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Fantrax EPL GW-31 Player Picks

There’s a Friday deadline, so be sure you save your transfers in time!

By PPQ
Pedro Neto - Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Neto leads Wolves in their Friday match up against Fulham.
Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

There are some really big games this week as teams fight for top-4 places or look to avoid the drop zone. Leicester vs West Ham United and Tottenham vs Man United top the playbill. Three points won or lost could make the difference for where teams finish at the end of the season.

Chelsea and Manchester City continue to rotate heavily, which cost me last week (as did not waking up in time to make changes to my lineup). So be cautious (or not) as you make your picks.

Also take note of the FRIDAY DEADLINE. Don’t miss it!

Here’s the fixture list:

Friday, 9 April

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Saturday, 10 April

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Sunday, 11 April

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Monday, 12 April

Goalkeepers

Robin Olsen ($2.40, BHA vs EVE)

Jordan Pickford’s backup recorded five saves last weekend in a draw. Everton’s defense has been a bit inconsistent of late, and Brighton hasn’t been shut out in four games, so a clean sheet isn’t a guarantee. I don’t she Brighton scoring often either, so of the cheap keepers, he’s the least risky for me.

Fraser Forster ($3.05, WBA vs SOU)

Forster is another cheap but risky pick. The upside for Forster is that he is called on to make saves, which he does. Even with goals against him you can expect a value return on that price.

Defenders

Bukayo Saka ($14.94, SHU vs ARS)

Saka is available but played 77 minutes in the Europa League game on Thursday, so we know he is healthy, even though we don’t know how much Arteta is going play him. Cédric Soares ($3.11) should start out wide as well. It’s a good defensive match up with a clean sheet likely for the Gunners, plus phantom points on the offensive end.

Trent Alexander-Arnold ($13.98, LIV vs AST)

Is he back? I want to say yes. He earned 20 and 13.5 in his last two games, which included two straight shutouts for Liverpool. He added an assist and was constantly putting good balls into the box. When in form, he is the best right back in the EPL. It looks like he might be in form (or perhaps the center back behind him is finally able to spring him further forward).

Joe Rodon ($3.64, TOT vs MAN)

Rodon put up massive numbers last week even with two goals against. It has been two solid outings for him, and even without a great match up, it looks like he is a value pick moving forward.

Midfielders

Jesse Lingard ($6.44, WHU vs LEI)

He’s enjoying the time of his life since going to West Ham United on loan to be slotted into the starting-XI at the point of attack. You should already have him, but he’s still amazingly affordable. He has the 3rd highest ppg among midfielders, behind only Bruno and Grealish, so if you missed the first five boats to this fantasy stud, then you should buy him before he becomes any more expensive. His home-team benching is behind him, so he’s now a set-and-forget, especially in NMA-17 where you can cover for any upcoming fixture turbulence.

Pedro Neto ($16.98, FUL vs WOL)

I’m all about picking players I know are going to play. We get the Wolves lineup confirmed before our deadline, so we can guarantee Neto will start (or we can adjust). He has been a lonely bright spot for Wolves, averaging over 10 points a game. Leander Dendoncker ($6.84), who has been filling in at central mid, has been quietly putting up double digits most weeks too.

Mason Mount ($15.65, CRY vs CHE)

Mount has scored in two straight, against West Brom and Porto in the Champions League. He does everything for Chelsea. You never know what you’re going to get from Palace, but you know you’re going to get points with Mount.

Richarlison ($12.60, BHA vs EVE)

I feel like I say this every other week, but Richarlison is good for at least 10 points each week. The Toffees haven’t won in three games, so they need the points to stay within striking distance of a top-5 finish.

Raheem Sterling ($13.44, MCI vs LEE)

I’m looking at Sterling here because he didn’t play at all midweek in Champions League. You can never fully trust Pep Roulette, but if I’m placing a bet it’s going to be on #7, since Gundogan, DeBruyne, Mahrez, and Foden all went a full 90.

Forwards

Gabriel Jesus ($9.01, MCI vs LEE)

Jesus played only 30 minutes or so midweek, so I would guess he would start against Leeds. He also has four goals in his last four starts in the EPL, so he is a man on a hot streak against attack minded Leeds. However, if you’re a gambling sort, do you have the guts to start Sergio Aguero at $1.81? (Maybe in NMA-17 with cover)

Alexandre Lacazette ($12.17, SHU vs ARS)

Lacazette was disappointing against Liverpool. But Sheffield United isn’t Liverpool, and the Frenchman has three goals in his last five games.

Danny Ings ($10.56, WBA vs SOU)

Ings’ goal and assist last week show why he is so important to Southampton. He was dearly missed during his injury. I know that the Baggies beat a 10-man Chelsea last week, but they also conceded to those 10 men, so we know they’re vulnerable at the back. Ings inspired a comeback last week, and the Saints may be riding that momentum.

Diogo Jota ($6.58, LIV vs AST)

Jota has not disappointed on his return, scoring three goals in two games, including two in 28 minutes. It will be hard for Klopp to keep him out of the lineup in this form. I would suggest not keeping him out of your lineup either.

Cheaper options are fewer and less enticing (Bale, Llorente, Odegaard, Tanganga). Are you looking at any to enable some more expensive players? On whom are you spending big money? Please join us in the chat!

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