Before last week’s games I was told I shouldn’t be so negative about not achieving the global average each week when I’m picking a side of sub ten percent players. It’s true, I thought, so I decided I’d be more relaxed about what the team scored.
They promptly then went and scored 59, which was 16 better than the average last week.
All five of my midfielders/strikers in the lineup produced a return, with Mkhitaryan’s three assists the star turn. I had a Shaw cleanie at the back, and Hennessey producing five points in goal despite conceding – always a delight.
Mostly fresh faces in the side this week, with the selection below my top tips for the weekend ahead given the fixtures. Hopefully one or two in there might be able to help you out.
Goalkeepers
First time this season I’ve chosen keepers from the same game, with Pope (9.5%) in the team and Fabianski (8.6%) on the bench. This to me screams last on MOTD 0-0, which would probably be a good point for the Swans given some of Burnley’s results on the road this season.
Defenders
I’ve swapped out Shaw for Smalling (3.7%) at the back, with Jose keeping him and dropping Jones last week, only to be rewarded with a clean sheet. His Manchester rival Danilo (2.7%) also lines up in defence after his goal last weekend, while Robertson (3.3%) is in simply based on the fact that he’s been brilliant for Liverpool lately. Also making the team is Bauer (0.6%), who I brought in the other and Stoke have a favourable game at home to Brighton on Saturday. On the bench, Ward (6.2%) is my backup, which I might live to regret if Pope gets an expected cleanie.
Midfielders
Despite his pen miss, I’ve given Sanchez (5.1%) the armband again this weekend. He’s involved in almost everything United are doing from an attacking point of view in his early Old Trafford career, which is of course in no way surprising. Alongside him is Shaqiri (8.3%), who has that favourable game, and Andre Ayew (1.0%), who I am well aware will cancel out my Pope cleanie if he returns. I just like the idea of him returning for big money and slotting back into the Swansea team quite comfortably. On the bench is Mooy (5.7%), who is at home to Bournemouth and Willian (6.9%), whose Chelsea side are struggling unbelievably right now. They’ve got West Brom on Monday night, but they won’t want a repeat from their mess last Monday at Watford.
Strikers
After a goal last week, I’m struggling to ignore Aubameyang (4.9%) again this time around. In fact, I’m even giving him the vice-captaincy, even if I believe Spurs will probably beat Arsenal this weekend. I just think if the Gunners are to have a chance of winning the game, they’ll need their new star striker to perform. Alongside him is Calvert-Lewin (5.5%), who also notched in Aubameyang’s debut, grabbing the Everton consolation and putting himself at the forefront of Allardyce’s thinking for this weekend’s game with Palace. Completing the team is Wilson (9.9%), who visits Huddersfield on Saturday and will hope to repeat his showing from the Cherries last away game where they won at Stamford Bridge.
Good luck getting those green arrows this weekend.
Written by Joe McPhee (@JPMc99)
