We’re just a number of days away from the international break and the side has got off to a decent start. It was an average start but the past two weeks have propelled the team to 234k from inside the 1 millions. 65 (-4) was all thanks to the attack. The premium options keep performing and that’s key to the sides success along with captaincy. I’m relatively happy with the side and because of that I don’t see the wildcard being used for a few gameweeks at least.
It was yet another tough week for the defence as there was only 3 clean sheets kept over the weekend. The sale of TAA over Robertson has left me with some regret after he assisted at the weekend but I’m glad to be off the double up while Alisson is out. I wasn’t expecting much from Lundstram but a doughnut was disappointing at home to Leicester. He’s in the side for this value and being OOP, so one bad week won’t mean much. A poor Everton performance against Aston Villa was a surprise and the Digne rollercoaster is in full swing with a 1 pointer. Zinchenko’s 2 pointer was really frustrating after his clean sheet was wiped out by a perfectly executed free kick from Harry Wilson. There was nothing the keeper could do and City were tight at the back up until then. The only good news was a Heaton’s first clean sheet of the season at home to Everton.
Lucas Moura was the only midfielder to blank as Spurs were frustrated by Newcastle’s bus. Bruce’s tactics paid off but a last minute winner was there for the taking but Lucas skyed it over the bar. New signing Martial started off with an assist but was unlucky not to win a penalty as well. A downside was that he picked up a knock and misses GW4 but should return after the international break. The skipper, Sterling scored against Bournemouth and VC Salah returned a brace after he was heavily sold by impatient managers or those who needed to save money.
I wasn’t expecting much from Wilson but he was fouled for his namesakes free kick. He’s done a good job with 3 assists in 3 but I’m parting ways with him this week. I’ve only owned Pukki for a week and I’m already loving him. A goal and an assist plus a couple of bonus was a brilliant start to his time in the side.
Transfers: Wilson/Dendoncker (OUT) -> Barnes/Mount (IN)
Wilson averaged 5 points in the side but I feel there’s much better value forwards out there. Barnes is in great form and producing brilliant stats, so he’s in for the long run. Dendoncker comes out as I’ve found plenty of value elsewhere in order to upgrade him and it makes it viable to play 3-5-2. In comes Mason Mount who’s also producing great underlying stats for his value. I’ve given it time to see how Chelsea lined up and performed under Lampard and Mount is clearly a mainstay in his plans.
Heaton goes to Palace who are coming off the back of beating Man Utd at Old Trafford but losing on penalties in The Carabao Cup. He’s only made 1 save point this season which is worrying with the likes of Pope .
Robertson will be trying to stop Barnes continuing his scoring streak but I’m hoping he can keep getting up the pitch as goals and assists will eventually come. Wolves is never an easy game but the Europa League has meant they haven’t come flying out of the blocks, so Digne and his side will hope to show a much better performance against them. It’s just a 3 man defence this week and Zinchenko has the pick of the fixtures against Brighton. However, Brighton looks much stronger going forward this season.
Moura gets another week in the side with other players emerging but the North London Derby is usually full of goals, so it’s not the worst game. If he can get chances like he did last week he should be on the score sheet. Sterling and Salah have nice fixtures away to Burnley and at home to Brighton. Both sides have conceded a goal a game on average. Mount faces Sheffield Utd who are the most solid defensively of the promoted sides but are yet to be tested against the top 6 side.
Barnes faces Liverpool before he embarks on a mega run up until GW14 just facing 1 top 6 side during that spell. He’s in form and facing a Liverpool side yet to keep a clean sheet. Both strikers are in cracking form and Pukki faces a West Ham side who are concededing plenty of chances. Pukki is a clinical finisher, so he’ll love this game if he’s given plenty of chances to hit the back of the net. With Martial out, he stays on the bench as he’s expected back fit for GW5. In comes Greenwood off the bench who could directly replace the Frenchman in the side. If he surprisingly doesn’t play, Rico takes his place.
Captaincy: Sterling keeps the armband. He’s got the better fixture on paper compared to Salah and I’m not as confident with him on the road.
Any changes between now and the deadline will be updated in the members WhatsApp group and Slack Channel. There’s still a lot of team news to come out that could affect the side. You can use code “FPLJUNIOR” for 20% off membership to access said groups and the £1,000 cash league. Join here.
