Barn-door Bonanza Week 9
So here it is - the final Barn Door article before I take a few months off - sounds like Everton’s defence at the start of the season doesn’t it?. I’ll still be looking at my own barn-door picks behind the scenes though so feel free to ask me questions either through twitter - @funtasyfootball, in the comments section of my ‘By The Number’ column or through my website www.imawinner.co.uk – I’m always happy to help.
Week 10 doesn’t bring too many distinctly one-sided match ups but these fixtures should be great places to find some bargains before their prices rise:
Arsenal (vs. Burnley) – I’ll admit it; I have a bit of a soft spot for Burnley. Maybe it’s because they’re always the underdogs; maybe it’s because they keep beating Manchester United; or maybe it’s simply because Joe Tattersall, my 12 year old 2nd Cousin-in-Law, who knows more about football than just about everyone I know, is confident enough to support them. As a Spurs supporter I also have to generally slate Arsenal at every given opportunity.
Unfortunately though, in week 10, I think my worst fears are going to be realised and Arsenal are going to show Burnley just how easy scoring goals can be. Yes, Burnley have a stronger goal difference away from Turf Moor but I just don’t think that’s going to help at the Emirates – why not pick…
Welbeck – He’s not exactly cheap anymore but £10.61m should be good value and playing Sunderland this week will probably send that price even higher.
Walcott – Wenger has confirmed that he’s in his plans for week 10 and he can usually be relied on for fantasy points – just be careful that he’s not being used as a sub.
Chambers – He’s back from suspension and could be a very cheap way of getting into an Arsenal defence that is likely to keep a clean sheet.
Chelsea (vs. QPR) – Champions already? I think so, even if City have started to figure out where the goal is, well Aguero has at least. I’m also confident that QPR will be finding themselves back in the Championship if Harry doesn’t do some of his patented transfer magic in January. Why not consider…
Costa – well, duh?
Oscar – Most writers will focus on Hazard but I think that Oscar, who is £2m cheaper and has a higher average score, could be the place to put your money.
Luis – Should Luis perform well this weekend standing in for the suspended Azpilicueta he may well get to play week 10’s far easier match – 7.64m to get into the Chelsea back four is a steal.
Everton (vs. Swansea) – Those of you who have seen Apocalypse Now will understand that “If you pick Everton players you’ll never have to prove your bravery in any other way”. Do I feel confident in suggesting them? Sort of. Is there the potential for a load of upside? Definitely. Will their players go up in price playing Burnley this week – most likely. How’s about…
Barkley – Lauded at the start of the season as the bargain of the season, he’s back and he costs a paltry 8.03m. He managed 11 points last week even though he committed two goals so he looks a real bargain – I’m going to bring him for week 9.
Lukaku – I think that the big Belgian is the real deal and I think that there are plenty more goals to come this season. Don’t be surprised to see him on the score sheet against both Burnley and the Swans.
Leicester (vs. West Brom) – In my opinion Leicester aren’t as good as everyone first thought, similarly West Brom aren’t as bad as everyone first labelled them. Leicester however have shown (much to Man Utd’s annoyance) that they know how to score goals. Why not try…
Ulloa – I know, not the most exciting choice but let’s face it £6m is a great price for a bit of differential and who knows, he could put up a great score and at the very least he should cover the £6m cost.
De Laet – There’s nothing better in Yahoo’s format of fantasy football than a player whose value is lower than his average number of points. De Laet costs just £7.8m but averages 9 points per match. As West Brom are hardly prolific in front of goal he could well be a decent buy.
That’s it – I’ll see you on Tuesday with my By The Numbers column.
