As I mentioned last week, I thought my fantasy premier league articles have become very detailed and stats orientated which is probably fair enough given the sites name. However, I thought some may appreciate a shorter punchier article with a few players mentioned and only a short paragraph on each rather than loads of stats. In any case, detail can be found on most players in the “ones to watch” articles or in the case of sells possibly in my “bandwagons and sinking ships” article. The players are meant to be permanent buys not just for GW29. I’ll try and make it reasonably topical and not add on the extremely obvious so for example no Hazard and RVP this week as buys.
2 to buy
Mata (£9.6m)
Has made a solid if not spectacular start to his Man Utd career. Man Utd have the advantage of being the only team that has a fixture in GW29 and a double gameweek in DGW31. They also have excellent fixtures after the DGW31 to make him a good longer term signing. Apart from RVP Mata is probably the best representative of Man Utd. Plays in an advanced midfield position drifting into the centre much as Silva does for Man City and also has a decent share of set pieces. WBA aren’t the worst defence in the league but Man Utd have been stronger away from home than at Old Trafford.
Lallana (£8.2m)
If you aren’t one of the 35% of people who already own him then now is the time to do so. Covers you for GW29 and still has excellent fixtures afterwards to get the benefit from his current form and confidence after his good England 30 minutes midweek. Crystal Palace have a strong home defence under Pulis but have conceded against some of the better teams and Southampton have consistently looked a strong attacking force with Lallana centrally the attacking midfield hub.
2 to sell
Giroud (£8.7m)
No fixture in GW29 and although they have a DGW31 they also have difficult fixtures to the end of the season. There are far better forward options in my view for DGW31 and those with better on going fixtures
Mirallas (£7.6m)
No fixture in GW29 and Deulofeu has only been back 2 games and has already pinched his spot. Was on the bench but saw 2 midfielders go on before him. This isn’t the first time this has happened. His place was already under threat before Deulofeu injured himself earlier in the season. Gametime is just too risky for a DGW31 place.
2 to hold
Ya Ya Toure (£9.9m)
If you’ve held on to him over his blank in GW28 then surely you should be holding him for GW29. A bit of an expensive luxury on the bench but with City likely to go out of the Champions League and with YYT only being left out of 1 fantasy premier league line up this year he’s looks as good a chance as anyone in the City team to play both DGW31s.
Suarez (£13.2m)
Surely you can’t afford to sell him anyway given the likely difference between his sell and buy back price that you’ll be looking at. He’s also looking an excellent DGW31 captain potential so despite the price I would swallow the desire to sell him for RVP and put him on the subs bench.
2 differentials
Thomas Ince (£5.5m)
ownership of 1.8% of fantasy premier league managers
Got off to a good start with Palace after a very impressive record in the Championship with Blackpool. Some risk positionally and gametime wise but will get you through GW29 with minimum investment.
Steven Davis (£4.7m)
ownership of 0.8% of fantasy premier league managers
A good cheapie midfielder who will play in Gw29 and allow a cheap benching in DGW31. Has good set piece representation and plays in a fairly advanced role. As I said for Lallana. Crystal Palace have a strong home defence under Pulis but have conceded against some of the better teams and Southampton have consistently looked a strong attacking force
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