Opinion
2 May 2017 1163 comments
Mark Mark
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A limping Aguero renders Jesus as essential, while clouds gather over Southampton and Gabbiadini and a consistent Spurs attack presents us with an uncomfortable decision. This and more fill our heads as we look back on Gameweek 35.

Aguero scare has us turn to Jesus…
Even with seven goals in his last nine starts and his first double-figure return since Gameweek 13, we were ready to overlook Sergio Aguero when the Wildcard came calling.

Now that the Argentinian suffered a groin injury at Middlesbrough, and Gabriel Jesus scored on his return to the Manchester City starting line-up, this path is almost confirmed.

Pep Guardiola admitted that he had intended to withdraw Jesus on the hour-mark but, with his side chasing the game at the Riverside Stadium, his plans changed. Jesus exploited the extra pitch-time by heading City’s equaliser – ironically from an Aguero assist.

Guardiola had previously stated that he could partner his two South American strikers and he followed through with that promise, opting for a 3-4-1-2 in which Jesus Navas and Gael Clichy offered width as his wing-backs.

But over the remaining fixtures, with David Silva in line for a return and Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling surely considered for recalls, Guardiola will be forced to choose between his frontline options.

Aguero’s injury may have made one decision for him.

Suffered late on in Sunday’s 2-2 draw, Guardiola must wait to see if the Argentine will return to contention this season – reports last night confirmed that the striker will undergo scans.

Even with Aguero available, Jesus will likely figure prominently over City’s remaining four fixtures – perhaps starting every match to become the obvious choice in their attack ahead of Gameweek 37.

Whether paired up with Aguero or leading the line as a lone striker, Jesus looks set to profit, with the defences of Crystal Palace, Leicester City, West Brom and Watford unlikely to slow the Brazilian’s rapid ascent.

Sane’s rest could be beautifully timed…
Guardiola dared to rest Leroy Sane to the bench at the Riverside Stadium – the first time the German winger has failed to feature since Gameweek 21.

After 12 successive starts and with fellow winger Raheem Sterling in and out of the line-up, it was perhaps just a matter of time before Sane took his time out.

Significantly, he was introduced early in the second period as City chased the game, coming on to earn the controversial penalty which offered Guardiola’s side a foothold.

His pitch-time from here on in appears to rely on Guardiola’s chosen formation, which will surely be influenced by the availability, or otherwise, of Sergio Aguero and David Silva.

Should Silva make a return, Guardiola will likely switch back to a 4-2-3-1, turning to Sane perhaps in tandem once again with Sterling on the opposite flank.

The winger’s partial rest means we can optimistically anticipate four consecutive starts for Sane to see out the season.

Found in just 6.4% of squads, he remains a healthy Wildcard option capable of inflicting significant damage over City’s remaining matches, which include those delicious back-to-back home encounters in Gameweek 37.

Gabbiadini is no longer a shoo-in…
Trudging off on 59 minutes to a chorus of boos and heckles, Manolo Gabbiadini’s contribution to Southampton’s turgid stalemate with Hull City was limited by Claude Puel’s unpopular decision to reshuffle.

But while Southampton fans aimed their frustrations at the manager, there are growing doubts surrounding Gabbiadini’s spark following his recent return from a groin injury.

In his three appearances so far, the Italian has provided a single assist, in the defeat at Chelsea, and has been hooked before the hour-mark on two occasions.

His underlying numbers have also dipped alarmingly when comparing those three recent outings with his outstanding introduction to the top flight over Gameweeks 24 to 29.

He’s received just 4.3 passes in the final third over his last three appearances, half his average in his first four starts. In addition, vital indicators such as shots, shots on target and penalty area touches have also declined – by 50% or more.

It could be that Gabbiadini has lost a degree of sharpness, or it could be that Southampton themselves are now in slumber.

Again, the statistics offer key evidence: over the last three Gameweeks, the Saints have created an average of 5.7 chances from open play, compared with 12.1 per match prior to Gameweek 33.

Combine that with talk of growing dissent in the camp, tough fixtures and questionable motivation for the season’s climax and suddenly investment in Southampton loses its lustre.

And when considering Gabbiadini specifically, we also have to factor in the risk of Shane Long, Jay Rodriguez and perhaps even Charlie Austin eating into his pitch-time.

Five fixtures still to play makes the Italian a major draw. But confidence in Gabbiadini getting opportunities to deliver has been dented.

Only fear is keeping Sanchez in the frame…
Trepidation surrounding Gabbiadini’s potential will likely influence our final decision on his selection.

But that pales in significance next to the fear that surrounds the potential omission of Alexis Sanchez from our squads.

Ordinarily, a return of a single goal from six Gameweek starts would render any asset superfluous – let alone one priced at 11.5. But graced with two extra fixtures, the perspective changes.

Despite his form and Arsenal’s malaise, Sanchez is still pulling in the purchasers and will likely go into Gameweek 36 as the leading contender for the captaincy.

While some will entertain the idea of going without him – constructing formidable line-ups without his hefty price tag – we all must surely acknowledge the risk involved in that strategy.

With many captaincy calls (triple or otherwise) set to ride on the Chilean, the potential damage he could inflict over successive double Gameweeks presents a convincing argument.

And yet we also have to accept that such a dilemma offers an opportunity for the brave to exploit.

Those trailing behind and seeking inspiration are presented with an obvious tactic at this point – omit Sanchez and strengthen across the squad in hope that he remains subdued.

It stings to shed a Spurs asset…
Rarely are we treated to a collection of attacking assets in a single side that offer the consistency currently provided by Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen.

Under normal circumstances, it would be a welcome scenario. But at a time when our budgets are stretched by the clamour to cover double Gameweek assets, the riches provided by Mauricio Pochettino’s attack become an unlikely problem.

Losing one of that trio in order to make way for Eden Hazard and Alexis Sanchez presents a painful decision. And with the aforementioned Jesus, Sane and Gabbiadini also key considerations, it seems we could be forced into deploying a four-man midfield for Gameweek 36 prior to the Bench Boost a week later.

That makes Alli and Eriksen the candidates to be shown the door, although line-ups without Kane in attack are also being discussed.

As it stands, Eriksen’s ownership continues to grow, while Alli’s threatens to stall. The extra funds liberated by the England midfielder’s sale seems to be persuading the majority to select Alli as their Spurs sacrifice.

…unless it’s Kyle Walker
Ironically, at a time when we’re freeing up a spare Spurs slot, perhaps to make way for renewed defensive investment, the previous hot property in Pochettino’s backline appears locked in a steep decline.

Previously found in 1.62 million FPL squads, Kyle Walker’s ownership has taken a dent following a run that has seen him benched in three of his last six Gameweeks.

Saturday’s north London derby provided the latest setback, with Kieran Trippier favoured at right-back against Arsenal.

The presumption that Walker was first choice and Trippier his understudy can no longer be entertained and, amid chatter on Walker’s future at the club, there are now big concerns surrounding his remaining pitch-time.

Sales have accelerated, leaving Fantasy managers looking elsewhere in the Spurs rearguard for solutions for the approaching double Gameweek. With one of Alli or Eriksen perhaps making way in midfield, we have Jan Vertonghen earmarked as our current weapon of choice in a defence that has kept 17 clean sheets to this point.

We should cherish King while we can..
We started the season lamenting the lack of explosive value options but, finally, in the shape of Josh King, we have been spoiled.

His winner at Sunderland on Saturday continued an extraordinary run of 12 goals from his last 14 Gameweeks. Accompanied by an assist and 13 bonus points, the Bournemouth midfielder has treated us to a rate of return that far exceeds his modest price tag.

It is testament to his credentials as an asset that, even when considering a cast of double Gameweek assets, King remains a key attraction – he’s placed third for transfers-in ahead of Gameweek 36.

The value he offers in an expansive and entertaining Bournemouth side simply cannot be ignored and, with three matches to go, should be nurtured.

King will doubtless be re-classifed as a forward next season, with his cost hiked well into the mid-price bracket. Hopefully, care will be taken not to kill him off completely as an option but, at the same time, we will surely never see King in this guise again.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Morning all - marks out of 10 for the below please 🙂

    Cech (V) - (De Gea)
    Gabriel - Yoshida - Alonso - (Davies - Fabio)
    Sanchez (C) - Sané - King - Zaha - (Coutinho)
    Gabbiadini - Costa - Kane

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      good team. id give it a 7.

    2. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nice, I'd probably go Courtois over De Gea though. Uniteds defence will be leaky with Blind in there, and now with the uncertainty of Bailly I would stay clear. Would keep assets but if on WC I'd stay clear. Probably a 9, can't se any big flaws, depends on BB in 37 or now a bit maybe?

    3. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      6/10

      No Hazard, Jesus or Spurs mid.

      Two premium goalkeepers seems a bit superfluous. Lose one for Caballero and invest the funds to get Hazard or a Spurs mid.

      1. Live Lad
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This

  2. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez has scored just 4 goals in last 11 matches with just one double digit score

    Is it time to accept that he isnt worth 11.5m as he's being wasted on the wings and bad bodu language?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nah, cant accept that. He is explosive and has a history of hauls... 😳

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Think most of us have accepted it.

      But then we look at the fixtures 🙂

      1. HurriKane
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        yh but ozil jesus as a combo is better than sanchez anichebe no ?

        ozil should give some cover for sanchez but i can see jesus blowing away anichebe in terms of points.

        1. FC nelo
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Very much so, miles between the two combos IMO.

        2. Stupendous
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          That's not even a fair comparison as it's about a 3m price difference ffs

    3. jmcclory123
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      4 games in 2 gameweeks and he's the top scoring midfielder in the game. Do at your own risk.

      1. HurriKane
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        having more games doesnt necessarily changes things. it only adds to rotation and fatigue.

        for eg alli and eriksen could outscore sanchez against a poor westham side

  3. Kitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who to bench?

    a) Sané
    B) Jesus
    C) Gabbiadini

    Cheers all!

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

  4. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Gabbiadini or Jesus on WC?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Jesus

    2. Prison Mike
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Jesus

    3. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      jesus

    4. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I have Anichebe as 3rd striker..

  5. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Worth it going Caballero + Pickford or i can stick with Jaku + Pickford.

  6. korbendallas82
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Think i am sticking with the full Spurs trio.
    Kasper-Jaku
    Cahill-Huth-Yoshi-Stephens-Daniels.
    Alli-Sane-King-Eriksen-Hazard
    Kane-Jesus-Barnes.

    -Keepers and defence is gonna be swapped around abit befor Friday. On wildcard, but only jesus, Sane and Hazard transferd in yet. Only 102.7 tv.

    Anything sticking out as obviously wrong?

  7. Hy liverpool
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A. Bertrand Vardy Eriksen
    Or
    B. Stephens kane Siggy

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

  8. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Whys is Holgate so popular. What about Maguire?

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Cheaper and easier GW37 fixture

    2. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      cheapest starting def with a good fixture to bench boost in gw37

    3. Sergeant Garcia
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      if you got the spare 0.3, i'd go for maguire

  9. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Dare I say it... John Stones? Would be a nice DGW player but would he play both games if fit?

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

      He might actually. I'm seriously considering him & Caballero.

      He was straight back into the team after injury. Pep seems to like him.

  10. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    DDG (Pickford)
    Yoshida Alonso Monreal Vertonghen Stephens
    Sanchez Sane Hazard Alli King
    Kane Gabbiadini Anichebe

    WC Active, 0.3 ITB

    Thoughts? How to improve?

    A) Caballero Darmian
    B) Redmond Albrighton & Jesus

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        For Sane King and Gabbiadini right?

    2. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      DDG, Monreal and Gabbi to Caballero, Gabriel and Jesus.

  11. Karan_G14
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez Triple Captain?

    I'm doing it. Hopefully he proves everyone wrong.

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      good luck for our next round clash in frequent posters cup

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

        Same to you mate!

        Would love to see your Wildcard team ;

        1. Bruno Bruno!!
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Caballero Pickford
          Alonso Cahill Vertonghen Holgate Stephens
          Hazard Alli King Sane Albrighton
          Kane Jesus Gabbiadini

    2. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      not worried about mourinho bus?

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

        Very worried about it.

        But United are tired and injuries have piled up. They are going to give it everything in Europa League.

    3. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going with it as well.. BB in 37, but that GW would be ideal for TC Alexis..

    4. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      If you have TC and BB left then its probably the best of a bad bunch. Id have been working to BB in 36 or 38 and TC in 37 if i had both chips though

  12. BigAsGiroud_
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts??

    Heaton Jaku
    Alonso Valencia Stephens Mawson Robertson
    Sanchez Coutinho Siggy Eriksen King
    Kane Gabbi Benteke

    Benteke to Jesus for -4 this week and bench Coutinho?

    then, for DGW,
    Siggy+Heaton+Coutinho to Hazard+Caballero+Redmond or JWP for -12?

  13. tibollom
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    would anyone TC Kane vs WHU or maybe Haz v MID? will use my BB in gw37 and Im really unsure about sanchez form in his dgw.. any other suggestions?

    DDG Pick
    Yoshida alonso vert huth gabriel
    king sanchez eriksen tadic hazard
    Kane Gabbi anichebe

  14. Petr Chec Yourself
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which is better

    a) Pedro Cech Monreal and Yoshida

    b) Sane Pickford Gabriel and Vert

    Please suggest

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A but Willy in place of Cech

      1. Petr Chec Yourself
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Already have Willy

  15. Unbelievable Jeff!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I have all 3 chips to play having recently wildcarded

    Who do I TC this week!?

    Caballero Pickford
    Monreal Alonso Yoshida Stephens Blind
    Hazard Sanchez Alli King Albrighton
    Kane Jesus Gabbi

    Bench boosting next week

    1. Oddjobleff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Guess it's got to be Sanchez if you have to do it this week

    2. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going Sanchez.

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

    Benching nightmare this week. Any good? (on a WC)

    Cech
    Alonso, Gabriel, Yoshida, Stephens
    Sanchez(c), Hazard, Alli
    Kane, Jesus, Gabbiadini

    Pickford Sane King Vertonghen

    1. SGTMacaroni
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      would not bench king, bench a soton defender

    2. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Play Sane and King ahead of Yoshida and Stephens IMO..

      1. FC nelo
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        If you have AoA.. otherwise King instead of Stephens maybe

        1. Oddjobleff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Cool. Cheers

      2. Oddjobleff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        That'd leave 2-5-3. No AOA left. Any preference between Sane and King?

  17. Sergeant Garcia
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    If you already have Stephens, which defender would you like as 4th:

    A) Yoshida
    B) Maguire

    1. Oddjobleff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A. 5 games left beats three

      1. Sergeant Garcia
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah but won't play him in all 5 as I have Alonso, Monreal & Vertonghen too.

        1. Oddjobleff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Fair enough. Neither offer great potential so I'd still go with the extra game player

  18. SGTMacaroni
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A) Holgate Capoue Gabbi
    B) Gabriel Sane Anichebe?

    As you can tell cash is tight?

    1. Oddjobleff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

  19. trinzoo
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best def up to 5.2 (bb 37)
    Cech / Willy
    Alonso / Monreal / Yosh / Holgate

    Thinking Davies > Clichy for 37

    1. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I have Clichy and I am a bit scared of his minutes.. Hopefully he can have 180min in 37 though.. Think 90 will be okey since the fixtures are OK.

  20. Alexis Nonsense
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    GTG?

    Caballero

    Alonso - Yoshida - Valencia

    Sané - Hazard - Sanchez - Alli

    Kane - Rashford - Jesus

    (Foster, Pieters, Evans, de Roon)

    1. Stupendous
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yup

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Do you see any way I can get a Chelsea defender in for gw37?

        Valencia out gives me 6.2m so could go Vertonghen instead

  21. BobBradleysOpportunity
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    am i right to be prioritising jesus over hazard in this team

    Pickford
    Cedric* Alonso Davies
    Sanchez(C) King Alli Sane
    Origi (to Jesus) Gabbiani Kane

    De Gea, Stephens Bailly Walcott

    5 mil ITB means i can do origi to jesus or walcott to hazard....

    1. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Think so. City and Arsenal have DGWs, Liverpool doesn't. Alltough, Walcotts minutes are a doubt.

    2. Alexis Nonsense
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I don't like Gabbi & Walcott in your team...

      1. BobBradleysOpportunity
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        it isn't a wildcard tho sadly

  22. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Borini or Anichebe? lol

  23. Lecky Legs FC
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I'm 23 pts behind my ML leader so I'm going for it now thoughts on tthis WC team please folks

    Jaku Pickford
    Alonso Ake Holgate Stephens Yoshida
    Ali Fraser Hazard Sanchez Romeu
    Jesus Kane Vardy

    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Same front line as myself, loving it personally. I'd try to upgrade Romeu though.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I'm trying I'm thinking Capoue good idea?

  24. VaVaVoom
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    play Benteke or Negredo GW36?

  25. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Arsenal assets likely to play all of the remaining games:

    Cech
    Kosc
    Ozil
    Sanchez

    Correct?

    1. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think Monreal as well.

      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Really? Gibbs is a decent replacement and they could even play Mustafi (back in 37) or even Holding if they stick to 3-4-3. I'm considering Monreal but just think he'll get rested for one of the games.

    2. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yep

  26. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Gtg here?

    Schmeichel
    Alonso Monreal Kompany
    Alli Hazard King Pedro Sanchez
    Kane Jesus

    Pickford Stephens Holgate Anichebe

    1. RustyBz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Like the Pedro move. G2G

  27. gorilla
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    will coutinho be okay for the weekend?

    1. poulteren
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      yes...dead leg

    2. gorilla
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      but they are bad sometimes?

  28. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is David Luiz injured?

  29. RustyBz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I'm struggling to see why Gabiaddini is a good pick...

    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      He's done for the season imo.

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Same boat

    3. Lecky Legs FC
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No he'll score vs us at Anfield than go on to stick for the rest of the season telling you now.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Stink*

  30. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which of these moves to do for a hit?
    1)Gibson to Alonso and play 4-4-2 this week
    2)Zaha to Pedro/Sane and play 3-5-2(Dont have hazard)
    Just short of Coutinho to Hazard by 0.1
    If I do the 1st move now I will do the 2nd move next week and vice-versa