This article is part of our FPL Bargain Bin series.
Both the Champions League and Europa League kicked off group play this week, which is typically not the best of news for Fantasy Premier League players. Six of the top-10 scoring teams this season will have played a midweek match before they return to league play this weekend. This puts pressure on the manager to be sure their squad maintains fitness throughout the season. Big name players played 90 minutes of pressure-packed soccer just days before they would be expected to take to the pitch again for league play. There is a chance some of these players may take a seat on the bench to make sure they do not risk injury playing on short rest.
Would Brendan Rodgers risk injury to Mario Balotelli in an away match against West Ham United when he has some options off the bench? Be sure to keep an eye on who plays for Tottenham and Everton in their Europa League matches, since they will be playing just three days before they take to the field again. Both clubs will face off against teams at the bottom of the table, making it easier for their managers to look to the bench for temporary starters.
This uncertainty means a couple of things for your Fantasy Premier League squad. If you are an owner of Sergio Aguero or Diego Costa, there is not much to worry about. Both were used as subs during European play, so both could be fresh for their head-to-head showdown this weekend.
However, the same may not be said for some of the midfielders from those same clubs. Or if you are a Balotelli, Steven Gerrard, or Aaron Ramsey owner, there may be some uncertainty as these players all played European matches and will then travel for an away league match over the weekend.
Due to the uncertainty, it may be wise to ensure you have a strong bench going into the weekend. It may be smart to ensure your bench players will see match-time, as it would hurt to see a couple of zeros in your lineup because some of your players were rested. You may also be able to take advantage of the uncertainty with your bench. If players like Balotelli or Ramsey do sit, someone will have to fill their spot on the field. This presents some intriguing possibilities as we head into Gameweek 5 of Premier League play.
Goalkeeper
Asmir Begovic at Queens Park Rangers
The Stoke City defense has done a wonderful job limiting quality shot attempts. Opponents are averaging just 1.5 shots on target per match, which is the lowest rate among all Premier League clubs. So while Begovic is not making many saves each week, he is a save or two away from a clean sheet. In fact, he already has one clean sheet, which came on the road against Manchester City. This weekend, Stoke City travel to face Queens Park Rangers, who are tied with Burnley for the fewest goals scored this season (one), while also ranking last in goals per shot attempt and goals per shot on target. With Loic Remy no longer around, QPR do not have a finisher of much quality to scare opposing defenses. This could lead to a second clean sheet for Begovic.
Honorable Mention: Tim Howard vs. Crystal Palace – Howard kept his first clean sheet of the season last weekend and will have a great opportunity to do so again at home against the Eagles.
Defender
Phil Bardsley at Queens Park Rangers
Bardsley's chances of picking up clean sheet points are obviously the same as Begovic's. While the match up is nice for the Potters' defenders, Bardsley can add some additional offensive fantasy production. He brings a threat to score each week, as he has already attempted eight shots through four games, which is the second-most on the team. Additionally, QPR have not been great at defending opposing defenders. Through four matches, Queens Park Rangers have allowed opposing defenders to score two goals, the third-most in Premier League play.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Shawcross at Queens Park Rangers – Why not go all-in with Stoke defenders? Plus, he is tied for the team-lead in shots on target and already has one goal this season.
Midfielder
Scott Arfield vs. Sunderland
Since going 1-0 up on Chelsea in the first match of the season, Burnley have gone 346 minutes without a goal. That is far too long for a team that averages almost 11 shot attempts per match. Sure that number is not high, but some of those will have to start finding the back of the net sooner or later. When they do, the best bet would be to pick the guy that has already scored this season, is tied for the team lead in shot attempts, and leads the team in shots on target. That man is Arfield, who has yet to have a match this season with fewer than two shot attempts, so he will certainly look to create some chances this weekend.
Honorable Mention: Ander Herrera at Leicester City – Recorded a goal and an assist last weekend and Leicester City allow the most shots and shots on target in the Premier League.
Forward
Lazar Markovic at West Ham United
Markovic has seen action in Liverpool's last three Premier League matches and even drew the start in their most recent league fixture. On top of that, he was rested during European play, as he was not even included in the 18 against Ludogorets. This gives him a good chance to feature against West Ham. Last weekend he attempted his first two shots as a member of Liverpool, and he should get some more chances this weekend against a West Ham side that allows the third-most shot attempts on target per match and have conceded an average of just under two goals per game. All of this bodes well for the new Liverpool attacker and as a great potential sleeper for your fantasy squad this weekend.
Honorable Mention: Graziano Pelle at Swansea City – He may become this year's Romelu Lukaku, as he now has goals in two straight matches, including a brace last weekend. The match-up is not the best, however, he is a must own at his price and worth rolling the dice with this week.
