Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 35 – Fantasy Premier League 2015/16
A change of scenery for me this week. With no fixtures write up to be done and a capo writer harder to come by than an Irish summer, I decided to take the plunge and see what all the fuss is about. The first thought was why on earth was the blank week the one to jump in on? What an idiot. Then the happy realisation that of all the blank teams there was absolutely nothing, other than maybe Payet, of note missing from this weeks selection. Happy days. The man with glass in his hammys, one Sergio Aguero, was the shout last week with a cool hat-trick against Chelsea and a strike against Newcastle bringing in a hefty 52 points as captain in the big DGW of the season, further proving why he is one of the most feared strikers in FPL. Well done to all those who haven’t lost their marbles and went with him last week. We’ve got a rich selection this week despite being down a handful of teams. A heap of high scoring players with favourable fixtures are available in GW35 and this lot are my picks to score above average. Five in total and in no particular order, here we go…
Harry Kane – home vs West Brom
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[/three_fourth]Where better to start than the star of the show. Spurs hitman Harry Kane, of course. Way back in mid-October when things weren’t going so well for young Harry, scoring just the once from the opening nine fixtures, the question of whether he was a one season wonder was raised here and there. How laughable it seems now, eh? A blow out performance against the Cherries in GW10 was a sign of things to come; Kane has wreaked havoc, netting a handy 23 times in 25 games, stamping his mark as the league’s number one marksman this season. Spurs are still in with a real shout to win it all and there seems to be no sign of Kane slowing down. Eight goals in the last six weeks is outstanding form and highlights why Kane is such a solid pick this week. Braces. Since, and including the aforementioned hat-trick against Bournemouth Kane has scored in 15 individual gameweeks, seven of those have been braces or better, just what we like to see, regular double-digit hauls. Up against a West Brom team struggling for form in recent weeks, against weaker opposition than Spurs I might add, the chances are Harry and co will take this one handily enough at home with the buzzing Eriksen and Alli providing more than enough ammunition for Kane. He’s the safe pick this week for sure, Spurs have it all to play for and every game is a must win for the remainder. Watch out Tony.. there’s a monster in town.
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Daniel Sturridge – home vs Newcastle
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[/three_fourth]Speaking of monster strikers, it’s been a while since defences in England had to worry about Studge on a regular basis. They’ve been let off the hook in a big way. A feeble 709 minutes is all Sturridge has managed this season with the usual list of injuries marring the man’s career but the recent signs are that of hope, and improvement. Much like the similarly glass-legged Argentine over at City, there’s always the urge to just play these injury ridden stars as soon as they return and hope for the best but the midweek game against Everton showed Klopp to be wiser than that. They need a fit and available Daniel Sturridge for their European exploits and he’s starting to look sharp again. Four starts in a row and a sub appearance against Everton is pretty good going for Daniel and he has been producing the goods with five goals, and assist and four bonus points in that time. Not bad for a settling in period. Struggling Newcastle are in Anfield this weekend and despite a much needed, so badly needed, yet very surprising return of four points from Swansea and Manchester City last week its hard to fancy them in this fixture. They are where they are for a reason after all and if they’re not careful it could be a long afternoon against a free flowing Liverpool under Klopp. That’s Stoke and Everton hit for four in recent weeks so the Toon Army have it all to do. Assuming he starts and plays 60+ minutes, Studge is a great shout this week.
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Sadio Mane – away vs Aston Villa
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[/three_fourth]Might there be a FT sparing about this week? Looking for that sneaky option in the blank week that could make the difference? 3.9% owned at the time of writing, Southampton and Senegal forward, midfielder to us, Sadio Mane is well worth a look if your answer to either or both of those was yes. Many a wildcard has been played recently and I assume most of us are decent in DGW37 numbers already, leaving the odd FT to play around with. It has been a quiet season for Mane, in fact all things Saints attack has been relatively mute for the majority but a slight turnaround recently hasn’t gone unnoticed. Graziano Pelle of all people has been notching a few of late and there was temptation to go with him ahead of Mane, but it’s Pelle. Still, Southampton have been doing better as a whole. Mane himself has returned some decent numbers in recent weeks and has found the net three times in the last four. Twice against Liverpool in GW31 and more recently against Everton, each performance bringing a cool ten point haul. Now, the opposition. Laughable. Shocking. Horrendous. Abysmal. Just some of the words used to describe Pardew, but that’s a different matter, they have been used in reference to Aston Villa too and all are relevant. Already down and completely spent, it’s easy to see Villa rolling over pretty quickly in their remaining games. After all, they rolled over a long time ago. I expect everyone to spank Villa and Southampton should have no worries here.
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Sergio Aguero – home vs Stoke
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[/three_fourth]Guaranteed to be the highest selected option in most if not all captain polls this weekend, it would be criminal to not mention the one we’re probably all going for, Sergio Aguero. City have blown the title, we all know that, but with this wealth of talent up front they are going to score a lot, even when off form and slipping out of contention. Ten in the last four games for City then and it has to be said that a lot of it comes down to the return to fitness of Belgian superstar in the making, Kevin De Bruyne. What a plank Jose was for letting this kid slip through the net but City are more than willing recipients. They had scored just four in four before he returned, all coming against Villa so they don’t count. A +6 swing in those four games to the ones he has played recently should be all we need to see to almost automatically return Kun to perma-cap mode but such is City’s inconsistency this year, the question mark still remains. Still, six goals in four appearances is damn good going and this weekends outing is against a seriously porous defence. Stoke were tight at one stage but not any more, not one bit. Tossed aside by Spurs on Monday night and royally spanked by Liverpool the week before, Stoke have let in 13 goals in the last 6 gameweeks and that could well be 16, 17, even 18 in 7 by the time City get through with them. It all depends what City turn up but even at a canter, Aguero, supplied by De Bruyne, should smash the Potters pretty easily.
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Alexis Sanchez – away vs Sunderland
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[/three_fourth]Last but by no means least, a player who has both dazzled and befuddled at times this season. An iffy start of just a solitary assist over what was a pretty soft opening six games was very surprising to us all I think. What wasn’t surprising was the blow out few weeks that followed however, six goals in three weeks as it was, but since then this fantasy juggernaut has lay dormant. The signs were there for a number of weeks and sure enough he picked up an injury. And sure enough, Arsene Wenger played him anyway. And sure enough, the injury got worse. Fast forward to GW29 before the Chilean found the net again having taken a while to get back up to speed and it’s all too late. The league is gone but one thing is for certain and that’s that Alexis Sanchez will give his all in every game. More than his all actually, to be fair to him. Alexis will leave it all out there. The goals have been steady in recent weeks with a very tasty six in the last seven outings and with more and more gametime under his belt he should continue to do well. As for opposition, well, there’s a catch. Unlike the previous picks, Sanchez is up against a team with something to play for. West Brom and Stoke are on holiday already and Villa are down. Newcastle are essentially still alive but they do look spent too. Sunderland are just about out of the drop zone though and will be going hell for leather for every point they can muster in these last few weeks. Whether that means they can pull off a big win against a team like Arsenal remains to be seen but maybe more opportunities will arise for Sanchez as Sunderland push for a goal. Who knows. It could be great or it could be rough but I think we’d be hard pressed to find many who would argue against Sanchez this week.
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Gun to Head: Harry Kane (C), Sergio Aguero (VC)
Who would put a gun to someones head over a captain pick anyway? What a weirdo, whoever that guy is. Good luck this week folks. Whomever you decide to go with, i hope it goes well and some nice green arrows are had by all. Go get’em.
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Thanks for reading Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 35. This article was written by NIN
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Many thanks NIN, great write up mate. I’m strictly on Captain Confidential from now on I’m afraid but suffice to say it’ll be on one of those!
Quick question for you though, as someone with a TC left, and possibly a crucial one, where would you land that? Between now and the end of the season. Questions open to anyone. All thoughts appreciated.
Hi Init,
Oh mate, hard to say mate! I put it on Sanchez last week and it payed off for me. I can see him finishing the season strong. Aguero and Kane are also on fire. I’d be putting it on one of those 3. Then again, a double game week for a triple captain is tasty. Hard to say!
Yes, it’ll definitely be one of those or a DGW player!
Hey Init
Alexis at home to Villa in GW38 must make the shortlist?
Massively considering that one GP. Probably depends how the ML is shaping up come those final 2 weeks. That ones got 7-0 written all over it though hasn’t it!
Once it’s not on Lukaku you’ll be okay!
In all seriousness though i’d use it on a WHU attacker in dgw37. Probably would lean toward Carroll to be honest, assuming he’s still fit at that time. The only players who would turn my head other than him and Payet would be Sturridge, again if fit at that time, or Costa. I’d defo use in the dgw anyway.
It’s either that or Sanchez as per above mate, guess we’ll just have to wait and see how the DGW looks neater the time in relation to the personnel as you say.
I thought your rivals were low on chips, or have used them all? if so i’d be even more certain to use TC on a dgw’er. I like the Sanchez idea for 38 as a shot in the arm on the last day but you could end your mini league in the dgw with a solid TC pick. Then just play 38 as you were. Carroll only got 15 points this week a you know but your rivals would be doing well to match even that on a TC. They’d need another 20+ capo and they’re hard to come by that week i reckon. No Alexis’ or Sergio’s to picked. Manage to TC your best player that week and it’s over. I’d go for it.
Init, a bit late here but here’s my take on this.
I think it all goes down to a combination of how many and which chips you and opponents have available AND if you are chasing or leading and the gap involved.
If you are chasing, maybe a punt on Kane/Alli this week could be ideal, especially if you plan on BB on dg37 (which I know is not your case anyway).
If you are leading, then I’d hold that TC as long as posible so that you have a spare ‘gun’ to kill the ML or to overcome any upsets that may still come around. I wouldn’t leave as late as 38 though. Normally, big hauls on final day come from unexpected places (diouf at home to liverpool last year, for example).
In conclusion, if chasing and planning to wc/bb on dgw37 I’d use it this round on Kane/Alli. If leading and no wc/bb for dgw37 I’d play it on that round.
Hi lads,
Scored the highest score I’ve ever scored (thank you new features!). Really trying to catch the top of my league. Coming a solid second but have 60 points to catch :s. Do have to perks left, have only just used my first which was the TC.
Thinking of doing this move and wanted to hear some opinions. Origi out (need him out for someone, if this move isn’t great, need to find another player for his position. Unless his injury isn’t severe) Sturridge in. To find this I’d need to get rid of the great Payet and bring in Alli who is on fire also.
Good idea? Would be a -4 hit but could be a game changer. Cheers lads!
Makeya
I assume you’re happy to play without a GK this weekend?
I can’t see how you could play anywhere near ten players without a -4 hit so those moves sound good. Alternatively you could pick up a Sunderland striker for Origi and bring in Alli for Lanzini. I would prefer just to bench Payet if you can manage that.
Hi TGP,
Yeah I’ve kind of accepted I won’t be able to play one. I was thinking of bringing in Sturridge as without Origi to take the spot light, Strurridge should continue his goal streak. In saying that, I could avoid a -4 hit and bring in Defoe for Origi, and make a transfer with my mids next GW. Hmmm
Ha, made those exact transfers last night. Origi and Payet off for Sturridge and Alli, takes away TC option for payet in 37, but feel good about it.
Haha perfect. That’s my mind made up. Hope it works out for both of us!! Cheers Macro!
NIN
You’re a natural at Captains articles too I see? This is class mate. Well done and thanks for it.
I recall the aftermath of the Bournemouth game where I was questioned by more than one or two people on here for advising people to go with Kane. Looks like I was correct and whatever you made of his “lucky” hat-trick that day, certainly has done him no harm.
Kane on Monday for me. :thumbup:
Thanks GP, it was fun doing it. Think i’ve had a go at all of them now haha
Yes i remember you were one of the ones suggesting Kane was going to blow up at that time. I also remember not believing you one bit. That went well
I cant work him back in this week and might not be able to do it at all. Not good.
:winktongue:
None of us get all the calls right all of the time.
Heh heh. Well, i should have listened. I did fancy him to turn it around but just didn’t see anything to suggest it would be that few weeks. Oh well, we live and learn
Lovely piece NIN – many thanks champ!!
Just a couple of thoughts to stir the pot (bear in mind these are coming from someone who is as Kun-less as he is clue-less):
Anyone fancy a Kane TC this week? Could be quite a cheeky punt.
Also, let’s talk Mahrez for a second: with Vardy suspended for two matches, I wonder if he becomes a serious prospect this coming fortnight? Not only does he have to step it up to help Leicester avert the Spurs challenge, but he’s likely to play a more advanced role, will of course be on set pieces (including penalties), and over the course of the season has generally complemented Vardy (ie if Vardy doesn’t fire, Mahrez does). Home to a Swansea side which has nothing left to play for, and which was royally spanked by Newcastle, Mahrez might be a cheeky prospect. Or has that ship well and truly sailed (I seem to think not as I still bloody have him!)?
Thanks blue. I think it’s too risky to TC a sgw player now at this stage mate. Anything is better than Lukaku, but i would keep it for the dgw. Carroll, Payet, Sturridge, Costa. Any of those should do okay – great as a TC shout. As for Leicester, i have my worries about them. I want them to win the league so much but the ban changes everything. I’m not sure they will continue to win games without Vardy, even against Swansea.
Morning Blue, I think a Kane TC is a great shout and it’s something I’m pondering. He’s got the form & fixture, what’s not to like?
blue – on Mahrez: difficult to call, of course; he can surprise everyone as we were told several times this season. What worries me – aside from their change in style of play and vardy’s suspesion (both big issues) – are his individual stats. Looking at his FPL stats and those for the bonus point system too you can see a big difference from the first half of the season to the second one. I think he suffers from the ‘fabregas effect”. So, bearing in mind that he could still ship in a goal or an assist I wouldn’t sell him, but wouldn’t buy him either. And surely wouldn’t cappo him. On the penalties situation, be ware of Ulloa – i think he is the first choice penalty taker when on the pitch.
Hey lads,
Pelle, Long or Mane for this coming GW vs Arse-ton Villa?
Sanchez, either could go well obviously and it’s probably pick one out of a hat time.
Amazing week for me
177 points (-4), obviously my best ever and still have TC left 
Great work NiN, as always, think I will go with Kane but Kun and Sanchez are tempting! Can’t see Spurs stopping now with Leic likely to drop points (hope they win title)
So this is my team, Origi->Defoe and Lingard-> Ali for -4, sounds good?
Snookie, they look like sensible moves mate.