“Hindsight is 20/20” — That’s an epiphany many of us would have probably shared while pondering our positioning in our respective mini league tables. We could also say “Woulda Coulda Shoulda”.
For many of us, our selections did not deliver much needed wind to propel us to destination Fantasy Football Glory... but we sail on. We are here at the quarter mark of the Premier League season, and it is a suitable time to assess and reflect on what has happened thus far so we may adequately prepare for the road ahead.
I must admit, I started this processing of reflection almost a fortnight ago, and it resulted in me utilizing the wildcard chip last week. My reflection and analysis left me no other option but to dismantle my team. Hopefully it pays dividends in short order.
Game-week ten is marked by a plethora of favorable fixtures for many of the game’s most popular players, so the picks will have a familiar look. I will add a differential or two for those sailing off to find a change in the weather gage.
Here are my Official FPL picks:
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Goalkeepers
Alex McCarthy (£4.5, Southampton v. Newcastle)
The anchor at the bottom of the table hauls a long reach to the enemy port of St Mary’s; that’s ingredients for a clean sheet for the home team.
Ben Foster (£4.5, Watford v. Huddersfield)
Another budget option, and he’s facing the lowest scoring team in the league.
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Defenders
Marcos Alonso (£7.0, Chelsea at Burnley)
It has been a bit of an attacking dry spell for the Spanish international recently. Chelsea will get their fair share of clean sheets though, and it won’t be long before the offensive points return.
Hector Bellerin (£5.4, Arsenal at Crystal Palace)
The Gunners are in supreme form under new manager Unai Emery, entering this London derby high in confidence. Bellerin has three assists in the last two games, so he is one you should be looking at.
Andrew Robertson (£6.4, Liverpool v. Cardiff)
I spoke about popular players with great fixtures earlier, so you’ve got to be happy if you own the Scotland captain. Cardiff did score four last week, keep that in mind. Well, it was against Fulham, so don’t worry overmuch.
Luke Shaw (£5.1, Manchester United v. Everton)
United, while not title contenders, are better than their current position. Some good results should be on the horizon, and Shaw will be integral to that.
Lewis Dunk (£4.4, Brighton v. Wolves)
Budget options are important, and this could be a third clean sheet in the trot.
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Midfielders
Andre Schurrle (£6.0, Fulham v. Bournemouth)
This should be a high scoring game, and the German who was signed late already has four goals.
Mo Salah (£12.8, Liverpool v. Cardiff)
Captain? Coming off a Champions League brace performance, the only fear we have is Klopp pulling him off at sixty minutes before he can complete his hattrick against yet another visiting newly-promoted side.
Roberto Pereyra (£6.2, Watford v. Huddersfield)
Watford currently occupy a Europa League spot, and that is likely to continue for another week.
Eden Hazard (£11.4, Chelsea at Burnley)
A warning with this pick: He’s an injury doubt. I believe he should be ready for Sunday. but I’m not a sports physio.
Ryan Fraser (£6.0, Bournemouth at Fulham)
Remember when I said this one could have loads of goals? If the away side get anything, then Fraser is likely to play a part.
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Forwards
Jamie Vardy (£9.0, Leicester v. West Ham)
I predicted a great season for Vardy, but he has not lived up to expectations yet. The good thing is that it’s not too late for him to get hot.
Alexandre Lacazette (£9.7, Arsenal at Crystal Palace)
He did not start in Europe, so he should be fresh for the London derby. On current form he could destroy Palace.
Sergio Aguero (£11.3, Manchester City at Tottenham)
Tough fixture this week, but I have to back him given the form of the team.
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Well there you have it, the players I believe will help lead to green arrows this week. What are your transfer plans for game-week ten? Is there someone you think I’ve neglected to mention? Let me know in the comments.
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