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Leighton Baines is virtually guaranteed to score this week. Ahem. Peter Byrne/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Fantasyland

Fantasyland: Bank on Baines

The Everton defender could have a big week during gameweek 31.

THERE ARE AN increasing number of TheScore.ie staffers who have abandoned their fantasy football teams at this stage, taking their ball home and saying they never wanted to play in the first place.

However, that doesn’t excuse you from from making changes to your team on gameweek 31

With the international break out of the way, picking high scoring players will be a tricky enough task, fear not though, we have our trusty crystal ball to hand.

Two players to pick this week

Leighton Baines (Everton): It would be an insult to you to point out how impressive Baines looked against San Marino last weekend, it was, after all, San Marino. However, Baines remains one of the highest scoring defenders in the game and will look to score against a Potters outfit struggling to keep clean sheets this season. If the Toffees are to make their annual late surge up the table, Baines will play a key part.

Arouna Kone (Wigan): It would be so easy to put a Suarez or Rooney here but hear us out. Kone has scored three in three and has already returned 108 points to fantasy coaches this season. Better still, Kone is owned by less than 2% of all teams so could prove to be the vital edge you need in your push for your league title.

Two players to avoid this week

Michu (Swansea): A huge number of players have dropped Michu of late, how can they all be wrong? With Swansea holding the League Cup, their league status secure, what exactly do the Welsh outfit have to play for? Coupled with a return of just one goal in his last ten matches, it’s time to say adios to the Spaniard.

Marouane Fellani (Everton): This is more a play for the next few weeks as the Belgian has been in decline of late and Everton’s run of fixtures is not ideal. His price tag remains reasonable but I’d avoid if I were you.

Predictions:

Sunderland 0 – 2 Man Utd
Arsenal 2 – 0 Reading
Man City 3 – 3 Newcastle
Southampton 1 – 2 Chelsea
Swansea 0 – 1 Spurs
West Ham 1 – 0 West Brom
Wigan 2 – 2 Norwich
Everton 3 – 0 Stoke
Villa 2 – 1 Liverpool
Fulham 0 – 0 QPR

How my team got on last week

The international break has lead to temporary amnesia. I swear.

Who’s leading TheScore.ie Primera Division?

No change at the top, with Pamela Black’s Balgree Rovers leading Aidan Kelliher’s HoopDeDoo by nine points.

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