This article is part of our Thunderbastard series.
If you happen to be at a gathering where someone has brought chips and dip, there is one hard and fast rule - do not double dip. However when it comes to NCAA March Madness and the EPL, it is a perfect time of year to dip twice! As I did last year, let me show you how your understanding of the NCAA brackets can help you organize and decide upon your EPL fantasy team.
The #1 Seeds:
One of the most common talking points during the start of March Madness is the #1 seeds. Which one has the best chance to go all the way? Did they all deserve that ranking? Will a #1 ever lose to a #16 (there have been four single digit games in the last five years)?
The clear #1 in the EPL this campaign is Chelsea. So far, the Blues have consistently rolled over mid-table opposition and this weekend will likely be no different. When Chelsea travels to Britannia Stadium expect it to simply be another (somewhat boring) step in Chelsea's walk to the title. Yes, these two clubs played a rather entertaining 4-2 match earlier in the year, but this weekend, don't expect the same scoring output from either team (Chelsea 2-0) That said, there is some potential fantasy value in this game and something important to watch for USMNT fans.
Eden Hazard is always a smart play (this year). Hazard is 3rd in the league in total fantasy points and has remained in the top ten all year in the ICT Index (Influence, Creativity, Threat). He has been Chelsea's Man of the Match in three of the last six games and it is certainly likely that he could turn in a solid performance once again.
Besides the obvious choice, I would suggest Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard has been a consistent force and you can expect his aerial prowess to come in handy against Stoke's direct style. He has not had much fantasy value the last couple of weeks; however, this week's matchup is ideal for him and he is worth the play.
Finally, US National Team fans should pay special attention to this game. Geoff Cameron is finally back and this will be the final chance to see him before the National Team gathers in preparation of their huge game against Honduras. A healthy and in form Cameron partnered with John Brooks in the back would be nice to see.
By the way, don't expect any early upsets of the NCAA #1 seeds - but do expect Kansas to bow out a little earlier than most are expecting.
Cinderella is found at the 12 and 13
When it comes to upsets and the NCAA Tourney, we all immediately look at those 12 and 13 seeds to see who might be this year's Cinderella. Don't expect it to be any different with this year's bracket and let's give Middle Tennessee and UVM some love as 1st round winners.
Middle Tennessee is the trendy play at the 12 seed and most analysts seem to be picking them to beat Minnesota and possibly even advance to the Sweet 16. The University of Vermont may not be getting the same love as Mid Tenn, but they are being given a puncher's chance against Big Ten champion Purdue. UVM went undefeated in the America East Conference and have won a nation's best 21 in a row. The Catamounts are led by America East POY Tre Bell Haynes and Rookie of the Year, Anthony Lamb; however, it is their depth and defense that have gotten them this far. All major upsets require your stars to play well and a couple of other players to have huge games (UVM fans remember Germain Mopa Njila's 2004 NCAA performance against Syracuse as much as TJ Sorrentine's), This year look for Ernie Duncan and Kurt Steidl to connect for double digit 3s and the Cats to pull off the biggest upset on day one of the big dance!
This week's EPL Cinderella is Hull, as they try to climb out of the drop zone and overtake clubs like Crystal Palace and Swansea. On Saturday, Hull travels to Everton to play a team that has 11 points in its last 6 fixtures and is one of the hottest in the EPL. Earlier in the year the two teams played an exciting game where the Toffees controlled the majority of play; however Hull was routinely dangerous on dead balls and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
This week, look for Hull to pull a UVM type upset and win 3-1. Along with the win, look for England's own Tom Huddlestone to be the star. Huddlestone's set piece prowess will be rewarded - he is a cheap play (£4.6) and might get you some unexpected big points!
By the way, you want another reason to route for UVM, read this amazing story - Follow Through
Best Match-Up
Another popular discussion that commences when the brackets come out is the debate of what is the best first round game. This year there are a number of games that could make an argument for the best potential opening contest. According to Las Vegas, Michigan vs Oklahoma St., Miami vs Michigan St., Creighton vs Rhode Island, and Maryland vs Xavier all should prove to be tight early tournament contests (I would throw Princeton vs Notre Dame in there too).
When it comes to this weekend's EPL schedule, there can be no discussion as to the marquee game, Man City vs Liverpool. Currently Man City holds a one point lead and has a game in hand over fourth place Liverpool. For City, it is a chance to solidify their place in the top four. For Liverpool, though it isn't a must-win game, it is a huge, huge game. A win at the Etihad could be a season defining moment for Klopp and the boys. I think this will end up being the game of the year in the EPL. Liverpool tends to excel against the best and I am looking at them to win a magical contest 4-3.
With this in mind, there should be lots of fantasy value in this game (at least on the offensive end). For Liverpool, look for Sadio Mane to have a monster game with multiple goals and assists. As the game open up, it will also provide plenty of opening for Philippe Coutinho and he would make for a solid fantasy play.
On the flip side, you know Liverpool will give up some goals and you will certainly find points from some of the City players. Look for Raheem Sterling to be motivated and involved from the start. Adding him along with always popular Sergio Aguero to your lineup will be a smart choice.
Whatever you do, find the time to watch this game!
By the way, go with Oklahoma St, Miami, Rhode Island, Xavier, and Notre Dame (on a last second shot).
America's Team:
On Thursday at 4:30pm, Northwestern will tip-off against Vanderbilt for the Wildcats first ever NCAA game. Celebrity Northwestern alumni, such as Mike Greenberg, Stephen Colbert, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Ken "K-Train" Crites are leading an ever growing fan base that will be supporting Northwestern throughout the tournament. It is amazing to think, but names such as Vince Law, Scott Lindsey, and Surjay Lumpkin will likely be household names once the Wildcats make their run to the Sweet 16 (and possibly the Elite 8) and become America's Team! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Since Stan wrote this, NU beat Vandy in Round 1!!! Go Cats!!!)
(EDITOR' NOTE: K-Train was at this game with his son, Sam.)
Though most Northwestern fans may confuse the EPL for the Evanston Public Library, they will be happy to know that their sister team is found in England. If Northwestern is able to go on a magical run in the NCAA's, it will could certainly be equated with Leicester City's amazing 2015-16 campaign. Leicester has been a mystery this year; however, they seem to be finding some of their mojo from last year. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain the momentum from their comeback victory against Sevilla when they play West Ham this weekend. West Ham has given up 13 goals in their last 6 fixtures and there should be plenty of opportunities for Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez to find some fantasy points. On the defensive side, Kasper Schmeichel could be a cheap and sneaky play if you believe that Leicester's back four really has found its groove. A win here and the conversation about Leicester will change from if they will be relegated to if they can finish in the top half of the table.
PS: Northwestern does now offer a class called, Soccer as Global History, so that's another reason to cheer for the Wildcats.
Final Four Predictions: Villanova, Louisville, Gonzaga, UCLA.
Thunderbastard of the week (with a little bend to it):
