Hello and welcome to the The Crock Shop, the new FPL piece in which I will (hopefully) give all those wannabe managers out there hints and tips on replacements for high value crocks and suspended players every few weeks. Now that is out the way, let’s get down to business!
Wayne ROONEY (£10.4m) – SUSPENDED FOR 3 GAMES
With Rooney’s moment of madness against West Ham costing Manchester United his services for a month, it leaves 28.1% of players wondering how to plug the (slightly large) gap in their teams. Here are a few of my suggestions to replace the ‘big man’ and fire you up your leagues!
Parry’s Pick: Edin DZEKO (£8.4m)
The Manchester City striker finally got his Premier League campaign under way with two goals against Hull, taking his total to four goals in a week. Saving you £2m and away at the toothless Aston Villa in GW7, the Bosnian looks certain to add to his tally for the season. Owned by only 8.1% of players, this pick could make you stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Did you know? 64% of Dzeko’s 47 EPL goals have come away from home.
Best of the Rest:
Mario BALOTELLI: After mustering an unbelievable 10 shots against Everton in GW6 and with West Brom up next, it’s time for the Postman to start delivering. At £9.9m and only owned by 5.5% of players, now could be the right time to take the gamble and enjoy the ride!
Radamel FALCAO: At £10.9m you may have to check the sofa for some loose change to afford him, but with Rooney out this may be his chance to step up and score his first United goals. With 8.9% of players picking him, this could be a great piece of business.
Aaron RAMSEY (£9.0m) – HAMSTRING INJURY (UNKNOWN RETURN DATE)
Owned by 33.8% of FPL managers, Arsenal’s Welsh wizard has been on good form this season, chipping in with 2 goals and an assist before his untimely injury. Let’s have a look at a few viable replacements for such a big game changer;
Parry’s Pick: Juan MATA (£8.7)
Whilst his captain is enjoying some time off, it gives Mata a perfect opportunity to have a run in his preferred number 10 role. Slightly cheaper than Ramsey, and with Falcao, RVP and Di Maria around him, goals and assists seem inevitable for the little Spaniard. Owned by only 9.1%, this midfield maestro could change your season.
Did you know? Mata has 8 goals in 20 games for United, his best goal/game ratio of his career.
Best of the Rest:
David SILVA: With Nasri out through injury, Silva (£9.0) stands to be City’s link between midfield and attack until the real Yaya Toure stands up. With 2 assists to his name against Hull and with Aston Villa next, GW7 looks like it could be a good one for the 10.1% who already have him.
Steven GERRARD: He has 2 Premier League goals already this season including a brilliant free kick against Everton in GW6. Gerrard (£8.9m) may seem expensive, but with his fantastic dead ball delivery and West Brom up next, the Liverpool legend will be aiming to silence a lot of doubters out there and keep 5.2% of FPL managers very happy.
That’s it from our very first edition of ‘The Crock Shop’, I hope it gave some of you solutions to your FPL problems! Until next time!
Tom Parry.
@TomPaz1984
