FPL Question Time – Case for Sané as Christmas planning begins

Fantasy Premier League Question Time is here yet again to help solve your problems ahead of Gameweek 14.

Liverpool were unconvincing once again, even in a 3-0 win over Watford at the weekend, and some managers are still contemplating move their assets on.

The form of Leroy Sané has caught the eye, and could be a good alternative to the Reds’ midfielders.

We address that subject as well as how to approach the Christmas period and handle life in the top 10,000 Fantasy managers in this article.

Who’s on the panel this week?

FPL Holly – The founder and editor of Fantasy Football Community, as well as a contributor to the FPL Show this season. Holly was sitting just outside the top 1k going into Gameweek 13.

Who Got the Assist? – Nick and Tom are familiar names on social media as the two halves of Who Got the Assist?, the popular Twitter account and podcast. The WGTA boys have also featured on the FPL Show this month.

Chief FPL Manager – Another member of the Fantasy community with a huge Twitter following, “Chief” runs the FPL Hints website and has six top 1% finishes to his name.

Question 1 – Chief

Louis Stein: Is Sané looking like a good option with Mendy out and Pep’s post-match comments regarding Sterling and Mahrez fighting for the right wing spot?

“The more I think about it, the more Leroy Sané makes sense. With 33 points in his last two Premier League starts, he can no longer be ignored.

“Of course he won’t register double digit returns on a weekly basis but if last season’s performances are anything to go by, he’s more than capable of registering a Fantasy return for almost every 90 minutes played.

“He was extremely unfortunate not to make the national squad at the summer’s World Cup and it’s fair to say that Die Mannschaft were a weaker unit without him.

“But for what it’s worth, this de facto ‘rest’ and the initial lack of game time up until early September could substantially benefit him in the form of being protected from mid-season burn out.

“Having said that, the spectre of Pep’s rotation will always be risky, especially with the upcoming annual fixture rush in December. Sané won’t be immune to it.

“However, as has been evident in the early stages of this season, Raheem Sterling has also missed out at times in the league too.

“But without Mendy’s presence until at least mid-January Sané may be an automatic starter, subject to on-going form.

“There’s no doubt that with ownership of less than half that of Sterling’s and a price tag costing £2m less that he’s effectively a rare Manchester City attacking differential.

“Best of all, because of his price, you can fit him in your team along with Laporte and Aguero, but this would be far more difficult if you were trying to shoehorn Sterling instead, alongside your other premiums.”

Question 2 – Who Got the Assist?

Fred W: Do you plan on holding Liverpool assets over the festive period? If not, when are you ditching?

“I plan on holding a defender (Robertson) for definite. Their defensive solidity is shown by the fact they’ve conceded the fewest shots on target over the last six Gameweeks.

“In terms of the attack, it’s harder to decide.

“Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are the key men there and are (especially in the case of Salah) returning points regularly.

“It’s up to you whether they are value for their price tag or if you think other emerging options are better targets.”

Question 3 – Holly

Doug: With a non-playing second goalkeeper, what are the best options for a set-and-forget keeper over the Christmas period?

“The premium goalkeepers look to be great options over the festive period, as they won’t get rotated, whereas the more expensive defenders are more likely to be.

“Take your pick from any other then Leno, with Ederson the standout.

“Personally, I prefer to have a cheap goalkeeper in my squad, where save points can bolster point totals, along with clean sheets.

“I’m tempted by a move to Fabianski, given West Ham’s fixtures. He’s second for saves and joint top for bonus points.”

Question 4 – Who Got the Assist?

James: What are your key tips on climbing the ranks whilst in the top 10k? Template teams are rife with effective ownership considerations playing a part in keeping it that way.

“In the top 10k, it’s about biding your time.

“The attraction would be to take risks to try to push on, but if you want to keep climbing it often comes down to one or two very small moves which makes the difference.

“When I (Tom) finished 2.3k in 2015/16, I was in the top 10k all season and, frankly, played a very safe game until the double Gameweeks when I went for it with a few bold picks and was richly rewarded.

“So it’s about picking your moment and treading water by playing safely in the meantime. Good luck!”

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