Player Picks: Week 19
I’m subbing in for Nik this week and am here to give you a set of player picks for the upcoming GW19. I’ll do my best to live up to the expectations, so lets get started right away. I have a lot of cover.
Week 19 Fixtures
Tottenham – Manchester United
Southampton – Chelsea
Aston Villa – Sunderland
Hull City – Leicester City
Manchester City – Burnley
Queens Park Rangers – Crystal Palace
Stoke City – West Brom
West Ham – Arsenal
Newcastle – Everton
Liverpool – Swansea
There are certainly a few fixtures here that stand out. First of all, Manchester City at home to Burnley can be a goldmine, especially with City’s depth. Burnley have scored five goals away from home in eight matches and City have only conceded five at home in the same number of games. I like City’s chances of a clean sheet.
One match to be weary of is Hull City at home to Leicester City. Leicester played well away to Tottenham last week and Hull are the worst home team in the league. It’s not out of the question that Leicester can earn a 1-1 draw, which isn’t really great for fantasy managers.
West Ham are at home to Arsenal and it’s not out of the question they come out with a win. They have been stellar on both sides of the ball and this is a dangerous match to invest it. Fantasy wise, I like Arsenal’s side better just because I don’t trust anyone outside of Downing on West Ham’s side.
Tottenham have not played very well at home this season and Manchester will certainly cause them problems. I’m favoring the Red Devils to win this one at White Hart Lane and will invest in their attack.
Newcastle can also be dangerous tomorrow, especially with Everton likely missing Phil Jagielka and Tim Howard. QPR also have a plus matchup at home against manager-less Crystal Palace. QPR have been quite stellar at home and there will be value there this weekend.
Last but not least, I want to emphasize that many players will likely get rested this weekend. Having bench cover is essential and will make the difference between a good week and a great week. Ben Dinnery’s column is all you need to make sure your players are available for tomorrow’s matches and we’ll be updating our player news throughout the day as more information becomes available. Make sure you follow us on Twitter for extra tips and information as well.
For more news follow the RotoWorld_PL team on Twitter: Galin | Neal | Nik | Steve | Ben | Rob
Player Picks
Goalkeeper
Joe Hart – as I mentioned above, Manchester City have the best clean sheet chances for the weekend and are almost guaranteed a win at home to Burnley. Hart also leads all goalkeepers in fantasy points this season. He is the best option by a mile.
Asmir Begovic – Begovic faces West Brom at home in a plus matchup and is in great form following week 18. Coming off of a Best XI appearance, he could be your goalkeeper of choice in week 19.
Robert Green – At home to Crystal Palace, who just sacked their manager, is a plus matchup if there is ever such a thing. He only costs £ 5.30M. That’s worth the price.
Defenders
Pablo Zabaleta – Zabaleta is the top defensive option in week 19. He was rested against West Brom and practically played winger the last time out. He faces the easiest matchup, plays at home, and may even get involved in a goal. Aleksandar Kolarov is just a small notch below but should also be considered by all managers.
Mamadou Sakho – The Liverpool defender was excellent in week 18 and with Dejan Lovren struggling to get fit, he should make another appearances in week 19. He did it all on Friday to earn fantasy points and with a home match against Swansea, I expect more of the same. Martin Skrtel can also be considered.
Alan Hutton – Aston Villa face Sunderland at home. Their defense has been acceptable at home and a clean sheet is not out of the question. Hutton has also shown he can earn a variety of attacking points and I’m feeling very confident with this pick. Hutton also has great fixtures ahead as he faces Crystal Palace and Leicester after week 19. He can be comfortably used for the next three weeks. For a cheaper way into the Villa defense, consider Jores Okore.
Steven Caulker – The defender is a point machine without getting many clean sheets and with a high chance of a clean sheet this weekend he should be considered for your squad.
Jose Fonte – Fonte has averaged eight points per match this season and was suspended for GW18. He will be fresh and have his hands full with Chelsea likely attacking for a majority of the game. That means interceptions and tackles for Fonte.
Midfielders
David Silva – He was taken out early for both of the last matches alongside Yaya Toure and both are expected to play tomorrow against Burnley. Without a striker, Manchester City have had to rely on Silva to create and score. Even if Stevan Jovetic returns, he’s unlikely to play the full match and Silva will have his hands full. When Manchester City score, he is likely to be involved. If we had a captain option, I’d be recommending Silva this week.
Yaya Toure - the same as above applies and Yaya has free-kick and penalty duties. Both players are as close to a “must-own” as we get.
Oscar – Chelsea have a tough matchup but Oscar can find a way to get involved and is least likely to be rested. He was rested in the match last weekend and I can see him being the most active Chelsea midfielder in tomorrow’s match. I really like Hazard but he has played every minute of league football since mid-October and is a big risk to be rested so I’m staying away from him tomorrow.
Christian Eriksen – He has been on fire and is involved in everything Tottenham do. He can also score from free-kicks and is likely to at least put a shot or two on target from set pieces.
Raheem Sterling – He has lead the line for Liverpool in the last few matches and has been fantastic. Sterling also scored the game-winning goal against Burnley and in a home match against Swansea, he should be considered.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – Gylfi scored a brilliant free-kick to win the match against Aston Villa and will look to cause problems against Liverpool. He missed last week’s match due to a small knock so he should be rested and ready to roll.
Mile Jedinak – Crystal Palace just lost their manager and if they are to do anything, it will have to come through their captain Jedinak. The Australian midfielder is second among midfielders in fantasy scoring for the season and his ability to intercept passes and win tackles make him a valuable resource. He has scored at least nine points in every match in the past four weeks.
Santi Cazorla – Cazorla averages ten points per match and has been brilliant for Arsenal in the absence of Aaron Ramsey. With Olivier Giroud suspended, Cazorla will have to create or finish something if Arsenal are to find the back of the net.
Jesus Navas – a cheaper way to get into Manchester City’s midfield.
Sadio Mane – Mane has been a fantasy goldmine whenever he starts and with Southampton dealing with injuries, he could certainly earn another start. Worth a look.
Ashley Young – Young has had two solid weeks in a row and is part of an explosive Manchester United attack. He can produce again against Tottenham.
Cesc Fabregas – he was suspended earlier this month and should have enough energy to play again on Sunday. He can earn points every week, against any opponent.
For more news follow the RotoWorld_PL team on Twitter: Galin | Neal | Nik | Steve | Ben | Rob
Forwards
Charlie Austin – absolutely on fire and faces Crystal Palace at home. If you can afford to bring him in without sacrificing a lot elsewhere, Austin is a great option.
Robin Van Persie – van Persie has been scoring goals lately and doesn’t seem destined to stop. Tottenham are not exactly defensive specialists and although van Persie is playing away from home, I think he’ll do just fine. Rooney and Falcao are also great options, with Falco being the budget option.
Diego Costa – the Chelsea man returned to form with a goal and an assist and should lead the line again versus Southampton. It’s a tough matchup but Costa has shown he is matchup proof.
Alexis Sanchez – I thought Sanchez would get rested here but with Giroud getting suspended, Arsenal are out of options. Arsene Wenger is talking about climbing up the table and Sanchez will be needed. He’s in form too.
Stevan Jovetic – Jovetic made the bench at the Hawthorns but was an unused substitute. Two extra days should hopefully give him enough to earn 60 minutes against Burnley and that’s likely all he needs to make a difference.
Christian Benteke – the Aston Villa striker has been looking better as of late and faces an easy matchup at home. What’s not to like?
Samuel Eto'o - The striker should earn a start after being rested in Week 18 and can cause Newcastle problems tomorrow. He seems very safe to start, which is desireable when dealing with such a short time between gameweeks.
I’m currently on:
Courtois; Zabaleta, Cresswell, Sakho; Fabregas, Yaya, Tadic, Silva; van Persie, Sanchez, Diego Costa.
Lamela, Kelly, Moore, Alnwick on the bench.
I don’t want to lose my discount for Tadic so I’m sticking with him through the tough times but there are certainly better options out there. I am debating going from RvP to Charlie Austin but that decision like isn’t going to be made until closer to the deadline.
How is your team looking?