Weekly Wildcards: Gameweek Twenty-Nine
Every week The Hype Train analyses the best wildcard options for your Fantasy Premier League teams. Historically weekly dream team’s comprise of mostly wildcard players whose selection falls under 5% of overall players, to which there is no doubt that their influence cannot be ignored. With such an abundance of points coming from the FPL’s hidden gems The Hype Train selects one player from each match in the upcoming gameweek to decide who could be the differential for your teams.
LAST WEEKS PERFORMANCE (GW28)
Surprisingly the only two successes this week were also two successes from last week too, stand up Shaqiri and Antonio who has proved that wildcards aren’t one hit wonders. Big players in big teams, they were the difference makers in tight matches where it could have swung either way on the pendulum. Solid options were available again but had let everyone down: Leicester not keeping a clean sheet, Welbeck hitting his first blank, Man City dominated by Liverpool, and also new Old Trafford hero Marcus Rashford not adding more goals to his early tally. There have been better weeks; there have also been worse weeks. Staying faithful to some of our picks last week ensured it wasn’t an embarrassment.
There was also one other success, but it was a marginal success. Joel Robles in goal for Everton picked up a save point, anything more than the average is considered a success so it is one of those that you can decide for yourself. Still not a bad option considering the Spaniard’s price.
JOEL ROBLES: 3pts
CHARLIE AUSTIN: 1pt
CHRISTIAN FUCHS: 1pt
CESC FABREGAS: 1pt
WHABI KHAZRI: 2pts
DANNY WELBECK: 1pt XHERDAN SHAQIRI: 9pts
MICHAIL ANTONIO: 11pts
DAVID SILVA: 2pts
MARCUS RASHFORD: 2pts
Gameweek 28 Average Points: 35pts Gameweek 28 Wildcard Points: 33pts
TEAM OF THE WEEK WILDCARDS
FPL managers everywhere will be looking back at GW28 with mixed feelings after almost no defensive points were secured, and those that did came from unlikely sources. You also know that is a bizarre week when three Liverpool midfielders form the centre of the dream team. Usually when Liverpool do well they do really well and can dominate team of the week, such as last week when they beat Aston Villa convincingly and even Kolo Toure had a presence in the best eleven for the week. When it comes to Liverpool’s better games they offer fantastic wildcard options as seen with Milner and Lallana this week, trust in their squad is limited because of consistency issues, and it will undoubtedly continue towards the end of the season.
It will be interesting to see how many players benched Ashley Williams who is a non-wildcard, after all these years Swansea still prove to be their bogey team at the Emirates and with a goal to his name Williams will have made many of people happy. In a week of upsets to the existing top four clubs it has redefined the Premier League table and also of people’s expectations for the coming weeks, players like Williams could be fundamental for an upcoming GW30 which could have only five matches and ten teams present.
Bringing in some wildcard options might be needed to be competitive in a few gameweeks.
Wildcards: Cook, Funes Mori, Wollscheid, Lallana, King, Milner, Antonio, Wickham (8)
Non-Wildcards: De Gea, Williams, Firmino (3)
Points achieved by Wildcards: 102pts
Points achieved by Non-Wildcards: 30pts
THIS WEEKS WILDCARDS
For Gameweek Sixteen we are once again selecting ten wildcards, one for each game. Same rules apply: the players we choose must not be selected by more than five percent of the games players. We start in order of the games listed on the official Fantasy Premier League site.
The wildcard options selection percentage is accurate as of Friday 04/03/2016.
NACER CHADLI, SPURS VS ARSENAL
Name: Nacer Chadli
Club: Spurs Position: Midfielder Price: £6.6mil Ownership: 1.9%
This year’s second edition of the North London Derby could be one of the most interesting in Premier League history, neutrals will fancy a draw to see Leicester climb higher if they beat Watford at the weekend, but in reality Spurs look the stronger side as they step out of the shadow of their arch rivals. One player to come back into the squad in recent weeks has been the Belgian Nacer Chadli who is a goal-scorer and last season’s Dele Alli for Spurs. He has scored against Arsenal before and will line-up in this fiery encounter against Arsenal in a title contendership bout beyond proportions. Arsenal aren’t to be favoured, and picking one of Spurs full-back options is undesirable as they are rotated every other game.
The good news for Spurs and FPL managers is that they feature in GW30 against Aston Villa, they are essentials for that week. Last Three 26 – MCI (A) – 1pt
27 – SWA (H) – 6pts
28 – WHU (A) – 2pts
Next Three
29 – ARS (H) – 5th March, 12:45pm
30 – AVL (A) – 13th March, 16:00pm
31 – BOU (H) – 20th March, 16:00pm
BERTRAND TRAORE, CHELSEA VS STOKE CITY
Name: Bertrand Traore
Club: Chelsea Position: Midfielder Price: £5.4mil Ownership: 0.0% Owned by 0.0% of players and having scored a return in every Premier League match you’ve featured in is a great start to the career of Chelsea’s own Bertrand Traore. Heralded as a future star the midfielder can also play as striker on the wing for the Blues and have made an instant impact. Hiddink should continue to stick faith in this young talent, especially with Pedro injured, which means a viable FPL option opens up in the ranks of Chelsea’s cluttered midfield. Stoke City have struggled for convincing wins and they will be likely to be on the back foot most of this fixture so either Jack Butland will have another busy night, or Chelsea will break through. Based on his record so far for Chelsea you wouldn’t want to back against Traore getting something from this fixture.
Chelsea are not in GW30, so bear that in mind, on the other hand Stoke are in that gameweek so if you fancy other options Xherdan Shaqiri has been in good form the past few weeks. Last Three 26 – NEW (H) – 6pts
27 – SOU (A) – 0pts
28 – NOR (A) – 4pts
Next Three
29 – STK (H) – 5th March, 15:00pm
30 – N/A – Not playing.
31 – WHU (H) – 19th March, 15:00pm
AARON LENNON, EVERTON VS WEST HAM
Name: Aaron Lennon
Club: Everton Position: Midfielder Price: £5.6mil Ownership: 0.6% Since being loaned back to Everton the Toffees have seen the better side of Aaron Lennon’s game, the quick winger has taken back to life at Everton and has been scoring plenty of goals. In this fixture he could chip in with some more point’s returns; he currently has four goals and an assist to his name since returning to the Toffees and has picked up seven bonus points since the beginning of January. If you know anything about this fixture then you’d know that West Ham’s big bogey team has always been the Merseysiders Everton, they have a habit of spoiling their day.
Be cautious though, both Everton or West Ham features in GW30. Last Three 26 – STK (A) – 8pts
27 – EVE (H) – 2pts
28 – AVL (A) – 10pts
Next Three
29 – WHU (H) – 5th March, 15:00pm
30 – N/A – Not playing.
31 – ARS (H) – 19th March, 12:45pm
NICOLAS OTAMENDI, MANCHESTER CITY VS ASTON VILLA
Name: Nicolas Otamendi
Club: Manchester City Position: Defender Price: £6.5mil Ownership: 1.2% Forever a wildcard the Argentine has been through a rough patch in the last two games, defeats to Spurs, Leicester, and Liverpool have set in motion what could be the end of Manchester City’s title bid. Hope lives on the horizon though, after this patchy run of games in this unpredictable season the Citizens face Aston Villa, Norwich, and rivals Manchester United in their next three and Otamendi should play all of these games alongside Vincent Kompany. The test against the Villains in GW29 shouldn’t faze FPL managers, these should be easy points to pick up against Villa, and then they are featured in the reduced GW30 against Norwich, which on paper should be an easy two games for the former champions. Otamendi’s inclusion is based entirely on the fact he is a wildcard among non-wildcards, and no other reason. Last Three 26 – LEI (H) – 1pt
27 – TOT (H) – 1pt
28 – LIV (A) – 1pt
Next Three
29 – AVL (H) – 5th March, 15:00pm
30 – NOR (A) – 12th March, 12:45pm
31 – MUN (H) – 20th March, 16:00pm
BENIK AFOBE, NEWCASTLE VS AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Name: Benik Afobe
Club: AFC Bournemouth Position: Forward Price: £6.1mil Ownership: 0.9% Newcastle is in a fight or flight scenario at the moment and Bournemouth are fighting to prove themselves in the Premier League. Having got the better of Saints in midweek they will feel confident going to Newcastle for this relegation showdown. 19th placed Newcastle is in a real bad patch of form and there is little hope that they can stay up with one of the worst defences in Premier League history. Any striker going up against them is being favoured and Benik Afobe who scored in the win against Southampton will want to add more to his tally and help his club stave off relegation by beating one of the rivals. Bournemouth have been solid at both ends of the pitch this season and Afobe is on our radar for the new two games.
Afobe will feature in GW30 against Swansea when they visit the Liberty Stadium.
Last Three 26 – STK (H) – 2pts
27 – WAT (A) – 2pts
28 – SOU (H) – 6pts
Next Three
29 – NEW (A) – 5th March, 15:00pm
30 – SWA (H) – 12th March, 15:00pm
31 – TOT (A) – 20th March, 16:00pm
RYAN BERTRAND, SOUTHAMPTON VS SUNDERLAND
Name: Ryan Bertrand
Club: Southampton Position: Defender Price: £5.3mil Ownership: 2.1% Home tests for Southampton are embraced a smile by FPL managers who look for players who have good fixtures in both GW29 & GW30. Bertrand is un-droppable and will play both games for Southampton in the next two games and could be an invaluable source of points for wildcard players. Matt Targett who has been playing the wide role is rotatable and if formations change Bertrand takes up his normal place at left-back. Sunderland at home for the Saints is normally a casual affair with the home team always taking advantage. Arguable one of the best defences once again this season the England international could be help secure your team and worries for the next two weeks. Last Three 26 - SWA (A) - 6pts
27 - CHE (H) - 0pts
28 - BOU (A) - 1pt Next Three
29 - SUN (H) - 5th March, 15:00pm
30 - STK (A) - 12th March, 15:00pm
31 - LIV (H) - 20th March, 13:30pm
GYLFI SIGURDSSON, SWANSEA VS NORWICH
Name: Gylfi Sigurdsson
Club: Swansea Position: Midfielder Price: £7.1mil Ownership: 4.6%
Coming off the bench against Arsenal the Icelander showed his quality with an assist to help sink the Gunners and dent their title chances. Swansea have a delicious run of games against other teams in the bottom half of the table and they also feature in the reduced GW30, and with a man like Gylfi in your team you could sleep easier knowing that the best bit of quality the Swans have is at your disposal. At a moment’s notice he can change a game with a free kick, cross, or pass to set someone up, he can also score normal goals too which increases his value as an FPL asset. His inclusion is an open and shut case for the next three games, not just this one against Norwich who boast one of the most leaky defences in the league. Last Three 26 – SOU (H) – 2pts
27 – TOT (A) – 2pts
28 – ARS (A) – 4pts
Next Three
29 – NOR (H) – 5th March, 15:00pm
30 – BOU (A) – 12th March, 15:00pm
31 – AVL (H) – 19th March, 17:30pm
CHRISTIAN FUCHS, WATFORD VS LEICESTER
Name: Christian Fuchs
Club: Leicester City Position: Defender Price: £4.9mil Ownership: 4.0% Christian Fuchs still remains the best wildcard option from Leicester for both attacking and defending purposes, so he retains his place in the wildcards. Their runs of games is immensely appetising to onlookers and were it not for the representation of Vardy and Mahrez then the Austrian would not be a wildcard. The Foxes also feature in GW30, and Fuchs always looks greedy for more bonus points. Watford haven’t been in rich scoring form and Leicester are the best away team in the Premier League so expect more of the usual from the Foxes in GW29. Last Three 26 – ARS (A) – 0pts
27 – NOR (H) – 9pts
28 – LEI (H) – 1pt
Next Three
29 – WAT (A) – 5th March, 17:30pm
30 – NEW (H) – 14th March, 20:00pm
31 – CRY (A) – 19th March, 15:00pm
YANNICK BOLASIE, CRYSTAL PALACE VS LIVERPOOL
Name: Yannick Bolasie
Club: Crystal Palace Position: Midfielder Price: £6.0mil Ownership: 3.0% No other player loves facing the Reds than Yannick Bolasie, the winger from Congo knows how to unlock their defences and in the last three occasions in the league has had Liverpool’s number. Selhurst Park is a graveyard of memories for the Reds who consider the Eagles their bogey team, each time they face Bolasie has been there to unsettle their nerves and ask them serious questions. His running power and strength usually fairs him well in this fixture and The Hype Train is delighted to see the winger back in action after Crystal Palace have fallen off the wagon recently. Bolasie is a credited source of FPL points and could do serious damage against an inconsistent Liverpool squad. Last Three 26 – WAT (H) – 0pts
27 – WBA (A) – 1pt
28 – SUN (A) – 5pts
Next Three
29 – LIV (H) – 6th March, 13:30pm
30 – N/A – Not playing.
31 – LEI (H) – 19th March, 15:00pm
SAIDO BERAHINO, WEST BROM VS MANCHESTER UNITED
Name: Saido Berahino
Club: West Brom Position: Forward Price: £5.8mil Ownership: 4.3% Home is where the heart is for Saido Berahino, since coming back into the main team he has benefited from playing alongside Rondon in a tweaked forward line for the Baggies. West Brom host Manchester United who have found some good form, but don’t let that alarm you for this wildcard pick. Tony Pulis has picked up points against good sides this season, including and not limited to Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, and Leicester. When it comes to getting results they love facing the big teams, they stifle their tactics with dogged defending and with Berahino and Rondon on the break anything is possible. Berahino seems to be benefiting with some recent form from the last month, and with him still on penalties it might be worth an investment against a makeshift backline that is the Red Devils.
With a note on the side young Saido may not feature in gameweek thirty if Arsenal beat Hull City in their FA Cup repeat match. If Arsenal win then both the Gunners and Baggies mist GW30, reducing the week to just five matches. Last Three 26 – EVE (A) – 2pts
27 – CRY (H) – 7pts
28 – LEI (A) – 2pts
Next Three
29 – MUN (H) – 6th March, 16:00pm
30 – ARS (A) – 12th March, 17:30pm
31 – NOR (H) – 19th March, 15:00pm
For all GW 15 build up, check out the Weekly Hype page now.
All aboard.
