Fantasy Bundesliga: Must-haves and differentials for Matchday 22
Ahead of Matchday 22, we have highlighted a must-have player (M) and a differential pick (D) from each game that you should consider for your Fantasy Bundesliga team.
DSC Arminia Bielefeld v. VfL Wolfsburg:
M: Wout Weghorst, Forward (WOB, 18.8M, 5%) - Although Weghorst did not have the greatest of games last weekend against Gladbach, you can't excuse the fantastic form he has been in lately. In the last seven games, he has five goals and one assist and has moved up to fourth in total Fantasy points.
D: Maximilian Arnold, Midfielder (WOB, 14.9M, 1%) - Arnold was very dangerous in Wolfsburg’s nil-nil draw with Gladbach last weekend. Although he was unable to come away with a mark on the score sheet, he was able to send in eight crosses and take two shots. That was enough to still earn him 11 Fantasy points. Against Bielefeld, Wolfsburg should continue their dominant form even though Bielefeld gave Bayern a run for their money last week.
Sport-Club Freiburg v. 1. FC Union Berlin:
M: Florian Müller, Goalkeeper (SCF, 4.4M, 9%) - The fourth highest scoring goalie in the game and considerably cheaper than the alternatives, Müller is a must for every team. He has outstanding save percentages and is able to drop 20 baggers like he did four games ago against Bayern. He has scored at least eight points in four of the last six games.
D: Joel Pohjanpalo, Forward (FCU, 2.8M, 0%) - Pohjanpalo got his first start since November after coming back from a serious ankle injury. In 62 minutes, he amassed a very respectable six shots but was not able to hit the target. He should get another start as he nears full fitness. He will certainly be eager to get back on the scoresheet as he did have a solid start to the season with two goals in the first six games before he went out.
Eintracht Frankfurt v. FC Bayern München:
M: Filip Kostić, Midfielder (SGE, 17.9M, 8%) - Frankfurt is flying high and this timing against Bayern is perfect for Kostić as he can truly exploit Bayern’s weakness while they are hurt. He has scored double digit Fantasy points in eight of the last nine games so he really should be on your squad no matter what.
D: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Forward (FCB, 9.4M, 0%) - There is a chance Choupo-Moting gets the start again as Bayern deal with injuries and illnesses. In 90 minutes last week, he was able to take two shots with both on target.
1. FC Köln v. VfB Stuttgart:
M: Saša Kalajdžić, Forward (VFB, 6M, 6%) - Clearly the best budget striker in the game and it is not even close. For a measly six million, you get a top end stiker who has scored four times in the last three games and only seems to be getting better.
D: Erik Thommy, Midfielder (VFB, 7.3M, 0%) - After not playing all season, Thommy is suddenly an exciting fixture of the Stuttgart midfield. He got his first start against Hertha last week and was featured quite frequently in the attacking end. Köln are still struggling mightily so the odds are in Stuttgart’s favor.
Borussia M’gladbach v. 1. FSV Mainz 05:
M: Ramy Bensebaini, Defender (BMG, 12.1M, 4%) - After missing nine games before the winter break, Bensebaini has now started his fifth game of the Rückrunde and is beginning to look back to normal. He seems due for at least another goal or an assist as Gladbach need to pick up the pace if they want to stay within touching distance of European competition.
D: Moussa Niakhaté, Defender (M05, 4.7M, 1%) - It is very much feast or famine with Niakhaté, either scoring double digit Fantasy points or negative points. As the end of the season draws near, Mainz and Niakhaté have upped their game recently. He has totaled his season tally of three goals and an assist in just the last four games. Gladbach have hardly looked convincing lately and Mainz will be looking for the upset.
FC Schalke 04 v. Borussia Dortmund:
M: Mats Hummels, Defender (BVB, 14.4M, 13%) - Dortmund’s defense hasn't necessarily been playing well but Hummels is the third highest scoring Fantasy defender in the game. This week is one of the better opportunities Dortmund will have to actually defend a clean sheet as well. Schalke have not scored a goal in their last two games.
D: Nabil Bentaleb, Midfielder (S04, 4.2M, 1%) - Bentaleb had missed the last 12 games prior to last weekend due to disciplinary issues with the team. One would have thought it would have taken some time for him to gel with the first team after only training with the reserves. This was not the case as Bentaleb was thrust right back into the starting lineup. He will be tasked with linking the midfield and attack as he should start again in the derby.
FC Augsburg v. Bayer 04 Leverkusen:
M: Florian Wirtz, Midfielder (B04, 8.6M, 12%) - Wirtz has been promising lately, scoring twice in the last five league games. He also grabbed an assist in Leverkusen’s 4-3 loss to Young Boys in the Europa League. Leverkusen’s results have been all over the place so a decent showing against Augsburg can put to rest any thoughts of a slide down the table. They will hope to protect the last European spot from Dortmund and Gladbach.
D: Demarai Gray, Forward (B04, 9M, 0%) - In two league games since joining from Leceister, Gray has scored a goal and grabbed an assist coming off the bench. In his first start in the Europa League, Gray played the full 90 and placed three shots. Gray can certainly become an integral part of the Leverkusen squad as they will need all the help they can to finish off the season strong.
Hertha BSC v. RB Leipzig:
M: Matheus Cunha, Forward (BSC, 15.2M, 4%) - In the last five games, Cunha has played well for Hertha and has been unlucky to not come away with more goals. He has one assist, 15 shots taken, 10 chances created and 30 crosses attempted as well. Everyone likes to play their former employer and he will be looking to prove that shipping him away was a mistake.
D: Alexander Sørloth, Forward (RBL, 1.M, 0%) - Time is running slim for Sørloth as he still has just one league goal on the season. He has had plenty of rest the last two games, only playing a total of five minutes, so he should be fit and ready for Hertha. He will get plenty of chances, it is just a matter of if he can capitalize.
TSG Hoffenheim v. SV Werder Bremen:
M: Milot Rashica, Midfielder (SVW, 12.2M, 2%) - Rashica started his first match since November and was very active in the attack with five shots taken in 90 minutes. Bremen fans must be relieved to finally see him on the pitch for an extended period of time as he is clearly the best attacking option that they have to deploy.
D: Munas Dabbur, Forward (TSG, 11.9M, 0%) - Dabbur has been on fire in the last two games, including Europa League, scoring twice and assisting once. Hopefully Sebastian Hoeneß will continue to start Dabbur while he is in form.
Looking for other Fantasy Bundesliga articles ahead of Matchday 22? Check out all of our Fantasy Bundesliga tips and information here.