Goal takes a look at the best players to pick or avoid, as well as the bargain buys, as the Premier League continues after a week of European action
| START ‘EM – WHICH PLAYERS SHOULD YOU PICK? |
All the attention last week was on Mesut Ozil after his deadline day arrival at Arsenal. However, in the game against Sunderland, it was Aaron Ramsey (5.5) who scored twice to help the Gunners to a 3-1 win. The Welshman also struck on Wednesday in the Champions League, so you’d expect him to continue his rich vein of form against Stoke at the Emirates. Olivier Giroud (7.5) has also scored in every game so far this season. A home fixture against the Potters presents ample opportunity to continue that streak.
Across north London, the must have man in the Tottenham team is Denmark international Christian Eriksen (7.5). The 21-year-old bagged an assist on his debut and found the back of the net for the first time in his second appearance in the Europa League. The Dane has plenty of pedigree having scored or assisted 27 goals in 33 Eredivisie appearances last season.
The one player who stood out in the drab 0-0 draw at St Mary’s last weekend was Jussi Jaaskelainen (5.5). The veteran goalkeeper has helped West Ham to three clean sheets in their first four Premier League games. Only Simon Mignolet has more points between the stick so far this term. Sam Allardyce’s men take on Everton at home this weekend.
Liverpool dropped two points at Swansea on Monday but Daniel Sturridge (8.5) continued to rack up the Fantasy Football points with another goal. With Southampton set to visit Merseyside this weekend, the Saints look set to be used as fodder for another Sturridge salvo. Liverpool have the home advantage against a side who are without a league win in a month and who have picked up just five points from a possible 12.
| SIT ‘EM – WHICH PLAYERS SHOULD YOU AVOID? |
With Wayne Rooney returning to form and the hearts of the Manchester United fans, it looks like Danny Welbeck‘s (6.5) promising start to the campaign could be halted. The young England international scored two goals on the opening weekend, but his chances of getting into the central positions at Old Trafford are increasingly slim. His productivity in wide positions isn’t enough to warrant a place in your team.
Dimitar Berbatov (7.0) is one to avoid this weekend. For starters, Fulham are travelling to Chelsea, a ground at which they have never won in the Premier League. With his strike partners, Darren Bent and Bryan Ruiz both injured, the Bulgarian will have to create his own chances. Don’t expect him to add any points to his relatively low tally this weekend.
With Vincent Kompany’s return from injury spells the end for Joleon Lescott‘s (5.0) run in the Manchester City first team. Even if the former Everton man is preferred to Matija Nastasic, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are up against the champions, led by Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney. Leaving Lescott out of your team this weekend would be wise.
At a hefty (9.5), Eden Hazard is quickly becoming a luxury you can’t afford. Not if you want to have a successful team. The Belgium midfielder has no goals and no assists so far this season and has only picked up 9 points far. He was expected to be one of this season’s brightest stars but until Jose Mourinho works out who his best eggs are, Hazard is one to avoid.
After watching from the stands last weekend, Everton will unleash loan signing Romelu Lukaku (7.5) into action this weekend. The Belgium striker offers great value at his price. A repeat of last season’s 17 Premier League goals at West Brom is not unlikely, and those goals for that price spells a potential bargain you can’t avoid to miss.
Hull City Tiger’s Robbie Brady (4.5) is a brilliant option for your midfield if you are short on funds. He has a goal assist already to his name and he is only just finding his feet in the Premier League. He looks like the Tigers most talented player and should be pivotal in Steve Bruce’s fight for survival, and is also a guaranteed starter if fit.
Kieran Gibbs at (4.5) is another snip. The Gunners had the second best defensive record in the division last season and the England international played an integral part to that success. The left-back has established himself as Arsenal’s first choice ahead of Nacho Monreal, while the 23-year-old will also supplement his points tally with his attacking forays this season.
| CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – TOP TIP FOR DOUBLE POINTS |
Chances are that you’ve picked the assist machine that is Mesut Ozil (10.0) in your team. This is the week to capitalise on his playmaking skills by making him your captain. The Germany international will feature again for Arsenal, this time at the Emirates against Stoke. He will be eager to impress on his home debut against a Potters side which do not travel well. A first Arsenal goal could also be on the horizon.
Christian Benteke (8.0) is also a good choice for your fantasy captain this weekend. The Aston Villa forward will strike fear into the heart of the Norwich backline when Paul Lambert’s men visit Carrow Road. With the likes of Robin van Persie facing difficult games, Benteke could fill your captain’s boots against the Canaries.
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