Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 12 – Fantasy Premier League 2015/16
Welcome to the world of captains for Game-week 12.
I often find myself pondering the little things in life. Why do we scrutinise the insignificant? We have all the time in the world but we always claim to be too busy to clear that room or meet that friend or send that email or pay that bill. More important to all that though, I have devoted most of my Sunday to working out why we complain when there are no decent captain picks and yet having too many seems just as bad. We seem these days, via a combination of fixtures and form, to be met with the latter. There is an abundance of choices and I have whittled it down to 20 for you. OK, five.
Flavour of the week: Arouna Kone
It seems with each passing week a hat-trick is going in somewhere. Aguero, Sterling, Wijnaldum, Kane and now Kone (where was he when Everton’s fixtures were spoken about?) all have a vomitey-coloured match ball on a stand, in a glass case somewhere.
We sit in between Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night so as we sip pumpkin soup and plan our effigies for the top of the pile and hear those women at work screech about how many weeks until Christmas Eve, distract yourself by picking the (hat-)trick or treater from these.
The contenders.
5. Philippe Coutinho (home vs Crystal Palace)
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[/three_fourth]With two goals in the 3-1 victory at Chelsea, the midfielder finds his way in to the captain picks. But added to his brace at relegation haunted Chelsea, he also plays in the last game of the weekend and I know how many of you like that comfort blanket. In fairness, Liverpool now look like they are starting to get it together now and Coutinho owners may now be looking at him as a realistic differential captaincy pick. The Reds do play in the Europa League on Thursday but with Jurgen Klopp being left with not a lot of attacking options to work with due to injuries, Coutinho may be one he relies on to play more often than not. Palace have only kept a solitary clean sheet on the road, with that being at Watford – with confidence high after the win at Stamford Bridge, Klopp will be riding the wave this week and will be using his inspirational and motivational qualities to ensure last week wasn’t just a fluke victory.
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4. Dmitri Payet (home vs Everton)
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[/three_fourth]I would not be too put off by West Ham’s result at Watford which amazingly was only the second time the Frenchman has posted just two points this season. He had one three point but in eight of his opening eleven games he has at worst assisted once and at best, scored twice. If you don’t fancy him for captain then at least make sure you own him. With figures like that, he’s too good not to have and with Everton missing so many defenders at present, you could expect the midfielder to be back amongst the offensive points again this weekend. After all, even Sunderland scored twice versus the Toffees last weekend. It is worth keeping an eye on the injury news as there was a rumour circulating last night that Payet had missed training, but if the midfielder is passed fit then he may well be your man this week.
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3. Riyad Mahrez/Jamie Vardy (home vs Watford)
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[/three_fourth]We now all know that this double act is the real deal. We also should know that Leicester dropping behind in game is to be expected and should mean nothing more for you than to turn off the TV, go make a cuppa, perhaps take in a lovely autumnal walk knowing that it’s only a case of which of these guys outscored each other on this particular day as you switch the TV back on to hear about Leicester’s latest come-from-behind victory. The ‘Leicester Two’ have 162 points collectively and have nabbed 18 of 23 goals scored by the Foxes in the league this season. Awesome stats.
No one is saying that Watford is a walkover, far from it, the Hornets have a double act of their own which is bearing tremendous bounty for them in Ighalo and Deeney, but you can pretty much expect Leicester to score in any game which makes a captain of either Mahrez or Vardy very attractive.
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2. Kevin De Bruyne (away vs Aston Villa)
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[/three_fourth]Belgium produces quality blonde beers and even better quality (strawberry) blonde attackers. Step up please KdB. The way the ex-Wolfsburg attacker has had a fantastic start to his City career makes you wonder why Chelsea weren’t interested in him. Hang on, what? Oh. Awkward.
Even in playing only 72 minutes in a stuttering win against Norwich, he conjured an assist to take him to four in 7 matches and along with that he has found the net three times. Aston Villa should hold no fears for City as they go about seeking a ninth Premiership victory, de Bruyne will be key to that and the prospect of facing the current basement-dwellers, will have the Flemish licking his lips. Villa struggled to hold a Spurs team on Monday night and with Remi Garde settling into relegation life in the Midlands, time will tell if he can make a difference at Villa. It should be insignifcant this week as Garde’s record at Lyon was strong in attack and weak in defence – well Villa are halfway there! Cue de Bruyne!
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1. Graziano Pelle (away vs Sunderland)
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[/three_fourth]With six goals and five assists already, the qualified ballroom dancer is quick-stepping his way to reaching last season’s maiden season total of 12 goals and six assists, all without a hair being out of place on his sculptured head. The Azzuri striker takes to the floor with Sunderland this week and will expect to be able to find space with ease against a defence which was ridiculously porous against Everton. One swallow does not a summer make and the 3-0 defeat of Newcastle probably said more for the state of the Geordies rather than the Mackems. Big Sam has a lot to deal with and can expect no respite from the attacking play of the Saints who will go marching in to the Stadium of Light and waltz out with three points and a few goals.
Good luck with your pick!
TGP
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Triple Captain Chip
Just a quick word on the new feature this season. It pretty much does what it says on the tin and trebles your points for your captain on whichever game-week you choose to deploy it. We shall touch on this as and when we feel the opportunity presents itself to use it effectively but this in all likelihood is one to save for when we encounter double game-weeks later on in the season.
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Thanks for reading Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 12. This article was written by The Gallant Pioneer
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Vote on our Captain Poll Now
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Fixture Tracker
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FANTEAM.COM – FANTASY BETTING
It’s time for your fantasy manager job to finally pay off.
Gather your friends and foes and see who has the best strategic skills in fantasy football!
(to be sung to the tune of Eminem’s ‘Stan’)
Dear Granville, I wrote you but you still ain’t replied
I told you my transfer ideas, and who was in my side.
I sent two emails back in summer, you must not-a got ’em.
There probably was a problem with the wi-fi or something.
Sometimes I type to quickly and get your name wrong
but anyways; no worries, what’s been up man? Thoughts on Long?
I transferred Rooney too, upgraded to Aguero
If he gets injured, guess what I’ma do?
I’ma bring in Bony.
I read about your punt on Murray too, I’m sorry.
I had a friend drop a million places cause his captain didn’t play.
I know you probably hear this everyday, but I’m your biggest fan.
I even played FPL in the days of Scholes and Stam
I got a phone full of Scoutcasts and I love your comments, man
I like the hit you took for Gomis too, that hit was phat
Anyways, I hope you get this man, hit me back,
just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan,
This is Stan.
Dear Granvill. You still ain’t called or wrote, I hope you have a chance.
I ain’t mad – I just think messed up you don’t answer fans.
If you didn’t wanna read my question on the Scoutcast,
that’s fine, but you coulda mentioned about Clyne.
My defence is in tatters man, and you knew he was in poor health,
Cause of a bib theory photo that you kept to yourself.
That’s pretty sneaky man – you’re my contributor hero
I want a team just like yours man, I want to my hits to be zero.
I ain’t that mad though, I just don’t like being lied to
Remember when we met in Salford – you said if I’d write you
you would write back – see I’m just like you in a way,
I like to save my wildcard too,
And downgrade heavy hitters to Mahrez or Ayew.
I feel that I can relate to what you’re saying to Mark,
so when I have a poor week, I lie down in dark
and picture line-ups with no budget – it really helps when I’m depressed.
I even got a tattoo saying “Tinkerman” on my chest
Sometimes I take multiple hits without an active WC
It’s like adrenaline, losing points is such a rush for me
See everything you say is real, and I respect you cause you tell it
My girlfriend’s jealous cause I talk FPL 24/7
But she don’t know you like I know you ‘Ville, you heal my soul
She don’t know what it’s like for people with Courtois in goal
You gotta call me man, I’ll be the biggest fan you’ll ever lose
Sincerely yours, Stan
— P.S.
Check out Swansea’s fixtures too
Dear Mister-I’m-Too-Good-To-Take-A-Hit
this’ll be the last rate-my-team I ever submit
I’ve posted 6 times and still no word – I don’t deserve it?
I know you saw my last two comments;
You’d just asked Jonty about the Spurs kit.
So this is my Hot Topic I’m sending you, I hope you read it
I’m tired of competing – I can’t match your wit.
Hey ‘Ville, I drank a fifth of vodka, you dare me to tinker?
You know the time that Ronaldo, the winker,
Scored 3 against Newcastle, and I nearly made him captain?
But didn’t, then saw my rival had the armband on him?
That’s kinda how I feel, I’ve fallen too far behind
Now it’s too late – I’m on a 100 points, I’ve resigned.
And all I wanted was a lousy reply or a mention
No longer can I handle all the tension
Of checking line-ups when the deadline’s passed.
I hope you take out Costa, then check the scores, aghast,
Cause he’s scored a brace, then provided a PASS,
That Hazard scores, and then Pedro’s tripped, cause he’s fast,
And Costa takes the pen, and now you’re LAST.
See ‘Ville; [*NEW POST*] Shut up Doos! I’m trying to post!
Hey ‘Ville, there’s the community member who comments the most.
But unlike him, I used all my chips early
I thought it would help. It didn’t, now I’m surly.
Well, gotta go, my team is rotten.
Oh damn, didn’t check. I think this post bottomed…
Wazza
That is absolutely brilliant.
Loved that.
Wow that’s brilliant mate!
Great stuff!
Quality and respect for typing all that out !!
Top stuff Wazza :manic:
ZOMG WAZZA! That song is better than any of Uniteds past several 100 matches.
You should be a Wrapper.
Sorry should have said credits go to Rhysball over at FFS. Thought I would post it here though because its so good.
glad you all enjoyed it.
I take allmy credits back. ZOMG. Typical ManU fan, taking credits off of someone elses back. :finger:
J/k mate. Haha. Did think you wrote it though.
Haha I just copied and pasted it.
Who do you support Raziel?
I support myself. :p
Don’t really have a preference for a certain English team. Few years back I was really against City and Chelsea because of the excessive spending. Every team in the UK does that now, though. I think the League One in England spends 5 times the amount of the Eredivisie (Dutch first league) and the League One is your second league. Unbalanced so fairplay my arse. Makes it even more exceptional PSV beat both United and Wolfsburg.
Back in the days I really loved watching Arsenal (Bergkamp era) and also United and Liverpool. Sorry, have not lived in the hatred between those teams, so can’t grasp it from here. 😉 I must admit, back in the days I was also a Milan fan (vBasten, Rijkaard, Gullit) and a Barca fan (when Cruijff managed it, LvG, Rijkaard). Can’t stand Barca as it is now (or the Spanish league, too many divers). Really can’t warm up for United at this current time either. I try but the play is just too damn boring. For me it’s more about which team I don’t want to win the league, and that’s still Chelsea. Money City can win it, I like Kun/Silva/KdB. Arsenal also allowed though there will always come a period they will choke, if they stay in Europe I don’t see them winning the league.
haha nice one pal. Someone who loves football.
Think you’re safe from Chelsea winning the league this season at least
This might amuse you
Wenger says Bellerin is out for tomorrow night’s game. Has not travelled. Groin problem. ‘A small problem,’ he says.”
France international Mathieu Debuchy will be expected to deputise in his stead, while Calum Chambers can also offer cover at right-back during Bellerin’s recovery. Based on Olley’s report, Bellerin could return to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Shrugs, don’t expect Bellerin to get points versus Spurds anyway, unless he grabs an assist/goal. This hocus pocus talk by Wenger is bs though. If Bellerin was fit he would most def. play versus Bayern, it’s a very important game (one they will most likely lose).
On that note, Bayern didn’t win past weekend and PSV (Dutch ranked 3/4) beat Wolfsburg with 2-0 (ranked 3rd in Germany). Miracles do happen.
In fairness Raz it was the first time Bayern hadn’t win in the league in 11 matches ! I’d expect them to owe Arsenal one and I’d back them to beat Arsenal with or without Bellerin so I agree with you there.
And that was a very decent result for PSV. Done well in their two CL home games thus far.
They actually could’ve won the other games, in Moscow they played 1 bad half and the second half they 0wned them. Think it’s all about believe. Same with Depay now, dude sucks monkeyballs and I really don’t like his ego (even though he had bad youth, that’s no excuse). However, LvG also needs to take a close look at himself, last season Depay was awesome in a similar PSV team, stand out player. I have never seen him play so poorly. It’s from 7 games complete trust to nill trust with Depay, which is really weird and it really doesn’t seem to be working. Yesterday he subbed Martial after 60 somewhat minutes? Another weird move. He tries to make a point by playing Rooney as striker for ages and ages so finally after a few centuries he scores. I want the English teams to do well in Europe but LvG is making it hard to watch United.
On that note, might get Rojo. Good plan?
Or is Moreno a better choice? If I get Moreno I can have Costa and Kun in a few weeks. If I get Rojo it will be Kun and Pelle (Vardy third, either way).
Raz
I heard the booing on TV when he made the Martial – Fellaini change and some of the fall-out I’ve read is that it was completely the ‘wrong’ sub. They won though so the result speaks for itself.
I think I would rather have Rojo and Pelle than Moreno and Costa.
You might be right GP. Hmmm. Though. I could also consider playing Francis versus Newcastle (likely to concede) and keep the FT, IB coming. Two ft’s could come handy.
Martial actually had a poor game last night, was offside a few times unnecessarily and gave the ball away a lot.
Raz, re Rojo – i’ve been talking to Mito this morning about him. Rojo is back in the Argie squad for the up and coming internationals – their 2nd game is just 4 days before United go to Watford – which is unfortunately the early game. If he plays for Argie I’m not convinced he plays at Watford. I could be wrong.
Aaaah Cookie. Well, he’s allowed to have a bad game. Rooney had too many of those already though, and was never subbed was he? :p
Okay, maybe I’ll keep it as it is. No FT’s used. I could also consider Butland to DDG, though that one is costly. United coverage in the back seems a must though.
Yep I agree Raz, hence the predicament – 6.5mln for Smalling seems a helluva a lot for a defender who is not attacking bar set pieces.
United actually played well last night – much better than they have been. It was encouraging as long as it continues.
Not gonna defend Rooney as he hasn’t played well – he was better but not brilliant last night, which tells me a 4-4-2 suits him and United better.
Cookie,
I did not watch the United game bar the five minutes or so where I saw the Rojo volley. Interesting that you thought he was poor and yet the majority didn’t seem to agree with the sub. Is that more to do with the fact that Rooney never seems to be the guy taken off do you think?
GP, Martial has been one of the few positives at United. So the fans will automatically start to boo when he comes off, even though that game he might have played less good. On that note, not all the fans in Stadiums really see what is happening in the game. They just hear Martial being subbed and are stunned. 😉
Haven’t watched the game but I have watched games in stadiums and well I know if you really want to closely follow a game, 100 inch screen is better. :p
GP, that’s exactly what it was mate – Martial has been our biggest threat since he joined so to bring him off when we were needing a goal seemed strange I guess. There is obviously a general annoyance to the Rooney loyalty also, without doubt.
A manager does what a manger thinks best during the game – Martial came off at 0-0 and we won 1-0 in a match we needed to win. Not much the fans can say to that to be honest.
More importantly they played with more pace and created chances, which admittedly they missed. Hopefully it continues.
Good stuff GeePee.
I think Pelle is a good cap pick, even though only 2 of the 6 goals were away from home. We have to check the Thursday game though, and also monitor Mane.
Thanks Raz :thumbup:
Saints are out of the Europa League Raz – no Thursday game for them.
Huh? You sure? WTF? ZOMG, so many leagues, so many matches. They were in the group stages right? Not? Who eliminated them? Forgot.
Midtjylland of Denmark did for them in the qualifiers Raz.
Midtylland in the qualifiers, Raz.
Wow, you’re right. They started the season rather poorly if I recall correctly. Mane and Pelle missed a lot of sitters at the start of the season. Actually really positive that they are out of Europe, lol. Like WHU.
Michu to be released imminently
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34720970
Who is he? Sounds like………………….
GP great write up mate. Captaincy choice is always so hard especially since I have 4 of the 6 lads you mentioned haha. I think my team is sorted this week don’t think I’ll make any changes this week and will give Sterling one last week. Is there anything else I should do??
Hi Matt
You should have enough in defence to see you through one more week. With 2FT I would look to shift Gomez out over the international break. Depending on how much you have or can make, I’d go for Rojo or a shift to Moreno if you want to keep it Liverpool.
Hey Gallant
Ye Gomez is going soon. Just don’t know who to bring in Moreno is wishy washy at the best of times but ill keep an eye on him.
I was thinking of doing Bony to Lukaku as well next week for the easy fixtures. Or should I just get rid of Sterling and leave Bony in there?
Great stuff GP, plenty of good picks there
tempted with Mahrez this week, he can’t bench him again on current form
Cheers photek
I STILL don’t own him :say-what:
GP, considering you’ve having a decent season without Mahrez, do you think, on the same basis that one can have a decent season without getting Kun back?
Thing about Aguero is Cookie is that he makes such a great captain option when he is fit and on form.Only really Sanchez at the mo that can explode like he does and you want to be on him when he does as you will leave the non Aguero owners behind.
One week in 11 so far Brooky…..
Yeah but boom 50 points right there if you captained him……..
good question from Cookie.
shocked you don’t own him GP, i thought he became a must have a good few weeks ago for his price / form.
Cookie,
It sort of indicates it doesn’t it? That you might not need to get EVERY form player but just have most of them.
Photek,
I never set out not to have him (in fact I considered him closely pre-season whilst he was playing well) he just didn’t make my final draft and I’ve never been able to get round to transferring him in. I know how stupid that sounds by the way
Oh and Cookie to answer specifically about Aguero. He is a bit of a special case but yeah I can’t see why you couldn’t do well without him. Although that is chill down the spine stuff.
Interesting one GP – looking at the fixtures I personally don’t think there’s a huge case to get him back before GW16 home to Swansea and potentially GW18 home to Sunderland – by which time he’ll probably be injured again anyway!!
One to ponder I guess…..
Aguero is a GW killer and a must have when he’s fit. His minutes last season come to 28 full 90 minute performances; 26 goals, 10 assists. If that’s not essential then i don’t know what is
NiN
On that form yeah it is get him in at all costs. Let’s see if and when he gets back to it.