Predicting the outcome of each weekend is tough. So many factors go into fantasy lineup decisions, and hopefully this article helps to make some of those toss-ups easier. Below we will preview some of the marquee matchups of the weekend, and highlight some Fantrax players that you should look to pick up and stream as a one week punt.
Fantrax Preview Gameweek 30
Here we outline our Fantasy EPL Preview and how to plan ahead of this gameweek. Post International break games are always tough to predicts with some teams affected by injuries and late returners more than others. There will be certain players worth stashing with a potential chance for a sneaky start.
Matchup Previews
Manchester City vs. Arsenal
Prospects: The headlining fixture this weekend is a title battle. Arsenal and Liverpool are both tied at 64 points with Manchester City just behind on 63. This weekend will be crucial to both teams with just 10 fixtures remaining for both. Arsenal have been nothing short of incredible in the Premier League winning their last 8 games - undefeated since the new year. In that span they have scored at least 2 goals a game for a total of 33!!! goals. As we know Manchester City are always susceptible to conceding goals, and Arsenal may try the "we can outscore you" approach this weekend, targeting their weakened defence. With Ederson, Walker, and Stones all potentially out for this weekend, Arsenal will need to take advantage to secure the 3 points in a must win game. Manchester City will be hoping that they can welcome back De Bruyne to help the likes of Haaland, Doku, Grealish, and Alvarez break this strong Arsenal defence. Currently I am leaning to an Arsenal win, but City do have the experience and composure in title races to get the points when needed. It will be an entertaining game for sure, where I would advise against benching any of your assets. I would be hesitant about "streamers" from this game since they will mainly be on the defensive side in what could be a 4-3 type of fixture. Let's hope this fixture doesn't disappoint with a dull 0-0.
Spurs vs. Luton Town
Prospects: Spurs are in a battle for that 4th spot with Aston Villa and Manchester United, whereas Luton are fighting for their Premier League lives. Luton have had some heartbreaking losses this year, especially that 4-3 loss to Bournemouth. Spurs have shown they are very susceptible to a counter attack and some erratic errors which the Luton attackers will need to pounce on. In the reverse fixture Luton were held to a 1-0 loss, but I would expect a different result this time around. Luton are a tough team to shut out with all their different avenues to scoring. They are a threat through set pieces, wing-play, their aerial presence, and of course Ross Barkley. Spurs will on the other hand be looking to seriously bounce back from their 3-0 loss to Fulham. I expect big Ange to make some changes for Spurs especially in the attack. I can't see Luton keeping a clean sheet here and would avoid their defenders/keeper at all costs. Spurs however, have a chance a cleanie, but I wouldn't bank on it given Luton's improved attack. I am still more than happy to start my Luton attackers such as Barkley, Ogbene, Doughty, and Morris in this one. I would avoid the Spurs midfield streamers in Bissouma/Sarr/Bentancur, but definitely roll out the rest of your Spurs contingent in this one.
Bournemouth vs. Everton
Prospects: This is an intriguing game that could go either way, with plenty of room for streamers here. It should be noted that both these teams will double in gameweek 34, making holding/streaming their assets that much more tempting. Everton are in a relegation battle, but Bournemouth are really just playing for table position. The Bournemouth attack has been incredible recently and they're showing no signs of slowing down. I would expect at least a goal from them here. Everton on the other hand need to win this game so it will be unlikely they will just park the bus and hope for a Dyche classic 0-0. Everton streamers are always a wildcard with the likes of Onana, Pickford and defenders outside of Tarkowski very inconsistent. In this game I would be happy to stream all of these assets except Ashley Young who just doesn't score well if he starts. On the Bournemouth side, basically start anyone you can get your hands on.
Punts for the Week
Levi Colwill (DEF, CHE)
Prospects: Colwill should be returning from injury in time for the game vs. Burnley and should slot right into the XI whether at LB or CB remains to be seen. He has been one of Chelsea's best performing defenders this season and could fill in at LB over Chilwell who has been dreadful, or really any CB. A game vs. Burnley is a great chance for some ghosts and a clean sheet.
Dango Ouattara (FWD, BOU)
Prospects: Ouattara took the LB role over Kerkez in the win vs. Luton and should continue there. He has dropped some solid ghost performances from that role, and could even come up with a return vs. an inconsistent Everton. He should be somewhat safe in that role unless he drops a stinker.
Mario Lemina (MID, WOL)
Prospects: Lemina will be busy in the middle of the park vs. a strong Villa team so he could ghost for fun, especially with McGinn suspended for Villa. Don't be surprised if he adds in a few key passes in this performance as well.
Holds For Double Gameweeks
Moises Caicedo (MID, CHE) - Caicedo should be set for close to 180 minutes and offers solid potential for a 12+ score in the double. Chelsea will also have two double gameweeks.
Jefferson Lerma (MID, CRY) - Lerma has been pretty reliable in recent weeks and could potentially score 20+ in the double gameweek with two out of his last three games being double digit ghost performances.
Marcos Sensei (DEF, BOU) - Sensei will be back from injury very soon and will take his spot back in the XI. He offers a serious attacking threat and is a top target ahead of GW 34.
Craig Dawson/Max Kilman (DEF, WOL) - The Wolves CBs should offer some decent scores over the next few weeks leading up to gameweek 34, but do face Arsenal in that DGW. It is a risky play but one that could pay off massively if Wolves concede 2 or less goals with plenty of defensive work to do.
Joao Gomes (MID, WOL) - Gomes has been scoring very well over the last month or so, and is a solid MID5 streamer with a solid floor for the double gameweek.
Players Discussed Above - All the players under punts of the week offer solid double gameweek value and should be held beyond just this weekend.
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