clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Fantrax EPL Game-Week 25 Player Picks

One matched pair of double-gamers, otherwise back to singles.

By PPQ
Leeds United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
A double for Leeds means Raphinha and company will have a chance to put serious points up.
Photo by Tim Keeton - Pool/Getty Images

It looks like it’s Manchester City’s title to lose at this point. There is so much still to play for across the table.

Leeds and Southampton get a double week. I’m potentially loading up on Leeds players, as they get Wolves then Southampton, who are currently 12th and 13th, and they’ve both been conceding goals.

Kevin De Bruyne is back, as if City really needs another boost.

We have a Friday deadline. We get a bonus since we get the first Leeds lineup of potential double-gamers. Come back to NMA for that and other late news in our Pre-Deadline Chat.

Friday, 19 February

~

Saturday, 20 February

~

Sunday, 21 February

~

Monday, 22 February

  • Brighton vs Crystal Palace

~

Tuesday, 23 February

Keepers

Ederson (ARS vs MCI, $16.09) He’s still the best keeper in the league with the best defense and team in the league. He got an assist last week, and he was even walking up the field to take a PK.

Alphonse Areola (FUL vs SHU, $12.59) Fulham has been scored on only once in their last three. Sheffield has looked better going forward but is still struggling for goals.

Illan Meslier (WOL vs LEE, LEE vs SOU, $12.98) There is a clear risk with this pick because we know that Leeds concedes (-11 versus Arsenal). But that also means he gets saves. Over two games against not great offenses, he is a tempting pick.

Alex McCarthy (SOU vs CHE, LEE vs SOU, $8.69) - This is an anti-recommendation. Even with the double game week, McCarthy faces a Tuchel-rejuvenated Chelsea followed by all-out-attacking Leeds. I don’t see a clean sheet in either, and there could be a slew of goals against.

Defenders

Pascal Struijk (WOL vs LEE, LEE vs SOU, $5.98) He’s the cheapest Leeds defender if you are looking for a double in defense. Even without clean sheets, he is earning at least his price back per game, and with two games he becomes a solid option.

Ryan Bertrand (SOU vs CHE, LEE vs SOU, $7.56) Again, this is a risk, but the left-back is known to get forward and produce offensive points. He’s not too pricey, so I’m more inclined to pick him over the center-backs... if you’re inclined toward Saintly defending at all.

Luke Shaw (MAN vs NEW, $9.71) He is taking corners and getting forward, producing four assists in his last three games. Newcastle is in 17th, so Shaw has a chance for a big game here.

Ricardo Pereira (AST vs LEI, $2.38) At this price, the left-back is a great enabler and potential season keeper. 8, 8.5, and 12 are his last three scores. There’s a reason he’s a fan favorite, and it looks like he’s back to his healthy self.

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse (SOU vs CHE, LEE vs SOU, $15.16) While I’m mostly staying away from Southampton’s defense, the Saints may have chances to score against Chelsea and certainly against Leeds. JWP is also somewhat match-proof. He is going to be on set pieces and corners. He’s a safe bet with a chance for big points.

Kevin De Bruyne (ARS vs MCI, $16.58) He’s back, and his 9-minute cameo in midweek just earned him a zero to discount his price slightly. I’m not 100% sure he gets the start yet, but any time he is available he is an option. I am most likely looking at him for the barn door, or maybe even another dent in his price next week.

James Maddison (AST vs LEI,$15.86) He has just been so consistently excellent. He’s a key reason the Foxes find themselves in third. He does it all for them. Villa have been solid in the back (two straight clean sheets), so it’s not an easy fixture, but Jamie Vardy is back, giving him a target man.

Raphinha (WOL vs LEE, LEE vs SOU, $12.09) I really think you have to have him this week. On kicks, getting goals, delivering assists... He is simply putting up points. He earns double digits most weeks. Leave him out of your lineups at your peril.

Jack Harrison (WOL vs LEE, LEE vs SOU, $13.31) He’s another solid option for Leeds. He has three goals in his last five matches. He played only 44 minutes against Arsenal in their loss.

Forwards

Patrick Bamford (WOL vs LEE, LEE vs SOU, $16.45) He had a rough game against Arsenal, but he still looked dangerous, and he had two goals plus three assists in his prior three games. Wolves have been improving defensively, but Southampton is very poor. He’s going to get chances and create more for others.

Danny Ings (SOU vs CHE, LEE vs SOU, $10.80) He hadn’t scored in a while before his goal this weekend. We know he is capable. Chelsea is a tough match, but Leeds gives up goals. Over two games I’d bet he gets at least one.

Takumi Minamino (SOU vs CHE, LEE vs SOU, $2.28) He has started both games since his loan from Liverpool. He scored against Newcastle in the first but did nothing in the second against lowly Wolves. His price makes him at least tempting in a DGW.

Marcus Rashford (MAN vs NEW, $13.74) The Magpies are giving up goals and just not looking great. It looks like Edinson Cavani is out, and Anthony Martial is a doubt. United need 3 points here to stay on pace with rivals for European slots.

Pedro Neto (WOL vs LEE, $16.71) Neto has been a rare bright spot for Wolves. Against Leeds you can be sure there will be chances. You get the benefit of seeing the confirmed lineup too.

Are you betting on Leeds offensively? Giving Southampton players a look? While there aren’t many City players in the recommendations are you still hoarding them? Who else are you considering? Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments!

~

More From Never Manage Alone