The first double gameweek of the season and what a thriller it’s set up to be with players from powerhouses Luton and Burnley each set for two shots at stardom. For some fantasy managers this will present an opportunity to get the edge on their opponent. For others, perhaps FPL veterans, the pain of Emmanuel Dennis’ red card or Shane Duffy’s single point live all too long in the memory to consider being suckered in by such temptations….Here are this week’s picks to help you navigate Gameweek 7 in either instance.

 

Reece Burke (LUT) DEF      Ownership: 0%      Next Fixture: EVE (A) / BUR (H)

First up is my only pick of the double gameweek options, but let’s be honest, this could easily be any of Luton’s backline. I’m going with Reece Burke for my punt given that he looks well-assured of minutes and has 4 efforts on goal and 2 key passes to his name so far this season. It’s worth mentioning the appeal of the Luton goalkeeper should he still be available in your league. The additional save points on offer here frequently give an edge over their defensive counterparts in double gameweeks.

 

Kurt Zouma (WHU) DEF      Ownership: 11.7%      Next Fixture: SHU (H)

Next up, Kurt ‘the boomer’ Zouma makes his way into my picks for West Hams showdown with Sheffield United. Fresh off the back of an 8-0 drubbing last week, I’d be hard pushed to make the case for an upset in this fixture, particularly given West Ham’s strong start to their campaign. Kurt Zouma gets the nod with potential for points at both ends of the pitch. The stats highlight Sheffield United’s particularly poor defence at set pieces and who better to capitalise on this than big Kurt.

 

Reiss Nelson (ARS) MID     Ownership: 0.4%      Next Fixture: BOU (H)

First of the midfielder picks for this week is somewhat of a one-week punt. With the Arsenal midfield ravaged by injuries, Nelson looks likely to start in this week’s appealing tie against Bournemouth. Unfortunate to have been so injury-stricken himself over the past couple of seasons, the young winger will be looking to follow his goal in the midweek cup fixture with another strong performance this week and I’m backing him to do just that.

 

Callum Hudson-Odoi (NFO) MID     Ownership: 0.3%      Next Fixture: BRE (H)

Making an instant impact in gameweek 5, the former Chelsea prospect reminded us just why he was once tipped for a big money move to the Bundesliga. As the new names at the City Ground continue to roll in, Hudson-Odoi is perhaps one of the most exciting prospects among them and with in-form Awoniyi up top to act as a foil for the prodigious talent, I can see imminent waiver wire scrambles for the services of the young Englishman. For those in need of strengthening their midfield, this pick offers excellent value for the coming weeks.

 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE) FWD      Ownership: 45.6%      Next Fixture: LUT (H)

It was with some trepidation that I added this name to my picks this week. Unsure if the catwalk-bothering striker will still be fit by the time I’ve even finished writing this sentence, I’m taking the gamble and opting for DCL as my striker pick for this week. Two goals in his last two games, this could finally be the return of a formerly much coveted fantasy asset. A word of caution for anyone taking the plunge however, make sure you’ve got a good backup in your team!
 

That will do it for this week. Best of luck on the waiver wire!