[sbu_large_image] Opinion
2 April 2015 1052 comments
Paul Paul
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There’s much for us to consider as we turn our attentions to the weekend’s round of fixtures. Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero’s form, Chelsea’s recent lack of resilience, the new budget options between the sticks and Harry Kane’s armband showdown with the double Gameweek strikers are all on the lunchtime menu.

Sanchez’ form against the Reds…
Having served up a single goal in his last seven league appearances, the Chilean is on borrowed time for many Fantasy managers. The most transferred-out midfielder since the previous Gameweek, Sanchez could yet earn a reprieve bearing in mind that Arsenal travel to Burnley next weekend. With a blank Gameweek 33 preceding the visit of Chelsea, though, it’s likely to take something special against this week’s visitors Liverpool to persuade owners to hold – given that the Reds have six successive shut-outs on their travels, Sanchez certainly faces a tough task to remain in so many managers’ plans.

Chelsea’s resilience as the Potters roll up…
After going 2-0 up at Hull in the previous Gameweek, Chelsea’s defence capitulated and allowed the Tigers to quickly claw back the deficit before a late Loic Remy goal earned them the points. The Blues’ recent showings have been atypical of a Jose Mourinho side closing in on the title – the league leaders have mustered a mere two clean sheets in their last seven fixtures, with only Branislav Ivanovic’s attacking returns justifying the hefty outlay. Given that many are mulling over a Chelsea double-up in defence ahead of double Gameweek 34, we need a convincing display at home to Stoke this weekend to strengthen our faith in the Blues’ backline again.

Kane versus the double Gameweek strikers…
It’s almost unheard of for any player with a single fixture to be leading our Captain Poll but the Tottenham forward’s stunning form keeps him ahead of Charlie Austin and Christian Benteke in the armband pecking order. Austin has just a single assist in his last three, whilst Benteke has notched three times in as many matches heading into the double yet for many, the first match of their doubles – away to West Brom and United respectively – is enough of a deterrent. Kane, meanwhile, has racked up five sets of double-figures in eight appearances ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Burnley and going against the in-form youngster could prove decisive in many a mini-league pecking order.

Aguero’s showing at Selhurst Park…
A midweek goal in Argentina’s win over Ecuador served a reminder of the talents that tormented top-flight backlines in the first half of the season. Since returning from injury, though, Aguero has failed to justify his lofty price tag, scoring in just two of his ten appearances and with double Gameweeks looming, he’s been the fall guy for many Fantasy managers. Over 58,000 have transferred him out – more than twice the number of any other forward – but a trip to a Palace side with a single clean sheet under Alan Pardew surely hands him the chance to get back amongst the goals again. With West Ham and Villa also paying visit in the next four, a return to form on Monday evening may force many to re-think.

Pearson’s attacking options as the double looms…
Whilst the Leicester boss continues to remain faithful to his 5-2-3 formation, a change in personnel last week has potentially scuppered our double Gameweek 34 plans. After shifting Jeffrey Schlupp to left wing-back in Gameweek 29 in order to accommodate Jamie Vardy in his front three, Nigel Pearson benched Riyad Mahrez and Andrej Kramaric and drafted in David Nugent and Leonardo Ulloa for the trip to Tottenham. Nugent and Vardy emerged with a goal and assist apiece in the 4-3 defeat but their classification as forwards is a real deterrent – can Mahrez forced his way back into contention and offer a viable midfield option for the upcoming double?

Davis and Myhill between the sticks…
Season-ending injuries to Fraser Forster and Ben Foster have seen many Fantasy managers considering their cut-price understudies as replacements. At 4.4, Davis offers the cheapest option in a Southampton defence that have already served up 14 clean sheets this season, whilst Myhill, at a mere 4.0, hands us an obvious route into a West Brom rearguard with six shut-outs in ten league outings under Tony Pulis. The concern is – will Davis and Myhill be up to the task as able replacements or will their stints between the sticks lessen the resilience of two of the tightest defences around?

Fellaini as a valid option…
Three goals over the international break highlighted the Belgian’s growing self-belief after nailing down a regular role for United. Louis van Gaal’s decision to move to 4-3-3 and install Fellaini in the centre of the park has proven instrumental in his side’s push for a top two finish, with the former Everton man serving up a goal and assist in the Gameweek 29 home win over Spurs. As mentioned in Tuesday’s members article, Fellaini has offered far more threat than Juan Mata in recent weeks yet has mainly been overlooked due to the Spaniard’s match-winning brace at Anfield. Currently sitting in just 1% of FPL sides, can the 6.3-priced Belgian kick on from his recent showings and offer us a value route into Van Gaal’s XI or will be revert to the frustrating displays that typified his first year-and-a-half at Old Trafford?

Siggy’s form as the fixtures smile kindly…
Two goals in his last five hint at Bafetimbi Gomis’ potential after a sluggish start to life in the top-flight but with places in our three-man frontlines at a premium, few will be willing to punt on the summer signing at a time where double Gameweeks are our priority. With more scope in midfield, though, can Gylfi Sigurdsson play his way back into our plans? There’s no doubt the Icelandic international has gone off the boil, with just a single goal in seven appearances since the turn of the year, but the next five Gameweeks (HUL, EVE, lei, new, STO) could barely be kinder as Garry Monk’s side attempt to cement a top eight finish. Now down to 6.5 from a season-high price of 7.0, Sigurdsson is owned by over 24% of FPL managers and his showings over the short-term could well have a significant effect on the overall standings.

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1,052 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Ginkapo FPL
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Things really are slow round here if nobody is posting on the new articles. Second time today I've come across an empty article.

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Or in other words .. "first"
      🙂

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Note in this one I used the term "second"

    2. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Ba$tards

  2. pompeyfan
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Surprised that Kane is top of the poll

    1. money face bandwagon
      11 years, 7 months ago

      why would u?

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Really? Isnt he perma top now?

      1. pompeyfan
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Well with there being a dgw (although not the best), and Aguero having a decent fixture. Not sure I see Kane continuing to produce every gw

    3. Ziegler1988
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Pretty sizable advantage for Austin in Triggerlips' poll: https://whichtransfer.wordpress.com/2015/03/30/captains-poll-gw31/

    4. Beavis
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Minimum of 8 points this week imo.

    5. Pea Soup
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard captain this week

  3. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Plan A on WC:
    Aguero, Costa, Kane upfront leaving me at risk of Austin doing well given high ownership but plenty of spare transfers in future for injury, DGW's etc

    Plan B on WC
    Austin, Benteke, Kane
    Would need to use next 2 transfers on strikers, but might pay off handsomely

    Plan C on WC
    Austin, Aguero, Kane - covers the massively held Austin and keeps Aguero for his nice fixtures.

    1. money face bandwagon
      11 years, 7 months ago

      only get player that u think will do well..not becos he is massively held. if u think he is then u should get austin

    2. Ziegler1988
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Plan A unless Costa is definitely ruled out

    3. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Check out a 352 if on a WC.
      I had a play around yesterday with it, you can get a great midfield!

    4. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Plan D not to use WC?

      horrible week to use WC

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 7 months ago

        ^^^

  4. shaunyjames
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Unsure whether to gamble on Aguero (c) or play it safe with Kane. Safely top of my mini leagues and miles above my best OR finish

    1. money face bandwagon
      11 years, 7 months ago

      u lose nothing then..might as well try

      1. shaunyjames
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Kun Capt it is!

  5. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Was there a scout cast this week?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      11 years, 7 months ago

      One was recorded so it should appear later

      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

  6. eish
    11 years, 7 months ago

    whats the verdict on bellerin?

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Time to get rid..soon.

      He'll play this week

    2. money face bandwagon
      11 years, 7 months ago

      sell asap..likely to lose his spot in the near future

    3. Beavis
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Debuchy told L'Equipe he still feels quite far from 100% so I think he may be safe for the next 2.

      1. Pea Soup
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Just like he was safe for the last two...

    4. Ziegler1988
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I think he'll start against Liverpool and then Chambers starts against Burnley

  7. money face bandwagon
    11 years, 7 months ago

    to be honest i think that the captain poll only reflect who people will captain rather than the best captain option.

    if more pollers have benteke instead of i think the % of benteke capper will be higher.

    maybe its just me but i think benteke will outscore austin

  8. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Costa YC this week will be so annoying to all planning Austin > Costa after this GW

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      😀

  9. callanderlg
    11 years, 7 months ago

    is baird likely to take dawsons place or shall i ship dawson for naughton ?

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Baird is likely to take his place on the bench

  10. RustyBz
    11 years, 7 months ago

    COSTA OR AGUERO?

    1. Beavis
      11 years, 7 months ago

      BOTH

      1. RustyBz
        11 years, 7 months ago

        No love for Giroud? 🙁

    2. Coldplay
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Please don't shout. Costa imo if he's fit.

    3. Breadbin
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Whichever you currently have is fine.

      1. RustyBz
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I've got Kun, my opponents Costa. Seems like a no lose situation if I go Costa and cancel out those points for them since I'm 40 pts clear

      2. Pea Soup
        11 years, 7 months ago

        This

  11. Coldplay
    11 years, 7 months ago

    When's the Liverpool replay for The FA Cup? Need to know when Liverpool will have their DGW provided they win against Blackburn.

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      You might as well have typed that question into google! Wed 8th 19 45

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        11 years, 7 months ago

        But youre much better looking

        1. RustyBz
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Have a +1

        2. Coldplay
          11 years, 7 months ago

          You're but ^ this.

          1. 1966 was a great year for E…
            11 years, 7 months ago

            He included the 'e', so it's obvious he knows the apostrophe should be there, but just can't be arsed 😉

  12. Scotty B
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Gabby captain this week is a no brainer!

    1. Breadbin
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Ok.

    2. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      If he gets more than 4pts I'll be shocked

  13. eish
    11 years, 7 months ago

    guzan dgw (mun,qpr) or fabianski(hul)

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Guzan 100%

    2. Beavis
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Guzan

    3. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Guzan

  14. DA Minnion (Former great)
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Skrtel to ? For the coming games
    6.5 to spend.
    Already have Dawson Baird Ivan and fonte
    Any thoughts lads.

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Can you not scrape a few more pennies for JT?

      1. RustyBz
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Oh sorry, didnt see Ivan. Maybe get naughton and upgrade somewhere else?

    2. Coldplay
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Get Naughton and upgrade elsewhere imo.

  15. Pea Soup
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Safe captain choice this week is Hazard, surely...

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      hurrikane

      1. Pea Soup
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Spurs blow hot and cold... time for a cold week.

        1. RustyBz
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Kane only has one temperature. Hot

    2. Beavis
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Home form?

      1. Pea Soup
        11 years, 7 months ago

        His three biggest hauls of the season have come at SB.

        99 points at SB from 181...

        Chelsea 3-0 Stoke last season. Chelsea 7-0 Stoke in 2010. Stoke 0-4 Chelsea in 2013...

        1. Beavis
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Certainly a great choice. Still prefer Kane though.

        2. RustyBz
          11 years, 7 months ago

          99 from 181 isn't that skewed

          1. Pea Soup
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Agreed. Just stating a fact really... he does better at home than away

    3. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero.

    4. FPLord
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I'll put the armband on Hazard this week

  16. eish
    11 years, 7 months ago

    whats all this love for austin?

    1. Breadbin
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Mainly it's those that haven't had Giroud for the last month, their internal justification.

      1. pompeyfan
        11 years, 7 months ago

        a bit of a generalisation. I've had Giroud the past few weeks but have just swapped him for Austin

        1. Breadbin
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I said mainly, I know there are exceptions.

          Lots did that move last DGW and stuck with him.

      2. Doolittle
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Sadly I'm one of these! Also the lure of the DGW, as I have him I may as well captain him.

  17. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 7 months ago

    i don't have any DGW players for this gw.

    should i:

    1 - do moses to philips for free and bench mane (eve)
    2 - save transfer and play mane
    3 - giroud to austin (c)

    1. Coldplay
      11 years, 7 months ago

      2 imo. If it makes you feel any better I don't have any DGW players either. But to make you feel worse my rank is shite.

    2. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      2

    3. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't worry, Villa and QPR might have two games, but have few players who have the potential to score the kind of points in two games that your Kane's, Hazards and Kun's could score in one.

      You may be better saving it and preparing for other teams DGWs

    4. LEEDSLEEDSLEEDS
      11 years, 7 months ago

      1, Moses has poor fixtures, no double and is .6 more than Phillips. No doubler, no party.

  18. JÆKS ⭐
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Myhill
    Terry Clyne Naughton
    Hazard Sanchez Eriksen Silva
    Kane Aguero Austin

    Good to go?
    Who should I captain?

    1. Pea Soup
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard

  19. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Money no object, who would be your two top 1 week punts for gw31?

    1. Breadbin
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard.

      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Got him, but may captain....

    2. JaydenLFC87
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Rooney

      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Ooh, interesting one

    3. Pea Soup
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard

    4. Ser Football 42
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Rooney or Benteke

      1. RustyBz
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Tekkers

  20. JaydenLFC87
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Is Hazard being apparently noted as “tired” after the Belgium game a concern for the weekend??

    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Who said that, José?

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Wilmots and Hazrd himsel

        1. Pap Le Cissier
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Unless it's from tye mouth of mourinho, I don't believe it! 😉

          1. Kings of Lyon ★
            11 years, 7 months ago

            🙂

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      11 years, 7 months ago

      There has often been a sense after international weekends that the teams with fewest international players perform strongest.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        11 years, 7 months ago

        hmm thats a thought. QPR and Villa DGW you say, they will have had plenty of time to prepare

        1. Pap Le Cissier
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Food for thought

    3. Pea Soup
      11 years, 7 months ago

      He came off after 70 mins in both games... he'll be fine.

    4. felipesq
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think so, he said he was surprised and dissapointed to be substituted, will have 8 days off after Stoke match as well.

  21. Pocket change
    11 years, 7 months ago

    some thoughts would be greatly appreciated

    Krul (foster)
    Terry naughton Hutton (PVA) (kos)
    Silva haz ozil erikensen (Boyd)
    Aguero giroud Kane

    2ft 0.4 itb

    Transfer this week?
    A ozil to siggy & giroud to Costa
    B giroud to Austin
    C ozil to siggy (giroud to Costa next week)
    D something else

    Thanks in advance

    1. Pea Soup
      11 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. Pea Soup
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Or Foster to Myhill

    2. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Foster out to a playing keeper and save

    3. felipesq
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Foster to Myhill then B next week, Costa might be rested.

  22. Ser Football 42
    11 years, 7 months ago

    For just this GW

    Rooney (Back at forward)
    Benteke (DGW)

    1. Pea Soup
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke...

      1. Ser Football 42
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers. May come down to a flip of a coin tomorrow

    2. ManeOnMyMind
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Rooney

  23. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Siggy or Fellaini this week or wait a week for a Palace mid, that is the question

    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Wait imo

  24. Pea Soup
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Benteke

    1. Pea Soup
      11 years, 7 months ago

      WHOOPSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  25. Lallana_
    11 years, 7 months ago

    At least with Austin captain if he somehow blanks twice he'll still get you 8pts.

    1. Doolittle
      11 years, 7 months ago

      That's my thinking; the opportunity for disaster is reduced (barring a red card/injury first game).

  26. ManeOnMyMind
    11 years, 7 months ago

    REALLY tempted to swap Aguero to Rooney for this GW. I said I'd do it last week if he blanked again, which he did, but I'm afraid to write him off with a decent away fixture now. Reckon Rooney might bag two at home though. What do we think??

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Rooney blanked too. And his finishing was pretty poor against Italy

      1. ManeOnMyMind
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Good point. Thought he had a decent game against Italy though, just couldn't get much service

    2. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Either way I'm losing sergio

      1. RustyBz
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Would do it to Costa, if he's fit. Or not at all

    3. Lallana_
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Go with your gut. I'd only get Rooney in if you captain him though.

      1. ManeOnMyMind
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Tough captaining call this week but I think I'll go with Kane

    4. felipesq
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't do that, have a feeling that Falcao might play up front after scoring a few during the break.

      1. Ser Football 42
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I would think Rooney is staying up top Unless RVP is back

        1. felipesq
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Well, it's been working fine recently, no better moment to play Falcao though. I think LvG might bench Herrera and play Rooney in midfield.

  27. Louis
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Need to sort out my defense! 0.1 in the bank.

    Clyne Wollscheid Bellerin PvA Wasilewski

    Any suggestions?

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Bev->Naughton

    2. Wiz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Sell Sanchez

  28. Your Mum's Athletic
    11 years, 7 months ago

    INJURY UPDATE: Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos, Tom Cleverely and Joe Cole all back in training. #AVFC

    1. RustyBz
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Wow, wish I had a WC to bring those in

    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Vlaar back is bad news for anyone punting on Fellaini (possibly including myself)

    3. GENERATION X
      11 years, 7 months ago

      If Villa get Vlaar and Senderos back together they will become a defensive force again imo - they were rock solid early season...

      1. Ser Football 42
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Vlaar is a very good defender

        1. GENERATION X
          11 years, 7 months ago

          May make Hutton appealing again..

  29. Vote Joke
    11 years, 7 months ago

    When Rodgers received a transcript of the Sterling interview, his reaction was: 'Enough! Sell the little sh*t!'"

    He may well not play again this season. I kid you not. Today's press conference will be an eye opener.

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Thats the second time ive read this today. Did he actually say this? Should do a swap for Walcott +20m

      1. Vote Joke
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I have it from a source in the club. He said it.

    2. Breadbin
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Sure it was...

    3. Doolittle
      11 years, 7 months ago

      What was the interview?

      1. Doolittle
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Also, didn't you say yesterday he's signing a new deal in the summer?

    4. Dr Dream
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I doubt very much that he said that.

  30. Kings of Lyon ★
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Why sell Sanchez ahead of two good fixtures? I really dont get it. Yes he isnt getting points but hes still shooting and is still getting in great positions

    1. Mr. Grv
      11 years, 7 months ago

      but he is not getting points

    2. Ser Football 42
      11 years, 7 months ago

      One. Kinda out of form
      Two. Liverpool I wouldn't say is a good fixture
      Three. Blank GW 33 followed by Chelsea

      1. Ser Football 42
        11 years, 7 months ago

        But honestly if I still had I would keep until the blank

      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        11 years, 7 months ago

        One - I agree
        Two. I disagree with Skrtyl out
        Three. Sell him after bur then not before LIV, bur