Introduction
FINALLY! The Premier League (game week) is back this weekend after the international break. A lot of takeaways as we saw quite a few players make their international debuts and perform admirably these past couples of weeks. First things first though, there are some significantly important players that might not feature this week so let’s start with our FPL teams them.
DOUBTFUL PLAYERS for FPL:
Kieran Tierney (ARS): Kieran Tierney has been quarantined after a minor COVID-19 outbreak within the Irish squad. Just However, its just a precautionary measure and is bound to miss this week’s fixture. Arsenal officials and the Irish FA are currently acessing the situation.
Jean-Phillipe Gbamin (EVE): Everton released a statement wherein they say that Gbamin will not be featuring in this week’s Merseyside derby and his expected to return no sooner than the 24th of October.
Edinson Cavani (MNU): Man Utd’s latest signing is bound to miss this week’s fixture as he will be serving the mandatory self-isolation period.
Kevin DeBruyne (MCI): The Belgian skipper is doubtful to play against Arsenal this weekend as he was substituted in their defeat against England. He was sent to Manchester to further analyze his injury with his club doctors in hopes of retaining him for the fixture on Friday.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Alisson (LIV): The Brazilian keeper is out of the squad indefinitely after suffering a shoulder injury last time out. He is sure to miss this week’s fixture against league leaders, Everton.
Anthony Martial (MNU): The French striker will not feature this week on account of a red card suspension.
Naby Keita (LIV): He was feared to have tested positive for COVID-19 earlier during the international break but was reported to have received a false report. Keita is now due to undergo another test but is doubtful to feature this weekend’s Merseyside derby. Benching him is a safer option for now.
P-E Aubameyang (ARS): The Arsenal skipper got injured earlier during his international duty and is doubtful to play against Man City this week.
FPL GOALKEEPERS Picks:
Nick Pope (BUR- £5.5): he played just one match against Wales and kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win. Burnley play West Brom this week so having him would be a nice gamble.
Emi Martinez (AVL- £4.7): The Argentinian didn’t feature in any of the World Cup qualifiers during the international break albeit an impressive display in the PL. Aston Villa is set to face Leicester City this week; a huge task for the Villa defenders given the Foxes’ offence. Having him this week is a gamble, but he is expected to do what he does best.
DEFENDERS for your FPL team:
Tyrone Mings (AVL- £5.1): A powerful defender who pocketed Mane and Firmino in his last match against the champs. Aston Villa faces tough opposition in Leicester City but then again, they beat the champs in a humiliating fashion last time out so high hopes from the Lions.
Timothy Castagne (LEI- £5.8): He is in a fiery form, both offensively and defensively. He has been in unprecedented form contributing to goals as well as blocking goal attempts. Considering his PL form, he would be a smart pick for your squad.
Gabriel Magalheas (ARS- £5.1): He has been in an amazing form ever since he joined Arsenal. Voted as the POTM of September, he is certainly living up to the hype. Arsenal are set to face Man City this weekend and with midfield reinforcements the Gunners are likely to tackle City’s fast paced attack.
Must Have Mids MIDFIELDERS :
Mo Salah (LIV- £12.1): The Egyptian tried his best to restore the balance in Liverpool’s humiliation last week at Villa park by scoring an impressive brace but there was only so much he could do. Liverpool are set to face Everton and Salah has a habit to make his mark in Merseyside derbies.
Jack Grealish (AVL- £7.1): The skipper was responsible for 5 out of the 7 goals that Villa scored against the champs of England. A hat-trick of assists and a brace for himself saw Aston Villa pull of an upsetting win against Liverpool and the MOTM was none other than Jack Grealish.
Wilfried Zaha (CRY- £7.2): As Crystal Palace prepare to welcome Brighton this week at Selhurst Park, they have a fairly difficult fixture ahead of them as Brighton, despite losing their last 2 fixtures showed signs of comeback with constant counterattacking pressure in the dying minutes of the match. Nonetheless, the Ivorian won’t be expected to sit this one out as he is one of the key elements in Palace’s attack. Safe to expect the #11 to rise up to the occasion.
Other Available Options:
James Rodrigues (EVE- £7.8): 3 goals 2 assists in 4 games for the Colombian as his form seems rejuvenated under his mentor Carlo Ancelotti. With significant contribution for Columbia in the World Cup qualifiers where he was a key figure in his side’s victory against Venezuela and a draw against Chile, James seems to be in a blistering form. He will be a key figure for his side this week against Liverpool. A must-have player in your FPL team.
Diego Jota (LIV- £6.3): The Portuguese has been in a sensational form in the international break as he handed Portugal an easy 3-0 win against Sweden, scoring a brace. Given his international performance, Jurgen Klopp ought to pick him in his starting XI for the Merseyside derby.
Heung-min Son (TOT- £9.1): 6 goals in his last 3 games, Son is in a threatening form ensuring he is involved in his side’s victory. He contributes to making key passes and perfect runs during his side’s attacking. His linkup with Harry Kane is clockwork perfection.
FORWARDS:
Harry Kane (TOT- £10.6): Now this is a player you would opt for if you are saving your bank especially for a striker. Harry Kane has been in a scintillating form for Tottenham with 6 assists and 3 goals under his name. Spurs play West Ham this week which is a tough fixture given the Hammers have shunned the critics redeemed themselves by winning both of their previous fixtures in a dominating fashion.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE- £7.6): When does he not score? Top PL goal scorer and scored his first England goal last week against Wales in his senior debut. There is no way one would you want to miss out on getting him in your FPL squad. He delivers one way or another.
Jamie Vardy (LEI- £10.1): He scores for Leicester and never stops scoring. 5 goals in his last 4 games. Leicester faces Aston Villa this week and having him on your squad would be a smart choice.
FINAL SQUAD for this Gameweek
GK: POPE (£5.5)
DEF: CASTAGNE, MINGS, GABRIEL (£16)
MID: JOTA, ZAHA, GREALISH, RODRIGUEZ, SALAH/SON (£37.5-40.5)
FOR: KANE/VARDY, CALVERT-LEWIN (£17.7-18.2)
Total value= £80.2*
The Newbies from Winter Market
Arsenal has signed Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid on the deadline day for a fee of £45mil. It’s still not certain though if he will start the game or even feature. It would be a difficult task for the Ghana international to adjust with a new squad.
Gareth Bale is likely to make his debut for Tottenham after 7 years. The Welsh winger is set to return to the pitch after recovering from a knee injury.
Upcoming Players worth saving transfers :
Sergio Aguero is likely to make his return to Man City’s starting XI against Arsenal this week. But opting him anytime soon would not be a wise choice. He has been off the pitch for a very long time; perhaps giving him time to adjust would be a sensible option.
Said Benrahma’s move to West Ham is almost a done deal. The Algerian is set to undergo medical ahead of a £30mil transfer. Bournemouth’s Joshua King is also expected to West Ham. The Hammers look forward to signing with the Norwegian striker who has less than a year left on his contract.
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