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. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Hate that I have to bench Anichebe this week considering his opponent, his form and his stats.

    Suppose it's the only real option with no AOA left and this front 7.

    Hazard / Ozil / Firmino / Eriksen / Siggy
    Ibra / Kane

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Admit it, you've been waiting ages to copy and paste this on a new page 😉

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Bench him every week or revert to 3-4-3 btw

      2. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Just a happy coincidence 😉

    2. Sims
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Spurs double at OT. Hmmm

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Utd aren't exactly water tight.

    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Is this a question?

    4. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Would you bench Austin for him?

      Tbh your options are too good. Erikssen/Ozil if you really have to.

    5. FCSB
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Question then, would you play him or Can??

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Anichebe for me.

  2. Jay_
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Alli close 😀

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

      He is ruthless 🙂

  3. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    If you own neither, would you prefer Alli or Eriksen based on this game so far?

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

      Eriksen

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Alli just missed too. Neither 🙂

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

      Still a coin flip

    4. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Eriksen on fire with some of his passes

    5. *sigh*
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Alli

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

      When in doubt, follow Jonty's advice. Get both and drop the one who doesn't perform. He did it with Sanchez and Walcott. Classic FPL strategy.

      1. Monkey Hanger
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Do you love Jonty? Come on, tell the truth.

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

          He is a bit of a ledge.

          1. Monkey Hanger
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Getting excited? Should be on Scoutcast before too long.

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

              Should be a good show. Looking forward to some first rate backtracking on Sanchez.

      2. ChristoBisto
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Jonty's advice might not be the best to follow this season 😉

  4. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Alli misses another sitter

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      You've never played football have you? It was a god chance but not a sitter, hard to get any power behind it

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Good chance

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

        I play and it was an obvious sitter.

        However, I should mention that I'm not watching the match and didn't see the chance.

        1. Mull
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          As someone who is sitting down I agree with this.

          1. Somalion
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            I, too, am in a seat so I concur.

        2. LEEDSLEEDSLEEDS
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Speaking as someone who has money on Alli to score i can confirm that not only were they both sitters but also that Alli is a complete and utter bell end.

          1. Somalion
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            As someone who doesn't know Alli in person and very little about the guy's personality off the pitch, I agree that he is an utter bell end.

            1. The Orienteer - find me in …
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              Yes???

              1. Somalion
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 7 months ago

                No???

            2. LEEDSLEEDSLEEDS
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              Kerching. Never doubted you for a second Dele my hero. What i meant to say was i will tattoo your name on my bell end

              1. Somalion
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 7 months ago

                Send pics.

      3. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Placement would have been plenty. Had a third of the goal open.

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          The ball was a bit behind him, he couldn't place it, just shove it towards the goal and hope for the vest

          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Didn't realise you were German.

            1. Somalion
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              I'm partial to the East, myself.

          2. TorresMagic™
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 17 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Alli's reaction showed it was more than a good chance. Anyway 0-1 down.

      4. Sims
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        It's Torres magic what do u expect

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

      He is not allowed to score from Eriksen assists

  5. The Enlightener
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Jesus Corona. Take a bow for that volley, son! Porto 2-0 over Lei.

  6. makaveli123
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Smartphones - modern footballs worst enemy.

    1. Bleach †
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, dumbphones ftw!

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

      I would have said it was the progressive corruption of the soul of the sport with vast sums of money used to lure the highest tier players from abroad while the grass roots game stagnates at an astonishing rate.

      Or, y'know, smartphones.

      1. makaveli123
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Textbook answer!

        1. Somalion
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          What do you know, it is a textbook answer and all!

          https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_JVvtNYtKfk/maxresdefault.jpg

    3. Sims
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Why?

      1. makaveli123
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Do you attend a game to watch football or apply snapchat filters to your photos?

  7. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Spurs concede

  8. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    CS dead

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Get Toby back.

    2. Sideways Backwards
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Any of these worth a hit?
      A) Daniels to Alonso
      B) Pedro to any mid under 10
      C) Pedro and Allen to Hazard and cheapie (-8)

      Pickford, Jaku
      Daniels, Walker, Holebas, Pieters, Amat
      Sanchez, Firmino, Siggy, Pedro, Allen
      Kane, Costa, Austin

      1. Sideways Backwards
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Fail

      2. Sideways Backwards
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Any of these worth a hit?
        A) Daniels to Alonso
        B) Pedro to any mid under 10
        C) Pedro and Allen to Hazard and cheapie (-8)

        Pickford, Jaku
        Daniels, Walker, Holebas, Pieters, Amat
        Sanchez, Firmino, Siggy, Pedro, Allen
        Kane, Costa, Austin

  9. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    lol spurs

  10. Sims
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Real winning would make it a lot batter for arsenal and Leicester

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

    Fantastic no Europa league for Spurs 🙂

  12. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    The plan is clear.. put out your strongest side to look as though you want to play in Europa but tell them to be rubbish 😉

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Looks like that was the plan from match day 1

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      😀

  13. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    dudes... i need help
    visiting family at the weekend and wont have a chance to sort my team

    ive ransacked my defence to fund the template attack, but now i dont know who to play cos theyre all sh*t options 🙁

    play 2 of
    amat (SUN)
    chambers (sou)
    nyom (che)
    muneisa (ars)

    thanks

    1. Bleach †
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Chambers for sure, perhaps Amat then.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        ha i love the fact that he has a home match against sunderland and its still a 'perhaps' 🙂 .....bloody amat

    2. The Enlightener
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yikes! Chambers and Amat, I guess.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        thats the horrible way im leaning, cheers enlightener

        the template had better be worth it over xmas

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

      Amat and Chambers.

      Or kill your family.

      Your call.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        ......im listening....how permanent is this 'killing' you speak of?

        1. Somalion
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          I've always approached it as an extremely skilled doctor could resuscitate just about anybody and thus it is a failing of the medical system and not me that people aren't revived from what is a very temporary state.

  14. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Would love to see the following rise in price this week:

    Sanchez, Hazard, Kane, Austin, Costa, Sigurdsson, Firmino

    What are the chances?

  15. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Erik to Alli boom

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Nice cross from Rrik to be fair

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        At first glance I thought it said nice cross from Ric Flair.

        1. Bazzalona
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          I dunno about Eriksen but Alli dives just like Rik Flair used to fall to the floor

        2. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah I see the why you thought that spit of each other :).

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

    Ali essential

  17. Jay_
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Alli G

    Booyakasha

  18. Shake n Bake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Which is the best option?
    A) Walker Alonso 5.9 Mid (Allen atm)
    B) Walker Holebas Siggy

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

      A, but Philips/Zaha/Can

    2. George Costanza
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso, Sig + cheaper defender

    3. thevikings
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      A, but with Fer

  19. Differentiator
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    It's amazing to think that Eriksen was in some of the worst form of his career just a few weeks ago

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

      Central to everything good today

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      ppl were saying the same about sanchez a few weeks ago

  20. fedolefan
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    What's the penalty taker up to? Why isn't he practicing them in CL games?

  21. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    pickford (swa) or grant (ars) ??

    cleanies unlikely so who is a better pick?

    1. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Tough to say.

      Pickford may face fewer saves, Grant may concede more goals.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        coin toss it is then

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

          Pick

    2. The Enlightener
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I peeped out your squad. No faith Heaton will be fit?

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        ive wildcarded to get aforementioned template....heaton gone

        1. The Enlightener
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Aha. I see. I would go Pickford then.

  22. The Enlightener
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Wow. Porto up 3-0 with another fancy finish. Brahimi.

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Kane essential

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

      Have just enough money in the bank for Anichebe to Kane.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        id do it

  24. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    ESSENTIAL

  25. Jay_
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Kane G
    Rose A

    Save it lads

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

      Would've been perfect for the weekend 🙁

    2. rdamjan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Erikse assist assister

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

    They look like a different side with Harry back

    1. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      That injury was a blessing in disguise. He needed the rest after such a long season & Euros. He was bound to come good. Can see him reach 20+ mark again!

      1. Bleach †
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I agree.

  27. Monkey Hanger
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Kane with another tap in. Lets hope it continues.

  28. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Miles offside, both goals from both of my players so all good 🙂

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

      Well I guess you're partly right....

      0.000000000000001 miles offside, if that.

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Have you got your tape measure to hand? I'll flop ya 😉

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Bit too much both there but who cares? 🙂

  29. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Kyle Walker plays tonight and most likely against United in the weekend - means there is no chance in hell he plays next midweek against Hull?

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Reading far too much into things. This is pretty much a full strength team so all would be a risk based on that

    2. Mull
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I'd be shocked if he didn't start. If he needed a rest then Trippier would be playing tonight.

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

    Is Hazard & Costa & Alonso too much Chelsea?

    If Chelsea are flat that's 3 big hitters wiped out in one go.

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Chelsea haven't been flat of or 8 weeks and hard see then blanking more than once in the next 6

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        For 8 weeks and hard to see them *

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Don't put their defence and attack in the same bracket.

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

        What do you mean? Both are unlikely to blank?

        Good point.

    3. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      WBA, sun, cry, BOU, STK.