While our defensive picks from last week let us down, those who went with any of the strikers we put forward would have seen handsome profit. Luis Suarez and Romelu Lukaku ran riot, more than justifying their PlayON price tags, and helping a host of Fantasy managers to a share of the prize pots on offer.
This weekend, it’s all about Liverpool’s potential, with a handsome home win and clean sheet expected at Anfield against Crystal Palace. Investment in Brendan Rodgers’ side is going to cost you, which is where we can help out with our selection of player picks that help reserve the funds for those big hitters.
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 7 Picks
Goalkeeper – David Marshall
Having selected the Cardiff stopper for last weekend’s trip to Fulham, we’re going to stick with the Scot in goal for the forthcoming Gameweek. At 8.0m, there are few keepers around that come in cheaper (although we were briefly tempted by Sunderland’s Kieran Westwood at 6.9m) and Marshall’s shot stopping should be given every opportunity to bring in the points when the Bluebirds face off with Newcastle on Saturday. Alan Pardew’s side rallied at Goodison on Monday night and will carry some threat but we’re backing Marshall to provide a stubborn last line of defence.
Defender – Antonio Luna
The Spanish left-back is an unfashionable pick but, at just 8.3m, looks a bargain at the back in a week where heavy investment in the Spurs and Liverpool defences looks essential. The Villa man will travel to Hull City to face a Tigers side without the creative influence of both Robert Koren and Robbie Brady and that could help Paul Lambert’s outfit secure only their second clean sheet of the season. Villa are more effective going forward on their travels and, if Lambert puts out a 3-5-2 once again, Luna will be deployed as left wing-back and offer us some attacking potential.
Midfielder – Juan Mata
Admittedly, this is without doubt a punt. Arguably, Mata is far from certain to earn a start for Chelsea’s trip to Carrow Road but, with a price hovering at just 7.3m in PlayON this week, we think that this could be a gamble worth taking. We’d expect Mata to get some minutes and, having earned 650 points from just a second-half appearance last weekend, we see some value in this punt. If he starts against the Canaries, there’s little doubt that the Spanish playmaker will be hugely influential and that could see him emerge as a true bargain in our PlayON weekends.
Forward – Dimitar Berbatov
There’s no getting away from the fact that a Liverpool striker looks essential at home to Crystal Palace this weekend and, at 10.8m, Luis Suarez again looks a shoo-in. To partner him, we suggest Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o as an option, priced just under that fee at 10.7m. While he looks likely to start against Norwich at Carrow Road, 79 Champions League minutes on Tuesday may prompt Jose Mourinho to look elsewhere, perhaps to Demba Ba. For that reason, we finally opted for Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian is a certain starter at home to Stoke City and with Martin Jol under pressure to earn a precious three points, we finally see things clicking, with Berbatov coming good to more than justify a kind 9.7m PlayON price tag.
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 keep changing your team right up to 2 hours before the first kick-off – 10.45 on Sat morning), 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 OptaJoe 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 62% win rate to this point.
Free Entry, £100 Pot
In addition to guaranteeing a £500 pot this week, PlayON is also running a free entry multiplayer game with a £100 pot so your friends can try PlayON for free. Plus, for every 250 people that enter, PlayON will add an extra £50 to the pot so it’s a great opportunity for people who haven’t tried the game out yet to give it a go for free.
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.
