The double gameweeks have arrived.
J-League
Forget the Premier League, the race for the title in the J-League is turning into a fascinating affair, particularly after the events of Gameweek 32 conspired to leave just 10 points between first and fourth place.
Pairic Sheehan’s Klippity Kloppity managed to hold onto top spot but only just, with Allan Johnson’s Comeback Kids just one point back in second and long-time leaders, Ciaran Tracey’s Bacuna Mata-ta, a further four points back in third.
With the joint-highest score of the top five at the weekend, Tremendous Tom Mulholland’s The Turbo Terrific are still very much in the hunt in fourth place, while Mark Anderson’s Aiden Carroll is 38 and have a bit of work to do to join up with the leaders.
With two double gameweeks ahead, however, all is very much to play for.
J-League Top 5
1) Klippity Kloppity – Pairic Sheehan: 1,955 points
2) Comeback Kids – Allan Johnson: 1,954 points
3) Bacuna Mata-ta – Ciaran Tracey: 1,950 points
4) The Turbo Terrific – Tremendous Tom Mulholland: 1,945 points
5) Aidan Carroll is 38 – Mark Anderson: 1,928 points
Gameweek 33
Having waited an age for a double gameweek to arrive, two of them have come at once, although there’s not a whole lot for managers to get excited about in Gameweek 33.
Gameweek 34, on the other hand…
Everton and Crystal Palace, two sides not exactly in-form right now, both have two games to work with this week but it really is hard to advocate selecting too many players from either side.
Romelu Lukaku is the obvious choice but even he is in the middle of a dry spell, with only three goals in 11 league games, while another high scorer this season, Ross Barkley, hasn’t registered above three points in a game since February 3.
Palace, meanwhile, haven’t won a game in the league since before Christmas. Like we said, not a whole lot to get excited about.
Elsewhere, Spurs’ clash with Manchester United at White Hart Lane is probably the pick of the weekend’s ties, while if you’re in search of points, Manchester City and Arsenal seem to picking up a bit of form at a time when it’s far too late to launch a meaningful title charge.
This week’s picks
Safe bet: Kevin de Bruyne (£10.3 million). Manchester City really missed their baby-faced midfielder while he was out injured and he’s marked his comeback with two goals in two games.
The Belgian tends to be far more prolific at home than away in the league and is a decent option if you have the funds to afford him at this stage.
Dark horse: Robbie Brady (£5.4 million). We have a feeling the Canaries are going to fly to safety and Brady could be instrumental in helping them do so.
The Irish international has two goals from his last five starts and has registered a goal, an assist and 15 points in his last two league games.
Captain’s choice: Romelu Lukaku (£9.0 million). We’re not recommending him on the basis of form – as we pointed out earlier, he’s on a run of three goals in 11 games.
Two games against fellow bottom-half residents Watford and Crystal Palace, however, should see him add to his tally of 18 league goals for the season.
Potential to use chips
With ten teams involved in a double Gameweek next week?
Bide your time, folks, bide your time.
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