It’s about time Romelu Lukaku Scored for Manchester United?

Dec 11

Gameweek 17 Preview: Fantasy Premier League #FPL

Written by John Wallin @FantasyGaffer

Let’s have a bit of fun and write the GW17 Preview before GW16 has even kicked off. With seven minutes before Chelsea start their 90′ onslaught against David Moyes we’ll blanket the FPL like the snow softly falling.

Defender – Spurs Defender Roulette

Note: Poch used the midweek to give Rose and Aurier a run out last time around. Either / both are worth starting in the Draft format but neither can be added at a hit in OFPL. Playing one of those silly cards? Either / both are certainly worth it against Brighton.

Midfielder – Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal

Aaron Ramsey (10.4% and £7.2) and Mesut Ozil (2.3% and £9.3) both have merit here for different reasons. The Talkin Togga crew is firmly divided over the relative merits of Arsenal’s midfielders. But it is Alexis who remains the marquee member of Wenger’s best XI. He created five chances in the loss to United and we’ll assume he ran the show against Southampton in GW16 as well. Arsene doesn’t need to rest anyone with naught but the Europa League looming. Alexis has created at least one chance in every League match he’s played this season and has 36 (including his three assists) for the season.

Forward – Marcus Rashford, Manchester United

Can you believe Rashford is 7.5% owned (at time of writing). Having got just the 1′ against Arsenal, and likely missing the Manchester Derby, a home match against the Cherries seems like an ideal time to return and bag a brace. Before GW16 he had recorded three goals, four assists; those coming from 17 chances created and 10 shots on target. Those are excellent conversion rates and point to Rashford having far more value in the goal/assist dependant format in OFPL.

Note: Rotation will undoubtedly factor in midweek so if you’re looking for more nailed-on options many have difficult fixtures including Mame Diouf (1238′) at Burnley; Josh King (1153′) at Man Utd; and Jordan Ayew (1251′) hosts Man City. *all minutes thru GW15.

Captain – Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United

Of course, if you want a player who has been used more than any other at his position it’s Big Rom (1350′ ahead of the derby). It’s been eight straight weeks of negative net transfers as 1.2 million have shed the Belgian from their OFPL side. Just one goal in that span (with three assists) headed into the Derby but Lukaku goes on runs – including seven goals and an assist in United’s opening seven fixtures – and will not be rested in the absence of Paul Pogba (suspended).

Outsider – Glenn Murray, Brighton (3.9%)

Dearly wanted this to be Marcus Rashford, but he’s ownership tipped up too high. So we’ll use the Seagulls Glenn Murray. Facing Spurs at home would have been daunting last season, but this year Spurs haven’t been as good at the back. In their previous midweek League clash they surrendered a brace to Leicester. Assuming Stoke have got at least one in Saturday’s action, Tottenham haven’t kept a League clean sheet since GW11 and have just one CS in their last eight. Oumar Niasse should also be back following suspension and his five goals are level with Murray while his 5.3% ownership is slightly higher, perhaps due to his price being £0.8M less.

Time for a break to catch up on the football.

Draft – Riyad Mahrez / Demarai Gray, Leicester

Ok – back to writing following Saturday’s action! If you’re playing in Draft, Riyad Mahre is owned (99% in fact) – probably by @FantasyYIRMA – and should be considered a must-start every week. But Gray is just 22% owned, that’s less than 1/2 of the Shinji Okazaki ownership (54%), despite the fact he’s scored in back-to-back matches. Not only do Leicester get to play at Southampton, but they host Palace next weekend. Adding Gray now is a great move to provide roster fliexibility and serve as a handcuff for Mahrez in the event the 2015/16 POTY is rested.