We’re nearly there. With 35 gameweeks down, we are in this season’s twilight. Every decision could be make or break. We’re already in the depths of Gameweek 36 but it’s still not too late grab yourself some risers and ignore the fallers.
If you’re in a playoff league, this week sees them begin. Hopefully Gameweek 36 will not signal the end of your season! Those without the dreaded playoffs will be steaming towards the title or looking to dodge the embarrassment of a low finish.
Whatever your situation, this week is a massive one. Here’s a few risers and fallers to give you that much needed head start!
Fantasy Premier League Risers
Jan Bednarek – Defender
If you haven’t already, get yourself a bit of Jan Bednarek. Southampton’s giant pole has been a riser all season but is one of the best defenders to own on this season’s home straight.
The Saints aren’t far off securing safety but still have some work today, making Bednarek a riser as their intensity should still be high. He also scores excellently well without the clean sheet being necessary.
If that wasn’t already enough, Southampton face Bournemouth, West Ham and Huddersfield in a kind ending to the season.
Lucas Moura – Midfielder
With Harry Kane all but out for the season, Tottenham’s Lucas Moura has been given his chance. Judging by his hat trick against Huddersfield, he is making sure he takes it with both hands. He may be at risk of rotation due to the looming Champions League semi-final but his hot form makes him hard to ignore in the riser column. Besides, Spurs still have work to do to claim one of the top four places that no one seems to want.
Christian Benteke – Forward
Yes, you read that right. Christian Benteke finally broke his goalscoring duck last weekend. With that unwanted record out of the way, the floodgates may open for the big Belgian.
Benteke isn’t exactly “in form” but has to be considered as a riser. His disastrous form saw him lose a lot of ownership so he may even be available in your draft league. Crystal Palace have a favourable run in for he rest of this season (Everton, Cardiff and Bournemouth), meaning Benteke could be your unlikely Fantrax hero.
Fantasy Premier League Fallers
Marcos Alonso – Defender
Yesterday’s hero could easily be today’s forgotten man. Most of Marcos Alonso’s minutes seem to be taking place in the Europa League at the moment, leaving Emerson Palmieri to enjoy the Premier League duties.
Alonso’s form has been a shadow of what he’s shown in the past and Fantrax managers who spent a high draft pick to get him have been sorely disappointed. The unthinkable has happened: last year’s star defender is now a faller.
Miguel Almiron – Midfielder
This pick is purely because of injury. Miguel Almiron has been a crucial part in Newcastle’s survival. However, he left the pitch in tears on Saturday because of a season ending hamstring injury, mean he is now an undeserved faller.
Almiron has lit up St James’ Park at times this season and is certainly one to keep in mind for your draft for next season. For now, this faller is one to drop.
Callum Hudson Odoi – Forward
See above! Callum Hudson Odoi has finally been given his chance in the Chelsea side. The winger will almost certainly be a big part of the England set up for many years to come, evident through a series of sparkling performances.
However, like Almiron, Hudson Odoi’s luck is out. His injury is much more severe, meaning he’ll not only miss the rest of this season but probably the start of the 2019/20 campaign. Cruel.
One can only hope that this doesn’t set him back long term. Shrewd enough to pick him up last month? Good job. However, this is another faller that you now need to drop. Shame.