Captains Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 36 – Fantasy Premier League 2014/15
Has it really been a month? Did I really lose the Post-It note? Did I really wait until the last minute to write this introduction? Yes, maybe, and … anyone else having a sense of deja vu? Yes, it’s only been a week since you last attempted to make sense of my gentle musings but I’m back again as what us Yanks call a “pinch hitter” in baseball. I’m the 89th minute substitution for a team winning 1-0 that’s hoping to run out the clock. And right about now I’m starting to feel less honored about being asked to fill in this week…
Fill in you say? That’s right. I’m filling in for Chins, who offered to fill in for GP, before the two of them ran off to race gritters Tokyo-drift style around Scotland. Or were they racing grifters? Or was it greyhounds? And who the heck is Mr. Plow? That name again is Mr. Plow. Who knows, but the mental image of GP and Chins racing Huge Greyhound Hormone (HGH) powered dogs is too rich to consider any other possibility. Safe racing, gents.
Fixtures for GW36
Saturday
Everton vs Sunderland
Aston Villa vs West Ham
Hull vs Burnley
Leicester vs Southampton
Newcastle vs West Brom
Stoke vs Spurs
Crystal Palace vs Man Utd
Sunday
Man City vs QPR
Chelsea vs Liverpool
Monday
Arsenal vs Swansea
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[/three_fourth]5. Aaron Ramsey, home vs Swansea
Guess who’s back, back again. Ramsey’s back, tell a friend. Guess who’s back, guess who’s back… It’s safe to say Aaron Ramsey has rediscovered the form that saw him lead Arsenal to the FA Cup last season, and at just the right time for the Gunners. With a return trip to Wembley lurking in the not too-distant future Ramsey has turned his sights on annihilating the competition in the Premier League. With three goals and four assists in the six games since he returned from injury, Arsenal’s most hot/cold player is forcing fantasy managers to figure out how to bring him into their squad ahead of Arsenal’s DGW37.
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[/three_fourth]4. Eden Hazard, home vs Liverpool
Chelsea’s Mr. Reliable sits this low this week only because Chelsea have already wrapped up the league title. As such, who knows what sort of tomfoolery The Special One has in store for the balance of the season. There’s no doubting the Football Wizard’s form: for the season he’s averaging 6.3 ppg and has four goals in a seven-game stretch that’s seen Chelsea struggle to find a goal-scoring presence at the forward position. Hazard will be up for the fight but, with the title already wrapped up and John Terry’s tears already collected in mason jars for posterity, will Hazard be given the opportunity to finish out what could be his best-ever season in the Premiere League?
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[/three_fourth]3. Alexis Sanchez, home vs Swansea
Just when we think it’s safe to drop Sanchez he goes and has a game like he did against Hull City. Poor Hull City, and poor fantasy managers that dropped him. We promise to never think about transferring you out again, Alexis, as long as you promise to keep having games like this. Has his form dipped as of late? Sure. Has the toll of his first season in the Premier League finally caught up to him? Maybe, but the world class talent is still averaging a league-best 6.4 ppg since joining the Arsenal. After bagging a brace against Hull we fully expect the Chilean to finish the season strong, especially with Arsenal’s DGW37 right around the corner.
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[/three_fourth]2. Sergio Aguero, home vs QPR
The City forward may not be able to get no first place action, but that’s more a product of a dodgy manager. Aguero has kept his end of the bargain, scoring five goals in his last four games and collecting 32 points for those managers who’ve remained faithful to him after a bit of a dry spell. Add to that the fact QPR – the league’s worst road team and a team he bagged a brace against earlier this season – visit the Etihad this weekend, and it could be a massive payday for managers slapping the captain’s armband on him.
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[/three_fourth]1. Christian Benteke, home v. West Ham
Admit it, you’ve been watching Benteke each week thinking this run of his will end soon. It has to right? Well it’s time for us to stop ignoring him. In his last eight games he’s logged 10 goals, an assist and a massive 15 bonus points. Despite putting up the best fantasy numbers during this stretch the Villa forward features in only 7.4% of fantasy teams, making him him our Big-Hitter Differential this week. With rumours of a Liverpool bid coming in the summer, and his team sitting a mere two points clear of relegation, Benteke and his teammates have everything to play for this week against a West Ham team sitting comfortably mid-table.
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[/three_fourth]One-Week Punt/Differential Picks: West Bromwich Albion
For those of you chasing league titles and looking for differentials to help you edge out that annoying guy in your league who will never let you hear the end of it if he finishes first ahead of you, we are here to help. This week we’re recommending a trio of West Brom players to help you out. Please note this is a one-week recommendation only – after their match against Newcastle, West Brom closes the season against Chelsea and Arsenal.
West Brom face a Newcastle club in crisis – they’ll be missing two of their starting four defenders to suspension, they have a manager who has publicly questioned the heart of some of his squad and the players themselves have asked family members to stay away from the club’s home games due to growing unrest in the stands. Sad news for a team with a rich history, but the perfect opportunity for you to capitalize on a team possibly headed for relegation.
Our pick: Boaz Myhill
Who? Its safe to say many a fantasy manager hadn’t heard of Boaz Myhill until he stepped in for injured starting goalkeeper Ben Foster, but the California native may be playing himself into contention for a starting job next season. Myhill has been instrumental in West Brom’s keeping three straight clean sheets (scoring 34 points during) and there’s no reason to think he won’t add to his scoreless streak this weekend against a free-falling Newcastle side.
Other options:
Chris Brunt – with four assists in his last four games, there’s no reason to think he won’t carve up a Newcastle defense missing two of its starters.
Saido Berahino
It has been seven long week’s since the once must-own budget striker has scored, but facing an undermanned and unsupported Newcastle side may be precisely what the doctor ordered.
Thanks for reading Captain’s Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 36. This article was written by Lawdogg
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WooFBet
We would like to remind you that our official partners, WooFBet, are again running a whole host of prize competitions, which will please many of you who are slowly building a lovely retirement nest egg, while others continue to persevere in the hope that this week will be their week! If you haven’t done so yet we recommend you get yourselves over to WooFBet.com as this week they have over €300 in free entry prizes and a whopping €1,850 in guaranteed pots. You also have the option to create your own tournaments and head-to-head challenges. Choose your rules and buy-in fee, and invite friends or leave it open for the public to challenge you.
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Don’t forget to vote in this week’s Captain Poll
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Thinking of bringing Zabaleta in for either Skrtel or Bertand which one ???
I wouldn’t know at the moment to be honest. Don’t like Soton or Pool. HAHA! See you already have 3 Gooners and PvA. So you’re set for the DGW! Soton have the better fixture first though with Leicester away.
First option for me Raz (Ramsey could only get 1 game)
Watcha mean with that? He’s been declared fit.
Hey gang, desperately need your help today! Leading my ML by 60 points 2 weeks ago, and my rival cut it to 25 last week! Here are our two teams, I’m thinking of taking a hit to bring in Sanchez to play defense. If so, need suggestions for best mid under 7.4 (Fab > Sanchez & Sterling > ?) If not, what’s my next move?
My team:
Schmeichel, KDavis
Terry, Clyne, Bellerin, McShane, Baird
Haz, Fabs, Sterling, Hendo, Boyd
Kane, Kun, Giroud (0.9 itb)
His Team:
Ospina, Schmeichel,
Terry, Ivan, OShea, Schlupp, Lescott
Haz, Sanchez, Coutinho, Elmohomaddy, Phillips
Kane, Kun, Ulloa (0.1 itb)
Thoughts?
Hard one. Def. get Sanchez. Debuchy out this weekend so you’ll have Bellerin as a starter for sure. DGW I don’t know. Sterling to Silva?
Razman – only way I can get Sanchez this week is a hit. Fabs > Sanchez and downgrade Sterling to 7.4 or less mid. Or do I bite the bullet, downgrade Sterling this week and wait another week for Fabs > Sanchez for no hit?
Colriles,
If it were me, I’d preserve the lead you have and not take the hit. I’d actually save your FT as you have a decent side for the weekend coming. With 2FT next week get Sanchez in.
Let the chaser chase. Try not to panic. You have Giroud anyway so he may well outscore Sanchez in the Swansea match.
Colriles,
I agree with GP. I was struggling to know what to advise you after looking at your team but on reading GP’s comment, it makes sense. You’ll need to have a set of balls on Monday evening and hope Alexis contribution is minimal but as GP says you have Giroud anyway.
Let the chaser chase is sound and top advice – the chaser normally falls down in this game – trust me, I speak from experience!
bring in gomez for sterling
Thanks GP & Cooks…. but I’m panicking, I’m panicking!!!! Standing pat will really test my will this week!
Just for a little back story, this is a league a friend of mine started here in the states 3-4 years ago and I decided to invite my mate from England last year ( the aforementioned “chaser”). So of course he wins it in a runaway last year. So, I must avenge and bring the title back to the states…. USA! USA! USA!
Good afternoon guys.
I need your help, my ranking isn´t very good, not even under the 1 million mark (1079966), but i started fantasy football in the 6th round, so i missed the first 5 matchdays of this season. I learned a lot during my first season, espescially since i recognised this site. Your doing a great job guys, i really like this site.
So maybe anyone can help me with my team, i want to reach the 10th postition in my mini league until the end of the season (currently on 13. 56 points behind 10th place).
My team:
Ospina – Krul
Skrtel – Terry – Alderweireld – Taylor – Upson
Hazard – Fabregas – Henderson- Coutinho – Ward-Prowse
Aguero – Kane – Murray.
1ft and 1.1 itb
Magpies,
Welcome along to the site. Hope you stick with us. There are some very wise old (like really old) heads on here
As you will know, Arsenal attacking coverage is to be sought with their nice end of season fixtures so in your shoes, I would either go Henderson or Coutinho to Ramsey or Hazard to Sanchez. Definitely aim to get two Arsenal attackers in over this week and next I’d suggest.
The rest looks decent to me.
thanks for the response Gallant,
Yeah getting in Arsenal attackers is a must in my opinion. I thougt about maybe Fabs to Ramsey this week, and next week for a hit ward-prowse to sanchez and aguero to Wickham/Defoe. What do you think about this? Loosing aguero is the only way to get in Sanchez without losing Hazard.
Magpies,
I understand you not wanting to lose Hazard but I dropped him last night for Sanchez in order to keep Aguero. You could go either way but do what feels right to you. I wouldn’t say holding Hazard is too bad a plan! 😉 I may live to regret it . . .
Could you not get Sanchez in for Coutinho with the spare cash you would have?
Very hard to decide Gallant,
so you mean Fabs to Ramsey and Coutinho to Sanchez? That´s not possible, i need 1.8 more funds to do that tranfers. But maybe i´ll do the same as you, get rid of Hazard. Do you think he will play every minute until the end of the season or does the young players get a chance to play?
Magpies,
Yes that is what I meant but I’m miles off with my calculations, sorry.
I wouldn’t bet against him playing all four remaining games or at least starting them. I’m only getting rid of him as I can’t afford Sanchez if I don’t. May well backfire but its the chance I take I guess.
Whoa ! Whoa ! Here a minute Gee Pee, is this old bit aimed at me ? 😮
Yes :hippo:
elle
Isn’t it your afternoon nap time?
Mug of hot chocolate, quick nap, then flat cap on and time to go leer at some dental receptionists 😉
Hey guys. Unfortunately I did get some red arrows after scoring a poor 48, but I’m hoping for better luck next week. My team is below.
I have 0.2mil itb and 1FT.
Does Skrtel -> PVA (double GW in mind) and Henderson -> Ramsey for a -4 sound good? Can’t afford Ramsey if he goes up in price thoughts?
Sounds good – would you then go for Sanchez, Cazorla or an Arsenal defender in the next gameweek?
Not sure yet swirly, that’s a tough call! I think Sanchez seems a bit out of my reach (as Hazard is a must), would have to downgrade Terry and I’m not sure I want to do that. Don’t think I want Cazorla, as he isn’t in great form, which leaves an Arsenal defender. Whether it is Bellerin, Ospina or Kos…… I don’t know! Any advice on the 3rd Arsenal player I should get?
That’s fair enough. I’d do either what you’ve suggested or what GP has advised below so you don’t take a four point hit. If you want to keep Terry, I’d say to lose McShane or Anderweild next GW but keep an eye on the Debuchy situation as Bellerin may not play if Debuchy starts. If that’s the case, you could go for Koscielny if you can afford him or Monreal if you can’t.
OK thanks swirly
Went with the Skrtel -> PVA, Henderson -> Ramsay point hit as I have a feeling the goals will be flying in for Chelsea with the pressure of their backs, ala the Wigan match from a couple of years ago. Good luck for this GW and the rest of the season and thanks for commenting! 
Nosaj
I’d do Fabregas to Ramsey.
Not that they are going to lose all their games by any means but Chelsea are now done for the season. I think banking on players from teams with something to go for is the way to play the last four.
That is true! However, remember what Chelsea did to Wigan on the final day a couple of years back!? I have a feeling Chelsea might loosen the shackles and dominate the last 3 weeks without the worry of having to protect the league. I got a feeling Chelsea will be in ‘party’ mode and will snag quite a few goals in the remaining games. Also, Henderson may be struggling due to the inclusion of Gerrard in the last couple of games, and I think that Chelsea’s fixtures are slightly better IMO
And I had already made my transfers by the time you commented GP, so I couldn’t change my mind! 😉 Hopefully I’ve made the right call. Thanks for commenting GP and swirly
Nosaj,
You may very well be right mate. And you’ll find me crying in a corner :thumbup:
Good luck for the run-in!
Nosaj,
i can´t remember, what happened to wigan years ago?
Magies – Chelsea had won the league, loosened the shackles, and beat Wigan 8-0 in the last GW of the year in the 2009/10 to season
Hey guys, how’s it going? So how much of a ‘must have’ is Ramsey? I already have Sanchez and Giroud, so I’m considering an Arsenal defender instead of Ramsey. Do you like Wasilewski and Ramsey in for Bertrand and Henderson, or how about Koscielny and someone like Chadli (6.6 or less) instead? Also thinking about Kane out for Wickham next week before the DGW. Any thoughts/suggestions/other ideas would be appreciated!!
Davis Mannone
Terry PvA Bertrand Skrtel Trippier
Hazard Sanchez Silva Henderson Ki Sung-Yueng
Giroud Aguero Kane
2FT and .1 ITB
Red
If I had no restrictions I’d go with three Arsenal attackers so I’m voting for Was and Ramsey.
I have Pantillimon currently and will consider maybe a Sunderland mid or Defoe (maybe). Wickham doesn’t really do it for me (I know that this is his ‘time’ of the season though!)
Hey Red, I like Was and Ramsey mate – Ramsey showed his class and form on Monday night – difficult to resist when he’s on a run like he’s having.
Hope you’re well bud.
I would agree with GP, Red. The one Hull goal from this weekend was a killer after bringing in Bellerin, and Arsenal has proven they can give up a goal to anyone
3 attackers over Ars defense.
Thanks GP, Cookie, and Colriles, much appreciated gentlemen (I use that term loosely of course!).
How are you guys doing? What are your big transfer plans this week? Still unsure about what to do for Sunderland coverage (if anything) before the DGW. I’ve had PvA sat on my bench for months, so I suppose I should play him. Could easily see him break my heart with a couple of 1 pointers though! Anyone else from Sunderland worth looking at? Larson, Gomez, Wickham… ?
Red, I’d look at one of the midfielders if you fancy a punt. Not convinced on their strikers to be honest mate.
Right on, thanks Cookie. Lots could change before then anyway! How are you looking for this week? Did you come out on top of you H2H match last weekend?
I did thanks Red – well I did in GW34, this week is the semi….this is my squad….
Howard, Myhill
Coleman, Terry, Bellerin, PVA, McShane
Ramsey, Lennon, Hazard, Silva, Young
Benteke, Kun, Giroud.
Nice looking team Cookie, lots of differentials in there. Good luck this weekend, hope you take care of business again!
Cheers Red, we shall see – be nice to win and get to the final!
Cookie,
Late, as usual (wrong time zone). It’s a ways off, but if you couldn’t use Arsenal players, would you risk 3 Sunderland bodies for dgw37? I already have Pants and PVA on the bench (please don’t ask me), and Larsson looks the best bet among the attackers. Just a suicidal thought?
Red
I have Pantillimon so that will do me for defence. Maybe Gomez for a punt but more than likely Defoe (if fit) for Ulloa.
Thanks Gallant. Had to run some errands so I’m just seeing this now. I like the Defoe idea, don’t know why I didn’t think of him before. If Kane blanks again this week I might bring him in too. It’s time to throw a few (somewhat carefully considered) hail mary’s and go for a big final push!