Introduction
There is a reason why football is called the beautiful game. This is obvious because of the miraculous moments we witness. Be it the fast-flowing gameplay or the acrobatic dribbles and the reckless attempts at goal. But another factor why it is a beautiful game is because of its sheer unpredictability.
Last week, squads were decided upon considering the usual game time each player got from their managers. Some were unexpectedly benched and not featured while some were off the match with minor injuries and are now doubtful. Keeping this in mind, we were careful about our analysis for this week.
Before we begin with our analysis, a heads up on our article tomorrow on all the transfers that occurred in PL this window. Please make sure to check it out as soon as we publish it.
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Let’s begin with our squads.
GOALKEEPER FOR FPL
Bernd Leno (ARS- £5m)
Last week, the German had another clean sheet. Leno was phenomenal last week against Man Utd. He made crucial one-on-one saves. Not to mention that dive against Fred’s shot from the edge of the penalty box. Leno has been a crucial part of the Arsenal defense and we fancy he will continue his outstanding form against Wolves this week.
DEFENDERS FOR FPL
Matt Targett (AVL- £4.6m)
2 assists in 3 matches and a clean sheet last week against Southampton for him. A brilliant player. Not only is he cheaper than other quality defenders, but he also brings in FPL points. Villa is set to play against West Ham this week. Both clubs fighting for the top-4 spot. 3 points are a must this week for either side.
Rob Holding (ARS- £4.5)
This man has provided the most support to Leno. Crucial interceptions, tackles, and clearances help me protect the goal and make his keeper do less work as much as possible. Last week against Man Utd, Holding prevented Cavani, Rashford, and others from attempting to take a shot. He will be crucial this week against Wolves.
Ruben Dias (MCI- £5.7)
Yet again, an impressive performance last week against Sheffield. 2 crucial blocks helped his side maintain a narrow win with a clean sheet. Pep Guardiola took a gamble last week by replacing both John Stones and Joao Cancelo while we thought those 2 along with Dias were certain to play. We hope Pep doesn’t gamble like this week against Burnley.
MIDFIELDERS FOR FPL
Jack Grealish (AVL- £7.7m)
2 assists and a goal in his last 3 games. So far so good for Jack and he is expected to carry forward this momentum against West Ham this week.
Mo Salah (LIV- £12.6m)
A brace last week against West Ham helped his side bag all 3 points bringing some hope back to Liverpool’s title defense. Liverpool is set to face Brighton this week; an easy fixture on paper. Salah ought to be the captain this week.
Bruno Fernandes (MNU- £11.1m)
Failed to make an impact last week against Arsenal. Seems like he is in a slump of late. The only recent spectacle was his freekick against Liverpool in the FA cup. Nonetheless, this time his side will face Southampton. A side that is struggling to win points in their recent games. Hopefully, Bruno and the rest of the squad will get a chance to redeem themselves and get back into the title race.
Tomas Soucek (WHU- £5.5m)
He had a demoralizing result for the Hammers last week against Liverpool. This week they have a chance to get back into the race as they face Aston Villa. 2 teams sharing the same ambition would be a spectacle to watch and we expect just as much from Soucek. Hopefully, he will have a big impact.
FORWARDS FOR FPL
Patrick Bamford (LEE- £6.3m)
A goal and 2 assists in his last match against Leicester helped his side win all 3 points at the King Power stadium. This ended his 3-match slump and is expected to do more this week against Everton. Although he is currently suffering from a dead leg issue but given that he still has approx. 48 hours we fancy he will feature this week.
Danny Ings (SOU- £8.4m)
He isn’t performing well at the moment. Nothing in his last 3 games. But this week his side will face Man Utd, who themselves are in a slump at the moment. It’s a matter of “who attacks first”. We fancy Ings will make his contribution.
Alex Lacazette (ARS- £8.4)
His work rate was very impressive last week against Man Utd. Constant pressure on the defense, he was almost a nuisance to them. Although a 91st min clash made him bench for the remainder of the 3 mins, he got himself diagnosed and is now fit to play. Hopefully, he starts against Wolves this week.
Michail Antonio (WHU- £6.4m)
This is a substitute recommendation. Should any of the above-mentioned players not play, this man is fit as his replacement. Last week, Antonio failed to make an impact against Liverpool but this week they will be facing Aston Villa. A big chance for him to make the most out of this fixture. But remember, he is a substitute recommendation.
FINAL SQUAD
GK: Leno
DEF: Targett Holding Dias
MID: Salah Grealish Soucek Bruno
FOR: Lacazette Ings Bamford/Michail Antonio
Total Value: £79.2
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