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. John wick
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 days ago

    Kane or Eriksen. ?.looking at today game Eriksen is in heart of all spurs attack

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 10 days ago

      Why not both

  2. Sif
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 days ago

    Millwall 1-1 ruining my acca and they miss a pen :s

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 10 days ago

      Worst top of page ever

      1. Sif
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        They begin with "Lol @" 😉

  3. John wick
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 days ago

    Bottom kane or Eriksen looking at today game Eriksen is in heart of all spurs attack. ?...cant have both of them...

    Front 7
    Sanchez hazard siggy capoue
    Karne ibra Costa

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 days ago

      Karne -> Kane I guess

      1. Bleach †
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        You think?

        1. Differentiator
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 days ago

          It's the template move atm to get rid of Karne

      2. John wick
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        Sorry guys its not karne its kane only

  4. MarvelouSuccess
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 10 days ago

    A.Silva from FC Porto saving my CL horror show.

  5. Jay_
      9 years, 10 days ago

      Alli G
      Kane A

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        Spurs United Saints in the Europa then..good luck to their league form.

      2. Differentiator
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        Akinfeev goal lol

        1. Jay_
            9 years, 10 days ago

            He ain't got sheet on Cahill 😀

      3. Monkey Hanger
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        OG, Alli asisi.

        1. Sims
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 10 days ago

          3 spurs players mentioned while talking about only one

          1. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 10 days ago

            ?? The comment was Alli v Eriksen obviously

            1. Sims
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Never mind wrong post

            2. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Ooo he's done you there, W.R.

              1. The Bandit
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Eh?

      4. LewanGOALski
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        Looks like Walcott ➡ Eriksen / Alli next week on the cards is very very likely then

        1. Differentiator
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 days ago

          Pending Walcott brace

      5. makaveli123
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        Spurs building momentum before Sunday, while United are going to lose 1-0 wearing skates in Ukraine.

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 10 days ago

          Both being in Europa won't help them in the league. Although Spurs are close-ish to the top 4, doubt they'll do it now.

          1. makaveli123
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 10 days ago

            0-0?

            1. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Score draw in my opinion. Eriksen's set pieces and Ibra's form.

      6. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        That Wendell penalty would cause FPL meltdown.

      7. McSlu
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        Have Kane, but would like to double up next week.

        1. Allen, pedro -> fletcher, Alli
        2. Allen, pedro -> de Roon, Eriksen

        Leaning towards 2 myself.

        1. harvard
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 days ago

          2 obviously

      8. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 10 days ago

        Oh no ma, Kane off

        1. HVT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 10 days ago

          Injured?

          1. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 10 days ago

            Nope

      9. Jay_
          9 years, 10 days ago

          Just tried to put a bet on Winks to be next goal scorer 40/1 but the betting just suspended.

          1. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 10 days ago

            Done you a favour 😉

            1. Jay_
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Was only 0.75p lol

                1. The Bandit
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 10 days ago

                  Buy some tomato soup 😉

                  1. Jay_
                      9 years, 10 days ago

                      Just had some 🙂

            2. makaveli123
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Reus, 2-2

            3. JIM BOB
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Any chance Perez nails down a spot on the left hand side for Arsenal?

              1. FPL Virgin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Doubt it. Will be rotated over Christmas most likely

              2. phace
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                It's possible, but unlikely with AW's favouring of that donkey Iwobi.

            4. FPL Maldini
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              How did Kane play tonight? Does he match fitness look better?

              1. WDT
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Scored a goal from open play (not a pen). This is encouraging. Still breathing through mouth and looks to be close to his usual self.

            5. sinik
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Mane > Alli for GW16 it is.

              1. JIM BOB
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                He's a great pick IMO

                1. Here's Tom with the We…
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 10 days ago

                  Think that's what I'm doing too

            6. Sims
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Oh f1ck off real

            7. _Freddo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Well done Mark, Jonty and Andy, adding a bit of star quality to the scoutcast by getting Jack Whitehall on.

              Impressive signing.

              1. JIM BOB
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                He looks like Granville's son. 🙂

              2. The Bandit
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                This. Who?

                1. FPL Virgin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 10 days ago

                  See? you need to watch Wild Rover!

              3. Epic Fail
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Is he on for any particular reason?

              4. Syd.
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Oh Scoutcast is on then

            8. WDT
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Toby sneaking back onto the radar tonight. Catch him whilst he's cheap..

              1. FPL Virgin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Did he get some minutes under his belt? Pity he won't drop to £6.2

              2. Bleach †
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                6.3, not the cheapest 😀

              3. Mull
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                6m+ for a CB is way too much. I'd rather have Alonso who's playing in midfield for a better side.

            9. It’s gonna Ben Mee
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Can't decide:

              A) Emre Can
              B) Emre Can't

              1. Bored Bear
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                5th mid (A)
                4th mid (B)

            10. Syd.
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              So finishing 2nd in the group was an inspired move by Pep ⚽️⚽️

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

              LADS, really need some help here.

              2.0 ITB and for -4:

              A) Fuchs -> Alonso (means I won't lose value on Fuchs and I'd have a good back line BUT I'd have to start Allen/Diomande )

              or

              B) Diomande -> Iheanacho (means I can play 3 up front and demote Allen to the bench BUT Fuchs is gonna drop and I'd have to start him in my back line despite them playing City)

              1. Pasqualinho
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                In situations like this I try to take the price drop out of the question. Imagine you woke up tomorrow morning and Fuchs has dropped in price - do you still swap him out for the -4? If yes, then there's no reason why you shouldn't do it now. If no, then you may as well wait for the next GW.

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

                Sort out dimande and Allen later imo. Fuchs -> Alonso will get you better team value, and probably more point

            12. Bored Bear
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Keep anichebe or -4 to Iheanacho?

            13. The Overthinker
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Keep

              1. Syd.
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Your

                1. Sideways Backwards
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 10 days ago

                  Hair

            14. JIM BOB
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Preferred option for a draft league chaps?

              A) Mkhitaryan and Anichebe

              B) Chadli/Ayew and Wilson

              1. Syd.
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Ayew and Wilson

                West Ham have a great run of fixtures coming up

            15. Hands Guber
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              I'm going without Sanchez and Arsenal cover for 3 weeks.

              Say a prayer for me cowboys.

              1. Sideways Backwards
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                But... Why?!

                1. Hands Guber
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 10 days ago

                  Heaton
                  Alonso//Smith//Lovren
                  Mata//Alli//Hazard(C)//Sigurdsson
                  Ibra//Kane//Iheanacho

                  1.2 in the bank - did Rashford to Iheanacho.

                  Fact of the matter is I jumped from 1.1m to 600K this week and because I've had such a rubbish season to date I'm willing to risk it for a biscuit.

                  Stoke are very solid right now and Everton/City not easy fixtures.

                  I know I'm swimming against the tide but what can you do.

                  1. Sideways Backwards
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 10 days ago

                    Fair enough, your team. I'd make a plan to get Sanchez in soon though, Mata isn't a great pick imo.

              2. phace
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                [*] light a candle

            16. Sideways Backwards
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Daniels -> Alonso for a hit?
              Gives me
              Alonso, Walker, Pieters, Holebas, Amat

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

                Go for it

              2. thevikings
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Whats the rest of you team? solid defense

            17. bojack
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              I wonder whether West Ham will surprise everyone and turn up at Anfield and get a result. Big Andy to net a late winner.

              1. Sideways Backwards
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                He'll definitely score

              2. Pochecinno
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                It will no doubt be a goalfest.

                1. bojack
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 10 days ago

                  Most people here would like to see a Firmino goalfest, specifically 🙂

              3. KISSES
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                We can only pray

            18. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 days ago

              Link to Scoutcast? Scout tweets don't seem to be loading for me 🙁

              1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 days ago

                Cool - thanks everyone for your help 😛

                1. Mull
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 10 days ago

                  No problem.