Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 35

Our final look back at Gameweek 35 shines the spotlight on Arsenal’s top performer from the first half of the season as he makes a late return onto Fantasy radars. The Black Cats’ resurgence is also acknowledged, whilst the current lack of form from many of the upcoming double Gameweek sides may potentially alter our Fantasy plans:

THE PLAYER

Aaron Ramsey is back. For the first half of the season, the Welshman defied his doubters by consistently scoring and assisting in both the domestic and European stages. Fantasy managers who acquired him early saw big gains in their team value and overall ranking as Ramsey propelled Arsenal to top spot at Christmas and looked a sure candidate for a Player of the Year nomination.

Injury on Boxing Day and a subsequent setback during his recovery kept him sidelined for over three months but, on his first league start since Gameweek 18 at the weekend, Ramsey’s class and importance to the Gunners midfield was telling. A 16-point return – his highest haul of the season – came courtesy of a goal, clean sheet, a pair of assists and two bonus points kept the Gunners in the driving seat to seal a seventeenth consecutive Champions League qualification and brings the Welshman back onto our radars as Arsenal look forward to three favourable fixtures to close out the campaign.

Ramsey has the potential to explode at the Emirates, in two consecutive home games against out-of-form Newcastle and West Brom before making a final away trip to Norwich. With concerns still hanging over premium-priced options such as Eden Hazard, David Silva and Yaya Toure, Ramsey, at just 7.2 in the Fantasy Premier League game, offers outstanding value as Fantasy managers consider their options and perhaps look to free up funds for a heavy hitting striker for the upcoming double Gameweek.

THE TEAM

Seven days ago, the prospects of Sunderland being chosen as ‘The Team’ by the Digest seemed laughable. Firmly bottom of the Premier League’s form table at the time, with seven defeats in eight games, Gus Poyet’s charges looked set for certain relegation and were adrift from their rivals at the foot of the table.

What a difference a week makes. Four unlikely points taken from title-chasing duo Manchester City and Chelsea is surely the stuff of miracles and the Wearsiders now have a fighting chance of staying up in the top flight following outstanding displays at the Etihad and Stamford Bridge, the latter ending Jose Mourinho’s 77-match unbeaten Premier League home record.

Sunderland have come through a horrific sequence of fixtures that saw them play five of the current top six in just six weeks and thankfully the opposition eases a little as they continue their battle for survival. Three of their remaining four games come at the Stadium of Light, and crucially these are all against relegation rivals. A massive ‘six pointer’ against Cardiff is next up for the Black Cats which is followed by a double Gameweek 37, where a trip to United precedes the visit of fellow-strugglers West Bromwich Albion. The final and possibly crucial fixture is also at home, against a Swansea side who may have secured their own safety by this time and could have their minds on the beach already.

Vito Mannone continues to offer outstanding value in goal at just 4.5, returning a remarkable 14 saves against Chelsea last weekend and a haul of six points despite the lack of a clean sheet. Phil Bardsley returns from a two-match ban this weekend to offer potential returns at either end of the pitch at just 4.3 in the FPL game. Further up the pitch, Adam Johnson will surely start the remaining matches and remains a tempting option at just 6.4, but it is Connor Wickham’s confidence that will be sky-high after scoring three times against City and Chelsea and, providing he shakes off a knock, at just 4.6 he offers a great differential and third striker option for Fantasy managers looking to move funds around and acquire premium priced players for the final run in.

THE TALKING POINT

With six teams set for a pair of fixtures in the penultimate Gameweek of the season, Fantasy managers are, as always, keen to restructure their squads to take advantage. Whilst double Gameweek 31 proved a major success, the recent disappointment brought about by double Gameweek 34 served a reminder that teams stocked full of players with a pair of fixtures apiece don’t come with success guaranteed.

As we assess the lay of the land, however, it’s fair to say that the majority of sides that are set to play twice are in poor form as we approach the double. Manchester United have been far from convincing in recent matches, though their decision to dismiss David Moyes earlier today may now persuade many to re-assess their options ahead of a trio of successive home games against Norwich, Sunderland and Hull. Sunday’s display at Goodison was dire but surely, you’d reckon, the Red Devils will be back on the attack for the last few matches – with Ryan Giggs handed the reins on a short-term basis, the likes of Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata could be set to flourish as the champions look to finish the season on a positive note.

While many already have a full quota of Man City options and Sunderland look full of fight and offer cut price options and home games aplenty, Hull, Villa and West Brom have done little to suggest that, even with an extra game apiece, they’ll bring home the Fantasy returns.

Arsenal’s recent resurgence and push for a fourth place finish highlights just how key form is at this time of year. As nerves become increasingly frayed and the finishing line edges within sight, those sides with momentum and plenty still to play for are equally, if not more, crucial to our planning. Ramsey and Lukas Podolski, for example, may have one match less than the likes of Hull but are more than capable of outscoring Steve Bruce’s charges – indeed, the German’s four goals in the last two matches mirrors the Tigers’ tally over their last six games altogether. Little wonder over 23,000 managers have already acquired Podolski ahead of Monday’s encounter with Newcastle.

Elsewhere in north London, Tottenham’s hopes of clinching a European slot may be slim but the recent displays of Christian Eriksen (55 points in the last five Gameweeks) and Harry Kane, who has now scored in each of his three starts for Tim Sherwood’s side, will also be on Fantasy managers’ minds as we map out our plans for the run-in. Liverpool and Everton also may have just three games left but, given how vital their remaining matches are to both sides’ ambitions, owners of the likes of Raheem Sterling, Steven Gerrard, Leighton Baines and Romelu Lukaku may choose to hold rather than gamble on a double Gameweek option with far less impressive form.

Typically, double Gameweeks fill Fantasy managers with hope and expectations of triple-figure hauls, the chance to take a punt or two and back the courage of our convictions. Whilst this one hands us a final throw of the dice before the campaign draws to a close, the real lack of genuine in-form contenders may persuade many to adopt a slightly more risk-free strategy over these last few rounds of matches instead.

Ricardo355 Far too many hours spent in FPL world.. Former Live HoF number 1 for two whole weeks! (19/09)

1,092 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    For UCL,

    A. Schurrle and Bale

    B. Mandzukic and Willian

    Open Controls
    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A as Schurrle the greater goal threat over Willian

      Open Controls
      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        And Bale more threat than any of them, though he's a doubt tomorrow.

        Open Controls
    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
  2. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Roo or Pod in for Lukaku?

    Open Controls
    1. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Rooney

      Open Controls
    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Rooney

      Just cos of DGW

      Open Controls
  3. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    UCL RMT. 😀

    Courtois,3m
    Juanfran,Miranda,Azpilicueta,Carvajal,3.5m
    Bale,Rooben,Oscar,Raul Garcia,4m
    Ronaldo,Costa,Muller

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      😀

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I take that as a 10/10. 😀

        Open Controls
    2. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      You like Muller over Mandzukic?

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yes. Muller on pens.

        Open Controls
  4. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mannone
    Coleman, Cahill, Ward
    Silva, Mirallas, Eriksen, Mata
    Suarez, Lukaku, Aguero
    (Adrian, Mccartney, Chambers, Parker)

    1 FT & 6m ITB

    A) Mirallas, Silva & Lukaku -> Ramsey, Nasri & Rooney for -8
    B) Mirallas & Silva -> Ramsey & Nasri (-4)
    C) Mirallas/Silva & Lukaku -> Ramsey & Rooney

    Open Controls
  5. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    atm it's looking like this will be my team for GW36:

    ....................Speroni
    ........Kosc - Chester - Baines
    Nasri - Ramsey (c) - Eriksen - Mata
    ......Rooney - Podolski - Aguero

    Davis; Ivanovic, Cahill, Noone

    feeling punty yet confident

    Open Controls
    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Solid team, any hits?

      Open Controls
      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        😐 -12 😐

        but I'm very confident that my replacements will outscore those out the door

        alternatively could save Ward > Koscielny for a week and play Ivan who will be rested with no CL

        Open Controls
    2. wherearemykeys
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sinik, I am very similar
      ...........Mannone
      .....Coleman, Chester, Ivanovic
      ... Nasri, Ramsey (C), Gerard, Eriksen
      ... Suarez, Rooney, Ageuero

      Mcgregor; Jedinak, Ward, Burner

      Open Controls
  6. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Did Silva-> Ramsey and -4 hit Lukaku -> Rooney. My defence looks horrid. Who could I bring in? I'm 60 points away from leader in 2nd place. I need to take some big risks to pay off! Shall I make it a -8 hit for Mirallas to Eriksen, Ozil or Nasri?

    Mannone (Adrian)
    Coleman - Dummet - Zabaleta (Chester, Baker)
    Gerrard - Mata - Ramsey -MIRALLAS (Ki)
    Suarez - Rooney - Adebayor

    Open Controls
    1. Specialist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Wouldn't play Dummet this week.. And yeah might as well get Mirallas out. Prefer Nasri out of those 3

      Open Controls
      1. bigdip
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Then who shall I play? Baker or Chester?

        Open Controls
        1. Specialist
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Tough. Probably Chester

          Open Controls
        2. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Baker

          Open Controls
  7. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    A) Mirallas, Silva & Lukaku -> Ramsey, Nasri & Rooney for -8
    B) Mirallas & Silva -> Ramsey & Nasri (-4)
    C) Mirallas/Silva & Lukaku -> Ramsey & Rooney (-4)

    Open Controls
    1. Specialist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A for me

      Open Controls
  8. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I've done Silva & Lukaku -> Ramsey & Rooney and looking to do Mirallas to Nasri, Eriksen or Ozil. Tough call but Nasri seems like a good shout

    Open Controls
  9. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Feck. Only just remembered I have a UFPL team - had a quick look and it's lying in ruins after a period of neglect.

    In its defence it was already lounging at an outrageous angle in a condemned building at the point I last actively managed it but it's still a sad sight 🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I have always been a connoisseur of ruins ... 😀

      Open Controls
    2. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      🙂

      Open Controls
      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Hey Pinkfish. Heard this song the other day on my Golden Oldies TV channel. Thought you might dig.
        As one reviewer on Youtube put it: this is a "super fun song."
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6k3BEU1aQM&list=RDp6k3BEU1aQM

        Open Controls
        1. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I will dance to that later when inebriated as I will probably enjoy it a lot more then.

          :): Tx for that, Kinda reminds me of the Teddy boy era kickin off.

          Open Controls
          1. The Enlightener
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah. A few adult beverages, and it should be even more fun.

            Open Controls
  10. UnderstandablyDistraught
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    On -4 for this

    Mannone Adrian

    Coleman, Cahill, Zab, Chester, Ward

    Ramsey, Silva, Mata, Eriksen, Puncheon

    Suarez, Rooney, Aguero

    Take another hit to replace Silva or wing it for this week?

    Open Controls
    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I would stick this week.

      Punch could get something against City who's defence hasn't looked so solid lately.

      Open Controls
      1. UnderstandablyDistraught
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        thanks

        Open Controls
  11. Efan Ekoku Pops
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    3 weeks left to climb 6K and burst into the top 10K. Which is the best move this week?

    A) Lallana > Ramsey

    B) Lallana > Nasri

    Cheers 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Defo A

      Open Controls
  12. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Anybody else see the new GoT?
    Episode by episode, it really manages to amaze me even more.
    The production, the acting and the writing is astounding and as a reader of the books it hasn't drifted too far from the story.
    Do non-readers also think it's the greatest TV series ever made?
    It's not even half way through and I already thinks it's head and shoulders above the rest - and I've seen more or less everything but Prison Break (the little of which I saw, I hated.)

    Open Controls
    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Never seen it not weird I promise.

      Do you rate Breaking Bad, Sopranos?

      Open Controls
    2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      have you seen the wire or the sopranos?

      Open Controls
    3. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Never seen, never read, never will.

      Open Controls
      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Any of the stuff mentioned above, for that matter.

        Open Controls
    4. Calvin Clyne
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sorry, definitely not in the top 5 even.

      Open Controls
  13. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    12 possibles

    Courtois
    Alana, Caravajal, Miranda, Azpilicueta
    Bale, Schweinsteiger, Garcia, Oscar
    Ronaldo, Costa(c)

    Starke, Kroos, Eto'o, Kalas

    Open Controls
  14. Open Controls
    1. UnderstandablyDistraught
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Petty and completely lacking in class imo. Rabble rabble

      Open Controls
    2. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Only funny part, and even that only moderately, here was Manchester United removing letters of David Moyes from its name.

      Open Controls
      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        You obviously have far more sophisticated and advanced sense of humors than me

        Open Controls
        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Or then I'm just less sensitive to fun.

          Open Controls
        2. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          To me this was pretty cheap and incoherent ramble without a structure or clever punchlines. Seems to me that very little thought had been put to it.

          Open Controls
          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Next you'll be telling me Norman Wisdom isn't funny.

            Open Controls
            1. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              who the f is Norman Wisdom?

              Btw, that sounds like a fake name referring to the cleverness of the high class of England (after the conquest).

              Open Controls
              1. Rasping Drive
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 11 months ago

                Perhaps not as sophisticated as I first thought.

                Open Controls
                1. Camp No No
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 11 months ago

                  Yeah, my knowledge of all that comedy stuff is actually rudimentary.

                  As said, I really do not know Norman Wisdom. And now feel very inclined not to google him/it.

                  Open Controls
  15. CarsonYeung
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mirallas to Ramsey for a -8? Already taken a hit for Rooney this GW but with Ramsey's fixtures he could easily pay back the hit in the first week...

    Open Controls
  16. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mannone
    Baines Azpi Ivan
    Ramsey(c) Nasri Eriksen Lallana
    Rooney Suarez(vc) Kun
    (Davis Punch Olsson Bruce)

    Had to take a -4 to get this, worth taking another hit to sort out the defence (maybe Kos or Alonso) or should I stick?

    Open Controls
  17. Calvin Clyne
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    What do you all make of this team? It has 4 changes for a -8. They’d need to be done today as I’d literally be left with 0.0 itb.

    Szczesny (Adrian)
    Zabaleta, Coleman, Azpil (Chester, Ward)
    Mata, Eriksen, Nasri, Ramsey (3.9)
    Aguero, Rooney, Suarez

    Changes are Silva –> Nasri, Mirallas –> 3.9, Dzeko –> Aguero, Lukaku –> Rooney.

    Also considering Eriksen –> AJ (would also allow Amalfitano for his DGW instead of the 3.9).

    Open Controls
    1. UnderstandablyDistraught
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Who is this 3.9 bottom feeder?

      Open Controls
      1. Calvin Clyne
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Any of them, he won't be seeing the light of day.

        Open Controls
  18. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    why am I tempted by Torres over Diego Costa?

    Open Controls
    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      done any heroin lately?

      Open Controls
  19. Gaffers
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Trying to catch up in my ML - Should I do Coleman, Mirallas, Lukaku -> Smalling, Mata, Rooney for -8, and throw all my eggs in the DGW basket?

    Open Controls
  20. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Any reason to wait a bit longer or should I just go for this right now?

    Silva/Lukaku => Ramsey/Agüero
    (-4)

    Open Controls
  21. justgiving.com/JonnyChard
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Begovic, Davis
    Zaba, Azpi, Cahill, Stones, Chambers
    Hazard, Lallana, Eriksen, Sterling, Silva,
    Suarez, Lukaku, Sturridge

    Hazard -> Ramsey or Mata? = 0pt hit
    Hazard+Silva -> Ramsey+Mata = -4pt hit
    Hazard+Silva+Sturridge -> Ramsey+Mata+Aguero = -8pt hit

    Which seems the best? Thanks!

    Open Controls
    1. justgiving.com/JonnyChard
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      or even Rooney involved somewhere?
      Thoughts?

      Open Controls
  22. Woy of the Wovers
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    What's the word on the street. Lukaku or Rodney?

    Open Controls
  23. justgiving.com/JonnyChard
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Begovic, Davis
    Zaba, Azpi, Cahill, Stones, Chambers
    Hazard, Lallana, Eriksen, Sterling, Silva,
    Suarez, Lukaku, Sturridge

    Hazard -> Ramsey or Mata? = 0pt hit
    Hazard+Silva -> Ramsey+Mata = -4pt hit
    Hazard+Silva+Sturridge -> Ramsey+Mata+Aguero/Rooney = -8pt hit

    Which seems the best? Thanks!

    Open Controls
  24. justgiving.com/JonnyChard
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Current:

    Begovic
    Zaba, Azpi, Cahill, Stones, Chambers
    Hazard, Lallana, Ramsey, Eriksen, Sterling
    Suarez, Lukaku, Sturridge

    Hazard + Sturridge --> Mata/Nasri + Rooney/Aguero? for a -8pt hit

    which option would be best? thoughts? any other ideas?

    Thanks 🙂

    Open Controls
  25. Neville's Advocate
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Schwarzer bandwagon? 😉

    Open Controls
    1. nashy333
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      how does this look?

      Hart
      Sagna Zabaleta Koscielny
      Erik, Mata, Rambo, Sterl
      Kun, Roon, Suarez

      sub: colback, chester, ward

      Open Controls
      1. EasyRaider
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Looks nice who would be your C

        Open Controls
        1. nashy333
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          was thinking maybe Ramsey... think newc will be destroyed. thoughts?

          Open Controls