Tag Archives: Team

Posted on by

Best Value Buys for Fantasy Football – Week 25

Struggling to make budget with your Fantasy Football team? Well, look no further than the PlayUp Fantasy Football guru, bringing you four low-cost, high-value players every week that are more than just space fillers.

Reply

Goalkeeper: £4.9m

Julio Cesar (QPR) vs Norwich (H)

Star goalkeeper Julio Cesar has been one of the investments of the Premier League this season, producing sensational performances week in, week out for QPR, and almost single handedly maintaining their hopes of Premier League survival. The Brazilian produced a barnstorming performance against Manchester City in midweek, and we’re tipping Cesar’s breathtaking form to continue when QPR take on out-of-sorts Norwich City on Saturday.

Chris Hughton’s Norwich have been brought back down to earth in recent weeks after a mid-season surge, losing 5 and winning none of their last 7 recent Premier League matches. The Canaries are lacking attacking prowess of late, and now find themselves going through a baron spell in front of goal having failed to find the net in their last 3 matches in all competitions before Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Julio Cesar has helped himself to 3 clean sheets in his last 4 Premier League outings for Rangers, making an astonishing 19 registered saves in that time. The Brazilian has picked up 26 Fantasy Football points in the last 3 weeks, and will be diving his life away to pick up more against Norwich. Cesar is a solid top-10 point scoring goalkeeper, and to bring him into your side this week for just £4.9m would be very kind to your points tally, and especially kind to your purse strings.

 

Defender: £4.4m

Ben Davies (Swansea City) vs West Ham (A)

When Swansea’s regular left-back Neil Taylor suffered a horrific broken ankle at the start of the season, manager Michael Laudrup looked to be out of options and out of luck at the back. But up stepped 19-year-old Ben Davies, who has made the position his own and now cemented himself as a regular Premier League starter.

Davies has helped his Swansea side to 5 clean sheets this season, and he’ll look to make it 6 when he lines up against the struggling West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday. The Hammers have won just one of their last 11 matches in all competitions, and have dried up in front of goal in recent weeks – scoring just 3 goals in their last 5 matches.

Meanwhile, the Swans are enjoying a fruitful defensive spell, conceding just 2 in their last 6 matches in all competitions, keeping 4 clean sheets in that time. If Swansea can find their way to 3 points at Upton Park then their defensive solidity will have a lot to do with it.

In Davies, is a left-back with maturity beyond his professional years, and while he strives to keep the ball out of the net at his end, he can also prove a threat to the opposition’s net at the other. Davies has scored once, and notched up two assists so far this season, meaning that for £4.4m you’ve got yourself a free-flowing left-back with the potential to pick you up some vital points in the back end of the season.

 

Midfielder: £5.6m

Adam Lallana (Southampton) vs Wigan Athletic (A)

Saints midfielder Adam Lallana has been out with a rather unfortunate knee injury since the start of December, but has now returned to the first team and is more determined to instrument a Southampton success story than ever. Lallana played 45 minutes of the Saints’ recent 2-1 loss to Manchester United, and looked the best player on the park from his first touch to last.

Lallana is likely to start this week as his side travel to Wigan, and we’re tipping the Englishman to comeback with style and echo his early season form at the DW Stadium. The 24-year-old scored twice and grabbed 4 assists before his crippling injury, and received an England call-up as recognition of his professionalism and ability.

The Saints have tasted defeat just 3 times in their last 13 Premier League matches, and they impressively took the game to Manchester United at Old Trafford in midweek, which is a rarity for a side in the bottom half of the table. Meanwhile, their opponents Wigan have won just 1 of their last 11 top-flight games, and have slipped into trouble at the bottom of the league.

With new manager Mauricio Pochettino determined to grab his first win, and Wigan enduring a dismal spell of form, we expect a Lallana influenced Southampton side to do the business this week. The young midfielder could just grab you some vital points as the season comes to a close.

 

Forward: £4.7m

Adam Le Fondre (Reading) vs Sunderland (H)

Reading’s recent spell of good form has seen them move from their doomed position at the bottom of the Premier League table up to 17th place and clear of the relegation zone, by and large thanks to the work of in-form hitman Adam Le Fondre.

Le Fondre has scored 10 important goals for Reading this season, taking him into the top-20 Fantasy Football point scoring strikers in the top flight. The Reading front man has scored 5 goals in his last 3 Premier League matches, and we expect that run to continue when the Royals take on Sunderland this Saturday.

The Black Cats have won just 2 of their last 7 matches in all competitions, and haven’t won at the Madejski Stadium since March 2004, losing their last 2 trips to Berkshire. Sunderland’s attacking woes continued this week, as they produced just 2 attempts on target in their recent 0-0 draw with Swansea – something that the passionate Royals will look to exploit as their quest for safety continues.

Adam Le Fondre’s predatory instincts in front of goal make him one of the current hottest finishers in the Premier League; his manager Brian McDermott recently said that ‘the man oozes goals,’ and in turn, he could be oozing points for your side for just £4.7m – bargain!

 

Share


Posted on by

Best Value Buys for Fantasy Football – Week 24

A rare, full midweek Premier League schedule takes centre stage in Fantasy Football this week, but don’t get caught out and forget those all important transfers! PlayUp’s Fantasy Football guru brings you four more low-cost, high-value players to whip your team into shape this week.

Reply

Goalkeeper: £5.1m

Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) vs West Ham (H)

Aussie goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been one of Fulham’s most consistent performers this season; producing age-defying displays week in, week out for the Cottagers. The 40-year-old has kept four clean sheets, and managed a massive 80 registered saves so far this season. When goal-shy West Ham visit Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, we’re tipping the big stopper to find his fifth clean sheet, and pick up some valuable points in the mean time.

West Ham’s away form has been nothing short of dreadful in recent weeks, the Hammers have scored just 1 goal in their last 6 away matches in all competitions. That goal came in a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Arsenal last week, which is hardly something to shout about. In their last 7 away matches, the Irons have lost 6, and drawn 1; the kind of form that has seen them slip towards the wrong end of the table.

Meanwhile, Fulham have lost just 1 of their last 5 matches at home in all competitions, and have tasted defeat just 4 times at Craven Cottage all season against teams higher placed in the table. In Schwarzer, is an experienced goalkeeper that’s guaranteed to pick up valuable points as the season progresses, and for £5.1m he’s a sure bet for financial success too! Snap him up this week to reap the point rewards.

 

Defender: £5.3m       

Sylvain Distin (Everton) vs West Brom (H)

Everton’s no nonsense centre half Sylvain Distin has been instrumental behind the club’s success this season, keeping the Toffees goal intact and firing them up the table with solid performance after solid performance. 5th placed Everton play host to a wobbly West Brom side on Wednesday night, and we expect the Frenchman Distin to lead his side to a clean sheet against the Baggies and to pick up more bargain points for you.

Everton’s home form speaks for itself this season, the club have lost just once at Goodison Park all campaign, making the ground a true Premier League fortress once again. The record gets better against West Brom – the Toffees have lost just 1 of their last 14 home matches against Albion, a record that dates back to 1980. During that impressive 14-match run, Everton kept 8 clean sheets against the Baggies, making it that bit more imposing.

West Brom have failed to record a win in their last 6 matches in all competitions, and it’s something that David Moyes’ side will almost certainly exploit on Wednesday night. Sylvain Distin has lead his side to two consecutive Premier League clean sheets in recent weeks, and he’ll be looking to do so again West Brom. £5.3m for a regular starting, top-5 Premier League defender is a bargain that can’t be missed.

 

Midfielder: £5.8m

Jonathan De Guzman (Swansea City) vs Sunderland (A)

Swansea City’s status in English football just seems to get better and better. The club have cemented themselves as a solid force in the Premier League, by and large thanks to impressive bargain signings like Dutchman Jonathan De Guzman.

De Guzman, together with fellow attacking midfielder Michu, have been in scintillating form for the Swans this season, firing them up to ninth in the table and earning them a place in the League Cup final. When Michael Laudrup’s men visit Sunderland on Tuesday night, we fully expect De Guzman to enjoy another fruitful evening in the white shirt.

Despite Sunderland’s recent form, the Black Cats’ have still lost 6 of their last 10 home matches in all competitions, winning just 3. Meanwhile, the Swans have been rock-solid away from home, winning 2 and drawing 2 of their last 4 top flight matches on the road.

Jonathan De Guzman has scored 5 goals for the club this season, and has added 5 assists to boot, putting him firmly in the top-15 point scoring midfielders in Fantasy Football. De Guzman netted twice in Swansea’s most recent Premier League match against Stoke, and we wouldn’t put it past the 25-year-old to produce a similarly impressive performance at the Stadium of Light this week.

 

Forward: £5.0

Kenwyn Jones (Stoke City) vs Wigan Athletic (H)

Stoke forward Kenwyne Jones has deservedly worked his way into the Potters’ starting line-up this season after being second string to Peter Crouch for so long. The 28-year-old’s power, touch, and aerial ability have made him one of Stoke’s most valuable assets of late; and we expect Jones to produce yet another commanding performance when Wigan visit the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Trinidadian striker has played just 9 games of over 25 minutes for Stoke since Peter Crouch picked up his injury, but he’s certainly seized his opportunity with both hands. Jones has scored 3, and grabbed 3 assists in those 9 matches, and he’s now made Crouch the second choice of the powerful striker hierarchy at Stoke.

Stoke’s home form is the sole reason behind the Potters’ impressive climb up the Premier League, winning 5 and losing just 1 of their 11 matches at the Britannia this season. Meanwhile, Wigan’s away form has been somewhat of a contrast, losing 7 and drawing 1 of their 11 fixtures on the road so far.

The Latics have notched up just 1 Premier League win in their last 10 outings, and with powerful strikers like Kenwyne Jones tormenting their back line, that run looks set to continue. Jones is well worth a transfer for such a small fee, and he may well be the best space filler you’ve ever bagged.

 

 

Share


Posted on by

Best Value Buys for Fantasy Football – Week 23

New year, but same old PlayUp Fantasy Football guru, giving you 4 low cost, high value players to get your team into shape in 2013.

Reply

 

Following us last week you would have bagged yourself a whopping 24 points from our 4 bargain buys – the Fantasy Football guru never disappoints!

Goalkeeper: £5.2m

Simon Mignolet (Sunderland) vs Wigan (A)

With the topsy-turvy season that Sunderland are having, you’d hardly expect their goalkeeper to be a wise pick for Fantasy Football… But how wrong you’d be! Belgian stopper Simon Mignolet has been on top form between the sticks for Sunderland this season, and is currently the second highest point scoring keeper in Fantasy Football. Mignolet kept an impressive clean sheet against West Ham last week, and we’re expecting the 24-year-old to do the same against a goal-shy Wigan side on Saturday afternoon.

Mignolet has kept 8 clean sheets already this season, and has made a staggering 87 registered saves on top of that. One of those clean sheets came against Saturday’s opponents Wigan Athletic earlier in the season, as the Black Cats ran out 1-0 winners on an easy day at the office for Mignolet.

Wigan have scored just 3 goals in their last 4 matches in all competitions, and after losing their top marksmen Arouna Kone to the African Cup of Nations last week, we expect that run to continue. The Latics have failed to find the net in 9 matches this season, the second highest of all the goal-shy sides in the top flight, behind Stoke City and Aston Villa (10). Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill’s resurgent Sunderland side have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 5 Premier League matches – and we’re tipping them to make it 4 from 6 on Saturday; giving Mignolet, and in turn you, lots of vital points this week.

 

Defender: £5.3m

Gareth McAuley (West Brom) vs Aston Villa (H)

Out of sorts Aston Villa can’t seem to catch a break at the moment; they’ve slumped into the relegation zone after a poor run of results, suffered Capital One Cup embarrassment at the hands of League Two Bradford City, and now face a tough trip to the Hawthorns against high-flying West Brom as they look to mount a recovery effort for their season.

Villa have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in the Premier League without finding the net, and we expect that run to get even worse when they visit Albion’s fortress, the Hawthorns this weekend.

Albion centre back Gareth McAuley has been an integral cog behind the club’s success this season, helping the Baggies to 5 clean sheets with continuous solid performances at the heart of defence. West Brom have won 7, drawn 1, and lost just 3 of their home matches this season in which the Northern Irish defender has featured, taking apart the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool in the process.

West Brom have won 2, and lost none of their last 4 league meetings with Aston Villa; conceding just 3 goals and keeping one clean sheet in that time. Paul Lambert’s relegation threatened Villains have won just twice away from home this season, and only a late Darren Bent strike saved them from defeat when these sides met in the league earlier in the season.

The Baggies will be desperate for a win on Saturday after suffering late heartbreak away at Reading last week, and what a perfect way to do it against your local rivals. Defensive leader Gareth McAuley will be giving his all to steer his side to victory, keep a clean sheet, and bag you some lovely cheap points in the process.

 

Midfielder: £5.6m

Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) vs Norwich City (H)

18-year-old Raheem Sterling has been a sensation for Liverpool since his emergence into the first team at the start of the year, and has risen from strength to strength in the top flight. The teenager has dazzled opponents on the wing with his quick feet and sublime vision, and he’ll hope to be on top form when Norwich City visit Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool have a sensational record against the Canaries in recent years, and in particular in the most recent year! The Reds produced a 3-0, and a 5-2 victory against Norwich in 2012, giving them their 6th and 7th victories over the East-Anglian club in just 8 matches. Sterling was still an unknown schoolboy when his club won 3-0 at the start of the year, but featured heavily in the 5-2 fixture, grabbing an assist in that match.

Young Raheem has scored 2 Premier League goals this season, and has added 5 assists to boot, making him the Reds’ second highest Fantasy Football point scoring midfielder behind captain Steven Gerrard… Though he is half the price!

Norwich City have lost 4, and drawn 1 of their last 5 Premier League games, and will arrive at Anfield with the fear of Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling tormenting their defence still overhanging from matches past. £5.6 million for a top class, top 6, high point scoring midfielder is a Fantasy Football no brainer! Transfer Raheem Sterling into your team this week and reap the point benefits.

 

Forward: £4.9m

Carlton Cole (West Ham United) vs QPR (H) and Arsenal (A)

It’s a double match week for West Ham in gameweek 23, with the Londoners facing two fierce capitol derbies against QPR and Arsenal. In a week where the Hammers will face two shaky sides, we’re tipping solo striker Carlton Cole to earn you points in abundance.

West Ham’s home form has been exemplary this season, picking up 6 wins and losing just twice in the Premier League. At home against QPR, the Irons have won 2 and lost none of their last 3 matches, with their last loss coming way back in 1993. When the sides met earlier in the season, a Carlton Cole inspired West Ham side ran out 2-1 winners against Rangers, with the big English striker grabbing an assist in that match.

West Ham’s midweek opponents Arsenal have lost 2 of their last 4 home games without scoring, and have looked increasingly vulnerable in recent weeks. With Carlton Cole on the prowl at the Emirates, the Gunners shaky form may just continue.

West Ham main striker, Andy Carroll is expected back in the next few weeks, but while he remains sidelined Cole will take responsibility of firing the Hammers up the table. Cole has scored twice and grabbed 3 assists since replacing the former Liverpool striker in the West Ham set-up, and while he’s rated at just £4.9 million, he’s a deal worth snapping up!

 

Share


Posted on by

Best Value Buys for Fantasy Football – Week 22

New year, but same old PlayUp Fantasy Football guru, giving you 4 low cost, high value players to get your team into shape in 2013.

Reply

Goalkeeper: £4.0m

Mark Bunn (Norwich City) vs Newcastle United (H)

Norwich stopper Mark Bunn is becoming somewhat of a Fantasy Football favourite and for good reason too! The 28 year old has performed at the top of his game this season, making 26 registered saves in 8 matches to continue the Canaries’ impressive start to the Premier League.

Chris Hughton’s side will be full of confidence after their 3-0 drubbing of Peterborough in the FA Cup last weekend, and will be expecting that form to continue when struggling Newcastle visit Carrow Road.

Having lost their top marksman Demba Ba to Chelsea, Newcastle will need to find goals through Shola Ameobi and Papiss Cisse. However, with Cisse injured and Ameobi suspended ahead of the trip to Norwich on Saturday, it’s hard to see the Magpies breaking through – meaning that Bunn may well be in line to keep his first Premier League clean sheet of the season and grab you some vital points this week.

Norwich City had won their last 5 home matches on the bounce before the visits of Manchester City and Chelsea, and conceded just 2 goals in that rich spell. Meanwhile, Newcastle are yet to muster a win away from home this season, conceding 13 goals in their last 3 matches in all competitions.

With John Ruddy out until mid-February, Mark Bunn is a real bargain for £4 million, and he could just fire your team up the leagues in 2013.

 

Defender: £5.3m

Sylvain Distin (Everton) vs Swansea City (H)

Frenchman Sylvain Distin has been a key player behind Everton’s glittering Premier League success this season, propelling the Merseyside club up to 5th in the table with endless solid performances. The Toffees have lost on just two occasions all season when Distin has played, and they’ll hope to keep it at two when Swansea City visit Goodison Park on Saturday.

Everton haven’t kept a clean sheet in 18 games, but good / bad runs don’t last forever, and this week’s clash with the Swans could be the duck breaker for David Moyes’ men. The last time Everton kept a clean sheet was in fact against Swansea earlier in the season. The Toffees performed brilliantly in a 3-0 win at the Liberty Stadium, whereby they kept the Welsh club’s top marksman Michu unfamiliarly quiet.

Brian Laudrup’s Swans have failed to score away from home in 2 of their last 3 Premier League games, and haven’t managed a single goal against Everton since 1983. They have lost 1-0, 2-0, and 3-0 against the Toffees since returning to the top flight last season.

Everton’s home form has been immaculate recently, losing just once in all competitions since March of last year. With defenders like Sylvain Distin at the helm, it’s not hard to see why – the Frenchman can be yours for the bargain price of just £5.3m.

 

Midfielder: £5.6m

Joe Cole (West Ham United) vs Sunderland (A)

The return of the prodigal son, Joe Cole to West Ham has certainly given Hammers fans every reason to be happy in 2013. Cole left the Irons in 2003, but returned to first team action for his childhood club in the FA Cup against Manchester United last weekend, and performed brilliantly. Cole grabbed 2 assists on his home debut, setting up James Collins with telling crosses on both occasions. Cole looked a constant threat all game, and you’d be brave to bet against the 31 year old producing a similar performance against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this week.

The Black Cats have lost their last 3 Premier League matches on the spin recently, and could only manage a draw against Championship club Bolton in the FA Cup last weekend. Sunderland have lost 4, and drawn 1 of their last 6 top flight visits to Upton Park, keeping just one clean sheet.

With target men like Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll leading the line for West Ham, Joe Cole’s impeccable deliveries will once again have the chance to receive the finishes that they deserve. Landing a regular starting, dangerous midfielder like Cole for just £5.6 million is a deal that can’t be missed, get transferring!

 

Forward: £6.3m

Rickie Lambert (Southampton) vs Aston Villa (A)

Aston Villa have had the most miserable of miserable spells since mid December, to the point where time may be running out for manager Paul Lambert. If Villa lose to Southampton on Saturday, possibly thanks to goals from the manager’s namesake Rickie, then Paul could be packing his bags. Bad news for him, but great news for you if you snap up the Southampton striker this week!

Villa have lost 3 of their last 4 Premier League games, and have conceded 17 goals in that dismal run, and the misery doesn’t stop there! In their last 5 home matches, Aston Villa have managed just one goal, and still it doesn’t stop! Their Capital One Cup semi final against League Two side Bradford City ended in an embarrassing 3-1 loss on Tuesday night, piling more pressure on the Midlands club.

Meanwhile, their opponents, the Saints have lost just 2 of their last 10 Premier League matches, and have already tasted success against Villa this season. Nigel Adkins’ men ran out 4-1 winners at St Mary’s at the end of September, with the tipped Lambert grabbing two of the goals.

Saints front man Rickie Lambert has scored 8 Premier League goals this season, and has provided an impressive 4 more assists to boot – putting him into the top 6 scoring Fantasy Football strikers in this campaign.

A high scoring striker for a beautifully cheap price, simply IS Rickie Lambert; reap the rewards of the 30 year old being in your team this week.

 

Share


Posted on by

Best Value Buys For Fantasy Football – Week 17

PlayUp's Fantasy Football guru pulls out some pre-Christmas crackers to get your fantasy team in shape running to the festive season.

Reply

Goalkeeper: £4.0m

Mark Bunn (Norwich City) vs Wigan Athletic (H)

Norwich fans’ hopes for their season all-but crumbled last month after the news that regular goalkeeper John Ruddy would be ruled out for 3 months through injury. 3 games later, and the Canaries have a new hero between the sticks leading them to Premier League survival.

28 year-old Mark Bunn has filled Ruddy’s gloves superbly since the Englishman picked up his thigh injury, conceding just 2 goals in 3 games before Norwich’s 7-goal thrilling victory over Swansea last weekend. Bunn will start once again against Wigan Athletic on Saturday, who have scored just 2 goals away from home in their last 6 Premier League games.

Carrow Road has proved a fortress for the Canaries in recent weeks. The Yellows have won their last 4 Premier League home games on the bounce, and have conceded just one goal in that time – all adding up to a clean sheet for Bunn, and a victory for Chris Hughton’s side on Saturday afternoon.

Wigan have visited Carrow Road 3 times in their history, and have mustered just 1 goal in that time – Victor Moses’ strike in a 1-1 draw last season. We’re tipping Wigan to fail to beat Bunn in the Norwich goal this weekend, giving you some cracking clean sheet points for a bargain price.

A regular starting Premier League goalkeeper for one of the most stubborn defences in the Premier League for £4.0m is a deal that can’t be overlooked…

 

Defender: £4.9m

Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur) vs Swansea City (H)

Defender Steven Caulker has moved from strength to strength in the heart of the Spurs defence this season, proving to be the rock at the back that the club so sorely craved in the absence of Younes Kaboul. The 20 year old has racked up 42 Fantasy Football points in just 9 Premier League starts for Tottenham – a pretty impressive return rate!

When these sides met last season in the Premier League, Caulker was in fact a Swansea player. The Englishman moved for a season-long loan to the Liberty Stadium, proving to his employers that he has the ability to hold his own in the top flight. Spurred on by playing against his former club, we’re tipping Caulker to produce a solid performance against Brian Laudrup’s Swans, and to keep a clean sheet for his club in the process.

Swansea haven’t won at White Hart Lane since 1978, and will need to end Spurs’ run of 4 consecutive home victories in all competitions if they’re to get anything out of Sunday’s match. Young Caulker has scored twice for Spurs, and has even found the net for England – showing that he has the aerial presence to grab you points for scoring goals as well for clean sheets.

A starting defender for a cast-iron top 6 Premier League club for as little as £4.9m is an absolute bargain, and could just be the best transfer you’ve ever made.

 

Midfielder: £5.5m

Chris Brunt (West Bromwich Albion) vs West Ham United (H)

West Brom have suffered a slight dip in form since their explosive start to this season’s Premier League, but they’ll fancy their chances against an injury plagued West Ham side on Sunday.

Despite their loss against Stoke at the Hawthorns a fortnight ago, the Baggies have still won 6 of their 8 Premier League matches at home this season. Their opponents West Ham have lost 5 of their 7 away fixtures this year, and could prove ideal visitors to the Hawthorns for West Brom as they look to get their season back on track.

Albion midfielder Chris Brunt has missed chunks of the season through injury, but is now fully fit and getting back to business in the Premier League. Brunt has completed 90 minutes of football just 5 times for the Baggies this season, but has provided 4 goal assists in that time.

Brunt’s vision and passing ability make him one of the finest providers for Premier League front men, while his attacking prowess and power means the 27 year old constantly carries a goal threat. With Brunt back to full fitness, £5.5m is a stupendously small amount to pay for a midfielder that guarantees you goals, assists and starts throughout the season.

 

Forward: £5.5

Hugo Rodallega (Fulham) vs QPR (A)

Fulham returned to winning ways against Newcastle last week after a 7-match run without a Premier League win; by and large thanks to the attacking brilliance of Columbian striker Hugo Rodallega. The 27 year old scored the winner against The Magpies on Monday night, and finally provided Dimitar Berbatov with a strike partner that suited his playing style. We’re tipping Rodallega to hit match-winning form yet again this week as Fulham travel to bottom of the table Queens Park Rangers, whose stats against the Cottagers speak volumes.

Last season, Fulham inflicted a 7-0 aggregate thrashing on QPR in the Premier League, winning 6-0 at Craven Cottage before a 1-0 win at Loftus Road – and the bad record doesn’t end there…

QPR have lost 5 of their last 6 matches against Fulham in the league, and haven’t managed to score a single goal against them in that time. Their last win against their West London rivals came in the old Second Division back in 1983; at a time when their new manager Harry Redknapp was a sprightly man of 36 years.

Across both Premier League fixtures against QPR last season while playing for Wigan, Rodallega scored once and grabbed two assists – form that we think he’ll be emulating against the R’s this weekend, giving you some vital Fantasy Football points for a bargain price.

 

Share


Posted on by

Best Value Buys For Fantasy Football – Week 16

Struggling to make budget with your Fantasy team? Look no further than these four low cost, high value buys from the PlayUp Fantasy Football guru.

Reply

Goalkeeper: £4.1m

Gerhard Tremmel (Swansea City) vs Norwich City (H)

Swansea City fans must have feared the worst for their season 27 minutes into their clash with Manchester City on October 27th.  Carlos Tevez’s well placed shot for the Champions beat regular goalkeeper Michel Vorm and caused the Dutchman to pull his groin muscle, ending his time between the sticks for Swansea in 2012.

With just 1 win in 6 up to the City match, the loss of their star keeper was all that Brian Laudrup’s Swans needed. 34 year old Gerhard Tremmel was the man chosen to fill Vorm’s very capable gloves in his absence, and steady the sinking Swansea ship… It’s safe to say that the German has done an incredible job!

Tremmel has lead the Swans to a 6-match Premier League unbeaten run since taking Vorm’s place, and has kept two clean sheets in that time – against cast iron top 6 sides Arsenal and Liverpool. The German has conceded just 4 goals in the 6 games that he’s started, and has recorded a massive 26 registered saves in the process – picking up lots of Fantasy Football points for his troubles.

When Norwich City visit the Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon, we’re tipping Gerhard Tremmel to keep the Canaries out and keep up his excellent recent form.  Chris Hughton’s side are on a sublime run of their own, but they’re still yet to win a match away from home this season and have scored just 5 times on their travels since the opening day.

Tremmel is likely to be filling in for Vorm until the new year, and with a busy period of football coming up there’s a good chance for you to pick up points for a bargain. £4.1m for the keeper of one of the league’s most stubborn defences? Deal.

 

Defender: £5.1m

Winston Reid (West Ham United) vs Liverpool (H)

New Zealander Winston Reid has been an absolute rock at the back for West Ham this season, and has played a massive part in the Hammers’ success story so far. The 24 year old centre back has held his own against the formidable forward forces of Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero, Robin van Persie and Fernando Torres to name a few!

Reid would have been looking forward to the challenge of dealing with Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez when Liverpool visit Upton Park on Sunday, but the Premier League’s top scorer will be watching from the sidelines as he sees out a one match ban. With Suarez unavailable, we’re struggling to see where Liverpool’s goals are going to come from against West Ham, which is all the more reason to throw their main centre back into your Fantasy team.

The Hammers have kept 5 clean sheets this season, 3 of which were at home, and will be full of confidence ahead of the match with Liverpool after beating Champions League champions Chelsea 3-1 last weekend.

Winston Reid has already popped up with a goal this season, which means that the young man is capable of picking up goal scoring points as well as the clean sheet points that he’ll be craving. A regular starting defender of a strong side like West Ham for just £5.1m is value that even Lidl can’t match. Get transferring!

 

Midfielder: £4.6m

Jason Puncheon (Southampton) vs Reading (H)

Saints’ midfielder Jason Puncheon is such a good value buy for Fantasy Football that he’s made our list twice now. The 26 year old has been in irresistible form for Nigel Adkins’ side this year, and is the best buy that Fantasy Football junk change can buy.

Puncheon has been operating in a far more advanced role than his midfield label suggests, and has partnered Rickie Lambert in the out-and-out striker position in recent weeks. The Englishman has been a nightmare for defences of late, and will hope to prove that once again when the leaky defence of Reading visit St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

Puncheon had been out of favour with Southampton boss Nigel Adkins at the start of the season, but since cementing his place in the line up he has rewarded his manager with some sterling performances. The 26 year old has been instrumental behind Southampton’s recent success, and has definitely eased his selection worries for this campaign. Puncheon has grabbed 5 assists this season despite only starting 10 Premier League matches for the Saints, and his pass or involvement is usually telling before a Saints’ goal.

Southampton’s opponents Reading have shipped 27 goals in 14 matches this season, and 10 in their last 4. Meanwhile, Southampton have lost just 1 of their last 7 home matches in all competitions, and have scored an impressive 13 goals in that time.

Goals galore is being tipped up at St Mary’s on Saturday, and if the Saints can deal a heavy blow to the score sheet then Puncheon will almost definitely be the architect behind it – well worth a transfer for such a small fee.

 

Forward: £5.1m

Jamie Mackie (QPR) vs Wigan Athletic (A)

Scotsman Jamie Mackie has been a rare shining light for QPR in a dark and dreary campaign for the West Londoners. However, since the appointment of Harry Redknapp to Loftus Road, things have been on the up – including the goal tally of 27 year old Mackie.

Out of favour under Mark Hughes, Mackie spent the majority of the season injecting his passionate style of play into the underperforming Rangers from the bench – to little success. But under a new manager, the forward is finally getting the starts that he deserves, and rewarding his manager for the faith.

Mackie has scored 2 goals in his last 3 matches for the R’s – the opener at Old Trafford against Manchester United, and the decisive equaliser against Aston Villa last weekend. Mackie’s excellent form together with Wigan’s defensive injury woes make the Scotsman a very sensible Fantasy Football buy this week.

Ivan Ramis, Maynor Figueroa and Steven Caldwell will all miss the clash with QPR on Saturday afternoon, leaving Wigan manager Roberto Martinez without 3 of his main, starting defenders. The injuries and suspensions are all that the Latics need, having conceded 12 goals in their last 5 Premier League matches.

QPR are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season, and could just find their first elusive 3 points of the campaign at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Jamie Mackie is likely to lead the line for Rangers, and you’d be unwise to be against the 27 year old playing a significant part in a win for Harry Redknapp’s men.

 

 

Share


Posted on by

Best Value Buys For Fantasy Football – Week 13

Struggling to make budget with your Fantasy team? Look no further than these four low cost, high value buys from the PlayUp Fantasy Football guru.

Reply

Goalkeeper: £5.4m

Anders Lindegaard (Manchester United) vs QPR (H)

Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard has had a stop-start season this year having endured Sir Alex Ferguson’s goalkeeper rotation policy together with Spanish stopper David De Gea.

Lindegaard was hit with a thumb injury at the end of September, which meant De Gea took the Dane’s place in the United goal. The Spaniard conceded 7 goals in 5 matches in his absence, so it’s no surprise that Manchester United have welcomed back Lindegaard with open arms after his return to fitness.

United have had a habit of going behind in matches this season, and have only kept one clean sheet at home in their entire campaign so far. Anders Lindegaard was in goal for that match – a 4-0 thrashing of Wigan in September. When bottom of the table QPR visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, Lindegaard will be hoping for a repeat performance to pick up big Fantasy Football clean sheet points.

Queens Park Rangers haven’t scored against Manchester United in their last 3 meetings in all competitions, and lost 2-0 in both of their Premier League fixtures against the Red Devils last season. Their last goal against United at Old Trafford came in December 1995, in a 2-1 loss for the R’s. Lindegaard will be rubbing his steady hands together at these stats, and we’re tipping the Dane to shut out the struggling Rangers for 90 minutes on Saturday to earn you some points.

 

Defender: £5.2m

Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City) vs Fulham (H)

English brute defender, Ryan Shawcross is the epitome of the old fashioned centre back – solid in the air, not afraid of a tackle, and carries  a ‘no nonsense’ approach. His impressive performances for Stoke City have warranted England international call ups recently, for whom he made his debut in a friendly against Sweden at the start of the month.

Shawcross has been the engine behind Stoke’s stubborn performances this season, helping his team to 5 clean sheets already – 4 of those being at home. When Fulham visit the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, Shawcross will be hoping for another impenetrable performance to pick up clean sheet points for your Fantasy Football team.

Martin Jol’s Fulham have scored on just 1 occasion in their last 3 visits to Stoke – losing by 2 goals to nil in both of their other matches against the Potters. In the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage last season, Ryan Shawcross scored for Stoke in a 2-1 loss for his side. Showing that the defender is more than capable of popping up with a goal as well as producing a sturdy defensive performance.

A starting Premier League defender in one of the strongest defensive set ups in the Premier League for £5.2m? Done.

 

Midfielder: £5.4m

Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) vs Swansea City (A)

17 year old sensation Raheem Sterling has been the discovery of the season for Brendan Rogers’ Liverpool, and has cemented his place in the starting line up with impressive performance after impressive performance. His skilful, exciting style of play has warranted England call ups recently, making him the youngest Liverpool player in history to represent the Three Lions.

Sterling produced a… sterling… performance against Wigan Athletic last weekend, setting up 2 of Liverpool’s 3 goals in the match. The young man’s recent form is irresistible, and we’re tipping Raheem’s form to continue against Swansea City on Sunday afternoon.

The Liverpool winger has also opened his goal scoring account for the season – finding the net in the 1-0 victory over Reading at Anfield in October – which shows that Sterling may just be grabbing you goal scoring points as well as assists points on Sunday.

Liverpool have a 50% win rate against Swansea, winning 15 and drawing 6 of 30 matches against the Swans in the all time stats. If Liverpool can pick up their 16th win against the Welsh club, then we reckon young Sterling will have a lot to do with it. Put him in your team now for the stupidly low amount of £5.4m and he may just grab you some vital points by the end of the season.

 

Striker: £6.5m

Arouna Kone (Wigan Athletic) vs Reading (H)

Wigan Athletic’s summer singing Arouna Kone has been one big positive to take from a very ordinary campaign for Wigan so far this season. The Ivorian has scored 4 goals, and has 2 assists in 11 Premier League starts for the Latics, and has proved a nightmare for defences with his footballing power, pace, and agility in the final third – attributes that he’ll look to utilise against Saturday’s Premier League opponents Reading.

Reading’s victory against Everton last week was their first Premier League win of the season, and first league win in 14 matches. Wigan will be looking to put an end to this mini Reading revival when Brian McDermott’s side visit The DW Stadium on Saturday, a place that Wigan have lost just twice out of 18 matches against the Royals. And if they can find a way past Reading, you can guarantee that Kone and his strike partner Franco Di Santo will be instrumental behind it.

Arouna Kone has scored 98 domestic goals in his career, and will inevitably hit his century while playing for the Latics. If he reaches that milestone against Reading then the points will come flooding in for you – making Kone’s £6.5m Fantasy Football price tag seem like junk change. Bargain.

 

Share


Posted on by

PlayUp’s Top 5 Photos of the Week

A few crackers this week, here are your favourite PlayUp photos from the past 7 days.

Reply

'Sorry love'

With the return of FIFA to our lives, comes the most dreaded of phrases screeched from the mouths of our darling wives and girlfriends – ‘Would you put that down and just listen to me for one second!?’.

In the first week of being on sale, FIFA 13 sold over 1,000,000 copies in the UK alone, which essentially means that 1 million people pledged their lives to a console screen until they developed repetitive strain injury. Or so they’d tell you…

 

Last week we put together two teams of England’s greatest players from the last 20 years and asked the simple question of ‘which team would win?’

The responses were pretty varied, but the real answer is clear: somehow they’d both lose on penalties.

 

Legendary football game Subbuteo have made a reconstruction of Wayne Rooney’s spectacular overhead kick against Manchester City as part of their ‘Icons of Football’ collection. The 2010/2011 Premier League goal of the season is one that any neutral fan will never get tired of seeing no matter the format. An perfect all-round goal!

 

One of these boys had no idea that one day the whole footballing world would know his name… Argentinean genius Lionel Messi is photographed here in his younger days, so in identity parade-type fashion, we asked fans which one of these whippersnappers they thought was the La Liga legend. He’s number 2 of course. Surprising, as back then he certainly wouldn’t have looked very scary to defenders!

 

On Thursday we sent you back to your younger days to the time when finding words in a big box of letters was deemed a sophisticated activity. In this box are the names of several world class footballers that you can’t help but enjoy looking for. We asked you who is the footballer that you identified first from looking at the word-search?

Naturally most of you saw Sergio Busquets on the top line – No mention of Emile Heskey in there, though!

 

For more football stats, funny photos and jokes and to add your comments, follow PlayUp Football on Facebook.

 

Share


Posted on by

Preview: Time to start the Olympic Party

All eyes are on the Olympic Stadium, Stratford, for a great British spectacular. Let's get it started in here

Reply

Hoy--opening-ceremony.jpg

Danny Boyle and the London 2012 officials have kept the world in the dark about the Opening Ceremony’s content, but there’s nothing you can do to stop the rumours.

We’ve been promised farmland, sheep, cows, David Beckham, Mohammed Ali, Chris Hoy, imitation clouds (let’s hope they’re needed), David Beckham again, parades, fireworks and excitement in an opening ceremony that will go down in history. A cultural extravaganza to match any that has been before it.

Lord Coe has promised ‘a jaw-dropping experience for the world,’ as London hosts the Olympics for the first time since the summer of 1948, and becomes the first City to host the Games three times.

The Opening Ceremony TV coverage starts at 7pm. The concert in Hyde Park starts at 4pm.

Archers take aim

The London 2012 Committee won’t be the only ones hoping to hit their targets on Friday, as the world’s archers are the first to hold the Olympic stage at Lord’s Cricket Ground for their ranking round.

British hopeful Larry Godfrey will be in action, and after winning the silver medal at the World Cup in America in June, he’ll be shooting for a high seeding place for the elimination rounds.

London is poised

London is a tightly coiled sping. If this city were made to wait a day longer for the start of these games it would surely self destruct. Friday will be the classic quiet before the storm. But on Saturday London will explode into action as 19 events get underway and the seven year wait from the winning of the right to stage the Games will be over.

Let the games begin.

Share