Captains Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 38 – Fantasy Premier League 2014/15
Ah, the unpredictability of a meaningless fixture. As West Brom’s confident dismantling of the champions reminded us, teams with nothing to chase have respect for neither form nor logic. Romelu Lukaku’s hat-trick in 2012/13’s loopy 5-5 finale with Man Utd is burned permanently onto the retinas of FPL managers across the land (Most infamously, costing runner-up Kelvin Travers the title that year). There hasn’t been a goalless draw on the last day of the Premier League since Hull and Liverpool meekly closed their 2009/10 campaigns; therefore clean sheets could be at a premium, and some games may resemble a Harlem Globetrotter exhibition. All of this is great news for us, of course. In arguably one of the most lacklustre Premier League seasons to date, a carnival of football will not only belatedly whet the appetite for next term, but send FPL players into the summer cradling a bounty of points. The captain choice then, represents something of a Hail Mary for those of us with nothing to lose; a liberating end to a frustrating season. League leaders will look to the consistency of more trusted candidates, and hope that the chasing pack doesn’t unearth a ‘Lukaku moment’.
Here’s my top five.
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[/three_fourth]5. Jason Puncheon – home vs Swansea
You’ve got to hand it to Jason Puncheon. Ever since THAT penalty, y’know, the one against Spurs that accelerated global warming by punching another hole in the ozone layer; the midfielder has gone from strength to strength, particularly under Pardew. Last week’s Gerrard-esque free-kick deflated the party balloons at Anfield, crowning a man-of-the-match performance and giving the Palace star his 4th double digit FPL haul.
Visitors Swansea will arrive knowing that if they lose they’ll have to settle for 8th. But a victory would cement them a very creditable… 8th. Without even the incentive of improving their league position to accrue some extra prize money, the Swans are the very embodiment of a team likely to turn up in sandals; towel in one hand, sun cream in the other. It would be no surprise to see Puncheon celebrate his new four-year contract in style on Sunday at a buoyant Selhurst as the flying Eagles look to round off a wonderful season by soaring to 10th.
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[/three_fourth]4. Christian Benteke – home vs Burnley
One of the great things about Fantasy Football, unlike the reality, is that it doesn’t matter how bad the other players are, you’ll reap the full benefits of a team’s star performer. Enter Benteke. A player so utterly superior to his teammates (Villa’s second best player is Tom Cleverly. Let that sink in for a moment), he can score 13 goals in a team that secured their safety only in the penultimate game. He can get you 6 points in spite of a 6-1 mauling. Benteke, a one-man reason to invest in the Tim Sherwood philosophy. Who cares what happens at the back, when you’ve got one of Europe’s sharpest marksmen facing a team already planning for a return to the Championship? Well, not that a Dyche team would ever raise the white flag, in fact they’ll want to go out with a bang. Just don’t be surprised if this game becomes a reckless end-of-season free-for-all.
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[/three_fourth]3. Olivier Giroud – home vs WBA
Arsenal, oh Arsenal. Where to begin. I could tell you that they have the 3rd best home goal-scoring record, but then I could tell you West Brom have the 2nd best away defense. I could seduce you with tales of how they destroyed Liverpool, Villa and Newcastle at the Emirates, but then break your heart regaling their careless capitulations against Swansea and Spurs. You’ll gasp in awe at Giroud’s 2015 streak of 9 goals in 10 games, but wince awkwardly at his failure in the last 6. It’s the last game of the season. It’s against West Brom. It’s Arsenal. These 3 factors alone make a prediction entirely futile. It will either be 7-3 to the Gunners, or 1-0 to the Baggies. All that’s left for you is to look into the eyes of this handsome Frenchman, and ask yourself, “Can I trust you Olivier? Can I trust you one more time?”
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[/three_fourth]2. Sergio Aguero – home vs Southampton
Two teams that have salvaged their form after sticky spells face off in what promises to be one of the day’s higher quality contests. Southampton can still claim what would be an incredible 5th and City will seek to protect 2nd. Sitting atop the scoring charts with 25 goals, Aguero’s explosive resurgence has all but assured him his first Golden Boot. The Citizens have looked irresistable in May and with Pellegrini’s services confirmed for 2015/16, an impressive victory would be quite a statement of intent. An Aguero-led feel-good factor at the Etihad would slightly soften the disappointment of losing their Premier League crown. So what’s keeping him from being the number one captain choice this week? The best away defence in the league, that’s what. A clean sheet on Sunday would see Ronald Keoman’s side finish with 18 goals conceded on their travels. Fewer even that Preston in League 1. But then again, they don’t face Aguero every week.
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[/three_fourth]1. Eden Hazard – home vs Sunderland
Chelsea saved their most underwhelming performance for Pulis’ men on Monday, but the Blues will be back on the front foot for the visit of Sunderland with surely their strongest possible line-up, keen to preface their triumphant lap of honour with a performance fit for title winners. Stamford Bridge has seen the home team score in every single game and are yet to lose there. The enforced absences of Fabregas and Oscar are a nuisance, but Hazard has never been shy of filling the stage. A few words of caution. Sunderland have been solid away from the glare of the Stadium of Light, and FPL’s top scorer has scored just a solitary goal with no assists in 5 games; his worst run of the season. But this could well be a prescient lull before the showpiece crescendo. Yes, the Black Cats will be jubilant after ensuring their top flight status, but that lack of focus could create more space for the PFA and FWA player of the year to gleefully exploit.
Thanks for reading Captain’s Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 38. This article was written by Bryan Munich
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We would like to remind you that our official partners, WooFBet, are again running a whole host of prize competitions for DGW38, 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 a whopping €3,000 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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Hey gang, trying to lock up my ML and need some advice. No idea where to go with my FT. Who should be my priority to ship out?
1- Larsson
2- Clyne
3- Kane
Thought about Milner, Downing, Vardy, Was or even Silva for a -4. Thoughts?
Hey Colriles thk I would ship Larsson out for Puncheon depends how far your ahead if a hit is worth it , if so Kane to Vardy or Ulloa , bench Clyne play Mcshane they have something to play for
Thanks Silver. I’m up about 50 pts. I’ve had Punch for much of the season so looking to give someone else a shot! You don’t think Milner or Downing might be a better 1 game shout?
Colriles – You’d be terribly unlucky to lose a 50 ish lead in one week! I wouldn’t worry about that side of it. You’d imagine Clyne is set for a big fat 0 at best against City (or at least i do), so he’d be the one to go if you don’t have three other good defensive fixtures to use. Assuming you do, then Kane out for a Leicester forward looks a good bet to me.
Or Tekkers, if affordable.
Cheers NIN – leave it to me to find a way to blow this one! I was planning on playing McShane for Clyne and upgrading Larsson since my midfield is a bit thin with Haz, Sanchez, Larsson, Hendo & Boyd. Would you play Boyd, bench Larsson and go Kane > Vardy?
Trust me, you’ve won your league. It’s way too big a gap. Hmm, i think i would lose Clyne and keep Kane, actually. McShane vs United, or, Kane vs Everton. I’d go Kane every time. Kolarov/Coleman are two i considered taking a hit for, so they spring to mind. Cresswell vs a crap Newcastle could go well too.
Thanks again NIN. You’ve always been around to lend some advice so cheers for that. Never been in this position in GW38 so it’s still foreign to me!
That’s good, though. It’s your best season yet, so fair play. Keep it going next season and you’ll be in a great spot for another high finish :thumbup:
1FT and can’t decide between these 4 – Ulloa, Vardy, Puncheon, Lukaku. Any advice? Will ship out either Kane or Gomez depending on who I decide to get in.
Rest of team –
Schemiechal
Morgan, Bellerin, Jagielka
Mata, Sanchez, Silva, Albrighton
Aguero, Benteke
Hey Mayar, I’d say stick with your midfield and go Kane to Vardy…or Lukaku…whichever way the wind blows when you push the button.
haha cheers!
Same as MayAr ship Kane out for Vardy or Ulloa
Yep. Vardy/Ulloa for me too.
NOT Lukaku?
If he’s the one you want to bring in, then go for it. I fancy Everton to win that one so he’s a good pick, for me. I’d get Vardy/Ulloa myself. In fact, i bought Ulloa the other day.
Bryan,
Lovely little lunch time read there. I’ll get on with yours now 😉
:thumbup: t’was brilliant. Thanks for all your efforts this season mate.
Thanks Bryan and all the others who contributed to the weekly captain picks article, you all have been a great help!
Still undecided for this GW and a lot will depend on tonight’s result and its implications on the rankings, might have to pick some differential like Silva or even Kane.
Hey Albertini. You not a bit fearful of Sergio going bonkers, and having an adverse effect on that rank of yours? I would be…
Hey NIN! Of course I would be, a lot…
Still early days and a lot can happen tonight ranking wise but for me there’s not too much between finishing 101st or 300th! Also have 2 FT’s to play and could get some nice punts with them, have to think well ahead of next GW.
Albertini, Kop’s article this week is just what you’re looking for – it will be up tomorrow!
Cheers Cookie, I already was expecting it to be! 😉
Nice that you’ve got 2 FT’s. I’d go with Aguero for capo no matter what happens tonight, and maybe get a differential or two with the FT’s. Kolarov and Coleman would appeal to me.
Thanks for those suggestions mate, both are on my radar.
Better make it a god one Albertini, we want to see you in that top 100 !
Don’t worry mate, I’ll fight for it with everything I have! It won’t be an easy task but it’s only 6 points…
Very doable though sir, with a bit of luck and skill !
Howdy Cookster, it’s been a while. Hard to believe there’s just one round left, eh? What a crazy season it has been!
Hey NIN, how you going? Yeah, it’s been a strange season, one in which I never really felt happy with my side and then just started chasing and the wheels came off.
Looking forward to some summer banter on here, but in all honesty, I’m ready for an FPL break!
Cookie – How did all those hits you took work out?? Did you at least win the cup you were chasing?
Not bad mate, not bad. Bit pissed that my time on here has been lessened considerably, but that will change. Yep, i hear you re looking forward to FPL taking a break. Such a demanding season it has been, really topsy turvy stuff. This week is some cup final for you, isn’t it? Looking good for that at least?
Chins / NIN, the hits worked as I won my QF and SF – ruined any chance of a decent rank but have the Final this week. Team looks better on paper than the oppo but Benteke not playing is worrying me….haven’t the cash for Lukaku, already have 3 Leicester……
Cookie – If push comes to shove, Gomis could be a decent shout for the final week…
That could be a shout NIN, or maybe Cisse, but I am really concerned on his lack of fitness. Will see what Carve-Up says in the presser.
Yeah, Cisse might be a stretch too far. Hopefully Benteke gets a game though. I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t as it’d mean Henderson coming on.
NIN, it’ll be good to hear Sherwood saying he’s going all out to win the game….but I have my doubts. Would be great to have a Cup win on his CV. Well, it would be great for him, shocking for us, we’ll never hear the end of it!!
Haha, i hadn’t thought of that! Oh dear. Come on Arsenal
the lesser of two evils !!
Just!
Evening all, Cookie good luck this weekend in your cup final, go bring the cup home, well to Monaco anyway.
Evening Elle, the Cup will be coming to Monaco I guarantee it – I’m playing the bloke who sits next to me
Just make sure your the winner. :p
Was he sitting next to you last season when your capo mysteriously got changed by any chance?! I’m still furious about that violation and it’s not even my team!
he was yes, but in fairness he’s not the sort of bloke to do that. But…you never know…
Hi guys. I have 6 mil. to get a defender in for. Who would u choose for the last GW? Already have terry and Bellerin. Skrtel, Morgan or a third option?
Kolarov, for me.
That’s great work Bry! Really appreciate it, think you captured the craziness that is GW38. To be honest though, GW38 sounds a bit like the week to week in MLS.
Any word on Espi? I’ll need to bin him if he’s out again.