This article is part of our FPL Bargain Bin series.
Gameweek 7 is upon us, but not after a few teams play European matches mid-week. With Champions League and Europa League group matches Tuesday through Thursday, some managers will have some interesting decisions about their squads this weekend.
While you may not be worried about Champions League or Europa League with your fantasy team, it may impact you more than you think. Last time European matches were played ahead of league play, the clubs playing did not perform up to their usual expectations. The six clubs in these competitions (Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham) collectively underperformed, combining for eight goals and allowing nine.
The eight goals is alarming. On average, these six squads score 11.66 goals per week, which amounts to a 31 percent dropoff in scoring. Sure, some of this is because Chelsea and Manchester City played against each other, but Liverpool faced West Ham United and Tottenham and Everton had nice matchups in hosting West Brom and Crystal Palace respectively.
As disappointing offensively as these clubs were, they were just as disappointing defensively. Many expected clean sheets from Tottenham and Everton, but they showed clear signs of fatigue in allowing a combined four goals while taking zero points in their home matches.
While not all the key players were used during those matches, many travelled and warmed up with their teams. These matches can be a drain on clubs mentally just as much as they are physically, and are a big reason squads that make it into the European Leagues will make sure they have plenty of depth to compete there as well as domestically.
It just might be a good idea to be aware of these six squads and their players this week. Many find their way onto a majority of fantasy squads, and with good reason. On top of any "European Hangover" these clubs may exhibit this weekend, they also have some difficult matchups. Chelsea and Arsenal face off, which could limit their fantasy output (except for last season's 6-0 Chelsea victory over a 10-men Arsenal, the previous five matchups between these two teams have produced just eight total goals). Everton and Manchester City are on the road against teams that rank seventh or better in the league table. Liverpool and Tottenham have home matches, but both of their opponents currently rank in the top-five in goals allowed.
The matchups and fatigue might push you to look at some lesser names for your fantasy squad this weekend. There are certainly some intriguing matchups that lead to the names below being moved up in this week's rankings. I would also like to note that this edition of the Bargain Bin will be Graziano Pelle-free. Just be sure he is on your roster, and give some consideration to the members of the Gameweek 7 Bargain Bin.
Goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel vs. Burnley
526 minutes. That is how long it has been since Burnley have scored a goal. Since scoring 14 minutes into their opener, Burnley have failed to find the back of the net. Schmeichel is next up to face Burnley and gets to do so in the comforts of King Power Stadium. Sure, Leicester City have conceded nearly two goals per match (1.67 to be exact), but it is bound to happen when you allow a league-worst 20.5 shots per game. But Schmeichel has a very respectable 66-percent save rate, ranking him in the top half of all goalkeepers. Burnley certainly will not pressure the goal as the previous Leicester City opponents have. The Clarets average just two shot attempts on target in away matches this season. Low shot attempts and a positive save percentage is a good combination for a clean sheet this weekend.
Honorable Mention: Lukasz Fabianski vs. Newcastle United – Newcaste are one of two teams that have yet to score away from home this season (Burnley is the other). Combine that with the fact that Swansea City and Fabianski have conceded just one goal at home this season and Fabianski is a fine play this weekend.
Defender
Ritchie De Laet vs. Burnley
We just spent time discussing Leicester City's chances of keeping a clean sheet. They are probably one of the best in the league as they get a home match against Burnley. That alone provides De Laet some fantasy potential. Clean sheets are clean sheets, regardless of the name or club attached to the player. What makes De Laet an interesting play this week is his offensive potential. Burnley have played decently defensively this season, however, they just allowed four goals in their most recent outing. De Laet currently is tied for the team-lead with six assisted shots this season and is also tied for the lead amongst Foxes defenders for shot attempts. Of all the Leicester City defenders to have in your lineup this weekend, De Laet is the clear favorite.
Honorable Mention: James Tomkins vs. Queens Park Rangers – QPR put the second-fewest shots on target in away matches this season, giving West Ham defenders a good chance for a clean sheet. As always with defenders, look at the peripheral stats when selecting one for your lineup. Of the regulars, Tomkins has the fewest bookings and the most shot attempts, giving him the most fantasy value.
Midfielder
Stewart Downing vs. Queens Park Rangers
If you want to stump some of your buddies, ask them which player has contributed on the most shot attempts (attempted shots and assisted shots) this season. If they guess Raheem Sterling they would be correct. If they guess Downing, they would also be correct. Downing has attempted 12 shots and assisted on another 20, both tops among his West Ham teammates (Diafra Sakho, who is also a good play this week, is actually tied with Downing with 12 attempted shots). Downing will have plenty of opportunities each week regardless of opponent, but it is his matchup this weekend that makes him such a strong play. Queens Park Rangers allow over three goals per away match, much of which is due to allowing a league-worst 7.67 shot attempts on target away from home. Both numbers typically translate to bad things for QPR, but good things for your West Ham players. Add in the great chance for a West Ham clean sheet and Downing is considered a top-five midfielder this weekend.
Honorable Mention: Gylfi Sigurdsson vs. Newcastle United – Sigurdsson has quieted down from a hot start to the season, and while he has not had an assist or goal in his last three matches, his peripheral stats have not dropped off considerably. The schedule has been more difficult, but is easier this week against a Newcastle club that has the worst save percentage in the league.
Forward
Leonardo Ulloa vs. Burnley
Last week, I spent some time talking about how not to over-react to a player like Ulloa. He won't continue to convert at such a high pace, his goal pace is unsustainable, etc. It still remains true, but it does not mean he is a useless forward for fantasy purposes. It just means do not be so quick to lump him in with Robin van Persie or Danny Welbeck. Those players are strong plays each gameweek regardless of matchup. Ulloa is going to wind up being a player to use when the matchups dictate, and this would be one of those gameweeks. Burnley concede nearly two goals per away match, and are coming off a game in which they allowed four goals to a West Brom squad that had scored three goals ALL SEASON coming into the match. Chances are good that Leicester City will score a goal, and Ulloa's involvement on the attack makes him the Fox you want on your roster.
Honorable Mention: Abel Hernandez vs. Crystal Palace – Since joining Hull City, Hernandez and Nikica Jelavic have had an interesting home/away dynamic. Hernandez is the guy you want at home, which is where the Tigers will be this weekend against a Crystal Palace squad that has allowed the second-most away goals this season.
