Week 33 Official FPL Player Picks (and pre-deadline chat)

It’s always a privilege to bring you player picks. My weekly methodology includes carefully perusing all of the latest news, sifting through form statistics, and of course plucking from friendly fixtures to provide the best options. However, this week I will be activating my wildcard as I am still unsure about a couple of my own selections. With the curtains closing quickly on the season, mistakes made at this stage can prove quite costly. I am cognizant that a few of us need differentials to close gaps in our respective mini-leagues. Fear not! I will be highlighting a few of those in my picks.

I’m unaware of how many chips our readers may have left, but with double game-weeks and blanks on the horizon, it is critical to have the right plan in place to be successful in the weeks ahead. Thankfully all my chips are intact. These game changers will be deployed as follows: wildcard in week 33, bench boost in week 34, free hit in week 35, and triple captain in week 37 ( for those of you who did not read the excellent fanpost by yewtee on double game-week strategies and chips usage, I suggest you make it a priority).

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Keepers

Orestis Karnezis (£4.5, Watford v. Burnley)

Burnley have scored less than a goal per game, which means the Greek goalie has a good chance at a clean sheet.

Petr Cech (£5.3, Arsenal v. Southampton)

Facing a team fighting relegation might not be easy, but despite one eye on the Europa League second leg, I think Cech won’t be troubled much.

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Defenders

Victor Moses (£6.5, Chelsea v. West Ham)

One of the few Chelsea players who looked positive going forward last week.

Charlie Daniels (£4.7, Bournemouth v. Crystal Palace)

Weakened opposition and the threat of attacking returns make him a must.

Wes Morgan (£4.4, Leicester v. Newcastle)

Priced cheaply, enabling more expensive players higher up the field.

Jan Vertonghen (£6.0, Tottenham at Stoke)

Assured starter with a good fixture means safety here over potential attacking points.

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Midfielders

Raheem Sterling (£8.7, Manchester City v. Manchester United)

Rested by Pep Guardiola in the Champions League and then coming on for a half hour, he should play from the start and trouble the United defense.

Willian (£7.1, Chelsea v. West Ham)

Seems to be the only Chelsea player up for the fight in recent games. Chelsea need to improve after slumping terribly.

Pascal Groβ (£6.0, Brighton v. Huddersfield)

A very impressive five goals and eight assists in his debut Premier League season make him one to consider this week with a good home fixture.

Riyad Mahrez (£8.9, Leicester v. Newcastle)

The Algerian is having a massive season with double digit goals and assists in what will surely be his last season at the club.

Christian Eriksen (£9.4, Tottenham at Stoke)

I’m very tempted to name Harry Kane, which I’ve done in my own team. Instead, the Dane has been included following his brilliant goal that Willy Caballero still can’t see.

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Strikers

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8, Arsenal v. Southampton)

Absolute first name on my list this week and most likely captain choice.

Joshua King (£7.0, Bournemouth v. Crystal Palace)

Player in form facing a Palace defense that hasn’t been as solid as I thought it would be under Roy Hodgson.

Harry Kane (£12.7, Tottenham at Stoke)

April Fool’s Day was a week ago friends, but did you seriously think this man would be left out? Remember, he probably still wants to catch Salah for the golden boot.

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How are your teams taking shape this week? Has anyone used the wildcard like I have done? What news have you heard affecting any fantasy format as we head toward various deadlines? Good luck to everyone.