Staff Picks: Best EPL Fantasy Fixture, Week 37

Simon - Liverpool

Looking at week 37 we really need to look at the best pair of fixtures for fantasy value. While the defensive stats under Jurgen Klopp haven't yet improved they have shown excellent progress in their attacking football. With their remaining two homes games coming in week 37 there must be a decent to great fantasy haul somewhere in the side.

The Europa League semifinal 2nd leg has muddied the waters. Perhaps he rests those who played Thursday for the Sunday game or perhaps not. I'm thinking if Liverpool don't make it through the European semi we may see him largely pick his best 11 for the fixtures. If they do make it through I can see certain players rested on Sunday but back for the Chelsea game.

Key of it all is that both games are at Anfield. Klopp will wish to end the season strong at home and I think due to that thought we may see more Liverpool players playing twice than many expect.

Charles - Norwich City

Although whomever might be playing Aston Villa is always compelling, I am taking a hard look at Norwich, who have two home matches this week, the first against Manchester United, who have struggled to score goals on the road.

I expect the match against Watford to finish in a 0-0 draw, which will perhaps be the death knell for the Canaries (remember, Newcastle plays at Villa). So, for the leagues that put a premium on clean sheets consider the players toward the back from each side. The good thing about both of these teams is there is value to be had by making selections from these sides, but preference is given to the team with two matches this round.

One of Newcastle, Norwich or Sunderland is going to survive to play another season in the Premiership, so if you believe in great escapes this would have to be the week for the Canaries. Russell Martin has been the best defender and has returned to fitness, while the Irish duo of Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan are worth consideration should you like a chance at attacking points.

Zach - West Ham United

Week 37 serves up eight teams with double matches, the last of such weeks for this season. Looking at the strength of schedule, one team stands out for me: West Ham. Slaven Bilic has raised the bar at the east London club and has his Hammer's still fighting for a Champion's League finish. West Ham are 5pts back from City in 4th, but with a crucial game in hand. Norwich City, Liverpool, Sunderland and West Ham all boast two home matches, but the Hammer's have a few more advantages than the fore-mentioned teams. Norwich have hardly been a source of fantasy options, rotation is a huge concern at Liverpool, and Sunderland face two tricky matches against Everton and Chelsea respectively, leaving West Ham as the home team to back.

What advantages does West Ham hold? Firstly the Hammer's have been fairly consistent this season and already recorded hugely vital wins against the top teams. It is still mathematically possible to attain a CL qualifying spot, giving West Ham the impetus to perform well against United in their second match, your classic 6 pointer. Their first match against Swansea looks ripe for goals and the likeliest source of a CS between the two games. However, United have hardly been the offensive force they were under Ferguson, giving even a skeptical manager pause to consider a defensive option from West Ham's back line.

Offensively, Dimitri Payet is likely to be a prominent selection, but Andy Carroll, Michel Antonio, and Mark Noble all present intriguing options. Defensively, the best option is the attacking minded Aaron Cresswell but there is also value to find in West Ham's keeper, Adrian. I wouldn't think you have to pile in on West Ham, but 2-3 players could represent a decent return on investment.

Gavin - Sunderland

For the past couple seasons, the Black Cats have gone into the tail-end of the season under threat of relegation, and each time they've managed to escape. Perhaps it's a bridge too far to expect them to survive yet again, but I like their chances with two home matches in Week 37. Big Sam's team have a strange habit of getting results against Chelsea, and I expect Fabio Borini to play the villain yet again. Alongside Jermain Defoe, there is plenty of attacking potential, particularly if the good Wahbi Khazri shows up.

Playing Everton at this point of the season has seemed pretty close to playing Aston Villa earlier in the season, and I like Sunderland's chances to record another win against the Toffees as well. The defensive unit has been much improved, with the partnership between Lamine Kone and Younes Kaboul looking much better than you'd expect for a team at the foot of the table, so you could do well to buy in on either of the inexpensive pair. Jan Kirchhoff is another player who has improved greatly since being moved into a holding midfield role, though as has been noted here previously, he has been susceptible to being subbed off early in matches.

Vito Mannone is another interesting differential for those in need of a new goalkeeper this week, especially if you're one who likes a bit of a risk. Consider it a calculated risk given the recent fixture history against the Blues and the terrible form of Everton.