Gameweek 4 Preview: Fantasy Premier League #FPL

Written by @FantasyGaffer

You can read the FantasyYIRMA Gameweek 3 Review HERE

Defender: Antonio Valencia, Manchester United

In just three weeks Valencia has earned 20 pts, recording a clean sheet in each of United’s opening matches. While Manchester United and Huddersfield are the only teams yet to concede, the Red Devils are considerably more likely to maintain the streak. Stoke, at Stoke, isn’t the easiest fixture but Mourinho’s side have been quite good pressing their opponents from the opening kick, scoring a league best 10. The Potters have managed just two goals of their own.  Antonio might not be the attacking threat we want in a fullback, but his 1goal, 3assist return last year marked the sixth straight season he’s notched at least three helpers. Expensive, but worth it.

Midfielder: Mesut Ozil, Arsenal

Ozil made headlines with an insightful facebook post in which he discussed his time with Arsenal – four years and counting. Of course, not everyone is happy Ozil is at Arsenal. I’m not one of those.

This season only Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (13) has more key passes than Ozil (12), but NONE of Ozil’s key passes have been converted to goals by his teammate. The 28-year-old suffered a ‘down’ year last year in part because of poor finishing. He was third in key passes last year with 100 and one of just three players (Eriksen 112; KDB 103) to record more than 90. His price is high and he’s done little to justify it through three weeks – but in GW4 he faces Bournemouth. Buy in now – Ryan has (you can hear it on Talkin Togga now!)

Forward: Javier Hernandez, West Ham

The reality is Manchester City and Liverpool resume the EPL calendar early Saturday in a match which should end with 10 goals scored. That said, we’ve no idea who will score them and picking a Forward is all about certainty – unless you’ve picked Harry Kane in August, but we would never do that…Jamie Vardy home against Chelsea is intriguing with the Foxes hitman always up for a big match, but Chicharito gets the nod with the visiting Terriers coming out of their first international break. With a brace against Southampton, the former Leverkusen man has shown he’s sharp. It might be hard to wait for Monday’s action, but the delay all but ensures the Mexico international is returned to the fold and ready for 90′ in the EPL – something not guaranteed Saturday’s presumed starters.

Captain: Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal

If Danny Welbeck starts over Lacazette again Arsene Wenger should be fired on the spot. We’ve checked Premier Injuries – there is nothing reported. Lacazette needs to be given an opportunity. He currently trails Welbeck in minutes played 254 to 196. He’s essentially played only two of the Gunners opening three matches and they are worse for it. Bournemouth are many things, but capable of holding possession is not one. Did you know Aaron Ramsey currently leads Arsenal with eight shots? AARON RAMSEY. This is unacceptable. We’re doing our part to right the ship, right the wrongs, write the words. It’s done now. Direct hate mail elsewhere. (Ed: Just tweet @FantasyGaffer directly)

Outsider: Ben Mee, Burnley

Mee and the Clarets will host Crystal Palace on Sunday. Palace have failed to score a goal this season while last year’s upstart defense haven’t kept a clean sheet. Mee has actually been the most productive player this season (scoring 27.75 points in Togga) in Burnley’s defense despite not recording a goal, an assist or a clean sheet. Last season he had a goal, two assists and nine clean sheets en route to 94 total points (including 6 BPS). This could be the type of week when Mee comes good and posts 8 pts, don’t miss out.

Draft: Steve Mounie, Huddersfield

Mounie has been exemplary in both OFPL and draft this season, but this upcoming trip to West Ham will prove Mounie’s value in Togga’s draft format. Mounie has already won 26 aerial duels, topping the charts and besting Christian Benteke (24) and Sam Vokes (19).

His two key passes and four shots on target point to modest offensive production this season, but modest production in the attack bolstered by solid contributions from other stats are what define mid-tier OFPL players as FPL Draft stars. Mounie has the look of a top-end FWD2 and faces a Hammers side looking out of sorts – there are plenty of points for the taking.

John (aka FantasyGaffer) has been playing fantasy sports for more than a decade.

An avid supporter of Liverpool since the days of the Spice Boys, he has earnestly worn a white suit on multiple occasions. You’ll find his work on fantasy draft site PlayTogga.

Prior to joining Togga, he wrote for EPLIndex, MLB.com/fantasy, BackPageFootball and his own site, FantasyGaffer.