Open Thread: Planning for Playoffs
now is the time to ignore the disaster of GW29
Earlier this week I covered the injury crises facing many teams, possibly including your own fantasy team. Since there is absolutely nothing we can do about the schedule, all we can do is plan accordingly. We did that two weeks ago when looking ahead to the massive double match game week and how to capitalize. We’ll do the same now, trying to take a bit of advantage of those managers who - out of necessity or madness - are dropping players who should be rostered during the final three weeks of the season.
There are three teams with decidedly better fixtures from GW36-38 and one of them, well I can’t believe I writing this but I could see managers dropping Liverpool players in GW29 without a match and with the Reds clearly focusing on Champions League. There’s a decent argument to be made that adding LFC is a fools errand, but Jurgen Klopp’s side finish the season: West Brom (a), Burnley (a), Palace (H).
Directly behind the Reds for best closing schedule are West Ham. David Moyes squad could well be challenging for a top 4, and at the very least a European place when they travel to Brighton, then West Brom, before hosting Southampton on the season’s final day.
Hammers’ ownership numbers are already low, but expected given the rotation concerns and relatively low fantasy output despite quality EPL results. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (38%) has scored over 6.5 PPM. Those numbers tick up against softer opposition and this may be a chance to upgrade your GK. Pablo Fornals (55%, 7.12 PPM) and Craig Dawson (47%, 10.25 PPM) are both worth adding immediately because of West Ham’s GW29 match (home to Arsenal) and the pending playoff match-ups.
Finally, Leeds - Burnley (a), Saints (a) and West Brom (H) - and Sheffield United - Everton (a), Newcastle (a) and Burnley (H) - could both need to take maximum points from their opponents. Leeds have recently dipped into a negative goal differential and are 1-4-0 in their last five. It’s unlikely there will be many of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad dropped given the away fixture to Fulham in GW29, but adding goalkeeper Illan Meslier - ANOTHER GK RECCO! SOMEONE CHECK THE TEMPERATURE IN HELL - right now is a great play. He is 64% selected, will play in GW29 and has a soft AF playoff schedule.
For the Blades?? I mean, they are warm bodies but without a match in 29 and not a single player able to breach the very attainable level of 7 points per match? Yeah, they’re only mentioned here because players like Ollie McBurnie, David McGoldrick, John Fleck or Jaydon Bogle, may be valid streaming options in the playoffs that you should add to your shortlist now.
Important Reminder That Raphinha Is Fun
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Which players are you debating adding now for GW29? Who are you concerned about dropping?
Hey Gaffer,
Is it time to drop Barkley ? I could pick up rodrigo or ola aina for him but I do have Neto son and mahrez for forwards.
In my league, week 29 is unfortunately a battle between 1st and 3rd so really need to try to fill out a team.
Eze, would absolutely hate to drop but real poor form recently without Zaha and some tough games ahead after WBA. Redmond, already asked about him in a previous thread. Willock, has an okay floor and plays in GW29 so leaning away from him. And absolute worst case reluctantly mention Castagne, Leicester can't find their CS and Leicester injuries, still scoring okay just doesn't play in GW29 and think he's the odd defender out with Digne, Bartley, Coufal also on my roster.
Some options in the FA pool include Lucas, Fornals, Jonjo, Trez or Willian (is he back??)