Kellz (Week 36) Player Picks

Well we have certainly had some huge developments this week with the news that Manchester United have finally let go of the out-of-sorts David Moyes. I don't think anyone here will be too surprised given the results that United have had under the Scottish manager. If you haven't had a change to get involved in the discussion be sure to check out Stall.Express's post regarding the monumental move. My only question is whether this move will give impetus to United's squad to perform at their usually high level for the rest of the season, or if they will continue in their sub par form. My thoughts lead me to believe we could see an upturn in performance, so some United cover may not only be wise, be essential for the remaining fixtures. Okay let's get into the players you should be considering for Week 36!

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Goalkeepers:

David DeGea - The first of the United squad I will recommend for this week. The young Spaniard has been the only consistent bright spot for United this season. Although Norwich will be fighting for their Premier League lives, I have not doubt United will be able to pull out a result at home. At a price that fits under 9mil, DeGea is my top keeper choice for the week, if not the remainder of the season.

Joe Hart - The England number 1 had a poor Week 35 showing, but that has at least kept his price relatively affordable at under 11mil. Crystal Palace have had an amazing turn around under Tony Pulis and safety has been secured, so I expect a bid of a dip in their play. City should look favorites for the win and a clean sheet, so of course Hart will return to big numbers after many of us took the chance on him previously.

Stockdale - A surprise high point return in the double week, albiet as a single gamer, but a return to negative numbers against Tottenham has the Fulham shot stopper as my bargain pick of the week. At just under 6mil, Stockdale seems a decent, if not slightly risky pick, for Week 36. Fulham have to win their remaining fixtures if they hope to have any chance of beating the drop. A home match up against Hull City doesn't look too daunting, but with DeGea only ~2mil more, you might be better off finding the funds for the United man.

Szczesny - Newcastle have been on a worrisome slide and an away fixture to Arsenal doesn't offer them any favors. With only 1 goal scored so far in the month of April, Newcastle hardly look threatening of upsetting Arsenal's clean sheet, let alone getting a result. With safety sealed for Newcastle, Arsenal may stroll in this fixture. Don't expect another 4-4 thriller.

Schwarzer - With Cech ruled out for the remainder of the season, Mark Schwarzer has been given the opportunity to play out Chelsea's remaining fixtures. At just under 3mil and playing for one of the best defensive teams in the league, he may be too good to pass up. However, the next fixture is away to high flying Liverpool. With an attack as potent as the Reds, I might be looking at the new Chelsea number 1 as a Barndoor candidate. Regardless, the Australian is my dark horse pick of the week.

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Defenders:

Kompany - Returned solid points without a clean sheet against West Brom. The City captain seems to have recovered from his shocker against Liverpool. If you hold him at discount, you may consider leaving him in your squad for the remainder of the season, but getting in on him now could also prove a smart move for just over 12mil.

Monreal - Should continue in place of Gibbs, who is sidelined by injury. The price and match up are right at just over 8mil. All signs point to a very possible clean sheet as mentioned above with regards to Szczesny. At the very least, Monreal offers a cheap way into the Gunner's backline.

Smalling/Jones - Smalling represents an affordable option to get into United's defense at just over 9mil. Again, as stated above, I believe United will have an upturn in results after the sacking of Moyes. While Phil Jones is the more expensive option over 12mil, either should provide decent returns this week.

Kaboul - Certainly a much more enviable pick if you hold him at the 2-5mil range, but even at 9mil, the Spurs defender looks a smart buy this week. With a goal last week, Kaboul has proven to be a potential target for Erikson's deadly deliveries from set pieces. With a potentially fruitful trip to Stoke City on the cards, Kaboul should be on your radar for Week 36.

Armero - My budget option for the week at just over 3mil. The West Ham fullback probably won't score you many points without a clean sheet, but he will allow you to afford some bigger guns in the midfield and forward slots. In any event, Armero looks a decent bench option for those who don't have Bertrand at 1mil.

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Midfielders:

Ramsey - What a return the young Welshman had on his full debut back from injury. A stellar goal and pair of assists has lifted the Arsenal midfielder to a nose-bleedingly high price over 21mil. I hope the majority of you pounced on him at his Barndoor price, but given Arsenal's remaining fixtures, he may prove to be worth the cut into your budget.

Ozil - Not exactly the season we expected the German International to have, but he has showed his quality on a number of occasions. At a price just above 8mil and back from injury, I expect Ozil to finish the season strong. Arsenal are going to need their 47 million dollar man to justify his price tag if they hope to keep Everton from sneaking into the final Champion's League spot. There is no reason not to double up on Arsenal's midfield this week.

Sidwell - For those who have followed Nik A, we know all too well his feelings on the Fulham midfielder. But If Fulham wish to take any points from their remaining fixtures, Sidwell will need to be on top form. With a goal against Spurs, Sidwell has highlighted his ability to score. Although it remains to be seen if he will continue to take penalties after a poor spot kick that was easily saved by Lloris. He may seem a slightly risky pick above 14mil, but he should slot in just behind the striker and have a decent opportunity to prove himself in front of the Hull City goal.

James Milner - With doubts over David Silva, the England International should get the opportunity to show why he is crucial to City's title bid. At just over 6mil, Milner won't set you back much and has a solid price to risk range. For anyone that watched City's match against Liverpool, the introduction of Milner completely changed the dynamic and flow of the game. His energy and clever play totally threw off Liverpool's rythme and allowed Silva to turn the tide. He has often been over looked, but he may yet prove to be vital for the remaining run in.

Kagawa - The real risk here is that we don't know how stand-in manager Ryan Giggs is going to form United. However, Giggs surely knows the impact that Kagawa can have dictating play from the midfield. Often over looked by Moyes, I feel Kagawa is due for a solid return, not just because he may be afforded the chance to play, but that he may be looking to increase his appeal in the coming summer transfer market. At just above 7mil, Kagawa seems a decent bet in one of your midfield slots. You may just consider a viable bench option in the chance he doesn't start.

Adam Johnson - It's getting harder to recommend the English winger given his low returns since his brief goal scoring streak. But a home match against fellow strugglers Cardiff, a price at just 10mil, and everything on the line for Sunderland to make an epic escape from the drop, leads me to believe Johnson may just be a valuable pick. Certainly a differential pick for the week.

De Guzman - I don't know why, but I just have a feeling De Guzman is going to have a solid return at home to stuttering Aston Villa. With his fair share of free kicks and 55 successful crosses logged already this season, some sort of phantom points seem assured if not a goal/assist. Priced above 13mil, you may have to move around some funds to afford him, but the Swansea man may just be the differential you need to challenge the leaders in your private leagues.

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Forwards:

Wayne Rooney - The United front man had a lethargic and disappointing performance against former side Everton last week, but I expect him to bounce back against Norwich. With Ryan Giggs now at the helm, albiet temporarily, I expect Rooney to muster the inspiration to leave United's season on a high. With RvP out injured, Rooney will retain penalty duty and is always threatening from a set piece. Certainly expensive at over 22mil, but one worth the funds for this week.

Juan Mata - Given the attractive nature of United's remaining fixtures, one of Mata or Rooney will be needed to cover any attacking returns. At just over 15mil, Mata represents a cheaper alternative to Rooney. As long as Ryan Giggs plays Mata in his preferred position, I'd expect solid returns until the end of the season.

Borini - The on-loan striker became the hero not only for Sunderland, but also Liverpool as he tucked away a crucial game winning penalty against title rivals Chelsea. Priced just below 11mil, Borini will be looked upon to continue Sunderland's recent good form. Winning their game in hand would vault Sunderland out of the relegation zone as it stands. All the cards are in place for Sunderland to make a miraculous escape from the drop and you can bet the Liverpool man will be at the heart of it.

Bony - The Swansea striker has been in great form this season, racking up 14 goals and 3 assists. However, this has rocketed Bony's price to a hefty 17mil. With a home game against Aston Villa for the next game week, you couldn't be blamed for shelling out the funds. Expect Bony to bully Villa's back line.

Podolski - Having returned back to back stellar performances, the Arsenal striker looks a solid bet against an out of sorts Newcastle. Although his price has risen to above 17mil, I expect the German International to start where he left off against West Ham. If Arsenal hope to secure 4th place, they will need Podolski to continue his fine run of form.

Rodallega - Not exactly my cup of tea, but hard to over look his late season form for Premier League strugglers Fulham. If you don't trust Sidwell you probably won't trust Rodallega, but at 11mil, he represents my dark horse striker of the week. This pick is only for those who dare to dream (here's looking at you KM!).

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Well there you have it folks! I haven't had a chance to fully go over my team but you can bet I will be looking to United and Arsenal for the bulk of my selections with a few sprinkled in from Sunderland, Swansea, and Manchester City. How are your squads shaping up? Who do you think will perform well for Week 36?

Update: DeGea, P.Jones, Kompany, Stones, Sidwell, De Guzman, Milner, Ozil, Ramsey, Borini, Rooney (capt) w/ Bench: Suarez, Bertrand + Fillers. I still hold Kaboul and Sterling at discount behind the scenes, but I am fairly happy with it. We are nearing the end of the season and now is the time to take some risks to try and vault myself as high up the standings as possible. Still lots to consider come the Saturday deadline though.

Cheers!