When teams are on DGWs, you have to take advantage, and although it could’ve been better, having Lloris, Vertoghen and Son in the team last time out have helped boost the total. Lanzini and Arnautovic both contributed more than their appearance points too, although the Differentials XI does have the beauty of ripping it al up and starting again each week I suppose.
Elsewhere, Fuchs and Mahrez mucked in from a Leicester point of view, while Mane swung in a beauty for eight points. Lacazette and Rashford unfortunately disappointed up top.
This week it’s back to a normal set of fixtures. It’s been a nice break away during the FA Cup, but we’re recharged and ready to go again with the selections below.
Goalkeepers
Rob Elliot continues to be the backup choice of one in five FPL players, but given he’s now injured I’m plumping for his replacement Darlow (0.3%) at home to Swansea. On my bench, Foster (9.4%) is also a nice option against Brighton, I just rate the Seagulls as more likely to score than the Swans. I imagine I’ll be wrong.
Defenders
Vertonghen (9.7%) keeps his spot at home to Everton, who Spurs battered earlier in the campaign. Coming back in is Christensen (4.4%), who remains cheaper than his teammates and still very much in the team. Lindelof (1.3%) also returns, with United facing managerless Stoke on Monday night. Completing my starting defence, Dawson (1.0%) will line up against Brighton, covering myself for choosing Darlow over Foster – I would’ve picked Gibbs, but he’s a doubt. On the bench, Mustafi (3.3%) takes a place after performing brilliantly in Carabao Cup action at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Sunday see’s a trip to Bournemouth for him, although in my mind remains last season’s 3-3 thriller!
Midfielders
My midfield four comprises of lovely, intricate players, meaning Mata (2.5%) has to be one of those taking a spot – I just hope he starts! Hazard (8.1%) is my team’s star man this week in Chelsea’s game with Leicester, while Ritchie (2.1%) comes in for that Newcastle game with Swansea. With Coutinho gone, now is the time for Lallana (0.3%) to play his way back into Liverpool’s team and cement his place at the World Cup this summer. His injuries are now behind him and a big showing against Man City would really see people sit up and take notice. On the bench, a real wildcard, in N’Koudou (0.0% – Yes that’s 0.0%), who this week moved to Burnley on loan from Spurs. He’s the polar opposite of what you’d expect a Burnley player to be, which means he intrigues me massively, and I’ve read positive things about his first few training sessions. He’ll likely be on the bench at Palace, but he’s one to keep an eye on going forward.
Strikers
Up top, Benteke (2.2%) comes in to lead the line in that Palace home game with Burnley. After a great display at Leicester last month, the Belgian is now due another goal – what would be his first at home all season. Rashford (8.4%) remains in the side, because of my continued belief that he’ll play his way into form, while Delpoitre (7.5%) takes a spot on the bench. Huddersfield face West Ham at the John Smith on Saturday.
Good luck this weekend!
Written by Joe McPhee (@JPMc99)
