PlayON Player Picks – Gameweek 12

With six of the top eight teams going head-to-head this Gameweek, some of the leading Fantasy lights are faced with a tough task. We look beyond the likes of Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero in this week’s article, then, and plunder the budget end of the PlayON Price List to snap up a trio of headliners on the comeback trail:

If you’re new to PlayON, read this season’s introduction article for more information. If you’re already a PlayON player, read on for our selection of this week’s targets…

Goalkeeper – Allan McGregor
Steve Bruce seemed more than optimistic yesterday that his first-choice stopper is set for a weekend return. McGregor has missed the last three league fixtures with a thigh injury but is poised to replace Steve Harper between the sticks at home to Crystal Palace – the Tigers have conceded just one goal in five matches at the KC Stadium so far, whilst their opponents have netted only twice on the road. At a mere 8.0m, the Scot looks a real budget-friendly option in this week’s PlayON price list, though if you’re unconvinced over the Tigers’ potential, Man City’s Costel Pantilimon comes in at 7.9m and entertains a Tottenham side that have notched just three times in the last five league fixtures.

Defender – Fabricio Coloccini
With Mathieu Debuchy serving a one-match suspension this weekend, the fit-again Argentine looks set to return to the Newcastle backline. The versatile Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is likely to shift to right-back to cover his compatriot’s absence, allowing Coloccini to slot in at centre-half for the first time since early October. A stint on the sidelines means the Magpies skipper comes in at just 8.3m in this week’s PlayON price list – Alan Pardew’s side will be confident of a third successive clean sheet as they entertain a Norwich City side that have scored just twice on the road all season. Elsewhere, Cesar Azpilicueta (7.6m) could deputise for Ashley Cole once again, despite the latter recovering from the rib problem that forced him off for England in midweek – the Chelsea full-back faces a trip to goal-shy West Ham. Alternatively, Stoke’s Geoff Cameron (8.1m) looks a strong shout for a clean sheet – he welcomes Sunderland to the Britannia, with the visitors finding the net just twice away from home thus far.

Midfielder – Theo Walcott
Back in the Gunners squad for the home clash against former club Southampton, Walcott sets you back a mere 6.1m due to a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Granted, there’s no guarantee he’ll start but Walcott will surely play some part of tomorrow’s Emirates showdown and, at such a paltry sum, is a relatively risk-free route into the Arsenal attack as Arsene Wenger’s side go in search of a fifth straight home win. Robbie Brady is another cut-price option returning from injury – Hull’s top scorer is priced at just 6.9m by PlayON for his Gameweek 12 home showdown with basement-dwellers Palace. Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho is still kindly priced at 8.3m for the Merseyside derby – although he didn’t score last time out, the Brazilian still earned 1,275 points (tenth amongst midfielders) due to numerous attempts on goal.

Forward – Wayne Rooney
With Suarez and Aguero facing resilient Everton and Tottenham rearguards, we turn to United’s most consistent frontman so far this season. David Moyes’ men roll up to Cardiff looking for their fifth successive win and Rooney, priced at 11.6m, looks full of confidence under the guidance of his former Everton mentor. A home clash with Norwich City brings Loic Remy into consideration – the Newcastle forward has now scored seven times in the last seven and will set you back 11.8m against a Canaries side that have conceded 11 goals in their last two road trips. Christian Benteke may have dropped in form but the chances are still coming the 10.1m priced Villa forward’s way. Expected to recover from a knee knock, the big Belgian could well return to form for Monday night’s midlands derby at the Hawthorns.

How To Play

PlayON is weekly Fantasy Football (for free or for cash) 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 two hours before the first kick-off – 10.45 on Saturday 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 58% win rate to this point.

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.