The international break is finally over and it’s time to have a look at the last gameweek. I don’t know if it was just me but I enjoyed the week off and I’m refreshed for the next block of games.
There were a few shocks with Brighton convincingly beating Spurs and Wolves shocking Man City at the Etihad. Newcastle also picked up their second win of the season against Man Utd.
Goalkeepers
There was a total of 7 clean sheets this week and only one of them came from the top six and that was Arsenal. Ryan and Henderson both scored their second double figures haul in 3 weeks and the budget keepers continue to score well. There were only 9 keepers who made save bonus this week and all bar Leno in the £7m+ category blanked.
Defenders
Luiz scored his first goal for the Gunners and top scored at the back but this was the first time he hasn’t blanked this season. PVA scored his second of the season in a MOTM performance but he’ll be thankful that Milivojevic was suspended as he took over and converted from the spot. Newcastle’s attacking defender Willems £7.2m has returned for the 3rd time in 4 games with his second attacking returns of the season along with Tackle Bonus. He’s one to keep an eye but he’s yet to nail a place in the side.
Cancelo £9.4m made his debut for Manchester City but even though they lost he showed his potential with Tier 2 passing bonus and Tier 1 tackle bonus at left back. Alonso £9.1m has been consistent since he’s regained his spot due to Emerson’s injury. He continues to have attacking output with 2 assists and 2 Tackle bonuses in 4 games.
Midfielders
MOTM Traore £6.9m stole the show this week with a massive 19 pointer. He braced against Man City from RWB and picked up his third MOTM in a row! Wolves have some brilliant fixtures right up until Boxing Day. Aston Villa hammering Norwich saw £8m mids Grealish, Hourihane and El Ghazi all hit double digits. El Ghazi is another brilliant £7.3m option and has been ticking over nicely. The 4th cheapest midfielder in the game Matty Longstaff £5.1m scores 11 points on his debut in a MOTM performance against Man Utd. He’s one to keep an eye on at that price. Saka £5.2m got his 3rd start in a row and looks the cheapest nailed mid in the game.
As expected pre-overhaul Leitner is a bonus magnet for Norwich. He hit tier 1 passing and tackling bonus against Aston Villa. Rodri and Jorginho look good bets for passing bonus most weeks but the latter isn’t reaching the numbers he was last season. However, with him being Chelsea’s penalty taker it makes him a much more appealing option. Although when considering him to the cheaper likes of Mount and Abraham it’s a no brainer who to choose.
Forwards
Norwich are looking like this seasons whipping boys and Wesley made the most of this fixture with a brace, an assist and a missed a penalty. The second cheapest forward in the game Connolly £5.7m braced against Spurs and won MOTM. Mané was the only £10m+ player to score double digits this week. When Mané gets on the score sheet, he seems to explode and I’d prefer to own him over Salah at this point. Abraham is now the top scoring forward and one of the best picks in the game. He’s owned by less than 20% of managers and he continues to tick over as he loves to shoot! Chelsea are providing so much value.
Captain conundrums
Saturday: Abraham and Mount against Newcastle looks primed for points and are nailed on to start. Leicester have a home game against Burnley which is another good option. Vardy and Maddison are both viable but Burnley will try to frustrate and sit deep. Man City play at 5:30pm so we will have no team news. It’s a risk but if we were somehow able to know Aguero, Sterling or KDB would start, I’d be very tempted. However, Palace have been much stronger at the back recently, so it might be wise to avoid for this week.
Sunday: The first single day provides plenty of options but Liverpool are clearly our best options. Mané and Salah are no brainers if you own them but the likes of TAA, Robertson and VVD are all good options too with a higher floor than the forwards. I’d avoid United players unless you own them already.
Monday: Aubameyang is the standout pick. Whatever Arsenal player you own just give them the armband as I wouldn’t be bringing in anyone new as Sheffield United are tight at the back.
Written by FPL Junior (@FPL_Junior)
