Selection
30 December 2016 1171 comments
James H James H
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After Cesc Fabregas, Paul Pogba and Raheem Sterling all returned attacking points last time out, we’ve chosen another three midfielders for our selections ahead of Gameweek 19.

Two players who scored off the bench last week, along with a returning Bournemouth midfielder, all look to offer plenty of upside as differentials heading into this weekend.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

After scoring on his comeback from an ankle injury against Sunderland on Boxing Day, Man United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan looks poised for a recall when Jose Mourinho’s side host Middlesbrough tomorrow.

The Armenian, who is available at 8.9 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), netted with an audacious back-heel flick, meaning he’s scored in each of his last two top-flight outings.

Mkhitaryan is impressively averaging a chance every 27 minutes so far this season, and given he’s also creating a chance every 43.9 minutes, he should be in contention for both goals and assists each time he steps on the pitch.

United will face slightly tougher opposition from the north-east tomorrow, though, given that ‘Boro have only conceded just five goals in their last five away matches, covering difficult trips to both the Emirates and the Etihad.

But on the back of four successive victories, confidence is gradually being restored at Old Trafford, and with favourable match-ups against West Ham United, Stoke City and Hull City in the next five, investing in Mkhitaryan could also pay off in the medium term.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic sitting in over 42% of FPL squads, Mkhitaryan, who is owned by only 2.4% of FPL managers, could prove a canny differential as an alternative to the popular Swede or even as a double-up option as the Red Devils start to find their stride.

Junior Stanislas

Junior Stanislas made a quicker than expected return from an ankle injury in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Boxing Day, and now looks to have a good chance of returning to the starting XI for Bournemouth’s trip to managerless Swansea City.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe does have a number of options to choose from in the wide positions, with Josh King, Jordon Ibe and perhaps even Ryan Fraser all viable starters.

But having scored three goals and registered four assists in just 10 appearances this season, Stanislas is expected to be a regular starter when he’s fully fit.

So far this season, Stanislas is averaging a chance every 40.5 minutes, which is impressively places him alongside big-name midfielders such as Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (38.3) and Man City’s Raheem Sterling (41.4).

Given that the Bournemouth man only sets us back 5.1 in FPL, he’s shaping up as excellent value over the coming period.

Saturday’s opponents Swansea have conceded more goals (10) and allowed more big chances (10) than any other side over the last four Gameweeks, so Bournemouth have to be fancied to find the back of the net.

In addition, Howe’s side also face Hull City, Watford and Crystal Palace in their next five, so Stanislas, who is sitting in just 0.5% of FPL squads, looks a great option for those shopping for a budget midfielder.

Son Heung-min

With Tottenham Hotspur taking on a Watford side decimated by injuries and suspension, and with Mauricio Pochettino possibly set to rotate his side ahead of the crucial home clash against Chelsea, we’ve opted for Son Heung-min as one of our selections this week.

The South Korean international scored as a substitute in Wednesday night’s 4-1 win at Southampton, taking his tally to six for the season.

He’s also registered five assists, helping him to total an impressive 79 points in FPL from just 10 starts, offering great value at his current price of just 7.1.

Pochettino’s side face a Watford side that have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches, and given the confidence that Spurs will have gained following the performance at St Mary’s, they have to be fancied to pick up where they left off at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Unless Pochettino feels that either Dele Alli or Christian Eriksen are in need of a rest, it’s Moussa Sissoko who looks most likely to make way for Son, who last started in the 1-0 defeat to Man United in Gameweek 15.

The former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, whose current ownership in FPL stands at 5.3%, has scored braces in away matches against both Stoke City and Middlesbrough, so his ability to produce double-digit hauls on the road makes him a player with a huge upside for Gameweek 19.

  1. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    There should be a specific fpl journalists at these pressers to ask relevant questions pertaining to the fpl world

    1. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Surely a lot of them play. I wonder how many have asked questions on injuries or starting places for their own team!?

    2. Canadian Football
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Been saying this for years. with 4 million FPL players, i think that there is some market for it

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      And Pochettino could you confirm the existence of 'Dembele theory'?

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Ya i would love to see Poch getting grilled on that

    4. Trae44
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Dream job

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Private hilicoptor for Johnty going around to them all 🙂

        1. Canadian Football
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          you might think that this site could get press passes. I am sure it would not be too difficult to recruit a reporter in each city/town.

          1. Ógie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Ya the work could be subbed out i for one would not mind paying a few quid more in the subscription to fund such a venture
            It would be golden info for us lot

    5. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Dembele theory at a press conference. Brilliant. Hahaha.

    6. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      FFS should even pay for someone to hover around training grounds.....who's on crutches, looks like they have flu, missing etc...

      1. tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        or seeing who gets off the bus when teams arrive ..

    7. Odikostar
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Haha true

    8. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Always liked this idea.
      More FPL players than any individual newspaper circulation.
      "Jose any chance of Fosu-Mensah starting so we can upgrade our 4th mids?"
      "Jurgen I need funds to get Aguero in so will Can be a regular starter?"

    9. JustPark
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This pokes me a question. Do they ffs mods get paid?

      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Hahahahaha. No 🙁

      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I believe so....about 150k or year is what I was told.

    10. AA33
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Nice idea!

    11. 1NVINCIBLES
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hi scouts, your suggestions for a Pickford replacement (4.4 max) please:

      A. Mannone
      B. Grant
      C. Randolph
      D. Hennessey

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Grant

        1. 1NVINCIBLES
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers

      2. Blame it on Traore
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        C or D for me

        1. 1NVINCIBLES
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers might get D.

    12. RyanS511
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Worth selling Sigurdsson and Ibra to buy Walters and Aguero?

      1. makaveli123
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No

      2. n-doggg
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah but not Walters

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Agreed

      3. I Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No. Don't sell Ibra.

      4. northernmuppet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No - Ibra is in too good form... look for another option.

        Maybe keep Siggy one more week and don't go for walters.. would prefer Zaha / Stan etc..

      5. Blame it on Traore
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No. Not for me.

      6. Odikostar
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Haha not waltwrs

    13. GuillermoDickero
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      1FT - 0.1ITB

      Struggling this week....

      What would you do with this team?

      Valdes Pickford
      Alonso holebas Cedric Francis pieters
      Lallana hazard Sanchez eriksen fletcher
      Ibra Costa anichebe

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        When in doubt save

        1. GuillermoDickero
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          A bit worried about Valdes vs United

      2. northernmuppet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Getting Heaton in for Pickford and downgrading one of the defenders could be an option. Could do next week maybe.. Holgate if he plays tonight.. Ake for 4.4..

        1. GuillermoDickero
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I was thinking that exact thing - maybe pieters / holebas for holgate

    14. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure if FFS are aware, but the image of this article sort of gives something away

    15. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Someone please break the tie so I can go to sleep pick one to replace Britos
      A) Nyom
      B) Boro defender

      1. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Nyom

      2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Nyom

      3. Thomas Magnum
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers everyone

      4. Blame it on Traore
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        B. Gibson.

      5. I Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        A

    16. CrouchDown
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      G2G? I have 1 FT

      Heaton

      Jones Nyom Robertson

      Hazard (C) Sanchez Firmino Snodgrass

      Ibra Kane Carroll

      Bench: Pickford, Capoue Evans Amat

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        G2G

      2. northernmuppet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Don't like Robertson.. Ake in better form maybe?

        Snod to Stan perhaps? Zaha would be good next week if he is staying

    17. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Pickford / (Grant)
      Alonso / Jones / Rose (Amat) (Holebas)
      Sanchez / Hazard / Siggy / Erikson (Zaha)
      Ibra / Carroll / Origi

      a) Pickford -> Heaton and Zaha -> Stan. Reason: I don't fancy a stoke clean sheet and Zaha likely going to AFCON; then bench Origi and play Stan (risky move)
      b) Siggy -> Stan and Origi -> Lukaku Reason: Lukaku goes to town against Hull.. still playing Grant against ARS and may have to shift Zaha

      All advice appreciated!

      1. Blame it on Traore
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        B I think. Although I wouldn't be keen on ditching Siggy this week.

    18. Scheister
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Stuck on last page. Sorry for repost. Short term only. Want Walcott back next week due to fixtures. Need another starter this week. Walcott to:

      A) Iwobi
      B) Ramsey
      C) Stanislas
      D) Sterling

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        C

      2. Deano
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        D. Get him back at your peril - are you aware of his injury history?

    19. Bampot Co.
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I had a 2 point lead in the FPL cup with no Spurs or Southampton players remaining. Opponent had Kyle Walker left.

      Our teams had both scored the same number of goals and conceded the same number of goals. I was very fortunate to proceed after Walker's 1 point display!

      Now, my opponent in round 2 is a ghost team. He captained Ibrahimovic, but the rest of his team contains the likes of Vardy (banned), Alderwiereld (possibly injured), Drinkwater, and no available subs.

      Should I captain Ibrahimovic as well to match him, as I am fairly confident that the rest of my squad will outscore his.

      Currently have the armband on Hazard.

      1. Bampot Co.
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Also, please bench 1 for GW 19:

        A) Ake
        B) Zaha
        C) Benteke

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Ibra to be safe
        A

    20. Deano
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      So with Pickford hocked and Grant playing his last game this week before having to return to Derby, we should expect quite some GK surgery complicating matters over the next two games.

      1. makaveli123
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Many reporting about a permanent deal though.

        1. Deano
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Derby want 4M, Stoke have offered 750K. Hope they do as I'd love to get him for Pick but Stoke still have Given.

    21. #Swish41
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Would appreciate some help with 0itb!

      Foster (Pickford)
      Azpi Amat (Holebas Walker Pieters)
      Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Walcott Marney
      Defoe Ibra Benteke

      This week:
      A. Walcott to Lallana (seems the popular choice)
      B. Holebas to Ake (-4) to free up funds

      Then next week

      C. Defoe > Aguero and
      D. Hazard > Phillips (-4)

      What do you think? Part 2 is flexible depending on how Aguero/Costa etc look this week.

      Would really appreciate you guys having a read and giving some advice!

    22. Peanut Butter Jelly Time
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Whoa, have I missed something?

      I have to use my current wildcard before 7pm tonight or i lose it?

      When did this change!?

      1. Christina.
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        3 yrs ago?

      2. #Swish41
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        LOL, that will catch a fair few out (inc at least 1 in my ML)!

        1. Peanut Butter Jelly Time
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Dont believe I didnt know about it, could have used my wildcard so many times before!

    23. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Only 400 votes for Hazard (c) in the poll 😎

    24. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Trying to manage team over the next 48hrs with two GWs in very quick succession is going be tough.

      #toodrunktofunk

    25. sk018
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane transfer:
      A) Costa
      B) Lukaku
      C) Keep and see how Kane/Aguero performs

      1. I Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        C

        1. mcrayeps
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          A

    26. JogaSemmedo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Best Pickford replacement up to £4.5m?

      1. mogadishu
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Mannone

        1. JogaSemmedo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I'm in two minds between Mannone and Valdes.

    27. mogadishu
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      1FT - 0.1ITB

      Anything worth a transfer?

      Heaton
      Alonso - Evans - Cedric
      Hazard - Sanchez - Firmino - Siggy
      Ibra - Benteke - Origi

      Holebas - Capoue - Amat

    28. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Best 5.9m or less def:

      A. VvD
      B. Bertrand
      C. Baines
      D. Coleman
      E. Other, who? Not Brunt.....

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Monreal?

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah considered him also.....

      2. JIM BOB
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Not a fan of Dann?

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Currently to replace my one premium'ish def....Vertonghan. Danny would be a second def for me, if that makes sense? Probably not 😆

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Danny does interest me, once BFS settles his team....couple of weeks off I think...

      3. jurgenklopp.8
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        dann may be worth it. `a united defender?

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Had Valencia earlier in the season, and currently no one stands out....

    29. FPL_Hazards
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Skybet enhanced treble anyone..?

      ManU, Chelsea and West Ham 13/2

    30. Bullet Tooth Toney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Trying to think ahead, do people think that Aguero will play twice in three days?

      City play 5:30pm saturday, then 3pm monday, less than 44 hours rest time...surely massive rotation?

      1. CloudSky
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        He just resteda for a month straight.

    31. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Mkhi(c)

    32. nevins84
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Start one of the following...

      A Friend
      B Holeobas
      C Amat

      Others are Alonso & Francis

      Or

      D Use an ft for a 1 week budget change ie. Holgate

      1. mogadishu
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        B - chance of attacking returns

    33. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Stoke agree deal to sign Derby goalkeeper Lee Grant - sources

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Nice 1 🙂

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Jammy Grant owners.....

      2. AA33
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Great!

      3. I Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Wait a second. Nyom isn't going to AFCON? When did that happen?

        1. nevins84
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Casual

          1. I Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Haha clearly. I own him too!

        2. Deano
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Chances of being suspended?

        3. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          is it that straight forward?
          Doesn't want to go but if named in Cameroon squad and doesn't turn up could be suspended for length of tournament.
          Think squad announcement deadline is today.

          1. tisza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            nope sorry Jan 4th

      4. leonickroberts
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Heaton (pick)
        Bellerin Alonso Jones Holebas (Friend)
        Haz(c) Siggy Eriksen (Cap Fletch)
        Zlatan Costa Defoe

        0 ft, 0.2 itb. What do you reckon, gtg or any last minute tweaks for a hit?

      5. Shultan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Which 2 defenders should i start:
        A) holebas (H v spurs)
        B) evans ( A v saints)
        C) ake (A v swans)
        D) amat (H v bournmouth)

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          before christ

      6. Kaneyonero
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Sanchez Captain?

      7. Rider on the Storm
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Walker out for
        A brunt
        B vvd
        C jones
        ?

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          i have a, but c looks a pretty good choice

      8. mcrayeps
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Damn i have
        A) costa
        B) ibra
        C) haz
        D) sanchez
        E) siggy
        F) defoe

        And im confuse now who to capt 😀
        Pick me one pls

        1. Champione
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          don't like either of them 😉

          1. Champione
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            when in doubt, always captain Aguero