As the game-week kicked off there was an air of nervousness about it. For weeks our captain choices whether they performed or not had always seemed very straightforward. Don’t get me wrong, this was an easy choice for us this week, but nevertheless it did feel weird to feel so sure about captaining a QPR player. So the GW gets going and right out of the gate Yaya and Silva owners are rewarded plus any managers with City defensive cover. Not owning any City cover in the attacking positions could prove to be a major problem that might have to be addressed sooner rather than later, but our fears of a terrible week where quickly extinguished when Mr. Home form himself Charlie Austin delivered better than the milkman at a lonely housewife’s home.
Joe Hart started off the week with a handy clean sheet for us and he has proved to be a solid pick up as he has accrued 11 points in the two weeks we owned him. That also makes 4 clean sheets in 5 for City and with their run of fixtures coming up, we certainly hope he is in line for some more nice returns. Alderweireld finally picked up a clean sheet as the Saints finally were able to come through for those that held onto a Saints defender with their first since week 11. Taylor (Swansea) added to the clean sheet party and will also enjoy a good run of fixtures where he might be able to continue earning his keep on our squad. *Long Pause*….. *Clears throat*….. And this is where we get to our least favourite part of the team review on a weekly basis. BAINES you are killing us! Don’t know what is more shocking, his returns over the last 6 weeks or the fact that he is still on our team.
As we proceed to our midfield we see former Liverpool great Stewart Downing once again returning the goods. He has been as spectacular for us, as Baines has been absolute crap. Averaging 8 points a game for us since he joined the FF247 outfit. He certainly has been one of the signings of the season so far for us, specially when you consider the cheap price he was bought at. The Dirty one, Sanchez wasn’t his usual kinky self. In one of his flattest games of the season he only returned 2 points and for the first time since joining us, failed to register a goal or an assist. Our inspired signing of Eriksen brought in 2 points or -2 points for those of you that realize that we brought him in for a hit. Hey, but who is counting right? Eden Hazard managed to grab an assist and when coupled with a bonus point and a clean sheet point he delivered a smooth seven points, but also manage to walk off limping at the end of the game…wonderful!
Bony also starts with a B. For those of you keeping up, who also starts with a B? Baines! Talk about having trouble replacing Aguero, we went from our star Argie to Dzeko who managed to get injured in that fiasco from last game-week. We thought we had the perfect solution though with the ever consistent Bony and he does not even start. What can we say? I guess this is part of the roller coaster ride that is FPL. Hopefully though, Wilfried can pay back his misstep over the coming weeks and repay our fickle trust in him. Austin you beauty! If Austin scored 3 goals over 5 games we probably find that very acceptable, but to score a hat trick when he was our captain, well that is legendary stuff. If we ever open that Hall of Fame for the top FF247 managers that we have been inexplicably putting off, we might just name it Charlie’s room. With 69 points at home he is tied with Eden Hazard for tops in FPL and he certainly has earned a few beers on us. Diego Costa once again disappointed and will be sharing the dog house with Baines. One goal total in the 4 games vs Sunderland, Newcastle, Hull and Stoke speaks to the kind of form he is in and to the stubbornness of the FF247 site team management.
We scored 76 (-4) points for the week. We moved up 336 places and now sit in a global position of 998. So once again we have climbed back into the top 1K and hopefully this time we can establish a permanent place inside this hallowed FPL ground.
Transfer(s) for GW18
So to confirm our transfers we have –
Sold Eden Hazard for David Silva
With the doubts surrounding his fitness and our lack of Man City coverage we have decided to bring in Silva given both last weeks form and the three fixtures ahead for him.
Our team in full…
Captain
Our captain this week is Alexis Sanchez
Assuming he’s not rested then QPR at home is too good to ignore for the leading fantasy points scorer.
Our Vice Captain this week is Diego Costa.
The team in text format is –
Hart
Alderweireld Taylor Baines
Sanchez(c) Silva Eriksen Downing
Austin Costa(v) Bony
Bench: Krul. Boyd, Bartley, Hutton
At this time of year, its important to remenber that a pub is for life, not just for Christmas
Happy Christmas everyone from the Bench household, have a good one
Any news on Hazard?.
Hi all, hope everyone is having a good xmas!!
ANNNDD fpl….
any ideas welcome thanks
Merry Xmas … your squad is looking quite good! Of course the Hazard saga continues, but not to worry as your bench mids are very good. Here’s to a nice haul over the weekend!
Any advice for me below? 0ft, 0.70 ITB. THANKS!
good stuff, thanks shriz, hope you had a good day
looking good for this week mate, could get 24+ from your defence, then the beast midfield!!
however, id consider yaya–>silva then upgrading el ahamadi in the coming weeks providing no other injuries/suspensions!!
Thanks hazard! Ya, been meaning to sort out Al Amahdi errm, eventually. ???? Even though YYT netted last weekend, he looked disinterested. Silva to join the lineupfor sure. Enjoy your holidays mate!
As I have no bench, I think I may need to take a hit for Hazard, seeing as we won’t know if he’s playing until game time. Not sure who to bring in. Surely Fab will be rested soon? Take a punt on Cazorla?
Use your ft to swap our Duff. Maybe transfer in Hutton as cover in case Sanchez and Hazard are rested?
Or B Davies for Spurs, although it’s shortsighted with ManU and Chelsea on Sunday and New Years.
Hi all,
the plan for this weekend is:
Boyd -> Silva
Sakho -> Kane
(-4)
Is it worth it?
Also, which three of Baines (STO), Chambers (QPR), Clyne (cry) and Taylor (AVL) would you play?
This is the team before changes. I would then bench Austin and play five across the middle with Kane and Bony upfront. How does it look?
Merry Xmas! Silva could very well make up for the hit, could be a good move. Kane us in great form, so no worries there. I’m looking to do the same transfer but can’t just yet. What are your thoughts on Cazorla as a punt for this weekend?
Merry Xmas to you too Shrizz!
In flying form at the moment, but could be replaced with Walcott back from injury. I would probably punt it given his form although it certainly is a risk!
Kane great for this GW but then ManU and Chelsea next two GWs.
Current team below, do I need to do anything ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures? I have 0 in the bank and 1FT. Any suggestions welcome!
Igy, looks strong to me mate. No City but you’re well covered in other areas. Good luck!
Thanks Cookie! I would like Silva but would need to transfer out Eriksen and take a 4pt hit on someone else. Should I save the free transfer this game week then?
Igy, I would save the transfer and get Silva next week.
This would be the confirmed team.
The following GWs I think I would play a similar team but bench Kane because of his tough fixture.
The defence begins to struggle to give three good options so I would look to adjust there next.
Thoughts on a hit for these transfers for a -4:
Sakho -> Kane
Boyd -> Silva
I know my team structure is ruined but the Jan WC will sort that for when Aguero is back.
Sorry for posting two inquick succession, felt my previous post was purely explained – too much of the red wine!
Sorry, purple = subs
Benching Chambers and Austin silly? One should score well tomorrow I just don’t know which!