With many a Wildcard in play, itโs time to present you with our regular trio of left field options to tempt you off the beaten track. Our selection has value in mind, serving up a pair of Gameweek 3 scorers who look primed for back-to-back returns, plus a solid defensive option who looks to have cemented his start in a back four destined for further shut-outs.
KEVIN MIRALLAS
Whilst budget forward Steven Naismith remains Evertonโs weapon of choice for Fantasy managers, Mirallasโ ownership is hovering just under 5%, and the Belgianโs underlying statistics suggest that he could be primed to emerge from his team-mateโs shadow as the Toffees roll up to West Brom this afternoon.
Despite only managing a ten minute substitute appearance in Evertonโs first fixture of the season, Mirallasโ goal attempts outweigh Naismithโs at 10 to 7, placing the Belgian second in the rankings for total shots by midfielders this season, with an average of just over 19 minutes separating each of the wingerโs attempts from one another. This goal threat proved effective against Chelsea last time out, with Mirallas opening his account for the season with a deft header, though with a large share of set pieces in his locker as well, it may not only be in front of goal that the 7.4 priced midfielder rewards his owners.
Todayโs opponents will hold little fear for Everton, with the Baggies having conceded five goals already this campaign, including three in their last match against Swansea, and with Crystal Palace visiting Goodison Park in Gameweek 5, Roberto Martinez looks set to go out on the offensive again for at least the next couple of fixtures: Mirallas is likely to be one of the main beneficiaries.
DWIGHT GAYLE
It took less than a minute for the young striker to find the back of the net in Crystal Palaceโs 3-3 draw with Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, and though that remained his only shot of the game, thereโs no denying the starletโs effectiveness when given opportunities. The Gameweek 3 goal was Gayleโs first league strike of the season in his first league start, though this was preceded by a first half hat-trick against Walsall in the Capital One Cup at the end of August.
A hamstring injury has ruled Marouane Chamakh out of Palaceโs clash with Burnley this weekend, ensuring that Gayle should keep his place at the summit of Neil Warnockโs attack despite being a doubt with an ankle problem earlier this week. Another goal scoring performance from the 5.4 priced frontman today could well cement his starting spot for weeks to come, and with Leicester and Hull on the Eaglesโ agenda in their next four fixtures, Gayle is certainly worth considering for managers eyeing up options in the budget forward department.
PHIL BARDSLEY
After Geoff Cameron underwent surgery earlier this week, Bardsley now looks nailed-on for Stoke at right back for the near future. The Potters have only conceded two goals over their first three fixtures, and will be looking to carry through the momentum from their shock 1-0 victory against Man City two weeks ago when they welcome Leicester to the Brittania today.
Despite being available for 0.6 less than team-mate Ryan Shawcross, Bardsleyโs ownership remains at just 0.6%, making the former Sunderland man the least owned regular starter in Stokeโs backline.
Mark Hughesโ men face three home matches in their next five (LEI, NEW, SWA), whilst trips to QPR โ who have only scored once so far this season โ and Sunderland wonโt daunt them too much either; Bardsley will be optimistic of adding to last Gameweekโs clean sheet and perhaps supplementing that with more attacking returns following his assist in Gameweek 2.
