Mondogoal Picks – Gameweek 5

Our Mondogoal selections delivered last weekend, with the likes of Graziano Pelle, Nacer Chadli, Marcos Rojo and Abel Hernandez returning strong points hauls. That puts the pressure on our latest medley of targets ahead of another round of matches and contests.

If you’ve missed our previous articles, Mondogoal is a brand new daily and weekly Fantasy Football game which, in addition to the Premier League, covers all the major top-flight leagues – Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Major League Soccer (MLS). You can play games for each one, or even global contests that span across all the leagues. Mondogoal’s contests for the Champions League and the Europa League also got under way this week.

Check out our strategy guide for some tips on getting started and read on for our selection guide for the weekend contests.

Saturday’s Picks

Clean sheets look particularly scarce this weekend, epitomised by the fact that newly promoted Burnley appear to provide one of the best opportunities for defensive returns. The Clarets have kept back-to-back shut-outs and will host a Sunderland side struggling for consistency. With 12 assists to his name last season, right-back Kieran Trippier looks value at 7.2 this week, although you can pick up Ben Mee for 6.4 if you’re penny pinching. Similarly, if you’re seeking midfield differentials, both Scott Arfield, at 8.0m and 7.21 points per game (ppg), and George Boyd (6.9m) offer potential in a match that the hosts will surely have identified as winnable.

Stoke have also proved to be erratic performers – something that Mondogoal managers may exploit if we’re brave enough to back a QPR side mauled at Old Trafford on Sunday. Mark Hughes’ men blanked against Leicester last weekend, while the R’s have already won with a clean sheet in front of their own fans. Steven Caulker is a big goal threat from the back and can be acquired for just 6.7m, while at 5.6m, Charlie Austin looks an option for those shopping for a budget forward.

Arsenal will be made to work for the points at Villa Park, particularly after toiling in their midweek Champions League encounter. Danny Welbeck could provide some value with his 7.5m asking price, although Villa have allowed just a single goal in four matches, with Nathan Baker (4.4m) offering a strong budget option if he can retain his start ahead of Ron Vlaar, who remains a real doubt.

Liverpool were also in midweek action and their legs will be tested at Upton Park against a West Ham side boasting far greater goal threat this season. I can’t see too many defensive returns in this one, with Raheem Sterling (12.m) again the weapon of choice in the Liverpool ranks, although Mario Balotelli can be acquired for a modest 8.3m. Stewart Downing is central to the Hammers’ attacking forays and a 9.8m price tag reflects his recent resurgence – the former Liverpool man has gathered 10.03 ppg thus far.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Hull’s Abel Hernandez is again undervalued. The Uruguayan is available for just 5.7m and, having scored on his debut, will be confident of bothering a beleaguered Newcastle back-line at St James’ Park – Steve Bruce has confirmed he’s monitoring Hernandez’ fitness after the forward was left exhausted by Monday’s exertions against the Hammers but is expected to be fit in time for the weekend.

Sunday’s Picks

With a quartet of matches, we’ve a rich cast of talent at our disposal for Sunday’s contests. Eyes will be drawn to the Etihad where the champions look to spoil Chelsea’s 100% record, although, once again, true Mondogoal bargains are hard to find in such a big fixture. The likes of Diego Costa (15.3m) and Sergio Aguero (10.6m) have to be considered, although with two robust defences on show, it may be advised to scan Sunday’s other encounters for some differentials.

Everton look a home banker in a match that promises goals aplenty. Leighton Baines has delivered 8.18 ppg to this point and looks worthy of his hefty 10.7 price tag, similarly Kevin Mirallas (11.3m) will be looking for a third consecutive goal and should get opportunities from the Eagles rearguard. Romelu Lukaku is also suggesting that he may have turned the corner and shaken off his recent toe injury – at 9.8m, he looks good value as a front line option. While the Toffees will be backed for the points, I don’t think Palace will go down with a whimper and I’m drawn to Wilfried Zaha as a 5.4m option in midfield.

Tottenham are the other side treated to an obliging home fixture. West Brom bring indifferent form to the Lane, with a back four that seems unlikely to stem the tide of goals. Mauricio Pochettino rested a cast of heavyweights for Thursday’s Europa League tie so the Spurs big guns will be refreshed for the Baggies visit. Christian Eriksen may well be worth the 12.0m outlay, although Nacer Chadli again offers value at 9.0m given that he’s ranked third for ppg in midfield with 13.39. Emmanuel Adebayor also has to be a key consideration for our contest front-lines at 9.5m, while at the back, Younes Kaboul is the new Spurs skipper and the cheapest route into their back-four at just 7.2m.

United’s trip to Leicester looks anything but straightforward and Louis van Gaal’s charges, fresh from their 4-0 drubbing of QPR, are sure to face a sterner test in the Midlands. Angel Di Maria, with 13.14 ppg thus far, will set you back 14.9m, which drives us to consider Radamel Falcao; the Colombian is thought to be in line for a full debut and can be grabbed for just 8.6m. I wouldn’t bet against the Foxes, however, with Leonardo Ulloa remaining a cut-price option at 6.3m, despite registering 8.40 ppg to this point.