WSL Fantasy returns with Gameweek 19 on the horizon.
As usual, we’ve asked our expert @Schurrle_FWSL to share his latest team ahead of the deadline. In this article, he reveals the squad he’s backing this week, along with the thinking behind his key picks.
- READ MORE: FPL Gameweek 32 Wildcard bus team drafts
A small red arrow in Gameweek 18, despite finishing 34 points above the average, shows just how competitive Aerial Fantasy has been this season. It’s a busy period in the women’s football calendar, with Gameweek 19 falling between both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals and ahead of the FA Cup quarter-finals next weekend.
The potential for rotation from teams competing in Europe only adds to the chaos, alongside my decision to play my Clean Slate this week. With that in mind, here’s how my refreshed team is shaping up.
TEAM REVEAL
GOALKEEPERS
It’s a completely new look in goal, as my trusted pair of Szemik and Falk have made way for Anneke Borbe (£4.0m) and Elene Lete (£4.1m). It’s difficult to fully gauge how secure Borbe’s spot is for the Gunners, as it feels like van Domselaar could come in at any moment.
However, it’s equally hard to ignore a 4.0m visionary goalkeeper playing behind one of the best defences in the league. If she were to be benched this week, Lete’s fixture against West Ham is strong enough to make the risk worthwhile. If funds allow, I’d ideally upgrade Lete back to Szemik for extra security, but for now I’m keeping money in the bank for future moves.
DEFENDERS
Maya Le Tissier (£7.9m) is one of three defenders to retain her place in my backline, alongside Buurman and Rose. United’s skipper scored and assisted against Bayern Munich on Wednesday and could even double if United progress. Veerle Buurman (£5.0m) continues to look solid for Chelsea, while Jade Rose (£4.0m) appears secure with no Champions League rotation concerns for City.
Manuela Vanegas (£5.0m) is someone I regret not owning earlier, having planned to bring her in after the winter break. At just 0.97% ownership, she looks like a strong differential and has a good chance of a clean sheet against Leicester.
Hannah Blundell (£6.0m) completes my defence for now. Everton have impressed since the departure of Brian Sørensen, picking up three league wins and only narrowly missing out on a draw against Man United last gameweek. Blundell is the most likely to make way before the deadline, as I weigh up whether she’s worth a one-week punt over simply backing Le Tissier against City. A downgrade to a 4.0m defender could also free up funds to bring Szemik back in goal.
MIDFIELDERS
With Arsenal facing five fixtures across the next three gameweeks, Mariona Caldentey (£9.9m) feels like a non-negotiable pick. She could even be a triple captaincy option in Gameweek 20. The upside is huge.
City’s push at the top makes Lauren Hemp (£8.5m) another standout. Rotation risk looks minimal. Her underlying numbers have been excellent. She’s also picked up bonus points in seven of her last ten appearances.
Leicester remain one of the best teams to target right now. That’s led me to a Brighton double-up in Madison Haley (£6.0m) and Jelena Čanković (£6.0m). A double gameweek is coming too. Haley playing up front adds even more appeal. It feels like a worthwhile punt.
Rounding things off is Alisha Lehmann (£5.0m). Despite Leicester’s struggles, she’s looked dangerous. Her goal against Villa highlighted that. At just 0.66% ownership, she offers real differential value.
FORWARDS
There’s no getting away from Bunny Shaw (£12.1m). The form is ridiculous. After three consecutive hat-tricks at home to Tottenham, she made it four in just 21 minutes. She’s an easy hold this week. Even with a tougher fixture, she remains a strong captaincy option.
Alongside her, I’ve gone with Alessia Russo (£12.1m). The decision between Arsenal’s attack and defence is close. For now, I’m backing the attack. Russo has returned in four of her last five starts. She’s also scored in three of her last four North London derbies.
Interestingly, despite often targeting Leicester, I’ve doubled on their attack. Shannon O’Brien (£6.0m) joins Lehmann. The team form isn’t great, but O’Brien’s underlying numbers are better than they look. She’s shown before that she can deliver on her own.
Best of luck for Gameweek 19, everyone!
