INTRODUCTION
6 out of 7 PL teams were successful in clinching all 3 points in their respective European fixtures this week. This will enable us to shortlist just the right candidates for this week’s FPL squad given this week’s fixtures. Manchester Utd was the only club to have lost this week in the European fixtures against Istanbul.
Let’s get started!
GOALKEEPER FOR FPL SQUAD
Bernd Leno (ARS- £5): the German keeper has been in quite an impressive form lately by keeping a clean sheet against Man Utd last week and by conceding 1 goal out of the many possible attempts against Molde in yesterday’s European fixture. Although that one goal that he did concede was an absolute stunner far within the keeper’s reach, Leno made a handful of crucial saves. Arsenal has been strong in the defense lately and with David Luiz back in the squad, Leno’s work will be cut short. Nonetheless, a clean sheet against Aston Villa this week can be expected of him. A must-have in this week’s FPL squad
DEFENDERS FOR FPL SQUAD
Gabriel Magalhaes (ARS- £5.1): Gabriel not featuring in yesterday’s Europa fixture against Molde means that he will surely start this week against Aston Villa. The Brazilian defender has been a crucial element in Arsenal’s defence this season. He has one of the best success rates when it comes to tackling. Not to mention, an average passing accuracy of 90%. This week, Arsenal face Aston Villa. And given their attacking options, Arsenal’s usual back three comprising of Gabriel, David Luiz and Holding will surely make it difficult for Villa’s attack. Gabriel is highly recommended for this week’s FPL squad.
Kurt Zouma (CHE- £5.2): the French defender has been impressive in Chelsea’s backline. Not as consistent as we would expect but he has played well enough to silence his critics. Astonishingly, he has scored 3 goals in his last 6 PL games. All the more reason why he should be in your FPL squad. This week, Chelsea face Sheffield Utd which seems like an easy fixture for the Blues so having Zouma in the squad would be a smart move.
Jannik Vestergaard (SOU- £4.6): The Saints defender is an excellent option when it comes to a quality defender while playing economic. 2 goals and a clean sheet in his last 3 matches for Southampton, the Danish international has been consistent for his team. This week, they play Newcastle Utd which looks like an evenly matched fixture.
MIDFIELDERS FOR FPL SQUAD
Diogo Jota (LIV- £6.4): the Portuguese midfielder has been in stunning form for Liverpool with 7 goals in his first 10 games. The only other Liverpool player to have a record better than him is Robbie Fowler. Jota has scored more goals than Mane, Salah and Firmino did in his first 10 matches, and he was brought on as a substitute in most of these games. Needless to say, Jota has comfortably settled with his new squad and is likely to be an important player for the reigning champs. This week Liverpool will face Manchester City, a modern-day equivalent of El Classico. The piece de resistance of the week for sure.
James Rodriguez (EVE- £7.9): the Colombian is reported to be fit for this week’s fixture against Manchester Utd. Given how he provides the ball to his fellow forwards and how easily penetrable United’s defense is at the moment, we can surely expect James to bring out his usual brilliance.
James Ward-Prowse (SOU- £5.9): 2 goals from set-pieces and an assist from the English midfielder helped Southampton claim all 3 points against the stubborn Aston Villa last week. Ward-Prowse was the MOTM and rightfully so. He maintained constant pressure on the Villa midfield and capitalized on the fouls against his side. The Saints will face Newcastle Utd this week with James expected to replicate the same form he had in his last 2 PL fixtures. Quality and economic option to save funds for the strikers for this week’s FPL squad
Heung-Min Son (TOT- £9.6): the Korean midfielder is one of the key playmakers for Spurs. His stats are impressive and this week he assisted in his side’s triumph against Ludogorets. There isn’t really much of an explanation needed as to why one should keep him in their FPL squad. A captain contender for this week, as Spurs face West Brom this week.
P-E Aubameyang (ARS- £11.7): The Arsenal skipper scored the only goal last week against Man Utd helping the Gunners get back into their winning ways. He finally ended his 5-match goal drought by converting a penalty. Given their opponents are Aston Villa, who were in a fiery form themselves until few weeks, this ought to be a tricky fixture but should result in an Arsenal win. Having Aubameyang in this week’s FPL team would be a smart choice.
FORWARDS
Jamie Vardy (LEI- £10): the English striker scored 1 and assisted 2 goals last week against Leeds Utd. He is in a stunning form even though being at risk of a serious injury after almost every match. This week Leicester face Wolverhampton which would be an entertaining fixture. Vardy is a must have player in this week’s FPL squad.
Harry Kane (TOT- £11): in this week’s match against Ludogorets, the England captain scored his 200th goal for Tottenham across all competitions. Quite an accolade for the striker. His linkup with fellow teammate Son is compared with the likes of Henry & Bergkamp and Lampard & Drogba. Not having Kane this week when Spurs are set to face West Brom would be a grave mistake.
FINAL FPL SQUAD:
GK: LENO
DEF: GABRIEL, ZOUMA, VERSTEGAARD
MID: SON, AUBAMEYANG, RODRIGUEZ, WARD-PROWSE, JOTA
FOR: VARDY, KANE
TOTAL VALUE: £82.4
17.6m for substitutes
