Each week, Sport360 will bring you tips for the English Premier League’s official fantasy football game. Fancy pitting your wits against us? You can join “Sport360 Fans’” league using the code 118790-38575.
In this week’s column, we look at why you should captain Raheem Sterling and the five players you should turn to in the next three rounds.
But first, a shout out to these tactical geniuses who top our Sport360 fans league going into this week!
WHO TO PICK AS CAPTAIN
Diego Costa [10.7m] was the pick for captain in Gameweek 26 and the Chelsea striker bagged a goal to register six points.
But if you’re looking for a captain who can bank you more points this week, then consider Sergio Aguero, or for a lower price, Raheem Sterling at 7.8m.
Manchester City play two games against weaker opposition this week – Sunderland and Stoke City – with plenty of goals guaranteed.
Sterling has four assists and one goal in his last four Premier League outings, picking up 27 points in those games. He has also played a direct hand in five goals in his last four appearances against Sunderland. While many will rush to make Aguero captain, Sterling is set to spring a surprise.
Raheem Sterling has now been involved in 21 goals in 34 games for Man City this season.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 1, 2017
12 assists 🅰️
9 goals ⚽
Flourishing under Pep. pic.twitter.com/Enq6lgzsUn
FIVE PLAYERS TO TURN TO
Manchester City and Stoke both play twice this week, offering potential for extra points should you decide to purchase players from these teams. The two teams play each other on Wednesday night, but before that, Stoke host Middlesbrough.
However, picking City and Stoke players comes with a caveat, as both teams will then be without a game the following week. The FA Cup quarterfinals are set for that weekend, and many other teams will also not have fixtures.
There are only a few teams that will play in each of the next three rounds, so here’s a look at some of the best options for your fantasy team.
LEROY SANE – MANCHESTER CITY [7.5m]
Sane is one of the most exciting young players in Europe, and he’s underlined his class on numerous occasions for Pep Guardiola’s men this season.
The young German has four goals and three assists in his last seven starts across all competitions, and with Sunderland up next, expect Sane to add to that tally this weekend.
Stoke and Liverpool will provide tougher opposition, but both defences will offer enough opportunities to someone of Sane’s pace and playmaking ability.
3 defenders? No problem for @LeroySane19 pic.twitter.com/hpmUJb1pMV
— Kenney (@sam_kenney) February 22, 2017
PHILIPPE COUTINHO – LIVERPOOL [8.2m]
Normally, a fixture list that has both Arsenal and Manchester City in the next three games would be cause for caution, but Liverpool have played better against the top six than against teams lower in the table this season.
Coutinho is back among the goals after scoring against Leicester City on Monday, and he collected 15 points the last time Liverpool played Arsenal back in August.
The Brazilian has led Liverpool in shots, shots in the penalty area, shots on target, and chances created over the last four gameweeks, so it seems he’s finally returning to the sparkling form he had before injury struck in November.
Philippe Coutinho has now been directly involved in 11 goals in 19 games in the Premier League this season.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 27, 2017
6 goals
5 assists
Lifeline. pic.twitter.com/tDPTx5Z5LW
ALFIE MAWSON – SWANSEA [4.5m]
Alfie Mawson has emerged as one of Swansea’s biggest threats in front of goal, having scored in each of his side’s last two home matches.
Swansea host Burnley on Sunday, who are among the Premier League’s worst travellers, and the Clarets’ vulnerability to conceding shots from set pieces means Mawson could profit from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s dead-ball prowess.
After Burnley, Swansea have away games against Hull and Bournemouth – two suspect defences – so picking Mawson for 4.5m would be a wise call.
💬 “Alfie has been a real plus for us – his defending, his quality on the ball, his goals.”https://t.co/zqGS4NP6mf
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) February 17, 2017
GARETH MCAULEY – WEST BROM [5.2m]
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s performances are drawing rave reviews, another elder lemon is slipping under the radar.
At 37, McAuley has produced a number of outstanding displays while also emerging as an unlikely goal threat for The Baggies.
He’s scored in each of his last two games, and with a home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday, a team who have conceded the most goals from set pieces in the Premier League, this could be the chance to benefit from the Northern Irishman’s in-form displays.
McCauley is the top-scoring central defender across Europe’s top five leagues, and you could even profit from his inclusion as West Brom’s next two opponents are Everton and Arsenal, both of whom have looked shaky from set pieces at various times this season.
Premier League goals this season:
— The Football Pools (@footballpools) February 25, 2017
Gareth McAuley - 6
Philippe Coutinho - 5
Mesut Özil - 5
Paul Pogba - 4 pic.twitter.com/00R4OgIPR2
ROSS BARKLEY – EVERTON [7.1m]
Ross Barkley had an indifferent start to life under Ronald Koeman, with the Everton manager critical of the midfielder’s match impact. However, Barkley has started to rediscover his glittering form, and now may be the best time to bring him into your team.
Everton face a difficult game against Spurs on Sunday, but after the trip to London, it’s home assignments against West Brom and Hull City.
The 23-year-old has consistently been regarded as a player with great potential, but his development under Koeman could finally see him become a player who actually lives up to his stardom.
"Our midfield options are the best since I've been at the club"@RBarkley20 on the @Everton middle men ➡️ https://t.co/drGgWZJM7r pic.twitter.com/myEztN5mYN
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 23, 2017