Digest
7 December 2016 887 comments
Mark Mark
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Alexis Sanchez breaks the rules, a five-star Spurs get drowned out and Sergio Aguero prepares to split the Fantasy Football community. We say goodbye to possibly the most extraordinary Gameweek of the season so far.

The Player

The policy is that no single player can claim this spot in consecutive articles but, such is the impact of Alexis Sanchez’ 23-point haul, there could be no denying the Chilean.

Arriving in the same Gameweek as Sergio Aguero’s dramatic capitulation, Sanchez has perhaps signalled a shift that will influence our entire seasons.

More on that in a moment.

For now, let’s revel in the brilliance of Sanchez, who seems to defy the modern theories of football and produce devastating performances when firmly stalking in “the red zone”.

He’s a player who, physically, appears to operate on a different plane.

He boasts an endurance and robust strength that can carry through match after match, bouncing off challenges and recovering from tweaks and niggles that perhaps would derail lesser talents.

On his current trajectory, it’s difficult to see Sanchez stalling.

Olivier Giroud remains a factor, but Arsene Wenger would be taking a risk turning to his “Plan B” option at this point. It might yet arrive over the busy festive schedule but, as of now, Sanchez looks to be a force of nature that can only punish us further should we attempt to resist.

Park the debate surrounding Eden Hazard – he remains a key figure ahead of Chelsea’s ridiculously obliging fixtures.

We need to find a way to accommodate both – a seemingly impossible task last month, now made all the more obtainable by Aguero’s misdemeanours.

The Team

In any other Gameweek, the performances and output of both Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane would have snatched the headlines.

Added to this, Son Heung-min sneaked back into form with a spectacular goal, backed by an assist.

With Mauricio Pochettino also claiming a sixth clean sheet in the demolition of Swansea City, it’s clear that we are dealing with a team that can provide solutions for our squads across all positions.

Harry Kane’s form is undeniable. Firing five goals in four outings since his return from injury, he has provided an all-too-convenient solution in the light of Aguero’s combustion. It’s no surprise to see his ownership and price ascending at pace.

But Eriksen and Son may just go unnoticed as a result.

Up until Gameweek 13, the Dane had been a frustrating figure who had failed to deliver on his impressive underlying numbers. But three goals and an assist in his past two Gameweek appearances have seen him bubble up.

Son could also enjoy a renaissance.

The South Korean has only this week stated that his recent form has been blighted by injury, a factor that may explain his decline in output leading to him slipping back under the radar.

Reduced to just 7.2 ahead of last weekend, Son has since enjoyed an increase in ownership and, while rotation could be a concern, he may yet present a profitable complimentary asset to Kane as our striker.

At the back, both Danny Rose and Kyle Walker remain mainstays.

Both could see rests in Gameweek 16, which could see us switch sights to a fit-again Toby Alderweireld.

Now down to 6.3, the Belgian is a class act, a likely ever-present and a menacing goal threat at set-pieces.

Alderweireld has big scores to come and, should he prove his fitness tonight or at Old Trafford on Sunday, he surely has to be a new target heading into the White Hart Lane meetings with Hull City and Burnley.

The Talking Point

We surely have to rethink our stance on Sergio Aguero.

Just as Diego Costa is a different beast, so it seems we are left to contend with a new version of Aguero – one that still threatens goals but also comes packaged with a streak that can render him sidelined.

While we were perhaps willing to walk a tightrope for a 9.5 Costa, once again, we have to re-assess Aguero in the light of his price tag.

If Sanchez, Kane, Costa and Hazard can deliver over the festive period while the Argentine sits in the stands, it’s difficult to imagine many rushing back to re-install the City striker.

Typically, the fixture list smiles kindly on Pep Guardiola’s men on Aguero’s return from contention.

Clearly, the temptation will be great and, with winter Wildcards in play, we are likely to see a huge split in the Fantasy Premier League community.

Aguero was designed to be a fire and forget option. A one-stop signing and captaincy candidate, only to be replaced when the hamstrings gave way.

We could not have foreseen the events so far this season or the fact that Aguero would influence our campaigns not with his points, but by serving us uncertainty and dilemmas at regular intervals.

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

887 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    3625 people triple captained Sanchez against westham 😮

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      One was in my works league, he still only got six points more than me and I didn't even own him 🙂

  2. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    So M'Vila has pulled out of Sunderland move according to SSN breaking. Is this news?

    1. Somalion
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Whether it is or not it won't stop Sky from running a 7 hour special on M'Vila-Gate

  3. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Gundogan to Sigurdsson for -4?

    1. Lucky_Z
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Yup

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Swansea suck. Don't get the Siggy love at all

      1. Bleach †
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Pens, free-kicks, some points will come. 😀

      2. ducksfly2gether
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        You must not be watching closely, then. He's playing up top, on all dead balls, including pens, and he's only 7.4. That is incredible value. Should be a 4th mid on everyone's team. Just watch him, though. Aside from all the fantasy reasons why you should own him, he's super talented. Up there with Payet.

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 days ago

          He's a fine player for sure. Will leave in January 😉

      3. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        He's top top draw! So what if Swansea loose 6-2 if he gets a goal and an assist in that game it's amazing value for his price! Perfect 4th mid IMO

      4. pax888
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        So did Sunderland when Defoe was banging them in this season.

      5. Z
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        He's Snoddy 2.0

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Do it

  4. Coldplay
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Took a hit to bring in Eriksen before he rose. This can't be good ...

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Especially when it becomes clear that Alli was the correct choice 😉

  5. McSlu
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Bench one pls:
    1. Amat (SUN)
    2. Valencia (TOT)

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Rather play 2.

      1. McSlu
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Thx for the help, mate

    2. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Valencia. In these toss up scenarios I think its best to play the more expensive one especially as Amat isn't 100% nailed

      1. McSlu
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Thx for the help

  6. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Hi,
    a)Evans>Alonso for a -4 but leaves me with (Brunt or Friend,Lovren,Smith) and next gw Walcott>Alli
    b)0 with leaves me again with the above defence and next gw Evans>Tottenham defender and Walcott>Alli
    thanks

  7. Knowledgeable meerkat
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    I feel like it's been a while

    How's everyone's team value looking?

    I went over 105 for the first time last night

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      So you came back to boast about your team value?

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Oh, and been over 105 for ages 😉

      2. Knowledgeable meerkat
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        The point was rather to view my own in context, for all I know that could be pretty naff.

        No need to be so hostile

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 days ago

          You know it's not naff, that's why you posted it. Not hostile either, more you being over sensitive;)

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Rank?

      1. Knowledgeable meerkat
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        75k

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 days ago

          Aiming for TV over rank?

          1. Knowledgeable meerkat
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 11 days ago

            Last season my TV was a disaster so I'm focusing a lot (perhaps too much) on that this season, mainly by doing early transfers rather than hits

  8. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Gameweek 15 is gonna be one of such week where people are expecting a lot from big hitters and in the end they will be disappointed.

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Always a possibility. Particularly after a CL week.

    2. Bleach †
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Someone says it every week really. 😀

      1. The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        That's how weird the season has been.

    3. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Not me. Disappointment follows me...weekly.

  9. teki0s
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    What's the popular opinion for Pedro in here, if you cant afford Hazard? Already own Costa but would gladly double-up for currently the best team.

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Everyone can afford Hazard

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Apart from 'never take a hit' wimps 😉

    2. Sweetboi
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Very good option if he plays imo.

    3. Bleach †
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Yeah if you like checking livescore, seeing Chelsea 3-0 up, and nothing for Pedro 🙂

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Willian scoring didn't help.

      1. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Thank you for taking a keen interest in my rank, btw.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 11 days ago

          Looking after my Kiwi cousin. Link needs an update.

  10. Harrybvb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Aguero, Gundogan, Fuchs all out for Iheanacho, Hazard, and Alonso for -8. Good idea? I want to have at least 1 city player in Iheanacho
    My team will be:

    ----------------------Pickford----------------------

    -----------Barragan--Walker--Alonso----------

    Firmino--Sanchez(C)--Lanzini--Eriksen--Hazard

    ---------------Iheanacho--Austin----------------

    1. FPLHaggis
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Good transfers and I like the Lanzini pick for gws 16-18

  11. Sweetboi
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    a) Stones > Alonso (-4)

    b) Play Stones

  12. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Toby back will be bad news for Zlatan this weekend 🙁

    1. Prison Mike
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      This 🙁

    2. Bleach †
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Happy as a Walker owner. 🙂

    3. Stokelona
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      He will be Zlataned

    4. Stokelona
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Zlatan playing this weekend will be bad news for Toby coming back

  13. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Cech
    Lovren Williams Holebas
    Sanchez(c) Hazard Siggy Allen
    Ibra Kane Austin
    (Pickford, Amat, De Roon, Nyom)

    A) Williams -> Alonso (-4)
    B) Allen -> Lallana (-4)
    C) Both (-8)
    D) Save
    E) Something else?

  14. adu0209
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Hi guys
    I'm mad to buy Alonso before the price change tonight.
    1FT,already have Walker,Mc Auley,Coleman,Amat,Kingsley, Pickford and Heaton
    0.2ITB
    Is this worth a hit
    Thanks for advice

  15. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    El Capitan?

    A. Hazard
    B. Sanchez
    C. Costa

    Thinking A

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Cool

  16. Sims
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    47 dead after plane crash here in Pakistan. Very sad 🙁

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Criminal as well as sad probably, the airline has been banned in most other places.

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Yes I always travel on other other domestic airlines. Corruption at its peak

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      🙁

    3. Numb
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Sorry to hear that 🙁

  17. l@sp0
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Last week I was thinking of bringing in Cédric. But after the 3-0 defeat, I'm not so sure. What are we thinking about the Sot defense atm?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      I'm not getting a Saints defender.

    2. Captain Vantastic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Soton have just 1 win away from home and that too against a poor West Ham team. But Cedric is quite attacking too

      1. thevikings
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Im keeping him, switching to friend when he is fit

  18. Ligdon
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Is kdb a better option than Sanchez or Haz and is he really worth his proce ?

    1. Sweetboi
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Sanchez and Haz better.

  19. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Spurs choosing to play there CL games in Wembley stadium is and has been a disaster the place is only half full bad for the crowds atmosphere which in turn rubs off on the players

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Yeah its been a disaster fair to say

      And qualification for next year's ucl looking unlikely too

      1. Bleach †
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Why is it unlikely 😀 😀

        1. Sims
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 11 days ago

          4 teams currently looking better and then there is United

          I reckon the current top 4 will finish top 4

          1. Bleach †
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 11 days ago

            Top 3 is very doable for them.

            1. Sims
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 11 days ago

              Not sure about "very" doable. Finishing above 3 of Chelsea arse city pool utd will be very very tough

              1. Bleach †
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 11 days ago

                Finishing above United is not very tough, mate.

                1. Sims
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 11 days ago

                  I said 3 of the teams mentioned....

                  1. Bleach †
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 11 days ago

                    Well 4th place would still give them chance to qualify for CL. So your statement that their next years CL looking unlikely is simply invalid. 🙂

                    1. Sims
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 11 days ago

                      "The 3 of" comment was in response to ur top 3 is very doable part. Stop switching topics then going back to original ones

                      I would also say the current top 4 are all favourites to finish above spurs so yeah it does make it unlikely imo

  20. Monkey Hanger
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    What is that CSKA coach on?

  21. Konig Luther
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Porto goal

  22. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Ignore the fact he missed, focus on the chance 😉

  23. Differentiator
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Big chance missed Alli. Big chance created Eriksen

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      See above 😉

  24. Sims
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Cm in real!

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Eh? Cmon *

  25. Johan Queef
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    For too long I have been wanting players but not getting them due to hits (& my hate for Chelsea) and I've started dropping ranks quickly. Can someone help please?

    Heaton/Pickford

    Coleman, Lovren, Holebas, Amat, Francis

    Hazard, Firmino, Walcott, Siggy, Capoue

    Costa, Kane, Austin

    3M ITB.

    I got Siggy a week late and finally got Costa for Kun this week.

    This week I am prepared to take hits....How can I get Alonso & Sanchez in?

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      lose Walcott and whatever defender you need to make up the money.

      1. Johan Queef
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        I can afford a 4.7 defender from Coleman if I do that. But if I want Alonso, I need to downgrade Firmino too.

        What are your thoughts on that?

        I would likely get Can or Phillips.

        1. AllGonePozzo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 days ago

          Would go Can. Fixtures turning against the Baggies

      2. AllGonePozzo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 days ago

        Not going to work. Thinking Firmino->Sanchez and Coleman->Alonso but still .5m short at current prices. Would have to downgrade elsewhere for a hit

        1. Johan Queef
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 days ago

          Might do Firmino - Sanchez, Coleman - Alonso, Walcott - Can.

          = 12 points hit but the more I wait the more these players rise in price and get points for other teams.

  26. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Dier dead Toby is coming on

  27. The Fed
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Bench one:

    Amat (SUN)

    Francis (Burnley)

    Brunt (Chelsea)

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 days ago

      Amat

  28. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Eriksen should have scored

  29. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Sell Eriksen he is rubbish

  30. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 days ago

    Eriksen misses sitter. Focus on the miss rather than the chance 😉