Fantasy Premier League tips gameweek 34: Kelechi Iheanacho, Gareth Bale, Ferran Torres and more
How many of our picks are in your team?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kelechi Iheanacho
If you have not already invested in Iheanacho, now is the time before Leicester’s fixtures turn. This run of nine goals in seven league appearances is no hot streak but backed up by the underlying numbers and Southampton can be an obliging defence.
Gareth Bale
There are more sensible Tottenham picks for this weekend’s visit from Sheffield United but for those looking for a differential punt to help climb their mini-league, Bale appears set for more playing time and could be an end-of-season risk worth taking.
Ferran Torres
Similarly, City’s rotation policy offers up a number of low-owned players who could profit while Pep Guardiola’s first-choice line-up rests. Torres scored when handed a chance between the two Dortmund legs and is now up against Crystal Palace.
Timothy Castagne
Castagne’s 20 points over the last two gameweeks has not gone unnoticed but at around 6.5% ownership, he is still a decent option to break a mini-league deadlock. Leicester’s fixtures stiffen up soon though, so be prepared for a quick turnaround if necessary.
Jesse Lingard
Lingard’s first blank in four gameweeks has not put us off him yet, particularly as West Ham are up against a Burnley side that has let the shackles off recently and appears to be losing some of their defensive solidity as a result.
Captaincy
The obvious and most popular choice is Harry Kane, though persistent doubts over his fitness may push some of the more adventurous managers over to trusting Kelechi Iheanacho with the armband.
Both are excellent picks and your choice is down how much you are willing to risk.
Even discounting Kane and Iheanacho, it’s hard to look beyond Leicester or Tottenham assets with Son Heung-min and Jamie Vardy your next best bets. Guardiola’s rotation makes any City player too much of a risk.
Clean sheets
As usual, Manchester City stand out from the pack but especially so when coming up against a Crystal Palace side that have only scored seven goals in their last 10 games.
With City’s rotation proving problematic though, Chelsea at home to Fulham are a safer pick. Tottenham should be able to keep Sheffield United out but it is hard to know what to expect from Ryan Mason’s side.
Best XI
Mendy; Rudiger, Castagne, Dias; Son, Bale, Lingard, Torres, Havertz; Kane, Iheanacho
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments