Captains Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 7 – Fantasy Premier League 2014/15
An ageing board of directors, a squad in decline, and a deep laceration – all situations that require fresh blood. Not so with the Captains Picks articles though, where Chins and Bellies, Bryan Munich and The Gallant Pioneer have been doing us all proud up until this point, so quite what I’m doing here remains to be seen; I suspect I’ve been drafted in to make them look even better by comparison.
Now, in all the furore of weekly transfers and unused wildcards being mulled over, the captain choice is very often overlooked until the last moment. How often do we see cries of panic on the boards and on twitter between 11.00 and 11.30 in the AM on a Saturday morning asking whether so and so has made the correct captain call? To stress the importance of captaining your top points-earner each GW, I use myself as an example: having totted it all up from the first six GWs, had I made the best choice out of the players I had each GW then I’d be 38 points better off and would be nestling nicely inside the top 10,000 (prior to the final game on Monday night) instead of languishing outside the top 200,000. So pick wisely! “Why should we listen to someone who has chosen so poorly?” I hear you ask. Well, because my first five choices were all Rooney, and due to his crazy antics at the weekend I can’t be recommending him to you, so buckle up and let’s get to it.
1. Robin van Persie – Everton at Home
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[/three_fourth]This flying Dutchman does not seem to be doomed to float around aimlessly without ever reaching a goal, having put away two in his last two games, and you have to feel he is just warming up. After being eased back in after a World Cup in which he played more games than most would have expected, van Persie hasn’t come close to his devastating best yet, but has still put himself in positions where he has had some very make-able chances. One would expect him to get sharper as the games go by, so we can probably look forward to (or dread) more clinical finishes from the ex-Gunner over the coming GWs. With Di Maria and the newly-generous Falcao both offering tasty supply lines, he could do some serious damage against the leakiest defence in the league so far.
Thankfully this is just the Captains Picks article, so I needn’t discuss the potential points rewards vs the high cost outlay here – that’s for you to decide in your own time! However, if you are among the low 2.1% that own him, with Rooney out this could be the perfect opportunity to make some big gains, and where better to start than captaining the game’s most expensive player? Where? “Costa!” you say? It was a rhetorical question! But very well, let’s move onto the big man next.
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2. Diego Costa – Arsenal at Home
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[/three_fourth]Potty and myself were musing before the season started as to whether the Brazilian/Spaniard/Whatever-suits-him-next would take after his uncle, the successful owner of Costa coffee, or his brother-in-law, the unfortunate owner of the Costa Concordia. I think we can all agree that blood is thicker than, er, water-turned-blood here!
What else is there to say about him? His seven goals were the best start to the first four games in the Premiership’s history, and he added an eighth last time out and was also unlucky to miss out on his first assist due to a technicality. Already at least 10 points clear of all other players in the FPL game, Costa is fast turning into this season’s Suarez – captain him at all costs or face the consequences. Up against an Arsenal side that had the second-meanest defence last season in terms of clean sheets, but are yet to find their groove this season amidst a plague of injuries, it would be no surprise to see big Diego bagging at least one goal here.
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3. Sergio Aguero – Aston Villa Away
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[/three_fourth]Most players would do all they could to prove their worth when handed a full 90 minutes, but Aguero here seems determined to cement his status as a super-sub, scoring all four of his goals in bit-part appearances while doing diddly squat in the two full games he played in. I jest of course. About the super-sub bit, not the four goals bit, which is mighty impressive for someone who is still clearly short of full fitness at this stage. While others have similarly impressive tallies thus far, with some of them you can’t help but wonder how much longer this will continue. Not so with Aguero; the only wondering to be done there is how much longer until his legs give out. You would be advised to make hay while his legs are still operational though… Scratch that, I mean captain him while the sun shines… I’m confused.
‘Tis a good time to be playing Villa too – after conceding just once in the opening four games they then let in three goals twice on the bounce. You can expect City and Aguero to be intent on seeing that trend continue.
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4. Raheem Sterling – West Brom at Home
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[/three_fourth]FPL players in Scotland need no longer worry after the No result in the recent referendum – you will still be able to use Sterling in your teams. Judging by the fact that he’s owned by half of all players (well, 49.9958%), it’s a safe bet that a good number of managers out there will be turning to him to hopefully bring in the big points this GW. Many were baffled at Rodger’s management recently, electing to rest him for most of the game against Villa (which they lost), but then play him for 120 minutes against lower-league opposition in the Carling Cup (that’s what I’m calling it; if you don’t like it just be glad I don’t still call it the Coca Cola Cup) soon afterwards. This led to speculation he’d be partly rested for the derby, but, true to his word, Rodgers gave him a full run-out, and this will have done much to allay fears over his starting position this weekend.
Looking like Liverpool’s main threat going forwards, the silky teenager has notched three goals and an assist already, and is their best prospect for captain with Sturridge unlikely to play and Mad Mario yet to find his form in the Premiership the second time around. West Brom will not go down easily though, with three clean sheets already this season including one away to Spurs.
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5. Angel Di Maria – Everton at Home
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[/three_fourth]Not since a certain armada’s ill-fated trip a few years back has there been such an invasion of England by Spanish forces as there has been in the Premiership recently by players who previously plied their trades in La Liga – Aguero, Silva, Cazorla, Ozil and Michu to name but a few. Unlike their predecessors though, this current crop are not left with that sinking feeling soon after arriving (well, apart from Bojan). Leading the charge this season are Costa, Sanchez, Herrera and this man, Angel Di Maria. Just six points off top spot in midfield, having only started in GW3, he has looked very lively in his games so far. Whether you think his shots are intended crosses, crosses are intended shots, or that he is actually that good that he intended them all (he is), the truth is that he is putting all sorts of balls into the box, and with RvP and Falcao to aim at he could easily hit double figures in assists alone. If he continues to bag the occasional goal too then all the better.
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Best of the Rest:
Ulloa – CS merchants they may be, but opponents Burnley are looking like they already bought their Championship return ticket in advance to save cash. Leicester seemingly bought no such ticket, and will be looking to consolidate their solid start by beating last season’s closest rivals, and Argentine acquisition (he’s half Welsh, you know) Ulloa is their best bet to be among the goals with five to his name already.
Pelle – Four in four with an assist to boot, the former Feyenoord man is hitting his stride. Away to Spurs, otherwise would have featured higher up.
Falcao – I know, I know, how many Man United options do I want to tip here? But with such mouth-watering options can you blame me? Falcao would have expected to have made a stronger start to Premiership life, but has at least apparently added assists to his repertoire now. Now if he can just find that first goal he could be set to explode.
Dzeko – Another forward that would have hoped to have made a better start, Dzeko would have been most pleased with his brace at the weekend. He’ll be eager to add to it before Jovetic comes back to push him to the sidelines once more.
Lukaku – Who can forget his hat-trick against United on Fergie’s last day in charge? The hot-and-cold striker absolutely has the ability to hurt the big teams, and this ‘big team’ has been woeful in defence so far. He could punish HGV’s team.
Sakho – The Hammers’ forward that is! You’ll never see me recommend a defender for captain… Two goals and an assist in his last three, and facing an unimpressive QPR side at home.
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Thanks for reading Captains Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 7. This article was written by Calvin Clyne
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:thumbup:
Just noticed my opponent this week is one of the unfortunates on a -4. A slight, but welcome advantage 😉
Ok, transfers made: Rooney & Ramsey out for Aguero and Downing. Defence isn’t the best this week but I ought to be fine and don’t want to take more than my current 4pt hit. Team is below, any thoughts on lineup or am I all set?
Forster
Terry, Wilson, Taylor
Fabregas, Sterling, Downing, Sigurdsson
Costa, Aguero, Pelle
subs: Hamer, O’Shea, Coloccini, Quinn
1.9m in the bank to use, either with my WC during the international break or simply to get Baines in for Terry.
Looks pretty set to me Pippin.
next week i’d do the Terry > Baines move personally, no need to WC just yet as you have a lot of form players already in place
Hey Pippin,
Team basically speaks for itself & exactly what I would do with your subs in the correct order too mate.
Great team Pippin, I reckon you’re all set, my only doubt would be between Wilson and O’Shea but it’s a tough one to decide, I’d probably go with the home defender.
photek, mark, Albertini– thanks fellas. Wilson and O’Shea will most likely be a coin toss as neither team is exactly prolific right now. Moses and Crouch seem to be gelling well up top for Stoke though, and if Arnautovic also finds his form (I think the Bojan experiment is over…) then they could punish Sunderland. It also stinks of 0-0 though….if I was bolder I’d play them both and bench Terry…
Hey Pip – almost identical team to yours. Haven’t pulled the trigger on Rambo&Roo yet. Do I follow you down the rabbit hole with Aguero/Downing or go for Pelle/DiMaria? Also thinking Terry > Baines next week
I already had Pelle where you have Ulloa so the choice was a bit easier for me (couldn’t afford Aguero and ADM, which would be the dream!). Honestly I think this is a hard one to call. Downing is realistically only a great option for the next two weeks, whereupon I will have to rethink. Pelle and ADM might serve you better in the longterm. That said, Aguero and Costa are both injury hazards and I could easily downgrade one of them to raise cash if they go out injured.
Yeah this one seems to be all about the cash. I agree Pelle & ADM is tempting but if I go Costa/Pelle/Ulloa might be too difficult to raise the funds for Aguero or Falcao down the road. This one’s killing me!! :cuckoo:
Colriles/Pippin, see I wasn’t alone in having the Rooney/Rambo combo backfire massively. I’ve already done the Rooney to Pelle move but haven’t made my mind up on Ramsey yet. Probably be either of Tadic or Chadli for a hit, both have looked very good lately, though the former hasn’t translated his good form into many FPL points yet..
Pippin – Personally i would play O’Shea ahead of Wilson, 50/50 call that one so it’s no biggie. Good to go.
Afternoon Lads & Lasses,
I’ve been looking at my team & squad & think it’s time to ask for some advice ? .. The following is my team for this coming GWK but undecided on the likes of Silva & Aguero with their tasty fixtures coming up ?
Forster, ( Krul )
Shawcross, Taylor, Bertrand, ( Wilson, Wisdom )
ADM, Siggy, Fabregas, Sterling, ( King )
Costs ( C ), Falcao, Wellbeck
Bank : 1.0M
Transfers : 2FT
Do I give Falcao another chance upfront or bring in Aguero now ? … If so need another 0.2M which I could downgrade Wilson > Moore / Duff ?
Also If I was to bring in Silva then who would you guys change him with out of the MF’s above ? …
Your thoughts & help on this would be greatly appreciated as my head is really messed thinking & over thinking this conundrum or do I just stick with what I got for this GWK ?
Thanks in advance Mark
Not much I’d change here personally Mark. Falcao could be worth a shot against Everton’s leaky defence and I like your midfield very much. Not sure I’d have two from Utd, but I would hesitate to suggest which one of them you should replace with a City player. Instinctively, I feel ADM + Aguero is a better combo than Silva + Falco though… You could consider replacing Wisdom this week (Moore is a decent call as Leicester have improving fixtures) and then keep the other FT?
Pippin,
Reason I will transfer Wilson was because I have Shawcross & need to raise minimum 0.3M to upgrade Falcao > Aguero & MF ?? > Silva.
Obviously not going to take a points hit for the 3 transfers but would do it over the course of this week & next week.
Happy to keep Wisdom as he is only 4.0M anyway so nice budget DF in the bank that plays regularly ( other than against pool this weekend ).
So if you were to bring in Silva then which of my MF’s would you swap him with ?
Sorry, didn’t register the Stoke double. How about losing Shawcross? Is his higher cost worth it? I know he’s more nailed on and a goal threat, but Wilson is great value into that defence I think.
Midfield is tough. Jury is out on Utd for me but ADM looks in fine form. Sterling isn’t but they have great fixtures coming up, as does Siggy (who is excellent value for a no10 on set pieces). Fabregas might be the one to go but he is going to provide steady points each week and I don’t want to lose him personally. Tough one mate!
Hi Marky!
That’s a fantastic team you have there.
I would give Falcao another chance before transfering him out for Aguero.
My advice would be to get Pellé in for Welbeck. Pellé is in GREAT form and has a more friendly fixture ahead.
Downgrading Wilson to Moore would be a good transfer seeing as yoy already have a Stoke defender in Shawcross. That being said I don’t see the point in giving up a FT for that as your defence for this GW is solid.
If I had to pick an MF to transfer out for Silva, it would have to be Fabregas, that would broaden your team as you already have Chelsea coverage with Costa. I don’t want to tell you if you should make that transfer or not, because I don’t know which one of them that will perform better. It’s a 50/50.
In conclusion:
Pellé in – Welbeck out. 1FT left with 0.4M in the bank.
Hope this helped.
– another reason why I picked Fabregas is because I’ve seen him play more defensively lately. It’s just my gut feeling.
Hi Ruben,
Got to say thanks very much for your thoughts & feedback along with Pippin above, I agree with everything you say & if I go for Welly > Pelle then it will make it less likely to afford Aguero in time & Silva too potentially.
Also I’m keeping my eye on WALLY as he is due back soon & going to have a massive headache then to potentially fit him in once fully fit.
Think it’s going to be a coin flip indeed & more time to sweat and scratch my head here haha.
Thanks again mate.
You’re welcome! Well I’m a big believer in going with your own gut feeling rather than what other people tell you to do, so good on you.
I have another solution for you.
Shawcross out – Moore in. +1.6m
Welbeck out – Pellé in. -0.6m
That leaves 1m left in the bank, 0FT and you still have Stoke cover in Wilson.
I don’t know. It’s just a thought. Best of luck with your decisions!
Marky – I would leave the mid’s and forwards be this week, there’s nothing untoward there. Wilson/Shawcross out as the double up is a bit unnecessary. Aguero in for Falcao next week sounds like a good move, wouldn’t drop any of your mid’s for Silva to be honest.
Hey NIN,
So you would not change any of my MF’s to bring in Silva ? … Interesting and therefore would just bring in Aguero next week ?
Only reason was thinking of doing a transfer this week was because I have 2FT currently and if I don’t make a transfer this week then will lose 1 for next week as only allowed maximum of 2FT being banked I’m told.
Yep, spot on, only 2FT’s can be banked so one of the Stoke defenders can be sorted this week. Which one will likely depend on how much, if any, funds you may need for future weeks. Personally i prefer Aguero to Falcao but with Everton playing a game in the back arse of Russia on Thursday, it might be wiser to hold onto Falcao this week.
NIN well done in our H2H mate, had another shocker this GW. My aim will just be to avoid relegation now this season!
NIN, I agree & a big admirer of Aguero when fit but also believe that Falcao is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode onto the scene with a large points haul.
Indeed thinking to change the Stoke DF this week and bank the extra transfer ntil next week to have 2FT again and then do Aguero with Falcao if he doesn’t return the big points against a jetlagged Everton DF.
As always NIN, once more the voice of reason prevails & manages to calm the mind !! haha …. Cheers mate much appreciated as always.
Cheers Calvin. Pure luck mate. You had me but for the Rooney/Rambo debacles. There’s plenty of time left to make a push 😉
No problem Marky :thumbup:
Is Dier and Eriksen worth keeping? If I want to drop them, I will have 14.2 to spend on a def and mid but who would be suitable
post your team mate! will help us answer more fully
+1. We’re pissing in the wind without seeing the team
Go Dortmund by the way. Heja BVB
Hi guys. My GW7 team currently is:
Mannone, (Krul)
Ivanovic, Dier, Clyne, O’Shea, (Wasilewski)
Di Maria, Sterling, Fabregas, Sigurd, (Ki)
Costa, Pelle, (Naismith)
I already did Rooney -> Pelle this week but I’m looking ahead to GW8. If I want to get Aguero in for Naismith I need to take a 4pt hit and downgrade a mid to free up the funds, either Di Maria or Sterling.
Who would you drop and who for?
Chilli, so you’re set on Aguero in this GW? You should probably have just used your two FTs and gone Rooney to Aguero instead
But hindsight is wonderful hey? Pelle is a great option though still – I made the same move already this GW.
I’d personally look to downgrade Fab before ADM, who is much more attacking. I think Downing is a good option to downgrade to, as is Chadli, though don’t know if he would provide enough funds for your Aguero move, and is also carrying a knock at the moment.
Sorry dude, probably wasn’t clear. I’ve used my one FT this week, but am looking ahead to do a FT and a 4pt hit in GW8. I didn’t have the funds to just to Rooney -> Aguero this week.
At the moment I’m pretty happy with Fab, I’m going to wait til after the weekend as see how Di Mar and Sterling perform but at the current prices doing Naismith -> Aguero and then dropping Di Maria would leave be a 6m budget. Downing looks like a pretty solid target.
Alternatively dropping Sterling would give me a budget of 4.9 and I can just get Jedinak.
Ah my bad, you did say looking at GW8. Both solid options you’ve listed there, so as you said see how it goes this GW and move accordingly.
chilli – Hmm, that’s a really tough call. There may well not be a ‘correct’ one to ditch, i’d lean toward Di Maria but it’s a hard trade to make given his form. Same can be said for Sterling and Cesc too.
Yeah it’s tough, there’s probably never a right option as all players drop points/form at some point. Aguero might not ever be the right choice but hey ho.
The only thing giving me some indication of where to lean is the fixture difficulties. From GW8 to GW12 Utd have three harder games, as opposed to Liverpool who’s only got one. Hard to predict again this season as even the minnows are throwing up surprises, but Di Mar could be the sacrificial lamb.
chilli – Those are my thoughts exactly.