Fantasy Football Captain Picks Gameweek 4 2017/18
Welcome to Fantasy Football Captain Picks Gameweek 4. By the time you read this I’ll be home in Newcastle, back to dreary weather, back to 9-5 and my ‘vacation’ a distant memory. Right now however, I’m writing this by the pool in Vegas debating what type of cocktail to have next – life isn’t so bad!
As the drama of deadline day unfolded (for some of us) I followed from afar debating how potential transfers would impact on the players I would propose in my very first captains article, very little it turns out. Had Alexis Sanchez completed his move to Manchester City as predicted, it was likely his 2.4% ownership would have risen rapidly and his inclusion in this article would be a formality. Whichever side of the story you believe as to why the transfer failed to happen, the outcome is still the same, Sanchez remains an Arsenal player, and probably not a very happy one.
It feels quite fitting that I’m writing this article from the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas. Regardless of who you stick the armband on each GW you’re still taking a gamble, an educated gamble of course but as many managers in GW3 found, having great stats or form can sometimes count for nothing in FPL. The overall top 3 captain picks in GW3 were Kane, Lukaku and Aguero, who scored 2, 0 and 1 points respectively. How were we to know that Lukaku would miss a penalty, that Kane would once again fail to score in August, or that Kun would be benched? If like myself, you captained one of the aforementioned players then I feel your pain, but let’s not dwell on our losses it’s time to role the dice once more as we head into GW4.
Firmino (Manchester City, Away)
GW4 Kicks off in style, its fourth versus second as Liverpool head to the Etihad. It’s time to set those early kick-off captain jitters aside, there are options aplenty in this one.
In years gone by Aguero would be the default choice in most if not all City home games. This season however picking a captain from Manchester City has become a game of chance, so that’s why in this instance I’m suggesting you stick your chips on red.
Liverpool sit second in the table, no doubt full of confidence after their 4-0 win over Arsenal, who quite frankly looked all over the shop. As in GW1 Mane, Firmino and Salah all made their mark on the score sheet, Liverpool are unbeaten in their previous 11 matches against last seasons top six, and the last time City beat Liverpool was back in the 2014/15 season. Any of Mane, Salah and Firmino is a sound choice for the armband this week, but with 26 points Firmino is currently joint top scorer in FPL, so he slightly edges it for me. Add in the fact he seems to be on pens only makes for a more compelling argument, Firmino gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Two goals, two assists and maximum BP in both GWs 1 and 3 says Bobby is a man in form.
Sam Vokes (Crystal Palace, home)
They say a bad workman blames his tools, not to say Crystal Palace players are tools but if they were they’d be something like a mallet – a blunt instrument good for doing a particular job but little else. Frank de Boer has inherited players more accustomed to the direct football (punt it to the big man up front) of previous manager Sam Allardyce, and its clear he’s trying to get his team to be more expansive in their play, but do the players who he’s inherited have the ability? 3 defeats in 3 would suggest not.
Do we already have a situation where we captain whoever faces Palace? It’s too early for such declarations surely, but they look a bit rubbish so it’s not the craziest idea in the world. Burnley are next to face Palace at Turf Moor, an unlikely win at the Bridge and a draw against Spurs already under their belt, Palace at home seems too good to ignore. With everyone’s favourite tweeter and all round nice guy Andre Gray now off the books, Sam Vokes looks set for more minutes than the 2064 he racked up last season. With 2 goals and maximum bonus points against the 10 men of Chelsea, he’s not as obvious or glamorous as other options, despite this it wouldn’t come as a great surprise if he registers double figures against a Palace team who have already conceded 6 goals and don’t look like improving any time soon.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Stoke, Away)
Romelu, you’re such a tease! 13 points in GW1 followed by an acceptable if not slightly underwhelming 6 in GW2 and then came GW3. It could have been so different, Kasper Schmeichel made a fine save to deny Lukaku’s first penalty for United but the only way Lukaku could have made it easier was if he’d been wearing a sign around his neck stating ‘to the right mate’. Zero points times 2 is still Zero, my dog is no mathematician and even he knows that, sadly FPL managers around the globe know it only too well now too. Enough trolling, United have been sensational, 3 wins from 3 regardless of opposition should be commended. This week they travel to Stoke who beat Arsenal in GW2 but it seems highly unlikely that they could repeat that feat against a Man U team who look like a very different animal to the one that drew 1-1 at the Bet365 stadium last season. So let’s give big Rom a break this week, if Lukaku is the Big Mac then Mkhitaryan is a side of fries, that whilst not the main event, you just can’t get enough of… nom nom nom.
Mkhitaryan is joint top scorer with Bailly, Pogba and Firmino on 26 points, so why Mkhi and not Pogba?
Well Mkhitaryan has 5 assists in just three matches, equalling a 23-year-old record for assists at the start of a premier league season held by Ruel Fox. Mkhitaryan is no Ruel Fox, he’s better… like a lot better. Yet to add premier league goals to his repertoire you only need look at his 2015/16 stats for Borussia Dortmund – 11 goals and 15 assists in just 31 games. Mkhitaryan is a man who deserves serious armband recognition… and if you don’t have him, Pogba is not too shabby either.
Alvaro Morata (Leicester, Away)
Had it not been for the antics of messrs Cahill and Fabregas back in GW1, Chelsea could have been sharing top spot with United heading into GW4, but as my Grandad used to say ‘aye and if your Auntie had bollocks she’d be your Uncle’, fair enough. Chelsea had their pride (slightly) saved by the introduction of Alvaro Morata in the 59th minute, the scoreline could have looked a lot worse. Trailing by three goals at the break, Morata notched a goal, an assist and picked up 2 BP for a total of 10 points. In GW3 Morata scored another 12 points with another goal, assist and maximum bonus points, he’s currently sitting on 24 points. The former Real Madrid man is no fly-by-night, he netted 15 goals in just 26 appearances for Real Madrid last season, despite largely playing second fiddle to Karin Benzema. Chelsea might have paid £70.6 million for a Real Madrid substitute (his words not mine) but I can’t see him keeping the bench warm much this season.
Harry Kane (Everton, Away)
Harry Kane doubled his points tally for the season in GW3, unfortunately his score prior to GW3 was a meagre 2 points. We were all told at the start of the season that Harry doesn’t score in August and so it came to pass, no sooner was September here and Harry was back on the score sheet with a brace for England (am I the only one who finds the international break an inconvenience?). Sometimes in life you get that feeling, you know the one, where you can’t explain it but you know that something is going to happen? Whilst this feeling seems to have eluded me after 5 fruitless casino visits this week, I do have that feeling Harry is going to score this GW. Everton have actually performed above expectations in their so called bad run of fixtures but like I said, I just have a feeling. Last year after a barren August he scored in his next 2 games before picking up an ankle injury. Whilst some players thrive at home, Harry thrives everywhere, 7 goals in 2 games away to Leicester and Hull back in May prove that he has no problem with playing away from home (bit like his mate Wayne). I’ll also point out that whilst Harry doesn’t yet have the goals he’s not lacking in confidence, he’s currently averaging 8 shots per game, as a comparison Lukaku is on 4.7, Firmini 3. Its only a matter of time until they start going in.
Good luck to you all for GW4, may the FPL gods smile upon you.
Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Captain Picks Gameweek 4
This article was written by Rosco.
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Gameweek Tracker GW4-11
I pushed the button on a wildcard. My first 3 weeks scores were very poor. My team is as follows; any advice?
Foster/Eliot
Jones/Schindler/Yoshida/Mbemba/Simpson
Mkhitarayan/David Silva/sanches/Tadic/William
Kane/Lukaku/Firmino
I have 0.6 In the bank too
William will leave hits minutes reduced when Hazard comes back.. a 4.5m mid would be good for the bench. Carroll.
Not sure if mbemba is nailed. Check with Rosco or Milburn. Great front three. Soton aren’t too good going forwards. Tadic hot and cold.
Horse makes some great points. I’d add either Yoshida or Stephens is going to drop out now VVD is back. So Cedric is safer option
I agree. They also have that new Dutch defender too. Cedric is a better option
Great article Rosco, Idk I am still confused as I only have Bobby among them but have armband on Lukaku atm
Cheers! Surely he can’t get 0 points 2 on the trot!!
That’s a great first article Rosco, cheers! And a truly tricky choice this week, I’m not quite sure where I’ll land! Any input on what to do with this lot would be much appreciated. KDB out and save a FT? Kane & KDB out with 2 FT? Or something else?
2FT, 0 itb
DDG, Elliot
Hegazi, Davies, Cedric, Mee, Hun
KDB, Ramsey, Willian, Ince, Carroll
Kane, Lukaku, Firmino
With hazard back your mid looks really weak atm, KDB to Mikhi or Mane/Salah would be my move
Cheers fellas. Thoughts on KDB > Silva to keep some City cover? And if going with ManU who do you prefer – Mikhi or Pogba?
You could do both KDB and Willian to Silva and Mikhi / Pogba. That looks / feels stronger overall and eliminates the weekly Willian doubts as to whether he’s playing or not. You could say the same about anyone with CL looming I suppose but he has a history of sharing time with Fab and Pedro when Hazard is fit.
Yeah Innit, I like that quite a bit too. Good stuff. Just leaves Ramsey and Ince out there havin a walkabout every weekend
Some Man U in midfield seems look a good idea. KBD to Micky T or Pogba
Whilst you’re there what do you think I should do?
2m it’s
1ft
DDG
Kompany Bavies Stephens Yoshida
Erik MickyT Willian Mooy
Luka Kane
Elliott Carroll Quarney Long
Looking at Salam in for Willian as I have no scouse cover or Alonso in for Kompany or Abraham in or hold a transfer for next week
2m ITB* and I assume you are talking of Salah? for willian? Think I would get Pool mid for willian and Naughton for one of the Swansea def
Thanks Snookie. My timing/ eyesight isn’t so great today ?
Typing ffs
Sorry Naughton for one of the Saints pair*
Any views on how Coutinho and Ox will fit in to Liverpool set up and who will likely be rotated?
Ox will be on bench. I’d expect Coutinho to come in for Can. Can has been playing well so could be wijanaldum
Thanks Smash
I’m not convinced Coutinho starts against City. It will all depend on his attitude in training on his return. If he returns!
Cheers Kop. What’s your take on the Coutinho Ox Salah Mane Firmino conundrum in the medium term?
Firmino flanked by Mane & Salah are unquestionably the first choice forward line.
As for what happens with the midfield three your guess is as good as mine
Assuming Coutinho comes back into the team we have himself, Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum and Henderson to fit into the spots. Expect rotation.
Cheers Kop
I suspect your guess will be much better than mine??
That should be a
instead of ? Getting used to phone. 
Yeah Coutinho could be on bench this week. However with his talent he will almost certainly be back starting the following week
Who to captain between Kun & Luk?
Would go for Lukaku as Kun isn’t even gauranteed starter right now and United are in better form too
+1
Hey All; Fell off the face of the planet for a bit. Like half way through last season. On a WC had an O.K start to this season. Lots of Lovin’ for the articles put out. Thank you!
WC Team.
Lossel
Alsono Naughton Lowe
Pogba Alli Mikhi Mane Hazard
Chic Firmino
(Elliot Mee Dunk Calvert-lewin)
Couple of question;
1. Def to light? – mind you they rotate pretty well.
2. Mid to heavy – But I do like the looks of it.
3. Calvert- lewin – better option? – Anew?
3. Not sold on Chic- but I think he is the best value at 7.1(mid or forward)
4. Would you have Hazard in you WC team or to early?
5. No Laka or Kane but think I have Spurs and Man U covered?
Team value 100.4 nil in the bank.
Cedric looks good in def. saints have good figures and have strengthened at back.
Too soon for Hazard. How about Siggy. Need a cheap forward to bench if you’re playing 352. Quarney (HUD)
Bit light up top but Firmino is good. If Chic fires you could do well.
Thanks for the reply Horse! Who do you fancy to take out to make room for Cedric?
Not sure tbh. Keep Alonso and Naughton.
Depends on rotation
Hi G, it’s certainly different. Good different, I think.
A light defence is fine if as you say they rotate well enough. Obviously you’ll play Alonso every week regardless so as long as you can get two of the others with a home game then you should be ok there.
Mid is the best thing about it of course. Hazard should start this week you’d think but look out for what Conte actually says.
The ‘big’ 2 forwards will hurt you at times but you’ll just need tough skin when they do as that’s the pay off for that midfield which few others will have. The big downside in going without either or both is the captaincy issue – you’re limiting yours a bit but also when they have an ‘easier’ game most will just plop it on them and that’s when it gets tricky if they go off on one.
I do like it, I also don’t think I’d have the balls to go with it myself but if you do then good luck.
Thanks Initt. Much appreciated! Will watch for team news on hazard. The D could work as long as I pick the right two every week, could be a rotation nightmare. Going to give it a go I think.
No probs, and fair do’s if you go for it. It’ll be an interesting one to follow so be sure to stick around this time!
Will do! How do I link a team?
https://fantasyfootball247.co.uk/fantasy-football-help/
5th question down on that link.
Thanks Initt! Think its linked. Another question…should I down grade a def to a 4.0 and upgrade one to a 5.0? Might strengthen the back a bit. But my thought is playing the WC this week, then Bench boost in the near future while my bench is hopefully still getting minutes, then down grade one and upgrade another? Thoughts?
If your team is Dunny FC then yes it is.
Depends who the players involved are? If it’s a 4.0 who plays and the upgrade means a def on a better team then yeah makes sense.
Either way I’d keep the BB for a DGW after Christmas ideally.
Ya that’s it! Would either be a West Brom or SouthHamp Def for 5.0. Only thing is….is there a 4.0 def that plays? Mmbeme I think is the only one but I think his time is limited? But I like the idea of BB after Christmas, if that’s the case I may upgrade. But that would really be a weak bench if the 4.0 def and calvert-lewin don’t play. Worth it for a better starting XI?
I’d be comfortable carrying maybe 1 def as a non-starter but not more than that really. Calvert-Lewin will probably carry on starting some games because he’s progressing well but with the Europa he will be subject to rotation.
Option 1 or Option 2?
Difficult to say that really. I don’t think I’d build a WC team right now without Lukaku but Option 1 does actually look better.
I cant quite get myself to do it either but the cover for no Lukaku was double up united mid, still im torn.