The thing with international week is, that if you’ve had an FPL disaster, you can kind of sweep it under the carpet. “Oh yeah, I forgot about my team… I can’t wait to watch England play…” Na, that probably won’t wash.
Of my 15 suggested picks prior to the break, just four returned any points. I know that this team isn’t about scoring well as a group and moving up the table, but the more who perform, the better my “advice” looks.
So, thank you to Davison Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andre Gray and Glenn Murray, who all at least had something to show for my decision to pick them. Everyone else: Do one. (And sorry if you picked any of them…)
So, new week, new team. Hopefully some of these will do me better this time around.
Goalkeepers
In goal, I’m going for Pope (2.3%), who has stepped in ably for the injured Tom Heaton. Two clean sheets in his last two have provided 17 points, so I may be late to the party here, but Swansea at home looks like a presentable opportunity to me. On the bench, Begovic (3.9%) is my backup, with Huddersfield at home his opposition.
Defenders
Because of those two goalkeeping choices, I’ve also gone for Tarkowski (0.6%) and Daniels (9.4%) in my backline, because I like both chances of clean sheets. Off the back of Gomez’s (4.2%) England performances, he’s sure to start against shot-shy Southampton, and he’s far cheaper than Matip if you’re wanting Liverpool defensive cover. Then I’m going for Holebas (0.7%) because although he loves a booking, West Ham are poor and Watford are going to want to play in a way that shows Marco Silva’s it’s worth sticking around. My final defender is Christensen (0.3%), who is quickly becoming important for Chelsea and Antonio Conte. With Luiz out with a knock, and the Dane fresh off of knocking Ireland out of the World Cup, he’ll be raring to go for the Blues at West Brom.
Midfielders
Ok you’ll have noticed Alexis Sanchez (2.8%) in the team and with the armband. You’ll also have noticed he’s playing Spurs this weekend and that he has just one goal in the league all season. He’s also very expensive, but my thinking is this: He’s vital for Arsenal and he literally has to get better now. Fresh off of a two week rest for the first time in god knows how long, I think he’ll be back on the left with Lacazette up top this week. It really is time for the Chilean to get his season back on track, and given Arsenal’s matches between now and February (even the harder ones are home games), now could be the time to put him in. Next up, did you see what Martial (2.4%) pulled off playing for France, setting up Lacazette? Superb play, and it’s swayed me to put him in for a nice home game for United. Also, can you tell Zaha 4.6%) is a favourite of mine? I’m keeping the faith with him, like I did with Richarlison, all the time his ownership is under 10%. Finally, Choupo-Moting (6%) is becoming quite productive with his assists, and Gundogan (0.2%) gets in on the basis I want a City midfielder and I’ve got a feeling Pep might give him a start away to Leicester.
Strikers
Look at Murray (2.2%) keeping his spot! Who’d have thought it. But, with four goals in three games, including the winner at Swansea, he deserves it. This week he’s back at the AMEX against Stoke, who have just one clean sheet in their eight games since August. Wilson (0.1%) has finally returned and I think he’ll be handed another start for Bournemouth at home to Hudderfield on Saturday. Defoe (one goal all season) may’ve missed his chance for now, so the returning striker is a better bet to face the Terriers in my eyes. Lastly, Benteke (2%) is back after a five game absence and Hodgson has suggested he might be ready to go from the off at home to Everton. Yes, he’s yet to score this season, but Palace are desperate for someone to play up top and much like Sanchez, the Belgian’s season has to begin now.
Good luck this weekend.
Written by Joe McPhee (@JPMc99)
