Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek 34+ Preview – Captain pick, “Who’s hot?” and Ones To Watch

It’s as you were towards the top of the Premier League as none of the top six changed league places as Southampton beat Man City and Leicester returned to winning ways in a game which saw Jamie Vardy score his 100th and 101st goals in the top flight of English football.

Midweek games return on Tuesday as in-form Man United play out of form Aston Villa and it’s tight at the bottom as seventeenth placed Watford chase a much-needed win against bottom side, Norwich.

Transfer deadline: Tuesday 7th July at 5pm.

Follow John Mount (@Gameweek38 on twitter) for more FPL insight.

Captain Picks

Harry Kane (£10.9m) vs Bournemouth (A)

Having conceded five goals to Manchester United on Saturday, Bournemouth have now conceded twelve goals since the restart - the worst in the league. Harry Kane, who has scored twice in the same timeframe, sits third in the league for ‘expected goals’ since the restart, behind only Willian and Michail Antonio, proving that he’s receiving the service he needs.

Bruno Fernandes (£8.9m) vs Aston Villa (A)

Directly contributing to three of Man United’s five goals on Saturday was Bruno Fernandes once again. The Portuguese playmaker provided two assists and scored once in the win which takes his tally to six goals and five assists in the nine league games he’s played in England this season. As documented last week, Aston Villa have the worst defence in the league but looked more organised than usual against Liverpool on Sunday and you may recall that they salvaged a draw against the Red Devils earlier on in the season.

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) vs Newcastle (H)

Over the last four gameweeks, no player has created more big chances and only Aubameyang has taken more shots, proving that De Bruyne is lethal both as a provider and as a scorer. The Belgian scored against Newcastle in a 2-2 draw earlier on in the season which gained him a cool ten points. Fantasy managers would be content with the same return this week.

The Form Guide - Who’s Hot?

Olivier Giroud (Chelsea £6.6m)

Owned by 2.2% of managers, Giroud has started three out of Chelsea’s last four games, scored two goals in the process and is now seen as being Lampard’s first choice striker. Any starting striker in a top four team for £6.6m should be worth considering but it’s the fact that no player has taken more shots than the Frenchman over the last two gameweeks that really stands Giroud out from the crowd. Next three games: Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Norwich.

Michail Antonio (West Ham, £6.9m)

After being a one to watch last week, Antonio repaid owners with a goal and seven points against Newcastle on Sunday. Although he’s listed as a midfielder, Antonio plays up front for the Hammers and boasts the second highest ‘expected goals’ since the league’s restart and is behind only Gabriel Jesus for shots inside the box over the last two gameweeks. Next three games: Burnley, Norwich an Watford.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea, £6.0m)

With upcoming games against Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Norwich, there is a strong chance that Azpi will soon add to his six clean sheets so far this season. On the other hand, half of the Spaniard’s six assists have come since lockdown, demonstrating an increasing tendency to get forward as Chelsea chase a Champions League spot.

Ones to Watch (Less than 5% ownership)

Phil Foden (Man City, £5.4m, 4.8%)

Although he didn’t start against Southampton on Sunday, due to the little rest between games, I expect Guardiola to rotate Foden into the starting line-up as Man City play Newcastle, Brighton and Bournemouth next. Having started two games since the start of lockdown, £5.4m for a player with four goals and one assist since the restart is great value.

Craig Dawson (Watford, £4.8m, 0.2%)

With favourable fixtures against Norwich, Newcastle and West Ham on the horizon, it may be wise to bring a Watford asset into your team. With four shots in the last two gameweeks, Dawson comes out as the current most attacking defender in the league. He scored a terrific overhead kick against Leicester recently so maybe there’s more to come?

Reece James (Chelsea, £4.9m, 0.7%)

Deployed as a right back, James whipped in six crosses and created one ‘big chance’ in Chelsea’s 3-0 win on Saturday. Although it’s unconfirmed, I would expect Lampard to stick with the same defence they beat Watford with for their game against Crystal Palace which would give the chance for James to add to his two assists so far this season.

The Explainer

Transfers

After picking your initial squad, you receive 1 free transfer each Gameweek. Each additional transfer you make in the same Gameweek will deduct 4 points from your score.

If you do not use your free transfer, you are able to make an additional free transfer the following Gameweek. If you do not use this saved free transfer in the following Gameweek, it will be carried

over until you do. You can never have more than 1 saved transfer.

For example, since you get 1 free transfer per gameweek, if you make no transfers between gameweeks, you will have 2 free transfers in preparation for the next gameweek. You will incur a 4

point hit per transfer over your free transfer allowance.

Point Scoring

During the season, your fantasy football players will be allocated points based on their performance in the Premier League. Remember, every week your captain scores double points, so pick them wisely!

Points Action

1 For playing up to 60 minutes

2 For playing 60 minutes or more (excluding stoppage time)

6 For each goal scored by a goalkeeper or defender

5 For each goal scored by a midfielder

4 For each goal scored by a forward

3 For each goal assist

4 For a clean sheet by a goalkeeper or defender

1 For a clean sheet by a midfielder

1 For every 3 shot saves by a goalkeeper

5 For each penalty save

-2 For each penalty miss

1 to 3 Bonus points for the best players in a match

-1 For every 2 goals conceded by a goalkeeper or defender

-1 For each yellow card

-3 For each red card

-2 For each own goal

For more information on the rules of the game, visit https://fantasy.premierleague.com/help/rules

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