ServerVultr

By Eduard Bănulescu

Looking to rise above the noise and make the best choices in the fantasy football Premier League ahead of Round 35? I got you! Here are the players that I think you need.

Make sure to use these cards in the free EPL fantasy football contest in FootballCoin. Win, earn bragging rights and real prizes!

�

The “Must-Haves”

City’s the team that can shine this week. Playing away to Everton won’t be easy, but Pep Guardiola has the sort of players who can break down the Toffees’ defence.

Haaland, Guehi, Cherki, and Semenyo are all players who can earn you a lot of points. Donnarumma is a strong outside choice.

Another narrow escape from Arsenal? Sure! That looks to be on the table ahead of the important match against Fulham.

To me, this means Raya can be your goalie if you’re looking for a clean sheet. It means Calafiori, Gabriel, and Saliba are smart picks. Rice is always worth a shot.

Meanwhile, Smith Rowe and Berge are fine choices despite their team’s likely loss.

Manchester United playing Liverpool is always an event. However, neither team is at the top of its game. In a game like this, I see Casemiro and Fernandes doing well. I also see Gravenberch, Szoboszlai or Mac Allister earning a lot of points.

I also see Sesko taking advantage of Woodman’s lack of experience. Besides, Sesko’s card is free in FootballCoin.

The “Might As Well Try ‘Em”

Bet on the drama! West Ham is desperate to save itself from relegation. This will show even if its opponents are the highly impressive Brentford.

I think Mavropanos, Diouf and veteran Soucek are good picks. There’s plenty to like about Van den Berg, Damsgaard, as well as strikers Thiago and Ouattara, both of whom will get chances to score.

Aston Villa is a much better team than Tottenham. Still, the Spurs are the team hungry to get something out of this game. Rogers and Watkins are always worth keeping on your radar. Konsa and Cash will earn points. Meanwhile, Palhinha and Bentancur are the only Tottenham players that I can see doing something here.

The “Need One More Player for a Full Squad”

Sunderland was disappointing against Forest. Still, some pride should be earned back from a victory against the already relegated Wolverhampton.

Roefs and Mukiele are sensible picks. Brobbey and Xhaka can be vital here.

Both Newcastle and Brighton could score a few goals in Round 35. This means that Welbeck, Mitoma, Gordon, and Barnes are well worth considering as outside choices.

I can easily imagine Nottingham Forest, even without some of the team’s usual starters, earning a victory against middling Chelsea. Gibbs-White, Anderson, Milenkovic, and Jesus are all worth keeping on your radar.

Perhaps These Are Ones You Should Avoid Ahead of Round 35

Arsenal can grab a victory against Fulham. It’s unlikely this will be a goalfest, though. I don’t think you need Gyokeres, Eze or Saka on your team.

Woodman playing the full 90 minutes for Liverpool seems like a risk, considering Manchester United’s attackers’ ability.

Can’t see Richarlison, Tel or Kolo Muani achieving much against Aston Villa’s defenders.

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

Your Premier League fantasy football team needs your help! It’s the business end of the season, and the EPL’s finally being played for big odds. Teams are fighting relegation, looking to win silverware, or dreaming of playing in Europe next season. But what about you?

Ahead of Round 33, I’ve assembled a list of players who will help your team earn points. I’ve also brought in a few names that are only likely to make it worse. Have I ever steered you wrong?

Live a little! Win a little! Join up in the free FootballCoin contest, and you can secure prizes and the chance to play against people as obsessed with football as you are.

The “Must-Haves”

Strategy is always likely to earn you more fantasy football points than just picking big names. Who’s most likely to do well in Round 33?

I think that Leeds is the prime candidate. Opponents, Wolves have no objective whatsoever, and the Whites played great last week against Manchester United.

You have a few affordable picks you can make here, including goalie Darlow, defenders Struijk and Justin, as well as Gudmundsson, Tanaka and World Cup-bound Calvert-Lewin.

Sticking with this theme of clear favourites, Brighton looks good on the road to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Whoever thought we would be saying this?

Van Hecke is a definite pick (although rumours are that he might be injured). I also like Boscagli, Gross, Ayari, Minteh and Welbeck for this.

�

�

The “Might As Well Try ‘Em”

It’s the derby of the season. And despite Manchester City’s strong morale, Arsenal will put up a strong fight. I expect some tactical and line-up tweaks.

Still, I expect there are some players who come alive only in these kinds of games. Silva, Guehi, and Semenyo will perform well regardless of the score. Haaland is always a risk worth checking.

Meanwhile, if the title challenge ends in defeat, it’ll be of no fault of Rice, Gabriel, Saliba and Eze. All are good picks!

The “Need One More Player for a Full Squad”

Chelsea prepares to take on Manchester United at home in a game that has a draw written all over it. The one thing that you can almost bank on here is some defensive errors.

That’s why, I think, Pedro, Mbeumo, Cunha are alright picks. I think B. Fernandes and Mainoo (presumably returning to the starting line-up) will be important. I think that not having E. Fernandez will prove important, too.

Perhaps These Are Ones You Should Avoid Ahead of Round 33

There are so many Tottenham players that I wouldn’t pick in fantasy football, but I nearly always start with Simons. I then move on to Danso, Tel, Gray and Richarlison. If Spurs go down, it’ll be, in my opinion, on account of expensive, dumb transfers and high wages.

The Chelsea defenders, as well as the Manchester United ones, aren’t meeting my standards this week. I’d stay off picking Fofana, Gusto, Shaw, or Yoro.

Arsenal’s squad is looking good again. However, against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, I’m not entirely confident that Gyokeres, Trossard or Madueke will make an impression.

Similarly, the inconsistent performances of players like Khusanov, Rodri, and even the technically gifted Doku make me think there are better options out there.

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

Premier League fantasy football team isn’t just about winning conclusively. It’s also about enjoying your friends’ defeats. The EPL and your league could offer plenty of both those things ahead of Round 34.

In order not to be on the losing end, here are some players who are going to do it for you, and won’t celebrate like Xavi Simons just for doing their jobs. Don’t worry, I’ve also made a list of players you gotta avoid.

FootballCoin’s seen your struggle. You can play in the free Premier League fantasy football contest for free, challenge your friends, and win cash prizes!

First Half of Round 34

The EPL schedule is so manic that I’ve had to split this up into halves. Let’s talk about the mid-week games first of all.

The “Must-Haves”

Burnley vs. Manchester City is a fantastic game to watch if A. you’re a sadist & B. you enjoy fantasy football.

City needs goals galore. Haaland and Cherki are your best friends for Round 34.

Semenyo and Doku are riskier choices, but should be involved in the attacking action.

Khusanov, O’Reilly, and Donnarumma are going to get a lot of points in the likely event of a Manchester City clean sheet.

The only real questions are how bad Dubravka‘s score is going to be at the end of this one and whether Walker will get sent off against his former team.

The “Might As Well Try ‘Em”

Chelsea’s mess! You must have heard this a few times in the last couple of years. That’s good news for Brighton, one of the most comfortable-looking teams in the league.

Still, I would give Cucurella and E. Fernandez a go. They’ve rarely disappointed. Fofana, Pedro and Caicedo can make up the numbers. Sanchez will unlikely keep a clean sheet, but can get points. That’s it!

Meanwhile, Brighton’s got plenty of plucky players to choose from. Gross, Mitoma and Welbeck are always fine picks. Van Hecke, Kadioglu, and Dunk are affordable and playing well. Verbruggen is a risk for the goalie position, but one worth taking in a game like this.

Bournemouth play Leeds in what’s a derby for underdog feel-good stories. Mind you, Leeds is almost, but not entirely, out of the relegation battle, and Bournemouth could still get European football next season.

We might see goals here! That’s why Okafor, Calvert-Lewin, as well as Tavernier and Evanilson are good choices.

And, if you’re looking to flesh out your squad, Christie, Senesi, Strujik, or Bogle haven’t disappointed their backers across this entire campaign.

The “Need One More Player for a Full Squad”

Finally, Sunderland’s had a great season, while Nottingham Forest has rescued its own campaign from the brink of disaster. Both teams still need points for their respective objectives.

Rigg played really well against Aston Villa last week. Sadiki, Fee and Xhaka have been low-key some of the best players in the league. You may find better options available, but they’re worth keeping track of.

Meanwhile, Gibbs-White is marshalling this Forest team toward success in any way that he can. He’ll make a great pick!

There are some doubts about squad selection given Forest’s foray into winning a European trophy, and squad injuries. However, Anderson, Sangare and Murillo should be available and useful in earning you points.

�

Perhaps These Are Ones You Should Avoid Ahead of Round 34

Palmer is a very entertaining player. But he’s not going to the World Cup in this form, nor is he getting into my fantasy football team. The same (minus the entertainment factor) can be said about Delap, Gutso, or Neto.

Burnley’s done the best it could this year. Not all performances were bad. However, it’ll be hard even for Hartman, Ekdal, Flemming or the legendary Ward Prowse to get too much out of a scheduled demolition at the hands of Manchester City.

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

You know more than anyone what it takes to select a winning UCL team! But will the managers out on the bench have as much good sense as you?

Even you might need some advice or two when selecting your fantasy football Champions League ahead of the Quarterfinals’ second leg. Here are my picks and my choice of players to avoid. �

FootballCoin wants to show appreciation for your footy knowledge.�Register for the free�fantasy football, and you’ll play against fans who are just as excited as you, and possibly win some prizes.�

The Essential Picks

All praise our fantasy football heroes, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia!

I’m forcing the issue a bit with this one. I know. There aren’t any weak teams in the UCL.

However, who wouldn’t be surprised to have Liverpool overcome a very well-rested Paris Saint-Germain? (Note that PSG’s Strasbourg fixture in the Ligue 1 was postponed just so that the Parisians could get an extra day off.

Yes, the PSG stars are worth picking if you can make your budget work. Dembele, Doue and Kvaratskhelia are in excellent form. There’s likely going to be a couple of goals between them.

But if you’re looking to add points to your tally, Neves and Vitinha, along with Marquinhos and Hakimi, are your best bets.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s going to bring heart into the equation. It means we may see a performance from veteran Salah and youngster Ngumoha(free card in FootballCoin).

Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister are good picks. Van Dijk is still worth your time if you can afford to choose him. Mamardashvili is a risk, but perhaps one of the better budget choices at keeper.

There’s enough to suggest we’re in for a great battle as Atletico tries to hold on to last week’s victory over FC Barcelona.

I wasn’t surprised by the win. I wasn’t surprised by Diego Simeone‘s team’s great attacking display. However, the refereeing was a bit of a shocker, and a reminder that you can’t prepare for everything.

That being said, I back Atleti’s defenders Le Normand, Ruggeri and Molina for a winning team. I like Simeone and Llorente‘s resilience. Koke‘s experience can prove important. And, if you’re willing to wait long enough, Alvarez and Griezmann could strike on the counterattack.

On the other hand, Yamal‘s performances are simply wonderful. Get him, if you can afford it.

Pedri and De Jong will play a big part in this game regardless of the result. J. Garcia is a fine goalie choice. And, E. Garcia and Lopez did well in La Liga at the weekend.

The “Might as Well Give Them a Shot” Picks

Bayern’s powerful display against Real Madrid was a good reminder of the sheer quality of teams in the UCL. However, if any team can claw back victory at the Allianz Arena, it should be Real.

Arbeloa will make some personnel changes. Bellingham will be essential (if fit to play), as will superstar strikers Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Both forwards have been taking it easy in La Liga games. Valverde and Camavinga can be picked. Rudiger is the only Real defender worth picking.

The “I’m Desperate for a Miracle” Picks

It’s a strange one. Yeah, it looks like Arsenal’s season is unravelling. Still, it’s hard to predict if Sporting has enough confidence to take advantage of this.

Having said this, I think that Diomande, Inacio, Hjulmand (back from suspension), Trincao and Suarez are excellent picks. Even more importantly, all can be considered affordable picks. Choosing them will allow you to invest elsewhere in stars.

Having said all of that, Arsenal has good squad depth. That will play a major part at this stage in the season. The likes of Norgaard and Trossard will be desperate to prove critics wrong.

Eze and Gyokeres tend to shine against lesser opposition. White is in good form following his return from injury. Rice is, nearly, always a top choice.

The Players You Should Avoid for the Quarterfinals Second Leg

Zaire-Emery is a luxury player, but I think there may be better options available. Similarly, Safonov has not yet convinced me he’s about making unnecessary mistakes.

I may sound like a broken record, but Konate, Kerkez and Wirtz are not yet fantasy football picks that I can endorse. I really like Ekitike, but his form hasn’t been great of late.

Barca’s wing-backs are important to Hansi Flick‘s tactics. However, Cancelo and Kounde‘s performances have not been without mistakes.

I’m also not completely sold on Oblak‘s replacement, Musso, or on Lookman to score in this game.

Real will be a highly motivated team. However, Alexander-Arnold, Lunin, Huijsen and Carreras were hugely disappointing last week against Bayern. It’s hard to predict if anything has changed.

Trossard, Madueke, and Hincapie are Arsenal players that I’d pass on if assembling a fantasy football team or as someone in charge of football transfers for a major club.

�

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

The more you need it, the more you struggle to get it! And the teams left in the Europa League certainly need a trophy and the money that comes with it.

Are you hungry for success just as much? Here’s your chance to prove it in the arena of Europa League fantasy football.

Here are the players you need to win your event! And remember that you can always use this knowledge in the free game of FootballCoin.

�

FC Porto – Nottingham Forest

Unlike you, Premier League managers are finding that they need to learn to prioritise at this stage in the competition. Should Nottingham Forest try to win the Europa League? Or, should the team just focus on avoiding EPL relegation?

This plays into the story of the quarterfinal against FC Porto! The Portuguese are favourites for this one, even though they are still involved in two other competitions.

Costa is the clear contender to be your starting goalie. Bednarek and Kiwior will find their EPL experience valuable here. Sainz is finally proving he’s a star (told you!), and, budget-wise, he’s a great pick.

Meanwhile, Forest manager Vitor Pereira will most likely use Milenkovic and Murillo. Both are good defensive picks. Dominguez and Sangare could also make good additions. I. Jesus is a bit of a long shot. Gibbs–White is always a worthy pick, if you can afford it.

Aston Villa – Bologna

Aston Villa, on the other hand, will prioritise the Europa League, most likely, given the poor run of form back in England. Bologna is a tough opponent.

However, the stars may finally come out tonight! Watkins, Rogers, Buendia and McGinn are some of the best attacking players left in the competition.

Martinez is a fine goalie, albeit a little expensive. Cash and Digne can contribute both defensively and in attack. And, Onana with Tielemans make a great midfield pairing when fit.

In other words, nearly all of Unai Emery‘s starting line-up deserves to be picked, provided that you are optimistic about the team’s ability to find the right motivation here.

On the other hand, I welcome the return of Bernadeschi to the European stage! Get him in your team!

Freiburg – Celta Vigo

Lastly, while Freiburg may not be on your list of regular viewing options, it has performed well in the Europa League. They’ll make for a difficult opponent to Celta Vigo, a team that’s often shone in settings like this.

Still, I think your UEL fantasy football team can be improved by a few of Celta’s players. Jutgla should be one of your first choices. He’s an excellent player and a budget pick. (Admittedly, there are some doubts about whether he will start!)

Radu can easily be your backup goalie. Rodriguez and Rueda have done well in this competition. However, I think, also, that M. Alonso‘s experience may prove invaluable.

And, if you’re looking for a striker, club legend Aspas is unlikely to start; whatever minutes he does get to play here, he’s likely to use them very efficiently.

The Players You Need to Avoid

Porto vs. Forest will be an entertaining game. However, I’m not yet convinced by the quality of many of the attackers. Ndoye and Hudson-Odoi are fine players, but not in great form, in my opinion. Moffi might struggle against EPL defenders.

Many players are dealing with some medical issues at this stage. But keep an eye on obvious injuries. Villa is without Kamara, suffering from a strained knee. Dominguez, Skorupski and El Azzouzi can’t start for Bologna.

Sadly for Celta, Iglesias is suspended. Alvarez, Vecino and Dotor are injured, while Aspas should see limited game time.

Porto’s de Jong, Aghehowa, Eustaquio and Perez are probably out for this one. Finally, Forest, already short on options, will be without Boly, Savona, Wood, or Cunha.

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

There are many football fans who argue that La Liga remains, and, for that matter, has always been, the go-to place for the most entertaining, high-stakes version of the game.

As the season moves into its final stages, however, who do you need to create your winning fantasy football La Liga selection?

These are the players that I have in mind for Round 29, the ones who will help you win, and the ones that you should avoid. I’ve been writing about fantasy football for ten years, and am generally confident in my choices.

How about joining an economy based on football? You can do that, and play free La Liga fantasy football in FootballCoin. Join this weekend’s free Spanish contest.

Ok. Let’s talk about the players that you absolutely need. For that, we need to look at a team that started the season poorly, but is now close to its full potential, little ol’ Real Madrid. The visit to RCD Mallorca should be a perfect occasion for the Madridista to earn you points.

This will be a pretty attacking Real team. However, there aren’t any affordable strikers here. Still, Mbappe, Diaz and Guler are worth the effort. Their cards should be avoidable to lease for Round 29 in FootballCoin.

However, if you are looking for affordable picks, defenders Huijsen and Carreras, along with goalie Lunin (deputising for Courtois), are great picks!

Having said all of that, why couldn’t Muriqi, one of Europe’s top goal scorers, produce something special here? There are, however, more obvious picks out there, of course.

What about Real’s two rivals, Atletico and Barcelona? They’re facing each other in the Round 29 derby. The former is fighting for a UCL spot, while Barca is looking to maintain its spot at the top of the league.

This is a pretty even-looking match where Atleti’s defenders can play an important role. Hanko is a must pick. If you care to spend more of your budget, Ruggeri and Le Normand may also be good, along with goalie Musso, who’ll replace the usual starting #1, Oblak.

What about Barca? Yamal and Lewandowski are often worth the risk in these kinds of matches.

Free Picks in FootballCoin Worth Considering

There are always great fantasy football picks flying just under the radar. Here are a few that you should think of picking ahead of Round 29 of fantasy football.

In my opinion, and I have been writing about football for nearly ten years, you can’t do better than Jutgla, an attacking midfielder who was touted as a wonderkid and made the move to Celta Vigo on account of his strong performances for Club Brugge.

Speaking of Football Manager-approved wonderkids, do you remember Croatia’s Sucic? The 23-year-old is coming into his own at Real Sociedad and is also a free pick in FootballCoin.

And, forget about the strikers worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Alaves’ Martinez has played well recently, and the game against Osasuna feels like just the kind of match the Spanish striker needs to have his confidence grow.

Should You Avoid These Ligue 1 Players in Round 29?

Real Madrid is still dealing with an injury crisis. That means that Vinicius and Bellingham are likely out this week. And, while Alexander-Arnold is available, I’m not convinced that his defensive contributions are worthy of picking him this week.

Rashford will get the chance to start against Atleti and will try to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel. However, Madrid’s defenders could win this challenge.

There are also a few notable suspensions that you need to keep track of. These include Atletico’s Llorente and Cardoso, Alaves’ Suarez and Enriquez, Celta’s Moriba, Espanyol’s Pickel, Getafe’s Kiko, Nyom, Bordelas, Abqar, and Milla, Mallorca’s Virgili and Mojica, Vallecano’s Ciss, Real Madrid’s Valverde, Sociedad’s Turrientes, Sevilla’s Agoume and Romero, and Valencia’s Correia.

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

Cristian Chivu will likely win the Serie A Scudetto for Inter Milan on his first try. But is it his tactics that have done it, or his man-management style? Or is it simply down to pure luck?

I’ll try to get to the bottom of it! Let’s look at Chivu’s tactics, focusing on the 25/26 season, and try to determine what’s next for the club and for the Romanian manager.

What can you use this brilliant information for? Winning fantasy football, of course. Play the free, exhaustive game of FootballCoin today!

Career Prior to Managing Internazionale Milano

He’s a former Inter player, and that’s why he got the job, right? No, that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Cristian Chivu was a top defender, maybe, just a smudge below world-class. Quickly recruited from the Romanian league, Chivu played more than 100 games for Ajax Amsterdam, winning one Dutch title.

His performances led to a transfer to AS Roma, where he won the Coppa Italia in 2007. In turn, this led to an even higher-profile transfer to Inter Milan, where he spent eight years as a player. During this time, he won three Scudetto trophies and the Champions League.

Chivu’s managerial career began in 2021, working with Inter’s youth team. In 2025, he managed Parma and guided the team out of the relegation zone.

In the following campaign, he took charge of a highly successful Internazionale side that, however, was dealing with numerous squad issues.

At the time of writing, Inter’s still in pole position to win the league. Despite an early exit from the Champions League, this is an unexpected result. So, what are Chivu’s tactics?

Tactical Philosophy

Chivu’s press conferences reveal that he’s one of the few Serie A managers who doesn’t lose his cool. His tactical philosophy reflects that.

Neither at Parma nor at Inter has Chivu altered the team’s previous approach much.

Inter, for example, was used to playing in a 3-5-2 system under Simone Inzaghi. Chivu has used the same system throughout this campaign.

What Chivu does focus on is intensity. Blending a squad of veterans with younger players, in the early part of the season, Inter was a pressing machine.�When needed, however, Chivu is a pragmatist, happy to sit in a 5-3-2 mid-block for most of the game.

Chivu’s Inter likes to win back possession quickly, play on the counterattack, and exploit space down the wings.

�

Formations and Adaptability

Chivu is first making a name for his man-management skills. His reluctance to change Inter’s or Parma’s default formations was especially a result of the kind of team he inherited.

Early in the season, Inter’s most important players looked tired and demotivated. Besides, the club made it clear that the rebuild would be slow due to a lack of funds.

Chivu has played in a variation of a 3-5-2 system across the entire 25/26 season. When defending, the wing-backs tend to drop down and create a 5-3-2 formation.

Internazionale in Attack

Perhaps Chivu’s greatest asset in earning the chance to coach Inter Milan is the fact that he was the youth team coach for seven years. He knows the system used by Simone Inzaghi and the player coming through the ranks.

Yes, there are online memes about most of Inter’s goals this season being scored off Federico Di Marco’s crosses. This isn’t untrue. And it’s an effective tactic. The wing-back currently has 14 assists in Serie A.�

However, it should be noted that the strikers at the end of those crosses possess, typically, more strength, better heading abilities, and more experience than most defenders marking them. Lautaro Martinez is the team’s main goalscorer, with Marcus Thuram and Pio Esposito acting as sidekicks.

And experience has helped, greatly, in match management. Inter averages 2.2 goals scored per game and 0.8 conceded. The team registers the most goal opportunities of any team in Serie A.�

Simply put, if Internazionale scores first, it can defend the lead and use the speed of Di Marco and Luis Henrique to launch counter-attacks.

Build-Up

I feel I need to note that, in many ways, Internazionale is the�Italian team of the last decade. For all its domination, however, it’s won less silverware than was expected.

Still, that domination was created using world-class players. Although older, many are still with the club. Their experience is invaluable in the way Inter progresses the ball.

Chivu’s Inter doesn’t merely play tiki-taka passing or launch direct balls forward. The team plays a mixture of both based on the opposition’s pressing style.�

Typically, the build-up starts from the back with the three defenders playing a pass to one of the wing-backs who drifts further into defence.�

It’s also likely that Nicolo Barella may drop further to offer support, while playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu and the two strikers push forward, looking to stretch the opposition’s defence.

Inter’s also fortunate to depend on central defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. Yann Biseck, Manuel Akanji, or Alessandro Bastoni prefer to advance and make a short pass rather than merely throw the ball to the strikers.

Cristian Chivu’s Defensive Plans

I discussed the technical aspects of Inter’s defensive system. They’re also disciplined players.

When under pressure or trying to defend a lead, Chivu’s players will soak up the pressure by lining up in a five-man defence in the mid-block.�

However, Internazionale also uses pressing triggers and, against lower-tier opposition, will press up, looking to secure victory long before the final whistle has blown.�

Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer has conceded just 23 goals in 28 matches. He has a save percentage of 72%. And while these stats, as with Internazionale as a whole, have decreased in recent months, they are still impressive.

What’s Next for Chivu and Internazionale?

This season has proven that Internazionale can rebuild while maintaining some of its stronger form.

What went right for Chivu? Results were strong in the early part of the season. Inter are still top of the league, even if the gap between them and AC Milan or Napoli has shrunk.

Chivu has managed to get results with minimal investment or changes to the existing squad. His calm, collected nature makes him a strong candidate for a future top manager.

What went wrong? Internazionale were eliminated from the Champions League in an embarrassing manner by Bodo/Glimt. The team’s also squandered some of its mid-season advantage in the league.

Much of this, however, can be attributed to tiredness. The squad is still mostly made up of veteran players. There’s no getting around the fact that Chivu will have to prove his knowledge of the transfer market in the 26/27 season.

What’s next? Whether Inter wins the Scudetto (as is most likely) or not, Chivu’s likely to be the team’s manager come next season.

The general feeling is that there’s once again a good reason for Nerrazzuri fans to be optimistic.

�

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

It’s not over until it’s over. This is the time of the season when Premier League teams really have to sweat it out. It’s also the period where many players are missing out of form.

Where does that leave you? Seeking advice, and here it is! These are the players that you need to consider for your Premier League fantasy football team, and a few that you must avoid at all costs.

Since you’re here, let’s hook you up with some cash prizes. Join the free FootballCoin and create your team within minutes.

The “Must-Haves”

United’s flying! And even if this is unlikely to last, there’s no way around the fact that Fernandes and Casemiro are delivering each week in what could be both midfielders’ final season.

Mainoo is a smart choice when considering your budget. And, Lammens, while he’s unlikely to keep a clean sheet against Bournemouth, could be your #1 for the same reason. Cunha and Mbeumo are fine, but there might be better options out there.

Meanwhile, Senesi and Hill have been consistent across the season, while Tavernier has been plain excellent and makes for a great choice.

Tottenham vs. Nottingham Forest is the most important game of the season for both sides. Players will be committed to a good result. Romero, Ven, Dragusin and Sarr will show up, even though mistakes are nearly always part of their repertoire.

A pretty knackered Forest side will have to get the best out of Anderson, Milenkovic, and Gibbs-White. Neither team has strikers in good enough form to warrant selection.

The “Might As Well Try ‘Em”

Chelsea is not quite woeful, and Everton is not quite great. This should make it a tight affair with a lot of passing the ball in the midfield area.

Palmer, Caicedo and Fofana are good picks if you can afford them. Fernandez, however, is the only truly consistent performer.

Meanwhile, there are few better affordable choices than Garner. Gueye and Keane are also fine picks, real “Moyes players.”

Newcastle will try to rebuild morale after the humbling defeat to Barcelona. Playing at Sunderland is just the place to do it. Joelinton, Elanga and Gordon are good picks this week.

West Ham is desperate for points without relegation looming large, while Aston Villa is in a real goalscoring dry spell.

Mavrapanos, Soucek, or Bowen aren’t the first names you consider when assembling your EPL fantasy football team, but they’re worth considering in Round 31, I think. Wing-backs Wan-Bissaka and Diouf may also play their part here.

Meanwhile, Onana, Barkley and McGinn tend to be the players that Unai Emery leans on when things get tough, and they’re likely to perform well regardless of the final result.

The “Need One More Player for a Full Squad”

Liverpool’s energised after victory against Galatasaray in the UCL. However, it’s likely Brighton will match the Reds’ stamina and much of the team’s collective skill.

Recent performances suggest it’s okay to go back to picking Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. Ekitike is a smart choice. And, for the first time, you might even take a chance on Wirtz.

Alisson could also make a good goalie pick with Welbeck, Minteh and Gross capable of giving him something to work with.

Perhaps These Are Ones You Should Avoid

Garnacho may start for Chelsea, but there are better options out there. And while I am a fan of Cucurella and Sanchez, this Chelsea defence doesn’t inspire much confidence at present.

Sesko is certainly putting the goals away. But he usually does it while playing only 20 minutes of games. That might not be enough to warrant selection.

Salah scored against Galatasaray in the UCL. But the first half performance suggests he’s a way off from being the best striker that you can pick. Konate is much the same.

Simmons and Muani put in the best performances of their Tottenham careers against Atletico Madrid. Still, it’s hard to justify picking them this week.

�

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

The general consensus seems to be that, this year, any team can beat any other team in the Premier League. Well, how does that inflation of quality help you get your fantasy football team in winning form?

I’ve got some advice ahead of Round 30 of the EPL, and you may find this hard to hear. I do think, however, that these picks will improve your fantasy football team selection.

And if winning prizes is your thing (of course, it is!), join us in the free FootballCoin EPL contest this weekend.

The “It’s Too Good Not to Pick This Week” Picks

I start, as always, with the easy pickings. And when I do this, I rarely get the opportunity to speak about Bournemouth.

But, I think you can see a lot of The Cherries in your fantasy football team this weekend. Playing Burnley right now is a real opportunity. Petrovic looks sound in goal and will get to put in a shift to keep the clean sheet.

Evanilson and Tavernier are attacking options worth considering ahead of more famous names. And, defenders Hill, Senesi, and rookie Jimenez have been good across the campaign. The latter, in particular, is a great budget choice.

Moving on, Liverpool’s a sorry sight. But not as much as Tottenham, I reckon. Taking advantage of others’ misery is the way to get your fantasy football team moving. Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Ekitike will try to paper over their poor stats with a strong performance against Spurs.

The “Can’t Do It Without You” Picks

Let’s move over to the Unavoidable Stars section.

Arsenal’s latter part of the season is characterised by clinical precision and getting away with the three points as neatly as possible. Everton, on the other hand, has a strong defence.

I like Saka, Rice and Eze for the midfielder roles. Saliba and Gabriel rarely disappoint. I also think that Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Gueye, and Dewsbury–Hall have had great campaigns, flown under the radar and deserve a shout.

Manchester City also needs a cynical three-pointer against West Ham. With better pass delivery, Haaland is still the best attacking pick in EPL fantasy football. Meanwhile, Dias and Guehi will be determined to put in a good display after the shameful performance against Real Madrid.

The “Worth a Risk, I Guess” Picks

Manchester United’s forward momentum has dipped. However, earning a victory against Aston Villa is, quite simply, the thing that will determine Michael Carrick’s stay at the club.

Fernandes, Casemiro and Maguire are players he can depend on, and likely so can you.  Meanwhile, Sancho will relish the opportunity to prove his former club’s evaluation of his form to have been wrong. It’s got: “What were you thinking getting rid of him?” written all over it.

I like Chukwueze and Jimenez against an ailing Nottingham Forest defence. But I also think that Milenkovic and Anderson will, at least, try to rescue something from this match.

Finally, I think Palace’s Wharton is a strong pick, and also that Calvert-Lewin hasn’t yet stopped his goal-scoring run for the season. Neither is an essential pick, but it is worth having on your radar.

The Players You Need to Avoid in Round 30

Liverpool vs. Spurs is a pretty sad affair. But what would make it sadder is picking the likes of Danso, Muani or Richarlison. I’m still not sold on Salah, Kerkez, and particularly no on Konate after this week’s UCL performance against Galatasaray.

Cherki is a classic playmaker through and through. But neither he nor O’Reilly and Rodri are consistent enough to warrant a place on your team. Besides, West Ham, a team sinking quickly to the depths of the EPL, has enough to make life hard for City.

Occasionally, Igor Jesus and Gibbs–White produce true moments of magic for Forest. Frankly, I think Fulham’s preparation is too strong to let that happen.

�

�

�

By Eduard Bănulescu

You’ve waited for this all season long, and what you get in the first proper UCL knockout stage is Galatasaray and Bodo/Glimt. Who should you choose to get the best  fantasy football Champions League results? �

If you’re looking to win and not just play around, I’ve got a few card picks that should improve your team.

Thinking of getting the big stars in? I’ve also thrown in a few names that you should avoid.

Why not win some free prizes while you’re enjoying the Champions League? Here’s a link to the fantasy football contest in FootballCoin.�

Any sure things? No, not this time. There are behemoths facing minions here, and that’s the way it’ll stay until the final. Even Bodo/Glimt has more than proven itself.

Newcastle will have plenty of work to do against FC Barcelona’s attacking might. But the general feeling is that there will be a way through the Catalans’ defence.

I like midfielders Pedri, Casado, Barnes and Tonali for this one. I think that Yamal justifies the high price you’ll need to pay for the card. And, I think that Cancelo could be a surprise pick worth taking a chance on.

I think Galatasaray has a very good chance against Liverpool. And if the qualification happens, the Turkish side will need to force the issue in the first leg.

Osimhen remains one of the finest strikers in the UCL and is looking to prove himself. Sanchez, Bardakci, Yilmaz did well against Juventus.

How about Liverpool’s terrific stats in fantasy football? To my mind, as things stand, only Van Dijk, Szoboszlai and Ekitike justify delving deep into your budget at this time.

Atlético vs. Tottenham can bring a few surprises. However, what we know so far is that Atleti has goal scorers, and Spurs can’t get the ball in the penalty area very often.

That’s why Oblak is my choice for the goalkeeper position. Sorloth is a must if you can afford the card. Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri can bring points and are fine picks.

And, of course, Bayern Munich will follow up on its mission to win the Champions League trophy. Sure, they have a strong team. But Atalanta’s attacking style can surprise anyone.

Zappacosta, Samardzic, Isak, De Roon, or Scamacca have performed well in international games this season. I think these are players worth taking a risk on.

Finally, I see Bodo/Glimt qualifying. And, I can spot plenty of inexpensive picks for your fantasy football team. Can you really distrust Hauge, Hogh, Berg, or goalie Haikin after the season they’ve had in the Champions League? I don’t think so!

And These Are Players that You Should Avoid for the Round of 16 First Leg

We’re likely to see Lewandowski and Raphinha in attack for Barca, but I think it’s smart to wait for the second leg before picking them. I’m also a fan of Gordon, Barnes and Wissa, but I think that there are better options this time.

Liverpool’s a team filled with stars that you’re probably better off without. I think that Salah, Wirtz, Mac Allister and Kerkez might be players you can avoid for now.

Will UCL pride turn Igor Tudor’s Spurs into fighters? Hard to know, but players like Simons, Tel, Palhinha and even Solanke have certainly not impressed lately.

�

�