This week, we're back after a good week for both of us to talk about Overmanagement - should we revalue the importance of being idle and doing nothing?
We also take a look at captains for Gameweek 37 then do the usual features and questions.
Main league: 516-441
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Tuesday, 30 April 2019
Friday, 26 April 2019
FPL: Five players to watch in GW36
After a week of shocks for some of the top clubs, the Premier League fixture list is down to three weeks. With plenty to play for at both ends of the table, where can fantasy managers turn to for a boost during the run-in? With Gameweek 36 getting underway on Friday, time is already ticking towards another deadline.
With the last double game week of the season now behind us, it’s a lot more straight forward from here. As a general rule of thumb, look to include as many players still playing for something as possible. Fortunately, that still includes all of the top 6 and most of the top 10, as the battle for European spaces looks like going to the wire.
As usual, here are five picks to hopefully keep you in the green this week. Thanks to Liverpool vs Huddersfield, the deadline is Friday at 7pm – don’t forget!
1) Mo Salah (Liverpool, Midfield, £13.2m)
Possibly the most obvious pick of the week. Liverpool host Huddersfield on Friday night which should be a home win. Huddersfield, as we know, are very relegated. Yes, that is the correct terminology. Whilst they have shown some admirable fight in recent games they are just not good enough for this level and barring an unbelievable performance, even the most ardent of Huddersfield fans couldn’t back their team here. Therefore it makes perfect sense to fill your team with Liverpool players this week and to be honest it could have been any of Salah, Mane or Firmino. Salah has the most FPL points this season (230) but he is £3m more expensive than Mane who has 201. If you’re on a budget, Mane is perhaps the way to go.
To read the rest of this article, click here.
Thursday, 25 April 2019
Daily Fantasy Football Tips - Gameweek 36
Starting 11 is a new Daily Fantasy Premier League football game and app, which has gained in popularity since last year as managers get to pick a brand new fantasy team each week, without the headache of managing a season-long team.
As always, this week’s picks are suitable for all fantasy football game formats and will suit most scoring systems, so we hope you find good use for them, whether you’re playing Fantasy Premier League, or daily fantasy games over at Starting 11.
If you’d like to get involved this week by challenging us, simply create your lineups today via the free app.
If you’d like to get involved this week by challenging us, simply create your lineups today via the free app.
FORWARDS
Safe Pick – Jimenez vs Watford (A)
With 12 goals and 10 assists since August, Jimenez has been a key player in what has been a highly successful first season back in the Premier League for Wolves.
Despite not scoring in his last 5 outings he was heavily involved and was unlucky not to find the back of the net vs Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Watford love to concede goals lately and have failed to keep a clean sheet in the league since 9th February – I’m expecting more goals in this one.
Differential Pick - Wilson vs Southampton (A)
Some say Bournemouth are on the beach and therefore we must avoid their players. Whilst I think there is now a risk of unpredictability with which Bournemouth side will turn up – we’ve seen this unpredictability with the Cherries all season. The way I see it the pressure is off and they can play with freedom.
Having scored and created two assists in the 5-0 win vs Brighton, there are performances and fantasy points still to be had from Callum Wilson.
Their opponents Southampton have conceded 8 goals during their last 4 games.
MIDFIELDERS
Safe Pick - Son vs West Ham (H)
With Kane out injured, the main benefactor is Son – who often plays out of position as a striker in the absence of the England skipper.
West Ham have conceded 13 goals in only 6 games, even goal shy Huddersfield managed to get 3 past them.
Son has 12 goals and 8 assists for the season and no doubt he still has some more reserves left in the tank.
Differential – Babel vs Cardiff (H)
A bit of a punt here, but after scoring 3 goals and providing an assist during his last 5 games – Ryan Babel has the form to warrant his selection.
Fulham are down, the pressure is off and players like Babel have an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window this summer.
Having conceded 18 goals during their last 9 games, I expect Cardiff to be relegated this season.
DEFENDERS
Safe Pick – Vertonghen vs West Ham (H)
Spurs have a new fortress, since moving to their new stadium they are yet to concede a goal at home during any of the four games across all competitions.
Now Vertonghen may not be as exciting as Trippier for example, however what he does provide is reliability compared to an attacking full back who gets rotated.
West Ham have failed to win any of their last 4 games, they won’t go down, they won’t get close to Europe – they have lost all interest, where as Spurs are still fighting to secure a Champions' League spot.
Differential – Dunk vs Newcastle (H)
Have we all now forgiven Duffy and Dunk? Was the clean sheet vs Wolves (as well as a fantastic effort vs Spurs) enough for us to trust them one more time?
Brighton are not safe yet, they HAVE to get something from this game - with Arsenal and Manchester City waiting after the Newcastle game on Saturday.
Always back the sides fighting for their lives at this stage of the season.
GOALKEEPERS
Safe Pick – Lloris vs West Ham (H)
3 clean sheets from his last 4 games, the new stadium has helped Spurs rise to the occasion during the business end of the season and in turn knocking Manchester City out of the Champions League.
I can’t ignore that home record, winning 100% of home games at their new stadium and conceding no goals - it has to be applauded and gives us the form we are looking for in a goalkeeper this weekend.
Lloris joins Vertonghen in a 'Spurs Defensive Stack' is a must.
Differential – Pickford vs Crystal Palace (A)
Everton failed to keep a single clean sheet from their opening 6 games of the Premier League season, even after 21 games they only had 4 clean sheets to their name.
Fast forward to the end of the season and Pickford can now boast 6 clean sheets from his last 8 games, the Toffees are winning football matches and possibly starting to show us the performances we expected with such vast amounts of money spent on players over the last few seasons.
They still have their Everton moments, a 2-0 defeat to Fulham for example – however if you are looking for an alternative option for a clean sheet on Saturday, then look no further than Jordan Pickford.
Good luck!
Friday, 19 April 2019
FPL: Five players with a double game week 35
Have you got your breath back yet? Man City and Tottenham served up a treat in the Champions League and they get to do it all again this weekend. Not only is there a full round of Premier League games but eight teams will play twice. Is this the final chance to make up serious ground on your fantasy football rivals?
Not only will we get to see a re-match from Wednesday but there’s also a Manchester derby in midweek. Four of the top six play twice and at this stage of the season, we’re getting very serious indeed.
With that in mind, here are five players who will be playing twice who are worthy of your consideration for week 35.
1) Raheem Sterling (Manchester City, Midfield, £11.5m)
With four goals in a week, it’s impossible to ignore Raheem Sterling. I fully expect Man City to come back looking for revenge for their devastating Champions League exit on Saturday. If nothing else, it should lower the chances of Pep roulette now as Man City go in pursuit of retaining their Premier League title.
You can read the rest of this article here
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
Daily Fantasy Football Tips - Gameweek 35
Starting 11 is a new Daily Fantasy Premier League football game and app, which has gained in popularity since last year as managers get to pick a brand new fantasy team each week, without the headache of managing a season-long team.
As always, this week’s picks are suitable for all fantasy football game formats and will suit most scoring systems, so we hope you find good use for them, whether you’re playing Fantasy Premier League, or daily fantasy games over at Starting 11.
If you’d like to get involved this week by challenging us, simply create your lineups today via the free app.
If you’d like to get involved this week by challenging us, simply create your lineups today via the free app.
FORWARDS
Safe Pick – Aguero vs Spurs (H)
With three hat-tricks to his name already this season, all scored at home and two of them against Chelsea and Arsenal Sergio Aguero is top of my shopping list this week.
Liverpool’s relatively straight forward tie vs Cardiff on Sunday means Manchester City have to win, Pep Guardiola will field a full strength team and the man who rises to the occasion during the big games is Aguero.
Also joint top goal scorer in the Premier League with Mo Salah, Aguero needs to keep the pressure on the Egyptian if he wants to win this personal accolade.
Differential Pick - Wilson vs Fulham (H)
After destroying Brighton last weekend, Bournemouth and Callum Wilson are in hot form as they face the already relegated Fulham at home.
Wilson’s goal and two assists vs Brighton took the England International to twelve goals and eleven assists for the season – a better record than popular picks such as Raul Jimenez and Son Heung-Min.
Fulham have conceded 76 goals this season, more than any other side!
MIDFIELDERS
Safe Pick - Salah vs Cardiff (A)
While Shay Given carried on tucking into his steak, the rest of the world stood and applauded a fantastic goal scored by Mo Salah last weekend.
The 2017/18 player of the season appears to be finding his form at the business end of the title race. With favourable fixtures to come, Manchester City fan’s must be worried.
His two goals and assist during his last three games have taken him to 19 goals and 10 assists this season, can he clinch the golden boot for a second season running and in doing do win the title for Liverpool?
Differential – Deulofeu vs Huddersfield (A)
A fixture vs Huddersfield and Deulofeu was already on my radar. Despite his rest against Arsenal he could be fantasy gold this weekend,especially with Deeney suspended.
Playing out of position as a striker, having already scored a hat-trick vs Cardiff earlier in the season, he will be hoping to add to his seven goals for the season and Huddersfield have conceded 14 goals in their last four games.
DEFENDERS
Safe Pick – Van Dijk vs Cardiff (A)
Is he the best defender the Premier League has ever seen? No. Is he the best defender currently in the Premier League? Probably.
Having started all 34 Premier League games so far this season Van Dijk is nailed on and has chipped in with three goals and four assists.
Cardiff in my opinion will go down and had it not been for two other terrible teams in Huddersfield and Fulham they would have already been relegated in seasons gone by.
Differential – Kolasinac vs Crystal Palace (H)
Coach Unai Emery continues to favour a back three system, releasing Kolasinac to attack from wingback – fully rested on Monday night, he is fresh and ready to take on Crystal Palace.
His rest can be interpreted as a tactical move from the manager. With seven assists despite missing the start of the season, can Kolasinac provide more attacking returns – as well as hope to make it four clean sheets in five games for Arsenal?
GOALKEEPERS
Safe Pick – Allison vs Cardiff (A)
As I have already mentioned, Liverpool’s 18 clean sheets from 34 games is outstanding – I don’t expect Cardiff to stop them making it 19 for the season.
Probably the clean sheet banker for Gameweek 35, I am tempted to have a full defensive stack for Sunday’s games.
Differential – Foster vs Huddersfield (A)
The worst attack in the league in Huddersfield, this week take on Watford - flying high having qualified for the final of the FA Cup.
A long standing fantasy football favourite is Ben Foster and he makes it as my differential goalkeeper this week.
Only 7 clean sheets this season for the former England International, however he has been in fine form for the Hornets – also, it's only Huddersfield Town after all!
Good luck!
Friday, 12 April 2019
FPL: Five to watch in GW34 – Son to shine?
The Champions League offered an action packed interlude but all eyes are back on the Premier League this weekend. A certain injury has made waves in fantasy football circles but will there be other rotation issues to avoid?
We’re back to a full round of the games after the reduced schedule last week. There’s also the added bonus of Brighton vs Cardiff on Tuesday night, meaning both sides have a double game week. More on that later though.
Here are five picks for the week ahead, starting with the big talking point – Harry Kane’s dodgy ankle.
1) Heung-Min Son (Tottenham, Midfield, £8.6m)
From the moment Harry Kane hobbled down the tunnel on Tuesday night, a million wildcard templates were torn up. Kane was the solid pick amongst a sea of uncertainty. Usually safe from rotation, his thirst for goals makes him a must have at this time of the season. Not now though. The suggestions are that Kane’s season is all but over, although we are awaiting official confirmation.
We’re back to a full round of the games after the reduced schedule last week. There’s also the added bonus of Brighton vs Cardiff on Tuesday night, meaning both sides have a double game week. More on that later though.
Here are five picks for the week ahead, starting with the big talking point – Harry Kane’s dodgy ankle.
1) Heung-Min Son (Tottenham, Midfield, £8.6m)
From the moment Harry Kane hobbled down the tunnel on Tuesday night, a million wildcard templates were torn up. Kane was the solid pick amongst a sea of uncertainty. Usually safe from rotation, his thirst for goals makes him a must have at this time of the season. Not now though. The suggestions are that Kane’s season is all but over, although we are awaiting official confirmation.
To read the rest of this article, click here.
Daily Fantasy Football - Gameweek 34
To celebrate Starting 11’s newly updated app I’m back to bring you a second installment of tips for this on-going Gameweek by focusing on Wednesday’s three Premier League fixtures.
Fantasy football managers have spoken and Starting 11 have listened! Player positions now match those we all know and love on FPL – with the likes of Hazard and Salah now classified as midfielders.
We still have no budgets, but for our Starting 11 line-ups it’s a case of all-out attack from now on…
Fantasy football managers have spoken and Starting 11 have listened! Player positions now match those we all know and love on FPL – with the likes of Hazard and Salah now classified as midfielders.
We still have no budgets, but for our Starting 11 line-ups it’s a case of all-out attack from now on…
If you’d like to get involved this week by challenging us, simply create your lineups today via the free app.
Harry Kane was the original must-have pick for Gameweek 34 against relegated Huddersfield at Tottenham's new stadium.
Well after his unexpected injury on Tuesday night in the Champions League, it’s his rival Sergio Aguero who gets the nod against Crystal Palace.
With 19 league goals this season Aguero is in pole position for the 2018/19 Golden Boot, with a number of key players breathing down his neck. He will be spurred on to score more goals between now and Gameweek 38.
Differential Forward – Murray vs Bournemouth (H)
Bournemouth players have been popular over the last few weeks with their players who have filled the blanks during the FA Cup Quarter and Semi-finals, perhaps more though hope than expectation.
If we’re honest, Bournemouth’s form has been poor. Next up they have a trip to Brighton where Glenn Murray could fire the Seagulls to a vital victory in their bid for Premier League survival.
Bournemouth have conceded 7 goals during their last 3 games, can Murray add to his 11 goals for the season?
Safe Pick Midfielder - Sterling vs Crystal Palace (A)
A must own player all season on Starting 11, however he has now been reclassified as a midfielder! His place within our line-ups just became even more important.
Guardiola was able to give Sterling a well-earned rest vs Cardiff City, however with Liverpool still putting the pressure on – can he really risk resting him again vs Crystal Palace?
With a staggering 28 attacking returns this season, he's an essential pick for this weekend.
Differential Midfielder – Jota vs Southampton (A)
After a disappointing extra time defeat in the FA Cup Semi Final to Watford, Wolves need to regroup and concentrate on their recent league form instead. The recent win against Manchester United took them level on points with 7th place Leicester.
After taking longer than we expected to find his feet in the Premier League, Jota now has 7 goals during the second half of the season, playing out of position as part of the Wolves forward line.
Jota and Jimenez have developed a fantastic relationship spearheading the Wolves attack and now Jimenez has signed permanently, I expect them both to go from strength to strength.
Safe Pick Defender – Trippier vs Huddersfield (H)
With only 19 goals scored since August, it’s no surprise that Huddersfield were the first side to be relegated this season.
With this in mind I’ll be looking at Spurs for clean sheets this weekend and Trippier with his potential for attacking returns.
By no means at his best this season, however he has scored and provided 5 assists in the Premier League since his superlatives at the Word Cup.
Differential Defender - Digne vs Fulham (A)
If you rolled back the season to Gameweek 26 and told me Everton were about to start a run of 5 clean sheets in 6 games, I would have raised an eyebrow and carried on with my season happy to have no Toffees in my back line.
This is exactly what Everton have done and to cap it all off, the one week they didn’t keep a clean sheet – Digne recorded an assist to keep that run of returns flowing.
Despite Everton having a poor season, Digne now has 3 goals, 4 assists and 10 clean sheets. Could he be a key differential for you over the final weeks of the season?
Safe Pick Goalkeeper – Ederson vs Crystal Palace (A)
One man seemingly untouchable when it comes to ‘Pep Roulete’ is goalkeeper Ederson, who has notched up 16 clean sheets this season.
Only Liverpool can boast a better record (17) this season making Ederson an easy choice between the sticks on Starting 11 this weekend.
As long as his defenders don’t gift another penalty to Luka Milivojevic then those clean sheet points should be safe.
Differential Goalkeeper - Ryan vs Bournemouth (H)
With Double Gameweek distractions over on FPL, I couldn’t leave out a potential Brighton clean sheet with some FPL managers even considering tripling up on their wildcards – could this be a wise move for Starting 11 too?
Well there is no Double Gameweek on Starting 11 but there is a home game against Bournemouth, a side who have only won 1 of their last 9 league games. So there's all to play for!
Good luck!
Tuesday, 9 April 2019
Who Got The Assist? Pod 66 - Wildcard Decision Paralysis (feat. FPL Family)
This week we're joined by Lee and Sam, who runs the twitter account and YouTube channel @FPLFamily.
It's decisions, decisions as we reach wildcard week for many! We cover the premium, enabler and single gameweek assets comprising FPL manager's wildcard squads - whilst also providing help for non-wildcarders who are managing their way through this week.
Back a little later next week due to the Tuesday night game.
Main league: 516-441
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