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GW4: Dos and Don'ts


The room was dark and shady. The television was open but muted, limited to casting a light to the rest of his large living room. On the sofa, in the corner of the room, lied Reece. He wasn't really watching anything. Barely seeing the images interchange before his eyes.

He turned his look on his laptop -actually sitting on his lap-. He glanced at the bottom right corner of the screen.
23:01
The transfer deadline day had just passed. He felt numb. Dumbfound. Stunned, like a deer staring the headlights of a speeding truck. He refreshed his twitter feed. The ITKs had suspiciously muted and the annoyed and annoying fans were complaining.

Had Lemar signed for Arsenal? Was Coutinho a Barca player? Why wasn't Sanchez a City player? Had Drinkwater signed for Chelsea yet? Where was Van Dijk after all? Voices sounded in his head.
He felt dizzy.

For one last time, he mentally calculated this summer's net spend.


The net spend league predicts the Manchester clubs fighting it out this season...










He slammed his laptop shut and stood up to stretch. He took a deep breath and exhaled. He suddenly realized it.
It was over. He was free.

After one of the most exciting, turn-twisting, Machiavellian even, transfer windows he had ever lived, he could again focus on what really mattered. Football. Actual football. Damn, had he missed it. 
He went to the fridge, opened it and grabbed a beer.  Relieved, he walked to the balcony to enjoy the light breeze that was. He took a second to enjoy the silence. Serenity. At last.
An ambulance siren broke the transience of his peacefulness. Suddenly, it hit him.
How could he be so naive? How did it escape his mind? What was he thinking?
How would all those transfers affect his fantasy team? Who will be benched now and should he make use of his wildcard?
The bottle dropped on the floor, with beer spilling out and making a puddle. He rushed back to the sofa and opened his laptop. 
He googled "fantasyopliktos" and started reading.

 

Manchester City v Liverpool

Both sets of fans should feel optimistic after last gameweek. City, showed character; and it was yet again the unlikeliest of saviors for the citizens. Sterling has started this season determined, and by the end of the season he will either be touching elite levels or be part of a trade for Sanchez et al. If only he hadn’t breaken some sort of record of scoring the winner and getting two yellows in extra time at Bournemouth. Liverpool gave Arsenal a complete spanking. Its early days, but -for the moment- it looks like if there will be one team to sandwich between the two Manchester clubs, it will be Liverpool


DOs:

  • Jesus (10.4): With his price dropping, supposedly due to fears of jet-lag, he seems like a nice coup. Also, it seems clear to us right now that he will be the #1 choice for the Striker's role in Guardiola's book
  • Firmino (8.6): His price is rising and understandably so. For all the credit that Mane/Salah get, Firmino is actually a more consistent performer and has offered more points to his buyers so far. He is always involved in the play and his price allows you to get a cheap (ish) starting Striker that performs week-in week-out.
Yeah, we do analytics too now. How about that?

DON'Ts:

  • De Bruyne. De sod off. De leave us alone. De nada. His season so far has been abysmal, highlighted by his latest anemic performance for Belgium at Greece. Something's really wrong with KDB and until he starts performing consistently, its de bye-bye
  • Danilo. Will Walker walk straight back in to the starting 11 for Pep? Remains to be seen. We would advise against keeping or buying Danilo also because free-flowing Liverpool should be scoring at the Etihad.
  • Woodburn. We know the hype is high for the Welsh wonderkid, but he will not be featuring in the League much this season, so please avoid any temptation.


 

Arsenal v Bournemouth

We feel sorry for Arsenal fans, we really do. Right now, they are the current laughing stock of the Premier League and its all their board to blame. Their squad at the moment is in complete disarray, the fans are becoming ever more vocal about wanting Wenger out and, to top all this, Lemar rejected them on deadline day. On the other hand, the international break might have done the Gunners a favor, and even though Bournemouth showed glimpses of what they can be like at home against City, they have their work cut out for them at the Emirates. We can see Arsenal taking it all out on Bournemouth this GW.

DOs:

  • Lacazette (10.4): He was inexplicably dropped at Anfield by Wenger. A decision that was met with bemusement by Klopp and the Anfield faithful. Alexandre -if fit- should always start, and we expect him to make a statement this GW. This is why he is also our Captain Suggestion for the gameweek.
  • Bellerin (6.0): With Arsenal likely to -finally- keep a clean sheet, Hector could prove a vital cog and also contribute in the final third

DON'Ts:

  • Sanchez. Alexis will be doubtful again, and if reports are to believed, his relations with the London club are about to get -even more- edgie.
  • Bournemouth. We want to believe, we really do, in this Eddie Howe side. We celebrated Daniels' rocket against City, but apart from that, B'mouth have nothing to show for this season. So stay away.

 

Brighton vs West Brom 

As much as it pains us to admit, West Brom have done well so far this season, with their typical Pulis-ball. 7 points from their first 3 fixtures is admirable. On the other hand Brighton, even though coming on the back of a well earned point at Vicarage Road against 10-man Watford, have not been pretty on the eye. We think it is time for them to score for the first time this season at home. Our score prediction is at 1-1/2-2

DOs:

  • Propper (5.5):  The side's PK taker and main assist provider. Is also cheaper than Knockhaert and a better value for money
  • Hemed (4.9): We are on sitting on the fence for this one, so we'll be keeping an eye on his fitness report. As we see Brighton scoring, he might as well be a nice option this GW
  • Rodriguez (5.9): A guaranteed starter, it seems and a nice shout for your striking force
  • Brunt (5.5): A midfield maestro, is Chris. We're backing him to get an assist or two against Brighton

 DON'Ts:

  • Defenses. We can't see either team keeping a clean sheet
  • Hegazi. Now would be a very very good time to sell Hegazi and get value for a shrewd investment you made at the start of the season

Everton v Spurs

If this wasn't already a big fixture, Wayne made sure that there will be some added spice in it. Yet another gaffe for the retired international, who did whatever a newly retired person would do. Go get wasted and pickup girls. A bit of advice Wayne: Be discreet! That's the sort of distraction that Koeman will want to avoid, so, could this mean that Rooney will be benched? We advice you not to find out the bad way. As for Pochetino's side, Kane did not -we repeat he did NOT- break the August curse, but his Septembers aren't great either. Finally, Dele Alli seems to enjoy giving his buddies the middle finger...
OK, Wayne. Show us where you keep your flusk

DOs:

  • Sigurdsson (8.4): His price has dropped and it is now your chance to get him. We are expecting an immense season from him and it looks like -if fit- he will be a starter.
  • Ashley Williams (5.5): Good value for money is Ashley, coming on the back of two tremendous victories for Wales, keeping two clean sheets in the process. 
  • Aurier (6.0): A nice coup for Spurs was Aurier. He is expected to start and we can see him blossoming in the Premier League

DON'Ts:

  • Rooney. Obviously
  • Calvert-Lewin. As much as we love the youngster, it seems like he will be seeing the bench more after the arrival of Gylfi
  • Kane. We have a sinking feeling that September curse is coming. Anyway, if you don't already have him, now would not be an ideal time to spend big on him 
  • Dele Alli. Dele is on the naughty chair.

Leicester v Chelsea

Another interesting fixture. The battle of the blues. Shakespeare v Conte. Last season both fixtures were a piece of cake for Chelsea, but this year it will be a whole different story. Leicester were very tough to be broken down at Old Trafford, while Chelsea were convincing against Everton at Stamford Bridge. A close encounter with not much real playing time is expected here, with Zappacosta, Drinkwater -a Chelsea player now- and Hazard -who made a cameo against Greece in Athens- to be eased in the squad.

DOs:

  • Rudiger (6.0): Chesea's backline cheapest option. He can piggy-back on his more expensive colleagues efforts.
  • Maguire (5.1): A cheap(-ish) solution for your defense, in what can be an encounter that might as well be decided by a set piece
  • Willian (7.1): He will get his chances in this game. Remains to be seen if he can reproduce rockets such as the one at Colombia
  • Mahrez (8.5): After not getting the move he was hoping for, we wage on Mahrez to knuckle down and have a great season. A potent attacker of the ball that is always involved in Leicester's highlights, as proven by our graph below.

 

DON'Ts:

  • Morata. Just like against Tottenham, he won't be able to score in this high-intensity game. Also, his price is on the up right now, so don't risk it
  • Vardy. Bar his two goals at the Emirates, he hasn't been really convincing. Compared to Mahrez, they have little difference, while Mahrez can create as well as execute.

Another beautiful graph


Southampton v Watford

Both teams were fighting it out at the Championship the last time Watford managed to nick a win at St.Mary's. This is 9 years ago. Obama was not even elected US president then and some still had hopes on the banking system. The last two previous meetings between these teams have ended in a draw and a victory for the Saints. We cannot see past a win for Southampton here, as good and gritty as Marco Silva's side have been so far. With Van Dijk apparently available for selection after not getting his dream move to Liverpool, we suggest you hedge your bets on So'ton defense. Our sole pick this GW will be Cedric

 DOs:

  • Gabbiadini (7.0): We can see the great Gabbi scoring here. Although he is yet to finish a full 90 minutes match without being subbed, he is the starting striker for a team that we see scoring at least 2 goals this GW. Come one Gabbi!
  • Cedric (5.0): A solid defender for a solid backline
  • Doucoure (5.1): We'll keep backing Doucoure over Richarlison seems he seems to be more value for money, with similar output so far.

 DON'Ts:

  • Ward-Prowse. Lemina has taken his place in the starting 11, limiting him to cameo appearances
  • Lemina. He is still getting acclimatized to the pace of the Premier League.
  • Holebas. Holly-balls. It is likely that he won't start as he lost his spot against Brighton.
  • Gomes. Can't see him keeping a clean sheet. Also, his staring place might be in jeopardy with Orestis Karnezis' arrival

Stoke v Manchester United

Last season Stoke proved to be quite a handful for United, earning two points against them (or stealing them four, depending on your angle). But lets be honest, last season's United were shit. With three clean sheets and 10 goals from their first three fixtures, it is hard not to get excited if you are a United fan. The match against Leicester also proved to be a great test of character after Lukaku's penalty miss (to the disarray of FPL manager around the world). Another test this time around. A win at Stoke will definitely further solidify Mourinho's armada title credentials -and we're backing them to do so in style. As for Stoke, their new acquisition, Wimmer, seems a bargain at 4.4, albeit not for this gameweek.



DOs:

  • Pogba (8.2): Perhaps this season's hardest task will be to predict which United player will finish with the most points. Paul seems to be having his "Yaya '15" season so far.
  • Lukaku (11.7): His missed penalty against Leicester was a big blow for pretty much every FPL manager, but he is on fire as proven by his goal at Athens for the WC qualifiers.
  • Jese (6.0): In a team lacking technique as much as Mr. Bean lacks soft skills, Jese stands out like a sore thumb.

DON'Ts:

  • United's defense. We're not betting against them keeping a clean sheet. It is just with the rotation, Lidelof's pending integration to the starting 11 and Shaw's imminent return we are just too unsure on who might be starting and who will be benched. Bailly is the safest route at the moment.
  • Choupo-Moting seems like will be sitting this one out
  • Zouma. First of all he is doubtful. Secondly, even if he does start, he will concede many.

Burnley v Crystal Palace

For all the marquee matches in this game week, this one might just be the most pleasant to the neutrals. With the previous two games between those two ending 3-2 and 2-3, we might as well enjoy this one where we predict a similar score. Crystal Palace secured Sakho on a permanent deal and he will considerably improve de Boer’s defense. Be ready to grab him once he's settled and healthy. Frank needs to quickly turn the ship around as voices asking for his sacking are starting to mount. Burnley recovered the loss to West Brom by upsetting Spurs at the last minutes to earn a point in Wembley.

DOs:

  • Chris Wood (6.5): Not the actor, the footballer. Chris ‘Give’ Wood. Burnley need to move on from Gray’s 50 shades to giving some Wood a chance. 
  • Defour (5.5): Had an assist at the Bridge (in a match which also ended 2-3). You do the math.
  • Benteke (7.9): The season hasn’t started well for the big man. We back him to (finally) score in this fixture

DON'Ts:

  • Mee. Keep him on the bench if you have him. But not sell him. We’re playing the long con with this one.
  • Hennessey. Can’t see him keeping a clean sheet as we’ve said. Do not make a move for him
  • Milivojevic. We’ve said it before, pick him only for anti-football. 

 

Swansea v Newcastle

In no universe can this match offer more than one goal. We see little between the two sides, as they both are coming off impressive displays against Crystal Palace and West Ham respectively. It is always fruitful to plan ahead, so here’s a heads up on Swansea’s easy upcoming fixtures. Naughton has gone under the radar perhaps, but it is worth getting him for his prime.

DOs:

  • Naughton (4.5): See above. We believe he can be a bargain for this price.
  • Merino (5.0): aka the poor man’s Xabi Alonso. Lets see if he can step up and shine like the basque did under Rafa.
  • Lascelles (4.5): With Mbemba missing and a very high likelihood of this one being a snoozefest, got get your self some Jamaal

DON'Ts:

  • Gayle. The black ginger (sic) seems to have lost his starting position to Joselu.
  • Mbemba. 10% of FPL managers will be wondering what to do with him since his injury.
  • Sanches. Keep your options open until we see what Renato can offer in the Premier League. Hold your horses people!

/r/punchablefaces



West Ham v Huddersfield

Talk about bad starts, heh? Roll back a year and everyone thought the hammers would become the next best thing. Ready to challenge for a top 6 spot. Not so. Their move to the Olympic stadium seems to have become an obstacle rather than a boost -in pure football terms that is-. Upton park was such a scary place to go. Bilic must be feeling the pressure facing an exciting new side. To add insult to injury, West Ham's injury list includes Lanzini, Ayew and the ever injured Carroll. Huddersfield has won us over so far and we love the way they approach their football. All said and done, however, West Ham at home still is one of the toughest fixtures in the Premier League and we fully expect them to come back and win easily this one.

A proper football stadium


DOs:

  • Chicharito (7.1): The safe and reasonable choice
  • Antonio (7.5): Given the absences, we expect him to pick up the ball more and deliver
  • Kachunga (6.0): With van La Parra possibly out, Katchunga will have more of the ball. With him not being much affected by the final score, we suggest you pick him

DON'Ts:

  • West Ham's injury list. Make sure you have gotten rid of any player you might have already picked up
  • Lossl. We don't suggest you trade him away as he is still the best value for money so far, but I would bench him if I had him
  • Mooy. An unspectacular performance against Southampton raised a few eyebrows.

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