Many, like myself, had planned to swap Austin to Diego Costa in preparation for the latter’s upcoming double Gameweek. However, a hamstring injury suffered just 11 minutes after coming on against Stoke has seen the striker ruled out for a minimum of two weeks, sending all those plans up in smoke. So just who can we chose to replace the QPR hitman? Here I’ll give you a run-down of the most likely options.
Loic Remy
FPL Price 7.1, FPL Ownership 2%
The reasons for this pick are fairly obvious. Remy was chosen to start against Stoke due to doubts over Diego Costa and promptly grabbed himself a goal. A visit to former club QPR next Gameweek should see the Frenchman fired up to deliver. The lure of two fixtures in Gameweek 34 also makes Remy an enticing pick. But this option comes with a couple of caveats. Firstly the spectre of Didier Drogba still looms. Diego Costa started every game he was fully fit and available for. However, Remy has not started every game that he hasn’t been, so there remains the chance that Drogba may start at least one game ahead of the Frenchman. The second factor is Costa himself. If he does indeed only miss two weeks this brings him back into focus in time for the double, denting the appeal of Remy who may start one, or even zero, games that week.
Bafetimbi Gomis
FPL Price 6.5, FPL Ownership 0.5%
A few weeks ago the idea the idea of Gomis in this list would have been laughable. But times have changed. Since the departure of Wilfried Bony, Gomis has been handed the job of leading the line for the Swans. Although it has taken some time, Gomis finally looks to have grown into that role, as four goals in his last six starts, including his spectacular overhead kick against Hull last time out, has shown. Given his is next four (EVE, lei, new, STO), the time could be ripe to take the plunge on the big Frenchman, especially for those without Sigurdsson.
Diafra Sakho
FPL Price 5.4, FPL Ownership 3%
A run of just two goals in his last six starts hardly makes Sakho appear to be a stand-out option. But a quick glance at Jonty’s Goals Imminent Table shows us that no player has had more shots without scoring than Sakho in recent weeks. Aside from a Gameweek 33 trip to Manchester City, the fixtures look favourable for West Ham, with Stoke, Burnley and Everton arriving at the Boleyn Ground and the Hammers facing trips to QPR, Aston Villa and Newcastle. It could be the perfect time for Sakho, and the Hammers, to get back to form.
Saido Berahino
FPL price 5.6. FPL Ownership 11.9%
Despite an abject showing against QPR, the West Brom hitman still claimed an assist and has penalty duties in his locker. Berahino is another to feature prominently on Jonty’s Goal Imminent table. With three goals and an assist in his last seven there are some signs of renewed life from Berahino and a run of games that reads LEI, cpl, LIV could be just the tonic for Berahino to return to the form that saw him net seven times in the opening nine Gameweeks of the season.
Glenn Murray
FPL Price 5.1. FPL Ownership 0.1%
A bit of a left-field option but for those who really fancy a punt Murray could be the man for you. Four goals in his last four starts and penalty duties make Murray an in-form option. A quick glance at Doosra’s Deadly Assasins Table shows us that only Aguero has had more shots in the box than the Palace man in the last four matches, and he sits fourth for total shots over that period. His next three fixtures (sun, WBA, HUL) allied with Crystal Palace’s much more attacking side since the appointment of Alan Pardew could mean Murray will be the differential to make the difference in those mini-leagues in the closing stages. Those that saw Murray’s devastation of Manchester City in Gameweek 31’s also suggest the Palace man could be a potent differential even against tough opposition.
The keeping Austin option
Some would say that, with Costa out, there is now no need to ship Austin out, as a home game against a currently leaky Chelsea (whom he scored against away) will hold no fear. However, it is not an option I personally favour. With many people holding 2-3 Arsenal assests plus possibly Sunderland and Liverpool ones, many will already be low on numbers for Gameweek 33. This makes holding Austin, who also has a blank, a little less appealing as numbers could be crucial that week.
I hope this has provided a useful insight into the options open to you, and best of luck whichever one you choose.
