Predicting the outcome of each weekend is tough. So many factors go into fantasy lineup decisions, and hopefully this article can help 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 33
Here is our Fantasy EPL Preview where we outline how to plan ahead for this gameweek. We are at the point of the season where some teams have a lot less to play for than others, it is worth noting which teams are just swimming in the mid-lower table positions with no chance of Europe or relegation.
Gameweek 32 Learning Points
Chelsea still Gonna Chelsea
Recap: Chelsea just can't defend. There's no other way to put this, but their strategy of "we can score more than you" just won't cut it in the EPL. This was reinforced in the 2-2 draw v Sheffield United in which they looked very poor on the whole. While Chelsea might be riding high after that late Palmer deflected shot winner v an erratic United side, it still remains to be seen if this team will even finish in the top 10. Offensively they still leave a lot to be desired. Aside from the goals from Madueke and Silva, they didn't really create a lot. Palmer can only do so much and as we saw this week when he isn't having a lights out game Chelsea's attacking flow suffers a lot. The likes of Gallagher and Jackson have somewhat stepped up, but we still need to see more from them. Gusto was a big miss down the right hand side as he offers much needed pace and attacking threat that Disasi simply doesn't have. I expect the game vs. Everton to be another tightly contested fixture, with Chelsea only getting the three points if they improve that defence.
Everton vs Forest vs Luton
Recap: This relegation battle is getting just as interesting as the title face. Three teams are basically in a battle for the final 2 spots in the EPL next year. Right now Everton have the edge with Forest or Luton looking most likely to be relegated. Both teams are tied on points, but Luton do have a bit of a tougher end to the season. Everton will need to see more losses than either of these teams to go down, but it isn't out of the question with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal still on the cards. The top assets from each of these teams are all still worth starting regardless of double gameweeks, given how much they have to play for. My hope is to see Luton stay in the EPL another season, but with the table changing what seems like every week this battle will probably go down to the final gameweek.
Matchup Previews
Luton Town vs. Manchester City
Prospects: Both teams with a lot on the line, might not be as straight forward as it seems! Manchester City are coming off a tough draw v Real and we can expect a heavily rotated side vs. Luton. While they will still be overwhelming favourites, don't expect Luton to just give them the win. Luton will likely park the bus and look to nick a goal or two through the counter attack and set-pieces. In terms of fantasy the only two players worth considering starting are Barkley and Doughty, but even then if you have better options I would potentially bench them. City could have some sneaky starts here such as Bobb, and of course Doku and co. Be quick to pick up any starting City asset. If City are truly on their game, this could be very ugly.
Newcastle vs. Spurs
Prospects: Spurs are coming off a very good win vs. Forest, but to be honest the scoreline could have been very different if Wood didn't miss from 2 yards out. Spurs are still showing they are capable of contending for a top 4 spot, but Newcastle themselves will be pushing for that top 6 Europe spot. I expect this to be a close fixture, but both teams scoring. Spurs defenders outside of Porro really haven't been ghosting consistently , and I am perfectly okay benching the likes of Romero and Udogie here. Newcastle defenders seem to ghost much better so could be worth streaming here. Any starting attacker is definitely worth playing in this one.
Chelsea vs. Everton
Prospects: Chelsea need to get the win here to make up for last week's horrific display. The real reason I mentioned this game is the uncertainty of that Chelsea lineup. Chelsea are the last game of the gameweek and the XI is very much up for grabs. Defensively, aside from Gusto and maybe Disasi, the rest of the back four is really a mystery with the likes of Chilwell, Cucurella, Silva, Chalobah, Badiashile, and maybe Colwill fighting for just 2-3 spots. In attack it doesn't get much better with Sterling, Mudryk, and Madueke fighting for 1 spot, maybe 2 if we see Gallagher pushed back and one of Caicedo/Enzo dropped. Chelsea players are definitely worth using in this game given Everton's struggles but be sure you have a backup.
Punts for the Week
Oliver Arblaster vs. BRE (MID, SHU)
Prospects: Arblaster had a fantastic game v Chelsea and will hopefully replicate that against Brentford. He should also get 2 starts in upcoming DGW34. He had 15 ghosts v Chelsea, including 5 Key passes. While I don't expect that to be the norm, a potential developing floor of around 7 should be enough for a decent streaming option this week.
Mason Mount vs. BOU (MID, MUN)
Prospects: This is a long shot but Mount could get the nod v Bournemouth potentially ahead of Casemiro, who just hasn't played well in recent games. Mount has looked hungry and full of energy is his sub appearances, but it remains to be seen if he will be trusted from the start this season. If he doesn't start this one, he is an easy drop for me.
Joel Veltman vs. BUR (DEF, BHA)
Prospects: Veltman could have a huge score this weekend. He is probably available in most leagues given he didn't start v Arsenal and the fact he doesn't double in GW34. He has had 9+ ghost points in his last 2 starts, and a clean sheet vs. Burnley isn't out of the cards either. A sneaky DEF3 punt while everyone focuses on those DGWers.
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