Fantasy Formation

Bale tops the captain picks for this season´s last Gameweek.

It is time for us to pick our companions for this season’s last supper. Possible dining partners include captain picks, big hitters, clean sheets, and punts. Also, the last, and possibly the worst, analogy of the season.

Final picks

Well here we are. It’s come down to this, the last Gameweek of the season. For many the mini-leagues have already been settled. For others it’s squeaky bum time, quoting the recently retired Sir Alex Ferguson.

Your strategy depends on where you stand. If you are chasing a leader, you need to find a differential. Should the point gap be minimal, the one free transfer could be enough to make up ground with a well placed outside bet. More on that in the punts.

If you are leading the way the most reasonable play is to bet on the heavy hitters, especially those that still have something to play for. Make sure you all your players will start and resist the urge to take a hit, as the four point swing could be all that separates you from your rivals when the dust has settled.

If you are holding on to an insurmountable lead, or have already given up on the league, this is the perfect time to experiment. Take a hit or two and chase a feeling, or look at the stats and choose the most likely player to deliver an explosive Gameweek score.

Whatever you do, best of luck, and thanks for reading.

Captain Picks

1. Bale: Tottenham have everything to play for and have a home game against a Sunderland team that is now safe, following Wigan’s loss against Arsenal last Gameweek. He’s the obvious top pick and should likely be yours if you are leading in your mini-league. If you need to differentiate, I can understand putting your armband elsewhere, but understand that this is a risky move.

2. Walcott: Walcott is in the same situation as Bale, except Arsenal play away from home against Newcastle. Bale has shown consistency playing upfront for Arsenal and is a fine captain pick. He could even be considered a differential, as so many Fantasy managers will captain Bale.

3. Sturridge: Despite me harping on about picking players that have something to play for, I’m going for Sturridge. Why? For one, he’s in amazing form with 11 league goals and 5 assists in 13 games. Liverpool also play at home and face the frankly appalling QPR. Brendan Rodgers is focusing on building up for next season and will want to finish the season on a high, as witnessed by Liverpool’s big wins against Newcastle and Fulham.

Heavy Hitters

Aguero and Silva delivered against Reading without the sacked Mancini. A home game against a recently attacking Norwich team is the perfect game to finish the season on a high note and the Argentine will want to make a statement for the incoming manager.

Van Persie could be in the captain picks, if not for the uncertainty of whether he will be in the starting lineup. Perhaps it is likely, with Ferguson wanting to thank him for his part in the manager’s last title, and you should seldom bet against Van Persie in the Fantasy game.

Despite varied Fantasy results, Cazorla has to be in the picks, for his tendency to deliver explosive returns. Last Gameweek’s four assists were tremendous and Arsenal need another performance from the Spaniard to secure the Champions League spot.

Adebayor and Dempsey were the heroes last Gameweek and should start upfront in Villas-Boas’s preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Coutinho is dictating the attacking play for Liverpool and is the likeliest to provide assists.

Clean Sheets

Manchester City should keep Norwich’s threat to a minimum and Zabaleta should start after missing out on the last two games.

Liverpool should dominate the game against QPR, keeping possession and not give up many chances. If you have the cash, Johnson offers a decent chance of attacking returns.

Tottenham face a Sunderland team bereft of their top attackers and will be desperate to keep a clean sheet. Dawson is the cheapest in the Tottenham defence.

Punts

Hernandez has an amazing goal per minute ratio and could be set to start again with Rooney focused on other issues.

Giggs should start, if only for sentimental reasons, and is always looking for the killer pass. He’s very much the outer most of differentials and perhaps only a real pick for those wanting to experiment in the last Gameweek.

Michu was a surprise inclusion for Swansea against Manchester United. He scored and played well and is a cheeky captain pick this Gameweek. Swansea face Fulham, who are playing atrocious defence and seem to have already signed out this season.

With Benteke missing Agbonlahor should start upfront for Aston Villa who face an already relegated Wigan team.

Walcott makes the captain picks for Gameweek 37 with Arsenal desperately needing a win to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.

Every Gameweek is a birthday party, but every party must come to an end. Enjoy your 37th Fantasy birthday with captain picks, big hitters, clean sheets, and punts. Also, the gift of a strained analogy.

Captain Picks

1. Walcott: Arsenal have it all to play for. So have Wigan. Given both teams’ philosophy we should see attacking football with openings for the strikers. With Giroud out of the picture, Walcott will play up front where he has been deadly this season. He has back to back goals and attacking returns in three of his last five games, so he’s a great captain bet this Gameweek.

2. Bale: His first goalless game in five attempts came last week and he could face another away at Stoke. Despite having nothing to play for Pulis will want to finish the season on high so Bale will not get too many chances. Not that it matters that much, given the way he is playing. It will take a brave Fantasy managers to bet against Bale so he keeps his place in the captain picks.

3. Fellaini: Fellaini’s attacking stats have been fine in the last five games, despite not delivering any attacking returns. He’ll be angling for a move after Moyes’s appointment at Manchester United and I think it will show in his game. He’ll likely be playing behind the striker and I guessing he’ll be heavily involved.

Heavy Hitters

Suarez’s absence has given Sturridge and Coutinho the centre stage as witnessed by Liverpool’s demolition of Newcastle. Both are great picks against a Fulham team with nothing to play for. Sturridge is even a sneaky outside captain pick if you need the differential.

I’m not comfortable giving Van Persie the armband this Gameweek as Ferguson could spread around the playing time for his last game in charge. Still, Van Persie will want to put on a show in gratitude for his first title and is likely to score should he start.

You really should get Walcott instead of Cazorla, but if you have the Spaniard play him. He’s a better player than Fantasy pick as he generally plays well but isn’t always involved in the goals. He has the potential to explode though, as witnessed by his five double-digit Gameweeks.

Manchester City’s starting lineup is anyones guess, but both Aguero and Tevez are fine picks should they start. I would play them if you have them but not go out purchasing them for the last two Gameweeks.

I would be comfortable recommending any combination of Hazard, Lampard, and Mata from the Aston Villa versus Chelsea game. Chelsea need the win and will have to open up, giving Aston Villa the chance to counter-attack with Agbonlahor’s devastating pace in tandem with Benteke’s strength and finishing.

Clean Sheets

Everton have kept six clean sheets in the last eight games. Baines is the standout choice, if you have the cash, due to his penchant for delivering assists.

Bunn is a budget keeper worth considering due to Norwich’s need to keep it tight and secure at least a draw at home against West Brom.

Sunderland don’t have much firepower left with Fletcher and Sessegnon missing. They will have to keep it tight and Cuellar could benefit with a clean sheet.

Punts

Moyes will want to leave the Everton fans on a high and will push for a win against a West Ham team that has already secured another season in the top flight. Anichebe will get his chances.

Newcastle’s Cisse will get chances against a dreadful QPR team. With suddenly all to play for, Pardew will aim for the win.

Arsenal will need to attack against Wigan, giving Maloney a chance to add to his impressive tally of five goals and nine assists this season.

Gareth Bale is the obvious captain pick for the double Gameweek.

Now to pick our toppings for the double scoop of Gameweek 36. Choices include captain picks, big hitters, clean sheets, and punts. Also, a sweet analogy.

Double Gameweek

The last double Gameweek of the season is upon us. Tottenham, Chelsea, Swansea, Wigan, West Brom, and Manchester City play two games in Gameweek 36.

Hopefully you have either been planning for this double Gameweek for a few weeks, or are sporting a shiny Wildcard, as you must go into the Gameweek with a minimum of three double-fixture players to compete.

The safe choices are from Tottenham and Wigan, both teams that have something to play for, while the risks lie in City’s and Chelsea’s players. West Brom and Swansea have little to play for which should normally mean that major returns are unlikely for players from those teams.

If you are leading in your mini-league a risk-averse strategy is to play and captain Bale and get in players that are held in major numbers. Mata, Hazard, and Michu are typical targets.

Should you be chasing the opposite strategy applies. Consider captaining Aguero, Lukaku, or even a Wigan player to differentiate. It’s risky, but you have to somehow gain ground on your mini-league leader.

Captain Picks

1. Bale: The obvious captain pick this Gameweek is Tottenham’s Bale, the newly crowned PFA player of the year. His recent form is just ridiculous, as he has averaged 10.7 Fantasy points in his last ten games, by courtesy of scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists. He will be the most captained player so the only reason not to pick Bale is if you are in desperate need to differentiate.

2. Aguero: Aguero has disappointed this season, with only 11 goals in 27 appearances, after a great first season where he scored 23 goals in 34 matches. Nevertheless, he possesses quality in abundance which he showed with a goal last game where he came through unscathed after coming back from injury. He’s a risky pick but one that could reap huge rewards.

3. Mata: The diminutive Spaniard has enjoyed a fruitful Fantasy season with Chelsea, amassing 6 goals, 16 assists, and 24 bonus points in 32 games. He’s been remarkably consistent, delivering attacking returns in five of his last six games. Despite facing Manchester United and Tottenham, Mata is a good pick as he has already shown he can deliver against the big boys with goals and assists against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United this season.

Heavy Hitters

Hazard and Lampard will be the most popular Chelsea picks apart from Mata. Hazard has enjoyed several explosive returns this season, although with less consistency than Mata. Lampard has defied expectations with yet another double-digit goal returns, thanks in part to his penalty duties. Lampard is a tougher sell than Hazard, as he could very well be rested in either game in anticipation of the Europa League final on the 15th of May.

Tevez, Silva, Nasri, and Yaya Toure all present cases to be included in the heavy hitters. Tevez is the obvious pick, Nasri because of his recent form, Toure due to his guaranteed playing time and attacking threat, and Silva as a consequence of his amazing last season and intermittent glimpses of quality this season. As with Chelsea, City players face rotation risk with the League being already decided and having an FA Cup final against Wigan to consider.

Lukaku is the obvious choice from West Brom, although Morrison is a decent shout for a value midfielder. The risk of choosing Lukaku is Steve Clarke’s propensity to rest him in difficult away games, but if he starts he is a major threat as he has delivered attacking returns in five of his last six games.

Kone and Maloney are the picks of the bunch from a Wigan team that will be desperate for wins. Both are cheap picks in comparison to the likes of Bale and Aguero, but also much less likely to deliver explosive returns.

Michu is the obvious target from Swansea. He is even a cheeky outside captain pick, if you want to take a risk.

Looking away from the double fixture teams, interesting prospects include Carroll at home against a faltering Newcastle defence, Walcott against a down-in-the-dumps QPR, and Benteke away at Norwich.

Clean Sheets

Manchester City’s Joe Hart should play both games and is likely to register at least one clean sheet.

Vertonghen has returned decent attacking points this season which gives the edge over Dawson in games that Tottenham are unlikely to register two clean sheets. Of course this only applies if you have the extra funds to cover the 2.3 price difference between the players.

Wigan face two teams that have nothing left to play for. This increases the chance that they keep clean sheets with Boyce the likely popular choice after his goal last Gameweek.

Punts

Oscar is the question mark in Chelsea’s double Gameweek. He is capable of delivering as his goals in the last two Gameweeks show.

Defoe is deadly on his day, but they have been too few and far between this season. Still, he’s a fine punt as Tottenham need wins to secure the Champions League spot.

Another Tottenham player to consider is Dempsey, especially if Villas-Boas plays his 4-3-3 setup, giving the American more freedom to attack.

Bale is the top captain pick for Gameweek 35.

Let’s build a Gameweek 35 preview parlour. Materials include captain picks, big hitters, clean sheets, and punts. Also, a far fetched analogy.

Captain Picks

1. Bale: Wigan have to attack against Tottenham meaning the game will be an open one, giving Bale the perfect playground. He is crucial to Tottenham’s quest for Champions League football, as witnessed by his goal and assist against Manchester City last Gameweek. He’s the safest captain pick.

2. Tevez: A riskier pick, given Mancini’s unpredictable nature, but a home game against a West Ham team that has nothing to play for is too good to ignore. Tevez has scored four in seven games and is City’s most dangerous player at the moment.

3. Van Persie: Ferguson will surely not deny Van Persie a starting spot on his return to the Emirates. It remains to be seen how many changes Ferguson will make, but he seems intent on breaking the points record so the lineup will be strong. Arsenal have to attack and Van Persie is in prime position to punish.

Heavy Hitters

You never know who will start for Chelsea, but Mata and Hazard are both in fine form and great buys for next Gameweek, given Chelsea’s double fixture.

Defoe made an instant impact for Tottenham against Manchester City, after substituting the ineffectual Adebayor. Villas-Boas will have made note and I’m guessing he will start Defoe this Gameweek.

Everton face Fulham who have been underwhelming in the last four Gameweeks. Mirallas’s late resurgence must make Moyes wish he had him fit earlier. Fellaini’s move to defensive midfield has dented his goal potential but against Fulham he will be given licence to move forward and he is always a threat in set piece situations.

Nasri is a fine differential pick, given the double Gameweek and City’s attractive fixture list. He has two assists and a goal in his last four games, a much better return than both Yaya Toure and Silva.

A Benteke led Aston Villa unit welcomes a resurgent Sunderland team featuring Sessegnon, who has two goals and an assist in three games since Di Canio took over the reins. Both are fine picks for the Gameweek.

Kone is a great pickup, both for the current Gameweek and the double fixture next Gameweek.

Clean Sheets

Stoke City face a toothless Norwich and Begovic is a decent buy if you need to replace an injured keeper.

Everton are mean at home and Baines offers a chance for a clean sheet in addition to an awesome attacking potential.

Manchester City should keep a clean sheet and Zabaleta is City’s highest scoring defender by far.

Punts

Maloney is having a good season, and is great value at 5.1 with five goals and six assists this season. He is also on set pieces and enjoys a double Gameweek next week.

Sturridge will start for Liverpool after Suarez’s 10 game ban and is a value punt.

Keep Anichebe if you have him but don’t go getting him in now instead of a double Gameweek 36 striker.

Van Persie is the obvious captain pick this Gameweek, thanks to his return to form and a home game against Aston Villa.

Join me for a Gameweek 34 preview as we recover from the double Gameweek binge. Hangover remedies include captain picks, big hitters, clean sheets, and punts. Also, a strained analogy.

Captain Picks

1. Van Persie: Having found his scoring touch again, a home game against Aston Villa makes him the best captain pick by far this Gameweek.

2. Suarez: Despite playing Chelsea, Suarez is just too good to ignore. In his last three games he has taken seven shots and created almost three chances per game. Those stats are incredible and should lead to more goals and assists than he has registered in the last couple of games.

3. Michu: As the end of the season draws nearer we will be seeing more of the kind of fixtures where little is up for grabs. Swansea at home against Southampton is a good example this Gameweek. Don’t get caught up in the media hype focusing only on the top and bottom and place good bets on the less covered games. Michu is a good shout this Gameweek after having returned to his scoring ways with consecutive goals against Tottenham and Norwich.

Heavy Hitters

Bale is currently out injured but keep an eye on the lineup news before the Gameweek starts. Despite playing against Manchester City, he is simply too good to leave out and is essential for the double Gameweek 36.

It’s hard to pick out any other Manchester United players other than Van Persie. Nevertheless, a home fixture against Aston Villa means that whoever starts upfront alongside the Dutchman, be it Rooney, Welbeck, or Hernandez will have a great chance to pick up Fantasy points. You really should be spending transfers on building up your team for the double Gameweek 36, but if you hold Rooney keep him for this Gameweek unless you think he will be rotated.

Sunderland face a physical opposition in Everton and Mirallas has been consistently threatening in his last six games. Three goals, an assist, and ten bonus points bear witness to his newfound importance to Everton’s attacking setup.

Wigan could struggle containing Carroll who had a good game against Manchester United. His three goals, assist, and six bonus points in his last three games have come from an average of three shots and over a chance created per game, a reasonable return for the underlying stats.

Clean Sheets

Phil Jones has played the last three games in a Manchester United team that has kept seven clean sheets in its last nine fixtures. He has chipped in with two assists and could be placed in the middle of the park again, although he was rather poor playing alongside Carrick against West Ham.

Norwich’s Bunn faces a blunt Reading side with nothing to play for and is a fine pick this Gameweek.

I’ll include a sneaky shout for QPR’s admittedly awful defence. They are playing an even worse performing offence in Stoke, giving 3.8 valued Onuoha a chance for a clean sheet.

Punts

I don’t like Chelsea’s chances of big attacking returns away at Liverpool. However, if they score Mata and Hazard are the likeliest to be involved.

I’m placing a punt on Kagawa again, after his double assist performance against West Ham. He’s had a so-so season but clearly has the ability to create chances and I’m guessing he will play a bigger part in Manchester United’s first team next season.

Southampton’s Rodriguez is example, similar to Michu, of a player in good form playing in a game that has little impact on the battle at the top and bottom of the league.