With January Wildcards now active we wanted to offer the community a regular article to look at the key strategies, players and teams we should be considering. This piece will focus on the thoughts of one of the Fantasy Football Scout team on their winter Wildcard progress. Feel free to help them with any deliberations they have and use this article to post your Wildcard thoughts or Rate My Wildcard Teams (RMWT). Our first article featured Jonty’s deliberations over a mid price striker, which was followed by Spencer’s thoughts on doubling up in defence. Next up I look at how Newcastle’s cheap assets can help me to build a dream midfield.
My RMWT
Pantilimon – Krul
Terry – Bertrand – Van Aanholt – Hutton – Wisdom
Silva – Sanchez – Hazard – Fabregas – Sigurdsson
Aguero – Kane – Perez
Goalkeepers
After initially opting for Sunderland’s number one and back-up keeper, Costel Pantilimon and Vito Mannone, I’ve decided to stick with the north east but switch to a rotation strategy, with Newcastle stopper Tim Krul still reasonably priced.
Defenders
The strategy I’ve opted for is a common one for Wildcarders, selecting two reliable high point scorers, with three budget defenders to rotate around them. Chelsea’s John Terry looks the best premium option right now and he is joined by Southampton’s Ryan Betrand, who has been in my side all season and served me well. For my three rotating defenders, Sunderland’s Patrick van Aanholt, Aston Villa’s Alan Hutton and West Brom’s Andre Wisdom all offer security of starts, a budget price tag and bonus potential.
Midfielders
The focus of my Wildcard is on a strong midfield anchored by Chelsea’s two relentless point scorers, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas. David Silva’s recent form keeps him in my thoughts and Alexis Sanchez demands a place with his consistency and strong goalscoring potential. The final midfield slot goes to Gylfi Sigurdsson, who still offers good value, especially for Swansea’s home games.
Forwards
The most eye-catching member of my attacking trio is Newcastle’s Ayoze Perez. Priced at just 4.6, he is the reason I’ve been able to afford such a strong midfield as well as have reliable options across all positions. But with five goals already he is no mere enabler. When Newcastle have strong fixtures there is a solid argument for playing him over Sigurdsson, especially if the Swansea man has an away game. It is worth noting that I plan to Wildcard as late as possible, which also coincides with an upturn in Newcastle’s fixtures. Elsewhere Harry Kane’s phenomenal value cannot be ignored and joining him is Sergio Aguero, who has 14 goals in just 13 starts, one of which included a sixth-minute substitution due to injury. The Manchester City man offers a viable captaincy option in almost any given Gameweek.
9 years, 4 months ago
Going for Perez is a risky tactic. His price is prone to price drops, plus there's nowhere to go if he gets injured or suspended due to his rock bottom price - but it does enable that midfield, which is quite frankly sensational. Looking at those mids I think this is worth the risk. Your get out if it goes wrong is to downgrade Sigurdsson to Puncheon/Moses/another 5.5m ish midfielder which frees up money to upgrade Perez to Berahino/Sakho.