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. Jay_
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Afternoon lads, having spent my wildcard back in gw30, I'm at the bridge that I kept telling myself I'll cross when it comes. Best option?

      ---------------Caballero------------------
      ------Alonso Valencia Yoshida------
      Sanchez Hazard Alli Eriksen JWP
      -----------Kane Gabbiadini------------
      -----------------------------------------------
      DDG Rashford Holgate Mustafi (!)

      0 FT, 1.9 ITB. No wildcard available, will BB in 37

      0.3 short of Rashford > Jesus, will be 0.5 by end of week.

      A) Leave it (no standout 5.3 defender and Mustafi and/or Valencia may still play both in 37)
      B) Valencia > 5.3 defender -4 (leaves Rashford to Jesus within range of 1 FT next week)
      C) Mustafi > 5.3 defender -4
      D) Valencia/Mustafi & Rashford > 5.3 defender & Jesus -8 (benching JWP)
      E) Valencia & JWP > Stephens & King -8 (leaves cash for Rashford > Jesus next week)

      1. Jay_
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Ps I have limited wifi so thanks in advance for any replies

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

            B

        • bigbudgie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          FWIW I think it's worth downgrading mustafi as he's definitely out for 36 and who knows if he will play both in 37, it's a lot of money. I also think it's worth getting rid of Valencia and rashford. So... The - 8 for me.

        • Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Either B and get Gabriel or E

      2. amplifiedAnt
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Sadly my TV is awful, so this is as good as I can get.

        A or B?

        _____ / Pickford
        Alonso / Monreal / Yoshida / Stephens / Holgate
        Hazard / King / _____ / _____ / _____
        Gabbiadini / _____ / _____

        A: Cech, Sanchez, Alli, Sane, Costa, Anichebe
        B: Caballero, Ozil, Eriksen, Albrighton, Kane, Jesus

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

          B for me mate

        2. zon
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Both are good. I think B edges it.

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

          B for me

        4. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          B

        5. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I like A with Jesus in place of Costa, then you have some change to fiddle with defence.

        6. amplifiedAnt
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers all. I was leaning towards B and have changed my wildcard to match that for now. Oh, and ta to Eddie for throwing in a decent idea (or a spanner in the works!)

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

          B. Your team is exactly the same as mine with B 🙂

      3. rnrd
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        repost sorry - bottomed

        Are Spurs defenders that essential?
        I mean fixtures aren't that great and Alder & Vert are quite expensive.

        Should'nt we actually look at Spurs defense as a punt / enabler with the likes of Davies (even with Rose back) or Trippier? instead of spending too much?

        1. Buck The Trent
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          i am keeping Davies

      4. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        need a 5.9 mid? already have King.

        any advice? going to take Morrison out of my team and use my all AoA chip this GW.

        Thanks

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

          rest of my mids; Firmino, Ozil, King , Eriksen

        2. amplifiedAnt
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Very limited selection, IMO. Albrighton or Ndidi at Leicester? Reasonable form and fair chance of attacking returns.

          Tough double gameweek fixtures though if you're intending to bench boost for week 37.

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

            using TC GW37 mate

        3. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Better to make some money elewhere and maybe go Pedro or Tadic, even Lallana or Chadli? 5.9 bracket if i had to choose someone is Redmond. Not because he is any good but has higher ceiling than the other.

      5. jason_ni
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        On a WC - which back line do you prefer?
        A)
        Courtois / Cabellero
        Fuchs

        B)
        Courtois / Cech
        Gabriel

        Rest of backline in each is
        Vert / Stephens / Roberston / Holgate

        A gives Man City and Leicester cover vs B giving Double Arsenal cover

      6. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Feel like anything outside top1k is a failure.

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

          Quite proud of 600k at the moment

        2. Leaf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Anything out of no.1 is a failure

      7. The Red Devil
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Pedro>sane?

        1. zon
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I would keep Pedro

      8. Jebiga
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        cedric, yoshida and stephens to much ?

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

          yep

        2. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Yes

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

          No

        4. Max City
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I think so

      9. IWR
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Any other non WC holders thinking about using BB this week? I've got this lot after a few cheeky hits:

        Cab
        Alonso, Monreal, Yoshi
        Haz, Sanchez, Alli, Sane
        Kane, Vardy, Gabbi

        Jaku - Maguire - Holgate - King

        Fixtures are too tasty to ignore.

        1. MallettMan
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I'd bench gabbi over king tbh. even with a dgw

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

            I'm using BB.

      10. Baked baines
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Guys, would appreciate some advice on this. Ahead in all my ML's.....just!!!
        On my WC now and BB in GW37.

        Team atm is this....

        Willy Pickford

        Alonso Gabriel Holgate Yosi Stephens

        Hazard Sanchez Alli Sane King

        Kane Costa Gabb

        0.5 ITB
        A) Leave it as is is and carry 2 FT's to GW 38
        B) Costa Gabriel Pickford > Cech Jesus Monreal
        C) Costa Sane Pickford Holgate > Jesus Vertonghen Pedro Cech

      11. zon
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Play Smith (STK) - Stoke hasn't scored a single goal in last six away games, could well assist a goal.

        or Yoshida (liv, ARS) - Double, cleanie points far from certain, but an attacking threat.

        Smith edges it, right?

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          If pool without cout then I can see a 0-0 there

      12. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Wildcard set up?

        Caballero, Pickford
        Gabriel, Vertonghen, Alonso, Yoshida, Stephens
        Hazard, Alli, Sanchez, King, Sane
        Kane, Jesus, Gabbiadini

        0.0 ITB

        Could also switch Gabbiadini and Gabriel -> Anichebe and Koscielny for more secured starts and play 3-5-2 on GW's 36/38. Thoughts?

        1. zon
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Solid.

          1. Jam0sh
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Cheers. Do you think it'd be ok to go with Gabbiadini and Gabriel for DGW's?

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

          Exactly my concern re Gabriel/Gabbiadini. Worried for Gabriel time with Mustafi coming back and Gabbiadini - Anichebe would allow me Monreal and Alderweireld over Vertonghen. Tough call

      13. jam
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I think if I had a decent team this week and hadn't used my WC, a week 38 WC could be lethal.

      14. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        A. Ozil and Anichebe
        B. Sane and Gabi

        1. jam
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          B

        2. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          A

        3. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Sorry or
          C. Vardy and Morrison

        4. Master Kane
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          B

        5. Totally !rre!evant
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          b

      15. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Afternoon all. How we doing? A cheeky RMT please..... Will be using BB in GW37

        Cab | Court
        Yoshida | Blind | Davies | Stephens | Gab
        Sanchez | Sane | Alli | King | Haz
        Jesus | Gabbi | Kane

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Looking good, not too sure on blind though

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

            Cheers mate - who else from utd or city

        2. Totally !rre!evant
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Good team. Maybe consider Court to Pickford and Blind to a Chelsea def.

          1. Totally !rre!evant
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Also who are you planning to bench this week?

      16. Hwangson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Pick one:

        A: Jesus & Hazard
        B: Sane & Costa

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

          A

        2. zon
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          A

        3. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          A

        4. chilli con kone
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          A

        5. Master Kane
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          A

          Will Hazard play once Chelsea have wrapped it up?

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

            this is my concern

      17. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Who scores better over the double in your opinion?

        A. Cedric
        B. Bertrand

        Money no object

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          B

      18. Scheister
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Bench sorted? Hate to leave out a DGWer...

        Willy
        Yoshi Gabriel Alonso
        Sanchez(TC) Hazard Alli King Sane
        Kane Gabbi

        Pickford Stephens Bailly anichebe

        1. chilli con kone
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Yep that's the best order. I'm benching Yoshi

        2. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Looking good

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

        A or B?
        A) Pickford + Vertonghen
        B) Cabellero + BDavies

        I have no other City/Spurs defence & other keeper is Cech

        1. chilli con kone
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          A

        2. zon
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          A

      20. The Architect of Anarchy
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Is Alonso worth that money?

        If Chelsea wrap the title , guess he will be benched along with luiz to make way for Ake and terry .

      21. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Assume advice is if that if you have Gabbiadini and no WC not worth getting rid?

      22. PlayPercentage
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I have no WC, so may as well hang on to Cout.
        Liverpool have decent fixtures for the run in.
        Thank God I didn't captain him last night.

      23. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        New post for you to repost your RMT's 😛

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/05/02/line-up-lessons-gameweek-35-part-two/

      24. Ginola14
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        So it Boils down to
        Sanchez or Costa for the remainder of the season, one team is in form going for the double another is in disarray yet we are still drawn to his allure like suicidal moths to a flame
        Thoughts?

        1. ViperStripes
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          So depressed, now where's that fire...

        2. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Costa, and get ozil over Sanchez

      25. ViperStripes
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Re-asking. 2 votes for AOA last time round.

        Bench 1:
        Sane vs CRY
        King vs STK
        Hazard vs MID
        Jesus vs CRY

        OR

        Play AOA and bench one of Stephens & Yoshida

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Aoa bench Stephens

          1. Ginola14
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            I 2nd this

      26. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Gtg? Took a hefty 12pt hit for this :/

        Caballero
        Bertrand, Gabriel, yoshida
        Hazard, ozil(c), alli, king
        Kane, Costa, Jesus

        Pickford, zaha, Stones, benalouane

      27. suddenorgan
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        weirdly tempted to TC Cech instead of Sanchez

        1. MallettMan
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I was thinking this lol

          1. suddenorgan
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            I think it's De Gea in the last DGW that's planted the idea in my mind, and Sanchez being terrible.. and Man Utd and Southampton being goal shy.. and oh god it's making too much sense

      28. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        WC draft. BB in 37.

        Caballero, Pickford
        Yoshida, Stephens, Azpi, Alonso, Gabriel
        Sané, Eriksen, Sanchez, Hazard, King
        Anichebe, Kane, Jesus

        0.2 ITB

        Looking ok?

      29. MallettMan
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Lukaku + Pickford to Jesus + Cech?

      30. jam
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        You do wonder if Ake will get some mins as Chelsea secure the title.

        1. rnrd
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Terry will before Aké does. Still,w e could have a Terry Aké Central defense for 1 game

          1. Jet5605
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Do you think Azpi or Alonso are the safest bets in terms of keeping their place after the title is won?

          2. jam
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Chicken Terry Aké?

          3. 32chickens
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Not sure manager is a romantic
            Terry on at 60 mins gw38 with crown in bag
            And yes not sure he would get any available pens
            Ake - both he and Conte need to make a decision- i think he will be given mins