With Gameweek 7 now behind us, the Fantasy EFL season is soaring by as we fly through September. As Double Gameweek 8 looms and the excitement builds, we’re preparing for a huge weekend. To help fine-tune your team before the deadline, our in-house expert’s reveal their teams.
Sam H is choosing to swap to a 1-2-2-2 formation, focusing on Championship and League One assets this weekend. He said…
GOALKEEPER
This week in between the sticks, I am backing the Baggies number one, Alex Palmer (G). His side have been incredible since the start of the campaign, hence why they sit top of the table. There is no doubt that this is an excellent opportunity for WBA to continue their unbeaten run, especially with winnable ties against Sheffield Wednesday (A) and Middlesbrough (H). Neither side has set their season alight yet. This is a great chance for Palmer to provide his backers a healthy clean sheet bonus (+5), and for that reason he is in.
DEFENDERS
At the back I have opted for Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin (D) and Wrexham’s Max Cleworth (D). Cirkin travels with his side to Watford, followed by a home tie against newcomers Derby County. I fully expect the defender to provide several defensive contributions across the two matches, securing two hauls for his 7.3% of Fantasy backers.
Cleworth operates in a similar manner to Cirkin, providing many defensive contributions, but his attacking threat is what has caught the eye of many Fantasy managers. The defender has secured three goals (+21) and one assist (+3) already, totalling 61 points. Wrexham face Leyton Orient and Stevenage in the Double Gameweek and I can only see these ties ending with Wrexham securing all three points in both. Even more importantly, with potential clean sheets (+5) along the way!
MIDFIELDERS
Making up the midfield positions are Josh Brownhill (M) and George Saville (M). Brownhill has been excellent for the Clarets this season, offering an attacking threat alongside his excellent defensive contributions. He has three goals (+18) and two assists (+6) currently to his name, but also has secured seven crucial interceptions (+14). With fixtures against newcomers Oxford United (A) followed by Plymouth Argyle back at Turf Moor, I fully expect Brownhill to contribute more at the top-end of the pitch.
In comparison to Brownhill’s considerable 17.8% ownership, Saville is much more of a differential backed by only 1.2% of managers. Saville has played a vital role for the Lions, contributing a staggering 17 interceptions (+34), which is huge for Fantasy EFL midfielders. Millwall host Preston North End at the Den, followed by a trip to Cardiff City. Neither team have been great this season, and I expect Neil Harris’ side to challenge in both. Furthermore, this could be a great chance for him to open his goal account for the campaign, with only one attacking contribution, an assist (+3), secured so far.
FORWARDS
Leading the line is the Baggies talisman Josh Maja (F). He has been incredible for WBA this season. He sits top of the rankings for the most goals scored in the Championship campaign, with six (+30) currently to his name, as well as one assist (+3). WBA will be eager to continue their unbeaten run and with matches against Sheffield Wednesday away followed by Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns, they have an excellent chance of doing this. I’m expecting Maja to secure a big haul across both matches.
Alongside him is Birmingham City’s League One record signing Jay Stansfield (F). Stansfield has been in prolific form since joining from Fulham for a fee in the region of £15m. However, his price is already being justified; scoring three goals (+18) in his opening two matches for the Blues. With two home ties upcoming for Chris Davies’ side, I would expect him to continue his red-hot form. For that reason alone, he wears the armband for the Double Gameweek 8.
CLUB PICKS
My club picks for the Double Gameweek echo my player picks with Wrexham and Burnley being the two strongest suitors. I am confident that Wrexham will return 22 points from two consecutive away wins, or at least not be far off.
Equally, I feel the Clarets will be too strong for newcomers Oxford United and against the struggling Plymouth Argyle. A maximum of 20 points from Burnley and 22 from Wrexham could mean a staggering 42 points just from the club picks alone!
JOIN OUR MINI LEAGUE
We launched a new FFS league starting from Gameweek 5, with c. £500 worth of prizes on offer. The top manager gets £100, the second receives £75 and third-place wins £50, whilst the next four runners-up will get a free year’s subscription to FFS Premium (worth c.£65 at full price, £39 current discount – if you are already a member we’ll add a free year), and a final two will get a free month of premium (worth £6.59 at full price)
In order to qualify for the tournament you need to be a free member of FFS and sign up to the league via the code: XYNH57PM
DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 8
For all the latest news and updates on Double Gameweek 8, check out our comprehensive article here. Keep an eye on our Double Gameweek 8 Guide, regularly updated with the latest expert articles and news ahead of the inaugural FULL Double Gameweek.