Selection
18 September 2016 643 comments
Mark Mark
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Two away day hauls have elevated Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez to the top of our Midfielders Watchlist.

We wondered how long it would take the Chilean to produce enough to overcome the Santi Cazorla option and, at Hull City yesterday, he provided the answer.

While fortunate to turn in Alex Iwobi’s shot for his opener, his second goal was despatched convincingly, displaying all the characteristics of a Sanchez in form.

Added to that, the Chilean inexplicably seized spot-kick duties from Cazorla and, while his effort was saved by Eldin Jakupovoic, there is now doubt surrounding Arsenal’s designated taker.

That’s enough to see Cazorla drop in our estimation, while Mesut Ozil is still stalling having missed a gilt-edged opportunity at the KCOM to keep pace with Sanchez via a second goal of the season.

Arsenal cover in midfield looks to be a priority despite their erratic form to this point.

Chelsea visit the Emirates next, but, following that, Arsene Wenger’s men are treated to four matches that will likely translate to profit for their midfield trio – with Sanchez the favourite to explode double figure returns.

The one caveat could be the international break which could cast doubt over Sanchez’ start for the Gameweek 8 Emirates meeting with Swansea City.

However, given Arsenal’s struggle against Southampton, with Sanchez benched in Gameweek 4, Wenger will doubtless think twice before resting the robust Chilean.

Sanchez is more than capable of returning from international exertions and starting that match – his form may well dictate that this is the case.

Arsenal currently remain dependent on Sanchez as an attacking option and a key goal threat. Lucas Perez is still settling in, and Olivier Giroud is yet to start a match in all competitions this season.

With Sanchez’ stock flourishing, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard goes the other way.

With back to back blanks, the Chelsea man has been overtaken by a cast of midfield assets – not least Sanchez and the prolific Michail Antonio.

Chelsea’s fixtures are testing with Arsenal, Leicester City, Manchester United and Southampton all looming in the next five.

Hazard was the most sold asset Fantasy Premier League overnight, with his price falling to 10.2.

Elsewhere in midfield, Raheem Sterling holds as our Manchester City option, despite Kevin De Bruyne’s exceptional form.

Our confidence in Sterling took at hit from the Old Trafford performance in Gameweek 4, but his display in the thrashing of Bournemouth on Saturday dispelled those doubts.

While De Bruyne pulled the strings and struck a clever free-kick opener, Sterling’s attacking verve was again in evidence – he remains their chief goal threat outside of the returning Sergio Aguero.

The 2.3 price difference between Sterling and De Bruyne also has to be a key factor. There is just a single point between them in FPL terms.

There’s an argument to say that Sterling should rank above Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino but, given that City provide the Aguero option, and Jurgen Klopp’s outfit do not offer an equivalent, this gives the Brazilian the edge.

Liverpool’s fixtures look exceptionally kind over the next six, with four at Anfield.

Like Arsenal, it looks wise to go all out and attempt to cover Liverpool’s midfield given their lack of forward options.

There could be further movements in this position today, should the likes of Erik Lamela or even Wilfried Zaha provide evidence that they warrant re-assessment in our reckoning.

But the major changes from Sunday’s matches are likely to come up front – with Zlatan Ibrahimovic now under threat from both Romelu Lukaku and Diego Costa for a top three berth.

With a rich array of midfield talent available, and Arsenal, Liverpool and City all looking so attractive in this area, the Ibrahimovic funds are suddenly in question.

However, returns at Watford today would certainly give cause to re-address that.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

643 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    We need a add £20m chip.

  2. Whazza
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Captain!

  3. Dead Cat Bounce
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Too many choices!!!

  4. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Foster
    Valencia Williams Holebas
    Firmino Antonio Sanchez Bolasie
    Kun Ibra Deeney

    Jaku Amat Kingsley Carrick

    Too risky to go with a bench like that?

  5. Brayden29
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Have 2FT and only 0.1 cash, how do I get Aguero back in?
    Heaton, Pickford
    Valencia, Williams, McAuley, Evans, Amat
    Hazard, Ozil, Mane, Antonio, Capoue
    Ibra, Lukaku, Benteke

    Thinking Ozil needs to make way, he doesn't seem to be in the right place and I will need to find someone to downgrade.
    Appreciate hearing all other thoughts however.

    1. dush64
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Dunno if Ozil would give you enough cash. If not then Hazard.

      1. Brayden29
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, may make 3 transfers for a -4

  6. dush64
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Best bench fodder mid for under 4.7m?

    1. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      If you fancy a bit of an attacking punt I would say Gooch. Fletcher for security.

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      De roon

    3. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      fran Coq 4.4

  7. Jack Burton
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Please start Kane

    1. JIM BOB
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Why wouldn't he?

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Just hearing a few things on here I think the Sunderland game would be perfect to kick start his season just having a poor few weeks need some goals ha ha

  8. Exdeo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    I think De Bruyne will outscore him, but there's no Sterling in Arsenal, and no striker as well. Waiting to see if Perez can fill in the slot.

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Perez is a pub player, wont step in to Arsenal XI

  9. Toonzie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    what do you think

    jakupovic - pickford
    kos - holebas - smith - pieters - amat
    sanchez - firmino - antonio - snoddy - capoue
    aguero - ibra - igaloooo

    1. dush64
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Looks decent. Defence is very weak though. Downgrade Ighalo and upgrade defs?

    2. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      deeney has pens

    3. Hanniballus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      That front 8 is what i would love to have, but not at the expence of that light def. But hey, it's not like cleanies have been easy to come by this season, so might just pay of.

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Can u have this?

        Jakupovic , foster
        Valencia , Baines, pieters
        sanchez, firm, Antonio, snoddy
        aguero, Zlatan, deeney

        Subs, Amat, Kelly, Capoue

  10. white91
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Thought I was sorted a few weeks back

    Foster/Heaton
    Stones/Walker/Amat/VanAan/Shaw
    Haz/Antonio/Snod/Cap/Bark
    Ibra/Kaku/Negredo

    4ITB

    Number are currently underperforming do I take hits?

  11. faver
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez Aguero Sterling Firmino then... Bye Eden Hazardous and Douglas Costa

  12. JIM BOB
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    PVA Or Lovren?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Not keen on either. But if pushed, PVA

  13. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Guys:

    Ibra Lamela > Benteke Sanchez ?

    Won't suffer from Ibra ownership ?

    Cheers

    1. faver
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      You will suffer

    2. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      dont do it

  14. bici
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Is De Bruyne essential? I don't think he is if you already have Aguero.

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Even if you already have Kun I think he is 0.4 saved on him from Sanchez and will long term pick up the most points this FPL season Pep won't drop him after his latest words.

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Having Aguero or not doesnt make any difference to the amount of points KDB is going to get

    3. dogtanion
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I reckon he's gonna be the Player of the Year..guaranteed starter..set pieces and just an amazing player playing for the most potent team in the league alongside Kun..hard to ignore!

  15. Fred54
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Don't really wanted to get rid of Lukaku, but at the minute its gonna have to be Lukaku > Aguero to help do Hazard > Sanchez.

    Still have Benteke as my punty striker.

    1. RubberDucky
        9 years, 7 months ago

        This my exact problem.

        I have tekkers, ibra, lukaku
        in midfield haz, ozil,antonio, puncheon.

        tekkers to Aguero, means a lot of shifting around the mid so currently Lukaku, ozil, haz > Aguero , firmino, sanchez.

        However with the Arsenal Chelsea fixture next week and the risk of planning too far ahead, the priority is getting City player/players in.

    2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      On a WC now...best GK duo?
      Foster/Jaku
      Foster/Heaton
      Jaku/Heaton...

      Looking at the latter....

    3. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts on Callum Wilson?

      Think he could be a great 3rd striker enabler, thinking of him for my WC.

      I know he didn't start yesterday but Bournemouth were poor without him, and he looked threatening when he came on and he hit the crossbar.

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yea I think Bournemouth will start scoring, they got fairly good fixtures upcoming too. I was considering King....

      2. JIM BOB
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Prefer Deeney for a little more.

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      What front 7 do you all prefer;

      A)

      Sanchez, mane, snodgrass, zaha

      Aguero, ibra, lukaku

      B)

      Sanchez mane, antonio, snodgrass

      Aguero, ibra, ighalo/deeney

      1. DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I think B but perhaps consider having Barkley/Bolasie to cover no Lukaku.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          It would mean an additional -4 to bring bolasie in though..... That's my problem....

    5. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Ibra's ownership is falling for the first time currently - net transfers in deficit for GW6 and that's with the Aguero flag still in place.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Wait until he scores his hatty.

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          1 headed goal, 1 long ranger and a penalty to be precise.

          Assisted by Valencia, Rooney and Pogba.

          1. faver
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Everything is scripted nowdays, even football.

      2. Pooodle
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        So knee jerky this year - he hasn't even had a chance to play this week yet! If he scores again today I can't see that continuing this week

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 19 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Yep - as mentioned above, it will be arrested by returns today.

          Equally, though, it will be escalated by a blank.

          Like you say, it is a knee-jerk season but, as I wrote in my Preamble - I think that's the way this season is going.

          You can sit on big heavy hitters and wait for a return to form but, if you suffer 3-4 blanks, other heavy hitters will come in during that spell and leave you trailing.

          I'm not certain that some knee-jerks aren't the way to go - some will fail, but some will also come off rather spectacularly - more so than in previous seasons imo.

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Lots of big players performing. I see massives jumps and falls in rankings week on week.

          2. Pooodle
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Completely agree. The key in this season though will be catching players in form for a couple of weeks - the problem with being very knee jerky is that most players have been quite streaky so far and not too consistent. That can cost us if we keep rushing to the next bandwagon to grab a one game wonder or a player who scores big one week then blanks the next

      3. DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Interesting but I think we have to see what he does today. Maybe somebody just accidently transferred him out? 🙂

      4. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Stupid question ... But does the flag lock in Agueros price and prevent price rises?

    6. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      How does this look? Allows me to keep Ibra and Sanchez.

      Out - Koscielny, Hazard, Costa

      In - Kone/Holebas, Sterling, Aguero

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yea looks good!

    7. Guadlajara
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Is it worth taking a 8 point hit for aguero, firmino and sanchez in for zlatan, ozil and hazard ?

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Taking a hit to remove ibra could cost you 10+ points of ibra scores and the player you bring in doesn't.....

    8. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      A lot of people are getting in Aguero at the moment .... Should he bought back now before he goes up to £13m?

      A lot of people have said "don't worry his price won't rise" ... But never said why this is the case.

      Thanks 🙂

      1. DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Isn't there some weird thing where when his injured flag gets removed his price locks? I'm not too sure.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Not heard about that before. Does anyone know?

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            This is true. After flag removed his price is locked for 7 days I believe.

          2. DeadStarComing
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            This is off FPL statistics...

            When a player is injured (0% chance of playing), suspended or unavailable his price can still change in value. However, once his status has changed (to fully available) his price will be "locked".

            1. DeadStarComing
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              So in other words if they change him to fit and available when he is 12.9 that's what he will stay at for the deadline

              1. FPL Virgin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 7 months ago

                Thanks so much!

    9. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      How nailed do we think Iwobi is?

      I need a pair of mids for 12M.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Iwobi and Snoddy

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Check the Cønts, we've been discussing him.

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Have been reading.

      2. sboj
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        chadli capoue

      3. Jafalad
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Good performance yesterday by all accounts. However, he seems to come off early...and besides...you have Snodders and Chadders served to you on a plate. 😉

        1. faver
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Chadli have to wait, and he plays in west brom. they scored about 11 goals last season...

          1. devils advocate
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            They also didn't have Chadli last season who is a proven quality attacking player who is now on pens.

            I don't understand the argument that Chadli isn't a good option because of what WB were without him.

            That's why he was brought to the club and so far he's made an instant impact. Just because he plays for WB doesn't mean he can't continue producing.

      4. Eden Hazardous
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        "I started him last year because I've seen that there's something in him that is quality of vision, quality of give and go, of movement. He can break the lines with a pass and individually as well, so there's a lot in the locker. Overall, he's only 20 years old so you could see that he has gained in confidence now. He can take people on much more and he has gained power as well. It's interesting what he has done."

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Say no more.

      5. dogtanion
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Will become more evident when Ramsey and Giroud are fully back..

    10. sboj
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      my WC team what do you think guys?

      Foster/Jaku
      Valencia Williams Kone Holebas Kingsley
      KDB Sanchez Antonio Chadli Capoue
      Aguero Lukaku Gray

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Looks great wish I had used mine like that last GW

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Gray needs to go.

        1. sboj
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          yea im cautios about gray but he is the only striker that fits in pricewise and im planning a rotation with capoue ... watford and burnley fixtures complement each other rather nicely

          1. devils advocate
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            You can't get Hernandez cheaper who is on pens, will get quality service from Snoddy, and who's fixtures are great after the next two were Capoue can fill in if needed.

            1. devils advocate
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              *you CAN get hernandez

              Damn auto spell

    11. Tronity
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      2FTs. What do you think of:

      Hazard & Ozil > KDB and Snodgrass + £3.4

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Do you need 3.4 ITB? If not, then I would rather have KDB and a Liverpool mid?

    12. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      What to do with my team?
      Foster-Jaku
      Shaw-Williams-Stones-Friend-Amat
      Sanchez-Mane-Bolasie-Lamela-Capoue
      Aguero-Lukaku-Benteke
      STILL HAVE MY WILDCARD

    13. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Which one do you prefer ?

      A Ibra + Capoue (3-5-2)
      B Lukaku + Tekkers/Deeney (3-4-3)

    14. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Mark - you must be delighted again this GW. Are you going to write a poem about Lukaku for the Scoutcast this week? There was so much love in your eyes in the last one 😉

      1. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 19 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I'd love the time to write poetry about my favourite Fantasy assets but I don't think my partner would smile on that idea 😉

        1. DeadStarComing
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Jonty?

        2. devils advocate
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Just put your partner's name in the poetry so they think it's about them, but secretly you'll know in your own mind it's about a footballer whom you don't personally know, nor will likely ever meet.

          Pure genius I tells ya! 😉

    15. KISSES
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Chaps, can I ask which English clubs are in the Europa League?

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Southampton, Man Utd.

        1. KISSES
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers Berb, for dome reason I thought Liverpool were in there

          1. devils advocate
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            "dome reason"

            *makes immature childish giggle 🙂

      2. Jafalad
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Man U, Spuds and STH.

      3. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Man Utd and Saints

    16. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Klopp had a plan in 2013: a Dortmund midfield with a.o. Gundogan & De Bruyne. The Belgian agreed personal terms. #CFC rejected a move. #MCFC

      De Bruyne afterwards regretted not pushing for the Dortmund move. The only time in his career he didn't follow his gut feeling.

      😯 Wow, imagine KDB in Klopp's Dortmund team.

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        do you have any Liv player this season?

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, Firmino