I was pleased with last Gameweek’s performance, and one player in particular. I took a risk on James Collins not starting but he rewarded my faith in him by keeping his role, though producing zero points. Yannick Bolasie was a threat all night on Monday, charging all over the pitch and completing many mazy dribbles. Sadly, he didn’t manage to keep his cool in front of goal and lashed at his chances. Many of the community thought that I had taken my punts too far by choosing Charlie Austin against Chelsea. The Blues’ defence was hot property last Gameweek but my striker ruined those clean sheets by netting. Here are this week’s punts with ownership figures correct as of the 5th November.
Kieran Trippier
Position: Defender
Team: Burnley
Price: 4.8
Ownership: 1%
The Burnley defence has been a risky place to go ever since Gameweek 6 when they conceded four goals against West Brom. That set their confidence back and to be truthful they still haven’t recovered. From Gameweeks 3 to 5 a cheap Burnley defender seemed to be a great option as they kept shut-outs against Man United, Crystal Palace and Sunderland. The ability to keep clean sheets is there, it is simply a case of Sean Dyche reigniting it. This weekend the Clarets welcome Hull to Turf Moor. With Nikica Jelavic out with a knee injury, Steve Bruce’s side lack a physical presence up front, with Hernandez struggling on his own. Bruce has also dropped Andrew Robertson recently, who I feel was a real creative force in the side. With these two players not present Burnley will fancy their chances of regaining that defensive form.
Many of you will know that Trippier was an assists machine in the Championship last season, managing 12 in total. He has come under some heavy criticism so far this season for not reaching those heights. However, he is still creating plenty of chances. The fault lies with the Burnley forwards who so far are failing to put them away. He has managed an incredible 69 crosses this season, the most in the league, with Leighton Baines in second, 13 behind. His accuracy has been a little wayward but if the balls are going in then there is always the chance of an assist. Trippier’s importance is unquestionable and if the Clarets’ strikers start finding form then the assists will soon roll in.
Jesus Navas
Position: Midfield
Team: Manchester City
Price: 7.2
Ownership: 1.1%
It seems that recently Jesus Navas has become one of the first names on the team-sheet for Manuel Pellegrini, and it’s easy to see why. The tricky winger is very, very quick and deadly on the counter attack. His crossing is pinpoint and he is a nightmare for defenders to mark. He has completed 10 of his 15 attempted dribbles, which highlights his ability to carry the ball. He has created 17 chances in his nine appearances this season, three of which led to assists. In addition, the Spaniard is on corners, with seven of his set pieces reaching a City player. On average he creates a goalscoring chance every 30 minutes, and with Aguero in fine form, his assist potential is huge. Navas is a more traditional winger, resisting the urge to cut in and shoot. However, this does not stop him getting his shots off. He carries the ball into the box and is not afraid to have a crack at goal, managing eight attempts in the penalty box so far this season.
Gameweek 11 sees a trip to Loftus Road for Pellegrini’s side. After their derby win Manchester City have their confidence back and could run riot this weekend. Harry Redknapp’s side have conceded 20 goals this season with an average of 3.25 goals for each side in last year’s top seven. Theoretically the Premier League champions should manage at least three goals, if not more, against them and Navas is likely to be involved in at least one of them. He is such a tricky player to deal with and QPR’s lacklustre backline will really struggle to contain him. Navas is an improving player finally finding his feet in the English top flight. It won’t be long until he becomes a great Fantasy option and I think that could start this weekend.
Enner Valencia
Position: Forward
Team: West Ham
Price: 6.9
Ownership: 1.4%
I am a huge fan of West Ham’s new Ecuadorian. Ever since England’s friendly against Ecuador I have seen Enner Valencia as a top, top player. I was delighted to see him move to the Premier League and he is proving that he can score goals in the top flight. It is shocking that his ownership is as low as 1.4%. I didn’t expect to be able to choose him as a differential but when I looked I was pleasantly surprised. This Gameweek the Hammers welcome Aston Villa to the Boleyn Ground. Villa haven’t kept a clean sheet since Gameweek 4 and the defensive solidity that led to me choosing Aly Cissokho early in the season has disappeared. A new-look ultra-offensive West Ham side should get the better of Lambert’s falling Villains.
Other reasons for selecting Valencia include his effectiveness inside and outside the box. He has managed 24 goal attempts this season, 14 of which were inside the box. Two of the Ecuadorian’s three goals came from inside the area with the other coming from outside. This highlights the fact that Valencia is a threat all over the pitch. This includes set pieces – the Hammers new forward has attacked six dead balls as well as taking two corners, one of which was successful. The Hammers’ midfield is a very creative force and offers goalscoring opportunities for Valencia every 25 minutes. It is not only the West Ham midfield that has assist potential. Valencia has attempted ten crosses this season, creating six chances for his team-mates in the process. For a player who has proved himself at the highest international level, his 1.4% ownership makes him an incredible differential.
