RADIO
The RotoBaller Soccer staff gathers around the penalty box for their weekly FPL roundtable discussion. This week, the team discusses the main questions surrounding Gameweek 34 of the 2021-22 Fantasy Premier League season.
Welcome to Gameweek 34, Rotoballers! This season, we are expanding our soccer coverage to include the great game of Fantasy Premier League. So, if you are a seasoned veteran, or a rookie navigating your first campaign, we will set you right as we look to acquire those weekend-making green arrows and avoid the doom and gloom of a red arrow.
A massive top-four chasing clash kicks off Gameweek 34 as Manchester United looks to bounce back against Arsenal. A loss would all but seal United's fate as a lower-level European side for the 2022-23 campaign, while a win for the Gunners would go a long way in returning to Champions League football. After that battle, Man City will attempt to continue their march to another Premier League title versus Watford. Then, they'll settle in on Sunday afternoon to watch the Merseyside derby as Liverpool host Everton. The gameweek deadline is Saturday, April 23 at 6 am Eastern. So don't forget to set those lineups!
Also, check out the rest of our excellent soccer coverage as the team gets you all set for every English Premier League and UEFA Champions League slate from a DFS perspective.
RotoBaller FPL Staff Roundtable - Gameweek 34
The Staff Roundtable is an attempt to get you inside the mind of our FPL staff. Our top soccer writers - Euan Leith, Jamie Steed, and Brandon Wampler - will answer questions each Gameweek to give you an idea of how they view the games. So without further ado, let's kick off Gameweek 34!
Gameweek 33 was a wild one. Did you come out unscathed?
- Euan Leith: I think so? A massive showing from Mo Salah and the Newcastle defense on Tuesday and Wednesday saved my score after a disastrous weekend. Currently sitting on 69 points with James Ward-Prowse still to play.
- Jamie Steed: Somehow, yes. I was aided by my bench boost, even picking Martinelli as my captain didn’t harm me with 75 points scored, still with two players left to play on Thursday.
- Brandon Wampler:
As a result of Chelsea progressing to the F.A. Cup Final, both they and Manchester United have a double in Gameweek 34. So who are your three favorite targets from those squads?
- Euan Leith: No one from Manchester United is on my radar. I would field only Chelsea players for this question, and they would be, in order: Mason Mount, Timo Werner, and Kai Havertz.
- Jamie Steed: I want nothing to do with Manchester United right now. Ronaldo is the only player I’d consider, but given his recent personal tragedy, I’m not sure if he’ll be in the right frame of mind to play at present. For Chelsea, Mason Mount just shades Kai Havertz for me, but I’d be happy rostering both.
- Brandon Wampler:
With Man City turning their focus to the league and Europe, do you feel more comfortable rostering their players for the final stretch of the season?
- Euan Leith: Still no. They play Watford, Leeds, and Newcastle in the next three Premier League games, but they sandwich a huge Champions League fight with Real Madrid. With the top honor in Europe, the only thing missing from Pep's Man City trophy cabinet, I can see them focusing their sights abroad and letting the reserves mop up against the weaker PL teams.
- Jamie Steed: Yes, although I do think they’ll sell out more for the Champions League. The FA Cup was the lowest of their priorities so exiting that hasn’t made me view them differently.
- Brandon Wampler:
Which team is on the beach? And therefore, who is a popular player you'll fade during the final five gameweeks?
- Euan Leith: I'm all out on Man United at the moment. I'm also not keen on any Wolves, Brighton, or Villa assets.
- Jamie Steed: Manchester United have been playing like they’re on the beach for a couple of weeks, despite competing for fourth place still. Bruno Fernandes is someone I’m avoiding from them. Outside of them, I’ve not seen a team that has “dialed it in” yet.
- Brandon Wampler:
If you had to choose one player for the remainder of the year, would you rather have Mo Salah or Kevin de Bruyne?
- Euan Leith: KDB is brilliant, but this has to be Salah. The Liverpool striker has started 28 of the 30 Premier League and has no rotation risk. The Reds need him every game, while City can rotate in Sterling, Mahrez, Foden, Jesus, Silva, or Gundogan for De Bruyne.
- Jamie Steed: I’m going with Salah as I believe Man City will look to wrap de Bruyne in cotton wool for their Champions League run.
- Brandon Wampler:
Who's keeping a clean sheet this week?
- Euan Leith: Liverpool is a tiny bit leaky at the back with the big chances, so I'll take the safe bet and go with Ederson versus Watford. I'll have Martin Dubravka on the road for Newcastle against Norwich for a riskier proposition.
- Jamie Steed: Manchester City at home to Watford and Liverpool at home to Everton are obvious picks. I also like Crystal Palace at home to Leeds United on Monday, bouncing back from their FA Cup semi-final defeat.
- Brandon Wampler:
Which defensive player is providing an attacking return?
- Euan Leith: Marcus Alonso is a late-season surprise for Chelsea. I like him to get down the line and find a goal or an assist this week with two games.
- Jamie Steed: The main trio of Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, and Cancelo are all in great spots and have 32 assists between them this season. Arsenal’s Cedric is also an option. Despite their lack of goals, in recent games, Cedric had at least 1,624 crosses and has been on free-kick duty. None of them have been any good, but against Manchester United, only one has to be half-decent to create a chance.
- Brandon Wampler:
- Euan Leith: Salah is a great choice, but I can't write about him for every answer. Instead, I'll say Son Heung-Min gets back on track after his disappointing blank with a return against Brentford.
- Jamie Steed: Salah looks to be back in form with a goal and an assist in midweek. He’s scored four goals in six EPL games against Everton and probably hasn’t faced a poorer Everton team in his career.
- Brandon Wampler:
What are your transfer plans heading into this gameweek?
- Euan Leith: Changing up the defense in a big way. Possibly Rudiger and Gabriel out for Trent and Cancelo. I may need to take a -8 to make it happen, but it's time to throw caution to the wind.
- Jamie Steed: I’m eyeing players on teams with games in hand, so I will be seeking to bring in someone in each of the next 2-3 weeks who have an additional game in gameweek 36.
- Brandon Wampler:
Who's getting the Captain's armband?
- Euan Leith: The Egyptian King.
- Jamie Steed: As things currently stand, the theme of this week; Mo Salah.
- Brandon Wampler:
Finally, what's your bold prediction for this week?
- Euan Leith: Everton is in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend. Also, Arsenal beat Man United by two goals.
- Jamie Steed: Christian Erikson’s fairy-tale comeback continues with a starring role against his former club Tottenham. I also fancy West Ham to take something from their trip to Chelsea.
- Brandon Wampler:
Is there a question you would like to have answered every week? Hit us up on Twitter @RotoBaller. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas!
