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. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is Pope to De Gea pointless this week?

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

      For a hit maybe, if for free and nothing else pressing then it's not a bad shout.

    2. Jay_
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Risky but probably worth it

      • Volley127
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        On the contray. Should get you lots of points!

        Worth it for me. Gotta factor in heaton a risk too

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Who would start ahead if gudmundsson this week anyway? Surely he’s first choice since training all week

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        yes

      2. Ten Season Wonder
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Lennon been bossing it lately

      3. Jay_
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Nkoudou. The good thing is, he’s an injury doubt himself. Which could make Dyche rush Gudmundsson back. Bad thing is, Dyche can’t really be trusted. It wouldn’t surprise me if Gud don’t play either.

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

        DDG
        Alonso Robertson Chilwell
        Salah Mahrez Son Willian
        Kane Auba Barnes

        Ryan Lowton Morgan L.Cook

        Which one?
        A) Auba + Robertson to Lukaku + Long(-4)
        B) Auba + Chilwell to Vardy + Vert(-4).,

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

          A

        2. Jay_
            7 years, 9 months ago

            A if you Cap Lukaku. B will probably feel better in 36

        3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          well im stuck......i keep thinking about 37 and it keeps buggering up my 34 plans 😕

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

            Same, I was all set for bb this week and I've now changed my mind. Going tc now.

            1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              im tempted to do the same bb37 looks so much better now

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

            Who would you tc this week? I'm pretty much set on Sanchez, keep thinking about Lukaku though.

            1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              kane

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

          How many teams have a DGW in 37?

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

            The fixtures are out. Go check for yourself 🙂

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

              Okay

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

            Lol

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

            Must be something between 0 and 20...

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

            12

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

              Cheers mate.

          5. Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            ---------------------------------->>

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

          ##repost

          good to go? any suggestions?

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

          mee for smalling and sterling to Pogba (-8)?? worth it?

          1. Jay_
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Hard to say without knowing chips remaining and plans to use them

          2. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Bench boosted team
            No free hit for 35 so one eye on that.

            De gea
            Lowton Long Alonso Morgan
            Gudmunson Son Mahrez Gross
            Lukaku c Vardy

            Hennessey Salah Firmino Dummett.

            Thoughts lads?

            1. Jay_
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Not bad with no FH

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

              Apologies for re post, lost on last page.

              Which would you prefer from now until end of the season (im FH in 35)

              A. Vardy, Pogba, Gross
              B. Austin, Sanchez, Iwobi

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

                A

            3. Unbelievable Jeff!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              How’s this BB looking:
              DDG Ryan
              Alonso Vert Lowton Morgan Duffy
              Eriksen Mahrez Willian Lingard Groß
              Kane Lukaku Barnes

              1. Volley127
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Looks great

            4. raoulduke71
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              a) Triple Cap Sanchez this week?
              b) Triple Cap Kane GW37?

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

                B

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

                I'm on A, if he hauls and I haven't done it I'm gonna be gutted.

              3. FPL Mentor
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                This.

                Has form and fixtures. Why not.

            5. FPL Mentor
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              De Gea
              Alonso Smalling Simpson
              Sanchez(C) Mahrez Son Willian
              Kane Vardy Barnes

              (Ryan, Lowton, Tarkowski, L.Cook)

              Bench Boost Active.

              Good to go?

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

                Very nice and ballsy captain.

            6. smitchlovesfunk
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              My current team on a FH

              DDG, 3.9
              Cedric, Chilwell, Alonso, 4.2, 3.9
              Alli, Willian, Pogba, Sanchez (c), 4.2
              Vardy, Kane, Austin
              0.1 ITB

              Can anyone suggest any improvements?

            7. Jay_
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Potential FH 35 team:

                Butland (3.9)
                Coleman Baines VVD (Kiko Marriapa)
                Salah Sterling Silva Iwobi (Milivojevic)
                Aguero Aubameyang Firmino

                So good on paper! Problems are; The Liverpool big guns probably don’t start, although we hopefully get line up (12.30 KO too) and guessing the City line up with possible cameos.

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

                  I'm keeping hold of Aubameyang, Salah and Silva so it's nice to see a FHC team have those players in!

              • Optic1
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Seriously considering these moves for a -4. Already brought Kane in for free.

                Salah + Gross > Sanchez + L.Cook

                DDG Ryan
                Alonso Smalling Morgan Lowton Robertson
                Sanchez Mahrez Son Willian L.Cook
                Kane Vardy Banes (On a BB)

                Thoughts?

                1. FPL Mentor
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Hello Twin 🙂

                  De Gea
                  Alonso Smalling Simpson
                  Sanchez(C) Mahrez Son Willian
                  Kane Vardy Barnes

                  (Ryan, Lowton, Tarkowski, L.Cook)

                  Bench Boost Active.

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

                RMT

                Payet
                Payet Payet Payet Payet
                Payet Payet Payet Payet
                Payet Payet

                Bench - Payet Payet Payet Payet

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

                  Needs more Dimitri

                2. Fuchs Mane Kante
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Payet not seen since Brexit.

              • Frank Koscielny
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                DDG Ryan
                Alonso Smalling Lowton Dunk Morgan
                Salah Son Mahrez Willian Gudmundsson
                Lukaku Auba Murray

                2FT + 0,2 itb
                All chips left and was planning to bb gw34. What should I do with FT’s?

              • Daghe Munegu
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Bottomed

                How can I get Sanchez in? 1ft 1,4 itb
                Or should I just do Aubam > Kaku?

                DDG Ryan
                Alonso Mustafi Robertson Lowton Morgan
                Son Mahrez Willian Zaha King
                Aubam Kane Barnes

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

                  Lukaku

              • Big_Bear
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                I'm bench boosting, planned my transfers but just one decision left, Lukaku or Sanchez as captain?

                Lloris Ryan
                Christensen Morgan Dunk Tark Lowton
                Sanchez Hazard Mahrez Willian Matic
                Lukaku Vardy Murray

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

                  Either

              • The Hoff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Would you make any changes to this team? (Will play FH in GW35, so either have to use or lose my transfer this week) Have 15 DGW players but wandering whether to swap any

                De Gea // Ryan
                Alonso / Smalling / Morgan / Lowton / Vertongen
                Mahrez / Eriksen / Willian / Gross / Matic
                Kane / Vardy / Barnes

                0.7 ITB

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

                  Id do Matic to Gudmonsson if it were me. Brilliant team, though.

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

                    Thanks

              • machickenz
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                So which option lads to complete my DGW team?
                B) Eriksen + Wood
                C) Vardy + Lingard

                DDG Ryan
                Alonso Lowton Morgan Tarkowski Dunk
                Willian Pogba Mahrez Alli XXX
                Kane Murray XXX

                1. FPL Blow-In
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  C

              • FPL Blow-In
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Everyone making me doubt my Lukaku triple captain decision...

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

                  I think its a good shout. High ceiling and all that.

              • SG1
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                On FH,

                A) Gross & Lukaku
                B) Sanchez & Wood

              • Fuchs Mane Kante
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Remember to keep taking hits and BB 37 guys.

                Helping the GW34 FH crew in are week of need.

                Thanks.

              • Mweene
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                A) Lowton and Pogba

                B) Smalling and Gross

                On free hit

              • Mookty
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Salah Vs Eriksen? Who will return more points between now and the end of the season excluding gameweek 35?

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

                  Eriksen will.

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

                    Do you think it's worth a -4 hit to make that trade this week?

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

                      Bit risky. Probably not worth it, can go either way.

              • Fpl Richie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Predicted points for dgw...
                A. Pogba
                B. Son
                C. Lingard
                D. Groß

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

                  4
                  9
                  7
                  7

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

                    You really dont rate Pogba ? The members article on Sanchez sold Pogba as a solid UTD option.

              • Kane Toads
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Luka TC for GW34. Anyone else with me? (BB GW37)

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

                  Sanchez for me.

                  1. Kane Toads
                    • 13 Years
                    7 years, 9 months ago

                    Alexis is a good call for TC.

              • @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Aubameyang,Gross,Stephens > Kane,Cook,Long -4

                Do it tonight?

                1. Uncle Gamst
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Can you afford Young (4.8) instead of Cook?

                  1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 9 months ago

                    No I wish! 4.5m total

              • TLF
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                I know Gross has a double this week but Brighton fixtures are awful. I'm considering keeping Iwobi instead due to Arsenal having a decent double in 37, any thoughts ?

                1. Volley127
                  • 13 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Id play Gross if you already have him, over Iwobi. If that’s what you meant

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

                    I'm probably selling one of them for a Man U mid, not sure which to keep.

              • _Ninja_
                • 15 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                A. Kane / Pogba
                B. Lukaku / Son

                Cheers

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

                  A