Fantrax EPL GW-14 Player Picks

Games are coming fast and furious now, as are squad rotations. I’m looking for productive players who are going to start... except maybe a risk or two for NMA-17.

We will confirm Liverpool’s (and Palace’s) lineup before the opening game of the weekend, so come back for the Pre-Deadline Chat during the countdown hour. After that, you’re just going to have to wait!

[ Confirmed lineups will come from Crystal Palace hosting Liverpool before our deadline. ]

Now let’s take a look at our player picks this week...

Goalkeepers

Nick Pope (BUR vs WOL, $13.13) Pope is an excellent keeper. The Clarets have four clean sheets in their last five. Pope has five or more saves in each of the last four games. He has put up big points. He’s pricey but might be worth it.

Robert Sanchez (BHA vs SHU, $1.80) Sanchez started in the shutout tie against Fulham and played well enough to keep his spot, if we’re to believe Graham Potter (and we have no reason not to). He’s a fantastic enabler this weekend, and he hosts the second lowest scoring team in the EPL.

Defenders

Tosin Adarabioyo (NEW vs FUL, $9.72) He has had four straight solid games and is picking up points even without clean sheets. Newcastle is so inconsistent, but I don’t trust in a shutout. He’s probably not in many lineups if you’re looking for something different.

Ben Mee (BUR vs WOL, $9.17) Mee was a topic of discussion in the chats last week. He’s has been putting up solid points win, lose or draw.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (CRY vs LIV, $8.78) You get the benefit of lineups, so if Jurgen Klopp decides to change things up in the back, you’ll know. I have some faith that TAA will be back to his old self.

Reese James (CHE vs WHU, $12.06) A home match to West Ham may be what the Blues need to get back on track. He has been dangerous going forward, and I expect a good game from him.

Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne (SOU vs MCI, $16.84) He’s the only City player that I trust Pep to start. Also, he’s still the best player in the league. No goals or assists midweek, yet he still earned over 20 points. His price somehow is still manageable even if paying retail.

Richarlson (EVE vs ARS, $12.24) He is a model of consistency (13, 13, 14, 16, 14.5 in his last 5). You’re getting good value and a chance at big points.

John McGinn (WBA vs AVL, $10.48) I’m going with Jack Grealish ($20.33) here if I can, but McGinn offers another route into a good match-up. He’s good for solid points but capable of a big game too. The Villans have run hot and cold offensively, but West Brom haven’t kept a clean sheet since October.

Christian Pulisic (CHE vs WHU, $4.51) He played the full 90 midweek and didn’t score. But he’s the Blue’s best attacking player at the moment, so I’m hoping he starts again. But there is a little risk.

Marcus Rashford (MAN vs LEE, $13.93) The England forward finally came good with some goals. Leeds has been in shootouts recently, with at least two goals conceded in each of the last three. Rashford is a cheaper option than Bruno Fernandes, if you think this game has some goals in it.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (EVE vs ARS, $6.31) Gyfli was a fantasy superstar for a long time. He has become much more relevant these last few weeks, showing signs of his old self. Until other players return from injury, he’s back on kicks, corners and penalties at a decent price, making him a solid option.

Forwards

Mohamed Salah (CRY vs LIV, $21.52) Salah has scored six goals in his last seven games. If I can, I’m going with him over other Liverpool forwards. You have the added benefit of being sure about this pick before the deadline. Crystal Palace hasn’t kept a clean sheet since their opening game.

Pedro Neto (BUR vs WOL, $14.06) Neto has put in some solid performances, and he’s pretty much assured a start. Burnley has been tougher in defense, but I’m not convinced yet.

Ollie Watkins (WBA vs AVL, $10.27) I’m starting to lose faith in Ollie; he has no goals in his last four, all with decent match-ups. But visiting the worst defense in the league, I’m going to give him one more chance.

Ademola Lookman (NEW vs FUL, $9.72) Lookman continues to be Fulham’s most dangerous attacker, registering double digit points in both his last two games. Newcastle’s defense was in shambles last game, and I’m thinking Lookman could take advantage of that. There aren’t many great options under $10 unless you change formation and shop elsewhere.

What games are you most excited about? Are there rotations risks you are worried about or willing to gamble on? What does your lineup look like? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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