Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 17 – Fantasy Premier League 2015/16
I’ve been summoned out of my winter slumber to provide this captains article to you all. Some of you may remember that I would write the weekly MLS column here… but since my Portland Timbers won the title, everything has been a bit foggy (could be the scotch or actual Portland fog), and I have to wonder if the events of this last year actually happened. But they assure me that I was indeed a writer here at one point, and that I’m signed on to be a writer for a while into the future. I think we celebrated a wee bit much here, because I may have already forgotten how to blog and craft an article. But they wanted me back anyway, so let’s see how this goes.
Now before I give my picks, you may also recall that I had previously submitted an article for capos way back in GW6. My picks on that day were Riyad Mahrez, Andre Ayew, Aleksander Kolarov and Alexis Sanchez. Mahrez scored 11 points that week, but the rest were all duds. So you can stop reading this article now and choose your own captain, or you can safely assume that picking one of my selections will be a 25% shot at some great points this weekend. I say let’s gamble.
1) Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy (away vs Everton)
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[/three_fourth]Right out of the gate, I’m taking the easy way out and making a double pick. So what’s the deal with Leicester? First off, Leicester is hard to spell for an American. Secondly, the two stars of the team can no longer be considered a fluke. Crazy as it sounds, this team has earned their top of the table position with that ancient footballing trick of putting the ball through the goal more times per match than their opponents. Not many teams are sticking with the old ways of winning football matches — coaches like Mourinho abhor an antiquated strategy such as this.
But Mahrez and Vardy have really taken to the ‘score more goals’ strategy. The problem for fantasy players is that everybody and their mother owns this pairing now in their squads. But captaining them isn’t a bad idea. In the last five matches, Mahrez has averaged 9.4 points per game, but he’s been saddled with a pair of 2 point efforts. Mahrez really is feast or famine then when getting points. Vardy has been more steady; he’s averaged 7.4 points per match over the same timeframe. The difference with Vardy is that he hasn’t scored below 5 points in that stretch — but neither has he scored more than 9. Take Vardy for the steady return, take Mahrez if you’re looking to make your head to head opponent cry.
Does the fact that this duo play an away fixture in Everton scare me much? I love Everton more than I love the Timbers, and even I can admit that a clean sheet doesn’t look likely after Everton have conceded to the likes of Bournemouth and Norwich in the past three weeks. Leicester will get their goals I think.
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2) Romelu Lukaku (home vs Leicester)
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[/three_fourth]The other half of the aforementioned game actually does feature one of the hottest strikers around — and with his recent form, I can’t even be accused of making him my homer pick. Lukaku has scored at least a goal in his last six matches, and even though Leicester have that habit of routinely scoring more than their opposition, they are still not completely resistant to conceding goals themselves. Of all the teams in the top ten of the Premier League table, Leicester have conceded the most goals with 22 shots finding the mark. Everton look likely to score at least one or two in this match, and the powers that be in Goodison are probably besides themselves with glee that Lukaku is building in a massive price rise for himself before the club eventually sell him and break all our hearts.
From a completely subjective view, Lukaku looks to have turned a corner in his career this year. It’s easy to forget that he’s only 22 years old, so the fact that it took him a couple of years to really find his footing in a man’s league isn’t surprising. The best part of Lukaku right now is that he’s only once missed out on Bonus Points during his scoring streak — but he’s racked up 11 extra points for his owners during that stretch regardless. It’s hard not to pick him this week.
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3) Georginio Wijnaldum (home vs Aston Villa)
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[/three_fourth]Now bear with me on this one. I can already feel the jeers coming at me for even mentioning a Newcastle player while there are so many other top-tier players on the board. But let’s face facts: everybody owns Vardy, Mahrez and Lukaku. If you’re looking for that differential captain, I think you could honestly do worse than Wijnaldum.
First off, the sad fact is that Aston Villa will probably be relegated this year. They are a massive dumpster-fire mess of a squad right now. And that is funny, because that’s what we’ve been saying about Newcastle all year. But Villa are coming into GW17 on six points, and they have a goal difference of -17. And what we’re also finding out is that Newcastle maybe weren’t quite as bad as we thought they were — they’re just much more prone to losing a match by simply pouting and throwing tantrums.
I’ve bet against Newcastle two weeks in a row now and it’s bit me each time. The truth is that after beating Liverpool and Tottenham, they have proven that there is a bit of talent in the squad that can be effective if appropriately motivated (and what motivates a Newcastle player more than the January transfer window being ever so close?!).
My pick to really build on their recent momentum and further dash Aston Villa is Wijnaldum. He’s the best bet to play all 90 minutes, and he really possesses the ability to turn in a massive performance when the conditions are right — let’s not forget that he’s had scores of 25 and 14 points already this year. I don’t think Villa have an answer for any attackers coming their way right now, and I think Wijnaldum has the pedigree to really capitalize on that this weekend.
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4) Mesut Ozil (home vs Man City)
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[/three_fourth]If you really can’t decide on a pick, Ozil should just be your default one going forward for a steady return of points and an occasional flash of brilliance. For the last ten weeks, Ozil has managed to score at least 5 points in every match. If your goal is to have a double digit captain each and every game, set your cap to Ozil and just let it ride.
This really is turning into Ozil’s year at Arsenal. Before even getting into January, he already has more assists than he has earned in either of his previous years at the club. And from a fantasy standpoint, Ozil looks set to double his previous total points mark — and he’s already accumulated as many Bonus Points (18) as he did in his best scoring season at the club.
Maybe Ozil just accepted the fact that people around him are going to drop like flies — because even casual American fans know that Arsenal players are exponentially more prone to injury than most any other club. Instead of waiting for Sanchez or Ramsey or Walcott to be fully healthy, Ozil has really taken to delivering superb passes to any player in a red kit making a run. The strategy of trusting the players in front of him — regardless of the number on their kit — has really paid off for him this year. Most superstars tend to go into the mode where they try to assume the burden of scoring everything themselves when other players are held out, but Ozil has been smart enough to be trusting of his entire squad, and his 13 assists on the year are a real testament to that.
There you have it folks. Point and laugh at me if you must, but I stand by my picks this week. And once again, thanks to the staff here at FF247 for keeping me in mind for the occasional article. Good luck all.
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Triple Captain Chip
Just a quick word on the new feature this season. It pretty much does what it says on the tin and trebles your points for your captain on whichever game-week you choose to deploy it. We shall touch on this as and when we feel the opportunity presents itself to use it effectively but this in all likelihood is one to save for when we encounter double game-weeks later on in the season.
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Thanks for reading Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 17. This article was written by Guy Sanchez (FootyFantastic)
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Vote on our Captain Poll Now
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Kick Oxford for Evans or Dawson? Anything more pressing? If Hazard is crocked, I may have to reconsider…
Pippin, I think Hazard is more pressing personally.
I could certainly be persuaded of that Cookie! The defence is fine on paper, but points-wise it has been a slow few weeks. If it was next week, Hazard back to Sanchez or maybe Oezil would be a shoe-in. I’m tempted to give him one more throw of the dice though- I was daft enough to bring him in for this run of kind fixtures, so I’d be gutted to let him go right away if he’s not injured.
I think it’s so many players opposing each other this week that’s got me jumpy. I guess many of us are in the same boat though…
I don’t see the players playing each other as an issue – your only real impact is Giroud vs Kolarov. It happens. Mids vs mids is irrelevant especially with Everton vs Leicester!!
B is right on Ayew – he could go well vs Hammers and next Haz to someone.
Yeah, replacing dead meat on bench sounds better right now.
If Hazard fails to make it to the next GW, you have quality back up in Ayew, who has a good potential this GW. Meanwhile with Hazard on bench, you can plan for KDB/Aguero for next GW, where City plays Sunderland at home.
Also need to look out for Kolarov. Rotation machine.
Good shout on Kolarov. I’d rather lose Bertrand to be honest, but at least his starting place is secure.
Swansea actually have a decent run of Fixtures. They battled away well at City last week and created a few chances by all accounts – I wonder if Ayew is worth revisiting.
He’s added to the Hazard replacement short list.
He’s a decent player, and he’s done fine for me this season- got him in around GW3. He’s been hot and cold but I think still in the top few mids overall… They’re a talented side, jsut playing so badly!
Finally replacing Gomez – do I go with Moreno or Dawson? And why not Olsson as a cheap 4th/5th defender? Rest of def is Kolarov, Toby, Morgan & Nyom.
Dawson
B, I was thinking the same thing as he has 2 goals, but as I looked into it he doesn’t have a single bonus point all season. Evans missed out on 2 of the CSs and some other games through injury but he’s still managed 4. It seems that even when Damson gets CSs and goals he’s not as involved in the game as the others. Even Olsson took 3 BPs from a clean sheet earlier in the season. I’m not saying Dawson isn’t the best option but he is the most expensive.
Colriles, if funds are tight I don’t think it’d be bad to go with Olsson. I’d still prefer Dawson or Evans personally though.
That is true Pancho, did not think about that. But Id rather have Dawson. The schedule is becoming tough, and I want a reliable defender who can play the next 4GWs in my starting 11 straight. Dont think Evans has the bones or muscles to carry on, but he could, and that would be surprising.
Dont know much about Olsson. Is he a replacement for Brunt or what?
B, Olsson started 3 at the beginning of the season and picked up 2 CSs but then was out for a long while. I can’t remember if he was injured or just lost his spot. He’s been back in for the last 4 and hasn’t kept a clean sheet. I think he may be in the same boat as Evans with being rested over this period.
Olsson was out with an injury.
Cheers guys. Yeah I looked into the BPs for each and it’s actually McAuley with 5, Evans with 4, Olsson with 3 and Dawson with 0. Not exactly sure what to make of that, but thems the facts. #yankslang
I guess Pellegrini is not going to risk KDB on the bench against Arsenal. So, this means kdb and Silva both shall start. right??
KDB, Yaya, Silva, and Aguero will make up the front four I reckon.
tekno, should i get aguero in?i have silva and kdb both.what do you say.
Aguero started training today so he should be fit for Arsenal, but I’d suggest waiting 2-3 matches at least to check his form and fitness and make sure he doesn’t get injured again.
thanks tekno..aguero comes later then
Tekno, I woulda thought they’d line up like this (assuming Kun and Kompany are fit):
Kun
KDB Silva Sterling
Yaya Fernandiño
Clichy Komp Ota Sagna
Hey Pancho, sorry for the late reply. Yaya doesn’t play CM against the big teams as he doesn’t have the stamina to run box-to-box anymore and that will leave City defensively exposed, so he’s pushed up to CAM and Fernando/Delph plays alongside Fernandinho in central midfield. Sterling has lost out when Yaya has been pushed up in previous games, so reckon that’s how it’ll be against Arsenal too.
Good to know Teckno! You reckon Clichy will play for defensive solidity?
I don’t want to play Gomes over the next 4 as I think they’ll concede in every one. Options:
1. McCarthy-> Hennessey
2. McCarthy-> Myhill
3. McCarthy-> Butland
4. McCarthy-> DDG (if Smalling is fit)
5. Stick with Gomes and save the ft
6. Insert your suggestion here
butland for me..the guy is fired up right now
Constantine, then I am left with 2 keepers with pretty poor fixtures over the next 4-5 GWs and I’ve got the dilemma of who to play and who to bench. I already have selection headache up front and I’d hate to leave Butland on the bench for another double digit haul!
If money is not an issue, then DDG is your man. He should be reliable to play in the next 5 fixtures. You can also go with Lord Butland, but can see max one clean sheet in the next 3 since Stoke play United and Everton after Palace.
Thanks B. That was my thought as well. Another thought I had was Gomes -> DDG to save the extra .6m and have DDG as a fixture proof season keeper. Thoughts on that? McCarthy & DDG tie of 9.6m and so do Butland & Gomes…
Watford may suprise you with the odd clean sheet in that run and Gomes will probably rack up some save points anyway so I’d save that transfer and keep him.He’s cheap,clean sheets are hard to predict at the moment and Watford have been doing well defensively.
Who should I bench Cathcart Liv (H) or Kolarov ARS (A) ????????
Both will concede. Best to play Kola for attacking returns, and for the thrill.
Thrill? Really? Each to their own but he’s no Giroud!
He takes corners, he takes direct set pieces. He only socks at defending. ^_^
Silvers, I’m concerned that against strong opposition Pellegrini will go with the more defensively minded Clichy. Could be risking a 10 minute runout for Kolo :/ I’d take the home match for Watford maybe because of that risk. If you think Kolo is nailed on to start then go with him though.
Yeah I can see a dull 1-1 draw and not much good for anyone
Hi Smash, I tend to agree. I looked at that one for the One Week Wonders bit in Fixtures and without looking again both stood out as being quite miserly at home and away respectively but also neither scored many likewise. Arsenal had more at home but it wasn’t great whereas I think City have only scored about 7 away. In fact none of the games stood out as high scoring at all this week except for EVE v LEI.
Yeah I think it will be a low scoring week
Tough one that. Watford may keep clean sheet but unlikely while Kolarov is good going forward. They will prob concede but he might not play