The penultimate Fantasy Premier League preview is here; and this one has the potential to be absolutely pivotal.
We have double gameweeks for several sides, and this is likely to be the last opportunity you’ll get at trying to close the gap on your league rivals. With that in mind, we’ve selected our tips extra-carefully this week, in the hope that we’ll deliver the goods that’ll hopefully lead to those beautiful green arrows that us FPL managers love.
I’ve mentioned this quite often recently, but please ensure that you use your triple captain and bench boost if you haven’t. Now would be an excellent time to use it, particularly if you’ve several players who are enjoying that all-important double gameweek.
Three players to buy
Chris Smalling – Manchester United - £5.7million
We recommended picking up the Englishman just a few weeks ago before he went on that crazy goal-splurge. His price has risen slightly to £5.7million, but that ‘s still excellent value.
The Red Devils have a double gameweek. They head to the south coast to take on Brighton this evening, before an away fixture against West Ham United next Thursday. Two clean sheets incoming? I certainly think so.
Dusan Tadic – Southampton - £6.2million
Regular readers will know I’m somewhat of a gambling man. This week's punt is Dusan Tadic. The Southampton winger will be doing all he can to keep his side in the Premier League, and he often comes up trumps when the pressure is on.
The Saints play both Everton and Swansea away from home, and if they’re to get themselves out of the predicament they find themselves in, Tadic will undoubtedly play a key role. I love his 3% ownership, meaning if he scores heavily, you’ll be making some huge ground on 97% of FPL players.
Gabriel Jesus – Manchester City - £10.4million
Our biggest tip this week has to be Gabriel Jesus. The Manchester City striker is the most transferred-in player, with close to 200,000 managers bringing him in. However, when you delve deeper, it’s easy to see why that’s the case.
The Brazilian takes on both Huddersfield and Brighton & Hove Albion; both at home. The point potential there is clear as day, particularly with Sergio Aguero out injured. I expect him to score heavily.
Three players to sell
Jamaal Lascelles – Newcastle United - £4.9million
Newcastle face two tricky away games this week (Watford & Spurs). Keeping clean sheets has been tough for Rafael Benitez’s team recently, they’re currently without one in four. I fully expect that trend to continue.
That’s not to say Lascelles isn’t a brilliant player. In fact, I really like him as a centre-half, he’s just not much use to us FPL bosses right now, despite his attractive price. At this point, you simply cannot go wrong with any regular Manchester United defender. Take a look at Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia or Ashley Young.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool - £10.5million
Now, I know how this looks, but hear me out! Liverpool’s top four place isn’t confirmed, but surely they’ll manage to get the result they need at home to Brighton on the final day. Why on earth would they risk their best player in a game against Chelsea? It just doesn’t make sense, and I fully expect Salah to be rested.
Then you have to factor in that even if he does play, Chelsea’s stern defence will not be easy to get past. Plus Liverpool aren’t on a double gameweek either. I also hate his 55% ownership, although I fully expect that to drop pretty considerably before tonight’s the gameweek officially starts later today…
Jamie Vardy – Leicester City - £8.9million
I’ve stated this before, but Jamie Vardy is a streaky striker. With no goals in 2, it feels like a good time to move away from the Englishman (despite his double gameweek).
At £8.9million, you’ve a tough choice on your hands, but Gabriel Jesus just feels like an absolute banker, so if you can afford the £1.5million difference between them, I’d highly recommend making that move. If not, take a look at Marcus Rashford. He should start following Romelu Lukaku’s injury.
Good luck ladies and gents! We’ll see you for the final time next week!
