Captains Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 10 – Fantasy Premier League 2014/15
Hallowe’en is a time when ostensibly sane people wear a Scream mask and carve a stupid face into a large orange cucurbita fruit. The really dedicated step beyond the fantasy and embrace paranormal phenomena, perhaps by ghost hunting or gathering the family around a Ouija board. That being said, I don’t think anyone expected Liverpool to get a clean sheet on Saturday.
Keeping in spirit (gone early there, sorry) with things, this week’s Captain Picks celebrates the spooky season through the medium of word alchemy. Have fun trying to spot all the gory puns, but don’t try it at home. It’s addictive and can be hard to Hallo-ween yourself off.
Speaking of scary looking individuals – a quick word on Diego Costa – clearly if he is fit and plays vs QPR he will be a very popular Captain’s choice this week, maybe even the main one, however, after his recent spell on the sidelines this article looks at the next best options in case Costa is not about this weekend.
Starting (with the commendable intention of building tension) at number 5, let’s crack on and see ‘witch’ 5 captains you should be casting an eye of newt over this week.
5. Sadio Mane (Hull, A)
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[/three_fourth]After only 4 appearances, one of the Premier League’s brightest new stars already has a bewitched St. Mary’s under his spell. With a highly potent midfield partnership brewing with Tadic, and both feeding the ever-improving Pelle to their reciprocal benefit, life is looking good for the South Coast team right now. Recently it’s been looking especially good for Sadio Mane. It’s hard to know what to take from anyone’s role in Saints’ supernatural humiliation of Sunderland but against Stoke he complimented his 2nd goal on the bounce with a 95% pass completion ratio, 14 of which were in the attacking third. 273 minutes of game time is an inadequate sample size, but if the initial steep curve of his improving BPL stock is any evidence that this boy could be the Mane man then he’s very likely tomb make an impact at the KC Stadium this weekend.
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4. Alexis Sanchez (Burnley, H)
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[/three_fourth]Along with Mane and Tadic, Arsenal have arguably the most in-form midfielder right now. The Chilean World Cup star has been haunting defences of late with a series of scintillating performances, most notably against Man City, Spurs, Hull and Sunderland. He hasn’t just been good to watch, he’s racked up the fantasy points too. Saturday’s brace at the Stadium of Light saw the Gunner claim his 5th goal in 7 games. On Saturday alone he had 5 shots and 3 on target. This notoriously hard worker ranked in the top 5 for passes, chances created, take-ons, ball recoveries and even tackles! Wenger brought in Welbeck to add firepower to the team, which he has inadvertently done so, though perhaps by bringing Sanchez to life.
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3. Romelu Lukaku (Swansea, H)
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[/three_fourth]Ask anyone who’s ever captained Lukaku and they’ll likely bemoan, “He scored me 4 points”. The frustrating thing about the Belgian isn’t any lack of talent, but that he shows it when no-one’s looking. The most famous example being on the last day of the 2012/13 season when even those chasing the FPL crown left him racking up a Hawthorns hat-trick on their bench. This season Lukaku’s lived up to his old Trick or Treat routine, but of late has shown signs of consistency with 2 goals in 2 appearances. One would envisage him ghosting into the box and goblin up a few chances against an underwhelming Swansea at Goodison Park this weekend.
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2. Sergio Aguero (Man Utd, H)
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[/three_fourth]Last week he scuppered all but the bravest of us by failing to bury any chances against the Hammers, but to Count on him replicating such a failure too often in the future could be a grave mistake. Much is made of Sergio’s injuries, but he’s completed the full 90 minutes in his last 3 league games. Whether from the bench or from the start, this fella’s ghoul per minute ratio is frightening. Even at home to a defence as generous as Man Utd’s it’s always a slight concern backing a striker in huge games like this. Nevertheless, Sergio has proved in the past to be fixture-proof and with both teams boasting ridiculous attacking riches, in the cauldron of a Manchester derby, it could well be a high-scoring Thriller.
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1. Eden Hazard (QPR, H)
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The finest things in life are often the most easily spoiled. A corked vintage; a scratched Ferrari; a hamstring-prone £32mln Spanish striker. Though Costa may well make the QPR game, captaining him right now is sure to test the nerve of FPL managers. A safer bet therefore may lay with Chelsea’s ever-present midfield wizard. Cesc Fabregas has rightly shared Costa’s headlines so far, with more collaborations than Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes combined. However, those bearing witness to Hazard’s recent performances will pay testimony to his resurgence in form. Despite coming away empty-handed against the Red Devils he was unlucky not to score and was at the core of almost every Chelsea attack. Cesc may still be Fab, but it may soon be time to get ready for some monster point hauls from an enchanted Eden.
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Thanks for reading Captain’s Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 10. This article was written by Bryan Munich
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The FL site has jumped him down from 75% likelihood to 25%. Someone must be in the know?
Hello lads, great day for fantasy football.
I am currently doing quite well in my mini leagues (holding down first spot in my 2 main ones), and I even think I won manager of the month in one of Potty’s leagues. That being said, any advice on my squad?
1.3 mil ITB.
Naismith is the one to look at imo.
Everton have grt fixtures but there are others around like berahino/sakho (though injured nw) who might give better returns
Thanks ABCDE, I agree. Those two have certainly caught my eye. I’m surprised I’ve held on to Naismith this long actually.
Shrizzine – Your team is boss this week mate, i would hold that FT :thumbup:
Bruce and El Ahmadi will need to be addressed soon though.
Thanks NIN. And ya, I need to start thinking about replacements for those two pretty soon!
Indeed. CC made a very good point earlier in that we’re only a few weeks away from the dreaded December schedule nightmare, where injuries happen and players get rested here and there. It’s ideal to have a full quota for that period as we may well need subs more than usual.
An excellent point! I just hope I make it through this GW unscathed and can use my FT on one of those players at least. Need to upgrade Dummett as well, but maybe I can make it to the January WC with him.
Well decided to Captain Hazard this week. I really need some big points this week.
Don’t we all!
You should have no problem racking up some good points this week. If that team fails to deliver, then chances are most others will too.
Afternoon all! Just made my 1FT for the week (Taylor > Chambers). Safe, generic, but solid as Swans fixtures take a turn for the tough. Team is below, and aside from late Costa cancellation I think I’m all set. Fancy Sterling to do well against Newcastle, but this may be his last chance before I look at ADM or Sanchez.
Just spent a little while looking up to GW17, focussing on my defence- I’m not super-happy with them, so I have just made a provisional plan. Thought I’d share it with y’all in case it helps anyone else (obviously may change with form, injuries). Note for now I do not include transfer plans for my mids/forwards- that’s for another day!
Basically, Baines will play every week. Colo/Chambers alternate nicely through GW17, as do Wisdom/Wilson through GW12, when Burnley play Stoke. After this clash of heavyweights I will trade Wilson > Duff to earn some cash and benefit from nice Burnley fixtures 13-15. Thereafter, Wisdom returns to my first XI.
Another issue is Forster: Saints are tight at the back but face big hitting opposition in GW13-15 and 19-21. Aside from facing Liverpool and Spurs, Fabianski of Swansea has excellent CS potential for GW13-21, so I will bring him in for Forster, straight swap. I’ll continue with one playing keeper.
Hope this can be of help to anyone trying to sketch out their defence over the coming weeks! Anything seem flawed?
Pippin – Seems a legit plan to me. Well thought out.
Thanks NIN. Are you all set for the weekend?
I am indeed, yes. I’m hoping my 2nd most expensive player actually kicks a ball this week!
(Costa obviously). A big fat hat-trick would be nice.
+1. Kun and Costa double hatrick would be even better!!
Well, as a United fan, i really hope that Kun doesn’t whop 3 goals away! It really wouldn’t surprise me though. Having said that, i expected Chelsea to maul us but it didn’t happen.
Have undertaken a similar exercise and personally am looking to Adrian of West Ham as temp Forster replacement for Southampton’s tougher fixtures GW13 – GW16. l ready have Taylor so this avoids doubling up in defence which I hate doing. West Ham have Newcastle home, West brom away and swans home 13 -16. Don’t be put off by the fact they only have 1 clean sheet this year. At home at least they have only had really tough opposition and Adrian showed last year hie valuable he can be.
Titleastic– good thinking, WHam’s great fixtures have not escaped my notice and I agree that they’re a better defensive unit than the so-far lack of CS would suggest. My main issue is that their defenders are all too expensive (unless Collins ever becomes nailed on). Cresswell for example, at 5.4m?? Anyway, I like the idea of Adrian actually…so thanks! Are you thinking of keeping Taylor then? I am just concerned his price when fall in those periods of tough fixtures…
@Pippin – sorry for lack of response – had to sort some stuff out. Anyway I’m benching Taylor for the three weeks of tough fixtures because I’ve got cover in the squad to leave me 3 defenders with ok fixtures. They are from budget teams but on paper at least they have the best chances they going to get of clean sheets through this period. I also have only 1 playing keeper so using precious free transfers for my defence has to be focused there really. Here’s my defence
Forster Elliot
Baines Taylor Wisdom Duff Moore
Anyone got any suggestions for this lot because I haven’t?! I’m aware of the Mannone situation.
1 x FT and nothing in the cash register.
Allo allo. I think you’re in good shape this week, so maybe hold the FT? Wilson/Hutton become a bit of an issue after this week i think. Fixtures get rough. Considering this, i would hold the FT and make a double swoop next time out and bin one or both of them. Welbeck -> cheaper option could be a good way to fund an upgrade if need be. :thumbup:
+1 Hold FT. Welbeck -> Berahino and Mannone -> GK could be a good option.
Wait for the Costa news, if fit stick, if not use the ft to oust him.
Init assuming that you are keeping hold of Costa regardless of him being fit or not, I’d roll over the FT. You’ll have much more scope for change next GW, and if nothing more pressing is necessary you can look at sorting out your GKs/bench if you deem it appropriate.
I think you’re in good shape for the week Init, with the possible exception of Wilson but there aren’t many nailed on CS right now anyway, so it’s minor. Your team has bags of attacking potential so hopefully you’ll get a decent score. Are you going with Costa (c)?
re Mannone and Krul, this is where I dislike having the rotation of two 4.5m– if neither have a good fixture then there are very few transfer options. You’ll need cash from somewhere to replace one of them obviously– is Tadic to Mane anything you’d consider? Not sure I’d lose anyone else from your front 7 right now (*maybe* Welbeck for Sakho…but it’s sideways at best) and the subs bench is already the cheapest of the cheap…
Thank you one and all, confirming what I thought, hold tight this week.
Hey guys. This is my team for this weekend. I will bring in Walcott for Sterling next week if he’s getting game time and is looking strong. My next player out will be Forster, who I probably will transfer out for Adrián.
I’m not worried about Naismith. I’m keeping him for a couple weeks before I make room for Costa.
Anyways, what order should my bench be in?
Who are you guys captaining? I don’t know if I dare not to cap Agüero, though I have good options in Hazard and Sánchez.
Thanks
Anyone?
Cody – I would switch Dummett and Boyd. Aguero was nailed as my (c) but having seen how many managers have binned Costa, it’s very tempting to go with him -if fit- in the hope he goes off on one, for maximum damage 😉
NIN – Thank you! Yeah Costa could be a very nice little punt if he went off. Which we all know he can, and this time it could happen against the team with the worst defence in the EPL. I just hope it will be Eden who feeds him the ball instead of Fabregas. 😉
I can live with that
Hopefully the big man is fit.
Costa could be having his op in a couple of weeks, so he will be out for a while.
Elle – You think it will happen that soon? If that’s the case then somebody else will get his spot. Possibly Sturridge if he’s finally back in a few weeks.
They say it will be during the international break, which will be straight after GW 11 when Chelski play at our gaff.
Oh God, I’m not looking forward to our game v Chelsea! It could end so badly for us, ugh. Well that’s very soon, so I guess I won’t be bringing him in until after his op. Thanks for the info.
Cody, just monitor the situation and wait for info knocking about on here. If hes fit for this GW he could get a hatful of points, i already have him so i’m holding fire till Cookies info on Friday afternoon. If he ain’t gonna play i’ll ditch him as we will do a job on him, probably Skrtel or Gerrard will really crock him.