Much like last time out, the FPL Differentials XI styled it out and went way above and beyond the average at the weekend.
At the back, Lloris and Sanchez combined for a Spurs cleanie at home to Huddersfield, while Cedric also chipped in with one against Stoke. I got returns from three midfielders, with Oxlade-Chamberlain (6), Mane (8, 16 as captain) and Bernardo all chipping in with contributions.
Up front, there was nine for Aubameyang and Iheanacho even got four but was kept on the bench.
All in all it was a pleasing showing for the second week on the trot.
As usual, the below is much changed and is my take on players who could have an impact for you this weekend.
Goalkeepers
Pretty sure this is the first time I’ve done this, but my two goalkeepers this weekend are both from the same match! On paper, Newcastle v Southampton looks very much like 0-0 and last on Match of the Day, so I’m plumping for both Dubravka (0.3%) and McCarthy (0.2%) here. The Toon keeper is the one I’m picking to start, with his sole home game so far being his shutout and consequential nine points against Man United last month.
Defenders
As ever, when I pick a goalie I usually pick an accompanying defender too, but Lascelles (8.0%) has to make to do with a spot on the bench this week. Tarkowski (2.7%) is also picking out the splinters, but he’s picked in the squad because I fancy Burnley to do a job over the gloomy-again West Ham on their own patch. In the team though, Sanchez (1.2%) keeps his spot as Spurs travel to Bournemouth. As an aside here, I know many teams are dead by this point, but how Alderweireld still has a 4.5% higher ownership than the Colombian baffles me – the Belgian has been out for nigh on five months! Alongside Sanchez, is Rudiger (3.5%) at home to Crystal Palace and Kompany (2.0%), who travels to Stoke. I’ve ruled out the City skipper often this season, but Stones and Laporte looked far from assured against Basel in the week, so I’m expecting Big Vin to be reinstated for the Bet 365 trip.
Midfielders
In midfield, I’m loathe to drop Bernardo Silva (1.6%), who is currently enjoying his finest run of form since becoming City’s first signing last summer. Alongside him come Mahrez (8.0%) – back to form after his show of mid-season indiscipline, something he’s acknowledged that was wrong. Back in the team too are Walcott (5.6%), who fancies a Brighton side who are not as good on the road, and Ramsey (3.9%), who scored a brilliant goal for Arsenal in the San Siro on Thursday, starting the move with a flick and ending it by rounding the goalie. On the bench this week is Lucas Moura (0.1%), a player I misjudged the start of last weekend. Given that he didn’t appear against Juve either, I think this could finally be the week in which he’s picked from the off.
Strikers
That gamble didn’t pay off last week, but picking Aubameyang (4.5%) did, with his close range finish earning him nine points despite Arsenal’s loss. It came of course at the hands of Brighton, whose Murray (4.7%) finds himself in wonderful form right now – talk of an England call has even surfaced! With 19 points in his last two games, I’ve had to pick him myself, with the Seagulls flying up to a ropey Everton side on Saturday. Completing the lineup is Giroud (1.6%), who I can see starting for Chelsea against Palace with Barcelona on the horizon next week.
Good luck getting those green arrows this weekend.
Written by Joe McPhee (@JPMc99)
