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The FPL Eye Test: The pros and cons of Palace attackers for Double Gameweek 37

Stevie of EyeTestFPL casts the spotlight on more Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options that have caught his attention, using ‘eye test’ screenshots and information from our Premium Members Area.

Crystal Palace, who are among five teams to ‘double’ in Gameweek 37, are the focus of his latest piece.


Having little to play for in the league, Patrick Vieira is apparently keen to experiment with his attacking formations and blood academy products nearing the end of the season. The French head coach has previously mentioned the possibility of playing Wilfried Zaha (£6.9m) as a striker while also giving several underused players such as Eberechi Eze (£5.9m) significant playing time.

Considering the plethora of attacking options in the side, it probably makes sense for Vieira to try fitting in a lot of his best attackers in the same line-up in the spirit of possibly finding the best formula before next season. 

This is a reason why I think Palace might be playing with more freedom from now until the end of the season.

We indeed saw fewer restrictions imposed on the two no. 8s, Conor Gallagher (£6.0m) and Eze, in Gameweek 36, allowing them to attack the box at a higher frequency:

This is unlike earlier in the campaign when one of the two central midfielders used to be more conservative going forward than the other, i.e. James McArthur (£4.3m) and Gallagher.

Central Wilfried Zaha

Unlike early in the season when midfield support from the likes of McArthur or Luka Milivojevic (£5.2m) was less than forthcoming, the recent addition of Eze could potentially increase Zaha’s threat on the left flank.

Particularly when playing as the left-sided central midfielder, Eze’s movement into the left channel can create some room in the centre for the Ivorian winger to attack.

Zaha’s ability to cut inside and curl one into the top corner is already well-known and Eze’s movement inside the box can further create the all-important extra inch of space for Zaha to shoot.

Moreover, Vieira had spoken openly about his desire to use Zaha in the central striking role before, eventually coming to fruition in the second half of the Southampton match. His manager’s faith was then immediately repaid with a last-gasp winner from outside the box.

That said, some question marks still remain regarding his compatibility with the new role as he undoubtedly would have fewer opportunities to run at defenders than on the left. 

When asked whether he wanted to continue playing as a centre-forward after the Watford match, the Eagles winger replied:

“I don’t. He [Vieira] has got his ideas, and I have got mine, so we will see how it goes.”

Despite the conflicting ‘ideas’, Vieira’s openness to play the penalty-taking Zaha out of position should have at least given us enough indication on where he wants his best player to play – more centrally. 

Eze’s ability to interchange positions with him on the left plus the fluidity of Jean-Philippe Mateta (£5.3m) or even Odsonne Edouard (£6.0m) will also probably help accelerate the procession.

Conor Gallagher’s Late Runs

Gallagher is another Palace asset that also possesses some attacking threat, even if the returns have dried up considerably of late.

When playing on the right, Michael Olise (£5.3m)/Jordan Ayew (£5.8m)’s tendency to be more withdrawn creates some room in the half-space area for Gallagher to exploit.

Having perfectly timed a late run into the penalty area, the young Englishman’s chance against Southampton in Gameweek 35 greatly highlighted his goalscoring potential. Often his shot count (just six in as many matches) doesn’t reflect the promising positions he takes up, a bit like Jamie Vardy (£10.3m) at Leicester in microcosm.

One thing to note, though, is that the presence of another attack-minded central midfielder in Eze could possibly dampen Gallagher’s attacking potential. Despite still making the same advancing runs, the Chelsea loanee evidently made less impact offensively against Watford, having failed to register a single penalty box touch. 

In comparison, when Eze was assigned to the left-wing role against Southampton in Gameweek 35, Gallagher managed to register four penalty box touches. Having two forward-thinking no. 8s in the side, rather than one, does mean there is less onus on him to attack and another option for Palace’s chance creators to pick out.

Rotation is likely to be rife for some of the Eagles’ players during this period but Gallagher’s near-ever-present status this season probably makes him slightly safer from a benching than others.

Eye-catching Michael Olise

Olise’s recent absence from the Palace team owed much to a foot injury, which still rendered him half-fit even when he returned to the matchday squad.

But the young Frenchman caught the ‘eye’ with his most recent performance against Watford in Gameweek 36, lasting 90 minutes for the first time in months and playing a part in both Hassane Kamara’s (£4.5m) handball inside the box as well as his eventual sending-off.

His ability to unlock compact defences from such a deep position is a unique attribute in the Palace team that Ayew, his main positional rival, cannot come close to replicating.

Besides his Fantasy ‘assist’ for winning a penalty, Olise should have gotten another when he served up another big chance on the plate for Mateta from a similarly deep position.

His seven penalty box touches and two chances created against the Hornets summed up his overall involvement in the final third well, while he’s also on a share of set plays when he’s on the pitch.

Though the same can be said for the other Palace’s attackers, Olise is certainly a significant rotation risk – more so than Zaha and Gallagher, indeed. But based on his performance against Watford and improving fitness, he’ll surely get at least one league start in the upcoming Double Gameweek.

Among sub-£5.5m midfielders this season, he’s one of the most attacking out there:

Above: Sub-£5.5m midfielders sorted by minutes per xGI (minimum 10 apps)


203 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is this FH good to go?

    Pickford
    TAA Cash Digne Mykolenko
    Salah Son Zaha
    Kane Richarlison Ings

    Steele KDH McArthur Tsimikas

    Thanks

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      as of now, yes

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Solid!

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Very similar to mine, I'm now considering Madison over TAA though

  2. tim
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best def max 4.4m?

    Cheers!

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Holgate?

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      This week holgate.

      1. tim
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers lads!

      2. theplayer
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Sessegnon also a shout

  3. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Advice appreciated - 1 FT, 0 ITB (no chips):

    Schmeichel
    Cancelo, James, Robertson
    Salah, Son, Coutinho, Kulusevski, Saka
    Nketiah, Watkins*

    (Foster, Dias*, Matip, Pukki)

    A) Dias* & Watkins* -> Cash & Richarlison (-4)
    B) Dias* & Pukki -> Holgate & Richarlison (-4)
    C) Dias* & Kulusevski/Coutinho -> Cash & Zaha (-4)
    D) Dias*, Watkins*, Pukki -> Holgate, Richarlison, Ings (-8)
    E) Dias* -> Cash

    Cheers.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A if Watkins is out, otherwsie B

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        that will give a benching headache

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Indeed - will be difficult to decide who to bench from Robbo/Kulu/Saka/Nketiah!

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Just Dias to Cash should do the job

            1. Catastrophe
              • 13 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Cheers. That's definitely the sensible option. Just don't like the idea of going with no Everton or Palace/Zaha against the FHers!

      2. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

    2. KenyaDigIt
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B or E... Alternatively... F) Dias & Saka - Cash & Zaha (-4)

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers - that's a variant of C, but think I'd keep hold of Saka over Kulu and even Coutinho...

    3. Honker Muddlefoot
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I’d be tempted by C with PipCo to Zaha as I really like him for the last 3. I’d consider A If Watkins is out, but I do like Zaha.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers. I like Zaha too. You'd lose Coutinho over Kulu & Saka?

        1. Honker Muddlefoot
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I think so just because of remaining fixtures. Burnley and Norwich feel like really great fixtures for attacking returns for Spurs. Newcastle and Everton with top 4 on the line aren’t bad for Arsenal, either. With Coutinho going off the boil and City looming in GW 38, I just feel like Saka and Kulu could outscore Pip even with his extra fixture.

          1. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Thanks, makes sense. Alternatively I could keep Coutinho for this week and then shift him on for Mount (WAT) in GW38...

            1. Honker Muddlefoot
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              That could be a nice play, too, if you aren’t worried about Chelsea rotation (think the Leicester match is on Thursday, and then GW 38 on Sunday). Watford at home could have some big returns.

      2. Honker Muddlefoot
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Digne has been creating a lot of chances, too, and is 0.3 cheaper than Cash. Could possibly consider him instead of Cash, and have a little extra left over for your GW 38 transfer?

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Thanks. Yeah Cash could be Digne, just been stung by his injuries which is steering me towards Cash

  4. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which combi on a free hit?

    A) Salah + Gordon
    B) Mane + Eze

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      a

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

  5. Grande Tubarão
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Just seen that Son elbow - I love a win at all costs type player. Roy Keane was the absolute embodiment of that.

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      it was stupid... win at all costs?

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Do you think if he hadn’t gone in with the elbow he wouldn’t have gone on to get elbowed himself? Really clever stuff from Son and they went onto win 3-0 so yeah, win at all costs

    2. Monty123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      haha win at all costs, that elbow cost them the game probably

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        They won 3-0

        1. Monty123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          are you talking about Son's use of the elbow? That was a flail due to Holding holding, he's not a win at all costs player.

          1. Grande Tubarão
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Yeah, of course - his use of the elbow. Ran a risk, got away with it, and it turned the game for them

  6. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any improvements to FH?

    Pickford
    Cash Digne Sessegnon
    Salah KDB Son Zaha Gordon
    Kane Richarlison

    3.9gk, Clyne Kelly Richardson

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks good, quite like the Sess pick. Close between Zaha and Ings, if you can afford.

    2. Mr_Barbs
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Oof 4 big hitters. Nice! Great team.

  7. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Pop quiz time

    Name the last 3 managers of the season who didn't win the PL that year.

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Rangnick
      Ole
      Carrick

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        You at least should know better

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Harry Redknapp?

    2. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      George Burley, David Moyes?

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Burley is 4th back in time if I'm doing this right.

    3. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Di Matteo

    4. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Wilder, Pardew?

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Pardew scores you a point. There's been a more recent one though.

    5. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Steve Coppell?

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Right club of course

        1. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Roy Hodgson

    6. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Howe?

    7. Play Pal
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Redknapp, Pardew, Pulis

    8. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Sean Dyche

  8. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Who to lose for Cash:

    a) Laporte
    b) Rudiger

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      laporte if out, otherwise none of them

  9. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best FH For GH 37
    A -
    Pickford (3.9)
    TAA Digne Mykolenko ( 3.7 3.8)
    Son KDB Díaz Zaha ( Brown)
    Richa Ings Vardy©
    0 itb

    B-
    Pickford (3.9)
    Cancelo Digne Mykolenko ( 3.7 3.8)
    Son Salah Díaz Zaha ( Brown)
    Richa Ings Vardy©
    0 itb

    C - Pickford (3.9)
    Andersen Digne Mykolenko ( 3.7 3.8)
    Son KDB Maddison Zaha ( Brown)
    Kane Ings Vardy©

    1. Monty123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A in my opinion, like the Vardy punt

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thxx

  10. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Are people keeping Coutinho or selling?

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I definitely wouldn't buy, but will probably hold on rather than switch to Zaha.

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Fair call. I have Zaha but I am thinking maybe a Leicester mid is a better option, they normally score

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I'd prefer Coutinho over a Leicester mid. Maddison and Barnes have been awful for me this season!

          1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Yeah might just leave it could blow up badly

            1. Catastrophe
              • 13 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              What's the rest of your Team?

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      keeping, have other issues to solve.

  11. Rossendale Rover
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I've got Ramsdale (new/EVE) and Pope (tot/avl/NEW)

    Do I get rid of one of them for -4 (Pickford or Schmeichel?)

    Thanks!

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      nah, just roll with pope

  12. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    A or B on a FH?

    A) Clyne, 4.3 MID and Vardy
    B) TAA, Maddison & 4.4 FWD

    1. Miro
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

  13. dshv
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH37.

    Pickford
    Taa cancelo cash
    Zaha gordon Kdb Son(c) Salah
    Ings Richarlison

    What to change ??

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Gordon perhaps

  14. amtosh
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    So I’m approx 40 behind in my ML and my one advantage is I still have a FH. I have a decent team for this round (6 DGW assuming iheanacho plays) and thinking of saving the FH for the last round to put in all differentials and try to make up the ground. 11 is currently:

    Schmeichel
    Cancelo TAA Amartey Holgate
    Kilusevski Salah Gordon KDB
    Iheanacho Richarlison

    What you reckon? FH this week or next?

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      There are more differentials with doubles this week surely?

      Your team isnt too bad, but will Amartey play both? Nacho?

      I fh this week purely to get the Son and Kane for Burnley, thats reason enough to pull FH. Will they score more vs Norwich, wont know, but last home game, top 4 race on, I think it will be a great opportunity for the double.

      1. amtosh
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Hmmm maybe. I think Burnley has more to play for than Norwich so would prefer sonny (rival has Kane) for 38 I think. Also, FH in 38 means I can get a couple Chelsea assets in. I guess I prefer my team this week for 37 than next week for 38.

        Tough though as it would be good to have 8+ locked in DGWers.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      FH36 seems to be the strongest play

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        38 you mean

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I was just jesting.

          Yeah, I'm going with 38 as I can't turn back time.

  15. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH 37. Which way to go?

    A) Robbo, Clyne, Jota, Gordon, Kane, Gelhardt
    B) Robbo, Kelly, Jota, Delph, Vardy, Richarlison
    C) Mykolenko, Kelly, Jota, Dewsbury-hall, Kane, Richarlison
    D) Robbo, Clyne, Salah, Gordon, Richarlison, Richardson

    Pickford, 3.9
    Digne, Cash, Tsimikas, Xxx, Xxx
    KDB, Son, Zaha, Xxx, Xxx
    Ings, Xxx, Xxx

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      D

  16. Miro
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Barnes -> Zaha
    Jesus -> Richarlison

    Worth a hit ?

    1. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No..... Just Jesus to Richarlison if you have to. Keep Barnes this GW

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Palace have Utd at home in 38 as well, so probably good to have Wilf for that.

      Is Barnes non starter now? if so could pay off.

  17. FOMFF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What moves are the no chippers making? I've got my ML sewn up, 120 points clear, but need a major rank boost.

    Considering Marts & Jesus > Zaha & Rich -4. But not sure I want Rich for 38. Probably going KDB > Son in 38.

    Sa
    Cancelo, Robbo, Matip
    Salah, KDB, Maddi, Saka, Martinelli
    Jesus, Mateta

    Foster, Ait Nouri, Dalot, King

  18. McSlu
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any advice here, guys? Slightly different from the template. Trying to squize inn five big hitters

    Pickford
    Robbo, digne, zinchenco/cash, amarty
    KDB, Son, Mane, gordon
    Kane, rich

    Subs: 3,9, tsimi, mendy, gelhart

    1. Monty123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks good, would have Tsimikas playing as leicester will concede, amarty first sub or buy matip if you have funds

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        He has Robbo - its one of the other that will play.

        1. Monty123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          good point, i guess wait until after the cup final

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Who are the 5 big hitters? Count 4!

      Similar to mine below, but Im tempted to go Salahless for Vardy, and upgrade one of my 3 villa to Robbo.

      Jumped 20k with kdb(C) at 16k now, and tempeted to go bold to get into the top 10k.

      Could backfire spectacularly though

      1. Punk as Fuchs
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        5 big hitters - I'm guessing Robbo, KDB, Son, Mane, Kane?

  19. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Will see how fa cup plays out, but any thoughts on how this fh looks?
    Too crazy with the trip villa defence?

    4-4-2 (Salah)
    Pickford
    Cash - Digne - mings - mykolenko
    Salah - kdb - Son - Zaha
    Kane - richarlison

    Alternative version would be move Salah and mings out
    Mings & Salah -> Robbo & Vardy

    4-3-3 (No Salah)
    Pickford
    Cash - Digne - Robbo- mykolenko
    kdb - Son - Zaha
    Kane - richarlison - Vardy

    Any preference. Or just not have trip villa def and keep salah

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeah, i wouldn't trust Villa that much.

      I'm more inclined towards the Everton defence at last. But i know that's been a sorry tale in previous dgw's.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I think with Salah as it's Southampton, depending on the course of the FA Cup final.

      And maybe Mason Holgate over Mings or Digne but then you're triple up on Everton defence.

  20. Monty123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ladies and Gents etc

    This is my current FH team, any changes needed?

    Pickford
    Robbo TAA Cash Digne
    Son KDB Mane/Jota Gordon
    Richarlison Ings

    Fodder Coady Nketiah Brownhill

  21. Rohirrims
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH Team:-

    Pickford (Begovic)
    Robertson - Sessegnon - Cash
    Salah (C) - Son - Zaha - Maddison
    Kane - Ings - Richarlison

    Digne - Tsimikas - Brownhill
    0.4 ITB

  22. Punk as Fuchs
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Currently on (* = DGW):

    Schmeichel*
    Robbo - Cancelo - James
    Kulu - Salah - Gordon* - Dewsbury-Hall*
    Nketiah - Kane - Richarlison*

    Foster - Mount - Amartey* - White

    1FT, 0.3ITB

    Thought I could maybe transfer out Mount or James for some Villa or Palace cover, but not sure if it's worth it.

    Any suggestions welcome!

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mount to Zaha or Eze?

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Or do it with Gordon too, if you've got the funds?

  23. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Captain?

    A Salah
    B Son
    C Richarlison
    D KDB

    1. amtosh
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      C