Now is the time where fantasy football league managers will be looking for that crucial advantage at the top of the table they are competing in as the final stretch is in sight. Here are my tips for your teams this weekend.
10
Buy: Alexis Sanchez – Midfielder, Arsenal, 10.9
I have often been wrong on Alexis this season, but there is no arguing that Alexis has re-found his form. With his two goals and three assists in the last five matches he has helped Arsenal make a late title push and, with only two remaining matches against top ten attacks, could help you push for your fantasy title.
Sell: Kevin de Bruyne – Midfielder, Manchester City, 10.3
More accurately, do not buy him yet. He has yet to play a full match since his return from injury and there is a strong chance de Bruyne could sit out on Saturday with the club’s sights set firmly on the Champions League.
9
Buy: Romelu Lukaku – Forward, Everton, 9.0
I am less bullish on Lukaku after last week’s woeful performance. That having been said, his four matches over the next two weeks are too good to pass up, especially considering all four of those opponents are conceding over a goal per game. Not only is Lukaku a must own, but should be heavily considered as an option for captain.
8
Buy: Roberto Firmino/Phillipe Coutinho – Midfielder, Liverpool, 8.1-8.2
Seeing Firmino get a run-out against Dortmund was encouraging, but there are still lingering concerns regarding his fitness. Coutinho, on the other hand, is fit, but rarely puts more than a couple of high scoring matches together. It is really up to you which one you prefer, but you must own a Liverpool midfielder over the coming weeks as they are the only side with two double game weeks that also play in MW35.
Sell: Dimitri Payet – Midfielder, West Ham United, 8.5
This is definitely my most controversial call this week. Chief from @FPLHints often preaches form over fixtures, and I usually agree, but this is an extenuating circumstance. Payet will face top ten defences in six of his remaining seven fixtures, with the next two against team in the top five (Arsenal, Leicester City). Considering Payet’s high ownership percentage, now would be a good time to make up the difference in your mini-leagues.
7
Buy: Anthony Martial – Forward, Manchester United, 7.6
Despite being shifted out wide, Martial has still averaged 5.2 points per game over his last five matches. In fact, the only noticeable change is that he is actually creating more chances since the shift. With matches against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in MW34 he is a perfect compliment to Lukaku, especially for those planning on playing one of their chips.
Sell: Ross Barkley – Midfielder, Everton, 7.1
Barkley has scored more than three points just once in 2016, and managed just one assist since Christmas. Despite this, Barkley is the most transferred in midfielder this week. Do not make the same mistake.
6
Buy: Yannick Bolasie – Midfielder, Crystal Palace, 6.0
Bolasie’s fantasy returns have not accurately reflected his performances since his return from injury. With four shots on target, eight chances created, and eight successful crosses it is only a matter of time before he sees an upturn in fantasy points. The match-ups favour Bolasie as well as he gets a favourable pair of fixtures in MW33 against two of the six worst defence’s in the league (Norwich City, Everton).
Sell: Marko Arnautovic – MIdfielder, Stoke City, 6.6
He has not been up to scratch lately, earning just one goal and one assist in his last five matches. Now he gets to face one of the better right backs in the Premier League in Nathaniel Clyne, and a Liverpool defence that surprisingly ranks in the top five over the last five matches.
5
Buy: Aaron Lennon – Midfielder, Everton, 5.6
I honestly cannot believe I am advocating the purchase of one Aaron Lennon, but this is a strange season we find ourselves in. He has been the most effective Everton midfielder over the past five weeks (24) and has double fixtures in match-weeks 33, 34, and 37. At 1.8% owned, he is a terrific differential play.
Sell: Adrian – West Ham United, Goalkeeper, 5.1
You cannot start Adrian with any confidence against Arsenal or Leicester City the next two weeks, so it is likely time to move on. There are better and cheaper options out there.
4
Buy: Timm Klose – Defender, Norwich City, 4.2
As crazy as it sounds, there is actually a Norwich defender worth owning! He has averaged 5.2 points per game over the last five matches and with Palace and Sunderland on the horizon, he is not as bad a clean sheet gamble as you may think.
Sell: Daryl Janmaat – Defender, Newcastle United, 4.8
I have no problem admitting when I am wrong, and on Janmaat I was most certainly wrong. He failed to gain more than a single point in recent fixtures against Bournemouth, Sunderland, and Norwich City and at this point there is little chance that Newcastle will turn things around.
TEB Fantasy Football League – Top Ten
| # | Team | Manager | GW | TOT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 | Cabaye-Bye-Bye | Matthew Freeman | +60 | 1,871 |
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2 | Chelsea Dagger | David Gilbert | +84 | 1,854 |
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3 | Crystal Phallus FC | Simon Dixon | +55 | 1,834 |
|
4 | Tea and Busquets | Lewis Carter | +70 | 1,821 |
|
5 | Best Weston | Asher Weston | +83 | 1,818 |
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6 | Dynamo Dan Dan | Daniel Bright | +83 | 1,817 |
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7 | Money Cabaye Success | Matt Jones | +60 | 1,803 |
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8 | Game on Weddell! | Jonathan Bailey | +66 | 1,798 |
|
9 | Soper’s No Hopers | Mike Soper | +68 | 1,791 |
|
10 | E Pluribus Anus | Rory Jackson | +64 | 1,790 |
