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[Note: Some places on the Fantrax web site might label this week as #38. Go by the dates (May 18 & 19). ]
We are at the penultimate week of the 2020-21 EPL season. The title has been awarded, so Pep roulette is unfathomable without a confirmed lineup. The relegation teams are already condemned, so it’s not obvious who plays or what for there either.
But spots 2nd through 7th are still very much up in the air. These last two game-weeks will decide who gets which European spots for next year. Chelsea vs Leicester is a pivotal game! So I’ll be looking at players on teams that still have a lot to play for.
There’s also the Golden Boot still to be settled between Harry Kane and Mo Salah, who both need wins and face tasty opposition.
Here’s the fixture list:
Tuesday, 18 May
- Man United vs Fulham
- Southampton vs Leeds
- Brighton vs Man City
- Chelsea vs Leicester
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Wednesday 19 May
- Everton vs Wolves
- Newcastle vs Sheffield United
- Tottenham vs Aston Villa
- Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
- Burnley vs Liverpool
- West Brom vs West Ham
We Fantrax managers get the confirmed lineups for Man United, Fulham, Southampton, and Leeds about an hour before Tuesday’s early kickoff, so come back for NMA’s Pre-Deadline Chat at about 17:00 BST to make adjustments and join in the panic.
Goalkeepers
Dean Henderson (MAN vs FUL, $5.80) United can wrap up 2nd place with a tie or win. I think they will go for that at home against weak competition. Fulham has lost seven of the last eight, not scoring more than a single goal in a LONG time (since February 14).
Martin Dubravka (NEW vs SHU, $5.26) It’s a good match up for the Newcastle keeper, even though the Magpies are conceding. His points come from saves, which I don’t expect many of, so you’d be betting Sheffield’s offensive woes to continue.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (BUR vs LIV, $15.49) He is back again as the clear top pick among defenders (and priced accordingly). He has assists in two straight games. He really should have scored last game too.
Luke Shaw (MAN vs FUL, $11.65) You will get to see how United line up, but if the England left back is in the starting-XI, he’s a top choice. I could see some movement, but this is a tasty matchup for Shaw and other United defenders.
Tyrick Mitchell (CRY vs ARS, $5.90) You can’t expect goal plus an assist like last game, but he’s getting forward quite a bit. He is scoring fantasy points in various different ways, and he won’t be on a lot of fantasy teams. He’s getting his value back each week.
Diego Llorente (SOU vs LEE, $5.59) He stays in the recommendation list as another value pick. You know what you’re going to get each week from him.
Midfielders
Several of these midfielders (M) can also be slotted in as forwards (F)
Marcus Rashford (MAN vs FUL, $16.23 M/F) He has double digit points in six of his last eight starts. Paul Pogba is about half the price and earning about the same recently. Bruno is premium price and also putting up about the same points currently.
Raphinha (SOU vs LEE, $15.61 M/F) He again showed why you want him in your team week in and week out. He seems to be involved in every Leeds attack, and you can expect double digits each week.
Joseph Willock (NEW vs SHU, 5.26) He’s at five straight games with a goal. He’s cheap, scoring, and up against Sheffield United. Allan Saint-Maximin is still the man making it happen (which makes him a viable option too), but Willock is the one reaping the fantasy points.
Gareth Bale (TOT vs AST, $8.64 M/F) Bale is still an affordable option. He is capable of putting up major points, but also is finding ways to add to his fantasy totals without goals and assists. Spurs need the win, and Ryan Mason continues to rely on Bale.
Mason Greenwood (MAN vs FUL, $8.66 M/F) Again, we get to see the lineup, so we will know if Greenwood starts. Greenwood has six goals in his last 7 games too. He’s hot and playing Fulham at home. Edinson Cavani is cheaper and a great option too if he starts.
Forwards
Mo Salah (BUR vs LIV, $18.43) The Egyptian is tied with Harry Kane for the top scorer with 22 goals. Liverpool needs this win. Burnley has not been good at home.
Harry Kane (TOT vs AST, $25.07) As stated, Kane is the co-scoring leader. Spurs also need the win. Since Mason has taken over, there is more push forward.
Christian Benteke (CRY vs ARS, $9.25) It’s hard to ignore Benteke right now. He looks like a new player.
Is anyone gambling with post-title super Pep roulette? Even Ederson got a rest last time! I’m just too scared to recommend anyone, but YMMV. Are there other cheap options to help afford some premiums? What big names are you focusing on? Can you you believe this weekend the season will end? Please share in the comments!
Also remember that Finale Sunday has all 10 matches kicking off together, which means 20 confirmed lineups for us! Don’t miss it!