Transfer Tips for the Final Fantasy Premier League Weekend

Here we are, the final weekend of the Premier League season. Everything is all but decided in the real life league table but in the fantasy world, all is still to play for. Every goal, every assist, every clean sheet could prove the difference between winning your championship or being an also-ran.

This week, all the games kickoff at the same time on Sunday afternoon and most of the top teams have easy looking fixtures. Man City should cruise to victory over West Ham to collect their second Premier League title in three seasons and Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will all be looking for comfortable victories.

I’ve picked out 5 players below who you may wish to pick-up this week. I’ve also looked at who should be cut and gone with 3 men and 2 whole teams who you could consider dropping from your roster.

5 to pick-up

Ricky Lambert (striker) – The Southampton frontman will be looking for a big performance ahead of the England World Cup squad announcement on Monday. Lambert scored the only goal for the Saints from the substitutes’ bench last week and will hopefully get the start against Man United on Sunday. United are likely to field more of their young players as they look ahead to next year which could give Lambert extra opportunities in front of goal.

Gameweek 38 fixture – Manchester United

Aleksandar Kolarov (defender) – The attacking Serbian left-back has had share a place on the teamsheet with Gael Clichy this season but Kolarov has made an impression in home games against the Premier League’s lower ranked sides. His 8 assists lead the way for all defenders and he should have the opportunity to add to his tally against West Ham while also having a great chance of a clean sheet.

Gameweek 38 fixture – West Ham

Harry Kane (striker) – The Spurs forward could be one of the Premier League’s breakout stars next season but he can still help your team this week. Any current owners will have been disappointed last week as he scored an unfortunate own goal and was then substituted for a defender after Younes Kaboul’s red card. However, Tottenham will want end their inconsistent season on a high and clinch 6^th place and Kane has a great chance of adding to his 3 goals in 5 games against Villa.

Gameweek 38 - fixture – Aston Villa

Samir Nasri (midfielder) – It would be easy to make a case for Yaya Toure this week (and every week) but French playmaker Nasri offers a cheaper Man City midfield option. The champions elect could suffer some nerves but it’s likely they will stroll to a comfortable victory. Nasri has the third most assists amongst midfielders, including three in three games, and could potentially add to his tally of 6 league goals.

Gameweek 38 fixture – West Ham

Mesut Özil (midfielder) – This could be an expensive gamble to take but Arsenal should be far too strong for already relegated Norwich. Özil is likely to continue in his role behind Olivier Giroud and will be hoping that Norwich abandon their recent defensive tactics and allow him space to play. It’s been a disappointing first season in England for the German international but he’ll be looking to finish in style.

Gameweek 38 fixture - @Norwich

5 to cut

Sergio Aguero – Aguero is likely to miss Man City’s championship party on Sunday against West Ham with a groin injury. The Argentine striker injured himself in the act of scoring his side’s equalizer on Saturday against Everton and was sidelined for Wednesday’s clash with Aston Villa. Pellegrini is likely to field the same side as Wednesday with Toure and Silva supporting the lone striker Dzeko.

Wayne Rooney – It was only a week ago that I was extolling the virtues of the England striker but that was before it was revealed that he was nursing a groin strain and suffering with illness. He could return for United at Southampton but it’s probable that interim Manager Ryan Giggs will not rush him back ahead of the World Cup with his side having only pride to play for.

Phillippe Coutinho – It’s been a disappointing week all round for the young Liverpool midfielder. First of all, his 13 minute appearance on Monday coincided with Liverpool’s collapse at Crystal Palace and then on Wednesday he was left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad. I don’t expect his week to end well either as I expect he’ll be left amongst the substitutes again with Jordan Henderson returning after his suspension.

West Ham – If you have any West Ham players on your roster then they are definite candidates for dropping this week. I just can’t see them denying Man City the win that they need on Sunday or even troubling Joe Hart’s goal too much. The most owned Hammers players are Nolan, Collins and Jääskeläinen and better options are available for all.

Aston Villa – As it’s the last game of the season and I don’t need to look any further ahead than this weekend, I’ve picked a second entire team to avoid. Villa crashed to an anaemic albeit predictable defeat at Man City in midweek and I can’t see them getting any more joy at Tottenham on Sunday. Most Villa players are owned due to being very cheap squad options but these can all be dropped this weekend if you want to free up space in your team.

How did I do with last week’s predictions?

5 to pick-up

Edin Dzeko – 4 goals, 2 Man of the matches – Hit

Wayne Rooney – Injured and missed both games – Miss

Connor Wickham – 1 assist across 2 games, not as good as previous weeks – Miss

Laurent Koscielny – 1 clean sheet and a bonus point – Hit

Jonjo Shelvey – No contribution to poor Swansea defeat – Miss

5 to cut

Adam Lallana – No contribution in narrow win over Swansea – Hit

Jason Puncheon – Left the field before Palace’s comeback – Hit

Ryan Shawcross – Suspended for win over Fulham – Hit

Kevin Nolan – No goals or assists despite playing against 10 men for over half the game – Hit

Jose Fonte / Luke Shaw – Gained a clean sheet although Fonte was booked – Miss

Please note – All fantasy statistics are taken from fantasy.premierleague.com

Follow me on Twitter at @kingwillyj.