Arsenal’s in-form Olivier Giroud done the business for us last week, though the surprise omission of Adel Taarabt from Fulham’s home clash with West Brom proved a bitter blow. We cast an eye over this week’s PlayON price list and get scouting in search of bargains once again.
If you’re new to PlayON, read this season’s introduction article for more information. If you’re already a seasoned player, read on for our selection of early weekend targets…
Gameweek 5 Picks
Goalkeeper – Boaz Myhill
One of only two sub 8.0m priced keepers definitely in line to start this weekend, the Baggies man welcomes basement-dwellers Sunderland to the Hawthorns as Steve Clarke’s side go in search of their first win of the season. Coming in at just 7.6m in PlayON, Myhill is substantially cheaper than any of his defensive team-mates – Liam Ridgewell is the least expensive of the back-four at 10.2m – and has save points to fall back on if he does concede. Given that the Black Cats have scored three times in four games, though, a second clean sheet of the season could well be on the cards for the midlands outfit.
Defender – David Luiz
The Portuguese centre-half has started each of Chelsea’s previous three games across all competitions since recovering from a hamstring injury late last month. A home derby with injury-hit Fulham affords Jose Mourinho’s side the chance to recover from back-to-back defeats and Luiz’s eye for a long-range effort could well be set to trouble the visitors at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. Priced at just 8.3m this week by PlayON, Luiz is far more budget-friendly than any of his fellow Blues defenders and looks well worth a punt. Alternatively, Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna comes in at 8.4m ahead of a home clash with Stoke, while Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom also looks strong value. Priced at just 7.8m, he got the nod for the right-back slot at Swansea last Monday and will be hoping to retain his starting berth as goal-shy Southampton roll up to Anfield.
Midfielder – Yohan Cabaye
Re-installed to the Newcastle starting XI last weekend, the Frenchman’s presence at the heart of the Magpies’ midfield was fundamental to Alan Pardew’s switch from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. Cabaye’s set-piece duties and creativity will be crucial for the Tyneside team this weekend as Hull make their way to St James’ Park – priced at a bargain 6.5m this week, he looks a cut-price gem as the hosts aim for a third straight win. Stephane Sessegnon is another budget option here. Priced at just 6.8m, West Brom’s record signing is poised to make his debut against former club Sunderland, whilst Norwich playmaker Robert Snodgrass has slipped to 7.7m ahead of a home showdown with Aston Villa.
Forward – Wayne Rooney
Three goals in two games since returning from a head wound highlights the United forward’s form ahead of Sunday’s all-Manchester showdown. Handed a role alongside Robin Van Persie up front by David Moyes, Rooney seems to have a renewed vigour to his game and, with confidence flourishing under the guidance of his former Everton mentor, could be the man to make the difference as the champions take a trip to the Etihad. At 11.5m he’s far from cheap but, when it comes to derbies, Rooney has a tendency to deliver. For those willing to take a punt, Romelu Lukaku is now down to 9.0m and looks in line for his Everton debut – he faces a tough time of it away to West Ham, though.
How To Play
PlayON is weekly fantasy football so you can dip in and out of playing throughout the season. Once your starting XI is built (you can change your team as many times as you like up to 2 hours before the first kick-off – 10.45 tomorrow) you can compete for cash. Entering a multiplayer game for a set stake, you’ll have a chance of winning your share of the pot should you finish high enough in the rankings.
Similarly, you can challenge other players to one-on-one games, selecting the amount at stake. The likes of Robbie Fowler, Les Ferdinand and Opta Joe are all playing the game and are there to be challenged for free or for £1. The Fantasy Football Scout team is also available to be challenged and has a 69% win rate so far!
Facebook £100
In addition to guaranteeing a £1,000 pot this week, PlayON is also running a competition on its Facebook page – “Guess how much Van Persie costs on PlayON this week”? Just answer their Facebook poll with how much he costs and one correct reply wins £100 of free credit – more Facebook promotions on the way from PlayON over the season too.
The Fantasy Football Scout Game
We’ve also got a £2 multiplayer game, dedicated to our community, which is now open and the prize pot is building.
Challenge Your Mates
You can also set up your own multiplayer games with your mates to play for free bragging rights or for cash. Create your own game at www.playon.co.uk.
Finally, a reminder that we have published a strategy guide, offering some tips for getting the most from your PlayON lineup, right here.
You have to be over 18 to enter cash games at PlayON. If you do wager some cash, please remember to gamble responsibly. PlayON is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
