No rest for the wicked then! Whilst the festivities go on around us many serious fantasy managers will be scrambling for their last minute transfers and captain choices as yet another deadline looms on New Years Day at 11.30am. Many will be looking to make their transfers today we imagine just in case they happen to sleep in for whatever reason! Let’s have a quick look at your options then this week as we give you our pick for each position and round off with our captain analysis for game-week 20.
Goalkeeper
One look at the league table and you will see that Crystal Palace currently sit just outside the relegation places in 17th position. However, if you take a look at the current form table you will see that they sit 9th with four wins and four losses from their last eight games. 
What’s more impressive is that fact that across these eight games they boast the best defensive record in the league, conceding just seven goals in that period. A key figure in this recent revival is undoubtedly Julian Speroni. The Argentine has now kept five clean sheets this season which might not seem that impressive, what is impressive though is the fact that these shutouts have all come in Palace’s last nine games. With three of their next four games at home to Norwich, Stoke & Hull we firmly believe that Speroni could very well pick up another couple of clean sheets and therefore he represents superb value at just £4.5m.
Defence
Everton continue to go from strength to strength and have picked up five wins and two draws from their last eight games, conceding just eight goals. Now the obvious pick from the Everton defence is Seamus Coleman, however the Irishman is now priced at £6.6m and as a result those that do not already have him may be reluctant to pay such a premium price. With this in mind, our tip from the Everton defence is Antolin Alcaraz. With Phil Jagielka side lined for a number of weeks the Paraguayan is likely to deputise at centre back and with Everton facing Stoke, Norwich and West Brom in their next three games Alcaraz could prove to be an absolute bargain at just £4.3m. Obviously this would be a short term move but it worth remembering that we all have a wildcard to play in January, so it is as good a time as any to be considering short term moves!
Midfield
With David Silva suspended for the trip to Swansea the debate over which one of these two fantasy power-houses to own will be a little one-sided this week. With nine goals and three assists so far Yaya Toure is sitting joint second in the overall midfield standings having been pipped this week by Hazard due mainly to the fact that he was rested for the game at home to Palace. We wouldn’t bet against him regaining that top spot this week though as he now has penalty duties in his locker, due to the absence of Aguero and with Silva out he should snaffle all the free-kick duties as well which he has become an expert at this season. The fact that Silva is absent may well see Toure push on into more advanced areas as well which will only enhance his appeal as a fantasy asset against a Swansea team who have only won two at home this season and have conceded fourteen goals in the process.
Forward
For those managers looking for a one week punt in front of a possible wildcard, we would look no further than recommending Lukas Podolski. In the absence of the injured Olivier Giroud, we expect Podolski to lead the line against Cardiff. Having made a successful return from injury, Podolski came on in the win at West Ham and in his 26mins of game time he managed to score and assist, scoring 10 fantasy points for any lucky manager that gambled upon him. Wenger has wisely chosen not to rush the German striker back from injury and has instead spent the last month getting himself 100% match-fit, hence he should walk straight into the team vs Cardiff. With the creativity of Cazorla, Walcott and Rosicky behind him, we would expect the striker to get a fair few chances in the match and, as he demonstrated at Upton Park, he can be ruthless and will be looking to make up for lost time this season. Owned by just 1.6% of managers and priced at 8.1m he could be a perfect fit into your team.
Captain Picks
Having considered your possible transfers from the tips above, all that is left is the all-important choice as to who gets the armband. Who is likely to start 2014 off for you with a lovely haul of double points? Let’s have a look at the standout options:
Luis Suarez
The Liverpool striker is the obvious Captain’s pick for GW20 and will, undoubtedly, top all Captain’s polls. Difficult to ignore, the forward has scored 18 goals and created 12 assists in the fourteen league games since returning from his start-of-season ban – 13 of those goals have come at Anfield. Having gone two games without a goal (albeit vs Man City & Chelsea), Suarez will be hungry to get back on the goal trail and a home match vs Hull would appear to offer him the perfect opportunity. Some will point out Hull’s decent defensive record, which has impressed many, but more so at the KC Stadium than on the road. They have failed to keep a clean sheet on their travels this season and with Steven Gerrard believed to be ready to return from injury and the inform Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling operating just behind Suarez, it would only take Phillipe Coutinho to rediscover his creating talents to make it a long evening for Steve Bruce’s men. Suarez has scored in every match he has played at home this season – it would take a brave manager to ignore him this week.
Theo Walcott
For those looking for an alternative to Suarez, Theo Walcott appears to be a sensible choice for the armband. Since his return from injury, the England winger has scored 4 goals and created 3 assists for his team-mates in just 412mins of playing time and looks to be getting back to his best. Owned by just 12% of managers, Walcott could prove to be a brilliant choice for captain, especially if Suarez doesn’t perform as expected vs Hull. Cardiff are Arsenal’s opponents at the Emirates and to say they are having a rough time is somewhat of an understatement – they are without a manager since the unpopular sacking of Malky Mackay, they have conceded eight goals in their last three games, have won just once in nine games and have already been beaten 3-0 at home by Arsenal at the end of November. It is worth pointing out that Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey are both missing for the Gunners, though will plenty of midfield options at his disposal, Arsene Wenger will be hopeful that his team and Walcott can carry their good form into 2014 although in his pre-match press conference, the manager did say Walcott will need to be assessed before the match as he has a small niggle.
Wayne Rooney
If passed fit to play, United will be hoping that Wayne Rooney continues his impressive form, which has seen him score 9 goals and create 11 assists so far this season, a lot of the time from a deeper role than he is accustomed to, due to the Reds having suffered significant injuries in midfield. But with Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher now back and fully fit, we would expect Rooney to operate in his preferred position further forward. United have won their last four matches and are gradually hauling themselves back into contention for a top four spot and Rooney’s form, coupled with RvP’s expected return to the first team soon, should see the goals stating to flow again. Interesting to note in those last four wins, United scored 3 goals in the 3 matches Rooney played, but only once at Norwich at the weekend, when the striker didn’t travel. Spurs kept their first clean sheet in nine games at the weekend in the win over Stoke, but with Rooney having already scored twice vs Spurs already this season, he will be confident of continuing that run. There has been 23 goals in the last 6 meetings between the two clubs at Old Trafford, so it’s a clearly a match that produces goals – and when United score, Rooney is generally involved. The only word of caution is his groin injury that kept him out of the Norwich game – while we expect him to play vs Spurs, keep an ear out for the latest United team news from David Moyes before handing him the armband.
Other options:
There are clearly other options to consider and of course, it’s not always the obvious candidates that score the highest in a game-week. Other names that should be considered include Alvaro Negredo, Yaya Toure, Kevin Nolan, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Loic Remy.
Happy New Year from everyone at FF247 and good luck tomorrow!
This article was written by Cookie, Kop and inittowinit
Okay, here’s my dilemma: like all, I’m not sure Walcott will start
Now, as a 75% doubt, I’ve moved the (c) to Suarez like most
Thing is: my gut still tells me Walcott will play (surely?) and that Liverpool will struggle against Hull…
…can anyone convince me otherwise? I’d be so annoyed if Walcott went on to outscore Suarez now – but also devastated if I went back to Walcott as (c) and he came off the bench. Anyone help out there?
Happy New Year by the way
man I have a headache… 😉
man, i have far more worse team, 5 injured (rooney, walcott, ramsey, rafael, dustin) + silva. but i think wally will play, given the pressure arsenal have now. they have to keep winning, esp. at home. with giroud and ozil out, wenger will push wally to start.
i have no idea about wazza though, thinking to swap him with podolski. but i’m worried about if roon start and pod benched.
i agree with the hull – liverpool situation. hull are better side recently, but liverpool averaging about 3 goals at anfield, and suarez have to be on it. i’ll stick to suarez to be safe.
I didn’t realise Liverpool had such a strong offensive record at home.. which does sway me, when you consider Suarez’s past 2 blanks have come away from home – against top teams too – which suggests he should get back to scoring ways
I think I’ll stick with Suarez (c) then and hope I haven’t cheated myself out of a huge differential.. thanks, and good luck
oh, happy new year james
Hey James. If Walcott’s not fit to start, I’d be very surprised to see Wenger risk him taking part at all.
It’s a tough call comparing the two player’s form. Over the past two games Walcott’s been the form player. And comparing the two opponents, Hull were great against Man Utd in defeat and we all know what happened against Fulham. As for Cardiff…. they’re an absolute CarCRASH at the moment. So everything points to Walcott.
So those are the bare facts, but two games is a ridiculously small sample size to measure. Even though logic tells me Walcott, I can’t bring myself to not captain Suarez. It’s hard to imagine him going a third game without a goal in front of a passionate, full of optimism for the new year, Anfield.
I’m sure all that just confused you further, but those are my thoughts. 😉 haha.
Morning lads, happy new year.
Perfectly summed up above Bryan!
Cheers Cookie! Always good to start 2014 well. :thumbup: Happy New Year to you mate. Quite strange, it’s already nearly 18 hours old here. I’m so over 2013! 😉
Hope you had a good night, although an early rise suggests that you must’ve been quite well behaved!
Hey Cookie, are you going for Suarez too? Haha Bryan, an early rise suggests nothing, trust me..
Was very well behaved – had a few early ones, then went home for a pizza and vino. Unfortunately, the little’un woke up early,hence I’m up. Hoping he’ll want a lie down soon and I may well join him!
Bryan, thanks, you’ve now worsened my already banging headache 😉 those are exactly the reasons I went for Walcott in the first place, and the idea that he wouldn’t come on as a sub makes it even more tempting… …but as you say, even though I don’t feel it, surely Suarez will hit back tomorrow. That’s why I’m going to leave it with him.
I think
If it’s any consolation I’ve been tempted, too. I think everyone is. I actually think it’s quite possible they’ll get pretty much the same score and we’ll all be asking what the stress was all about!
I’m eagerly awaiting news on Rooney, but Moyes leaks so little worthwhile pre-match information even Edward Snowden would give up. If news comes out that he’s not in the squad, I’m definitely taking a hit to bring someone in (although not necessarily for Rooney).
Morning Jimbo…
Hang over kicking in ,,,, !
Happy new year bud..!
Ref your dilema…don’t sweat it ..
Go with Suarez IMO…
Anyway when did anyone ever captain a yellow flagged player….?
Having said that it is Wally & he is buzzing at the mo.
These yellow flags for slight knocks….they generally tend to play any way….
It’s all just a smoke screen for the opposition….!
Go with your feelings Jim…use the force..!
Sorry not very helpful….like I said, still …pissed..!
Absolute legend! Haha, thank you, will do!
Happy New Year all. Here’s to a monster 2014 for all!
For what it’s worth, and following the above discussion thread, I think Walcott will play 90 mins.
The quick question I have: who to replace Silva with for this GW only? I’m playing WC early (and will buy him back without loss), so no need to bench Silva and miss out on potential points. I’d love to go Gerrard – does anyone know more as to whether he’ll play? Alternatively, Cazorla could be a great differential for this GW given uncertainty around Wilshere and Walcott.
Thoughts?
Nolan?
hmmm, I’ll confess I hadn’t considered that one…
It’s a toss of the coin really. Essentially looking for a smash n grab for one GW. Oscar? Cabaye? Navas? The list goes on… Have 9.6m to spend to replace Silva…
Gerrard = solid option, potential keeper
Cazorla = explosive option, 1 GW wonder
It’s between those two for me
Thanks James – Gerrard will actually be in my WC team. Cazorla definitely a 1 GW wonder. Does this suggest I should lean towards Caz, as Gerrard is coming in for the long term anyway?
Depends: arr you playing your WC today or on the 28th?
If today (well, soon), then I’d be tempted by Caz: great differential
If later, perhaps grab Gerrard now whilst he’s cheap…
Yep, will be playing WC as soon as it’s available. I figure why wait, good opportunity to build team value given gap between GW 20 and 21, and I have my other WC in hand as well! Might go with the Caz smash n grab and then buy Silva and Gerrard with WC.
Hope you repeat last week’s feats!
Gerrard not likely to start today so not sure why he’s even being discussed? Go with Santi.
Is this a reliable source?
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steven-gerrard-passed-fit-make-6458172
as i heard on rodger’s last press conference, he might start.
Cheers Desmo
Does that mean Sterling will lose his place!?
Sterling more likely to lose his place to Moses (or at least be rotated). Gerrard likely to replace Allen I would have thought?
I’ll believe this when I see it folks. Right now I’d bet the farm he won’t risk Gerrard against Hull at home. After today he’ll have another week and a half to ensure his injury is sorted. It would be stupid to play him so soon after a hamstring twang.
Tell me more about this farm…
On a serious note, it would seem premature, but he’s got points written all over him if he starts
Big gamble, if you’re a risk taker then go for it. I still think Santi is the better option
Cheers Bisto, good luck this GW
Same to you boyo
News on Walcott and Rooney??
Morning chaps…
Ok, my dilema is to either transfer Silva for 4 point hit, or just leave him mo the bench..?
So I know what you’ll say , just keep him benched…why take hit..bla,bla,bla..!
I don’t wanna take a hit ideally, but I’m struggling with the idea that i surley I can make up the hit
With a decent player coming in…?
So I’ve got , Hazard / Yaya / Wally /,,,,,,
Question.?….
1. Who if anyone can GUARANTEE me points & to also absorb the hit…?
2. My 4th mid… if I bench Silva…is Delph ( a 2 point Specialist ) so also take in to account
His measley contribution..?
Ta..
Bigpopz – I’m having a similar discussion above, only difference is I’m not taking a -4 hit. I seem to have narrowed it down to Cazorla and Gerrard. But mate it could even be someone like Ki from Sunderland. Cookie suggested Nolan. Absolute toss of the coin. The more I think about it, if Caz can’t score in this game, he never will.
I have the same dilemma. Have Cabaye, Hazard and Wally to play. Take a 4PH to get Silva out or just bench him? I also have El Ahmadi the 2 point specialist on the bench. Thinking Toure or Cazorla?? So for you..Cazorla maybe since you already got the beast Yaya?
Morning all!!! Hope you had a great night!!
Any news on Wally??