Last week’s choice of punts failed to live up to Pellè’s fantastic Gameweek 4 performance but still brought in a respectable total. QPR vs Stoke tuned out to be a goal fest, despite my predictions, meaning that sadly Erik Pieters blanked. However, Stewart Downing served up an assist and Nikica Jelavic netted again to ensure my run of two out of three successful punts each week continues. Here is who I think you should take a punt on this week. Ownership figures correct as of 25/09/14.
Craig Dawson
Position: Defender
Club: West Brom
Price: 4.5
Ownership: 0.3%
I was really torn between two options for my defender punt this Gameweek. I opted for Craig Dawson over Ryan Bertrand in the end, simply because he was more of a punt. Ryan Bertrand’s ownership is close to 5% whereas Dawson’s is a mere 0.3%. Southampton are on a roll, and look sturdy at the back, however so do West Brom. The Baggies, along with Aston Villa, have been one of the most surprising teams in terms of defensive consistency, with shut outs against Southampton and Tottenham. This week sees them return to the Hawthorns to welcome a Burnley side who are yet to score since Gameweek 1. This lack of firepower is a major concern for Sean Dyche’s men, and with Danny Ings and Sam Vokes injured, it doesn’t look like improving anytime soon. Alan Irvine has brought solidity to West Brom and I cannot see a lacklustre Burnley side breaking them down.
So, what makes Dawson appealing? The most obvious aspect is his threat from set pieces – he has managed to connect with three free-kicks already this season. Burnley are a hard side to break down, so if he can improve his heading accuracy a little more this Gameweek, his set-piece threat could be key for the Baggies. Dawson also has the potential to bring bonus points. In games where there are few goals the defenders turn into “BAP magnets” and it is fair to say that we are not expecting a goal glut this Sunday. Despite not picking up any bonus points to date, Dawson has 86 points on the Bonus Point System, the highest in the West Brom side. Facing a Burnley side who can’t seem to find the net, Dawson could have a clean sheet on the cards, and along with the potential for bonus points and even a goal, you should consider him as a budget option this weekend.
Victor Moses
Position: Midfield
Club: Stoke City
Price: 5.5
Ownership: 0.2%
Stoke City’s new loan signing, Victor Moses, has been on my radar for a while but this week he makes the final three. The winger has really been pulling the strings for Stoke this season. His pace is incredible and he has the strength to match it, despite his height, making him hard to shrug off the ball. He loves to get in behind defenders and play balls across the box to the forwards. Mame Biram Diouf looks hungry, with two goals in his last three, and Moses is the one who will feed him. This Monday, Stoke have a home clash with Newcastle, a side in turmoil despite rescuing a point last weekend. An evening clash with a physical Stoke side, who can also play some nice football now, will not excite Newcastle fans who endured extra time in Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup tie.
Moses has been involved in a third of his side’s goals since his arrival in the first team. His statistics for passing are also quite unbelievable for an attacking winger – Moses averages over 90% passing accuracy in the whole of the opponent’s half. With a passing accuracy this high it makes it very likely that he will rake in the bonus points. Moses has completed an outstanding 13 crosses in his first three games, attempting 36 in total. Moses is not just there to assist either – he likes a pop at goal, averaging two attempts per game. Furthermore, he is Stoke’s corner taker and we all know how effective they are from dead balls. The stats speak for themselves and they, coupled with a favourable fixture this Gameweek, make Moses a very tempting prospect indeed.
Romelu Lukaku
Position: Forward
Club: Everton
Price: 9.0
Ownership: 10%
Despite being one of the more pricey Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options, I believe Romelu Lukaku can still be classified as a punt this week. He is in 10% of FPL players’ teams – including mine – which for who he is, is surprisingly low. Despite Everton faltering in recent weeks, Lukaku’s performances have not dipped. He is a constant thorn in the side of the opposition defence and seems to have adopted a new outlook on the game as he is more willing to hold the ball up and set up team-mates. This weekend is the first Merseyside derby of the season, which seem to always be high scoring with the attacking football each side now plays. Also, Everton will want revenge after last season’s 4-0 hammering at Anfield.
Liverpool, as I mentioned last week, are notoriously shaky at the back. West Ham put three past them last weekend and Aston Villa beat them the Gameweek before. Despite Everton’s defensive woes, they have scored seven in their last three games, and Liverpool will be wary of this.
Lukaku has two goals in his last two games and seems to be finding some form. With 16 shots this season, including 10 inside the box, he is finding his feet at Everton again this season. It is rare that a player as physical as Lukaku is blessed with such good technical ability. Not only can the big Belgian get on the end of set pieces and challenge the defence for strength but he has the ability to spearhead counter attacks with his dribbling skills, attempting 19 dribbles already this season; a lot for a target man. Lukaku looks set for a run of form and what better fixture than a high-tempo derby to invest in him for?
