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My bet on the Spurs doubles went okay. I admit I was reaching and feeling a bit desperate. But here’s to hoping that this week will be better (spoken like a true Arsenal fan!)
Deadline is Friday (Arsenal vs Everton with confirmed lineups in our Pre-Deadline Chat), so there’s little time to make your changes. Adding to the fun, these picks arrive inside the barn door (with barn-door prices). Prices will be recalculated at 02:00 BST on Friday morning in the UK, so if you shop after that time, YMMV.
Adding to the difficulty, four teams blank, including Man City and last week’s doubler Tottenham. So check the fixture list and be careful as you’re filling in and making changes.
Here’s the fixture list:
Friday, 23 April
- Arsenal vs Everton
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Saturday, 24 April
- Liverpool vs Newcastle
- West Ham vs Chelsea
- Sheffield United vs Brighton
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Sunday, 25 April
- Wolves vs Burnley
- Leeds vs Man United
- Aston Villa vs West Brom
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Monday, 26 April
- Leicester vs Crystal Palace
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Not Playing!
All prices are from NMA-11, inside the barn door. NMA-17 and post-recalc prices may vary.
Goalkeepers
Robin Olsen ($3.34, ARS vs EVE) Olsen had another solid week. He is making the saves that he needs to make. The Toffees have had three straight draws. They need all three points if they are going to stay in the hunt for a European spot.
Dean Henderson ($4.39, LEE vs MAN) It has been three games since a shutout. He hasn’t been earning stellar points, but he has been a pretty safe bet. I won’t assume that a shutout is in order, but there’s a chance for saves against attack-minded Leeds.
Martin Dubravka ($3.40, LIV vs NEW) Another cheap option who is going to rely on saves to get his points. Liverpool can score goals (though not so many at Anfield in 2021), so he’s a risk, but Newcastle has won two straight and hasn’t rolled over for anyone recently.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold ($14.67, LIV vs NEW) He is absolutely on fire with four straight games over 13 points. He is taking kicks and getting forward, producing two assists and a goal in his last three. Can you afford to keep him out of your lineup with a solid match up? He’s a premium defender but one you should considering.
Ahmed El Mohamady ($2.71, AST vs WBA) The Egyptian should come in with Matty Cash suspended for one week. It’s a decent match-up, and he’s been getting double his value when he plays. He’s an enabler if you need money elsewhere.
Willy Boly ($7.51, WOL vs BUR) The center-back has returned to the starting lineup. He won’t be in many fantasy lineups. He’s often gets phantom points. Burnley has scored recently, but the big center-backs for Wolves are a good match for the way Burnley plays.
Caglar Soyuncu ($5.25, LEI vs CRY) He should be back for this good match up. He’s at a good price. He was in lots of lineups for a while, and now that he’s back he’s worth a look. Ricardo Pereira is worth a look IF he is healthy.
Midfielders
James Maddison ($14.37, LEI vs CRY) Maddison should be back into the starting lineup. Leicester needs the win. Before his injury he was absolutely crushing it, and I expect the points to return.
Jarrod Bowen ($13.40, WHU vs CHE) Bowen is the forgotten West Ham player for most fantasy managers. He has three goals and two assists playing forward in Michail Antonio’s absence the last four games, worth double digit points in each. It’s not a great match-up, but he should keep putting up points as long as Mantonio stays out.
Gabriel Martinelli ($1.77, ARS vs EVE) His last two games have been quality. He is cheap and just needs a shot or two to earn his money back. He was central to the Gunner’s attack last match, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue with the injuries in the Arsenal front line.
Adama Traore ($8.79, WOL vs BUR) He is finding his form from a year ago, with a goal sandwiched between two assists over his last three games. He’s a differential pick for the week.
Forwards
Ollie Watkins ($14.56, AST vs WBA) Ollie has been a consistent performer. He has an assist and two goals in his last three. He is under the radar, but with a good match-up, he is worth a look.
Mo Salah ($18.26, LIV vs NEW) I was surprised to see him not start in a game the Reds needed to win, especially when he seems intent on the golden boot and had scored in his previous two matches. Salah should start, and I think he hits the 20-goal mark this weekend.
Kelechi Iheanacho ($5.22, LEI vs CRY) He’s still very affordable. He can score in bunches, with seven goals in the five games prior to today’s writing. He is much more affordable than Jamie Vardy is, yet he has been earning more points.
Make your changes soon! Be sure to confirm. What holes must you fill due to blanks, injuries and/or suspensions? Who are you looking at besides the above? Are you holding onto anyone with a blank week? Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
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