Friday Foreplay – Gameweek 31

Cazorla returns to the captain picks, thanks to his strong performances of late.

With the upcoming double fixture Gameweek 33 firmly in our thoughts, let’s dig into the feast that is Gameweek 31. Delicacies include captain picks, big hitters, clean sheets, and punts. Also, a less than clever analogy.

Captain Picks

1. Van Persie: In his “bad run”, Van Persie is averaging over three shots and a chance created per game. More importantly, he has only suffered two blanks (less than four points) in his last 16 Gameweeks. With his brace for the Dutch during the international break, he could be set for an end-of-season scoring run.

2. Cazorla: Walcott is injured so a sideways transfer to the diminutive Spaniard will be appealing to many managers preparing for Arsenal’s likely double Gameweek 33. He is registering over three shots and almost three chances created per game in his last five fixtures as Wenger has moved him again in a more central role. A home game against Reading this Gameweek further adds to his appeal.

3. Bale: He is the default pick at the moment, despite a tough game on paper away at Swansea. However, with Swansea having secured a mid-place finish they could be due for some regression in form.

Heavy Hitters

Rooney really should be in the captain picks instead of Van Persie, considering his form, but my irrational man-love for the Dutchman was too strong. He is still a strong differential pick, being owned by only 8,5% of Fantasy managers.

Berbatov’s three goals in his last three games, in addition to an upcoming double Gameweek 33, has made the second highest pickup this Gameweek. A home game against QPR makes him an outside captain shout, especially if you are chasing in your mini-league.

Benteke’s and Lambert’s impressive goal record this season puts them in the heavy hitter category when playing at home. Despite both players facing strong defences in Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively, I would play them both.

Clean Sheets

Manchester United face a already blunt Sunderland who are now without the services of Steven Fletcher. De Gea seems to have secured the goalkeeper position and is a great pickup for the rest of the season.

Arsenal’s Monreal brings attacking threat to the table, in addition to what should be an easy home game against Reading.

Baines is the obvious pick of the bunch from Everton’s defence, despite his hefty price tag. Everton also have a double Gameweek 33, so he would be a purchase for the remainder of the season.

Punts

Kagawa’s goal for Japan hinted at his possible goal threat for Manchester United. With the title almost in the bag, Ferguson could instruct Kagawa to push up and get more involved in preparation for taking more responsability next season.

Wigan’s home game against Norwich propels Kone to the punts in the second Gameweek running. He has three goals in the last three games and will be key to Wigan keeping their place in the Premier League.

I expect Giroud to get chances against Reading, and is likely to convert at least one.