Having introduced you to the strategies and the concepts of PlayON’s new features, it’s time to get down to business and offer some analysis of the player list as we look to help you plunder PlayON’s opening day £10,000 prize pot.
PlayON have amended their scoring matrix this season, removing factors such as Interceptions and Tackles to boil the scoring down to the traditional goals, assists and clean sheets, along with points for shots on target, saves and minutes played.
Looking at the player list for Gameweek 1, saving some funds for key areas of our lineup remains a vital strategy and each week we’ll help you find that left-field pick, in addition to selecting our essential target for each position. Here’s our Gameweek 1 thinking…
Goalkeeper – Asmir Begovic
Often an area of our teams targeted for saving funds, with the PlayON price list allowing for easier big-hitter investment, you will be able to splash more cash in this area. Even so, Stoke’s Bosnian stopper looks a worthy target at just 7.7m. We’re looking for strong clean sheet prospects with a few save points thrown in and Begovic appears to fit the bill nicely: opponents Villa scored just 17 goals on their travels, while Stoke’s home defence conceded 17 and ranked fourth overall in the league. If you’re looking to spend that little bit more, United’s David De Gea, at 8.4m, looks kindly priced for the visit of Swansea.
Defender – Tyler Blackett
There is another defensive target in the United ranks and it would be remiss to turn down a gift in the form of 20-year-old Blackett. The powerful full-back looks set to profit from injuries in Louis van Gaal’s camp, either replacing Jonny Evans as one of three centre-backs in the 3-5-2 or at left wing-back in the absence of Luke Shaw. While Blackett is a short-term pick in other Fantasy games, in PlayON terms he’s a steal at just 7.2m: a real enabler that frees up funds for heavy investment elsewhere. With that in mind, Steven Caulker of QPR, at 8.2m, is our other essential here. With shots on target now the key scoring stat for defenders aside from clean sheets, Caulker looks a shoo-in. He registered more goal attempts than any other defender last season and looks a good bet for defensive returns at home to Hull City.
Midfielder – Junior Hoilett
Harry Redknapp’s side also have a couple of strong midfield options to consider going into the clash with the Tigers. Both Jordan Mutch and Junior Hoilett are available for 8.2m and, with the latter likely to start up front with Charlie Austin, we’re just vying for Hoilett as our option. The former Blackburn man loves a pot-shot on goal and with efforts on target registering 200 points, that has to be a factor in our thinking. Again there’s an obvious target in this area to snap up – Aaron Ramsey is available for 8.7m going into the Gameweek – an essential purchase for his home encounter with a shell-shocked Palace side reeling from the untimely departure of Tony Pulis.
Forward – Stevan Jovetic
It’s not often you can save Fantasy funds and still reserve yourself a striker lining up for the Champions on day one. Stevan Jovetic makes that possible thanks to a frustrating first campaign in England. The Montenegrin has, however, enjoyed a hugely prosperous pre-season and while he’s a risk in other Fantasy games, in PlayON terms, his 9.6m price tag is difficult to refuse. Jovetic fired in a goal attempt every 18 minutes in his 13 Premier League appearances last season: more frequently than any other City striker. Pair him with the all-action threat that is Wayne Rooney at home to Swansea and you have a formidable day one duo.
£10,000 Up For Grabs
PlayON has a huge £10,000 pot on offer just in Gameweek 1 to celebrate the new season. You can enter up to three teams into the £10,000 game, with entries closing on Saturday at 10.45. From that point on, as we mentioned in yesterday’s new features article, it’s time for the In-Play games, the ability to use other PlayON managers’ teams and to earn an income on your own teams all begins.
For now, head over to PlayON.co and get picking for the £10,000 game.
