After some crazy action in the Champions League in midweek, this round of Premier League fixtures is going to be incredibly interesting. It’s a double gameweek for FPL purposes and that means big points totals that have the potential to shake leagues up. Part two of the Best Picks series is back to help you pick midfielders and forwards to take advantage of the extra games.
Midfielders
Budget Option: Pascal Groß (6.0m)
I talked in part one about Brighton being a surprise package when it comes to defending, but they haven’t been great going forward. In fact the Seagulls have netted just 29 goals this season, but when they have found the back of the net, Groß has been heavily involved. The midfielder has five goals and eight assists, and two more games in this gameweek will provide the German with a great opportunity to add to those tallies. The first clash with Crystal Palace will probably be the game you’re hoping for a return in, and any other points are a bonus.
Premium Option: Willian (7.2m)
Chelsea have been incredibly inconsistent this season as turmoil seems to have set in following their huge success last season. They’re still fifth in the table however and have scored 54 goals, making them a decent weekly threat. Willian is the in-form player for the Blues with two goals in his last five league appearances, and with games against Southampton and Burnley this is quite a favourable double gameweek for the London club. You probably want at least one Chelsea attacker in your team and Willian is a great option to go for that won’t breaking the bank.
Premium Option to AVOID: Kevin De Bruyne (10.3m)
A man with seven goals, 17 assists and a claim for the Player of the Season award, De Bruyne has been brilliant this year. Why, then, are you suggesting avoiding him, I hear you ask. Well, Manchester City have somehow lost their last three games in a row and the Belgian hasn’t looked at his best. David Silva has been the man pulling the strings and as a much cheaper option he could be the one to go for. City get a tough game against Tottenham this week too, so if there’s any time to avoid them it could well be now. Perhaps try to replace him with someone who has two games this week.
Forwards
Budget Option: Ashley Barnes (5.4m)
Sadly for fans of the Burnley striker, Barnes ended his remarkable hot streak by failing to score last time out against Watford, which could have marked his fifth consecutive game with a goal. Regardless the big man is in fine form and gets two games against Leicester and Chelsea this week to continue scoring. At £5.4m he is a brilliant budget option.
Premium Option: Romelu Lukaku (11.6m)
In part one I was singing the praises of Manchester United’s defence for this week, but it’s important to remember that they also score goals – 63 this season in fact. Given that their games this week are against West Brom and Bournemouth – two sides that have been leaking a lot of goals this season – you would expect the Red Devils to grab a few. Lukaku has 15 goals and seven assists in this campaign and you would bet on him adding to those tallies this week. He could be a great captain option too.
Premium Option: Harry Kane (12.9m)
Probably the best FPL striker out there alongside Aguero, Kane has scored 24 this season but has been off the pace a bit lately due to injury. He should be able to rebound quite nicely this week however as Tottenham play two games, one against Manchester City and one against Brighton. With City in turmoil he could well get on the score sheet there, and Brighton is a relatively easy game on paper. Kane is always a good captain option, but with two games in one week he looks appealing, as long as you trust his ability to net against Pep Guardiola’s City.
Bonus Tips
With double gameweeks it’s always important to either maximise your points or minimise the ground you lose to others in your league. If you haven’t used your Free Hit chip then now is as good a time as any. Cram your team full of Man United, Tottenham and Chelsea players and reap the rewards.
If you have already used your Free Hit then just play as smart as possible. Don’t lose loads of points by making multiple transfers because it won’t be worth it. Instead you should make sure you have several of the high-ownership big hitters and you should be able to weather the storm.
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