ahead of their home encounter with Aston Villa. Three straight clean sheets prior to the draw with Manchester City gives little hope for a Villa side that have failed to score in five of their last seven on the road. Hector Bellerin’s (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $4,200) five assists this campaign places him second amongst defenders and illustrates his license to forage forward down the Gunners’ right.

Alexis Sanchez (FantasyBet 11m, Draftkings Forward $7,500) is Arsenal’s form attacker after producing a goal or assist in eight of his previous ten. The Chilean scored a 13th goal of the season at the Etihad and 11 attempts over the last four points towards more returns against Villa. We’re also looking at a double-up with Olivier Giroud (FantasyBet 8.5m, Draftkings Forward $5,900) for Sunday’s showdown. Arsenal may yet finish above Spurs in second and with Danny Welbeck ruled out, the Frenchman will be looking to build on his goal and assist at the Etihad.

An impressive solo goal against Liverpool was Eden Hazard’s (FantasyBet 10.5m, Draftkings $5,600) fourth in as many matches. A total of nine attempts and seven chances created over that run indicates the Belgian has shaken off the malaise that had so strangely subdued one of the most effective players of last season. Chelsea may only be playing for pride against champions but Leicester will find it difficult to stop the Blues midfielder in current form.

Southampton’s Sadio Mane (FantasyBet 7.5m, Draftkings $6,100) braces himself for a plum home clash with Palace. The Senegal international has bagged five goals in the last four and looks likely to recover from the illness that forced him off at Spurs last Sunday afternoon.

While United’s resilient defence has been epitomised by their Spanish keeper this season, Anthony Martial (FantasyBet 7.5m, Draftkings $6,400) has been their main asset at the other end of the pitch. Three strikes in his last couple of appearances brings the summer signing’s tally to 11 league goals and makes the Frenchman a stand-out pick for the Cherries’ visit.

The pursuit of the Golden Boot generally is a motivating factor at this point of the campaign. Jamie Vardy (FantasyBet 7.5m, Draftkings $7,200) is likely to shrug off the hamstring cramp sustained last weekend and visits a Chelsea defence with one clean sheet in 13. With eight goals in six, Sergio Aguero (FantasyBet 13m, Draftkings $7,900) travels to Swansea as City look for the win that will confirm a top four, whilst Harry Kane (FantasyBet 9.5m, Draftkings $7,700) has netted six times in his last four on the road as Spurs roll up to relegated Newcastle.

Poundstretchers

Including those big-hitters suggested above may leave little funds for the fringes of our teams and with the final Gameweek often ending in a goals frenzy, it’s difficult to pinpoint clean sheets. Top-scoring keeper Heurelho Gomes (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings $3,700) hasn’t been recording many shut-outs of late but, given that eight of the Brazilian’s 11 clean sheets have arrived at Vicarage Road, he could be in line for a shut-out as Big Sam looks to hand some youngsters pitch time after Sunderland secured their safety in midweek.

Arsenal’s tie with Villa at the Emirates looks the likeliest source of defensive returns. Central defender Gabriel (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings $2,400) provides a cut-price route into Arsene Wenger’s back-four and looks set to start with Per Mertesacker sidelined. Alex Iwobi (FantasyBet 4.5m, Draftkings $4,800) has failed to build on an explosive start to his Arsenal career but seven attempts and four chances created over the last four could see the youngster end the season on a high.

Southampton have lost only once in nine outings and should record a fourth consecutive win as they host a Crystal Palace side with one eye on the FA cup final. Dusan Tadic (FantasyBet 7m, Draftkings $6,600) has turned in his most impressive form of the campaign in recent weeks, with two goals and six assists over the last four. Forward Shane Long (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $6,000) has also been one of the Saints’ most consistent performers, returning five goals and four assists over his last ten appearances.

Troy Deeney (FantasyBet 5m, Draftkings $5,400) may have been overshadowed by strike partner Odion Ighalo (FantasyBet 5.5m, Draftkings $5,400) earlier in the season but the Hornets frontman has scored three goals in as many matches and assisted his Nigerian team-mate in the loss at Norwich. Only Newcastle have conceded more away goals (41) this term than upcoming visitors Sunderland (40) as Watford look for a win in what may well be Quique Sanchez Flores’ final match in charge.

These are the contenders for my weekly contest lineups. Tomorrow I’ll also bring you up to date on my progress in FantasyBet, as I conclude my quest for profit in the 2015/16 campaign.

  1. Bezzer
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Seen a lot on here today about new chips but I was wondering what you guys think FPL can do to make more interest in defensive/holding midfielders. Kante has been one of the best players in the league this season though none of us have him in our teams.

    This does put me off the game a little and I'd like to see a scoring system where all players have to be considered.

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

      Not much can be done in the scoring really but more bps for work done is an option.

    2. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Try UFPL. There's games out there that cater for that sort of stuff - FPL won't ever be one of them.

      1. Bezzer
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Not tried UFPL but it sounds like they should move that scoring system into the main game!

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

          Would put a few people off. Getting points for tackles etc. It's bad enough counting saves.

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I agree. I have suggested a sub category of "defensive midfielder" where they get 2 points for a clean sheet, but in Kante's case a "balls retrieved" factor would propel him into serious consideration.

      1. Bezzer
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        This could be the answer! I just think it would really open the game up more if we have to start thinking about defensive duties as well as just those who will score goals each week.

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

          May as well make defensive mids defenders if you want them to score well.

          1. Bezzer
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            I'm not sure what the answer is but it is a weakness of the FPL game if you don't have to consider all players available.

  2. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Defoe + Firmino > Long + Mane (-4) I think it'll be for me.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Go for it! Im doing the same but Getting Kun in

    2. Prison Mike
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Why mane over Tadic?

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Goalthreat + Explosiveness

  3. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who's the best Southampton option? Tadic is more in-form, but I always prefer to rely on a striker - Long. Really 50/50 for me.

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        So Davis ?

      2. The Sarjeant
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Still pretty tight between the two.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Yup. It may depend on the balance of your team.

          1. The Sarjeant
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Well, it'd be Antonio/Mahrez > Tadic or Carroll/Defoe > Long.

            One of Antonio or Mahrez would have to be benched too.

          2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            At this stage of the season the temptation will be to go for Mane who I see as the more explosive option.

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Neither. 😉

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Huh? Aren't you going for Long?

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Probably but prefer Sadio Mane 🙂

  4. The Man Pastore
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Defoe -> Long for -4pts, yay or nay?

    1. KOLASINA(C)
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Nay. Would go for any hits before final GW.

      1. KOLASINA(C)
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Wouldn't.

        1. The Man Pastore
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          cheers mate!

  5. Hooky
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Tadic looking like Harry H Corbett in the picture above!

  6. Weeb Kakashi
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    My front 8

    Payet Firmino Sanchez Hazard Mane
    Lukaku Defoe Carroll

    Thinking of

    Defoe + Firmino > Kun + Tadic (-4)
    This gives me bench cover in the form of Carroll

    Thoughts??

  7. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    A) Fabregas + Long
    B) Tadic + Defoe

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I think B would get more points - if Defoe was to start.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        That's the if! 🙁

    2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A for sure

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Alrighty. Cheers

    3. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks.

  8. KOLASINA(C)
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Final transfer to make:
    A) Carroll -> Martial
    B) Townsend -> Tadic

    Also, who to play?
    1) Rose
    2) Simpson

    1. Prison Mike
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Not fancy long over martial?

    2. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      b and 2

      1. Giovanni Giorgio
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        B and 1 I mean

  9. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Too lazy to find out. Any chance at all Targett starts on Saturday?

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      too lazy to find out

      1. Giovanni Giorgio
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Ha good one.

        1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          😉

  10. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    A) Robles > Cech
    B) Defoe > Giroud
    C) Firmino > Tadic

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B and C for -4

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        you'd risk playing Darlow? Firmino not likely to start?

        1. Giovanni Giorgio
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          I'm thinking Firmino is rested due to the EL final. Could come in and do some damage the final 20-30 mins and still do some damage though.

    2. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B.

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        doing that rn

  11. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys,

    Best transfer ...?

    A) gosling > KDB

    B) gosling > Ozil (if fit)

    tnks

    1. Daaf
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer B but I know nothing about his fitness.

    2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      a

  12. Daaf
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Ship these players all? First for free, would be first -8 of the season.

    Sturridge
    Coutinho
    Defoe

    Play Lanzini? I'd rather not.

    1. Fantasy Vs Reality
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'd hold Defoe rather than spend -4 but first 2 got to go!

      1. Daaf
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        I agree. Some comments about not playing makes me consider swapping him out.

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

      Keep Defoe. I'd sell one of the pool players and bench the other.

      1. Daaf
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, but with nothing at stake I'd rather take a chance with someone who is going to play!

  13. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Using AOA, pick 2 def:

    A) Smalling (BOU)
    B) Bellerin (AVL)
    C) Clyne (wba)
    D) Cresswell (stk)
    E) Simpson (che)

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Smalling and Bellerin

    2. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A & B.

    3. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers both

    4. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A and B without a doubt.

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Ta

  14. KOLASINA(C)
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    A) Carroll+Tadic
    B) Long+Townsend

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A.

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A

  15. blind faith
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    We thinking Mane or Tadic the better choice?

  16. Theatre_Of_Screams
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    (A) Iwobi to Tadic

    (B) Mahrez to Tadic

    (C) Play Iwobi and Mahrez

    Robles to De Gea

    1. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Iwobi to Tadic

  17. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Ozil Payet Fabregas Townsend Firmino
    Aguero Carroll Defoe

    My team is quite a mess. Willing to take a hit, thinking of getting 2 Saints lads. What moves would you do?

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      You should be owning Alexis. Sooo what about Fabregas and Firmino to Alexis and Tadic?

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        I like this

      2. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Can't afford that. 🙁 🙁

        1. Giovanni Giorgio
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Ouch.. How much off?

  18. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Do many of you play the Draftkings game? I play virtually every other game, but haven't really looked into this one.

    1. Theatre_Of_Screams
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I've played it a fair bit. It's significantly harder than the other FF for money. Some odd points scoring like points for a goalkeeper being on the winning team. You get much less team for your money too.

  19. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Do you think Willian will play?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Nope.

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, what about Milner?

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Nope either. Pool final 3 days after GW38. 🙁

          1. Gooner97
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Mignolet? 🙁

  20. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Steven Davis at Southampton worth a final week punt? Only got 5.4 and might as well do a final transfer, lanzini- someone.

  21. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Milner & Defoe > Tadic (or Mane) & Long (-4)

    Yay or nay?

  22. FAITHNOMORENO
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    in not so good situation as chasing -15

    would you:

    a) bring Kane and C
    b) bring aguero and tadic for -4, C aguero (rival has aguero)

  23. liiusions
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    People thinking Carroll will start?

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

      50/50, plenty of options there. Super sub is an option too.

  24. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Premier League points after 37 games:
    David Moyes (£60m spent): 63 points
    Louis van Gaal (£250m spent): 63 points

    1. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      But the filoshophy...
      Hurts as a United fan, but in Ed Woodward we don't have the most competent leader

  25. Karan_G14
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    DDG

    Bellerin Alder Cresswell

    Sanchez Hazard Payet Tadic Townsend

    Aguero Carroll

    (Darlow, Defoe, Pva, Moreno)

    Any changes required ? already on a -4

  26. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys, last week of the season, and secured first place in both my ML with 100+ points, but reaching for a top 10 finish in Belgium (currently 9th):

    A) Mane
    B) Tadic
    C) Ozil

    1) Giroud
    2) Long
    3) Vardy
    4) Kane

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A or B

      Giroud

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B and 1

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers!

  27. Top 210 Club
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    119th =) G2G?

    DDG
    Gabriel, pva, Clyne
    Tadic, hazard, sanchez, payet
    Martial, aguero, Carroll

    Darlow, kone, Milner, fosu

    Bit worried I will be short in def. - 4 for VVD? Reluctant to take hits because of my OR.

    Your advice much appreciated.

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Na no hit.

      Good to go i think

      WP

      1. Top 210 Club
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

        1. Giovanni Giorgio
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Woah you 119th OR in the world? Wp mate

          1. Top 210 Club
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Thx Bro

  28. Lovren an elevator
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Please help with my captain options for gw38 (no I do not have anyone better lol)

    A. Smalling (BOU)
    B. Arnie (WHA)
    C. Payet (sto)
    D. Eriksen (new)
    E. Lukaku (NOR)
    F. Benteke (wba)

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Take a hit for captaincy material or payet

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        In a draft league so stuck with these.
        I'm torn between Payet and Arnie. Payet is very consistent whilst Arnie scores alot at home and hammers defence is pretty shakey atm?

    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Benteke i reckon

      I like Arnie too though

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers. And agreed! Is Benteke likely to start tho?
        And hammers defence looks shakey right?

  29. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Aren't we all overlooking Spurs assets (in particular Kane)

    He plays a Newcastle that are already relegated, and they would very much like to secure the 2nd place in the league, and he probably wants to win the golden boot as well....

    Or do we think the absence of Dembele and Alli affects him too much to make him worth bringing in?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Well, I have Kane, Eriksen and Alderweireld, fwiw.

      Won't be shifting them.

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Haha well I guess most of them, including me have shipped them for dgw players, but Southampton and Arsenal players seem to be the popular candidates on here to bring in

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Still got Sánchez, Iwobi and Monreal. Although I might lose Iwobi.

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            I'm selling him without a doubt 😀

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

      Eriksen and Aldy are his main sources now. Could still do well although Toon are much better at home and beat Spurs away.

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Hmm yea but does it still count if they have nothing left to play for? Or do you think they'll play like their lives depend on it to please the fans

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

          Same could be said of Spurs. They will still want a good performance at home before leaving the premiership, maybe for good.

    3. decisions
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'm considering Eriksen but not seeing anything for him...

  30. Lyonnais
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Good evening!

    After being ranked 1.5m after GW4 I'm now sitting at 1.7k with "only" 16 points behind the top 1k.

    What to do now:
    A) Play Save = Sanchez (C), maybe a new highest finish (1.9k) and ranked somewhere between 1.3k-3.5k.
    B) High Risk = Get 1-2 differentials; (C) ?; maybe a top 1k finish or if it fails still ranked top 5k.

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Captain Alexis. He is the best choice.