One of the fastest growing fantasy games is the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) - a season-long version of fantasy soccer for the English Premier League (EPL). With almost six million players this year, the FPL game is becoming a fixture for soccer enthusiasts across the globe.
Here at RotoBaller, we will try to give you the best analysis possible so that you can beat your friends and take on the rest of the world by managing your team in the fantasy version of the beautiful game.
Here is the team analysis and lineup picks for fantasy drafts heading into Gameweek 34. At the end of the day, remember to make the decision you feel is best for the team. Good luck, and enjoy!
The Ones To Buy This Week - Fantasy Premier League
Chris Smalling - M, Man United (Price: 5.5M)
When Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are healthy, Manchester United's defense has kept clean sheet after clean sheet this season. Unfortunately, the duo struggle to stay on the field at the same time, depreciating their fantasy value. Chris Smalling has played the majority of the games this season (after missing a few down the stretch to injury) but is back and proved that he is capable of playing at a high level, with two goals and a clean sheet in his last four. Although clean sheets have been lacking in recent weeks, Jones is also predicted to return from injury in the upcoming double gameweek. Manchester United play West Brom and Bournemouth, meaning a potential for two clean sheets is definitely on the cards for the team. Although United have a bye in GW35, Smalling still projects to be an elite option to close out the season who should not be subject to rotation given his solid performances up to this point.
David De Gea - GK, Man United (Price: 5.9M)
Another player from Manchester United, goalkeeper David De Gea has been in sensational form this year, with several crucial saves and clean sheets making him the top scoring goalkeeper in fantasy this season. Half of the players have De Gea slotted in as their starting goalkeeper, making him a very popular option for the rest of the season. Although, once again, he does have a bye next week, De Gea should finish the year strong. Even if you don't feel the need to scoop him up for this week, pick him up after next week to finish out the season and you don't have to worry about the goalkeeper spot again. Join the rest of the players this year and make the smart decision - sign De Gea to your teams immediately.
Keep Your Eye On Him
Luka Milivojevic - M, Crystal Palace (5.1M)
Milivojevic has three goals in his last three games, bringing his total tally up to ten finishes on the season. The midfielder has become an icon for Crystal Palace fans and one of their lone star players in a season where they are fighting to avoid relegation. The Serbian midfielder is the spot-kick taker for the Eagles, making him a valuable option as high-intensity games down the stretch could lead to a few opportunities from the penalty spot. Although he will likely not sustain the performance levels of the last three weeks, Milivojevic has been a solid option all season and should continue to do so until the season closes out, with a very easy schedule to end the year (his toughest opponent looks to be Leicester, and his last two games are against Stoke and West Brom).
Offload Him Now
Andrew Robertson - D, Liverpool (5.1M)
Although Robertson has been extremely productive for Liverpool, the team does not have a double gameweek in either GW34 or GW37. Furthermore, Robertson has been subject to rotation due to Liverpool's involvement in the Champions League; Liverpool have knocked out Man City and will play in the semi-finals over the coming weeks. This means that Robertson will most likely continue to be rotated by Klopp as their fourth place finish is almost guaranteed. Look for alternatives to Robertson that are guaranteed to play every minute that have double gameweeks (and the chance for more clean sheets) in their future.
Potential Replacements: Nacho Monreal (5.6M), James Tomkins (4.3M)
RotoBaller Weekly XI
Team (Prices May Be Over 100M):
GK: David De Gea (5.9M)
DF: Nacho Monreal (5.6M), James Tomkins (4.3M), Chris Smalling (5.5M), Ben Davies (5.9M)
MF: Luka Milivojevic (5.1M), Christian Eriksen (9.4M), Eden Hazard (10.6),
FW: Jamie Vardy (8.9M), Romelu Lukaku (11.6M) , Jordan Ayew (5.1M)
Analysis:
Moving back to the 4-3-3 and capitalizing on double fixtures, the team has a solid foundation with elite and upside defenders paired with top level options across the front two third of the pitch. Both Lukaku and Vardy have two games with which they can score goals, and the return of Ayew presents nice value for fantasy owners. Hazard and Eriksen both should make the most of their opportunities, providing a solid mix of foundational strengths and week-winning upside to work with for fantasy owners.
That's all for this week - good luck!