Chelsea only have three points on their mind as they head to Swansea City, and Olivier Giroud may have a large hand in those. He is also the Blues’ only efficient source of fantasy points in this week’s FanDuel team.
Antonio Conte may once again start Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata together atop Chelsea’s offence this weekend. Giroud’s late-season form makes him an under-valued source of Fantasy Points per Game. Enjoy him while you can in your FanDuel team before he joins the rest of his Chelsea teammates in being too good for the price.
Goalkeeper: Ben Hamer (Leicester City)
Leicester have kept their back-up goalkeeper well out of sight this season, giving him the start in four EFL Cup ties, one FA Cup tie and the last 94 minute of Premier League football since Kaspar Schmeichel out. But that makes him a huge value play. He’s at the bottom of the price spectrum, which allows you to have a pretty strong midfield. He had a clean sheet last time out against Southampton, so with Crystal Palace this weekend he plenty of upside.
Defender: Zanka (Huddersfield)
Zanka has clearances for days, tallying 5 or more in 22 matches this season. He also ranks first in interceptions for defenders. That’s some quality guaranteed points. He may even get lucky with an assist and have a excellent day.
Defender: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
His best attribute would be his chances created. He moves forward often, almost like an additional midfielder. If only he had someone who could consistently finish in front of the net. Against Chelsea in the FA Cup final, the Saints completed only two of their 18 attempted crosses. Ranking in the top-five for defenders in chances created, he can rack up the points against Bournemouth.
Must Read: Predicted XI vs. Swansea: Antonio Conte will experiment with a 3-4-1-2
Midfielder: Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace)
Cabaye is a low risk pick, mostly because he’s cheap ($7000). But he’s going to get you 15-20 points every week. He creates them on the defensive and offensive side of the ball. He’s mainly a way to keep the budget down for other additions.
Midfielder: Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield)
Most of Huddersfield’s play goes through Aaron Mooy, so he will get you double-digit passes this week against Everton. Mooy has a high number of crosses, easily within the top 10 for crosses made. Add the fact that Everton are allowing the most crosses per 90 from midfielders / defenders, and this game is a recipe for an assist for Mooy.
Midfielder: Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion)
With a goal in his last outing, Pascal is another example of taking a player in your lineup who handles the ball a lot. Pascal is seventh in chances created per match. With eight assists he is definitely Brighton’s creator. Also, playing a hunch here, Burnley are heading towards another bad run of form after a loss and draw in the last two.
Forward: Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
It would be pretty hard to pass on the Frenchman who has scored two goals in his last two Premier League matches. With his form increasing further in the FA Cup Semi-final. Don’t be discouraged by his low Fantasy Points Per Game. It’s so low due to his lack starting time, which has changed over the last two weeks. Chelsea’s skipper is realizing Giroud is a rock up front, and his ability to hold up play has opened up his value.
Forward: Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace)
The Crystal Palace winger is listed as a forward in Fanduel. He has three goals in as many Premier League matches. Zaha is a reliable pick week in and week out, mostly because he is the most attacking player at Crystal Palace. Nobody draws more fouls per 90 than Zaha, who is currently averaging 2.73. It’s hard to go wrong taking the most dangerous or productive player on a team, even if that team is as bad as Crystal Palace or others as you’ll see.
Next: Chelsea's could-have-been XI: Top Blues transferred under Jose Mourinho
How does this team stack up against yours? Any other Chelsea players you think are worth the cost? Let us know below!