It’s that time of the week
Friday means two things: the JOE Pub Quiz, and my fantasy football tips. You decide which is more worthy of your excitement.
There are some real thigh rubbers this weekend. The standout game comes late on Saturday as the titans of Chelsea meet the giants of Liverpool, making both seem relatively normal-sized.
I have once again compiled some tips for you. And as I always say, I will not be held responsible if any of these players bomb. I am at the mercy of the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the Premier League, as are we all.
Olivier Giroud – Chelsea, £7.8m
Chelsea welcome Liverpool to Stamford Bridge this Saturday. Both sides will aim to dominate the ball, so expect goals at both ends. With Virgil van Dijk a doubt, Joe Gomez is likely to line up next to Dejan Lovren in defence. Chelsea should be able to get at Liverpool if Van Dijk doesn’t play, especially from set pieces – which is where Giroud comes in. The Frenchman hasn’t scored yet this season, but he has formed a fruitful partnership with Eden Hazard. Even if he doesn’t get on the scoresheet himself there’s a good chance Giroud will play important role in feeding the players around him.
Richarlison – Everton, £6.6m
The Brazilian winger returned from his ban last weekend for Everton’s away trip to Arsenal and, under other circumstances, he would have marked the occasion with a goal. Unfortunately Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s indecision let him down, but Richarlison was Everton’s biggest threat nonetheless. This weekend Everton welcome Fulham, who have conceded more than two goals per game on average this season.
The last time I recommended Richarlison, he let me down by getting sent off. I am giving him a second chance. Please, Ricky, for my sake and for every FPL player in the land, don’t do it again.
Aaron Lennon – Burnley, £5m
Burnley managed to get their first win of the season last weekend as they somehow beat Bournemouth 4-0 at Turf Moor despite having less possession and fewer attempts on goal. The score might not have reflected the story of the match, but it did show a revival among Burnley, who have struggled after their Europa League exertions. Aaron Lennon was among the goals and, at a bargain price of £5m, he is a solid option for one of your cheaper midfielders.
James Maddison – Leicester, £6.8m
Lovely hair, even better technique. Leicester’s new number 10 has already scored three goals with an assist to boot this season. He has become the focal point of the Foxes’ attack, and should have some joy against Newcastle this weekend. Still only 11.2% of FPL managers have selected Maddison, who has amassed 34 points so far – more than Raheem Sterling and for £4.2m less.
Leicester’s next two fixtures after Newcastle are by no means easy wins; Everton and Arsenal both pose attacking threats. But they also both leak a lot of goals. With Maddison’s eye for a killer pass and his set piece delivery, he would be a shrewd signing for any FPL manager.
Ryan Fraser – Bournemouth, £5.9m
A slightly more expensive but still very reasonable alternative to Lennon, Fraser has hit the ground running this year, scoring three goals in six matches. Those goals have helped him accumulate 41 points, only three fewer than Sadio Mané, and for £4.1m less. The Cherries welcome Crystal Palace to the Vitality Stadium on Monday night, and Fraser will be looking to get in behind the Eagles’ defence. Roy Hodgson’s team will set up to contain the hosts and hit them on the break, but don’t be surprised to see Fraser squeeze through their back line – after all, Bournemouth have scored at least two goals in four of their six league games so far.
