With a depleted league fixture list this weekend, help is at hand for all those fantasy managers in need of inspiration on the players that can revive their campaigns.
The Independent have teamed up with daily fantasy football game www.oulala.com and together we have analysed the key stats to identify four players that simply must be in your fantasy football team this weekend.
Oulala's extensive database of statistics, which comprises of 70 different criteria sourced straight from Opta, is the perfect tool to identify which players are trending up.
Sergio Aguero is the form striker at the moment, and if he isn’t already in your team then you better make room for him. In his last nine leagues games, the Argentine has netted nine times – the best record in the league during that period. Not only that, but as well as laying on one assist, Agüero has also managed 41 shots in those fixtures. That includes a shot accuracy of 57 per cent, whilst converting over a fifth of those opportunities. Despite missing a penalty against Villa in the 4-0 win last weekend, Agüero’s next goal scoring opportunity is never far away – therefore, an absolute must have in your fantasy team. Manchester City face a Norwich side who have struggled to contain the bigger sides at home in recent game weeks, conceding seven goals in their last three at Carrow Road.
Gylfi Sigurdsson is almost single-handedly keeping Swansea City at a safe distance from the relegation zone, scoring six goals in his last ten league appearances. Given that his tally for the whole season stands at eight, the Icelandic midfielder is enjoying somewhat of a purple patch as of late. He has managed 29 shots, bettering Agüero’s shot accuracy at 60 per cent, which is impressive from midfield. Sigurðsson has also laid on 16 goal scoring opportunities for his teammates, whilst completing 27 successful passes per game. The no. 23 is actually closing in on a club record. Sigurðsson needs just four more goals to overtake Wilfried Bony’s goalscoring tally (25) for the Swans since they achieved promotion to the modern day top-flight. Whilst some star players, like Harry Kane, have been criticised for scoring predominantly in comfortable wins, the same cannot be said of Sigurðsson - illustrated by his winner in a 1-0 win against fellow survival strugglers Norwich last weekend. Another no brainer pick. Swansea City travel to Bournemouth this weekend, and the South Wales side will be counting on the Icelandic playmaker for more goals; and you should, too.
Riyad Mahrez’s future has dominated headlines this week, with many speculating the Algerian will find it tough to turn down the chance to sign for the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid. On the pitch, however, his focus has remained on seeing Leicester City through to an unlikely league title. Whilst the goals have dried up, scoring just twice in the last ten, Mahrez has made four assists – which is the best in the league over that spell. He has also created 10 chances and had 27 successful take-ons. The Foxes are at home to a Newcastle side with one win in their last six league games. Having conceded nine goals in their last three fixtures you fancy Mahrez to make the most of this matchup.
Harry Kane is our final pick this week. The Tottenham striker answered Pochettino’s worries about the effect a protective face mask was having on his goal scoring form with a wonder strike in the North London derby. That goal was one of six Kane has netted in the last ten games. He has fired off 46 shots in that spell, which is best in the league. Not only that, but an impressive 61 per cent of those have tested the goalkeeper. Kane has also created 13 chances for his Spurs teammates, and despite not being one of the tallest strikers in the league, has won 21 aerial duels. Tottenham travel to an Aston Villa side who cannot stop conceding, letting in 15 goals in their last four Premier League games. It’d take a brave man to bet against the England striker not to add to his tally this weekend.
