Ok Premier League Fantasy Football managers, let’s not dwell on GW34 too much. Needless to say, I bet we all learned a little something when it comes to backing Middlesbrough’s attacking options and Palace’s defenders in a DGW. I sure did as my 12pt Daniels bench performance stared at me for most of the week… yeah, still not over that 😡. And while GW35 does not involve any Doubles, it is worth noting that they return in GW36 with both Arsenal and Southampton having a pair of games. So, we will look at whether you should be investing ahead of time. Here are the matchups that Draft Fantasy managers get to look forward to this Gameweek.

Sunderland v Bournemouth

Bournemouth players served up the goods against Middlesbrough (Daniels😡!) and why not back them again versus sure to be relegated Sunderland. King is the clear main man but Afobe and Daniels (😡, ok last one I swear) are no slouches. Others that could help you out are Fraser, Arter or Pugh as all played well and should retain their spots. A clean sheet is also always a possibility against Sunderland but there is just as much of a chance that the Blacks Cats find a way in at home. And who could get it for Sunderland, Defoe and Anichebe are the preferred strike partnership and Khazri is on set pieces.


West Brom v Leicester

West Brom return to the field after their Blank and should be fresh but may be without Robson-Kanu and Phillips who picked up training ground injuries. If both miss out then it strengthens the case that Róndon and Chadli will be your best options. I think both teams will score so stick with the attackers for Leicester as well with Vardy and Mahrez the top picks with Albrighton providing some service too. A special thanks goes out to Fuchs for that extremely accurate throw into the “face” of Sánchez, as a non-owner of the Chilean it was nice to see 😜.

Southampton v Hull

Southampton have a nice home matchup this week and a Double, albeit a tough one (liv, ARS), coming up so it is a good time to invest in their fantasy options. Forster and the backline of Bertrand, Yoshida, Stephens and Soares are locked in it seems and the offense has some potential contributors in the form Gabbiadini, Tadic and Ward-Prowse. Boufal is stealing some of Redmond’s minutes but I still like the latter to be the more productive over the upcoming string of games. As mentioned previously, Hull are not near as good on the road and will likely struggle to score but at least they will have Niasse available after his red card was rescinded.

Stoke v West Ham

A couple of teams with not much on the line, but don’t tell that to fantasy owners. In a matchup like this I tend to give the advantage to the home team. Stoke are led by Arnautovic, but don’t be too surprised if he is off pks after that awful miss. Shaqiri, Berahino and Allen should continue to start. West Ham are relying on Lanzini and Ayew right right now but I feel like Sakho could be in line for a start. Both defenses could get you clean sheet points if both offenses continue to stutter but don’t bank on it. Also it looks like Butland is going to get a run of games in the Stoke net to finish up the season.


Crystal Palace v Burnley

If you grabbed Palace players for their past Double then you might as well hold them for this great home matchup. They still need points to assure safety so rotation should not be much of a factor. With that said, I do think Cabaye will return and still believe that van Aanholt will get a start over Schlupp who has played a lot of minutes. Sakho left injured and would be replaced by Delaney. I shouldn’t need to tell you to start Benteke, Zaha and Townsend here. Burnley on the road? I just don’t trust them at all, and even Barton wouldn’t bet on them to score…

Man Utd v Swansea

A solid home matchup for the Red Devils and it might be a little easier to figure out the starters than you think. With the Europa Semi looming expect a similar lineup to the one that beat Burnley with Rooney leading the way plus Shaw and Young on defense offering you a spot start option. Pogba is unlikely to be risked plus Rashford and Mkhitaryan may be rested/protected as they will be key to their other future games. Swansea will find it tough going at Old Trafford regardless and any goals will probably involve Sigurdsson and/or Llorente.

Middlesbrough v Man City

While the Middlesbrough Double was not a complete debacle with that clean sheet in their second game, I think I am done with them now to be honest so let’s focus on the City options. The big news was the return of Gabriel Jesus and he could get a start here as Agüero has played a fair amount recently. City have a wealth of attacking options with the above mentioned pair plus De Bruyne, Sané and Sterling. Silva is a risk after missing the derby. City players are good picks going forward in general due to their friendly schedule but rotation could become a factor. Kompany and Clichy seem to be the best defenders, plus watch the goaltending situation carefully too with Caballero now favored after Bravo left on a stretcher.

Everton v Chelsea

Everton’s defense has been productive recently but can they really keep this Chelsea team at bay? I would be shocked. Hazard is in scintillating form and Costa is coming off a huge game. Expect the same lineup unless Pedro is put back in at Fabregas’ expense but I doubt it. Lukaku will be up for this game, maybe like an audition of sorts, but it is hard to predict what will happen, just start him as usual. I think there will be goals for both but start your Chelsea defenders. They can produce regardless of clean sheets. Also note it looks like Stekelenburg may have taken over the reins in the Everton goal.

Tottenham v Arsenal

Spurs are pretty easy to call right now, they are consistently being led by Kane, Alli, Eriksen and Son, but I am not sure the defense is going to get you their usual points against Sanchez and company. Arsenal seems to have adopted a change in formation which has increased the value of a few players which is intriguing with their DGW coming up. The switch to three at the back has gotten Monreal and Oxlade-Chamberlain more involved offensively. Bellerín could benefit too but he will need the playing time which is not happening right now. Sanchez and Özil are no-brainers but up front Welbeck and Giroud are sharing minutes.


Watford v Liverpool

Liverpool stumbled against Palace and a trip to Watford has the makings to frustrate as well. Coutinho and Firmino are always solid picks though. There is a chance that Lallana could return which would help the Liverpool offense all around. If not then Origi should continue to start with Sturridge on the shelf again, shocker. Watford have been a good source of defensive points at home the last month but this matchup is not great. After seeing what Benteke did to Liverpool it seems reasonable that Deeney could get some similar opportunities.

With a short turnaround for some teams, rotation is bound to be an issue. Be sure to watch the team news on Friday for any hints. As usual, good luck with your Premier League Fantasy Football teams this GW35.


Simon Wardle

Draft Fantasy Football 2015/16 Global Champion

Visit my website at: http://simonsayssoccer.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @PriMaradona1