Tips Gameweek 24 FPL Fantasy Premier League
The joys of midweek football means that we are only catching our breath from GW23 when we have to start planning for GW24, throw transfer deadline day into the mix and it is a recipe for a potential disaster. Due to the short turn around period between game-weeks we have decided for one week only to take a different path with our weekly tips and we have decided to focus on clubs outside the top 7 which actually doesn’t include Manchester United, although we would like to point out that both Mata and RvP would have been discussed should we have taken our normal path. Anyway, enough of the waffle, below we have outlined a number of the lesser lights who we feel could serve you well over the coming weeks.
Goalkeepers
In FPL terms and in reality Artur Boruc was one of the stars of the early part of this season as he picked up six clean sheets from his first nine games. However, since GW9 he has only picked up a solitary clean sheet, admittedly he did sit out seven games with a hand injury. Despite this we are quietly confident that Boruc will pick up a number of clean sheets over the coming weeks as six of their next seven games are against teams currently in the bottom half of the table and at just £4.7m the Pole could prove to be great value. It’s also worth noting that Victor Wanyama available again and his partnership with Morgan Schneiderlin in front of the back four should further solidify the Saints.
Cardiff have not kept a clean sheet in their past seven games and have conceded 18 goals in that period, but despite that we are this week tipping David Marshall. When you consider that they travelled to face Liverpool, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs in the past seven games their recent defensive record is hardly surprising. The Bluebirds have put those tough fixtures behind them and are now set to embark on a run of much more straightforward fixtures from which we envisage they will pick up a number of clean sheets. With new manager Ole Solskjaer still seemingly undecided on his best back four, Marshall would appear to be the cheapest guaranteed route into the Cardiff defence and could prove good value at £4.7m. Finally, it should be noted that the Scot has picked up at least one save bonus point on 17 occasions this season.
We’re not quite sure what Jussi Jaaskelainen has done to upset Sam Allardyce but he has certainly done something and this has allowed Spaniard Adrian to usurp the gloves at Upton Park. He has certainly impressed of late picking up two clean sheets in his last three games including a superb performance against Chelsea on Wednesday night which saw him pick up three bonus points. The Hammers are well and truly in a relegation battle and if they are to survive, we suspect they will do it on the back of a solid defence which will see Adrian pick up a number of clean sheets over the coming weeks and at just £4.3m he could prove excellent value for money.
Defenders
As we have outlined above, Southampton have a run of fixtures coming up from which we expect they will pick up a number of clean sheets and should you decide that Boruc is not for you we would suggest you consider one of their defenders, with both Jose Fonte and Luke Shaw being excellent options. Fonte has featured in all but two league games this season and in the process he has scored twice, picked up eight clean sheets as well as eleven bonus points. Despite concerns over his injury record, Shaw has only missed three games this season and has picked up two assists, seven clean sheets and five bonus points. At £5.1m Fonte is £0.3m more expensive than Shaw, however we’d slightly favour the Portuguese centre back as a result of his goal threat.
As we have alluded to above, in terms of fixtures Cardiff have had a tough time of it of late, however their next four fixtures are considerably easier as they welcome Norwich, Villa &
Hull while they travel to near neighbours Swansea. Take a look at their defensive options in the FPL and it would appear as though there are a number of bargains, however the problem is that Solskjaer is yet to settle on his first choice back four with the only guaranteed starter being Steven Caulker and as a result it is he who we are tipping. Granted, Caulker is the most expensive option but he has started every game this season, scoring twice & picking up 12 bonus points and in the process he has accumulated over 20 points more than the next best.
Should you feel Jaaskelainen may regain the gloves at West Ham and therefore the acquisition of Adrian is too risky you might want to consider one of their back four. However this could also cause you some problems, because due to injuries Big Sam has had to chop and change his defence on a regular basis this season and as a result it’s difficult to know what his first choice back four is. However our tip is James Collins who has started each of the last two games and is priced at just £4.1m meaning that he is ideally priced to be your 4th or 5th defender and given their upcoming fixtures he could potentially provide you with a clean sheet if called upon.
Finally, before we move onto the midfielders, two defenders who warrant some attention are Swansea’s Chico Flores and Norwich’s Martin Olsson. Swansea have been rather leaky at the back this season conceding 33 goals and only keeping six clean sheets. However last time out against Fulham they held firm and have a number of fixtures coming up from which they could quite possibly pick up a number of clean sheets. In Flores they have a defender who knows where the goal is and he has already chipped in with two goals & an assist this season and at just £4.9m he could prove value for money over the coming weeks. Norwich’s form has been rather poor of late but this can hardly be blamed on their defence as they have only conceded seven in their last eight games, keeping clean sheets in each of their last two. They host City & Spurs in game-weeks 25 &27, but aside from these fixtures we would expect them to pick up a number of clean sheets and at just £4.2m Olsson will allow you to splash the cash elsewhere.
Midfielders
Having picked up two England caps this season it can certainly be described as a breakthrough season for 25 year old Adam Lallana. Take a look at his stats in the lower divisions for the club and it’s hardly surprising that with six goals and six assists he is quickly becoming the clubs talisman. It should be noted that the English international is currently in good form having picked up three goals, three assists & seven bonus points in his last seven games and with Southampton having a number of extremely tempting fixtures over the coming game-weeks we feel that Lallana will continue to be one of their star performers. Should you feel that Lallana at £7.6m is slightly too expensive for your taste, you could consider his midfield colleague Steven Davis who is priced at £4.7m. The Northern Irish international has started the clubs last 13 league games and has scored once and picked up four assists to date. If you are on the hunt for a cheap midfielder well then Davis could be the man for you and it’s worth noting that he features in just 0.3% of teams.
Sunderland sit 8th in the current form table with three wins and four draws from their last eight games. During this period they have scored ten goals of which Adam Johnson has scored five in the last three games, while he has also chipped in with two assists. It would appear that the 26 year old is finally starting to live up to the potential that saw Manchester City take him from Middlesbrough back in 2010 and given his current form he would appear to a solid investment at just £6.7m. Sunderland face a derby against Newcastle this weekend before playing Hull, Man City & Arsenal so they clearly don’t have the easiest of fixtures, but given their form as well as his own, we believe that Johnson warrants serious consideration.
A few weeks back we tipped Jason Puncheon and were left with egg on our faces as in his very next game he went and took ‘that penalty’ – he must have read David Moyes’ article! He has bounced back admirably since then and has scored the solitary goal in the clubs last two games, picking up six bonus points in the process. Admittedly, Palace have a number of extremely difficult fixtures coming up but at just £4.9m Puncheon could very well be the 5th midfielder you’re looking for, whether or not he’s still the designated penalty taker, only time will tell.
A couple of other midfielders who we feel warrant a mention are West Brom’s James Morrison and Steve Sidwell of Fulham. West Brom are most certainly embroiled in the relegation battle, but that’s hardly surprising given the fact that they’ve only won one of their last eight games and unfortunately for them their fixtures don’t get any easier as two of their next three games are against Liverpool and Chelsea. However, given new manager Pepe Mel’s desire to play football we feel that Morrison will be instructed to push forward and with the Scottish international having picked up three assists in his last two games, the signs are positive. Just like West Brom, Fulham’s recent form has been very poor and their impending fixtures are rather tough! Alarmingly for Fulham, Sidwell is the clubs top scorer with five league goals to date, but this is quite positive news for FPL managers as it certainly demonstrates that he knows where the goal is. Admittedly picking either of these players can only be seen as a punt but you have to save money somewhere and with a number of strikers currently in form maybe your midfield is the place to do it.
Forwards
When Christian Benteke scored four goals in his first four games most of us assumed that he had picked up from where he left off last season. However as a result of injuries and a loss of form he then went 16 game-weeks without finding the back of the net, but three goals in his last three games would suggest that slowly but surely he is starting to recapture the form that saw him plunder 19 goals last season. Villa travel to Merseyside this weekend to face an Everton side minus Coleman & Distin and then face games vs West Ham & Cardiff, both of whom are currently struggling. Villa will have gained a certain amount of confidence following Wednesday night’s derby win over West Brom, so they should provide Benteke with the opportunities over the coming weeks and as he currently features in just 9.5% of teams he represents somewhat of a differential.
Swansea have hardly been scoring freely of late, in fact they have only scored five times in their last eight games, three of which were scored by Wilfried Bony. However, when you take a look at who they have faced over the past weeks their lack of goals is hardly surprising. It is also worth noting that over recent weeks Swansea have had to deal with injuries to key midfielders but with the majority of these now available for selection the supply line to Bony should improve. Over the coming weeks they face a number of teams who are also embroiled in the rather large relegation dog fight and with Bony recently showing glimpses of form we imagine that he will be among the goals and just like Benteke he represents a differential featuring in just 5.1% of teams.
As we have already alluded to a number of times Southampton really do have an attractive fixture list over the coming weeks making Jay Rodriguez a very tempting option at just £6.3m. Just like his club mate Lallana, Rodriguez has also picked up his first English cap this season, largely due to his consistency with the Saints. With nine goals, he is the clubs leading scorer and has also chipped in with three assists and with a goal & an assist in his last two games he is in good touch as Southampton embark on this run of fixtures. At £6.3m he is ideally priced if you’re looking for a cheap 3rd striker who you will play every week.
Unfortunately, aside from these three there are slim pickings when assessing the forwards from the clubs outside of the current top seven. However two strikers who we feel could spark into life over the coming weeks are Hull’s Shane Long and West Ham’s Andy Carroll. Scoring goals has been an issue for Hull this season, they’ve only managed to hit the back of the net on 22 occasions and Steve Bruce will undoubtedly be hoping that new recruit Shane Long is the answer to their problems. We believe that if the Irish international is given a good run in the side that he will score the goals that will see the Tigers to safety and at just £5.6m he’s possibly cheap enough to use as a bench player should you choose to field five in midfield. Just like West Brom, West Ham have also struggled for goals this term and they will certainly be hopeful that the return of Carroll will be the spark that they need. With three of their next four games at home we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Carroll, who must be nearly fit enough the play the full 90 minutes, registers a number of goals over the coming weeks.
This article was written by Kop Warrior.
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Hey guys,
looks like i’ll need to take a -4 point hit just to field 11 players with Aguero and Coleman injured, Clyne out of favor, and Livermore unable to play against his parent club. I’m thinking that my defense is my priority as I’ll probably wait and see just how bad Aguero’s injury is.
Do you think it’s time to get rid of Coleman? I’ve had him since day 1 so he’s doing quite well for the 5 million he cost me! But his price is dropping and his schedule isn’t the easiest coming up. Or should I drop Clyne for Shaw or another 4.9 defender and keep Coleman? What would you do??
Marshall Manonne
Clyne Koscielny Ward Coleman Vlaar
Livermore Hazard Silva Eriksen Mata
Suarez J Rod Aguero
.4 in the bank
Hi Red,
I’d drop Clyne personally. And Shaw or Chico would be the options that come to mind
Thanks Dreamers, that seems like the most straightforward move. I hate to waste -4 points bringing in someone from the same team (and a defender no less!) but at least it will help clear up some of my defensive problems in the future. That’ll teach me to gamble on players that aren’t nailed on I guess.
Hmmm I bought Coleman for 6m and I’m contemplating on selling him. I wouldn’t if I had bought him for 5m though.
Chambers (Sot) priced at 3.9m, Ryan Bennett priced at 3.9m, Winston Reid (set to return) priced at 4.7m (a steal when fit).
Thanks Raz, I appreciate it. The worry I have with Chambers is that at any time Clyne could be back in favor and then I’m in the same boat with Chambers not getting playing time. Most likely I’d grab Shaw or Fonte if I was going to keep the Southampton coverage.
RedVT
I’m not convinced you need to take a hit.
Your bench would be GK of your choice, Clyne, Coleman and Livermore
Sell Aguero for anyone of your choice because he will not play on Monday and then you have 11 players.
I have the same dilemma with Coleman!!
Thanks Bash. But how would I field 11 players this weekend with Livermore, Coleman, and Aguero out and Clyne (most likely) not playing? I already used my FT to swap Cabaye for Mata before the price changes last Saturday night, so the only real option I have is to take a hit or play Clyne and hope he rotates in this week.
I’m kinda tempted to sell Coleman before he drops any more and deal with Clyne later. At least Clyne isn’t injured and has a chance to play. Who the hell knows with Coleman’s injury?? First he was supposed to be back on Feb 1, now it’s Feb 9. It’s a hamstring injury so you never really know.
Sorry Red, thought you still your ft. Yes, you will need a hit then, but not tonight ! Wait for confirmation that Aguero is out for weeks then do the hit there. Coleman will be back soon! I’d sell clyne before Seamus. Clyne seems to have lost his place.
Right on, thanks for the advice Bash. Good luck with your team, keep climbing the board and finish strong. Everyone at FF247 is rooting for you!!
I appreciate that Red!! Thanks fella!
Which Arsenal player is a must to have? Now Ramsey is injured for another month? Giroud or Santi? Ozil too expensive imho.
Also, should I replace Kun? I have Suarez and Sturridge already. If I get RvP do I still need Mata? So many questsions. Anyway, this is my current WC team.
Mannone – Marshall
Ryan Bennett – Vlaar – Ward – Evans – Coleman
Silva – Oscar – Mata – Barkley – Noone
Sturridge – Aguero – Suarez
Rate it bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :finger:
Aguero to van Persie and ummmm Coleman to….????????
Raz
Santi is the one to have! Considering a hit to get him in. He’s rising tonight too
You set on SAS? You could strengthen mid or def if not?
Kun will be out for a few weeks imo
Hmmm. I could do Kun to RvP and Mata to Santi?
Aaargh hard one, I like Mata I think he will take the role Rooney use to have and bring in loads of assists. RvP and Rooney upfront. Watcha think?
I’m guessing the Kun injury could be serious. He supposedly got a checkup today. If good they would come out with the news immediately. Don’t you think?
Fplmeastro tweeted today that early news was Aguero out till March.
Rvp and santi sounds good!!
Moyes interview in paper today saying Mata to play on the flanks. Rooney and RVP up front. Mata can covet 10 role if needed but not primary!!
Mata on the flank? FFS, what is Moyes thinking. I want him on 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B-Bash
I saw that tweet as well, it said he was out til mid-March. However it didn’t provide any sources and has hitherto been the only account (as far as I know) to come with an update on Aguero, so I’ll remain skeptical myself until anything’s official.
B-Bash
Could you provide a source on that interview? I’d like to read through it myself. If he plays on the flank he’ll probably play like Silva then, going into the center from out wide.
Teckno
I’ve just been hunting for the link to post on here but cant find it sorry! It wasnt too in depth bearing in mind it was Moyes being interviewed, but he did say that RVP and Rooney will be ahead and Mata out wide. Still looking! It was one of them sneaky reads when I was at work!!
Raz
I don’t think any Arsenal player is a must-have.
As for Kun – you should replace him, not sure about doubling up on Utd players so maybe Adebayor since you don’t have any Tottenham players. Of course RvP would bring you points too, but for twice the price…
Could also go for J-Rod since you don’t have any Soton players either – their fixtures are pretty good.
The reason why I’m thinking RvP is because RvP is easily swapped back to Kun. If I get lets say Giroud/JRod/Bony/Ade I will spend money on other areas. Than when Aguero is fit again I probably need to do 2 or 3 transfers to get him back. RvP to Kun you can swap immediately. However if I do have RvP I don’t think I need Mata anymore. Mata is relatively cheap. Aaargh, so many things going through my mind.
Raz
if you plan carefully you won’t have too much trouble getting Kun back in. I myself will replace him with a City striker next week and use my freed up funds to get Mata in for Navas, then when he’s fit again I can bring him in just by downgrading Baines, so I only need to do one transfer due to my planning.
I’m just saying I would have at least one of Eriksen/Adebayor/Lallana/J-Rod.
Hmmm, could take a risk and do Kun to Giroud and beef up the midfield area some more. Giroud still a decent striker. Plus, at a certain point Arsenal will become more creative again. Especially if they get Draxler.
Hmm, think I will wait another day before I make changes. I could swap Santi for Mata (because he rises tonight) but Mata will rise tomorrow (which will be 0.2 rise since I bought him). Sighs. So many choices. Just take a chillpill. Goodnight all. And thanks for ya input/help. Really appreciate. Oyasumi nasai.
Livermore has been recalled by Tottenham
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2549000/Tottenham-recall-midfielder-Livermore-Hull-City-spell.html
Ha, more good news! Looks like I’ve got another fire to put out. Does this mean that he’s played his last match for Hull? If so I might bring in Puncheon tonight before his price goes up.
Livermore’s red flag has been removed. I assume this is because he’s technically eligible to play for Spurs this weekend?
Reposting from earlier in the Boot Room where no one replied
Here’s my squad guys, would love some advice:
Ruddy /// Marshall
Mertesacker /// Bardsley /// Ward /// Chester* /// Coleman*
Hazard /// Silva /// Mata /// Barkley /// Livermore
Suarez /// Aguero* /// Rodriguez
I have 1FT and 0.2m in the bank. Coleman I will keep. Chester needs to go shortly and indeed his price has dropped, so maybe I should move tonight. Am more concerned about Aguero however. I’d rather not take hits this week (after last week’s -8!) so Aguero will be the one to go if I use a transfer.
People are talking about Rooney, but I have Mata already and I’d rather see how Moyes uses his various attacking options. Is Aguero –> Giroud a crazy move? I have no other Arsenal attacking coverage (beyond Mert.). Otherwise it’s hard to look beyond Sturridge due to Liverpool’s great run of fixtures (Arsenal excluded, but still I expect ‘pool to score).
Sturridge is the best replacement for Aguero imo, far better than getting that doofus Giroud. Just compare their recent points and you’ll see. Wait til you hear the news on Aguero tomorrow just to be sure, and next week you could replace Chester for Bruce if you wanna keep Hull coverage, or maybe Collins.
Also see my comment above about Livermore being recalled by Tottenham.
‘Doofus’ is a bit strong. Decent scoring record I reckon playing for the second placed team who have a bottom half team at home next game. Maybe a touch over-priced, but his finishing is sharp and movement good. Maybe not fantasy football gold – but certainly no doofus.
Okay okay, I was just looking for a slightly negative word to describe him as I don’t rate him highly myself, but based on your reaction I take it doofus is a very insulting word? I don’t know for sure as English isn’t my native language and quite frankly doofus isn’t a very common word, but then again if I don’t know how insulting a word is perhaps I shouldn’t use it (does that make me a doofus :o). Didn’t mean to insult anyone, sorry.
Yeah Coleman is a real conundrum for everyone including myself at the moment. One on hand he is currently injured and when he does come back he has trips to Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle in his next 5 GW’s.
On the plus side he should be back soon and he’s still pretty much a winger in a good side that should pick up their fair share of clean sheets. Then there is the issue of Everton not having any strikers ATM. All comes down to your confidence in Everton and £££ i guess. I’m holding for now, not many defenders get up the park like him.
Kurt Zouma has been signed by Chelsea.
https://twitter.com/TransferLatests/status/429033236887371776/photo/1
Hey guys! What’s the latest on Coleman, Mutch and Aguero? I’m using my FT on Ramsey, but should I also take a hit to take out one of these three?
I think Coleman is expected fit for Spurs, no official news as far as I know concerning the two latter.
Aguero is looking a lot like his 2011/12 year….injuries.
MANC have depth just for this problem, and with Champions league games coming up, plus Capital One cup Final and tough games in EPL not far away (GW 31, 32 & 34), they will NOT risk Aguero in any way, even though it is Chelsa. MANC have some easier games after this week so I expect he will be out for a couple of weeks at least.
I just got him back in my team, but this is my excuse to get him out and get in the one who scores when he wants.
Welcome back RVP I have missed you.