Gameweek 28 fantasy football preview and top picks

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Leicester V Stoke

Written by @WGTA_FPL – Nick and Tom have one of the leading FPL community blogs whogottheassist.com. Find their excellent podcast on iTunes ‘Who Got The Assist? FPL podcast‘.

Picks

GK- Butland
DEF- Maguire
MID- Mahrez
FWD- Vardy

Preview

As you can see from the picks, we’re expecting it to be a good afternoon for the Foxes. Jack Butland is selected as he should have a fair few saves to make which will score him points in this format (1.5 points per save)

Harry Maguire appears as a goal threat: he hasn’t exploded in a while but with three shots in the last four and the fact he’s winning almost two-thirds of his aerial battles, he could be in with a chance of breaching the Potter’s defence this weekend

Riyad Mahrez looks to be back in the good books of all in Leicester now after a “difficult period”. On average, he takes a shot or creates a chance every 52 minutes, and in the games against lesser teams, his guile will probably be too much for the likes of Ryan Shawcross.

Jamie Vardy is an eternal threat as the penalty taker and the Englishman has scored four goals from his seven attempts in the last four matches.

READ MORE: Is Mahrez or Eriksen the better fantasy football option?

Bournemouth V Newcastle

Written by @FPL_Fly – Fly paves the way for FPL banter along with being a consistently high achiever every season, follow him on twitter and read his guest articles at www.90MAAT.com

Picks

GK – Dubravka
DEF – Lascelles
MID- Kenedy
FWD – Perez

Preview

At first glance, Bournemouth v Newcastle is hardly a fixture to get the juices flowing. However, all may not be what it seems. Before the cup break, Newcastle sent Manchester United away from the North East with their tails between their legs winning 1-0. They should be travelling down to the South Coast full of confidence and eager to avenge the loss inflicted on them by Bournemouth when they visited St James Park earlier in the season.

Rafa Benitez’s men will be well aware that Eddie Howe’s boys cannot keep a clean sheet at home and will seek to take advantage of that. Men against boys could be a good metaphor here as I predict a straightforward away win.

In Martin Dubravka, they appear to have a keeper capable of keeping a clean sheet. Jamaal Lascelles is attracting the attention of the bigger clubs (Chelsea recently rumoured to be interested) and in John ‘Fitzgerald’ Kenedy they now have someone capable of delivering good balls into the box on a consistent basis. The strikers continue to be the weak link in this Newcastle team, but I fancy Ayoze Perez to grab a rare goal in this game. My prediction is: BOU 0 NEW 2 Perez, Kenedy.

West Brom V Huddersfield

Written by @FPL_Heisenberg who is a focal point of the FPL community giving great advice on twitter, follow him as he prepares for each Gameweek.

Picks

GK- Lossl

DEF- Schindler

MID- Brunt

FWD- Rondon

Preview

I see this being a close match and your classic six-pointer. Hard to predict the result of this one so I’ve gone for four players who should score well even if they end up on the losing team.

Lossl: This was a tough choice as there wasn’t much to choose between Ben Foster and Jonas Lossl. I favoured Lossl mainly for the save points and if each of them were to face a penalty, I think the Danish stopper is more likely to save it.

Schindler: I really rate Christopher “The List Maker” Schindler from a fantasy point of view and I think he’ll be the highest scoring defender in this fixture on Yahoo Daily Fantasy. He carries attacking threat with two assists – both from flick-ons from corners I believe – in the league. So he may even score you some unexpected points if he can continue to be a threat in the box from set pieces.

Brunt: Chris Brunt has bags of fantasy potential (as far as West Brom midfielders and attackers go). He’s on set pieces and he’s registered five assists in the league so far this season. He’s also a good choice in Yahoo Daily Fantasy as he’s the type of all-action player that has the potential to score well.

Rondon: I’ve been impressed with Rondon in recent weeks, especially away at Everton. Despite not scoring at Goodison he was involved a lot and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after hitting the woodwork. More recently he has scored against Southampton in the league as well as a sublime volley against the Saints in the FA Cup.

READ MORE: How to win money playing fantasy football with Yahoo Daily Fantasy

Burnley V Southampton

Written by @FPL_Connect who is the creator of the www.fplconnect.blog. He offers excellent in depth analysis, advice and presents underlying stats in a clear and concise way.

Picks

GK- Pope

DEF- Mee

MID- Gudmundsson

FWD- Vokes

Preview

This is a game where the points are likely to be dominated by the defenders and the defensive minded midfielders, given the fact that neither team are particularly prolific in front of goal and that Burnley currently boast the 4th best defence in the league, with only 24 goals conceded in their 27 games.

This fixture is likely to see at least one clean sheet and based on the fact that Burnley seem to be specialists at keeping clean sheets against teams that aren’t great at finding the net, I’d back them to be the ones to get it, but a 0-0 can’t be ruled out.

Heaton is back in training, but I doubt Dyche is going to throw him straight back in right away given the form of Nick Pope. He’s currently averaging 7.4 Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) down to his cat-like reflexes when shot-stopping and Burnley’s canny ability to pick up those clean sheets. This makes him an obvious pick over Forster.

Kevin Long, currently filling in for the injured James Tarkowski at CB, is outperforming Mee based on FPPG, but Mee provides a greater goal threat from set-pieces and is outscoring his centre back partner in attempts at goal with six in the last five Gameweeks, all inside the box, compared to Long’s two shots overall.

Operating on the left of midfield and with a pretty decent return of two goals and five assists so far, Johann Gudmundsson is the top midfield target for this fixture. He has returned a nice collection of goals and assists whilst also providing a number of successful crosses, which receive +0.5pts on the Yahoo scoring system as well as winning corners (+0.5). Because of the way Dyche sets his teams up, Gudmundsson also has a big role to play defensively, where he will make plenty of tackles (+0.5) and intercept plenty of passes (+0.5). This makes him the ideal midfielder pick from this fixture.

Based on the fact that I think Burnley are going to win 1-0, Sam Vokes is the forward I’m putting my hat on. He scored in the reverse fixture this season, where Burnley won 1-0, coming off the bench to net the winner and I fancy him to be a part of the goal I think Burnley will score.

Liverpool V West Ham

Written by @FPLHints who is known as one of the most respect members of the FPL community and a must follow for all aspiring managers. He also contributes articles for @yahoodailyfantasy and has his own website at www.fplhints.com.

Picks

GK- Karius

DEF- Van Dijk

MID- Mane

FWD- Salah

Preview

Liverpool are more likely to keep a clean sheet (47.35% vs 6.93%) which is why I have chosen Loris Karius over Adrian. The Reds have only conceded nine goals in 13 league games this season. Despite Marko Arnautovic posing a threat, I think Karius is more likely to make a few saves than he is to concede a goal against an otherwise goal-shy West Ham team. A clean sheet (six points) and a win (four points) is likely and will bode well for Karius.

Virgil van Dijk finally began to justify his expensive price tag in Liverpool’s last league outing. Despite only playing 10 league games since August he had made 34 interceptions, which will no doubt rise against West Ham. Aside from his defensive capabilities, Van Dijk is also capable of being an attacking threat, having netted seven times in 80 competitive games for Southampton.

Sadio Mane may not have scored a Premier League goal since early January, but he certainly put himself back on the radar with a hat-trick in the Champions League. He tends to be a confidence player, capable of scoring goals in back-to-back games. Mane has registered 43 shots on target in the league this season and with Coutinho’s departure, he will be depended on more than ever to score goals.

Mohamed Salah has been the most consistently performing player this season, not just for Liverpool but in the Premier League as a whole. He’s already scored 22 goals since August and boasts a respectable shooting accuracy of 48%. This is complemented by his seven assists. West Ham have conceded 29 goals in 14 away league games this season. This provides further reasoning for Salah to add to his attacking tally.

With Liverpool having no cup distractions for another season and with the Reds currently only two points off second place, they will be raring to go against a West Ham United team that is only four points away from the relegation zone. Liverpool have only lost once against West Ham at Anfield in the league since 1963. With their recent performances and goal-scoring pedigree, I can’t see this match defying the form book – this has a home win written all over it.

Brighton V Swansea

Written by @FPLMane who is a member of @EZDFSSPORTS, a lineup providing company for all sports where he is the PL/UCL provider and analyst. Be sure to follow him on twitter where he gives out advice and free lineup.

Picks

GK- Ryan

DEF- Naughton

MID- Groß

FWD- Murray

Preview

This game features two teams who are in very good form. Brighton have only lost two games in their last 10 (all comps), while Swansea have not even lost a game in their last 10 (all comps). Earlier this season, Brighton travelled to Swansea and won 1-0 off a Glenn Murray goal. However, Swansea are a completely different side under Carlo. I see this ending as a 1-1 draw.

In a close matchup like this, I tend to select the home goalkeeper as he has higher clean sheet odds. Swansea also are not the most clinical side and should force Ryan to make some saves

I like Naughton the most out of the defenders. He has attacking upside as well as a good foundation of peripheral statistics.

In terms of the attack, I like the Pascal Groß/Glenn Murray stack. Groß is in fine form. In the last two games, he has created eight chances, as well as having three shots on goal. He even got a goal and assist in one game against West Ham.

Murray has scored in two out of his last three games and will have the highest goal scoring odds out of anyone in this game (31.3%).

Watford V Everton

Written by @marz05 who is 1/3 of the hilarious @3AmigosFPL and an all round nice guy.

Picks

GK- Pickford

DEF- Keane

MID- Doucoure

FWD- Niasse

Preview
I expect an open game as both teams will think they can win this one. So I’m thinking we could see a score draw. I think Jordan Pickford will be busy along with Keane, who I expect to marshall the defence. Recently, I’ve been very impressed with Doucoure: the guy is an engine and I could see him scoring in this fixture. Sam Allardyce will play Oumar Niasse for power upfront and if Everton as predicted score he will be involved.

Crystal Palace V Spurs

Written by @FPL_Guidance who offers FPL hints and tips backed up with underlying stats and expert logic. Another must follow in the FPL community.

Picks

GK- Lloris

DEF- Vertonghen

MID- Eriksen

FWD- Kane

Preview

Tottenham come into this match as overwhelming favourites sitting a point outside the top four and 10 places above Crystal Palace in the table. The away side do have the caveat of an FA Cup replay against Rochdale on Wednesday.

However, given Pochettino’s tendency to rotate his squad in the domestic cup competitions, we should expect a full strength Spurs side on Sunday.

A fairly simple pick at goalkeeper. Hugo Lloris’s opposite number Wayne Hennessey will be the busier of the two goalkeepers and will rack up points through saves, however I expect a Spurs to win to nil. The combined 10 points gained for being on the winning side and keeping a clean sheet should be enough to outscore Hennessey.

As stated in the Lloris pick, I expect a Spurs clean sheet, especially with Wilfried Zaha out injured. Jan Vertonghen is also the only sure starter in the Spurs defence with Trippier and Aurier, Davies and Rose and Alderweireld and Sanchez vying for their respective spots.

It was a close call between Christian Eriksen and teammate Dele Alli, but in the end the Dane just wins out over a couple of factors. The first is Alli’s tendency to pick up cards with nine since the start of 2016/17 compared to Eriksen’s 0. Even if Alli isn’t booked, the -0.5 handicap for every foul conceded will put him at a disadvantage. Both players have scored nine times this season in all competitions however, Eriksen has played three fewer games and managed seven to Alli’s five in the Premier League. Therefore, Eriksen seems more likely to gain the eight point boost from scoring.

Harry Kane is my forward pick, who else? 23 goals in 26 league games. A further 11 in nine cup games. Kane’s place as one of the best strikers in world football is indisputable. Every time he steps onto the pitch, we, and more importantly Kane himself expects to score. The only other option is of course Christian Benteke, but with just two goals all season in 21 appearances, he doesn’t even provide the merest of competition to Kane.

Manchester United V Chelsea

Written by @FFcommunity who is the founder of www.fantasyfootballcommunity.com and one of the most prominent women in FPL with her highly popular WAGS league

Picks

GK- De Gea

DEF- Alonso

MID- Hazard

FWD- Sanchez

Preview

Manchester United v Chelsea is always an interesting match up, particularly given Jose Mourinho’s history with the opposition. United’s home form is strong, so a 0-0 draw or a tight United 1-0 win looks like the most likely outcomes. The result in 2016/17 was a 2-0 win for Manchester United.

A United win and clean sheet looks more likely than Chelsea. David de Gea is the obvious selection here. He’s having a phenomenal season with 15 clean sheets already. He has kept a clean sheet in the last three home Premier League fixtures. His save rate is also impressive, so even if the goal is breached, he should still collect a decent points total.

United have been struggling to score a lot of goals recently, so I’m hopeful of a 0-0 score line that Marcos Alonso should benefit with clean sheet points from. If Chelsea manage to breach the United defence, Alonso is also likely to be involved. He has his fair share of free kicks and crosses, so expect him to pick up points in this area. Hopefully he can weigh in with a goal or assist.

Eden Hazard is in a rich vein of form, with six goals across his last six Premier League games: he’s also performing strongly in all competitions. If anyone can unlock the United defence, it’s Eden. As an added bonus, he’s also on penalties too. Expect him to be fired up as he faces his old manager.

It’s been a mixed start with United for Alexis, but he’s starting to build a strong understanding with Lukaku on the pitch which could be prevalent in this one. He’s had just one game at Old Trafford since his transfer, in which he converted a crucial penalty. Expect shots on target and successful passes to boost his points total.

Arsenal V Man City

Written by @Nymfriatv who is a genius graphic designer, Youtuber and one half of the FPLpopinpod.

Picks

GK- Ederson

DEF- Monreal

MID- De Bruyne

FWD- Aguero

Preview

With two games against each other in the matter of a week, Arsenal and Manchester City will be very familiar to one another this week. Having lost out on the possibility of their quadruple following their shock FA Cup loss to Wigan, Man City will be going all out to make sure they get their hands on the Carabao Cup and reassert themselves at the top of the Premier League. On the other hand, Arsenal have done well against the bigger clubs this season, and could catch Man City out if they get too adventurous.

Neither keeper is in great form when it comes to clean sheets. Ederson has only kept one clean sheet in the last six league games. However, Petr Cech has not managed to reach his 200 Premier League clean sheets total in nine attempts, conceding an average of 1.78 goals a game in the process. With both backup keepers likely to be playing in the Carabao Cup final, both should start in the league, and I’d side with Ederson in this personal duel.

With three goals in his last five games in all competitions, Nacho Monreal is in fiery hot attacking form. With Kyle Walker looking to play more of a right-wing role, there could be plenty of space down the Arsenal left for Nacho to utilise, and cause problems for the City backline.

Kevin de Bruyne (along with Salah) is arguably the best player in the league right now. A goal and five assists in his last four league games would suggest as much. Kevin has proved to be a big game player this season (three goals & two assists against the other ‘top-six’ sides), and he scored against Arsenal in the reverse fixture.

Sergio Aguero is certainly trying his best to snatch that golden boot from Kane’s grasp. He’s scored nine goals in his last six league games, including a hat-trick against Newcastle and four in a ludicrous display against Leicester. Like De Bruyne, Aguero also scored against Arsenal back at the Etihad in November, and can you really say he’s not going to do it again?