Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob

What a crazy end to the City vs. Everton game! To think that Arsenal are now in the driving seat as we approach the season’s finale is incredible. I was buzzing for United after they completed the double over Liverpool, but it came at a massive cost: negotiations between Brazil and Man United means Matheus Cunha (whom I own in all three of my leagues) will be rested for the remainder of the season. I can’t believe I wasn’t consulted first! At least I have Patrick Dorgu ready as backup. With playoffs secured in two of my leagues (finishing 2nd and 6th) and a title charge still on in my non-playoff league, it’s going to be a wild finish. I hope you’re all ready to win some money or avoid those dreaded forfeits. Here are this week’s picks!

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Karl Darlow | 2-6 points vs. Burnley (H)
-9% ownership change
The ownership change suggests Darlow was just used for the double gameweek and not a lot of people trusted them to keep a clean sheet at home to Burnley. They were right, however Darlow won’t care as leads pretty much secure another season in the Premier League.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) (2-6 points)

• Ownership: 53% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Man United (H)

• Interesting Stat: 81st percentile for save percentage (71%)

I’m a simple man: I see Wolves at home, and I pick the goalkeeper. Bart Verbruggen has hardly let me down this season when I’ve recommended him, and I’m backing him once again. Brighton will be looking to bounce back immediately from their defeat to Newcastle as they continue their push for a European spot. With Wolves struggling for clinical finishing away from home, Verbruggen is the obvious keeper choice for any defense this weekend.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

James Justin | 7-11 points vs. Burnley (H)
+2% ownership change
Every time I suggest Justin, Bogle gets a goal involvement and every time I recommend Bogle, Just gets a goal involvement. So just pick the one I don’t suggest next time! Having said that no clean sheet and ~9 points is not bad.
Rating: That’s His Job

Harry Maguire | 3-6 points vs. Liverpool (H)
+2% ownership change
His points didn’t quite match his performance as Maguire looks very much like his old self with another dominate performance. Sunderland away next, but United are find there groove again and it’s no coincidence Maguire is at the back-bone of it.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

• Last Game: vs. Fulham (H) (10-13 points)

• Ownership: 36% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs West Ham (A), Burnley (H), Crystal Palace (A)

• Interesting Stat: 98th percentile for successful dribble % compared to other fullbacks

Myles Lewis-Skelly was exceptional filling in for Martin Zubimendi, delivering an excellent performance that showcased exactly what Arsenal had been missing: relentless energy and forward-thinking passing. With a tough away game at West Ham next, Arsenal will be desperate to capitalize on their lead after City’s 3–3 draw with Everton. The big question is whether MLS can do enough to secure a spot on the World Cup plane this summer. If he maintains the form he showed last week, and if his mid-week injury from the Atletico clash isn’t too serious, he has a fantastic chance of making the squad.

Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (4-9 points)

• Ownership: 15% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 85th percentile for touches in oppositions box

It’s great to see Destiny Udogie playing again after what feels like a long time out. You can tell he’s a incredibly solid player, and Tottenham will definitely need him this weekend following his impressive performance away at Villa. Seriously, who expected them to come away with a 2–1 win there? With that momentum going into a must-win game against Leeds, Udogie could be the key to helping Spurs secure a clean sheet in what I expect to be a very tight affair.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Kobbie Mainoo | 14-16 points vs. Liverpool (H)
+2% ownership change
For all those football romantics out there, is there anything better then seeing a young academy product sign a new contract, commit his future to the club and then score the winner against your biggest rivals. Mainoo is a big game player and I’m excited to watch him develop. Next season I see him as being a great draft option mid-round.
Rating: Man of the Match

Mathias Jensen | 12-17 points vs. West Ham (H)
+7% ownership change
Mathias Jensen continues his great form with another solid performance as Brentford dominated at home against West Ham. Four weeks in row now with double digits for points and honestly, he’s just a very enjoyable player to watch.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) (13-15 points)

• Ownership: 26% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Man United (H)

• Interesting Stat: 79th percentile for non penalty expected goals

Jack Hinshelwood seems to have settled into that attacking midfield role quite nicely, finishing off a well-worked Brighton team goal against Newcastle. With Wolves at home next and Brighton still fighting for a European spot, you’d imagine this could be a high-scoring affair—especially given the Seagulls’ impressive home record this season.

Joao Palinha (Tottenham)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (2-4 points)

• Ownership: 37% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for expected goals versus other midfielders

I feel like João Palhinha is due a goal, having already racked up four goals and two assists this year in a struggling Spurs side. With a must-win game against Leeds this weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds the scoresheet. Roberto De Zerbi seems to have reinvigorated not only the midfield but the entire squad, and Palhinha is reaping the rewards of that new-found energy.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Georginio Rutter | 6 points vs. Newcastle (A)
+3% ownership change
Six points in 10 minutes is a great appearance by Rutter and I still think he offers value for the last couple of games of the season providing he starts. That’s a big if though, but Wolves at home next so keep an eye on line-ups Saturday.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Mathys Tel (Tottenham)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (11-13 points)

• Ownership: 48% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 84th percentile for chances created versus other forwards

Mathys Tel delivered a wonderful cross to set up Richarlison as Spurs capitalized on an Aston Villa team that looked like they had one eye on their Europa League campaign. That was easily the best Tottenham have looked in a while, and they completely deserved the 2–1 win. While the upcoming game against Leeds will be tough, Tottenham will be looking to maintain this momentum, and Tel is looking like one of their most dangerous players in the final third.

Fixture Spotlight

Brighton

• Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) L 3-1

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Man United (H)

If you don’t know who to pick this weekend, look to Brighton’s lineup for their home clash against Wolves. We’ve already mentioned Hinshelwood, but keep an eye on Mats Wieffer (55% owned) and Georginio Rutter (52% owned). While Wieffer is currently a doubt following an ankle knock at Newcastle, his teammate Joel Veltman (1% owned) is ready to step in and represents a very smart, low-ownership pick-up. With Brighton boasting an 8-win record at the Amex this season and Wolves struggling to find the net, this is the perfect fixture to load up on Seagulls.

One to Watch

Rio Ngumoha looked incredibly bright in his cameo against Manchester United, nearly dragging Liverpool back into the game. Surely Arne Slot should be considering him for a start, as the teenager has looked dangerous every time he’s stepped onto the pitch and has proven his clinical edge multiple times this season. Keep a close eye on the lineups this weekend; with Liverpool facing a Chelsea side in total turmoil, this could be the perfect moment to unleash Ngumoha from the first whistle.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob

Did anyone else get “done over” by the blank gameweeks? I find myself needing a lot of luck in these remaining games to have any shot at the title, but since playoffs have pretty much been made in my other two leagues, it’s not all bad. It’s officially crunch time, and as a reminder: Crystal Palace and Manchester City have double game weeks coming up after next week, so keep that in mind for your upcoming pick ups!

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Mads Hermansen | 1-6 points vs. Everton (H)
+15% ownership change
The big ownership increase shows everyone starting to see the value in taking a gamble on Hermansen. Only one save against Everton, so points were limited this game and with Brentford away this upcoming week there might be better options.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Karl Darlow (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Bournemouth (A) (9-11 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 89% percentile for accurate long passes

Karl Darlow continued his excellent form in the double gameweek and currently stands as the second-highest scoring goalkeeper in the last 30 days, trailing only Bernd Leno. We are seeing a clear pattern emerge this weekend, and to no one’s surprise, it’s all about Leeds players. At home to Burnley and with a favorable run of fixtures coming up, the salvation of your fantasy season starts in the net with a much-improved Darlow.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Luke Shaw | 9-11 points vs. Brentford (H)
+8% ownership change
Luckily for Shaw fantasy owners he came off injured before Brentford so got that clean sheet bonus! I’ll be honest, United were extremely fortunate to only concede a goal, a wins a win though!
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

James Justin (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Bournemouth (A) (0-4 points)

• Ownership: 32% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for goals versus other centre backs

The thing with James Justin this season is that he’s a bit of a rollercoaster when it comes to points. One week it’s close to 20 and the next it’s close to 0. But if you get him on a good week, it could win you the game week. With Leeds likely to dominate possession at home to Burnley in a game they must win to stay clear of the relegation scrap, Justin will likely help at both ends of the pitch.

Harry Maguire (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (19-26 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (H), Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (H)

• Interesting Stat: 93rd percentile for headed shots versus other centre backs

What a U-turn it’s been for Harry Maguire. Many United fans wanted him out the door a couple of years ago, but he is now considered an important first-team player who leads both on and off the pitch. He has completely earned his recent contract extension, and picking up an assist last weekend, shows his inevitable threat in the box. With Bruno Fernandes providing elite delivery from set pieces, Maguire is a could get some big points in the last gameweeks and lets not forget he’ll be wanting to get a crucial goal against Liverpool like he did at Anfield earlier this season.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Habib Diara | (-1 -2) points vs. Nottingham Forset (H)
+14% ownership change
I’m really hoping you read my report on him last week and disagreed. I suppose you can be happy you’re not paying to read this!
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Kobbie Mainoo (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (10-12 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (H), Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (H)

• Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for successful dribbles versus other midfielders

It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned a United midfielder, but if you’re looking for one, Kobbie Mainoo is him. He’s looked very good since Michael Carrick slotted him back into the team, and his performance against Brentford was, in my opinion, his best yet. He was great at both ends of the pitch and racked up 10+ fantasy points. With Liverpool at home next, we know that Mainoo is a “big game” player who thrives under the lights at Old Trafford.

Mathias Jensen (Brentford)

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (18-23 points)

• Ownership: 42% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs West Ham (H), Manchester City (A), Crystal Palace (H)

• Interesting Stat: 95th percentile for expected assists versus other midfielders

Mathias Jensen scored a wonderful long strike to top off another impressive performance in the 2–1 loss at Old Trafford. He’s averaging about 12 points over his last three games, proving his technical floor is incredibly high right now. Please pick him up if he’s still available; he’s been very dependable, and Brentford continuously create chances. With a home clash against West Ham next, Jensen is the ideal candidate to spearhead your midfield while the bigger names are blanking.
Ryan Sessegnon (30% owned) scored the only goal of the game and looked bright once again against Villa as he currently keeps out Robinson. Away at Arsenal might not be the game to start him, but he could be worth holding onto if you have space in your squad!

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Omari Hutchinson | 9-11 points vs. Sunderland (A)
+10% ownership change
Comments Hutchinson was heavily involved in Forests demolishing of Sunderland. He didn’t get a goal or an assist, but played well and still put up a decent fantasy haul. Igor and Wood both on the scoresheet too, so all three recommendations doing well!
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Georginio Rutter (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (H) (11-13 points)

• Ownership: 49% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (A), Wolves (H), Leeds (A)

• Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for penalties awarded versus other wingers

Tottenham fans were in bits when Georginio Rutter scored his last-minute equalizer two weekends ago, and he followed that up with an assist against Chelsea. Not fully owned in most leagues, he could be a good option against a Newcastle side that has been inconsistent of late. If he’s picking up form for this last part of the season, he could be a great asset for anyone who needs a forward. The big question will be whether he plays instead of or alongside Danny Welbeck in Fabian Hürzeler’s attacking setup.

Fixture Spotlight

Leeds

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (N) L 1-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H), West Ham (A)

Leeds will be gutted to miss out on what would have been their first FA Cup Final appearance since 1973, the year they suffered that famous upset against second-division Sunderland. To make matters worse, wins for Forest, Spurs, and West Ham last weekend have kept the pressure firmly on the Whites. However, their upcoming fixtures are definitely winnable, and that starts with a massive clash against Burnley at Elland Road. The following players are still below 50% owned: Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rodon.

One to Watch

Mateus Mane looked impressive in his first 90 minutes in a while against Spurs, getting double digits in points. With Sunderland at home and the forward pool scarce, he could be a good gamble or at lteast keeping an eye out. These last couple of games could be an opportunity for Mane to show he’s a Premier League player as I’m sure he’ll get interest this summer.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob

It’s the blank game week survival test time with six teams (Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley, Chelsea, Leeds, and Man City) watching from the sidelines, your squad depth is officially under the microscope. I was flying high after the double game week, but the schedule has now come for my squad; I’m heading into a matchup against 15 active players with just 9 of my own. It’s “go big or go home” time with only four rounds to go, so I’ve pulled the trigger on a move that hurts: dropping Phil Foden and Estêvão. It’s a massive gamble against the second-place manager, but when you’re chasing the title, sometimes you have to take that risk.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Karl Darlow | ( 10-11 points vs. Wolves (H), 6-11 points vs. Bournemouth (A) )
+27% ownership change
Darlow continues his good form against Wolves with a clean sheet and a solid performance at Bournemouth. He’s going to be a good option if you need a keeper for the remainder of the season.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Mads Hermansen (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Everton (H) (11-15 points)

• Ownership: 30% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (H), Brentford (A), Arsenal (H)

• Interesting Stat: 81st percentile for saves per match (3.23)

Averaging about 12 points a game in the last 30 days, Mads Hermansen seems like the obvious choice this weekend, even with a tough match against an Everton side that boasts a strong away record this season. Fresh off a well-earned point away at Palace, West Ham will look to grab all three points at the London Stadium to further bridge the gap between themselves and Spurs. With the Danish international in the form of his life, he could be the perfect anchor for a “Blank Gameweek” squad.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Jayden Bogle | ( 9-12 points vs. Wolves (H), 2-3 points vs. Bournemouth (A) )
+33% ownership change
Not an amazing return against Wolves, but still pretty good and Bogle came off injured against Bournemouth at half time. Still decent points for this gameweek.
Rating: That’s His Job

Olivier Boscagli | (5-9 points vs. Tottenham (A), 10-13 points vs. Chelsea (H) )
+11% ownership change
Despite conceding two goals, Boscagli still managed a decent points return away at Tottenham as they stole a point at the end and continued his good performance against a woeful Chelsea with a clean sheet.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Luke Shaw (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (14-16 points)

• Ownership: 47% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Brentford (H), Liverpool (H), Sunderland (A)

• Interesting Stat: Stats are compared to CBs on Fotmob - thanks Amorim. 87th percentile for successful crosses though.

Surprisingly, Luke Shaw has played the most games in a season in his career since he was 18 at Southampton. He might not have the same attacking output he had in his prime, but he’s still a very reliable defender and is always smart and composed on the ball. Can United make it two clean sheets in a row? I’m not sure, but with not too many options this week, I like Shaw the most.

Ian Maatsen (31% owned) is another tempting shout after his assist last time out, but a trip to Fulham is tricky, and with rotation between him and Digne still a factor, Shaw feels like the safer pair of hands.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Zian Flemming | (11-14 points vs. Nottingham Forest (A), 1-2 points vs. Man City (H) )
+7% ownership change
Even against City, Flemming had some decent chances and he seems to also find good positions. I can definitely see him staying in the Premier League next year. He could be a decent signing for a lot of clubs needing a forward.
Rating: That’s His Job

Ao Tanaka | (12-17 points vs. Wolves (H), 2-3 points vs. Bournemouth (A) )
+16% ownership change
Like most Leeds players this game week, they got the big points in the first game against Wolves. Tanaka hopefully was the help you needed for the double gameweek!
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Habib Diarra (Sunderland)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (6-9 points)

• Ownership: 0% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Wolves (A), Man United (H)

• Interesting Stat: 75th percentile for duels won

Despite the 1–0 loss to Brighton at home and a poor fantasy performance, Habib Diarra has been averaging around 10 points a game since the end of February. He’ll be kicking himself, though, if he had finished his 1v1 chance or played an easy pass to Talbi in the dying moments (right before Villa went up the other end and scored) he could have been the hero. Maybe he can be the hero this weekend at Forest.
Alternatively, I also like Chris Rigg (4% owned), who scored a fantastic goal against Villa. Both could be great options with Nottingham Forest visiting the Stadium of Light this weekend!

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Valentin Castellanos | (4-6) points vs. Crystal Palace (A)
+2% ownership change
Although Taty didn’t get on the scoresheet he still looked won of West Ham’s most dangerous players and always seems to get into dangerous positions. I would definitely keep him with Everton at home next.
Rating: On The Bench

Noah Okafor | ( 25-29 points vs. Wolves (H), 1-3 points vs. Bournemouth (A) )
+39% ownership change
Okafor showed the kind of fantasy player he is across the two games, unplayable at times but inconsistent. He’ll be great option for home games for the rest of the season!
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Omari Hutchinson (Nottingham Forest)

• Last Game: vs. Wolves (H) (8-9 points)

• Ownership: 38% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (A), Chelsea (A), Newcastle (H)

• Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for expected assists versus other wingers

Slim pickings this weekend, and other options I’d gamble on are Igor Jesus (36% owned) and Chris Wood (55% owned), as Forest will look to get more points away at Sunderland. It’ll be a tough game, but all the teams down the bottom are fighting, and Forest will feel confident after their great 4–1 win over Burnley. I think Hutchinson can continue to be the spark for Forest and can be a good option this weekend and same with Igor too.

Fixture Spotlight

Sunderland

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) L 4-3

• Next Fixtures: vs. Nottingham Forest (H), Wolves (A), Man United (H), Everton (A)

Sunderland will be wanting to redeem themselves this weekend after that dramatic ending in the Villa game, where they came so close to winning but ultimately fell short. Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor are battling it out to start up top, and with both under 30% ownership, they offer great value. I’ve mentioned Diarra and Rigg above, but Chemsdine Talbi is also available and is firmly in contention to start. If the Black Cats can replicate the heart they showed in the comeback at Villa Park, they should be a handful for Forest on Friday night.

One to Watch

If you didn’t see Ayden Heaven’s performance last week against Chelsea, it’s well worth taking a look. With United losing Leny Yoro right before the game and having to use Noussair Mazraoui as a make-shift center-back, I don’t think anyone expected United to come away with a clean sheet. But they did, and Heaven was a massive part of that. He’s definitely one for the future, and given the current injury crisis at Old Trafford, he wouldn’t be a bad choice for your squad this gameweek either.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob

If you want to see what fantasy football “hell” looks like, look at my points-against column. I’m sitting in third, just a couple of results off the top, despite my opponents somehow scoring 500 more points against me than the leaders. I’m basically spotting the other team a 16-point head start every game week! Still, watching Arsenal’s title slip and Spurs’ slow-motion slide toward the Championship makes the medicine go down a bit easier. We have a massive double gameweek ahead for Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley, Chelsea, Leeds, and Man City. If you aren’t loading up on these six teams, you’re playing for second place - be careful GW34 will have 6 clubs not playing.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Bart Verbruggen | (16-17) points vs. Burnley (A)
+14% ownership change
Make that 4 for 5 suggesting Verbruggen this season and his ownership is now above 50% for the first time this season. Four saves and a clean sheet is another solid display for Verbruggen as Brighton win thier third game on the bounce.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Karl Darlow (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (10-14 points)

• Ownership: 11% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H GW32), Bournemouth (A GW32), Burnley (H GW34)

• Interesting Stat: 62nd percentile for save percentage (67%) compared to other goalkeepers

Averaging just under 12 points a game in his last three games and helping Leeds to their first victory at Old Trafford in over 45 years, Karl Darlow could be a good pickup for the double gameweek. With Wolves at home, you’d hope he can grab a clean sheet, followed by a tough game away to Bournemouth where you’d imagine he will face a lot of shots. Given his current momentum and the extra fixtures, he’s a strong candidate to anchor your defense this week.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Abdukodir Khusanov | (11-13) points vs. Chelsea (A)
+2% ownership change
Another solid performance for Khusanov as Man City close the gap on Arsenal, as much as I’d like to give him a MOtM rating, I think it’s just below that. With 15% ownership, he’ll be available and worth grabbing in most leagues as Man City kick on.
Rating: That’s His Job

Konstantinos Mavropanos | (36-42) points vs. Wolves (H)
+13% ownership change
Well, I’m honestly just kicking myself as I didn’t pick him up this week and it most likely will cost me. Probably my best suggestion all year and a performance worthy of two man of the matches as Mav scored two goals and got a clean sheet. Keep him as West Ham look to keep climbing.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Jayden Bogle (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (13-19 points)

• Ownership: 22% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H GW32), Bournemouth (A GW32), Burnley (H GW34)

• Interesting Stat: 72nd percentile for big chances created vs other full-backs

Jayden Bogle has averaged around 16 points in his last two games and looked dangerous going forward at Old Trafford, where he provided the assist for Noah Okafor’s opening goal. Leeds play Wolves at home followed by Bournemouth away for the double, and they look like a well-organized team that really plays well in the 3-5-2. That system relies on having two very good wing-backs, and Leeds really do have that with Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson. If you’re looking for a defender with high attacking upside for the double, Bogle is a standout option.

Olivier Boscagli (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Burnley (A) (20-22 points)

• Ownership: 7% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs. Tottenham (A GW32), Chelsea (H GW32), Nottingham Foreset (H GW34)

• Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for expected assists vs other centre-backs

At the beginning of the season, Tottenham away and Chelsea at home would look like two very difficult games. However, with the form both these teams are in, this gives a big opportunity for Brighton players this gameweek. Olivier Boscagli has averaged 15 points in his last two outings, and I can see him continuing that form. With Lewis Dunk suspended for one more game (the trip to Spurs), you’d imagine Boscagli will keep his spot, and if he keeps playing like this, he could even keep Dunk out of the side.

Also going unnoticed is Jaydee Canvot (8% owned), who has been averaging about 13 points a game over his last three as Palace start to pick up some good form—they are now unbeaten in three.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Keane Lewis-Potter | (9-12) points vs. Everton (H)
+4% ownership change
Another solid display for KLP as he hits double digits for the third week running. If you’re looking for a consistent low owned midfielder, this is the guy you should try and pick up, especially with Fulham at home next!
Rating: That’s His Job

Joshua King | (1-2) points vs. Liverpool (A)
+3% ownership change
King struggled to make an impact away at Anfield as, to be honest, the whole team really struggled to create much on Saturday. It didn’t help his points score as he was taken off at half-time too. Although inconsistent this season, I’m excited to see King over the next few years develop as there’s a very talented and exciting prospect there.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Zian Flemming (Burnley)

• Last Game: vs. Brighton (H) (6-8 points)

• Ownership: 47% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs. Nottingham Forest (A GW32), Leeds (H GW32), Burnley (H GW34)

• Interesting Stat: 80th percentile for shots and aerial duels won vs other forwards

With a double gameweek coming up, look no further than Zian Flemming, who’s always a goal threat every time he plays. He’s averaging about 12+ points a game in the last 60 days, which is pretty great, and he is still widely available. Don’t let him playing for Burnley turn you off picking him up; he could get some big points for these next two games! Facing both Brighton and Manchester City is a tough ask, but Flemming’s individual form and constant involvement in the final third make him a gamble worth taking during this double.

Ao Tanaka (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (16-20 points)

• Ownership: 4% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H GW32), Bournemouth (A GW32), Burnley (H GW34)

• Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for expected goals vs other midfielders

Tanaka created four key passes against United and was at the heart of the Leeds attack as they dominated at Old Trafford. The team looks hungry, and that win might have been the one to keep them up this season. With a double gameweek for a player who’s always a threat, Tanaka could be a great pickup this week.

Alternatively, I also like Yeremy Pino (30% owned), as he looked very bright against Newcastle while Palace look to continue reviving their form. He’s starting to find his spark again and could be a vital part of Palace’s strong finish to the campaign.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Brian Brobbey | (0-2) points vs. Tottenham (H)
+6% ownership change
I feel like every time I watch Brobbey I’m always impressed with his physicality and feel like his fantasy scores deserve more than what he gets. Some players are just like that, Kai Havertz comes to mind too. Anyway, a difficult game at Villa park means looking for a different option next week.
Rating: Transfer List

Rodrigo Muniz | (7-8) points vs. Liverpool (A)
+2% ownership change
Seven to Eight points a game is solid, especially if Muniz can start adding a goal or assist to his output. Not amazing, but not bad either.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Valentin Castellanos (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Wolves (H) (24-28 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs. Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H), Brentford (A)

• Interesting Stat: 78th percentile for big chances created vs other forwards

The one thing I really like about Taty Castellanos is that he always looks hungry to score when he plays and gets himself into dangerous positions. That’s a great trait to have in a forward. With West Ham looking like the “in-form” relegation-battling side right now, Taty is relatively low-owned and could be the pickup to solve your forward line, especially since there are not a lot of other great options out there. Coming off a massive performance against Wolves, he’ll be confident he can keep this run going and pull the Hammers further away from the drop zone.

Noah Okafor (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (20-24 points)

• Ownership: 19% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H GW32), Bournemouth (A GW32), Burnley (H GW34)

• Interesting Stat: 81st percentile for expected goals vs other forwards

Noah Okafor scored two goals, the second being a great volley, to silence Old Trafford on Monday night. Now, I know we’ve been here before with recommending Okafor, but with a double game week coming up, his confidence riding sky-high makes him seem like a worthwhile gamble. The first game is against Wolves at home, where he’ll be looking to capitalize on his momentum, followed by a trip to Bournemouth. If he can maintain this clinical edge, he could be the difference maker for you this week.

Fixture Spotlight

Aston Villa

• Last Game: vs. Nottingham Forest (A) D 1-1

• Next Fixtures: vs. Sunderland (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham (H), Burnley (A)

Villa are picking back up form, and although many of their players will be highly owned, there’s still an opportunity to pick up some differentials. I’d imagine Ross Barkley (22% owned) and Amadou Onana (22% owned) will be battling it out for the center-mid spot now that Youri Tielemans has returned to the side. Out wide, Jadon Sancho (15% owned) and Emi Buendía (31% owned) will also be looking to get minutes during this run. With Villa still competing in the Europa League, I’d imagine the lineup for the Bologna game will give us a major clue for this upcoming weekend against Sunderland. Plenty of their defenders are still available too, with Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, and Victor Lindelöf all having below 35% ownership.

Leeds

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) W 2-1

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H GW32), Bournemouth (A GW32), Burnley (H GW34), Tottenham (A GW35)

With the Double Gameweek coming up, there are plenty of Leeds players available, and I have already profiled four of them above. To add to those names, James Justin (22% owned) and Gabriel Gudmundsson (18% owned) are both low-owned options at the back, while Ilia Gruev and Lukas Nmecha are also sitting below 10% ownership. If you need extra numbers this week—look to Leeds!

One to Watch

Lewis Miley (16% owned) returned to the Newcastle team last week and picked up an assist in his first game back. With Bruno Guimarães still out of action, this creates a great opportunity for Miley (who looked excellent earlier in the season) to reclaim his spot. It’s a difficult game at home against an in-form Bournemouth side on Saturday, but if Miley can replicate the form he showed before his absence, he could be a vital asset for the final stretch of the season. Keep an eye on him.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

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With just seven games remaining of the Premier League season and Man United fans enjoying a second-half revival that will hopefully see them return to the Champions League, it begs the question: Who will they sign this summer?

Last summer, United reinforced up front with Mateus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Now, with Casemiro leaving and United desperate to fill that massive loss, you would imagine they will be trying to sign at least one marquee player plus one more, as United look to play 10–15 more games next season.

This visualization shows radar charts of the current United midfielders, elite midfielders from around the world, and potential targets linked with United and other clubs over the last couple of months.

I think everyone can see how Elliott Anderson is the standout; he leads in duels won percentage and recoveries, and he is elite at driving the ball up the field. He will be most people’s first choice, but if he goes to City, who are you signing? Who else would you like to see bolster the midfield, and which players based on these charts do you think will complement Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo?

Personally, if we can’t sign Anderson, I’d love to get Boubacar Kamara. He really offers the defensive attributes we’ll be missing, as he wins a lot of duels (7+ per game) and aerials (2+ per game), too. We can clearly see that James Garner has been having a fantastic season; it’s a shame ten Hag let him go, and the fact he signed a new contract is frustrating, as I’m sure most fans would love him back.

Adam Wharton is also a name on most clubs’ transfer lists this summer. His defensive stats aren’t quite up there with Anderson or Kamara, but he does have more of an eye for a pass, with his expected assists being among the highest in this group.

Carlos Baleba and Lucien Agoumé have similar stats (both are defensively very sound), but Baleba is listed at more than six times the market value. Would it be worth taking the risk on Agoumé, or do you pay the likely high price for Baleba—who, let’s face it, has struggled a little this season? Even Anton Stach offers similar stats to these two for a lower cost than Baleba; however, I’d imagine it would be tough to buy him from Leeds, especially if they stay up.

We’ve been heavily linked with Sandro Tonali, but his stats compared to the other midfielders in this dashboard don’t seem as impressive. Are his intangible attributes, like his leadership, seen as more important? His teammate, Bruno Guimarães, is impressive in both areas and is having another excellent season, but both he and Tonali would likely be very expensive options.

For cheaper options and reinforcements, I think going for either Mateus Fernandes or João Gomes (my personal choice) would be smart moves. With both their clubs facing relegation, this leaves a great opportunity to potentially secure a cheaper deal. We can also see Ibrahim Sangaré here, who possesses great defensive stats; however, his FotMob rating being below 7.0 indicates we might want to find better quality, as he lacks in other areas despite being defensively sound.

Angelo Stiller is also on a lot of teams’ radars this season. He is not only decent defensively but also offers creativity, as he is only behind Fernandes and Kimmich for expected assists. He could be expensive, and a lack of Premier League experience could be a turn-off, but could he be the next big star?

This window will be vital for Man United to get right, as they have needed an elite central midfielder for a long time. If the last few years have told us anything about the midfielder market, with Declan Rice, Moisés Caicedo, and Enzo Fernández all costing £100M+, there’s one thing for certain: United will have to spend big to get the player they believe is the man for the job.

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Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob

That’s the last time I trust Newcastle this year, I think, or at least the last time I recommend multiple players from the same team in the same gameweek. Lesson learned! Does anyone else feel like time moves slower during the international break? I’ll be honest, I haven’t watched much and enjoyed a little break from the football, but now that it’s mid-week, I’m eager to be back at it, even though we still have another week to wait. I’m gutted for Wales and Ireland not moving on this past week, and it’s a massive shock to see both Denmark and Italy get knocked out as well. Hopefully, this week’s picks will help as the Premier League returns with all the teams back in action.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Aaron Ramsdale | (6-8) points vs. Sunderland (A)
+20% ownership change
Ramsdale still managed some decent points despite Newcastle’s lack of hunger to see out Sunderland after going ahead. Newcastle have been so inconsistent this season, which was the same pattern they experienced Champions League football in the same season.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Liverpool (H) (7-13 points)

• Ownership: 43% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (A), Tottenham (A), Chelsea (H)

• Interesting Stat: 71st percentile for save percentage of 70%

It’s back-to-back double-point weeks for Bart Verbruggen, and with that great win against Liverpool, I fancy Brighton to get the job done at Turf Moor as they continue their good form. Don’t have a cow, man—I’m three for four recommending Bart this season, and he looks like the most reliable keeper in the league right now. Burnley are struggling to find the net, and with Verbruggen playing with this much confidence, he’s a must-start for the return of the Premier League.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Sven Botman | (5-9) points vs. Sunderland (A)
+23% ownership change
I’m not sayin Botman getting injured in 54th minute was the main reason I lost my gameweek, but it helped! Nothing worse when you see you defender with a clean sheet up to that point come off before 60 mins. Ah well, he did well before coming off. He’s out for the rest of the season which is big blow for Newcastle and fantasy owners.
Rating: On The Bench

Ethan Ampadu | (15-17) points vs. Brentford (H)
+11% ownership change
Once again this season, Amapdu shows what a quality fantasy asset he is. I would be keeping him as a great fourth choice option on any really given game week and a starter on a lot of them.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Abdukodir Khusanov (Man City)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham(A) (8-10 points)

• Ownership: 13% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for successful dribbles

Does anyone else remember Khusanov’s really shaky debut? If you do, then you’ll agree he has come on leaps and bounds since and put in another great performance in the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal. At such low ownership, can he help Manchester City keep the pressure on Arsenal? Although they are away at Chelsea, City are unbeaten in six against them and face a Chelsea side that looks particularly vulnerable right now. With his speed and discipline at the back, he’s a fantastic differential to consider for the run-in.

Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (10-13 points)

• Ownership: 9% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for expected goals

Mavropanos still put up double points despite losing 2-0 away at Villa. He’s averaged close to 18 points over the last two games, and West Ham will need another big performance from him as they face a must-win game against Wolves next. His high xG per 90 for a center-back shows he’s a real threat in the box, and this (combined with his massive defensive output) could be a game-changer for your squad this weekend.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Ross Barkley | (7-9) points vs. West Ham (H)
+14% ownership change
With Villa still in the Europa and turning form around in the league, I can see Barkley getting minutes. With Tielemans back, we’ll see how Barkley fits in. Could be beneficial.
Rating: That’s His Job

Joe Willock | (4-7) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+1% ownership change
I don’t think many Newcastle players can hold their head up high after losing both derby games this season. With no one turning up, it’s no surprise Willock also struggled.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Keane Lewis-Potter (Brentford)

• Last Game: vs. Leeds (A) (11-14 points)

• Ownership: 19% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (H), Fulham (H), Man Utd (A)

• Interesting Stat: Stats are biased towards him being listed as a full back.

Keane Lewis-Potter has put up back-to-back games of double points even as Brentford were left frustrated in that 0-0 draw at Leeds. Although Everton have been good on the road this year, I can see Brentford creating a lot of chances in this game as they won 4-2 away at Everton at the beginning of the year. KLP will look to continue his form and be a key creative outlet at the Gtech this weekend. If you’re looking for a midfielder who is currently “nailed-on” and producing consistent returns, he’s a great shout for Gameweek 32.

Joshua King (Fulham)

• Last Game: vs. Liverpool (A) (25-27 points)

• Ownership: 10% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (A), Brentford (A), Aston Villa (H)

• Interesting Stat: 85th percentile for duals won

Josh King finally got the goal he’s been working so hard for all season, and you could see exactly how much it meant to him. It’s a tough trip away to Liverpool next, but Fulham have proven they are a hard team to play against this year. History is on our side too; there have been 17 goals in the last four meetings between these two, with Fulham scoring eight of them. Expect goals in this one, and I expect King to be heavily involved as he looks to take advantage of Liverpool’s current leaky defense.

With Arsenal suffering a boatload of injuries, this also might create an opportunity for wonderkid Max Dowman (5%owned) to start. Keep an eye on line ups, or if you have space grab him now on the off chance he starts!

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Mathys Tel | (10-11) points vs. Nottingham Forest (H)
+28% ownership change
Spurs might be shit, but Tel’s fantasy points have remained consistently solid. He’s worth keeping around and it will be interesting to see how rape-apologist De Zerbi uses him.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)

• Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) (13-16 points)

• Ownership: 23% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Nottingham Forest (H)

• Interesting Stat: 82nd percentile for duels wins

Brian Brobbey was arguably the best player on the pitch as Sunderland took six points from the Tyne-side derbies this year. He showed the Newcastle fans exactly what a proper number 9 looks like, especially as the likes of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa continue to struggle for consistent minutes up top for the Magpies. You’d imagine he will be smelling blood as Sunderland welcome a “relegation-watch” Spurs side to the Stadium of Light next. Given Tottenham’s defensive frailties and Brobbey’s knack for the big occasion, he’s a prime candidate to lead your line this weekend.

Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham)

• Last Game: vs. Burnley (H) (7-9 points)

• Ownership: 33% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (A), Brentford (A), Aston Villa (H)

• Interesting Stat: 78th percentile for shots taken

Rodrigo Muniz is back and put up a solid display in his first start since earlier in the season. Although Raul Jimenez came on and scored, Muniz looked like his normal self, giving the two center backs a tough game. He’s not guaranteed to start at Anfield, but he could be a good pick-up with low ownership if you need a forward. Keep an eye on the team sheets, as Fulham’s rotation up top makes him a bit of a gamble, but the physical presence he showed suggests he’s ready to contribute.

Fixture Spotlight

West Ham

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) L 2-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H), Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H), Brentford (A)

It’s crunch time for West Ham over the next four games, as you’d imagine they would be desperate to move past Spurs and bridge the relegation gap. I mentioned Mavropanos (9% owned) above, but West Ham have plenty of other players who could be interesting pickups. Taty Castellanos (39% owned) will be looking forward to his team having more possession in these coming weeks, while Pablo (4% owned) will be desperate to finally get on the scoresheet. Can Tomáš Souček (43% owned) rewind the clocks and help save the Hammers’ Premier League status? He’s always likely to pop up with a goal over a four-game stretch, and there are definitely plenty of options here to help your team.

One to Watch

With Igor Tudor being sacked and Roberto De Zerbi coming in on a long-term deal, will we see the Spurs players fight for their new manager or will they continue their relegation-bound form? Pape Sarr (5% owned) was one of the only players to play okay in their embarrassing 3-0 loss at home to fellow relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest. If he can rediscover that elite form from last season, then he could be a great pickup for the final games of the season. Keep an eye on him, especially as De Zerbi usually loves a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder in his system.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck in the next game-week!

Subscribe now

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Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob

We’ve just witnessed history and a whole lot of “shithousery” this weekend. Max Dowman officially ended James Vaughan’s 20-year reign as the league’s youngest scorer with that stoppage-time strike against Everton, but the headlines are being shared with Jaydee Canvot’s antics at Palace as he celebrated a red card for Leeds’ Gudmundsson as if he’d just won the FA Cup. Blank Gameweek 31 is here. With the Carabao Cup Final taking center stage, City, Arsenal, Wolves, and Palace are all out of action. If you haven’t planned for a short squad, it’s time to find some high-value replacements -fast. Be warned there is likely to be another draft for GW34, so be ready.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Melker Ellborg | (4-8) points vs. Burnley (H)
+14% ownership change
Although conceding a bit of a weird goal, Ellborg made 3 saves and a brilliant one to deny Hinshelwood. I can’t see him keeping a clean sheet next week away at Newcastle.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (12-16 points)

• Ownership: 15% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Crystal Palace (A), Bournemouth (H)

• Interesting Stat: 77th percentile for high claims

Friend of the pod Aaron Ramsdale is finally taking advantage of the door opening at Newcastle, recording back-to-back starts and two elite performances. Newcastle host Sunderland next, and they’ll be hunting for redemption after their dismal loss at the Stadium of Light a couple of months ago. Ramsdale is clearly fighting to keep his starting spot over the recovering Nick Pope, and with Thomas Tuchel watching closely for his World Cup squad, I think we can expect another high-ceiling performance.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Alex Jiménez | (6-7) points vs. Burnley (A)
% ownership change
Comments I was a little bit surprised to see Jiménez not start against Burnley, hopefully you picked up Adam Smith and got the clean sheet bonus. Get 6 points. Still 6+ points from 28 minutes isn’t a bad ratio.
Rating: That’s His Job

Jackson Tchatchoua | (8-13) points vs. Brentford (A)
+5% ownership change
Tchatchoua again put in a solid performance away at Brentford and was unlucky to not have an assist as Armstrong probably should have converted his chance which brushed past the post. Two away games next, but Wolves look revitalized and both their wing-backs look like good fantasy assets.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Sven Botman (Newcastle)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (15-17 points)

• Ownership: 26% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Crystal Palace (A), Bournemouth (H)

• Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for expected goals

Sven Botman returned to the Newcastle lineup away at Chelsea and put in a wonderful performance as the Magpies took all three points. I’ll admit I was surprised to see this with Newcastle coming off a Champions League game and their inconsistent away form. However, with Newcastle looking to get another clean sheet at home, Sunderland seems like a great opportunity to do it. With Botman and Malick Thiaw at the back looking solid as a pair, he’s a great value defender to target this week.

Ethan Ampadu (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Crystal Palace (A) (19-20 points)

• Ownership: 43% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Brentford (H), Man United (A), Wolves (H)

• Interesting Stat: 95th percentile for duels won

Averaging 12 points a game in the last 30 days, Ethan Ampadu is still a viable option in a lot of leagues. I think you’d be wrong not to take a gamble on him this week at home to Brentford. It doesn’t matter what Leeds’ current form looks like; Ampadu is playing well individually and constantly putting up a good floor of points week-to-week. As the captain and the heartbeat of this side, he’s one of the few players you can trust to deliver a solid return regardless of the final result at Elland Road.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Alejandro Garnacho | (10-11) points vs. Newcastle (H)
+14% % ownership change
Garnacho continued his good form and showed he can be a reliable fantasy asset when he starts. Double digits with no goal contributions as Chelsea failed at home once again. I don’t think he’ll start every week, but he’s a gamble when he does.
Rating: That’s His Job

Dwight McNeil | (5-7) points vs. Arsenal (A)
+5% ownership change
Away at Arsenal might have made you bench McNeil last week, but 5+ points away isn’t terrible. I fancy him this week at home to Chelsea. Hopefully, he’s still available in your league.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Ross Barkley (Aston Villa)

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (14-16 points)

• Ownership: 3% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs West Ham (H), Nottingham (A), Sunderland (H)

• Interesting Stat: Only appeared in 13 matches this season

Ross Barkley scored a wonderful finish in his first start this season, even as Villa continue to struggle for results. With Youri Tielemans sidelined and Douglas Luiz still searching for the form he once showed at the club, Barkley has found a massive opportunity to claim a starting spot. He’ll be hoping to turn Villa’s form around so they can secure that vital Champions League spot. If he can maintain this level and play like he did at Luton Town a few years ago, he’s could be an absolute steal for your fantasy midfield.

Joe Willock (Newcastle)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (15-17 points)

• Ownership: 2% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Crystal Palace (A), Bournemouth (H)

• Interesting Stat: 77th percentile for non-penalty expected goals

Another very low-owned midfielder to watch is Joe Willock, who provided the assist for Anthony Gordon in Newcastle’s impressive away victory this past weekend. I’ve mentioned the value “up North” a few times now, but there are some genuinely good deals to be had! I used to pick up Willock quite often, but he’s struggled with injuries and hasn’t quite regained that explosive form from when he first arrived at Newcastle. However, he looked very good against Chelsea, especially with Newcastle still missing their captain Bruno Guimarães among other injuries. With a massive home derby against Sunderland next, Willock is a great differential to gamble on.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Georginio Rutter | 0 points vs. Sunderland (A)
-2% ownership change
Well, got that one wrong.
Rating: Did Not Play

Rio Ngumoha | (9-11) points vs. Tottenham (H)
+19% ownership change
Got this one kind of right. Rio looked like Liverpools main attacking threat as they yet again conceded a late goal to lose them points. He had 7 dribbles against Spurs. He’s an exciting fantasy prospect and you’d imagine will get more time as we edge towards the end of the season.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Mathys Tel (Tottenham)

• Last Game: vs. Liverpool (A) (11-13 points)

• Ownership: 34% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Sunderland (A), Brighton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 94th percentile for successful crosses

I mentioned him last week as a player to watch, and Mathys Tel has continued his strong form over the last two weeks, averaging just over 14 points a game. He looks much more comfortable out on the wing and has been providing a good return even in a struggling team. While it was actually Richarlison who bagged that dramatic last-minute equalizer away at Liverpool (a result no one had on the cards) Tel was a constant threat for the 75 minutes he was on the pitch. If Spurs are to revitalize their season and secure their Premier League status for next year, Tel’s pace and creativity on the flank will be absolutely vital.

Fixture Spotlight

Brighton

• Last Game: vs. Sunderland (A) W1-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Liverpool (H), Burnley (A), Tottenham (A), Chelsea (H)

Usually, a fixture against Liverpool would put you off recommending players for that match-up. However, as Liverpool’s defensive misery continues and seeing how open the game against Spurs was, I think it would be smart to see what attackers are available. We still see Diego Gómez (55% owned), Georginio Rutter (55% owned), Mats Wieffer (48% owned), and Ferdi Kadıoğlu (41% owned) all still somewhat available across the board. Jack Hinshelwood (8% owned) is playing more advanced lately, and Matt O’Riley (17% owned) might be given another chance after his Marseille loan spell. There are definitely options available to exploit a Liverpool backline that just can’t seem to close out games and play mid-week as well.

One to Watch

Where were you when you witnessed Max Dowman (3% owned) break the record for the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history? It’s a record previously held by James Vaughan for nearly 21 years, and what a goal it was to break it! It is hard not to think we have witnessed something special, and he also picked up 17+ fantasy points in that short cameo. He might not be ready to start every week just yet, but definitely keep an eye on the team sheets because if he does get the nod, you’ll want to grab him before someone else in your league does and if you’re also lucky enough to have space in your squad, he’s the one to pick up.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

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I still can’t quite believe that Tottenham might actually get relegated this season, and I’ve been genuinely surprised to see so many managers in my leagues still putting their trust in Spurs defenders. It turns out I’ve been pretty good at predicting goalkeepers recently, so if you’re only here for the man between the sticks, you’ve come to the right place! Only kidding, please keep reading, as I’ve spotted several players who are on the verge of redemption and could provide massive value as we head into the final stretch of the season.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Jose Sá | (12-16) points vs. Liverpool (A)
+1% ownership change
Wolves came up with the goods and Sa made 5 saves to give with another great performance. He probably should of had a clean sheet and would have been disappointed to not keep out Salahs equalizer.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Melker Ellborg (Sunderland)

• Last Game: vs. Leeds (A) (16-18 points)

• Ownership: 3% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Brighton (H), Newcastle (A), Tottenham (H)

• Interesting Stat: 1 game, 100% save percentage...only downhill from here.

’ll be honest, the goalkeeper pool isn’t super appealing this weekend with low-ownership options, so I’ve gone with Melker Ellborg, who is deputizing while Robin Roefs is out. Recording a clean sheet and four saves in his first game of the season against Leeds was an incredible fantasy return. The big test is whether he can keep it up with the Seagulls traveling north to Sunderland this weekend. Brighton just came off a tough 1-0 loss to Arsenal and will be hungry to find the net, but if Ellborg maintains the composure he showed on his debut, he could be the ultimate budget-keeper.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Jarrad Branthwaite | (11-14) points vs. Burnley (H)
% ownership change
Branthwaite put up another solid performance at home to Burnley and continues to be a threat from set-pieces. Got a sneaky feeling he could be worth playing away at Arsenal next week too.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Alex Jiménez (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (15-17 points)

• Ownership: 32% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (A), Man United (H), Arsenal (A)

• Interesting Stat: 92nd percentile for succesful dribbles

Averaging just over 12 points across his last three games, Álex Jiménez is a standout option as Bournemouth travel to Burnley. The Cherries have been a defensive wall lately, securing two clean sheets in their last three matches, and Jiménez has been a vital part of that unit. He’s also shown plenty of intent at the other end of the pitch, consistently finding himself in advanced positions. With a trip to Turf Moor next, this looks like the perfect opportunity for Bournemouth to extend their defensive form against a Burnley side that has struggled for consistency in front of goal.

Jackson Tchatchoua (Wolves)

• Last Game: vs. Liverpool (H) (10-17 points)

• Ownership: 2% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Brentford (A), West Ham (A), Leeds (A)

• Interesting Stat: 85th percentile for successful crosses

Jackson Tchatchoua has been averaging around 10-12 points in his last three games which is a decentish fantasy return for bottom club wolves. Brentford away will be tough, but Wolves are picking up momentum and with Hugo Bueno putting up good scores week-to-week on one wing can Tchatchoua emulate the same? He’s at least showing signs!

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Diego Gomez | (2-4) points vs. Arsenal (H)
+10% ownership change
Gomez couldn’t continue his goal scoring form as Brighton were unlucky to not get anything from the defeat to Arsenal. He’s still not the consistent fantasy asset, but will still have his moments this season.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (23-29 points)

• Ownership: 43% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (H), Everton (A), Man City (H)

• Interesting Stat: 95th percentile for assists

Alejandro Garnacho recorded six key passes against Villa to go with his assist, and he continued that rich vein of form away at Wrexham in the FA Cup with a crucial goal. Although he’s been a frustrating player at times this season—still searching for the consistent explosiveness he showed when he first burst onto the scene at United—there is clearly a high-potential talent in there. It’s now up to him to seize these opportunities and turn this hot streak into a permanent turnaround. With Newcastle visiting Stamford Bridge next, he’s a high-upside pick for your midfield, as the Toon aren’t great on the road.

Dwight McNeil (Everton)

• Last Game: vs. Burnley (H) (7-9 points)

• Ownership: 53% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Arsenal (A), Chelsea (H), Brentford (A)

• Interesting Stat: 82nd percentile for successful dribbles

With Jack Grealish out for the rest of the season, a massive opportunity has opened up for Dwight McNeil to prove he is a cornerstone of this Everton side. It hasn’t been the easiest campaign for him, but he’s hopefully starting to recapture the form he showed last season. His performance against Burnley was encouraging and he was integral to the second goal and provided the creative spark Everton have lacked at home. A 20% jump in ownership suggests the secret is out; if you want to capitalize on his “redemption arc” before the price sky-rockets, now is the time to bring him in.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Samuel Chukwueze | (5-7) points vs. West Ham (H)
+4% ownership change
Comments
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Georginio Rutter (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Arsenal (H) (9-11 points)

• Ownership: 56% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (A), Liverpool (H), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 75th percentile for big chances created

Georginio Rutter looked bright against Arsenal midweek, creating several problems for their backline and forcing a world-class save from David Raya. While his fantasy stock has dropped significantly since the start of the season, the underlying data suggests he’s finding his rhythm just as the final stretch begins. With Brighton’s “purple patch” resulting in a more settled side, and the return of key figures like Jan Paul van Hecke in defense and Yankuba Minteh on the wing, Rutter should benefit from improved service and a more cohesive team structure. If he can turn those “near misses” into goals, he could be a high-value asset for the run-in.

Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)

• Last Game: vs. Wolves (A) (9-11 points)

• Ownership: 7% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Tottenham (H), Brighton (A), Fulham (H)

• Interesting Stat: Not enough data, but average 7.2 on FotMob across last two games

Is Rio Ngumoha the next great English talent? Since is wonderful last minute winner against Newcastle earlier in the season, he’s had to be patient for minutes. However, he made an impression when he came on in both games he played against Wolves. Not only is he an exciting, young fearless player, but his fantasy points to minutes ration is quite absurd. In his last 3 games he’s totaled 50 mins and in that time got just under 20 points with no goalscoring contributions. This is the type of attacking output is gold. If he’s able to claim more time and especially with a struggling Spurs next, please keep an eye out for him this weekend as he didn’t feature against Galatasary!

Fixture Spotlight

Brentford

• Last Game: vs. Bournemouth (A) D 0-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Everton (H), Fulham (H)

Brentford have a lovely little run coming up, first starting against a revitalized Wolves after their win against Liverpool. Although, their front 4 are mainly owned we still have center-backs Nathan Collins (75% owned) assisting in their mid-week loss to West Ham and Sep van den Berg (60% owned) possibly available in your league. Kristoffer Ajer (14% owned) is mostly available if the other two options aren’t chosen and is likely to start with Rico Henry getting injured again. In midfield, Matias Jensen (33% owned) is sitting a little deeper with Damsgaard back and playing higher up, but still could be a threat. Jordan Henderson (7% owned) likely available in this run too if you think he’s capable of picking up some form

One to Watch

I thought about just mentioning Rio Ngumoha here, but his potential impact against a fragile Spurs defense this weekend makes him worthy of a standalone spotlight. He’s the most exciting talent to come through the Liverpool ranks in years, and with Anfield calling for him to start, he could be a hidden gem. Meanwhile, Mathys Tel has quietly maintained a very strong fantasy-points-to-minutes ratio over his last four games. While Tottenham are clearly a team in deep crisis, Tel’s individual quality and clinical edge remain intact. Keep a very close eye on the team sheets.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

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Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob

This past gameweek was filled with 36 goals and only two clean sheets—with Wolves surprisingly being one of the few teams to hold firm. With a quick turnaround looming, I was buzzing to have picked up Mikkel Damsgaard after seeing him in the starting lineup. He was electric against Burnley, and while I’m hoping he’s finally rediscovering the form he showed last season, we shouldn’t get too excited just yet. Burnley have a habit of making every attacker look like a world-beater. Anyway, it’s a short window to prepare for the midweek fixtures, so let’s dive in.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Djordje Petrovic | (5-7) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+7% ownership change
Petrovic managed 3 saves against Sunderland, however I feel Bournemouth will be frustrated to not only concede to Sunderland, but not also take three points where they have been good at home. Petrovic is in still good form so far.
Rating: That’s His Job

Bart Verbruggen | (4-8) points vs. Nottingham Forest (H)
+5% ownership change
Unlucky to have conceded a bit of a rocket from Morgan Gibb-White, this is the first time my recommendation of Verbruggens has scored less than double digits. Might be on the bench mid-week with Arsenal coming to town.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Jose Sá (Wolves)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (H) (16-17 points)

• Ownership: 17% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (H), Brentford (A), West Ham(A)

• Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for high claims

Am I getting carried away after Wolves’ 2-0 win against Villa by recommending José Sá for the midweek? Maybe, but he’s averaging just over 10 points a game in the last 30 days and Liverpool’s away record remains hit-or-miss. Sá has made 21 saves in his last five outings (just over four per game) which provides a very decent floor in leagues where saves are rewarded. Hopefully, you have a settled goalkeeper for this stretch, but if not, Sá is a calculated gamble with the potential for a massive result against a Liverpool side that can struggle to convert on the road.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Ferdi Kadioglu | (1-5) points vs. Nottingham Forest (H)
+4% ownership change
Although playing well, Kadioglu failed to make an impact going forward against Forest and since they weren’t able to keep a clean sheet either, his points total suffered. He’ll still be a good option this year for certain game weeks.
Rating: Transfer List

Jayden Bogle | (3-7) points vs. Man City (H)
0% ownership change
I did mention holding onto Bogle for the next game against Sunderland. I thought Leeds were actually quite unlucky to not score against City and again looked solid at home. I would keep him at home to Sunderland this weekend.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Jarod Branthwaite (Everton)

• Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) (16-21 points)

• Ownership: 44% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Arsenal (A), Chelsea (A)

• Interesting Stat: 94th percentile for duels won

Everton recorded their seventh away victory of the season at Newcastle, cementing the joint-second best road record in the league behind only Arsenal. Jarrad Branthwaite has been central to this recent form, currently averaging between 12-14 points per game. After scoring a great header at St. James’ Park, the real test now is whether Everton can replicate that success at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they haven’t won since early December. Hosting a struggling Burnley side on Tuesday is surely the best opportunity to break that home hoodoo, and Branthwaite is the ideal defender to help anchor a long-awaited home clean sheet.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Jacob Ramsey | (9-11) points vs. Team (A)
+11% ownership change
Ramsey had to come off at half time due to injury and got Newcastle back in the game with his deflected goal. Besides his goal, he didn’t offer to much fantasy wise. Hopefully, the injury is just not a scare and doesn’t sideline him for too long.
Rating: That’s His Job

Alex Scott | (13-14) points vs. Team (A)
+2% ownership change
Alex Scott continues to impress as he put in an all-round performance despite Bournemouth being frustrated with Sunderland. He had 4 interceptions, 2 clearances and 5 dribbles demonstrating to Tuchel that he also wants a place on the plane to the World Cup.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Diego Gomez (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Nottingham Forest (H) (19-22 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Arsenal (H), Sunderland (A), Liverpool (H)

• Interesting Stat: 76th percentile for non-penalty expected goals

Diego Gómez scored a wonderful “sidewinder” volley to open Brighton’s scoring at the weekend, marking his second goal in as many matches. This follows back-to-back weeks of 18+ points, proving he has finally found his clinical edge under Fabian Hürzeler. Brighton host league leaders Arsenal midweek and will be desperate to cause an upset at the Amex. While the Gunners’ defense is the best in the country, Gómez’s confidence is sky-high right now. If he can continue this streak against the title favorites, he’ll cement himself as a must-own asset for the final stretch of the season.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Eli Kroupi | (3-4) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+3% ownership change
Kroupi struggled as did the rest of the attack of Bournemouth against Sunderland this past weekend. I don’t think many were expecting for Bournemouth to not win and there to not be more goals. With Evanlison coming off injured, you’d imagine Kroupi will get another chance against Bournemouth.
Rating: Transfer Listed

This weeks picks are:

Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham)

• Last Game: vs. Tottenham (H) (6-7 points)

• Ownership: 54% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Burnley (H)

• Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for expected assists

It’s slim pickings for forwards this week, and I’m banking on some midweek rotation at Fulham to get Samuel Chukwueze into the starting XI. He was electric in his 19-minute cameo against Spurs, picking up roughly 6 points and nearly forcing a second goal. While Harry Wilson is a fixture on one flank, the other side is definitely up for grabs, and Chukwueze’s pace could be the secret weapon against West Ham. If you don’t fancy the Fulham gamble, Everton hosting Burnley is the alternative. Both Thierno Barry (63% owned) and Beto (25% owned) found the net in the 3-2 win at Newcastle; with Burnley leaking over two goals a game, one of them is almost guaranteed to lead the line and find success.

Fixture Spotlight

Fulham

• Last Game: vs. Tottenham (H) W 2-1

• Next Fixtures: vs. West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Burnley (H), Liverpool (A)

Fulham are hitting a purple patch at just the right time, claiming back-to-back wins as they head into another midweek London derby. While their premium assets are likely gone, there are plenty of high-value options still available. Samuel Chukwueze (54% owned) is currently battling Oscar Bobb (47% owned) for that spot on the flank, and both offer massive upside in this run. Emile Smith Rowe (40% owned) continues to pull the strings in midfield, while the defensive trio of Ryan Sessegnon (33% owned), Kenny Tete (46% owned), and a potentially returning Joachim Andersen (47% owned) provide a very solid floor. With West Ham still lingering at the bottom, now is the time to take your pick from this resurgent Fulham squad.

One to Watch

Oscar Bobb was incredibly impressive as Fulham added more misery to Tottenham this past weekend. I touted Bobb at the start of the season, believing he’d flourish with more game time. Fulham seems like the ideal environment for his development; he’s already seamlessly integrated into their attacking transition. With a 47% ownership already, it’s clear managers are watching him closely. Given the quick midweek turnaround and Harry Wilson’s minor ankle knock, Bobb is likely to see even more minutes, keep an eye out for the line-up this week.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Please leave a reply if you have enjoyed reading this, or wish me to stop wasting my time!

It’s been a bit frustrating lately, I’ve made suggestions only for them to smash it a week or two later. That’s fantasy for you: picking them up when they’re hot and knowing when to let go. For those who held Eberechi Eze, he repaid your patience with another masterclass against Tottenham; he really loves a North London derby. The title race is well and truly on, and we’re seeing the narrative flip weekly between Arsenal staying afloat and Man City closing in. Mark April 18th in your calendars—that City vs. Arsenal clash will likely decide the league. At the other end, the relegation battle is heating up as Spurs have decided to get involved, potentially bringing Championship football to their NFL-ready stadium next season! Anyway, on to this week’s picks.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Senne Lammens | (17-18) points vs. Everton (A)
+2% ownership change
Man I can’t keep saying this enough, but Lammens really has transformed this United team and brought the calmness they needed. Four saves and another solid game. I think I’d keep him for Palace at home if I was you.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Djordje Petrovic (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham (A) (14-16 points)

• Ownership: 50% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Brentford (H), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 75th percentile for saves (just over 3 per match)

I quite like Djordje Petrovic this week. He was fantastic away at West Ham, making three crucial saves to secure a clean sheet and a massive point for the Cherries. Bournemouth now host a Sunderland team that has struggled significantly on the road, scoring just 0.46 goals per game away from home this season. Given the Black Cats’ difficulty finding the net as guests and Petrovic’s current wall-like form, he’s a top-tier option for your starting XI.

Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (A) (17-19 points)

• Ownership: 29% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Arsenal (H), Sunderland (A)

• Interesting Stat: 71st percentile for save percentage (69.1%)

If in doubt, choose Bart Verbruggen. I’m hoping this can be my fourth successful suggestion for him this season! He was brilliant in Brighton’s first win in seven games, making four crucial saves to secure a clean sheet against Brentford. With Brighton seemingly building some momentum and hosting a Nottingham Forest side that has gone goalless in their last two outings, the stage is set. We might be tempting fate, but the data shows Brighton are a much more cohesive unit with Jan Paul van Hecke back at the heart of the defense.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Wesley Fofana | (8-11) points vs. Burnley (H)
+2% ownership change
Bit of a strange game week for Fofana. Getting sent off, but claiming a clean sheet at he left the field at 1-0 means his score turned out pretty decent all things considered. If he hadn’t got sent off we most likely would of seen a MoTM performance.
Rating: That’s His Job

Reinildo | no points vs. Fulham (H)
+1% ownership change
Turns out Reinildo is out for about 4 weeks so couldn’t get you negative points for Sunderland losing in back-to-back games this season.
Rating: Did Not Play

This weeks picks are:

Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (A) (16-18 points)

• Ownership: 42% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Arsenal (H), Sunderland (A)

• Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for successful dribbles

Have Brighton finally snapped out of their slump with that impressive away win at Brentford? If so, Ferdi Kadıoğlu might be one of the best low-ownership defenders to target for this gameweek. He was incredibly unlucky not to score himself; his powerful effort crashed off the bar, but it fell perfectly for Diego Gómez to coolly slot home the rebound. If the Seagulls are truly hitting a fresh vein of form, now is the time to jump on their assets before the ownership spikes. With a clean sheet under their belt and Forest up next at the Amex, Kadıoğlu’s attacking upside is massive.

Jayden Bogle (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (6-8 points)

• Ownership: 20% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Man City (H), Sunderland (H), Crystal Palace (A)

• Interesting Stat: 75th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and expected goals

I know Leeds are at home to Man City, and the last time I recommended James Justin, things didn’t go to plan—mostly because he was stuck at RCB rather than RWB. However, with Jayden Bogle playing in a more advanced wing-back role, the attacking upside is clear. While Man City are finding their rhythm, they are still prone to leaking goals. Leeds have been incredibly resilient lately, losing only two of their last 11 games. Even if you’re hesitant to start him against City, Bogle could be a great hold for the following home game against a Sunderland side that has lost four of their last five.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Mathias Jensen | (6-8) points vs. Brighton (H)
+17% ownership change
The big ownership increases shows that people are starting to pay attention to Jensen, however Brentford were surprisingly poor at home to Brighton and struggled to get on the scoresheet. Jensen did okay, but not great.
Rating: That’s His job

Jadon Sancho | (6-7) points vs. Leeds (H)
+2% ownership change
Sancho got those 6-7 points in 28 minutes, with 2 key passes, which was performance to hopefully gain more trust going forward. Bailey struggled to make an impression, Rogers and Buendia are a little off form, so hee could be worth holding onto - especially with Wolves next.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Jacob Ramsey (Newcastle)

• Last Game: vs. Man City (A) (17-19 points)

• Ownership: 9% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (H), Manchester United (H), Chelsea (A)

• Interesting Stat: 75th percentile for chances created.

Averaging just over 16 points in the last two weeks, are we finally seeing the Jacob Ramsey who was such a force at Villa before the injuries? It’s been a difficult few seasons for him, but he’s starting to look like his former self, bagging a goal against Spurs and following it up with an assist against Manchester City. Ramsey seems to have found his rhythm in this Newcastle side, and his ability to arrive late in the box makes him a dangerous asset. If he can stay fit, he could be one of the best value-for-money picks as we head into the final stretch of the season, especially when Bruno Guimaraes.

Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham (A) (7-10 points)

• Ownership: 51% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Brentford (H), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 82nd percentile for non-penalty expected goals

Midfielder pickings are feeling a little dry at the moment, which is why I’m recommending Alex Scott for the second time. Bournemouth face a Sunderland side that is struggling significantly on the road, having lost their last three away fixtures in the league. Scott remains a pivotal cog in the Cherries’ attack and consistently finds himself in dangerous areas, reflected in his high non-penalty expected goals (npxG). After Bournemouth surprisingly failed to find the net against West Ham last weekend, I expect a bounce-back performance at the Vitality; Scott is the most likely architect of that recovery.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Omari Hutchinson | (3-4) points vs. Liverpool (H)
+8% ownership change
Forest were very unlucky to not get anything against Liverpool and Hutchinson had some bright moments, but not enough to help Forest get ahead. Forest have a tricky run coming up, but Hutchinson and has been one of Forest’s bright performers this season so if he gets hot again like earlier in the season he might be worth picking up again.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Eli Kroupi (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs.West Ham (A) (10-11 points)

• Ownership: 57% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Brentford (H), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 95th+ percentile for goals, expected goals and shots on target.

Similar to the pool of midfielders, there aren’t many in-form forwards up for grabs at the moment, making Eli Junior Kroupi the obvious choice as Bournemouth face Sunderland. Kroupi has looked significantly more dangerous than Evanilson this season, already racking up eight goals in his first season. With Bournemouth surely relishing the chance to host a Sunderland side that has struggled for defensive consistency on the road, Kroupi’s movement and clinical finishing make him a high-upside play for this weekend.

Fixture Spotlight

Bournemouth

• Last Game: vs. West Ham (A) D 0-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Sunderland (H), Brentford (H), Burnley (A), Manchester United (H)

The theme of this week’s review is clearly Bournemouth. Not only are they hosting a Sunderland side in freefall, but they also have a fantastic run ahead against Brentford and Burnley. As you scout the Fantrax lists, you’ll find that Eli Junior Kroupi (57% owned), Amine Adli (54% owned), James Hill (53% owned), and Alex Scott (51% owned) are likely available in your leagues. Even Alex Jiménez (28% owned) is a high-value sleeper. Bournemouth are currently unbeaten in eight games and sitting comfortably in the top half; please take advantage of this schedule before these players are long gone.

One to Watch

While Tottenham are battling relegation, they desperately need a saviour. After Randal Kolo Muani (24% owned) grabbed his first Premier League goal against Arsenal—and was arguably unlucky not to have a second after Gabriel’s “flop”—could he be that man? The Spurs injury list is growing by the day, with all their creativity sidelined with the likes of Maddison, Kudus, and Kulusevski likely not returning this season, meaning the team is desperate for someone to step up. This could be Kolo Muani’s time to shine; he showed real hunger in the derby, and with Igor Tudor needing a focal point for his new system, the Frenchman is a high-upside gamble for anyone looking to navigate a tricky forward market.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from FotMob

Did anyone else face an opponent who had five Arsenal players for this double gameweek? No, just me? Lucky for me, while they had Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, and Gyökeres—who all failed to fire in that frustrating 1-1 draw at Brentford—the only one who really hurt me was their Piero Hincapié, who provided the assist for Madueke’s great header and scored a goal. I put all my hope in my own Arsenal asset, Eberechi Eze, however that kind of back-fired. Double game weeks are definitely annoying in head-to-head leagues when they aren’t in your favor, especially when only two teams have them. To be honest, it doesn’t always pay off to load up on those players; individual matchups and your consistent performers are who you should trust!

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Djordje Petrovic | (9-13) points vs. Everton (A)
+1% ownership change
Petrovic made 5 saves against Everton, with a couple of really excellent ones. Next away at a West Ham team on the rise. It may be a tough fixture, but Bournemouth are re-finding their form again.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Senne Lammens (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham (A) (2-5 points)

• Ownership: 37% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (A), Crystal Palace (H), Newcastle (A)

• Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for goals prevented

Senne Lammens has been the calming presence United have needed in goal since the post-De Gea era. With two clean sheets in his last five games and some impressive performances under his belt, United will be hopeful about getting a result at Goodison Park. Everton have struggled at home this season, and with Michael Carrick inspiring this United team, I fancy Lammens to pick up points even if a clean sheet doesn’t land. His shot-stopping has been elite, and he’s on the verge of becoming a “set-and-forget” option for many managers.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

James Justin | (3-5) points vs. Chelsea (A)
+4% ownership change
Justin still managed to get a few points, despite conceding two goals and getting a yellow card. I think if Leeds are playing at home and Justin is playing wingback, then he is a very solid pick-up. Away games are going to be a tough match-up, so maybe hold off of him away at Villa.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Wesley Fofana (Chelsea)

• Last Game: vs. Leeds (H) (4-7 points)

• Ownership: 54% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Arsenal (A), Aston Villa (A)

• Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for duels won.

If Wesley Fofana is fit and ready to start this weekend, picking him against Burnley should be a no-brainer. Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet since beating Brentford at home back in January, and they’ll be thinking there’s no better opportunity to end that drought than when they host Burnley. While his fitness has been managed carefully by Rosenior, Fofana’s presence in the backline significantly raises Chelsea’s ceiling. If he’s in the XI, the potential for both clean sheet and maybe another cheeky assist is hard to ignore.

Reinildo (Sunderland)

• Last Game: vs. Liverpool (H) (4-9 points)

• Ownership: 10% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Fulham (H), Bournemouth (A), Leeds (A)

• Interesting Stat: 90th percentile for blocked shots

Sunderland at home this season are a different beast, and Reinildo has been a standout performer, averaging about 13 points per game in his last four home appearances. He looks like a great pickup this weekend as the Black Cats host Fulham. While Marco Silva’s side is always tough to beat, Reinildo’s defensive consistency and “ghost point” potential make him a bargain addition to any backline. If you’re looking for a reliable home-form specialist, he is the one to target.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

El Hadji Malick Diouf | (2-9) points vs. Man United (H)
+2% ownership change
So, in one of my leagues Diouf is listed as a defender and come off before United scored so got a clean sheet. But, overall Diouf failed to make much of an impact in this game. I think he’s still a good option for the Bournemouth game.
Rating: On The Bench

Habib Diarra | (1-2) points vs. Liverpool (H)
0% ownership change
Picking Diarra at home against Liverpool was always going to be a bold choice. It failed, and I’m sorry. Hopefully...you ignored this pick.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Mathias Jensen (Brentford)

• Last Game: vs. (A) ( points)

• Ownership: 12% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Brighton (H), Burnley (A), Bournemouth (A)

• Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for big chances created

Mathias Jensen is still quietly going about his business, averaging close to 11.5 points over the last 30 days. That’s an exceptional return, and with Brentford hosting a struggling Brighton this weekend (who are winless in their last five league games with three losses) it looks like the perfect opportunity for him to continue his fine form. Jensen’s set-piece delivery and consistency in the middle of the park make him a reliable source of points, and against a Brighton side lacking confidence, he could be in for another big haul.

Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa)

• Last Game: vs. Brighton (H) (6-9 points)

• Ownership: 11% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Wolves (A), Chelsea (H)

• Interesting Stat: 78% for expected assists.

Jadon Sancho has looked bright since the start of February, averaging solid returns in his last two outings. With his Manchester United contract finally ending this summer, it seems he’s realized the urgency of finding a new club. Despite the struggles of the last few years, there is still a quality player in there. Sancho is at a pivotal point: he’ll either turn his career around now or end up in Dubai next year. If you can’t bring yourself to trust him, Daichi Kamada (11% owned) is a great alternative. He’s back from injury, and as Palace host bottom-of-the-league Wolves, he could be the creative spark they need to stabilize their form.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Tolu Arokodare | (3-7points) vs. Nottingham Forest (A) and (1-3 points) vs. Arsenal (H)
+24% ownership change
Seems like a lot of people had the same idea with Arokodare this past double-game week and although Wolves scraped two points, Arokodare failed to impact the game.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Omari Hutchinson (Nottingham Forest)

• Last Game: vs. Wolves (H) (12-15 points)

• Ownership: 34% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (H), Brighton (A), Man City (A)

• Interesting Stat: 95th percentile for expected assists

Omari Hutchinson is surely scratching his head after coming away from the Wolves game without a goal involvement. He created four key passes and has put up decent fantasy scores for back-to-back weeks, cementing himself as Forest’s brightest spark. While Liverpool will be a massive test this weekend, Forest are suprisingly unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Reds. With a high-stakes Europa League clash against Fenerbahçe today, potentially causing some fatigue, it’s important to consider this for this next game. At his current low ownership, I still think he would be valuable pick-up.

Fixture Spotlight

Aston Villa

• Last Game: vs. Brighton (H) W 1-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Leeds (H), Wolves (A), Chelsea (H), Man United (A)

Aston Villa have two very winnable games coming up, facing Leeds at home followed by a trip to Wolves. We discussed Ian Maatsen (41% owned) a few weeks ago, and he seems to have fully overtaken Lucas Digne in the starting XI. For those looking for defensive stability, Ezri Konsa (33% owned) and Tyrone Mings (13% owned) are also strong options at the back. With Villa sitting 3rd and managing a few injuries, it’s a great time to look at lowly-owned assets like Jadon Sancho (20% owned), Evann Guessand (18% owned), or Amadou Onana (19% owned). These players have a huge opportunity to step up, and bringing them in could be a game-changer for your fantasy scores. So make sure you check line-ups to see who you can grab!

One to Watch

I was close to recommending Jarrad Branthwaite (36% owned) as a defender this week, but Everton’s home form has been poor compared to their away results, and they face a Manchester United side in decent form. Although United were arguably lucky to escape with a point against West Ham on Tuesday, I think holding out on Branthwaite to see how he performs against Carrick’s attack might be the smarter play. He’s looked solid since returning from his long injury layoff, but until Everton can prove they can keep a clean sheet at home, he remains a “wait and see” for me.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

Is anyone else on a multi-game losing streak and contemplating a total squad overhaul, or are we staying patient? Well, you’re not alone. I didn’t realize how depressed I’d been this last year until I saw Manchester United win four games in a row. Watching Liverpool lose to City in the final minute yesterday made me strangely happier than I thought possible! At the very least, it made the fantasy losses much more bearable. With a quick turnaround this week for Gameweek 26, let’s dive into the picks.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Alphonse Areola Mads Hermansen | (18-20) points vs. Burnley (A)
+2% ownership change
Is it desperate for me to claim this suggestion? Yes, but I would have switched Areola as the suggestion was based on who West Ham were facing and once he was out the line up, Hermansen was the obvious choice.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Djordje Petrovic (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (H) (4-7 points)

• Ownership: 44% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (A), West Ham (A), Sunderland (H)

• Interesting Stat: 71st percentile for saves and high claims

Djordje Petrovic is the most in-form goalkeeper of the last two weeks and ranks third over the last 30 days. While he’s occasionally prone to an error, you can’t deny his incredible form or the momentum Bournemouth are currently carrying. A trip to Goodison Park is always a challenge, but Everton’s home form has been poor lately—they’re winless in their last five at home. Bournemouth will be desperate to take advantage of that shaky atmosphere and bank another clean sheet.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Sepp van den Berg | (-2-2) points vs. Newcastle (A)
+3% ownership change
Brentford got a brilliant away run at Newcastle, however van den Berg was not able to keep up his great fantasy form. At home next against Arsenal will be tough, but they have good fixtures after that so keep an eye on him this weekend.
Rating: Transfer List

Ian Maatsen | 1 points vs. Bournemouth (A)
+2% ownership change
I was surprised to not see Maatsen start away at Bournmouth and you have to believe he would of made a much better attempt at stopping Rayan than Digne did for the opener. Maatsen only came on for 12 minutes, so picking up next weekend again Brighton will be more game time decision on if he plays.
Rating: Did Not Play

This weeks picks are:

James Justin (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Nottigham Forest (H) (28-30 points)

• Ownership: 14% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Chelsea (A), Aston Villa (A), Manchester City (H)

• Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for shots.

Besides a bit of a stinker against Arsena,coincidentally the week I picked him up, James Justin is arguably the most in-form defender in the league right now. I’m convinced the fantasy gods were just punishing me for that transfer! While his form is undeniable, scoring close to 20 points in three of his last four gameweeks, I’m not sure you start him away at Chelsea this Tuesday. Leeds have a difficult run of games coming up, and with Chelsea flying under Rosenior, benching him might be the safer play. Still, don’t take his recent output lightly; when he’s on, he’s a massive asset.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Alex Scott | (5-7) points vs. Aston Villa (H)
+11% ownership change
People are starting to noticed Scott with an 11% increase in ownership and although he didn’t set the world alight he got an okay floor of points against a good Villa side. Away at Everton next will be tough, but Everton at home this season are a little shakey.
Rating: That’s His Job

Douglas Luiz | (7-9) points vs. Bournemouth (A)
+23% ownership change
Similarly to Scott, Luiz value has rose above 50% and I’d imagine that to continue. He looks likes he has slotted back into that midfield nicely and had a decent floor of points.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Burnley (A) (21-24 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Man United (H), Bournemouth (A), Liverpool (A)

• Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for assists versus other full backs

Diouf put in a wonderful cross for West Ham’s second against Burnley, setting up Taty Castellanos for his first Premier League goal of the season. He’s looked bright since returning from AFCON, and with West Ham winning three of their last five, they’ll need him to keep providing chances as they look to catch Forest, Leeds, and even Spurs. While there are some tough games ahead, starting with United tomorrow, Diouf is finally starting to show the promise that made him such a popular draft pick at the start of the season.

Habib Diarra (Sunderland)

• Last Game: vs. Arsenal (A) (1-3 points)

• Ownership: 6% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (H), Fulham (A), Bournemouth(A)

• Interesting Stat: 85th percentile for non-penalty expected goals

Habib Diarra has been a different beast at home, where his average fantasy score is over 10 points compared to just 1 point away. He’s the big gamble this week, but with Liverpool struggling—winning just one of their last seven—the Stadium of Light (7W, 5D, 0L) is the last place they want to visit. I like both him and Chemsdine Talbi (8% owned) for this fixture; let’s see if the atmosphere can carry them.
Additionally, Gabriel Martinelli (50% owned) is a strong shout for the Double Gameweek. Even though he hasn’t been starting, he has provided assists in back-to-back games off the bench, and with two chances to haul against Brentford and Wolves, his explosive potential is hard to ignore.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Valentin Castellanos | (10-12) points vs. Burnley (A)
+7% ownership change
Looks like ‘Taty’ time has arrived with a well taken header from Diouf’s brilliant cross. He looks a like a handful so far and West Ham are looking lively again with their forwards looking dangerous again An in-form United come to London Stadium next, but I see West Ham causing problems.
Rating: That’s His Job

Amine Adli | (10-14) points vs. Team (A)
+9% ownership change
No goal or assist this week, but four key passes and a doesn’t fantasy score is a great return against Villa. I think if you’re short on a forward at this moment, this is the guy you should try grab.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Tolu Arokodare (Wolves)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (H) (12-16 points)

• Ownership: 10% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (A), Arsenal (H), Crystal Palace(A)

• Interesting Stat: 95th percentile for duels won and aerial duels won.

With the double gameweek this week, Tolu Arokodare seems like an obvious choice after scoring his second goal of the season against Chelsea. Seeing him post back-to-back weeks with double-digit points is encouraging, and he’ll be looking to carry that momentum into a tough double away at Forest and home to Arsenal. On the other side of that matchup, Gabriel Jesus (50% owned) is also worth a shout. Arsenal face Brentford and Wolves away, and with Jesus finding his rhythm again, he could be a big difference maker for those looking to climb the rankings during this busy stretch.

Fixture Spotlight

Bournemouth

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (H) D 1-1

• Next Fixtures: vs. Everton (A), West Ham (A), Sunderland (H), Brentford (H)

Unbeaten in their last five and winning three of those, Bournemouth are the third most in-form team, behind only Manchester United and Chelsea. With a refreshed attacking front four, players like Eli Junior Kroupi (58% owned), Rayan (43% owned), and Amine Adli (34% owned) are all worth grabbing; averaging 10+ points in the last two weeks. Alex Jiménez (37% owned) and Alex Scott (44% owned) are also performing at a high level. I’d encourage you to see if you can grab a Bournemouth asset for this upcoming run; their fluidity and confidence in the final third are currently unmatched by most mid-table sides.

One to Watch

Angel Gomes had a pretty decent debut for Wolves, and although they ended up losing 3-1 to Chelsea, it will be interesting to see how he develops in this side. It was a bit of a strange transfer given Wolves’ current struggle, but this could be the perfect environment for him to revitalize his career and build on those promising England performances from last year. He didn’t find the scoresheet this time, but his composure in the midfield was evident. With a massive Double Gameweek against Forest and Arsenal coming up, he’s one to watch to see if he can become the creative spark Wolves desperately need to pull away from the bottom

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

What a wild weekend of football. We saw David Moyes get booked for sprinting onto the pitch to celebrate Beto’s 97th-minute equalizer—and to be fair, a Beto goal in 2026 is definitely cause for a party. The “Fergie Time” vibes were back at Old Trafford as Benjamin Šeško snatched a dramatic 3-2 winner, while Dominic Solanke’s insane scorpion kick saved a point for Spurs. On the fantasy front, I had a bit of a nightmare with James Justin. I fell for the FotMob trap and played him thinking he was at wing-back, only for him to slot in at center-back for Leeds. Not my best move, but that’s the beauty of the game. Let’s look ahead to Gameweek 24 and get those green arrows back.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Sennes Lammens | (5-9) points vs. Fulham (H)
+5% ownership change
Despite conceding two late goals against Fulham, Lammens made 4 saves, two of which where great. It seems like United always seem to concede when Casemiro goes off, which is annoying for all fantasy owners that are desperate for a clean sheet. Nonetheless, Lammes looks great so far.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Alphonse Areola (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (2-4 points)

• Ownership: 18% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (A), Man United (H), Bournemouth (H)

• Interesting Stat: 93rd percentile for saves made / roughly 4 a match

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure who to recommend this week. However, with West Ham looking much better over the last few weeks (and being very unlucky to lose to Chelsea) they could be a good gamble away at Burnley, who struggle to score most weeks. Areola has been in top form despite the scorelines, and with the Hammers desperate for points to pull away from the drop zone, I can see them giving a disciplined defensive performance at Turf Moor.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Ola Aina | (11-14) points vs. Crystal Palace (H)
+16% ownership change
Although Forest were down to 10 men for the majority of the game after a great save by Neco Williams, they held tight for a draw and Aina played well with a big defensive performance. Leeds away next and I think Aina is starting to show the signs of what a great fantasy asset he was last week.
Rating: That’s His Job

Luke Shaw | (-2-2) points vs. Fulham (H)
+6% ownership change
Not the Shaw I was expecting this weekend. There were some bright moments, but he doesn’t seem to have the same drive going forward as he did a few years ago. Maybe Amorim playing him at CB has caused this and we might need to be a bit more patient to see that Luke Shaw.
Rating: Transfers Listed

This weeks picks are:

Sepp van den Berg (Brentford)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (11-15 points)

• Ownership: 27% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (A), Arsenal (H), Brighton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for Aerial Duels won

Sepp van den Berg is the defender in form at the moment, as Brentford keep surprising everyone with a massive win away at Villa. In his last two games, he’s averaged over 12 points, returning to the same level of consistency he showed before his injury in December. While Brentford don’t have the easiest schedule coming up, they are currently one of the most in-form teams in the league. If you’re looking for a reliable starter who can rack up defensive “ghost points” alongside clean sheets, he’s a top-tier pick.

Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (11-15 points)

• Ownership: 37% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (A), Brighton (H), Leeds (A)

• Interesting Stat: 93rd percent for successful dribbles and 88th percentile for chances created

With this recent run of games, are we finally starting to see the Maatsen that earned him his big-money move to Villa? He’s found it hard to compete with Lucas Digne over the last year and has had to be patient, but that patience is paying off. Although Villa lost at home to Brentford last weekend, Maatsen performed well and looked dangerous throughout. He’s starting to look like a solid asset moving forward, especially with some favorable fixtures on the horizon. If he can keep Digne on the bench, his attacking upside is massive.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Joao Gomes | (4-6) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+9% ownership change
Just as predicted, not brilliant and not terrible. This is what Joao Gomes gives you from a fantasy output. He was also unlucky to not grab a goal with his header just hitting the post.
Rating: On The Bench

Kobbie Mainoo | (2-6) points vs. Fulham (H)
+17% ownership change
Was going to recommend Casemiro last week, but his ownership jumped up to 71%, so that’s why Mainoo was given the call. I’m not sure how much value Mainoo offers as a fantasy asset moving forward, but from a footballing perspective its good to see him back playing. One for three for United recommendations from last week. Sorry I got excited.
Rating: Transfer Listed

This weeks picks are:

Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. Wolves (A) (20-21 points)

• Ownership: 28% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Aston Villa (H), Everton (A), West Ham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 81st percentile for successful dribbles and 77th percentile for xG

Alex Scott has been one of Bournemouth’s most reliable players this season, and with a goal last weekend, the interception that led to Junior Kroupi’s fantastic opener, and an altogether impressive performance. At home to Villa next will be a tough challenge, but Bournemouth are starting to regain form, and Scott is the engine behind it. He’s now contributed to two goals in his last three games and is consistently racking up high ratings on FotMob, making him a great mid-range asset.

Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (16-18 points)

• Ownership: 30% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (A), Brighton (H), Leeds (H)

• Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for shots and 95th percentile for chances created

Douglas Luiz looks to have returned home after spells away at Juventus and on loan at Forest. He backed up his return with an impressive outing despite Villa’s home loss to Brentford. He created five chances and recorded two successful dribbles, quite the return for a debut! With Youri Tielemans sidelined, Luiz has a massive opportunity to fill in and regain the form that made him an incredible fantasy asset a couple of years ago. At his currently low ownership, please pick him up if you get the chance.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Wilson Odobert | 5 points vs. Man City (H)
+5% ownership change
Considering Odobert didn’t start he still managed 5 points in 21 minutes, which is a pretty good return. Tottenhams fight back and Solankes stunning scorpion kick might make them kick on. If Odobert gets more time he seems to be good values for minutes to points.
Rating: That’s His Job

Brian Brobbey | (2-4) points vs. Burnley (H)
+17% ownership change
Brobbey was unlucky to not get an assist with the Diarra’s goal changed to an own goal. Away at Arsenal next and although he looks to be Sunderlands no. 9, I don’t think he’ll get many points this upcoming weekend.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Valentin Castellanos (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (5-7 points)

• Ownership: 31% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (A), Man United (H), Bournemouth (A)

• Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for shots

Is it finally “Taty Time”? Castellanos has been knocking on the door since his January move, and it feels like a goal is inevitable. He was a constant threat against Chelsea and with West Ham playing with a lot more heart lately, and with the relegation battle heating up, they need a hero. Burnley are struggling for confidence and have one of the leakiest home defenses in the league. If Taty is going to kickstart the Hammers’ survival bid, is it going to start at Turf Moor this Saturday?

Amine Adli (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. Wolves (A) (12-13 points)

• Ownership: 25% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Aston Villa (H), Everton (A), West Ham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 77th percentile for goals

Amine Adli looks to be finding his rhythm in a Bournemouth shirt, punctuated by a great assist for Junior Kroupi’s brilliant opening goal last weekend. While the home game against Aston Villa next will be a tough challenge, Bournemouth are finding their form at just the right time. Adli has been the bright spark in that attack, picking up exactly where Semenyo left off. With goal involvements in back-to-back games (including that massive winner against Liverpool) he is becoming a high-priority asset for those looking for mid-range value.

Fixture Spotlight

Chelsea

• Last Game: vs. West Ham W 3-2

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (A), Leeds (H), Burnley (A), Arsenal (A)

Chelsea have a nice run of games coming up, and you’d imagine Rosenior will want to secure maximum points with Champions League spots being so competitive this year. He rotated heavily against West Ham, and it nearly cost him the game, making it a real question whether he’ll take that risk again. on the horizon. Keep a close eye on the line-ups, especially for players with 65% or less ownership like Alejandro Garnacho, Welsey Fofana, Liam Delap, Benoit Badiashile and Jamie Gittens. Although he was one of the half-time casualties in the West Ham comeback, his brace against Arsenal recently proves he is a massive differential when he’s on the pitch.

Crystal Palace

• Last Game: vs. West Ham W 3-2

• Next Fixtures: vs. Brighton (A), Burnley (H), Wolves (H), Man United (A)

Palace are struggling, but a “winnable” run after the Brighton derby offers a chance to pull away from the relegation battle. New signings Jørgen Strand Larsen (60% owned) and Evann Guessand (11% owned) are eager to make an impact, while Daichi Kamada (9% owned) is set to return. Jefferson Lerma (3% owned) also impressed last game, showing his value in the box. It might not be the week to buy in just yet, but watch this space—the Eagles could be prime differential territory very soon.

Ones to Watch

This week’s "One to Watch" section focuses on the impact of the January transfer window.
Oscar Bobb (48% owned) has moved to Fulham, potentially as a long-term replacement for Harry Wilson. I like Bobb a lot, but he couldn't convince Pep to give him more minutes; the question is, can he convince Marco Silva he’s better than an in-form Wilson?
Meanwhile, another Brazilian wonderkid, Rayan (22% owned), has landed on British shores and already provided a wonderful assist for Alex Scott’s late goal against Wolves. He looked incredibly bright in his short cameo.
Elsewhere, the 6’7” giant Lorenzo Lucca (7% owned) looks set to give Igor a break during Forest's packed schedule. His physical profile makes him a "proper" Dyche signing and he won't be hard to miss.
We also see James Ward-Prowse (37% owned) at Burnley. I’m not convinced Turf Moor is the right fit to revive his career after tough spells at West Ham and Forest, but we’d all love to see him return to his best.
Absolute unit Adama Traore made his transfer known as he was at the centre of all the argy-bargy at the end of the Chelsea-West Ham game. He's never really cemented his place at any team, but he has the potential to be a good fantasy asset when he's in form.
Finally, with Ollie Watkins sidelined, Villa have secured the return of Tammy Abraham (50% owned). He’s already been unlucky not to score, and given Villa's form, having their lead striker is usually a safe bet. Can he reclaim his status as the cult hero who helped them to promotion?
Sunderland have signed Nilson Angulo for £20M from Anderlecht and he already has 11 goal contributions this season so keep an eye on him and if he can break into the Sunderland team.
Tyrique George has joined Everton from Chelsea and we look to apply some pressure to Beto and Barry up top as they have an alternative they can play there now.
Can Adam Armstrong prove to the Premier League that he's not just a Championship forward and that he can play at this level. He has 15 goal contributions so far this season and will be looking to continue that at Wolves.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

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Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played (source FotMob)

As a bit of a data nerd, it was sad to hear that FBRef has been forced to remove its advanced data due to contract issues with Opta. This means I’ll be switching to FotMob from now on. While it’s a great app, it definitely lacks the deep, advanced data I’m used to using. This shouldn’t impact my final choices, but it might make my “interesting stats” a little more limited. On a brighter note, I’m on a massive high with United being back! I’ve highlighted three players this week that you should definitely think about grabbing. Before Michael Carrick took the reins, I didn’t realize how depressed I’d been for the last two years under Amorim, who basically gaslight me and other United fans into thinking this squad was just relegation fodder.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Alphonse Areola | (0-5) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+1% ownership change
West Ham dominated the game against Sunderland and were lucky to not keep a clean sheet had it not been for a well worked goal by Sunderland. West Ham look better, but I wouldn’t count on their defence to keep any clean sheets this season.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Sennes Lammens (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. Arsenal (A) (2-9 points)

• Ownership: 24% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Fulham (H), Tottenham (H), West Ham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for High Claims

Moving on from the Onana and Bayindir era to Senne Lammens feels like a dream. He’s an absolute gem, and his performance against Arsenal was so commanding I was practically daring them to cross the ball. Having a keeper who actually controls his box is a breath of fresh air. For those in leagues that reward High Claims, Lammens is your man as he is already putting up elite numbers in that department. United have a much kinder run of fixtures on the horizon, so now is the perfect time to grab him before those clean sheet points start rolling in, well hopefully!

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Aaron Wan-Bissaka | (2-7) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+11% ownership change
Not going to lie, Sunderland messed up last week’s suggestions for me with that away goal! In addition to conceding, AWB wasn’t able to contribute much to the attacking play, and I think benching him for the trip to Chelsea next week would be the smart play. He will still have plenty of value this season, though, so definitely keep a hold of him—especially if West Ham can find some consistency and push on.
Rating: On The Bench

Ethan Ampadu | (6-9) points vs. Everton (A)
+12% ownership change
Ampadu was close to a clean sheet, if it wasn’t for Barry’s late goal. I thought Leeds were the better team for most of the game, but Ampadu shows again that he can put up a solid floor of points.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Ola Aina (Nottigham Forest)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (A) (16-22 points)

• Ownership: 27% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Crystal Palace (H), Leeds (A), Wolves (A)

• Interesting Stat: 95th percentile for interceptions versus other full-backs

With a struggling Crystal Palace (winless in 8) and Forest winning two of their last 3, this could be a good time to pick up some Forest players. Look no further than Ola Aina who was great last season, but has been hit with a few injuries this season. With Forest trying to recover the defensive excellence that bought them European football last season, Aina should be a smart pick up this weekend!

Luke Shaw (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. Arsenal (A) (4-7 points)

• Ownership: 29% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Fulham (H), Tottenham (H), West Ham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for chances created (versus CBs, blame Amorim)

Dorgu’s injury is a heartbreaker, but in the world of fantasy, but to be fair he’s playing higher up so Luke Shaw might benefit in a different way. We all know the score that if there’s a major tournament in the summer, Shaw suddenly becomes the best left-back on the planet. With a favorable schedule ahead, he’s a priority target. Now that Cunha is likely to take over Dorgu’s spot on the left and drift inside, the entire flank is open for Shaw to bomb forward. If Carrick starts pairing those crosses with Šeško’s height in the box, we’re looking at a serious assist-fountain. Get him in before the “World Cup Year” tax kicks in.

If you don’t fancy the above Abdukodir Khusanov (29% owned) has looked decent for City and can pick out a pass. However, City do have Tottenham and Liverpool away next, where they have historically struggled. I also like Nathan Patterson (9% owed) who has two away games coming up, but Everton have one of the better away records this season winning at Old Trafford and Villa Park. Lastly, Ian Maatsen (31% owened) looked bright in Villa’s great away win at Newcastle, he might be worth picking up against Brentford.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Mathias Jensen | (10-14) points vs. Nottingham Forest (H)
+4% ownership change
Brentford might have struggled against Forest, but Jensen’s fantasy score didn’t as he put up decent numbers with 3 key passes.
Rating: That’s His Job

Tomas Soucek | (5-9) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+6% ownership change
Soucek had a decent game, just not as impactful as Summerville, Fernandes and Bowen. With back to back wins, could we see the start of the great escape from West Ham and will Soucek roll back the years to help them? He might be worth picking up again when West Ham travel to Burnley in two weeks.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Joao Gomes (Wolves)

• Last Game: vs. Man City (A) (8-11 points)

• Ownership: 25% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (H), Chelsea (A), Nottingham Forest(A)

• Interesting Stat: 90th percentile for defensive contributions compared to midfielders

Over the last two weeks (and last three games) Joao Gomes has averaged just over 10 points per game., which is a great fantasy return. Fantasy isn’t just about those players that score every week, in fact those players are likely not available every week otherwise this blog would be easy to write. If you can add a player averaging 10 points a game to your squad, then that is a good addition. Adam Wharton was that player for me at the beginning of the season, I dropped him last week. Gomes is a player like that. Think of him like the Park Ji-Sung of fantasy.

Kobbie Mainoo (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. (A) ( points)

• Ownership: % of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Fulham (H), Tottenham (H), West Ham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 76th percentile for chances created versus other midfielders

Midfielder 2 Text United and England fans must be happy to see Mainoo slotting back into the United midfield to be instrumental in their back to back victories over City and Arsenal. With an assist last weekend and United likely to have more possession against Fulham this weekend, hopefully Mainoo will be the person to add more to the United attack.

If Emi Buendia (29% owned) is available I’d highly recommend grabbing him with Tielemans getting injured and also he’s just been in great form and at home to Brentford next.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Marcus Edwards | (3-6) points vs. Tottenham (H)
+11% ownership change
Edwards struggled to make the same impact in his previous two games against his former club, as Burnley fans were heartbroken by Romero’s late equalizer. With Burnley away at the Stadium of Light next, it’s going to be more a gut call whether to gamble on Edwards again.
Rating: On The Bench

Liam Delap | (0-1) points vs. Crystal Palace (A)
-3% ownership change
Delap only came on for four minutes and although he might get some time soon it’s hard to know when. Especially with Joao Pedro picking form up again and Enzo playing behind him.
Rating: Did Not Play (basically)

This weeks picks are:

Wilson Odobert (Tottenham)

• Last Game: vs. Burnley (A) (25-30 points)

• Ownership: 24% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Manchester City (H), Manchester United (A), Newcastle (A)

• Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for successful dribbles (60%) versus other wingers

Wilson Odobert topped the fantasy points list last gameweek, and for good reason. He was incredibly influential, racking up an assist, three key passes, three shots on target, but most impressively he completed six dribbles. While Tottenham have been in poor form lately, they have a surprisingly strong recent record against Manchester City. The big question is whether Odobert can step his game up this weekend and prove that his performance against Burnley wasn’t just a one-off. If he can exploit City’s high line like he did the Burnley defense, he’s a must-watch asset.

Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham (A) (11-12 points)

• Ownership: 30% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Arsenal (A), Liverpool (H)

• Interesting Stat: 96th percentile for duals won (51%) versus other forwards

Although Sunderland didn’t really turn up against West Ham, they did score a well-worked team goal that Brobbey got his head on the end of. That small glimpse of quality was enough to convince me that he is worth the risk this weekend as the Black Cats host Burnley at home. With five goals already this season, Brobbey is proving he only needs one clear chance to make an impact.

Fixture Spotlight

Man United

• Last Game: vs. Fulham (A) L 2-1

• Next Fixtures: vs. Fulham (H), Tottenham (H), West Ham (A), Everton (A)

With United looking to maintain their fine form since Carrick took over—taking six points from both Arsenal and City—they now face a stretch of more favorable games. The next test will be showing they can also win when they have more possession. I’ve already mentioned Lammens, Shaw, and Mainoo, but Harry Maguire (19% owned) and Lisandro Martínez (17% owned) are also excellent options. They have started to develop a great partnership at the back, providing a great foundation that has looked incredibly solid over the last two weeks. Also, don’t forget Mason Mount (21% owned) who might appear in the line up soon too.

One to Watch

Amine Adli (8% owned) scored a dramatic late winner against Liverpool and has quietly been growing more and more into this Bournemouth side. The Cherries are looking to reignite the form they showed at the start of the season, and Adli is at the heart of it. Keep an eye on him, as his stock is likely to rise soon. With his clinical finishing and increasing minutes, he’s a high-upside differential for any midfield.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

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Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

Last weekend was a pure fantasy rollercoaster! I was chasing 14 points from Van Hecke to win my head-to-head match, and when he got booked, I thought I was done for. Then, out of nowhere, he pops up in the 91st minute with an assist for Kostoulas’s worldie bicycle kick. Moments like that are why head-to-head leagues are the best—and the most soul-crushing! Between winning all three of my leagues and seeing United dominate City 2-0, it was a perfect weekend. Some of last week’s recommendations really delivered, so let’s dive into the picks for Gameweek 23.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Bernd Leno | (6-11) points vs. Leeds (A)
+4% ownership change
A late goal stopped Leno from putting up a very good fantasy score this week, but he still managed to get enough points that doesn’t feel like your game week has been ruined. At home to Brighton could be a good option next week.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Alphonse Areola (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Tottenham (A) (10-12 points)

• Ownership: 17% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 54th percentile for save percentage

Alphonse Areola is a great shout this week as West Ham look to carry the momentum from their derby win into the Sunderland game. The Hammers can still be inconsistent, but Areola’s performance against a struggling Spurs side showed he’s ready to rack up the points. Sunderland haven’t picked up an away win since October, so the clean sheet potential is definitely there. If you want an alternative, Martin Dubravka is a solid pick at 32% ownership. He’s been in great form at Turf Moor, and Burnley will fancy their chances against a Spurs team that is currently winless in four and looks completely out of ideas.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Hugo Bueno | (12-13) points vs. Newcastle (H)
+8% ownership change
Bueno put up another solid score this week and although not outstanding, still a solid fantasy return and someone who is benefiting from Wolves uplift in form. Might be on the bench against City for this weekend though, but keep him if you have him.
Rating: That’s His Job

Joel Veltman | (6-9) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+3% ownership change
Veltman put up a respectable score as Brighton weren’t able to hold a clean sheet after a somewhat controversial penalty decision. I think Brighton defenders will be very good value at home this season.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Tottenham (A) (13-20 points)

• Ownership: 41% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 96th+ percentile for interceptions, clearances and successful take-ons versus other full backs.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back from AFCON, and although he’ll be disappointed to have let Cristian Romero equalize at the back post, he remains a great fantasy asset. He recorded four accurate crosses and two key passes against Spurs, which complemented his usual strong defensive output. Facing Sunderland at home next, West Ham will look to build on their latest result. This boost in team confidence could be a very good thing for Wan-Bissaka’s potential returns.

Ethan Ampadu (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Fulham (H) (24-30 points)

• Ownership: 20% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (A), Arsenal (H), Nottingham (H)

• Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for interceptions versus other midfielders

Over the last 30 days, Ethan Ampadu has been averaging around 15 points, which is top-round draft quality. Being listed as a defender but playing in midfield presents him with more opportunities for attacking output, like his assist and four key passes last game. I’ve mentioned this before, but Leeds have been a difficult team to play against since changing their formation, and Ampadu is clearly benefiting. While he might not be a must-start every single week, he’s been averaging around 10 points at home all season, so keep that in mind if you pick him up.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Pascal Groß | (8-12) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+9% ownership change
Groß put up a decent floor of points against Bournemouth with 2 key passes and 2 accurate crosses. As he grows back into this Brighton team, I think he’s definitely worth holding onto.
Rating: That’s His Job

Crysencio Summerville | (21-23) points vs. Tottenham (H)
+2% ownership change
I think this is the Summerville that West Ham fans had been hoping for this season. Although, he had a bit of a lucky deflection for the goal, he remained one of West Ham’s most dangerous players. Keep him around for Sunderland at home next.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Mathias Jensen (Brentford)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (10-12 points)

• Ownership: 2% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Aston Villa (A), Fulham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for non-penalty goals versus other midfielders

Mathias Jensen was really unlucky last weekend against Chelsea, hitting the post and being unfortunate not to score. With him starting six of the last seven games, it seems that Keith Andrews trusts him, and with Brentford playing well at the moment, you’d fancy them against Nottingham Forest next. At home on Sunday (Jan 25), Jensen’s set-piece delivery and recent form make him a very interesting differential for this upcoming round.

Tomas Soucek (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Tottenham (A) (10-12 points)

• Ownership: 17% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 97th+ percentile for non-penalty goals, clearances and aerials won versus other midfielders.

Tomáš Souček has started the last two games in a row and has averaged around 15 points per game over the last two weeks. The giant Czech has been impressive recently, and if Nuno can get the best out of him, he’ll continue to find those dangerous scoring positions and contribute to the attacking output. With Crysencio Summerville finding form and West Ham signing two new attackers in Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, Souček could be the one who benefits most from the extra space in the box.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Tolu Arokodare | (1-3) points vs. Newcastle (H)
+3% ownership change
Arokodare had some lovely touches against Newcastle and to be honest, the more I’ve seen with him there seems like there could be a very good player there. The fantasy output for both forwards was low, which reflected the game. Most likely back on the waiver wire for away at City.
Rating: Transfer List

Eli Kroupi | (5-6) points vs. Bournemouth (A)
+17% ownership change
With a big increase in ownership this last week, I think a lot of people are starting to see how Kroupi could be the big benefactor from Semenyo’s departure to City. Although he didn’t set the world alight against Brighton, he might be worth keeping around for Liverpool at home. Keep an eye on this kid.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Marcus Edwards (Burnley)

• Last Game: vs. Liverpool (A) (12-14 points)

• Ownership: 10% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Tottenham (H), Sunderland (A), West Ham (H)

• Interesting Stat: 92nd+ percentile for progressive carries and received passes versus other wingers.

If you saw Marcus Edwards silence Anfield last Saturday, you know he’s found his rhythm. He’s averaging 13 points a game lately and looks like the game-changer Scott Parker knew he was getting from Sporting Lisbon. Burnley host a Tottenham side this weekend that is currently winless in four and looks completely low on confidence. The Clarets will definitely see this as a game for the taking, and I’m backing Edwards to haunt his former club and keep this hot streak going.

Liam Delap (Chelsea)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (6-7 points)

• Ownership: 58% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Wolves (A),

• Interesting Stat: 93rd percentile for successful take-ons versus other forwards

Liam Delap came on and won a penalty against Brighton and looked really bright. With Cole Palmer holding his groin at the end of the game, this could mean that Delap gets his chance to start against Crystal Palace, with João Pedro moving back into the number 10 role. Even if he doesn’t start the next game, I think Delap will begin to get more chances, so if you have the space to grab him, do it now before he becomes a hot commodity.

Fixture Spotlight

Chelsea

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) W 2-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Wolves (A), Leeds (H)

While many of Chelsea’s stars have high ownership, there is still an opportunity to pick up several players as they have a favorable sequence of games coming up. Tosin Adarabioyo (13% owned) started the last game, and both Jorrel Hato (4% owned) and Josh Acheampong (6% owned) might have opportunities to start over the next couple of weeks as well. With Chelsea facing Crystal Palace and West Ham next, keep a close eye on the line-ups, as Rosenior seems to switch things up quite a lot to manage the heavy schedule.

One to Watch

I really like watching João Gomes (23% owned) as he plays with a lot of heart and bite. He’s played exceptionally well over the last few weeks, averaging about 12 points a game. While Man City away next will be a tough challenge, as Wolves continue to improve, so has Gomes’ fantasy output. Keep an eye on him as he continues to impress.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

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They say the Premier League is a completely different beast today than it was in the 90s. We talk about the ‘high-press,’ the ‘tactical evolution,’ and the ‘death of the 4-4-2,’ but I wanted to see if the data actually backed up the nostalgia.

To find out, I built a comprehensive Tableau dashboard tracking Three Decades of the Premier League. From Chelsea’s legendary defensive wall in 2005 to the goal-frenzy of the 2023/24 season, this tool allows you to strip away the opinions and look at the raw numbers. I invite you to jump in, highlight your club, and see for yourself how the ‘Art of Defending’ has slowly been traded for pure attacking entertainment.

I’d recommend using the dashboard on tablet, laptop or desktop.

The Evolution of Scoring: “The Lost Art of Defending”

The “Goals Scored Across the Decades” chart provides a striking narrative about how the game has changed:

• Decadal Growth: The average goals per season has climbed from 997 (1996–2005) to 1,009 (2006–2015), and then surged to 1,075 in the most recent decade.

• The 2024 Peak: The 2023/24 season (1,246 goals) represents a staggering 33.8% increase in total goals compared to the 1999/00 low point (931 goals).

• The Defensive Floor: While the “Goals For” (green) area in your 1st-place charts has expanded significantly in recent years, the “Goals Against” (red) remains relatively flat for top teams, suggesting that the elite have stayed defensively sound while becoming much more clinical in attack.

Individual Club Dynasties & Dominance

Looking at the specific club highlight screens, you can draw comparisons between the “Big Six” over the 30-season span:

• Manchester United vs. Manchester City: You can clearly see a “changing of the guard.” United dominates the early part of the timeline with 11 titles and an average of 76 points, but City’s chart shows a dramatic upward trajectory in the last decade, securing 8 titles with a higher concentration of recent “star” seasons (90+ points).

• Consistency vs. Peaks: Arsenal and Liverpool show remarkable consistency, with 0 relegations and high average finishing positions (avg. 74 and 72 points respectively). However, their “titles” count (3 and 2) compared to their high average points highlights just how difficult it has been to convert consistency into trophies during the “Centurion” era of City and Liverpool’s recent rivalry.

  

• The Chelsea “Spike”: Chelsea’s chart shows the most dramatic shift following the mid-2000s, holding the record for the fewest goals conceded in a season (15), a feat that looks increasingly impossible in today’s high-scoring environment.

The Anatomy of Relegation (18th–20th Place)

The relegated placed teams (18th - 20th) place charts offers a grim look at the “floor” of the Premier League:

• The Survival Gap: There is a distinct “red zone” in the relegated team’s graphs where the “Goals Against” area significantly dwarfs the “Goals For” area. Historically, the team finishing last place average more than 10 points less than 18th place (35 avg vs. 25 avg).

• Historical Lows: Derby County (11 points) are the bottom of the floor for points, but looking at the 20th-place average, teams typically finish with 25 points. This suggests that while 40 points is the “safety” goal, the bottom team is usually trailing that mark by a massive 15-point margin.

• Sheffield United’s Defensive Struggle: Sheffield United conceded the most goals in a season (104). This illustrates the growing gap between the Championship and the Premier League; as the league becomes more attacking, the “leakiest” defenses are being punished more severely than they were in the 90s. Some could argue newly promoted teams are getting punished for playing a style of football that worked in the Championship, but can’t continue against Premier League tables once promoted.

The “Glass Ceiling” of the Mid-Table

• The Zero-Sum Game: On average we start to see most teams getting a negative goal difference finishing 9th place or lower. I think this is a good indicator displaying the distribution of goals in the league.

• Points Saturation: For teams in the 12th–16th place range, the “Points” line (white) and “Goals For” area (green) are almost perfectly horizontal over 30 years. This suggests that despite the tactical evolutions of the game, the “statistical profile” of a lower-mid-table team has remained remarkably stagnant.

Looking back across thirty years, the Premier League has clearly transitioned from a league defined by defensive resilience to one defined by clinical, high-volume attacking. While the 'Big Six' have effectively raised the ceiling of what is required to compete, turning 90 points into the new 80, the most striking takeaway is the sheer acceleration of the game. We are living in an era where the 'Lost Art of Defending' is being traded for a goal-scoring spectacle that would have been unrecognizable in the mid-90s. These charts aren't just showing scores; they are documenting the evolution of football into the most high-octane entertainment product on the planet.

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Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

The FA Cup brought some absolute madness last weekend! We saw one of the greatest upsets ever as 6th-tier Macclesfield knocked out the holders, Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Man City were in a ruthless mood, putting 10 past Exeter with their new signing Semenyo getting on the scoresheet. Perhaps less surprising—but no less painful—was Manchester United losing at home to Brighton and crashing out in the 3rd round. It’s been a miserable season for us United fans, but at least fantasy is keeping me going! With the Manchester Derby up next, let’s hope for a change in fortune.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Caoimhin Kelleher | (24-26) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+9% ownership change
I can’t believe I’ve picked two goalkeepers this season who have saved penalties. In fairness I could of probably saved Enzo Le Fee’s awful paneka attempt. One of the 20+ points for goalkeeper is a rarity so hopefully you grabbed him!
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Bernd Leno (Fulham)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (H) (7-11 points)

• Ownership: 36% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (A), Brighton (H), Man United (A)

• Interesting Stat: 69th percentile for PSxG meaning he faces a lot of high-quality shots, however is save percentage is in 17th percentile.

There aren’t many stand-out goalkeepers with low ownership this weekend, but Bernd Leno might be the best of the bunch. Fulham face a tough trip to Elland Road, and while Leeds have been formidable at home lately, if Fulham can pull off a result, Leno will likely be a massive factor. He’s already managed five clean sheets this season and currently sits in the top five for total saves. If you’re looking for a keeper who can rack up save points even if the clean sheet disappears, he’s the one.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Pascal Struijk | (0-6) points vs. Newcastle (A)
+16% ownership change
To be honest, it could have been a lot worse fantasy output, conceding 4 goals so I wouldn’t use this score to drop Struijk he still has value this season esepecially at home. At least you didn’t have Thiaw he gave me a nice little -5.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Hugo Bueno (Wolves)

• Last Game: vs. Everton (A) ( points)

• Ownership: % of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (H), Man City (A), Bournemouth (H)

• Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for progressive carries versus other fullbacks.

In the last two weeks, Hugo Bueno has been averaging around 10 points per game, which puts him among the top 10 defenders in the league for that period. With Wolves now unbeaten in their last two games, including a massive 3-0 win over West Ham, and gaining confidence, Bueno has been one of the real bright sparks. Although Newcastle are a tough opponent, they are far less formidable away from home (averaging only 1 goal per game on the road). Wolves will be looking to continue the better form they’ve shown recently, and Bueno’s attacking threat from the wing-back position makes him a great pick.

Joel Veltman (Club)

• Last Game: vs. Burnley (H) (14-16 points)

• Ownership: 5% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A), Everton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for expected non-penalty goals and 97th percentile for interceptions versus other full backs

Joël Veltman has averaged just under 18 points per game in the last 14 days, which is pretty remarkable for a defender. He is clearly going unnoticed by most managers. With Bournemouth at home next, there’s likely to be a high-scoring game, but Veltman is firmly back in the starting XI and playing with real confidence. Also worth considering is Ethan Ampadu (17% owned), who has averaged just under 12 points over the last month. Leeds have been excellent at home, and although he missed the United game through suspension, he’s back now and could be well worth the risk for their home clash against Fulham.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Vitaly Janelt | (10-12) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+27% ownership change
Four assists in three games now for Vitaly Janelt, that’s some pretty good form. He’s also taking corners which is great for a fantasy asset. Not a worldie performance, in Brentford’s dominating win against Sunderland, but still a good one.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Pascal Groß (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Man City (A) (5-7 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A), Everton (H)

• Interesting Stat: 94th percentile for expected non-penalty goals and assists. He creates chances and gets into good scoring positions.

The German maestro is back, and it’s like he never left. Pascal Groß walked straight into the XI against Man City and looked as composed as ever. If you’ve played fantasy football for more than five minutes, you know Groß is basically a points-printing machine when he’s in the mood. Brighton host Bournemouth next, and with the Cherries’ defense likely to be a bit rattled after losing Semenyo, Groß is perfectly placed to run the show. Grab him now before his price rockets asit’s rare to find this much “nailed-on” value mid-season.

Crysencio Summerville (West Ham)

• Last Game: vs. Nottingham Forest (H) (6-9 points)

• Ownership: 21% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Tottenham (H), Sunderland (A), Chelsea (A)

• Interesting Stat: FBRef says he’s somewhat similar to Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus and Iliman Ndiaye

The only other midfielder I’m interested in this week is Crysencio Summerville. He provided a magical assist for Castellanos’ winning header last weekend and looked like West Ham’s most dangerous creative outlet. Picking a West Ham player right now is definitely a gamble given their league position, but they face a Tottenham side that has been incredibly inconsistent lately. And besides… Lads, it’s Tottenham. If the Hammers are going to turn their season around, a big performance from Summerville in the derby would be the perfect starting point.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Mateus Mane | (11-14) points vs. Everton (A)
+23% ownership change
Mane’s stock is on the rise as he scores in back-to-back weeks and has definitely added a little resurgance back into this Wolves side. If you’re struggling for a forward he’s worth a pick-up even with Newcastle at home next.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks picks are:

Tolu Arokodare (Wolves)

• Last Game: vs. Everton (A) (6-10 points)

• Ownership: 11% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (H), Man City (A), Bournemouth (H)

• Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for aerials and clearances versus other forwards. He is massive to be fair.

Tolu Arokodare has averaged around 9 points in the last 14 days, all without even contributing to the scoresheet. With Wolves unbeaten in their last two and finally turning a corner, they’re probably as confident as they’ve been all season. They face a Newcastle side on Sunday that has won three on the bounce, but the Magpies’ away form is the Achilles heel, as they’ve only won 2 of their 10 road games this season. Wolves will definitely fancy their chances, and Arokodare’s aerial dominance makes him a massive threat against a Newcastle defense that can struggle with height.

Eli Kroupi (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. Tottenham (H) (11-14 points)

• Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Brighton (A), Liverpool (H), Wolves (A)

• Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for non-penalty goals versus other forwards.

Alternatively, with Semenyo leaving for City, a massive opportunity has opened up for Eli Junior Kroupi to step up. The 19-year-old Frenchman has already bagged 7 goals this season—a remarkable return for his debut Premier League campaign that puts him level with Lamine Yamal for goals by a teenager in Europe’s top leagues. He’s likely to see far more consistent minutes now. While Bournemouth’s defense is admittedly leaking goals (conceding 40 so far), their forward line is relentless, and Kroupi’s clinical finishing makes him a high-upside pick for the coming weeks.

Fixture Spotlight

Sunderland

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (A) L 3-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Crystal Palace (H) , West Ham (A), Burnley (H), Arsenal (A)

Sunderland will be looking to bounce back this weekend with some players returning from AFCON as they host a Crystal Palace side winless in seven. Brian Brobbey (16% owned) has started the last six games and will be looking to add to his three goals this season. Meanwhile, Simon Adingra (31% owned) has a massive point to prove. After his shock omission from the Ivory Coast squad, he’ll be desperate to show the manager he deserves to stay in the starting XI even when the internationals return.

One to Watch

West Ham’s new signing Valentín “Taty” Castellanos (21% owned) will be looking to help the Hammers climb out of the relegation scrap they’ve found themselves in. They can’t just rely on Jarrod Bowen for goals, and fans are hoping the Argentine can be the clinical finisher they’ve lacked. He’s already made a dream start, scoring a dramatic winning header in extra time of his FA Cup debut against QPR last weekend. With his high-intensity style and aerial threat, he could be the perfect foil for Bowen as they head into a tough run of fixtures.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

Life as a United fan is never boring, is it? Amorim getting the sack after that fiery press conference is the latest chapter in the madness. I’ve got mixed feelings about the whole thing, and from a fantasy perspective, I’m just waiting to see if Darren Fletcher goes full “tactical genius” and plays five at the back for the Burnley game. Last week was easily my best run of suggestions so far, so I’ve probably peaked! But let’s ignore that and keep the momentum rolling with some fresh picks for the new year.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Bart Verbruggen | (12-15) points vs. Burnley (H)
+4% ownership change
Another Verbruggen recommendation and another return of 12+ points. Burnley at home should be a consideration for most defences this year.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks pick is:

Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford)

• Last Game: vs. Everton (A) (4-6 points)

• Ownership: 69% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Nottingham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for penalty save percentage

Caoimhín Kelleher is currently the highest-scoring goalkeeper over the last 30 days, averaging just under 12 points a game. At home to Sunderland this Wednesday, he feels like the obvious choice. However, the Black Cats have shown a lot of fight lately despite losing several key players to AFCON. That said, Brentford are in fantastic form with three wins in their last four games, and I fancy them to keep that momentum going this weekend.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Ferdi Kadioglu | (20-23) points vs. Burnley (H)
+19% ownership change
Kadioglu literally put in a man of the match performance as Brighton cruised to victory against Burnley. Might be on the bench away to City next, however I’d keep a hold of him as he;s been playing very well.
Rating: Man of the Match

This weeks picks are:

Pascal Struijk (Leeds)

• Last Game: vs. Man United (H) (20-24 points)

• Ownership: 15% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (A), Fulham (H), Everton (A)

• Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for shots versus other centre backs

Pascal Struijk has been flying under the radar lately, but he actually has the third-highest points of all defenders over the last month, averaging just over 11 points a game. That’s an incredible return given Leeds’ difficult schedule. They look very solid at home and have improved massively on the road since changing formation to a back three. At such low ownership, he’s a no-brainer, even with Newcastle away next.
If you’re looking elsewhere, Hugo Bueno (11% owned) is a rising stock after putting up nearly 30 points last gameweek. Finally, with Amorim sacked, keep an eye on how United line up, Lisandro Martinez (19% owned) has looked excellent since his return and should be a major beneficiary of the managerial change

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

David Brooks | (0-2) points vs. Arsenal (H)
+13% ownership change
Bournemouth looked good at home (as they have all season) despite hosting Arsenal. Brooks had one half chance, but struggled to make the same impact he’s made over the last few weeks. I think I’d still keep him in the squad as they host Tottenham at home next.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks is:

Vitaly Janelt (Brentford)

• Last Game: vs. Everton (A) (21-25 points)

• Ownership: 13% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Nottingham (A)

• Interesting Stat: 84th percentile for assists versus other midfielders

If you’re not looking at Vitaly Janelt, you’re ignoring one of the most in-form players in the league. He’s quietly sitting in the top 10 for points this month, averaging nearly 15 per game—which is essentially “premium midfielder” territory at a fraction of the price. The best part? He doesn’t even need to score to ruin your opponent’s weekend as his “ghost points” from defensive work are so high he has a great floor. He’s been the unsung hero of the festive period, and against a depleted Sunderland, I expect the Janelt masterclass to continue.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Thierno Barry | (13-15) points vs. Brentford (H)
+14% ownership change
Brentford are looking very solid with 3 wins in their last 4, as Everton failed to gain any momentum after their win away at Forest. Barry however was able to score in back to back games and will be worth holding against a resurgent Wolves.
Rating: Man of The Match

This weeks pick is:

Mateus Mane (Wolves)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham (H) (18-23 points)

• Ownership: 6% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (A), Newcastle (H), Man City (A)

• Interesting Stat: As an 18 year old has 5 goals in 18 appearances for the U21s

Have Wolves found the next big English talent? Mateus Mane scored a superb goal and gave an all-round great performance to help Wolves secure their first win of the season, a 3-0 victory over West Ham. Are we about to witness one of the greatest escapes in Premier League history? I don’t think so, but Mane looks like a fantastic fantasy asset. There is another young forward to consider in Charalampos Kostoulas (16% owned), who set up Georginio Rutter in Brighton’s home win against Burnley. He’s already making a name for himself since his summer move.

Fixture Spotlight

Newcastle

• Last Game: vs. Crystal Palace (H) W 2-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Leeds (H), Wolves (A), Aston Villa (H), Liverpool (A)

Newcastle will look to build on their 2-0 victory over Palace by beating a Leeds side that has found its rhythm over the festive period. While their frontline is still seeing some rotation, there are great assets to grab, with Lewis Miley (25% owned) holding down the right-back spot. If his official position changes to a Defender in the game, he will become a must-buy. Jacob Ramsey (6% owned) and Joelinton (49% owned) currently seem to be fighting for that final position in the midfield alongside Tonali and Guimaraes.

One to Watch

Charalampos Kostoulas (16% owned) looked dangerous against Burnley. While it was only Burnley, he got into excellent positions, had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside, and ultimately set up Rutter for the opener. It was an impressive performance for his first Premier League start, and at 18 years old, he actually became the youngest Greek player to ever start a game in the competition. Brighton are known for their incredible recruitment, and it looks like Kostoulas is the next young talent ready to fulfill his potential.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

With games coming thick and fast over the festive period and me being back home in England for Christmas, I’ll be sticking to one player per position until the fixtures (and my kidney health) are back to normal. United continue to disappoint their supporters with that 1-1 draw against Wolves, and Villa’s incredible winning run finally came to an end at the Emirates. Hopefully, everyone is remembering that there’s a game every other day at the moment!

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Senne Lammens | (4-6) points vs. Wolves (H)
+10% ownership change
The 10% increase in ownership this game week meant everyone else thought United wouldn’t shit the bed too. Maybe, if Amorim wasn’t such a stubborn bastard United wouldn’t of given Wolves their third point of the year. I though Lammens played well again and maybe a fantastic save in the second half, however clean sheets are unlikely to be a regular thing for this United side it looks like.
Rating: On The Bench

This weeks picks are:

Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham (A) (1-6points)

• Ownership: 33% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Man City (A), Bournemouth(H)

• Interesting Stat: 60th percentile for PSxG meaning he faces a lot of high-quality shots, however is save percentage is in 25th percentile.

Maybe it’s third time lucky with Bart Verbruggen. My first two suggestions for him returned over 15 points each, so I’m hoping for more the same. At home to Burnley, you’d usually fancy Brighton to be solid, but they have been leaking goals recently, so this one could really go either way. I’m a bit stuck on the keeper choice this week, but if in doubt, go with Bart.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Luke Shaw | (8-11) points vs. Wolves (H)
+23% ownership change
Again, I feel like if United would have continued to play 4-3-3 after beating Newcastle and Dorgu moving to the right this would allowed Shaw to creep up the field more. He still managed 3 key passes and 1 accurate cross. Away at Leeds will be tough, it would be a gamble to still keep him in the eleven.
Rating: That’s His Job

This weeks pick is:

Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. West Ham(A) (10-16 points)

• Ownership: 5% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Man City (A), Bournemouth(H)

• Interesting Stat: 80th percentile for progressive passes and 90th percentile for progressive carries versus other full backs

Ferdi Kadioglu recorded his first assist of the season during Brighton’s 2-2 draw with West Ham, and he’s been on a great run, averaging just over 10 points in his last three games. At home to a Burnley side that has struggled for goals away from home, you’d imagine Brighton have a strong chance of a clean sheet. Kadioglu is still a low-ownership player and is well worth picking up.
I also fancy Jake O’Brien (54% owned) at home to Brentford this week, as Everton’s defense has looked increasingly solid, keeping a clean sheet in their last game against Forest.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Simon Adingra | (0-2) points vs. Man City (H)
+2% ownership change
Man City at home might not have been the game to recommend for Adingra and although Sunderland have it a good go, Adingra failed to really get involved despite his shot he had. Keep an eye on him though.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

David Brooks (Bournemouth)

• Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (27-30 points)

• Ownership: 15% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Arsenal (H), Tottenham (H), Brighton (A)

• Interesting Stat: 76th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and expected assists versus other wingers - he gets in good positions and creates chances.

I’m not just saying this, but I was actually going to suggest David Brooks last week and saw Chelsea away and thought maybe wait a week. Well, Brooks certainly didn’t wait to put up a big score; he was instrumental in the Cherries’ well-earned point at Stamford Bridge that looked to be the final nail in the coffin for Enzo Maresca. With Antoine Semenyo heavily rumored to be off to Manchester City this week, it will only benefit Bournemouth’s other attackers with more playing time—Brooks being one of them. His ownership has dropped significantly since the start of the season, but with a goal and a Man of the Match performance fresh in the bag, now is a great time to pick him up again.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Igor Jesus | (-3- 0) points vs. Everton (H)
+11% ownership change
Got this one way off, Forest were poor at home to Everton and Jesus wasn’t able to be the saviour we hoped for. Will be interesting to see what happens once Chris Wood returns.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks are:

Thierno Barry (Everton)

• Last Game: vs. Nottingham Forest (A) (11-14 points)

• Ownership: 31% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Brentford (H), Wolves (H), Aston Villa(A)

• Interesting Stat:

Thierno Barry scored his second goal of the season against Forest, and I’ll be honest, I was surprised to see Everton win away so convincingly. Everton have a couple of good home games coming up; Brentford have been tough to score against recently, but Barry will look forward to hopefully getting more chances and getting on the scoresheet. With his physical presence and that recent goal boosting his confidence, he could be a smart little pick-up for this home run. I’ll be honest, not a lot of forwards to choose from right now, I still also like Armando Broja (8% owned) who has been quietly going about his business the last two weeks.

Fixture Spotlight

Everton

• Last Game: vs. Nottingham Forest (A) W 2-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Tottenham (A), Sunderland (H)

Everton have some good fixtures coming up, and I’d definitely be looking to pick up Dwight McNeil (51% owned) or Tyler Dibling (13% owned). Both have started the last two games and made a real impact while filling in for the absent Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Beyond the attack, Jake O’Brien (54% owned) and Vitalii Mykolenko (58% owned) are still available in a lot of leagues. With Everton’s defense starting to solidify, (keeping seven clean sheets so far this season) doubling up on their backline could be a very smart move for the January run.

One to Watch

Oliver Scarles has stepped up brilliantly, recording back-to-back 90-minute appearances while covering for Malick Diouf. After a tough outing against Fulham, he showed great character with a much-improved, Man of the Match-worthy performance against Brighton. West Ham’s form is still very much “hit and miss,” but Scarles’ defensive stats, including 9 recoveries and 3 interceptions in his last game, are very promising. Keep an eye on his progress; there is a seriously talented young player developing here.

Last Weeks VAR Review

Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.

That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.

On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.

Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.

I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

Watching the AFCON-depleted squads shuffle their line-ups was fascinating this weekend. Who had “United Clean Sheet” and “Villa winning 11 in a row” on their bingo card? Certainly not me. With the games coming thick and fast, keep a close eye on the team sheet, asrotation is coming. On a personal note, I’ve had a shocker. My opponent hit nearly 190 points thanks to Kevin Schade turning into prime Ronaldo for one afternoon and dropping 40+ points. If anyone needs me, I’ll be staring at a wall for the next few hours.

Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Alphonse Areola | (6-9) points vs. Fulham (H)
+2% ownership change
Not the worst performance by Areola, but West Ham not picking points at home leaves them 5 points off of safety. I don’t think I’d fancy him this coming week with Brighton coming to town.
Rating: That’s His Job

If only I had suggested Dubravka, who got a massive points total. This weeks picks are:

Senne Lammens (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. Newcastle (H) (13-16 points)

• Ownership: 25% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for PSxG meaning he faces a lot of high-quality shots and his PSxG-GA is in the 70th percentile meaning he saves a good amount of them.

United managed a clean sheet last week (stop laughing, it actually happened). Senne Lammens made three saves to survive a nervy Newcastle finish, and with Wolves at home next, he’s the standout pick. Wolves are currently bottom of the table and scoring goals seems to be against their religion at the moment. It’s the obvious choice, unless you actually enjoy the emotional rollercoaster of picking anyone else.

Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Patrick Dorgu | (31-34) points vs. Newcastle (H)
+15% ownership change
I mean I just hope everyone who read this picked up Patrick Dorgu, couldn’t have been more chuffed with this recommendation last week and arguably the best of the season so far. Make sure to pick him up for Wolves if you haven’t, he is a fantasy points machine.
Rating: Man of the Match

Rico Henry | (-2-6) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+1% ownership change
Henry actually played a pretty poor game, which was a little surprising, however he is still coming back from a long time out and consistency may not be there yet. Keep an eye on him though. There will be plenty of games this season, when you will be glad you picked him up.
Rating: Transfer List

Alex Jiménez | (0-12) points vs. Team (A)
-2% ownership change
Depending on your league structure, Jimenez points varied. One thing is true at the moment, Bournemouth are leaking goals for fun and that pattern doesn’t seem to stop anytime soon. Jimenez in the meantime is still putting up decent numbers.
Rating: On The Bench

One good, one okay and one bad pick. Hopefully, you picked Dorgu. This weeks picks are:

Luke Shaw (Man United)

• Last Game: vs. Newcastle (H) (13-16 points)

• Ownership: 18% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Burnley (A)

• Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for expected assists versus other full backs

If you’re brave enough to double up on United, Luke Shaw is the man for the defense. He’s been their most reliable player in a season of chaos, and Amorim’s recent switch to a back four should finally set him free to actually cross the halfway line. It’s a bit of an “anxious” choice, I know, but against a Wolves team that are only really good at conceding goals, it’s worth the risk. If you fancy more of a risk, youngster Ayden Heaven (3% owned) and Lisandro Martinez (10% owned) are great options too. Nicola Savona (10% owned) faces an Everton struggling a little in front of goal too, so he might be a good option too.

Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Keane Lewis-Potter | (4-8) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+24% ownership change
Not quite the impact he made against Wolves and missed a pretty good chance as Kevin Schade made the headlines. He’s definetly worth keeping around with Tottenham at home.
Rating: That’s His Job

Crysencio Summerville | (1-2) points vs. Fulham (H)
+5% ownership change
I think I’m done recommending West Ham players. Sorry for wasting your time.
Rating: Transfer List

This weeks picks only one pick:

Simon Adingra (Sunderland)

• Last Game: vs. (A) ( points)

• Ownership: 29% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Man City (H), Tottenham (A), Brentford (A)

• Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for tackle versus other wingers

Ivory Coast’s loss is definitely Sunderland’s gain. Adingra must be fuming to be left out of the AFCON squad, but he’s taking it out on the rest of the league scoring peach of a goal against Leeds today. Sunderland host Man City next, and while City are chasing the title, the Stadium of Light is still a fortress where they haven’t lost all season. Adingra looks like he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder, and frankly, I’m here for it.

Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Brian Brobbey | (1-2) points vs. Leeds (H)
+3% ownership change
Brian Brobbey made just as much impact against Leeds as Brad Bobbley did with his soccer camps.
Rating: Transfer List

Armando Broja | (5-8) points vs. Everton (H)
+4% ownership change
Considering no goals were scored, Broja put some good ghost points together. I want be recommending any Burnley forwards in the near future any time soon, but keep an eye on Broja.
Rating: On The Bench

Forwards are hard to come by if you don’t have some good ones in your squad already. This weeks pick is:

Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)

• Last Game: vs. Man City (A) (8-10 points)

• Ownership: 33% of Fantrax squads

• Next Fixtures: vs Everton (H), Aston Villa (A), West Ham(A)

• Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for shots versus other forwards.

I think Igor Jesus will be looking forward to playing an Everton team that is really struggling to find the net, with no goals in their last three matches. Igor got a great assist against City this past weekend and looks firmly established as Forest’s starting number nine. With Chris Wood yet to return from surgery, I really fancy Forest to get a result this week.

Fixture Spotlight

Newcastle

• Last Game: vs. Man United (A) L 1-0

• Next Fixtures: vs. Burnley (A), Crystal Palace (H), Leeds (H), Wolves (A)

Newcastle will be looking to bounce back after dominating the second half against Man United but struggling to find the net. They have a favorable run of fixtures coming up, starting with Burnley away. While many of their stars are highly owned, I expect some rotation. Harvey Barnes (61% owned) will hopefully see more minutes, while Lewis Miley (25% owned) has been impressing while filling in at RB. Jacob Ramsey (11% owned) has started the last three games and looks to be overcoming his injuries to rediscover the Villa form that saw Steven Gerrard call him a top talent. Joelinton (34% owned) is also one to watch as he looks to rediscover his best form.

One to Watch

If you’re looking for a “diamond in the rough,” keep an eye on Tyler Dibling. He was a real bright spark in the Burnley game, earning his first start in months and looking like he actually wanted the ball. Now that Ndiaye is off at AFCON, Dibling has at least six games to prove he’s more than just a promising youngster. With Brentford and Wolves visiting soon, he’s got a golden chance to rack up some points while everyone else is still staring at their depleted squads. At 9% ownership, he’s the definition of a sneaky pick.

Lastly

Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!

Subscribe now