Not every team in the league will play in gameweek eighteen, resulting in a double run of matches in the following. Aiming for at least seven or eight players to play in round eighteen would be reasonable, as a minor amount of fantasy gaffers will use their Free Hit chips to counteract not having a full XI. Banking a transfer leading up to this week will allow any fixture changes that could occur, as Manchester United might be added to the list meaning they won’t then have a double. Although, looking at the week with blanks there isn’t much to shout about with just Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur the only top teams that feature. This fixture list is also in between a weekend break away from the Premier League, opting to press the button to use the Free Hit is tempting. However, do remember that later on in the season another set of blanks for teams always occurs so maybe being patient will have it’s rewards, as domestic cups progress.
As mentioned saving a transfer one week has bigger prospects the next. When thinking about the double gameweek plan your team around what the Fantasy Premier League has confirmed as a double set of fixtures. Simply look ahead at what teams have two games, then choose a pool of players that have great matches. Why not add them to the wishlist for later referral. The main two differential teams to go for are West Ham and Leeds United, with two nice games at home. The Hammers are playing two of the worst sides for goals scored so with a defender in the ranks it could get you a double digit points score. As for Leeds they are up against two sides which are always up for an attacking battle. Having maybe a value midfield slot open is a valid option and taking a chance on an asset that not many would look at can be huge. My previous article covers the Leeds options that are well worth the gamble!
The big hitters that play with a double set of games are Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. The Red Devil’s will play against their old rivals which is then followed by a trip to Fulham. It could end up being a tight affair in the first game but returns in that might lead to more in the next. This year is so well packed in all positions on the table not tones of rotation could be seen as just a single point can become highly important at the end of the season. If a player is rested they have every chance the manager features them later on in the game. Liverpools star full back pair are back! It could be a matter of time until we see the old Trent and Robo, both now priced at 7.2M, dominating the team of the week again. As for the Blues, a London derby is on the cards with the other an away game by visiting Leicester City. Chelsea seem to create loads of chances but never seem to bury them in the net. If the Foxes win their first game momentum leading into this one will certainly be one to watch.
Tottenham Hotspur’s number ten Harry Kane (10.9M) loves a goal against Leicester City by playing nine times he’s bagged fourteen goals! Previously loaned out to the Foxes earlier in his lustrous career, Harry has not scored more against any other opponent. Only blanking in three games so far in this campaign he is set to be on the score sheet once again. A lovely set of fixtures with no blanks on the horizon, going with two Spurs players now is lingering in many fantasy managers minds. As long as the best eleven stay available for selection Kane will continue to score goals.
If your budget is being stretched too much then going for consistency at the back in the middle of December is vital to your teams overall points score. One of the centre half’s for the Lily Whites is Eric Dier (5.0M), the cheapest yet most picked player in the Spurs back line. Fully backed by his manager as soon as Jose arrived at the club he was mentioned instantly in being his main defender. Taking some free kick duties recently a goal might soon be on its way! Whereas right back Matt Doherty (5.7M) is now passed fully fit but a starting place with Serge Aurier (5.2M) playing well against Liverpool, is now all to fight for. As for the opposite flank Sergio Regulión (5.7M) has played with positivity every time he’s put his blades on the grass at White Hart Lane. Sergio was rested last time round as his manager opted for more defensive qualities on the left by going for Ben Davies (4.6M) instead. The spaniard has a very high chance of starting this time round as more attacking returns will not be too far away.
In a classy win at home, Wolves have showed again why they are a solid European side in the Premier League. With their star man upfront Raul Jimenez out for the foreseeable future and recovering at home with his family. Struggling to score let alone an ability to win games has showed nothing but complete grit and hard defensive work throughout to get these recent results. Wolves tend to soak up pressure keep the opposing team off the ball and strike late. This was clearly shown when scoring a last minute winner against Chelsea.
An injury scare to Willy Boly (5.5M) is likely to keep him on the sidelines as stated on the website as a leg injury. This in turn has opened up the opportunity yet again for the young lad at the back Max Kilman (4.2M) to get a starting place who is priced so low and left on team benches. Playing a full ninety against Burnley is a risk, but with risk comes great reward. Given the chance he could score you a nice six pointer and his job would be done. Max has been handed the ‘Man of the Match’ award once earlier in the season, it’s now up to his boss to place him in the back three again.
Derby games often top the list for matches you most want to watch, unless Pep Guardiola is involved, with the midlands match up to take place at the end of Super Sunday this week. A new manager bounce often lifts any side that are struggling to get points, West Brom are the first this year to loose their manager. Even though Slaven Billic clawed out a draw when facing Manchester City his time was up despite this performance from the Baggies.
The very well experienced Sam Allardyce has been handed the job and he’s always been known for a lack of team tactics but consistently wins points when his side needs it the most. A saving grace from Big Sam is now underway at the Baggies training ground. I can be sure that targeting the most fouled player in last years stats, Jack Grealish (7.8M) is most likely to happen throughout the derby. The England man so far in every three games he’s played Jack has had double digit returns. Could he be all but set to do it again? That’s if he’s even able to wiggle his way through any sort defender that West Brom man mark him with. It’ll either be a goal fest or simply one to forget.
Most Transferred in -
Pedro Neto
Mohamed Salah Hueng-Min Son
Most Transferred out -
Diogo Jota
Gabriel
Jaime Vardy
It seems this weekend could be set for yet another tough round of fixtures. Some of the big teams might play with an open style to persist a goal getting scored. Both Manchester clubs, as well as Chelsea, could see unlikely goals go in at any given time. All teams have just played a game in midweek so hitting back or keeping momentum is likely to start, as losing the faith can easily follow with bad results if any team is not up for the fight.
My main focus for differential options this gameweek is in Newcastle vs Fulham. Mainly because in the last three both have put in great performances when we least expected them to. Pushing to get above the relegation zone Fulham have looked stronger at the back with pace up top to counter any side with. Now selected as a central striker Ivan Cavaliero (5.3M) has shown he has potential to get on the end of chances. Missing one penalty but then trusted to score the second his team won has instantly uplifted the Portuguese players confidence. As he plays out of position along with such a low cost some top 10k managers have already placed him in their ranks. Ivan is favoured instead of their top scorer last year Alexandar Mitrović (5.5M), he is one to sure keep an eye on over the next few weeks.