Fantasy Football Captains Picks Gameweek 4
When asked by the FF247 beaks if I would like to help out with the captains article, without a moments hesitation I said ‘yes’. Then a few minutes later I thought… I HATE the captain rule. Absolutely essential to the game I admit and I would never want to see it taken away but are you like me? Do you see the ‘Team of the Week’ being boosted by a relegation-haunted reserve centre back with a captain’s armband on, who has just scored the first two goals in his career and kept a clean sheet against the strongest team in the league and some guy down in 3 quillionth place rises a zillion places because of it? And you think? How? How can you possibly have captained him? Just me? OK let’s go…
ARSENAL v MANCHESTER CITY
Starting with the game of the week – there will be lots of choices in this one. For Arsenal we have Ramsey, Alexis and Welbeck (two goals this past week for England and confidence given a huge boost). For the visitors, Toure, Silva (Monday night scorer for Spain), Aguero, ‘Dzovetic’. (I combine these two as your guess is as good as mine as to who will play). (editor – probably the Dz bit if the ovetic bit is as injured as it may first appear!).
The thing is though, very rarely will most managers back even their best players for the armband when they are playing a fellow big 4/5/6 club.
Therefore, there is probably greater point-haul potential to be found in our next three matches…
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CHELSEA v SWANSEA CITY
Week four and we have a ‘top-of-the-table’ clash with both teams putting their 100% records on the line. Swansea have professionally, and with clean sheets, dispatched both West Brom and Burnley at home after their opening day win at Old Trafford and will never arrive at The Bridge in better shape. Chelsea have started nervously, managing to run in only 11 (E L E V E N) goals in their first three matches! Irresistible force meeting the immovable object was coined for this one.
Diego Costa
Now at the time of writing he is an injury doubt (déjà vu here eh?). He played 60 minutes in Spain’s 1-0 defeat to France in Paris last week and it then emerged he had a hamstring strain and was excused Spain’s qualifier against FYR Macedonia on Monday night. A few of his Spanish teammates (Sliva was one) tweeted late last week that Costa was ‘fine’. I would say wait for Mourinho on Friday for further details but would that be any use to you after last week’s presser? Seriously though, there will surely be some update come Friday.
Statistically the man has four goals in three league games including two in his latest league outing at Everton (in which he also created two ‘big chances’). The only slight concern is the red-mist which seems to never be far away. He was involved in an altercation with Tim Howard in the Everton game having allegedly goaded Seamus Coleman about his own goal.
The sensible move if you do plan to captain him would be to have the ‘next best’ in your squads with the Vice Captain title.
Eden Hazard/Cesc Fabregas
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[/three_fourth]Many teams will have either Haz or Cesc and many will see this as a safer bet than the doubtful Costa which is fair enough. The thing is, Eden Hazard too, has a yellow flag currently but he has a goal and assist this season so information about him on Friday will be key because he will be a sure-fire starter.
As Costa has four goals, Cesc Fabregas has four assists and Chelsea’s tempo seems to be set by the classy Spaniard. He will be central again for the Blues and comes off the back of ninety minutes for Spain on Monday, a game in which he took all Spain’s corners and received a yellow card for a poor second half challenge. Both have solid captaincy claims.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
A huge favourite in fantasy football, the Icelander has a goal already this season at Old Trafford no less, but this one should be a notch or two tougher than that trip. But then he also has four assists in three games – one for the adventurous manager to captain, just to have him in your team may be enough for most.
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LIVERPOOL v ASTON VILLA
In recent seasons Villa have managed to give Liverpool quite a few scares at Anfield and that is something Liverpool will be looking to avoid this time out. The Villains come in to this one without previous tormentor, Christian Benteke though and Brendan Rodgers sadly will not be able to unleash the SSS (Sterling, Sturridge and SuperMario) in front of the Kop for the first time as Sturridge collected an injury on international duty and will miss a few weeks of action.
Raheem Sterling
This lad can do no wrong at the moment. For my money he is the most exciting player in the league at present, the best player in the England national team, the best fantasy prospect from Liverpool and the best fantasy prospect from midfield. He is 19! A home game against Aston Villa will have the appetite whetted for a number of his owners (42.9% currently) and a tremendous man-of-the-match performance against Tottenham last time out coupled with an excellent international showing on Monday, will have attracted plenty of favour for him. Interestingly, of his three shots at goal in the Spurs match, all three were on target and one resulted in his goal. One of the others was his fantastic dribble and attempt which his manager brilliantly described as being “a run like Ricky Villa with a finish like Ricky Gervais”. Don’t let that put you off!
Mario Balotelli
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[/three_fourth]What can we say about Mad Mario that hasn’t already been said, thought or written? He is a nice quiet, down-to-earth chap who is absolutely useless on the football field. There, I think I’ve done it . . .
The Sturridge injury has suddenly catapulted Balo in to the main striker role one would have thought. Although even if Rickie Lambert comes in, Mario will be in the team and looking to break his Reds duck which he almost did at The Lane on his debut. Plenty of Premier League experience and will have a few new owners but who dares captain him? Could be a stroke of madness or genius – much like Balotelli himself really so how appropriate indeed. Twenty goals and three red cards in the league in just over two seasons illustrates the man perfectly.
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MANCHESTER UNITED v QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Manchester United are going to click sooner or later aren’t they? How many weeks can we continue to say that they are due to paste someone? Well their hand-picked opening fixtures continue with the visit of old padre Rio Ferdinand’s QPR. And oh yeah – they’ve thrown di Maria and Falcao in there too now. Now all you bigger boys play nicely and share out there – Louis is watching you.
Wayne Rooney
Captain of club and country, his solitary club goal this season came on the opening day defeat to Swansea but as with all United players, even though they have been nowhere near convincing, many of us will be attracted to the fact they are playing QPR at home. And that strangely will still be many a manager ‘sold’ on the idea. Shrek will hold the trump card as penalty duties would seemingly lie with him and he is a guaranteed starter amongst the United multi-piece jigsaw.
Angel di Maria
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[/three_fourth]He has warmed up for QPR by single-handedly taking apart the World Champions and in their own garden as well. Can’t be bad that. ADM (love it when a player in fantasy becomes known by three initials!), assisted the first three goals and scored the fourth himself for Argentina in their 4-2 drubbing of Germany in Dusseldorf last week. As a direct result, since his debut at Burnley a week past on Saturday, his transfers in stands at 127,192 for the week and equates to a 7.3% ownership. I would guess a great number of his owners will be handing captaincy duties to the Argentine and I would be in no hurry to talk anyone out of such a move.
Radamel Falcao
The Colombian has been brought in on a one-year loan deal from Monaco and so far, the £11.0M striker has just a 3.9% ownership. Now I would imagine a huge number of Wildcard Teams this week will carry him but this can only be based on his past exploits WHEN 100% FIT. He is clearly not at present. Will he be pitched straight in to this new league from minute one or will LVG manage the man properly? It would be no surprise to see him coming off the bench this weekend and in that case makes captaincy of him a tad risky. But sometimes risks work…
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Author’s tips
I suggested in the early discussions of this article for this season, that the author should put his head on the block and pick his top three each week (I hope it catches on – sorry, colleagues).
Well I’ll practice what I preached and give you in traffic signal order:
RED (Take a wild punt if you have him) – Branislav Ivanovic
AMBER (Proceed with caution) – Diego Costa
GREEN (If you have him, armband him) – Raheem Sterling
I hope you enjoyed this article and don’t forget to vote on the Captain’s Poll.
Thanks for reading Fantasy Football 247 League Updates – Fantasy Premier League 2014-15. This article was written by The Gallant Pioneer
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Hmmm, if Ramsey is injured would you consider taking him out? Even if it is just for 1 game. Next 4 games Arsenal: City home (he might miss that one), Villa away, Spurs home, Chelsea away. Think I might use wildcard after GW8 so that’s the best way to get him back, if needed.
Usually I wouldn’t consider it but the other players I have do have decent fixtures. Apart from Fabregas, he however looks key for this Chelsea and they do have 3 homegames.
Ramsey to sterling a crazy option if he’s injured? Was gonna do Mata to Sterling but this might change everything.
If he’s out, it’s Ramsey —-> Sterling, if not, it’ll be The Viking off on his way…
I think that’s a smart time to wildcard. All circumstantial though of course.
Last years winners didn’t wait till ummmm DGW’s or smt. I think, a good manager sort of ummm leads their team to DGW’s, they look in advance. I also like to look at fixtures and after GW7 or GW8 City will get really kind fixtures, United’s fixture will get harder. Thing change.
Hoping Mata will have a wonderful weekend if I do keep him, hahaha. Meaning he will score/assist like crazy so he’ll keep up… would be funny if for some weird reason he does start as a 10. Hmmm, RvP tonight again was f-ing depressing to watch. I’m really starting to doubt he’ll ever come close to the form he had 2-3 seasons ago.
Hmmm, think van Gaal should sell RvP asap.
Yeah, people who wildcarded for DGWs last year were often embarrassed by their well-organised counterparts who just gradually built up to them…
I don’t see any reason why Mata shouldn’t start to be honest, and if the new players and system do evict him for van Gaal’s starting XI then well it’d be madness and a huge waste.
Can’t wait til Friday evening when we’ll actually know how things stand! Will try and forget about my team until then. Van Persie is highly overrated now. This knee surgery thing could really signal his demise.
Overrated is a harsh word, lol. In FPL terms he’s freaking overvalued at 12.5m though, it’s crazy. He should be at 11m tops (and even that’s too much if you ask me).
Rather see a real striker, he’s just not cut out to be a number 9 or a captain for that matter. I know he did well, but still I don’t rate him as high as even a Klaas Jan Huntelaar when fit at the moment. And dude wants to play for the Dutch till WC2018, PLEASE NO!!!!!!!!!!!
Raz mate, I’m an Arsenal fan, trust me “overrated” is now as kind a description as you’ll ever hear from me! 😉
@ James
Still think he would be great for Arsenal and the way they play. Just not at United. Think the only way to really serve him is in a 4-3-3 system and use him as main striker. Giroud and Welly still don’t come close, :P. United has Rooney and Falcao though, young and fresh. 😉
On that note, I think Welly could do well at Arsenal. Planning on getting him after next International Break.
Hell of a midfield that Mitro! I’d consider downgrading either Sanchez or Ramsey to a cheapie like Zaha or maybe JWP. Probably axe Ramsey out of the two, as he picked up a knock for Wales and also you sense that Sanchez is about to hit form. That would free up 3/4m or so to get some better defenders (Ivanovic) in for Dummett (lost his place to Haidara) and Hutton (terrible fixtures).
Sorry about this.. meant to post as reply. I’ll get the hang of it.. Anyways Mitro definitely shore up that defense!
Got 2 teams on the go now. It’s basically Ivan or not! Welbeck will likely come in for Pelle eventually or maybe even this week, haven’t decided yet, if I go with that one. Any preferences or suggestions?
Oh should say in the second one Jelavic is just because he’s got a decent ish fixture this week. He’ll be rotated routinely and may well become Naismith (arrrrggghhh!) once Everton’s fixtures get better.
Ivanovic + Williams + Jelavic or Pieters + Moreno + Pellè
Very tough to call that. I’d be tempted to Ivanvoic but be wary of Jelavic…
Yep, team Ivan for me, just!
Thanks James, yeah not much in it is there?! As I say Jelavic is almost certainly a short term punt but I’d like ideally the Ivan team with the option of Jel to Wel as and when!
Init,
I like the Ivanovic team pal. Not that I can see immediately where you might spend it, but you could bank yourself 0.5M by swapping Williams for Neil Taylor. Have you considered that move?
Yes I have – and no I can’t!
Fair enough.
Still think that is your best team.
If you also get Mane in for Tadic then you can upgrade Jelly to Welbeck
Hi Horse, I’m absolutely loving Mane’s stats and if I knew he was straight in I’d be very tempted. May do it if we get an indication that he is come Friday. Feels like the ultimate punt but his stats suggest he’s a goal and assist machine!
Ooooh Innit, think I saw him playing for Salzburg last season. If I recall correctly he’s bloody awesome. He made a fool out of Ajax (which ain’t that hard but still). 😛
Hmmm, wonder what that will do with Tadic. Tadic is a 10, Mane is a 10. Who will be replaced first? JWP?
Initt- as you know I’ve also got Ivan, hadn’t even considered not having him!!
Don’t know whats wrong with Evertons fixtures myself, considering they scored 3 against Chelsea and 2 against Arsenal, (both at home I know, but it’s still quite impressive).
If your worried about their fixtures, then surely having Baines is a far bigger concern than having Naismith? 😛
PvR and dirtysanchez, thanks. I’m fairly set on Baines now regardless as a season keeper. All set plays, more or less plus assist potential. Ivan is the one that’s bugging me and I can’t decide. I’ve had him in previous seasons and reaped the benefits so I’m fairly set on him as well. Would much prefer a Ramsey/ Silva/ Fabregas than Tadic of course but that’s where something has to give I suppose.
Red – yeah City from 6 will be in the pipeline.
Init, I see you have Baines in both teams. Do you think it’s worth having 2 expensive defenders? Everton still need to visit Anfield and Old Trafford in GW6 and 7. Maybe Janmaat instead of Baines and you could have a Ramsey/Silva/Fabregas instead of Tadic? Just a thought although you never know when Baines is going to start lighting it up..
After tonight even I want to stay away from Janmaat the next couple of games. Dude screwed up so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I heard! Still a good player though! If not Joel Ward looks a reasonable bet at 0.1m cheaper. Half decent fixtures for Palace. Or maybe Kaboul at 5m, seems a decent value pick out of the Spurs back line.
init – I prefer the 2nd team but would swap Ivanovic&Tadic for Moreno&Cesc. If you’re short for them moves then Williams out for Taylor is an option. Or just Naismith instead of Jelavic from the off.
initt, for having so much money tied up in defense those are pretty well balanced sides. Definitely not template teams and full of differentials. I like Balotelli in there but I’m wondering if your defensive returns will cover the points you’ll potentially miss out on without 3 premium forwards.
If it were me I’d pick one of Baines and Ivan and beef up my front line. Sunderland play at home 4 of the next 6 so Van Aanholt might be a good option to raise some money.
Any plans to bring in some City cover from GW6 on?
Evening peeps.
Another reminder to join FF247 very own league in the UEFA champions league.
It all kicks of next Tues 16th so nows the time to put together your 15 Man Euro dream team ..!
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Hi Bench, hope you’re well buddy. Slow start for my lot in the Qual. A with 2 defeats from 3 ties and i play the league leader this week. Oh dear
How’s your season going so far?
Ok chaps. Im on wc and would appreciate your views!
Like it. 😉
Only change I make is Baines, I guess. Ramsey got an injury tonight, look out for that.
Cheers Raz, I wasnt aware of Ramsey. Baines will hopefully be my big differential!
You could be right about that. Innit made some good points (above) about him. 6,9m is relatively cheap, wasn’t he around the 7.5m last season?
I’m think short term, not using WC. Everton have 2 away fixtures against Pool and Chelsea? Forgot, 2 hard games. But in the long run def. good punt.
I like how you did the Krul – Elliot combo, been talking about to people for ages now. People tend to get three 3m defenders and overspend on goalies.
Anyway, good team. Off for bed. Take care peepzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
All-out there B-Bash: I like it.
Would Boyd —–> King not be wise, just so you have a playing sub, in case of emergency? If Ramsey is injured then Ramsey —–> Fabregas would sort you out.
James, good point about Boyd mate. Fab will be in if Ramsey out
Hi B-Bash, Like it. It’s a bit all in maybe would be my only concern, but the starting 11 is great! The subs leave you limited I feel. No idea what you did on last seasons early WC so maybe this was the tactic and it worked in which case I’ll shut up and leave you be!
I am a little concerned too about my bench. I do like a full playing bench of outfield players. Looking for my YYT, Haz and Suarez fro this wc which is what I got from the last one!
Little more work required maybe! So tempted to take a punt on Tadic. I would have a bench to be reckoned with then! 😉
B-Bash his stats and also actual performances have been great – just not nailed it fantasy wise yet but that’s the gamble. Said above about Mane in the same respect but at least Tadic is some way into the bedding down process and he could explode soon. Well ok not explode but get a few goals or whatever!
On the bench issue you’ve got me thinking now! Season before last I basically ran a squad for the duration with like 12 players. I had 3 who I never intended to play and got lucky throughout that I didn’t have to. Had the likes of Ferguson at Newcastle who never played and dropped to something daft like 3.6m but it didn’t matter. Left me to concentrate on the first 11 every week and just switch the odd player depending on fixtures. A balanced squad looks great in theory and on here in pictures but isn’t always the best in reality.
Join me, my friends and all, upon the Tadic wagon!
One assist thus far and going strong! 😉
Howdy Basher. I echo the lads’ comments in that the squad is a bit too ‘balls to the wall’ for my liking. I think you could make up some extra $ by losing Ivanovic and get a 2nd GK. I would then get Cesc in for Di Maria and whatever is left over, put it up front, probably upgrade Welbeck.
It’s a fairly bitchin’ first 11 though 😉