We return to our partner game FanDuel for a run-through of the contests and prizes on offer in the upcoming Gameweek. We’ll also propose an XI player line-up to help steer your selections for the round.
FanDuel have an extra window this week due to tonight’s match at the London Stadium, making it four in total. The window that covers all ten fixtures, from Friday to Monday, begins when Spurs travel to West Ham for the 8pm kick-off this evening.
The deadline for the Saturday to Monday contests is tomorrow at 12.30pm, when Crystal Palace roll up to the Etihad Stadium.
A key Saturday to Monday contest to enter is the FanDuel Premier League Combo Free Play, a season run-in social league covering the last three Gameweeks of 2016/17, with £250 in prizes and free entry.
The Saturday-only games begin with four 3pm fixtures in the traditional afternoon slot. It also includes Everton’s tea-time trip to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City.
Contests are also available that cover the two Sunday ties and Middlesbrough’s visit to leaders Chelsea on Monday evening.
For newcomers to FanDuel, our handy pre-season strategy guide provides some hints on which players to target considering the unique scoring system.
My Strongest XI
David De Gea £6.9m
Chris Smalling £6.7m
Ryan Bertrand £7.6m
Calum Chambers £7.8m
Lazar Markovic £7.3m
Luka Milivojevic £7.6m
Adam Lallana £9.9m
Eden Hazard £12.7m
Jamie Vardy £10.7m
Gabriel Jesus £11m
Josh King £11.7m
The Key Picks
A visit to the Emirates provides David De Gea with the opportunity to turn in another outstanding performance following his clean sheet at the Etihad in Manchester United’s last away trip. The stopper’s six saves contributed to a 28.75 FanDuel points haul in the derby – that score makes the Spaniard appear underpriced, particularly considering Arsenal’s disjointed displays of late.
Jose Mourinho’s side have conceded only twice in eight road trips ahead of the trip to London, so we’ve doubled up on United defensive assets. Chris Smalling provides another budget route into a backline that has been disrupted by injuries – and now the need for rotation. The United coach has made it clear that he will rest key players at the Emirates as the side prepares for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday. The fit-again Smalling was given a late run-out in Spain last night and looks almost certain to start on Sunday. He has registered a clearance, block and interception (CBI) every 8.4 minutes this season – more frequently than any other United defender.
Our next defensive choice could pick up points at both ends of the Anfield pitch. Ryan Bertrand scored for Southampton at Stamford Bridge and has provided four assists over his last six away matches. That’s helped the full-back accrue an average of 22.5 points per match in FanDuel during that run and indicates he’s more than capable of effective forays up the flank while fulfilling his defensive duties on the road.
Middlesbrough provide the final player for our three-man rearguard as Calum Chambers could return to a centre-back berth in their match at Chelsea. He’s delivered 30 CBIs, seven tackles and a goal in three starts since returning from injury. A 26.5-point average over his last six FanDuel appearances highlights Chambers’ importance to Steve Agnew’s defence – they’ll be facing waves of attack from the leaders.
Crystal Palace travel to Manchester City, and we’ve selected Luka Milivojevic based on his robust breaking up of opponents’ play – he’s recorded the most CBIs (27) of any midfielder over the last four Gameweeks. Factor in eight tackles and set-piece duties that have helped him record nine goal attempts, and the Serb is set for a busy afternoon at the Etihad.
We’ve also opted for his compatriot, Lazar Markovic, from a Hull City side that will be intent on picking up a vital victory against relegated Sunderland. A goal in each of his last two outings at the KCOM Stadium bodes well for further attacking returns from the Tigers’ right winger. Promisingly, the Black Cats have conceded the most chances of any side (148 in 34 fixtures) down their left flank this campaign.
Philippe Coutinho’s early injury at Watford forced Jurgen Klopp to use Adam Lallana from the Liverpool bench earlier than he had likely planned. The midfielder’s creativity will be needed in the home encounter with his former club Southampton should his Brazilian team-mate not recover. An average of 19 points per match this season shows that Lallana’s been influential, but it’s his superior record at Anfield that’s convinced us to invest – he’s netted four and assisted five at home, compared to three goals and two assists away.
We had to include Eden Hazard following a blistering run of form in which he’s provided attacking returns in ten of his last twelve league outings. The Belgian’s numbers at Stamford Bridge add further weight to the need to find the funds – his 11 goals in 16 matches is top for midfielders at home. Visitors Middlesbrough appear particularly vulnerable on their right flank, where Hazard will mainly operate – they’ve conceded 138 chances on that side compared to 112 on the left this term.
Our trio of forwards for this line-up all have favourable home fixtures and should lead the attack for their sides. Leicester City frontman Jamie Vardy has re-found last campaign’s form under Craig Shakespeare, scoring seven goals and serving up three assists in nine league run-outs. Watford arrive at the King Power Stadium having lost four straight matches on their travels, conceding nine goals.
Doubts once again on Sergio Aguero’s fitness made Gabriel Jesus’ first start after returning from injury a timely reminder of his potential. A leveller at Boro provided more evidence that the Brazilian forward is an asset who can deliver plenty of FanDuel points – he now has a 37.8 average over his four league starts for Manchester City. That includes four goals and an assist, which should give his backers confidence as Crystal Palace visit the Etihad.
Bournemouth’s Josh King completes the line-up following his 11 goals in 12 appearances. The prolific forward will likely be deployed as a lone striker against Stoke after Benik Afobe picked up a hamstring strain against Sunderland. A 55.75-point haul last time out at the Stadium of Light underlined how involved King is for Eddie Howe’s side – he created five chances, made four tackles, hit three shots on target and notched the late winner.
This Week’s Contests
The largest pot this weekend is again the Fan Favourite, which has £2,500 in prize money. It’s in the Saturday to Monday window and is £5 per entry. The top 120-placed line-ups will collect winnings, with £500 for first spot.
On Saturday, there’s a £3 buy-in contest which has £300 up for grabs. There’s a £75 pay-out for the winner and 24 of the potential 118 entries will enjoy returns.
The Sunday/Monday window has a £777 game with a £7 entry fee. First prize is £140 and the top 29 line-ups also take a share of the winnings.
Also, remember there is free entry to the Saturday to Monday FanDuel Premier League Combo Free Play, which covers the season run in and has £250 in prizes.
You can register for a free account at FanDuel and enter the tournament via this link.
You must be over 18 years of age, resident in the UK, and of legal capacity to register with FanDuel and open an Account. If you sign up, please always play responsibly.
