Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 18 – Fantasy Premier League 2015/16
Ah, the Premier League and Christmas. A perfect union. One is an internationally renowned brand, pimped to almost every corner of the globe, exploiting working class people and pressuring every nagged parent to buy the latest overpriced merchandise. The other is the Premier League. But after the Christmas Day dinner, comes the Boxing Day banquet and then the true festival begins.
2015/16 ’tis the season to be jolly so far for Claudio Ranieri, who compared his team’s success to Forrest Gump. Presumably due to their unstoppable run to the front, rather than implying Jamie Vardy was a slow-witted American Football player with an aptitude for ping-pong. In truth, the whole Premier League campaign has been like a box of chocolates and no-one has a clue what they’re going to get.
Even as the year draws to a close, the talking points have been relentless. The latest being the opera unfolding at Old Trafford where festive cheer has been at a premium of late, and the media scrutiny has been driving poor Louis crackers. His latest press conference was a mere 5 minute cameo, so at least now he knows how Ander Herrera feels. But before we all storm out with Van Gaal to the pub for some much needed Dutch courage, let’s have a look at the 5 players who, in any normal solar system, would be a safe bet to adorn the FPL armband. Of course we all know anything can happen, so… may the farce be with you.
5. Kevin De Bruyne (home vs Sunderland)
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[/three_fourth]While it’s tempting to overlook the Belgian due to his barren 3 game run, it would be reckless to ignore the finer print. He was rested in City’s last home game, and was unlucky not to register in Monday’s defeat at Arsenal, where he looked the most likely City player to penetrate the Gooner defence for much of the match. Most tellingly, 54 of his 74 FPL points this season have come at the Etihad. In visitors Sunderland, a team prone to being overawed by big occasions and with 24 goals conceded on their travels, Man City have the perfect chance to put in the kind of dominating performance that Pellegrini’s men are so capable of on their day. Until Sergio Aguero’s game time is guaranteed, KdB remains the most dangerous attacking option.
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4. Mesut Ozil (away vs Southampton)
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[/three_fourth]Not so many moons ago, there was a Chelsea player called Cesc Fabregas. People would come from lands far and wide, and marvel at his ability to fashion out chances for his peers. Not a week would go by without an assist for his compatriot Costa. “He’s like Robin Hood!”, a slow-witted child with an aptitude for ping-pong would cry. Now, that fable has faded and a new hero’s in town.
Mezut Ozil has shown the value of having extreme peripheral vision, bringing a reputation from Real Madrid as someone who carves out opportunities for teammates; but surely even he couldn’t have foreseen this ridiculous streak. 13 assists in the last 11 games have brought his season’s tally to an astonishing 15. Everyone in favour of giving the German the captaincy make themselves known… The eyes have it.
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3. Riyad Mahrez (away vs Liverpool)
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[/three_fourth]The most famous Algerian since Sofia Boutella (Nope, me neither) has one hand on the player of the year trophy already. It seems hard to believe that Mahrez was ever left on the bench in away games at the start of the season, when you consider that 9 of his 13 goals have come away from the King Power stadium. It also seems unfathomable to view the Foxes as favourites in a clash with a newly Klopped Liverpool, but that’s exactly where English football is at the moment; and while it’s led to a rather stagnant FPL season, it’s undoubtedly made for thrilling Premier League fare. Riyad’s last 4 games on the road have reaped 7 goals, and so Saturday’s festive ferry ‘cross the Mersey could see him knock the turkey stuffing out of Anfield and leave Jürgen yëarning for the Jägermeister.
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2. Romelu Lukaku (away vs Newcastle)
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[/three_fourth]Only a fortnight ago were record books being rewritten, as Jamie Vardy successfully chased down a goal-scoring streak that had stood for 12 years. Already that’s under threat. Enter stage left, Romelu Lukaku. Previously derided in FPL circles for his frustrating inconsistency and penchant for blanking when least expected, the 6ft 3in brute is now as reliable a proposition as a sci-fi movie in the hands of J.J. Abrams. 8 goals in 7 games prior to a trip to Steve McClaren’s Magpies suggests the Guinness Book of Records HQ may have another footballer to visit in the near future. Newcastle are not the whipping boys they were when they capitulated 5-1 at Crystal Palace, but a meek home draw to struggling Villa last weekend shows that there’s still much work to be done at St. James’ Park.
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1. Harry Kane (home vs Norwich)
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[/three_fourth]’He scores when he waaaants!’; but enough about Neil Lennon. Harry Kane has only shown patches of last season’s lethal form which thrust him into the national spotlight (sounds familiar…). However the signs of a revival are there after last week’s clincher at Southampton, and with the most goal attempts of anyone this season, and 2nd most shots on target, our ‘Arry is nothing if not a trier. He might not quite score when he wants just yet, but he certainly shoots when he wants. Visitors Norwich will be buoyant after their shock win at Man Utd, but still have yet to perfect the knack of keeping a clean sheet, having notched just the one. Pochettino will be hoping Spurs’ home hiccup against Newcastle was just a blip; it was their first defeat since the opening day. Furthermore, they have only played against one of the promoted sides thus far in Bournemouth. The result? A Harry Kane hat-trick.
So there’s my top 5. Agree? Disagree? Please leave your feedback/compliments/abuse in the comments below and in the words of LvG, “Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye.”
Thanks for reading Captain Picks Fantasy Football Game-week 18. This article was written by Bryan Munich
On that note many others do the same and so we would like to thank the Captain Article Team of Blue Moon, Bry, Calvin, Chins, GP, Guy, James and Tekno for their regular (not you Chins) contributions this season as well as the likes of DMC, Lawdogg and Pancho for their ad-hoc articles.
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Merry christmas eve! I have 2 FT and £5m
I think this week I should upgrade westwood, not sure who for though,
any ideas?
Look below, genius.
DELI ALLI!
Hmm but I have £5m to spend so I can get someone decent
Last week I would’ve said Stanislas or Joshua King, both are injury doubts now though. So not wise. I think Alli is a good move. Can’t gather 0.2m extra?
Sorry I wasn’t being very clear, if I sell westwood I have £5m itb so I can spend £9.3m on someone else
Replacement of Westwood would be your 5th mid right? If that’s the case, I think Alli is the best option. You could also buy an expensive 5th mid such a Wally, but than you have to decide between Wally and Bolasie and all the other good ones al the time. Alli got a goal and an assist in his last game. Think he’s a good backup option. Will also leave you with enough money to do Kane to Kun later?
You have 2 decent attacking defenders sitting nicely on bench, no need to tickle Westwood.
Might need to change Bolasie. He seems unfit.
Great article, looks like I have all 5 cap choices for this GW. OKAY, problem here. What to do what Gayzard? Or Westwood? Or Richards/Kolarov? I was thinking either Wally for Gayzard, Alli for Westwood and play All Out Attack, or Richards/Kola to Walker. TEll me bitches, what to do?
Take hazard out for Walcott imo.
Next game, Alli has just as much chance of getting a good score (if not better) than Wally. Plus that move would broaden my squad, which might be needed in the xmas period. Think you need 14 active players.
Westwood to Alli, Raz. Covers you with a decent home fixture if Hazard doesn’t make it.
And play all out attack? I think Hazard will most def. play. Would be risking a 1 pointer, he might get just 20 to 30 minutes. If not less. Would be surprised if he starts. I could sacrifice 1 of my defenders and go with 20 minute Hazard that has to proof himself. I don’t see Souare or Richards keep a CS. And it’s the question if Kola starts, I really don’t think so.
By the way Cookie, what position does Alli play? Whoscored says he played 8 games as DM and 8 games as AM? Last games he played way more offensive so as AM right? By the way, I figured he played as winger, lately.
Raz, I would be very wary of playing AllOutAttack over the Christmas/rotation period, personally my friend.
Why Cookie? If a mid doesn’t play I get a defender right?
Also Cookie. Do you know what position Alli has been playing as of late? A more attacking role right?
Yeah but you’ll lose the Chip.
Yeah Alli been playing further forward although Dembele is now back. I didn’t see them vs Southampton so not sure where both played.
How are we Raz I thk Westwood to Alli AOA is a good option good luck mate & have a good Cmas 😉
Where are you monkey avatars? Since when are you a cartoon figure? Saw your comment yesterday, this site is not for pornographic images. 😉
Look up, Cookie is against AOA on Xmas, you know why?
Merry xmas to you though and a happy new year. xD
Yes Raz I here what Cookie is saying but I don’t thk any players will be rested this GW Did you not like the photo of my Misses shame.
Get in the sprit with one of your other Gravs you know you want to. 😉
My point is this – say for example Pellegrini wants to give KDB some sort of rest – which game would you have in mind – Sunderland at home, Leicester away or Watford away.
Before panic sets in, this is just my fear – nothing has been said officially!
Hazard > Wally
Does anyone know if stanislas will be ok to play he is yellow flaged at the moment.
As far as I can recall, that one wasn’t looking good.
Ok thanks might have to get him out then .
Depends on the rest of your team. Check Ben Dinnery, he must have something on it. Good alternative would be Deli Alli from Spurs.
Hi All
I’ve a chance at last to improve my defence. 1ft so what is my best option for this week. I’m leaning towards Dier but who else’s should I consider? Also my lineup is a bit of a headache this week so any advice would be helpful.
Butland/Hennesey
Bellerin/Dawson/Zouma/Martin/Simpson
Ozil/Mahrez/KDB/Ramsey/Barkley
Kane/Lukaku/Vardy. 4.0 ITB
Hi tomo maybe Scott dan or a Watford defender.
Watford have terrible fixtures, so they will concede imho. I think Spurs defender and CP defender are the best options. I will get Nathan Ake once Watford has had all the hard fixtures, they have like 3 in a row, I think.
Cheers Guys. I think I’ll probably go with Dier this week and someone from CP next week. Watford definitely in a few weeks. I’ve currently got Vardy on the bench. Best option???
I see quite a few gooing with Dier, what about Walker though? 5.1m, also liking his chances going forward.
I thought exactly that same thing before they played Liverpool, they are a very underated team.
Would save FT there. You have 3 decent defenders to play this GW. Reassess again next GW.
Hey Tomo hope your good But / Bell /Zom / Dier /Ozil / Mah / KDB / Bar / Kane /Luk / Var would be my Choice tough call though or if you haven’t played AOA save TF good to go Good luck mate
Zabaleta fit to start sagna could be a problem now.
What have Soton been like recently? Tempted to cap Giroud as my kind of differential but he doesn’t ever seem to get out of single figures.