Gameweek 5 is over and we’ve amounted a healthy total of points this week. Our 65 points is well over the average even though we’re missing out on a few big hauls from the popular picks. We’ve finally managed to get a clean sheet from our keeper which is great news but we’ve still had issues with our benching order as we’ve missed out on a handful of potential points. It’s nice to see a green arrow once again.
Rui Patricio and Wolves’ defence picked up their second clean sheet of the season and the first for the Updates XI. The Wolves defence looked rather solid against a struggling Burnley side and he only had to make two saves in the game.
Am I reading that right? Marcos Alonso only scored 2 points! The Spaniard blanked for the first time this season at home to Cardiff as Chelsea left Bamba free in the box to tap home from close range. His points obviously weren’t sustainable but I’m still expecting big things over the coming weeks. Alexander-Arnold’s 6 pointer saw us earn a much deserved slice of luck as he was brought off just before Spurs scored a consolation goal at the death. Rather annoyingly, Cedric’s 0 pointer came off our bench instead of a Wan-Bissaka clean sheet and max bonus. A 9 point swing for favouring the Southampton man. Ouch!
Pedro, Salah and Mkhitaryan all blanked in the midfield amassing a total of 5 points. The latter was once again dropped from the XI and if there’s no updates on why he isn’t in favour he’ll be out the door. While Hazard bagged a hat-trick Pedro didn’t manage a single goal or assist in a 4-1 win. Salah’s blank was rather annoying, as like usual, he had plenty of chances to bring home points. On the other end of the scale Sigurdsson headed home his first goal since February! It was only a consolation as they had their pants pulled down at home to West Ham. The biggest surprise of them all, our highest scorer of the week bagged a brace and an assist after it seemed he was unlikely to play. 18 points from the Scotsman!
Up front the usual duo both scored 7 points. Zaha scored his 3rd of the season but once again was booked, costing him more bonus points. Meanwhile captain Aguero is still yet to score since Cardiff but is still creating as he assisted 2 goal. Unfortunately, he was hauled off before the 60 minute mark with a knock.
Moving on to transfer. After saving last week I’ve decided, I’ve had enough, it’s time to bring in the red hot Eden Hazard. Mkhitaryan played the full 90 minutes in the Europa League and his 2 benchings has made him a horror transfer, so I’m glad to see the back of him. The other makeweight is Sigurdsson. He goes out with a bang but I much rather Richarlison who completes his suspension this week, so he’s now back on my radar. The replacement for Sigurdsson? Andre “shots” Schurrle. The German has had the second most shots out of any midfielder, barring Salah. With the wildcard still intact, I feel he’s a worthwhile punt. Mendy stays even with his injury due to the strength of our bench and the value we’ve built up in him.
Mkhitaryan -> Hazard
Sigurdsson -> Schurlle
Onto next week’s side:
Neither keeper has a favourable game this week, so I’ve decided to go with the one with the best defence and that’s Patricio. At Old Trafford isn’t easy but there’s always a chance of a pen save and United have been awarded a lot in recent weeks.
Alonso and Alexander–Arnold both retain there places unsurprisingly. The Chelsea wingback faces West Ham who’ve only scored 2 goals at home this season. Trent’s got a great fixture this week and I’m hoping for big things as his fixtures take a turn for the worse. With tough fixtures, a heavy fixture schedule he might be one his way out if no other issues occur. Aaron Wan-Bissaka gets a start in a juicy home game against Newcastle. He takes the place of the injured Mendy.
Last week’s main man Fraser travels to bottom of the league Burnley who’ve shipped 10 goals this season. Europa League has hampered their start to the season but now they’re out, will they improve? Salah has a home tie against Southampton and it’s a massive week for his future in the side. The Southampton defence looked dire at time last week and I’ve he comes away with a blank, his price may plummet. Pedro and debutant Hazard travel to the Olympic Stadium but the former is a slight doubt after picking up a small shoulder injury. Finally the second debutant in the side, Andre Schurrle has a home tie against high flying Watford. They may be a on a good run but there defence isn’t water right. Fulham love to attack and think about defence afterwards, and I expect goals in this game.
It’s the same deadly duo up top. Aguero had a slight rest midweek after his knock and is fit to start down in Cardiff. Hopefully he can get back on the scoresheet. Zaha faces a struggling Newcastle side and he looks to continue his goal scoring form. Hopefully he can cut out the yellow cards.
The captaincy was tough this week. The three candidates were Salah, Hazard and Aguero. I’ve decided to give the armband the form man, Eden Hazard. He’s the only player to have a full weeks rest as he didn’t travel to face PAOK on Thursday. They all have good fixtures but the one with the best form is undoubtedly the Belgian. Although I’m hoping all 3 will do well.
Written by FPL Junior (@FPL_Junior)
