Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 25 – Fantasy Premier League 2015/16
As midnight chimes in Tuesday morning, I switch the TV off, reducing Sky Sports News to naught but static electricity. I turn to face the noxious wall to my right, solemnly observing the solvent evaporating as it leaves the pigment behind. Through oxidation the exothermic reaction produces heat, and after a few hours the process is finally complete. Tired and intoxicated, I pull myself to my feet and make my way to bed. I fall asleep with the conclusions of the evening rattling around my unsettled mind. Yes, watching paint dry was way more exciting than transfer deadline day.
Stoke were one of the few clubs to show up at the January sales on Monday. Like an eager consumer first in the queue, face pressed up against a store’s locked glass doors, then sheepishly noticing only a smattering of half-arsed punters behind them. Well, if the Potters were one of transfer day’s enthusiastic early birds, Aston Villa were the school dropouts, smoking weed in their bedroom while a fuming mother pounds on the door to an ever increasing crescendo of Nirvana and Led Zeppelin. “Stop wasting your life away young man, or you’ll never amount to anything!”, “Whatever, mum. The Premier League’s for sellouts anyway.”
Thankfully, FPLers must bear no shackles such as January windows, and we can make transfers whenever we want. In your anti-free-market FACE, Richard Scudamore!
Gameweek 25, then and alas, no place for the likes of Alex Pritchard or Leroy Fer.
5. DELE ALLI (home vs Watford)
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[/three_fourth]Remember when Harry Kane first hit the scene last season? A fund-friendly carefree FPL option to leave in your eleven and happily cash in the points every week. But it took a while before people felt comfortable captaining him, so wary were people of this ‘flash in the pan’… so surprised were they of his sudden impact. And here we are again a year later with Dele Alli, the latest English Spurs phenom (though much credit should go to MK Dons) to light up the domestic game ahead of what must surely be a galactic career. A goal AND an assist in both of his previous two outings have fired the youngster up the player rankings. At a suspiciously cheap 5.9, giving him the armband could feel justifiably atypical. A bit like going into Harrods and coming out with a new shelf and a tin of spam. But if you want spam, and you’ve nowhere to put it, why the hell not?
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4. ROBERTO FIRMINO (home vs Sunderland)
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[/three_fourth]The much maligned Brendan Rodgers’ legacy will probably be how he got a great season out of Jordan Henderson. The way Jurgen Klopp has begun his tenure at the Kop, we may look back at his best achievement being converting an under-performing Brazilian midfielder into a pretty respectable striker. Naturally this won’t sate the Anfield faithful, but it’s great news for FPL. An out of position (OOP) player is like manna for us. Stick someone 20 yards further forward than he’s supposed to be, and suddenly he becomes highly coveted. Try moving Julian Assange the same distance outside the Ecuadorian Embassy and see what happens. Sunderland meanwhile are in the middle of an unkind fixture run that, following their defeat to City, has them tussle with Liverpool and then Man Utd. With no clean sheets since November and a league-high 47 goals conceded, Firmino as a captaincy option could sail under many a radar.
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3. ALEXIS SANCHEZ (away vs Bourenmouth)
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[/three_fourth]Three of the truest idioms: ‘Behind every good man is a good woman.’ ‘You can’t make bricks without straw.’ ‘Every creative attacking strikeforce needs a decent defensive midfielder.’ Rather predictably, Arsene Wenger didn’t bring in a striker this week, but he did hire Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel. A transfer that will likely have no direct FPL ramifications, but could we see some much-needed solidity give Arsenal their final jigsaw piece? One final cog that could set others whirring keenly into motion. Arsenal have already shown themselves to be ready(-ish) for a title tilt, but with the increased ball retention that the Egyptian will surely provide, one imagines that the likes of Alexis Sanchez will be given all the more license to capitalize. The caveat is that he is, of course, only recently back from a long-term absence. However, he showed plenty in last week’s FA Cup win over Burnley to suggest he won’t need long. Furthermore, 4 of his 6 goals, and both of his assists, have come away from home.
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2. SERGIO AGUERO (home vs Leicester)
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[/three_fourth]One of the most contentious aspects of Fantasy Footy is the Bonus Points allocation. When word of Kun’s BP-robbing yellow card against Sunderland had spilled out into the streets, children wept, women wailed, and grown men thrashed themselves over the head with shelves they’d pinched from some posh bloke outside Harrods. This was merely a microcosm of what people demand weekly from Aguero. Upon his broad shoulders weigh unimaginably high expectations. The visit of Leicester, a team keeping The Citizens off pole position in both the league and the form table; who have allowed only 1 goal past them in 6 games; who continue to defy gravity; will provide no less relief for the Argentinian. #AlwaysCaptainKun, baa the Twittering sheep, and with good reason. So quickly people forget how cherished a 5 point captain would’ve been 2 months ago. 44 points in 5 GWs is a ridiculous return and justifies the hyperbole. So yes, always captain Kun. Unless you’ve got…
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1. HARRY KANE (home vs Watford)
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[/three_fourth]Spurs idol/childhood Gunners fan Harry Kane will take a trip to the Hornets nest on the back of 4 goals and 28 points in 3 games. Look I know you’ll captain Aguero anyway. YOU know you will. But given the respective match-ups, and the incredible form of the Englishman, you probably, maybe, possibly shouldn’t. Watford’s admittedly impressive shutout owed much to a superlative Gomes masterclass and was their first clean sheet since Boxing Day. 7 of their 9 in total have come at Vicarage Road. To cap it off they lie 18th in the form table, as a fantastic campaign under Flores threatens to unravel. The North Londoners, meanwhile have registered at least 3 goals on 8 separate occasions this season; their most recent results being 4-1, 3-1, 3-0. It’s difficult to see Harry failing to add to his 15 league goals on Saturday.
Thanks for reading Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 25. This article was written by Bryan Munich
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Where has it all gone wrong? Awful season
ROLFC, that’s not a bad squad, to be fair. If you’d played Bell instead of Ward then you’d have 6 more points. I’d say Luka -> Vardy/Giroud this week, play Bellerin over Ward, and Butland in goal. You should be all set. If you want to take a risk then make a second move (for a hit?) of Arny -> Firmino if you have the cash. GL!
Who knows! Team does look good though to be fair.
Just seen these comments, did exactly what you said pancho haha! Firmino and Vardy in!
If you look at my GW history, the team almost always seems set good but then scores average or below most the time, my achey breakey heart,
Thanks for the help tho! great minds think alike!
Great minds and ours RoLfc
Bry, super entertaining read and great info! Can’t say I’ve ever been in the mood for Spam, but to each his own…
I feel this could be a really low scoring GW for everyone as all of the big teams and thus high ownership players have pretty tough match-ups. What do you think of this crew???
Hey Pancho. Hmm, i actually think this could be a fairly big week. Maybe not the 60 average of last Game-week but still big enough. 40-50 average maybe. Great team for this weekend there buddy. Bank that bad-boy and hope for the best
Thanks NIN. I actually used my freebie to do Surman -> Ali already. As a Spurs fan there is no reason not to have him: young, talented, cheap, scoring goals and assisting, and he plays for the team I support. I kept leaving him out as I already had Kane for cover but the last 3 GWs have shown that there is room in any squad for both of them to score well!
I feel there will be a lot of 1-1 scorelines. I’m thinking it could be a 40-point-average game week, so capping someone who gets a brace could be HUGE!
Indeed, the kid is a must have at that price.
Evening lads, how’s everyone doing?
Just logged on and didn’t realise I had so many yellow flags!!
Here’s my plan and I would love your thoughts:
Bench Lukaku and start building for the DGW, with Stanislas being upgraded to Barkley to play a 3-5-2 this weekend.
Or do I bring in some Liverpool attacking cover ?
1 FT and 3.3itb
Evening Matt. I’d be tempted by Lukaku –> Costa. Chelsea have sweet fixtures.
Hey NIN, Yeah Chelseas fixtures aren’t too bad but isn’t Costa getting suspended or getting close to one?
I’m not sure actually, didn’t check. All i know is they look good and he is sharp.
Costa is on 7 yellows.
Ah right well I think I’d prefer Barkley against Stoke rather than Costa against United but I’ll have a think
Hmm, that’s close to a ban. 10 is the limit, right? I’d still rather have him than Barkley, though. No-one would be looking at him if not for a couple of late, very late, penalties.
3 games NIN
Costa seems to get booked in every game.
Seriously though, I wouldn’t not buy Costa over his yc count. If that’s all that’s in it, I’d say go for it.
I’d back Vardy over Costa this weekend though
Yeah, that’s the only thing that makes me hesitant to bring in Costa — the guy can just as likely get a red/yellow as score a goal/brace! That and the fact that he’s a complete git!
Hmm you’re all making good points and Vardy could be an option for Lukaku but then I have no Everton coverage for the upcoming DGW.
Yeah, I know what you mean Dreamers. Feels that way for sure but he’s actually somewhat consistent in getting booked every 3 games if you look at league matches!
If you’re a form over fixture manager, I’d get Vardy!
Hey Sanchez I just remembered to check Vardys fixtures and I seen how bad they are so what do you think about taking a punt on Giroud for Lukaku?
I’m in the same boat as you, Matt. A few have mentioned I should keep hold of Lukaku this weekend if he’s fit to play as it’s against a leaky Stoke, then West Brom at home (before the blank) and Everton do score a few regardless of whether they win or lose. If he’s crocked then I’m betw/ Costa (ManU-H, New-H) and Vardy. (Maybe even Martial/Rooney [Che-A, Sun-A] as they’ve been playing well also). Considered Giroud (Bou-A, Lec-H) but Arsenal haven’t scored in a few games now so somewhat hesitant. Who knows though, mate. As you can tell, I’m really stuck as well!
This really is a tough one. I was literally just looking at United as well so we’re both thinking along the same lines and as for Arsenal not scoring in a few that was against Southampton,Chelsea and Stoke so 3 usually tough teams when it comes to defence so I’m thinking with Bournemouth up next they should get some goals. I’m still thinking Everton are the best fixture wise and like you say they score win or lose so I think I’ll hold off till the pressers tomorrow to see how Lukaku is and if he is out then I’ll just do Barkley in for Stan and Lukaku on the bench or even Lukaku to Kone for a differential.
I think that’s smart and the way to go, Matt!
Hi Matt, I may be missing something here so please forgive me if this is a really stupid question! You’ve said a few times about buying Barkley due to building ahead of the DGW. As far as I know the next possible date for that as things stand is GW34? Now I’m all for forward planning but this may be on a par with B’s infamous RMT for next season post. In June :hippo:
Hey Init, I thought the next available slot for a DGW was GW28 or GW30 so I’m completely wrong haha. Look’s like I don’t need to start building for it just yet then I’ll wait till the pressers later to decide on what I will do
Just didn’t want you building your team around a fictitious GW! Keep an eye on the Hot Comments DGW info above as I’m sure Mito will keep that table updated.
Cheers Init will do mate! I’ll probably be looking for more help later on after the pressers depending on the Lukaku news.
Why are people buying Firmino so much his price is going up? He’s not worth it at all and has a blank gw coming up.
Sunderland and Villa next up, then easily benched in wait for the imminent DGW.
Also, he’s a midfielder in FPL, but playing a central striker for Liverpool. Everyone loves a good OOP option
Fixtures and form are favourable I suppose
Lukaku to Vardy allows me to do Payet to Sanchez for a minus 4. Will have nothing in the bank then so will have to watch price increases (Might do tonight).
Worth it?
Or is Ali or Antonio instead of Payet worth a minus 4?
I wouldn’t take a hit to sell Payet mate, he’s playing really well from what i have seen. Kinda fancy WHU to beat Southampton, too.
+1
NIN and Matt – hasnt he been a bit deeper, playing more like a playmaker? I rate him as class – just not been scoring points of late (since I brought him in
)
To be honest I don’t know how he’s been playing don’t really watch Hammers in action.
Maybe a little but he’s attack minded. Yep, i got 11 points from him straight away but zippo since. He’ll get something this weekend i think. An assists at least.
For all you Liverpool fans out there (and any others that simple have an interest), if everyone is fit, what is the first team (say injuring Ings and Gomez as long term out)?
Does Klopp see Firmino as a long term striker or a mid?
I’d be guessing its:
Mignolet
Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Flanagan (Skrtel – too erratic for me and Moreno cant defend )
Henderson, Can, Milner (maybe)
Coutinho, Firmino (I’m not sure about this at all – its essentially two number 10’s)
Sturridge
Lack of width concerns me but there are legs in that front 3 and Sturridge likes to move wide.
Your thoughts and / or alternatives?
Good question. Hard to say what Klopp envisions for the team but assuming everyone is fit, this is how i would start it…
Mignolet
Clyne – Sakho – Skrtel – Moreno
Henderson – Can
Milner – Coutinho – Firmino
Studge (until end of season then sell him ASAP)
Interesting Flanagan not included in the squad for europa league but 5 cbs are.
I think Sturridge is only behind Aguero in the PL (fitness officially an issue)
I agree with that team except for Sturridge. For one I don’t see him staying fit haha and also Klopp and him don’t seem to be getting on to well.