INTRODUCTION
2020 has ended and now we are into a new year 2021. This year too action will continue and so will we…
New year comes with a new Game week of FPL. 2 out of 10 games were suspended this week due to mini COVID-19 outbreaks within clubs. Manchester City and Fulham are the clubs to have become the latest victims of the COVID-19 mini-outbreak this past week. Which had a significant impact on the FPL squads. So keeping that in mind, this week we will prefer omitting the players from the respective clubs and the clubs they will face to be on a safer side and ensure maximum points.
Rest assured, this week is full of nail-biting fixtures. As the table begins to take shape, every match becomes an uphill battle for the clubs that are striving to perform better. Liverpool are on the edge currently after dropping points at home and St. James’ Park. Manchester United on the contrary is chasing the reigning champs. As they are aiming for the silverware with 30 points and a game in hand.
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The battle in the top 10 is as tense as that in the bottom 10. Arsenal has won their last 2 fixtures and are looking set for a comeback after a major slump for the majority of October and November. Tottenham has now failed to win their last 4 matches, claiming only 2 points out of a possible 12. And Everton are back to winning ways after winning the last 4 fixtures. Plenty of talking points to help us select the best players for this week. Let’s get started!
GOALKEEPER
Bernd Leno (ARS- £4.9)
Securing a clean sheet in his last match, Leno was one of the star performers in Arsenal’s victory against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Gunners will play against West Brom in an away game; an easy fixture on paper. We fancy having him this week as Arsenal looks forward to bagging all 3 points and climb up the table.
DEFENDERS FOR FPL
Rob Holding (ARS- £4.4)
He has been an influential factor in Arsenal’s defense. He has been a regular starter for the Gunners alongside Gabriel and David Luiz but has displayed the determination that the club requires. Given Arsenal’s fixture this weekend, we suggest to include him in this week’s FPL squad. An easy fixture for the Gunners that we fancy will result in a win and a clean sheet.
Romain Saiss (WOL- £5)
One of the main defenders if not THE main for Wolves. The Wanderers managed to salvage a point against Spurs thanks to this man’s late equalizer. Wolves are set to face Brighton this weekend; a team that has failed to win any of their last 5 fixtures. This is a chance for Nuno Santos’ side to bounce back and stay ahead of Arsenal that are just a point behind them.
Stuart Dallas (LEE- £4.8)
One of the most influential defenders in Leeds. 3 goals and 2 assists this season, a goal and an assist in his last 3 games. Although Leeds will be facing Spurs this week, Dallas will remain a threat to Jose’s men given they are already in a bit of a slump. He is a player we look forward to including every week.
MIDFIELDERS FOR FPL
Mo Salah (LIV- £12.6)
Liverpool faces Southampton this weekend. A relatively easy fixture but the Saints have been full of surprises this season. Nonetheless, we can count on the Egyptian when it comes to offense. This match will not go goalless that’s for sure. A captain contender for this week’s FPL squad.
Heung-Min Son (TOT- £9.5)
The Korean midfielder has had no contribution in the Spurs’ last 2 games. What’s more concerning is the dropping form of Spurs against the mighty Leeds who are in a stunning form of late. On paper, both the teams look evenly matched, even if the table would suggest otherwise. Nonetheless, we all can hope for Son to bounce back in this fixture and help his side bag all 3 points.
Pedro Neto (WOL- £6)
The Portuguese has been an important factor in Nuno Espirito Santos’ midfield. His last-minute assist to Saiss against Spurs is an example of his exemplary performance. Wolves are set to face Brighton, which is the perfect opportunity for them to climb up the table.
Bukayo Saka (ARS- £5.2)
He was the deciding factor in Arsenal’s last 2 fixtures. A goal and 2 assists for the 19 yr old youngster last week. Although he dealt with a heavy knock in his last match, he is available for selection against West Brom. He is likely to carry forward this momentum and help a struggling Arsenal to grab all 3 points in an attempt to revive their lost form.
Anwar El-Ghazi (AST- £5.7)
This came in as perhaps one of the most unexpected breakthroughs of the season. The Egyptian was given a chance late in the season and has made the most out of it. 4 goals in his last 3 games for him. He has been a thorn in the opposition’s side of late and perhaps one of the most feared midfielders in the league. Aston Villa will face Manchester Utd this weekend. 2 teams who are in-form currently which made it difficult to select players.
If you don’t have any players from either side and have a free transfer to spare, use it on this guy. If you have Bruno and you don’t want to use your free transfer feel free to add him to the squad instead of AnwarEl-Ghazi.
FORWARDS FOR FPL
Jamie Vardy (LEI- £10.2)
Leicester managed to salvage a point in the dying minutes of their last fixture against Crystal Palace. Vardy came on as a substitute but could only do so much. Gaffer Brendon Rodgers is less likely to start with Iheanacho this weekend against Newcastle and give Vardy a spot back. A captain contender for this week’s FPL squad.
Harry Kane (TOT- £11)
Kane failed to contribute in his last 3 fixtures for Spurs. Nonetheless, he will be required to rise to the occasion and help pull his side out of the slump they are in. We fancy him contributing to his side’s offense this weekend.
Patrick Bamford (LEE- £6.3)
The lead goal scorer for his side, Bamford will be heavily dependent against a side as tough as Spurs. Given Jose’s men have now gone through 5 matches without a win, Leeds has a huge opportunity to redeem themselves and clinch all 3 points this weekend. All eyes will be on Bamford.
FINAL FPL SQUAD
We suggest 2 different types of squad. A 3-5-2 formation and a 3-4-3 formation.
3-5-2
GK: LENO
DEF: HOLDING, SAISS, DALLAS
MID: SALAH, SON, , SAKA, NETO, EL-GHAZI/BRUNO
FOR: VARDY, KANE
3-4-3
GK: LENO
DEF: HOLDING, SAISS, DALLAS
MID: SALAH, SON, NETO, BRUNO /EL-GHAZI
FOR: VARDY, KANE, BAMFORD
PLAYERS NOT FEATURING THIS WEEK FPL:
- Edinson Cavani: serving a 3-match ban awarded for racism
- Gabriel Magalhaes: tested + for COVID-19
- Gabriel Jesus & Kyle Walker: tested + for COVID-19
- Gareth Bale: unknown reason
- Giovanni Lo Celso: unknown reason
- Thomas Partey: thigh injury
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