I’ve never seen the movie Citizen Kane. It’s a little before my time (1941), which makes it two things that Tottenham forward Harry Kane is not: old and legendary.
But if the 21-year-old keeps his current form up, he may very well be legendary in fantasy football circles by the end of this season. He has scored nine goals in his last 17 appearances for the North London outfit, and has finally become a regular in Mauricio Pochettino’s first team.
Spurs are better with him in the lineup. His shots per game ratio is at 2.8, resulting in a goal tally that averages out to slightly better than one in every two appearances. Tottenham host Burnley this weekend and with Kane and Christian Eriksen on top form, Spurs have a chance to carry some momentum into the new year.
European Football Weekly: Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s Dan Riccio, Derrick Brandao and Thomas Michalakos take an in-depth look at the beautiful game on the European Football Weekly podcast. For more details and to listen to past shows, CLICK HERE
Just a reminder that you can join European Football Weekly’s Fantasy Footy League by CLICKING HERE. (League ID: 10067 and Password: m0d2xng)
Here’s what else I’m looking at for Week 17 in fantasy football.
GOALKEEPERS
Rob Green (4.22M) – Queens Park Rangers: West Bromwich Albion visits Loftus Road this Saturday, having won just five Premier League matches in London. If ever there was a time to start Green, it’s this weekend.
Obvious choice: Joe Hart
Honourable mention: Hugo Lloris
DEFENDERS
Eliaquim Mangala (7.61M) – Manchester City: His price has gone up quite a bit over the last few weeks as Manchester City have secured four clean sheets in their last five matches (all competitions). He may finally be settling in as City gains confidence.
Aaron Cresswell (7.81M) – West Ham United: The fourth-place Hammers host struggling Leicester City this weekend, and Cresswell is easily the pick to make. Still reasonably priced, despite being one of the top fantasy defenders all season long.
Phil Jones (11.25M) – Manchester United: He’s expensive. Consider this though: he’s made just five appearances this season and is only one point behind Marcos Rojo for most points as a United defender. He’s a good bet for a decent points haul this weekend vs Aston Villa.
Avoid Newcastle and Sunderland defenders. Not because they are hot commodities at the moment, but when these two teams face each other, tempers flare and red cards get shown. Best to avoid the possible headache of the Tyne-Wear Derby.
MIDFIELDERS
David Silva (9.47M) – Manchester City: You don’t need me to tell you how good David Silva is. The matchup against Crystal Palace this weekend is just a plus. The injuries to Sergio Aguero, Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko could force Silva to have a bigger eye for goal vs Palace. Must start.
Angel Di Maria (12.64M) – Manchester United: Risky as he may not yet return from injury. However, his game breakinig ability is worth the risk. Have Erik Lamela waiting on your bench in case Di Maria doesn’t make it back in time for the match at Villa Park this weekend.
Leroy Fer (9.37M) – Queens Park Rangers: Both of his goals this season have come at Loftus Road, and I don’t think we should worry about West Brom grabbing a second consecutive clean sheet.
Cheikhou Kouyate (5.9M) – West Ham United: Stewart Downing is a much better choice if you’re looking for a West Ham midfielder, but Kouyate is much more affordable and should collect some defensive points as well.
Obvious choice: Eden Hazard
Honourable mention: Christian Eriksen
NOTE: Jose Pozo of Manchester City is listed as a midfielder but plays at forward. He could be a huge bargain at his 3.76M price tag. I recommend him for at least a bench spot.
FORWARDS
Andy Carroll (8.95M) – West Ham United: He’s averaged seven fantasy points since returning from injury and will always be a focal point of the Sam Allardyce system as long as he’s healthy.
Robin van Persie (18M) – Manchester United: Lately, if the Red Devils score, it’s usually the Dutchman with the finish. Four goals over his last four matches. The real Robin van Persie has returned.
My starting XI: Green; Cresswell, Mangala, Bertrand; Silva, Di Maria, Pozo, Downing; Carroll, Costa, Kane