Selection
12 April 2018 1324 comments
James H James H
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In the second part of our analysis looking at the eight teams set to play twice in Double Gameweek 34, our attentions to attack.

Focus switches to those who likely to produce both goals and assists and boast the highest ceiling of points over their pair of fixtures.

One look at the Premier League table shows that four of the seven highest scoring sides will feature twice in Double Gameweek 34, with three of those ranked among the top five most prolific clubs over the last six matches.

Tottenham Hotspur lead the way over that period with 13 goals, with Manchester United (12) not far behind.

But with many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers looking to utilise Bench Boost chips and field an entire 15-man squad, managers will be required to select both premium and budget options across the eight attacking spots.

Ironically, one of the most pressing issues entering Double Gameweek 34 is what to do with a player from a side that only offer one fixture.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is on for a record-breaking campaign, having already plundered 273 points in FPL.

A groin problem meant that the Egyptian was rested for last weekend’s Merseyside derby, before he returned to score a crucial goal in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Manchester City which saw the Reds progress to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder shed over 302,000 owners prior to Gameweek 33, and has been sold by a further 72,000+ managers since Saturday’s deadline, although sales have slowed over the last day or so.

Averaging 9.5 points per home match, his owners can easily justify holding Salah for Saturday’s Anfield encounter with Bournemouth, although he is set to be overlooked for the armband – less than 3% are backing the Liverpool attacker in our Captain Poll.

The general trend up front has been for those who invested in Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for back-to-back home matches to sell the Gunners’ forward for either Harry Kane or Romelu Lukaku.

However, for those without the Free Hit chip, it may be wise to hold Aubameyang as Arsene Wenger’s side entertain West Ham United in Gameweek 35.

If possible, the optimal route could be to own both Kane and Lukaku, with the latter currently gaining favour in our Captain Poll.

The Belgian has garnered 35% of the vote, compared to 26% for the Spurs striker.

For those Fantasy managers who banked a second transfer ahead of Double Gameweek 34, that will likely involve freeing up funds in midfield in order to accommodate either Kane or Lukaku in attack.

Man United’s Jesse Lingard has emerged as the standout budget midfield enabler, with Pascal Gross’ back-to-back blanks denting confidence in the Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker.

Lingard has been brought in by more than 34,000 managers, whereas Gross has only attracted 13,000 new owners.

Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne have, along with Aubameyang, been the makeweights. Firmino is the most sold player heading into Double Gameweek 34, while De Bruyne is the second most transferred out midfielder after Salah.

As mentioned in our analysis of the defensive options, the scheduling of the midweek matches, FA Cup semi-finals and the varying levels of motivation and stakes for the eight Double Gameweek teams should be considered.

Seeking a third consecutive Golden Boot, Harry Kane is surely nailed-on for Spurs’ home fixture with Manchester City and trip to Brighton. Now just four behind Salah after he was belatedly awarded the second strike in the win at Stoke, Kane’s goal threat remains peerless. He is the top-ranked player for shots, efforts in the box and attempts on target both home and away.

Nonetheless, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min boast superior form heading into Double Gameweek 34. Over their last four, they have returned 32, 37 and 38 points respectively, with the Dane second only to Paul Pogba for transfers in among midfielders.

Of that three, Son’s minutes are the likeliest to be managed, particularly for the midweek trip to Brighton, where Erik Lamela could be handed a start as Pochettino has one eye on the FA Cup last four clash with Man United.

However, Spurs have four days between their second Gameweek match and the weekend semi-final – that’s 24-hours more than the other three teams involved and perhaps lessens the likelihood of rotation.

Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez are also in fine form ahead of Double Gameweek 34.

The former has three goals, two assists and five bonus points in five, while Sanchez has served up a goal and four assists in his previous four.

Since Sanchez made his Man United debut in Gameweek 25 against Spurs, both players have started every match and been involved in 43% of their side’s goals when on the pitch.

Brimming with confidence in light of their derby comeback win at rivals City, Jose Mourinho’s men arguably have the most appealing fixtures in Double Gameweek 34, comprising of a home match-up against bottom side West Bromwich Albion and a trip to Bournemouth.

Although the United boss could look to rotate with the FA Cup semi-final with Spurs following just three days after the trip to Bournemouth, Lukaku and Sanchez’s consistent pitch time suggests they are likely starters in both.

Jesse Lingard’s minutes are more at risk, though at just 6.0, he’s a lot lighter on the budget than the premium pair.

Certainly, there’s a chance that Mourinho could turn to the likes of Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial for at least one of the two matches.

Meanwhile, Paul Pogba’s brace at Man City has triggered a major scramble in the transfer market, earning him more new owners than any midfielder ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

While Spurs and Man United enter Double Gameweek 34 in good form, the same can’t be said of Chelsea.

The Blues have emerged victorious in just one of their last five encounters and are now 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Spurs.

They travel to Southampton and Burnley, with Willian and Eden Hazard the main targets.

With four goals and three assists in his last eight starts, the Brazilian has offered strong value in recent weeks. Despite a recent drought, Hazard increased his threat against West Ham, firing five efforts on goal, and remains a strong differential with 7.3% ownership.

The FA Cup schedule is a concern, however.

Antonio Conte could have one eye on the following Sunday’s semi-final against Southampton when Chelsea travel to Turf Moor on Thursday evening, with Pedro an option to start in one of the attacking midfield spots.

Saints’ league position means they won’t have the same luxury ahead of the semi-final, though.

Three goals from their last six matches does little to encourage investment, but the predatory instincts of Charlie Austin make the forward a leading budget option.

Leicester look to provide two of the leading mid-price options.

Riyad Mahrez (ten goals, 11 assists) and Jamie Vardy, who has scored in seven of the last nine Gameweeks, face promising match-ups away to Burnley and at home to Southampton at the King Power.

Burnley have been in impressive goal scoring form of late, netting nine times in four successive victories.

As the only team who play both their matches at home (LEI CHE), Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes are both viable third forward options. Earlier today, Sean Dyche was also optimistic on the fitness of Johan Berg Gudmundsson ahead of the Turf Moor encounters.

After failing to produce attacking points in home clashes against Leicester and Huddersfield Town, Brighton pair Glenn Murray and Pascal Gross now face trickier ties away to Crystal Palace and at home to Spurs.

With just three days between the matches, Murray’s minutes may come under threat from Jurgen Locadia and Leonardo Ulloa.

Despite having scored in each of their last 14 matches, fixtures away to Liverpool and against Man United at the Vitality Stadium have seen managers generally overlook Bournemouth options.

With three goals and an assist from his last five appearances, Josh King is the most bought Cherries attacker, gaining 5,000 new owners.

Jordan Ibe (if fit) and Ryan Fraser offer cut-price options in the midfield.

The Top Targets

Harry Kane – the most bought player in the Gameweek so far, Kane’s propensity for double-digit scores is superior to any FPL forward. With eight double-figures from 29 starts, he makes a convincing case for the captaincy.

Christian Eriksen – Spurs’ playmaker has produced more shots (20) and created more chances (15) than any team-mate over the last six matches. At 9.4 in FPL he is slightly dearer than Alli (9.0) but, with set-piece duties in the locker, could be the best option for those considering a Salah alternative.

Romelu Lukaku – the Belgian scored in the corresponding fixtures against West Brom and Bournemouth, and has only blanked in three of his previous 10 matches. Lukaku’s reputation as a flat-track bully is well deserved – 14 of his 15 goals have been scored against teams outside of the top eight.

Willian – with Hazard failing to live up to his premium price tag, the Brazilian has emerged as the popular route to cover the Chelsea attack. He holds a significant advantage over the Belgian for both shots (18 to 11) and efforts on target (nine to five) over the last six matches.

Riyad Mahrez – as we saw in Rogabolly’s metrics article, the Algerian looks to be a staple in many likely Bench Boost squads. Behind Salah, he is the most popular midfielder and has outscored team-mate Vardy by five to one in terms of double-figure hauls.

Jamie Vardy – but the striker is also a certain starter for the Foxes, the forward’s consistency makes him a solid choice for our three-man frontlines. From Gameweek 24 onwards, Vardy has scored more goals (seven) than any Double Gameweek 34 player – only Salah (11) and Sergio Aguero (eight) have netted more overall.

The Differentials

Alexis Sanchez – the Chilean has the potential to be the ultimate armband differential. Owned by just 3.6%, compared with Lukaku’s 29.7%, he has outscored the Belgian by 24 points to nine over the last two matches.

Paul Pogba – his 14-point return in the Manchester derby illustrated a propensity for big scores; indeed, Pogba has five double-digit hauls in just 20 starts this season. The Frenchman’s goal threat is also on the rise – he’s fired more shots (nine) and efforts on target (five) than any team-mate in the last four.

Eden Hazard – the return to form of Alexis Sanchez has seen the Chelsea star largely forgotten among the premium midfield options. He has only been bought by 12,000 managers, but four of his six double-digit hauls this season have come on the road.

Jesse Lingard – the midfielder’s 6.0 price tag makes him the ideal midfield enabler. Lingard has started the last two matches in morale-boosting wins, and with eight goals and five assists to his name this season, offers strong value, despite potential concerns over his pitch-time.

Charlie Austin – over the last six matches, no other FPL forward has received more big chances (eight) than the Saints striker. Austin’s record of a goal every 100 minutes is second only to Sergio Aguero among forwards with more than one goal this term, while there is no concern over motivation given Southampton’s perilous position in the table.

Chris Wood – only Austin, Aubameyang and Aguero have registered more shots on target than the Burnley striker (nine) over the last six matches up front. Wood has four goals and an assist since returning from injury and may be worth the extra outlay over popular team-mate Ashley Barnes.

  1. Wednesday1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Any thoughts? I’m on FH this week
    De Gea
    Long, Lowton, Morgan
    Sanchez, Eriksen, Mahrez, Albrighton
    Kane, Lukaku, Austin

    Cheers

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Defence poor.

    2. sunny786
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Smalling and Pogba may be ?

  2. Patch
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Just as well selling Aub, Welbeck taking all his points anyway

  3. Razor425
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Final decision for my BB team

    Firminio > Lukaku
    Firminio & Gudmundsson > Sanchez & Barnes

    Rest of team is as follows

    DDG, Ryan
    Monreal, Robertson, Mariappa, Morgan, Lowton
    Willian, Alli, Mahrez, Lingard, Gudmundsson
    Vardy, Auba, Firminio

  4. sunny786
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Brothers is it a ok team?or should I change?
    need suggestions

    pope
    chilwell-Davies-Schindler
    Mahrez-Mane-sterling-Eriksen-Son
    Firmino-Vardy

    1. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Did you just assume my gender?

      1. sunny786
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        lol yeah..should I sell sterling for pogba? (-4)

  5. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I'm not sure I want to see Salah starting or on the bench in the leaked news tomorrow. He could get a brace in the first hour or a brace in the last half hour as Bournemouth will more than likely have to push up looking for goals

    1. Numb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I don't think they leak the bench

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        No way he'll be left out of the squad

  6. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Salah Alonso Robertson Wood
    To
    Eriksen Smalling Cedric Vardy
    (-8)

    Yay or nay?

    Looks crazy I know, but don't see Chelsea keeping a CS

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

      It does look crazy

      1. The Red Devil
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I have the FH though

    2. Dannyb
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      You don't but Alonso for clean sheets lol. Can you just so Salah and Robertson to Smalling and Eriksen?

      1. The Red Devil
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Can do, but then I can't do wood to Vardy

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

    Europe League Situation

    Lazio and Sporting Lisbon need a goal to level
    Leipzig need a goal to take the lead
    CSKA need 2 goals to level

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      😀

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Where would we be without you xx

  8. Weasel51
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Aubamayang + Salah + Alonso

    >>>>>

    Kane + Sanchez + Long

    --------------------------------------------------

    Good moves?

    1. Magic Bean
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      How many hits?

    2. Minerva-03
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      If you still have the FH chip then definitely... if not, depends on rest of your team

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Only if you have the FHC for GW35.

      I have Aubameyang, Salah and Alonso in my BB squad and am very happy with them (ok, maybe not with Alonso currently, but he could still score big).

    4. Weasel51
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      It would be for -4 and I have a FH chip

      1. Minerva-03
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I'd still do that for sure then, a -4 is really a -2. And in a DGW will practically negate itself

  9. Mayo for Sam
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Wouldn't go near Austin. The lady was gasping for air after 10 mins. How's he's going to last 180 against hard opposition

    1. Mayo for Sam
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      *lad

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Soton need him to.

    3. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Jane Austin?

  10. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Terrible shot from Iwobi.... Oh My

  11. Richd
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Glad I got rid of Salah then. Shame last weeks replacement only put up 2, but I’m a step ahead I feel with money spread already

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Who are you trying to convince?

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

      Reddit post.

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Glad you won't own him this gw vs BOU?

  12. snegg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Mustafi + Vertonghen(or another 6.0 or less defender) or Dummet and alonso/valencia?

    Ive got Dummet and Mustafi atm, need alittle cash for kane transfer. 🙂

  13. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hardy buckos these CSKA fans it is only 2 degrees celsius in Moscow at the moment.

  14. Bene_the_horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Some help please :-)?

    To get Kane in....

    A. Lewis Cook or other cheapie for free ( already have gudmunson )

    B Willian and Lingard in for Mhki and Son (-4)

    Cheers!!!

    1. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Prøfeßör …
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Mkhi to someone cheap.

  15. Hazardous1983
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Keep salah or get rid for -8 hit

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Keep.

    2. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Keep

    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Dafuq

      1. Hazardous1983
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        ???

    4. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Only for a -12

  16. Hazardous1983
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Help please

    Foster (adrian)
    Alonso vvd tomkins (fernandez mbemba)
    Salah mahrez lingard alli willian
    Lukaku vardy (mounie)

    Any tips? 0.0 in bank no ft

    1. Minerva-03
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Just hold, and Captain Lukaku... Decent team, no need to overthink. Especially with no FT or anything in the bank.

  17. Wizard of Ozil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Evening
    Why on earth does Ozil stay at Arsenal when he has to play with IWobi, Elneny, chambers, Whilshere, granit .... all average players.
    Arsenal are not going to win the Europa league.
    If they draw Athletico it's all over....

    1. df34
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      No one else was willIng to give him £300,000 per week.

  18. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Alonso + Wood
    Or
    Cedric + Vardy

  19. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Ramsey Goal

  20. Duffy Dunk
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Arsenal home vs Arsenal away
    https://twitter.com/FPelClassico/status/983371429134700544

  21. Mysterion
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Scenes at the Velodrome

  22. Patch
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Two elneny assists

  23. rrcmc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hi folks
    Ota looks to be dropping 6.4-6.3 tonight.
    I think I got in at 5.9 as my current squad value is 6.1 and therefore if he drops I won’t lose any squad value. Is that right?
    If I got in at 6.0, he would be at 6.2 right?
    Thx in advance

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      You can check at what price you bought him. Transfers -> list view -> PP

      1. rrcmc
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I see that now; cheers

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      no you’re safe if you bought at 5.9

      1. rrcmc
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thx

  24. Hazardous1983
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Elneny essential

    1. lugs
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Elneny and Salah will be a formidable duo at the world cup 🙂

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        makes mental note for World Cup fantasy football

      2. Ragabolly
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Fingers crossed!

  25. Yome
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Sakai scored in an empty goal! Marseille through

  26. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Alonso + Wood
    Or
    Cedric + Vardy

    Which pair?

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      You asked the same question 7 posts above lol

      1. The Red Devil
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        To which you didn't respond, lol!

      2. My Name Is Prince
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Also did the same a few pages ago...

  27. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    It’s laughable how bad Cech has become over the last few years.

    1. rrcmc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Chelski must have seen he was on borrowed time

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Petr out

      1. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Cech out works so much better.

        1. Duffy Dunk
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah realized right after posting that

      2. Duffy Dunk
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Cech out, actually.

  28. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    This gameweek do I captain-
    A- Sanchez
    B- Lukaku

    cheers all

    1. Cesc's old mullet
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Sanchez, by far

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        cheers mate that's who I got it on atm.... just mr sutherns got me thinking about his risk of rotation against Bournemouth on Tuesdays scoutcast!!!

  29. arndff_
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Captaincy this GW will be tough as well. Who would you pick?

    A) Kane
    B) Lukaku
    C) Mahrez
    D) Salah

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Kane for me

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. Cesc's old mullet
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Lukaku

    4. Lucky Z
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B. Will go Alexis personally

  30. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    When might we get leaves liverpool lineup?? How reliable would it be of we do get it??

    Im chasing and thinking of taking a risk

    Salah ➡ pogba

    PVA ➡ Alonso

    1. camarozz
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Leaves lol
      Leaked i ment

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Usually leaked on Friday. Been spot on as far as I can remember