If only there was a different Fantasy Premier League chip – one that allows you to extend the allowed allocation for one particular team in our squads – then we’d be far more content tonight.
As it is, we can only choose three members of Mauricio Pochettino’s irrepressible Spurs side and, right now, that proves rather problematic.
I almost felt like curling up in a corner after deciding to sell Son Heung-min. But, having played the percentages with my late acquisition of Dele Alli, my ill-fated Gameweek 32 transfers were undoubtedly driven by this very issue.
With Harry Kane returning to the picture and both Alli and Eriksen maintaining relentless form, even the brilliant and combustible Son struggles to justify selection.
There’s no questioning his value to us at present – priced at 7.0, his goal threat and flair is a hugely tempting proposition. His devastating 19-point return is destined to see him earn a flood of new owners and yet, as mentioned, the likes of Kane, Alli and Eriksen surely have to remain Spurs’ top three assets.
Alli’s sublime strike for Spurs’ opener means he has now produced 13 goals from his last 15 Gameweek starts. He is by far the top scoring midfield asset over that spell and simply has to claim a berth for the run-in.
Meanwhile, Kane’s return shakes up the situation up front but, like Alli, his potential surely has to force our hand.
He scored 12 goals from 10 Gameweek starts before being derailed by injury and, in this efficient Spurs attacking unit, he promises to go on delivering at that kind of rate. With 6.7 points per match, he remains peerless among FPL forwards.
Then there’s Eriksen, perhaps the most disposable of the three, but still a prime Fantasy asset. His assist today took him to 14 for the season, with ten arriving in his last nine home matches. Only Alli and Bournemouth’s Josh King has scored more points than the Dane over the last 15 Gameweeks.
It’s so difficult to justify looking beyond this trio, then, even with Son’s obvious appeal on offer.
Significantly, we have to consider that, should Pochettino revert to a three-man defence with wing-backs, Son’s starting role will no longer be assured.
Eriksen and Alli will likely support Kane, with the wing-backs providing width and Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele sitting deep. Son would be reduced to rotation and cameo roles at that point – and that point could arrive very soon.
Spurs take on Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final following the Gameweek 33 home clash with Bournemouth. Pochettino seems set to go into that Wembley tie with a formation that mirrors Chelsea – reverting to 3-4-2-1, with Rose perhaps fit to return. Will he switch back following the semi-final? It’s certainly a consideration for those pondering a move for Son.
At least today’ teamsheet at White Hart Lane offered an obvious fall-guy to free-up a spare Spurs slot.
With the 36% owned Kyle Walker benched for a second Gameweek in three, he is already topping the sales charts as managers clear the decks for investment in midfield and attack.
It’s unfortunate that, with the Chelsea defence still unable to claim clean sheets, we can’t look to Spurs to help reinforce out backlines.
But with such attacking riches on offer, if we’re being forced to overlook Son’s form, then a rested Walker and even budget proposition Ben Davies, have little hope of claiming one of our now treasured Spurs allocations.
