GW 18 - Free Hit Activated

I'll start by admitting, I made a mistake by activating my Free Hit whilst GW 17 was stillongoing, but I think I've gotten away with it in terms of fixture cancellations etc.... but I have a major headache in terms of who to bring in.

After multiple iterations of a free hit team, I've decided that if playing the chip, you need to take a few gambles, and i've gone for a couple of people I just haven't been able to resist.

And so my line up (for 72 hours ish) is as follows.

GK: David De Gea

A Goalkeeper that I would expect to start, against the leagues lowest goalscorers is a solid place to start for my free hit team.

DEF: Eric Dier

One of only three players that remain in my side, Dier originally had been dropped until the fixture change made him a more appealing proposition.

DEF: John Stones

As I mentioned in my Fantasy Football Scout Academy piece last week, Stones has been very impressive since coming back into the Man City defence. Brighton's fondness of conceding headed chances give him a chance of a goal too.

DEF: Kieran Tierney

One of Arsenals star performers over recent weeks, his relentless energy leads to Tierney supporting the attack, giving plenty of chances for attacking returns.

DEF: Lucas Digne

Watching Wolves defending set-pieces against Brighton is the main reason I've brought Digne into the side this week. Hoping for assists from his free-kicks and corners, with the potential for a clean sheet against the Seagulls.

MID: Emile Smith-Rowe

What a transformation this lad has had on the Arsenal side. A creative force, Smith-Rowe has played a massive part in Arsenals turn around in their form. Another I recommended in my Fantasy Football Scout Academy piece, who scored a game too early!

MID: Bruno Fernandes (C)

He was never leaving, and with his record away from home, no-one else was ever having the armband.

MID: Kevin De Bruyne

Another player whos beginning to look back to his best recently, his set-pieces will be dangerous against Brighton and the headed chances they concede (see: John Stones)

MID: Heung Min Son

Its a free hit, and it gives me a chance to get in the top scorer in the game, at home, to Fulham.

FWD: Harry Kane (V)

Another that was going nowhere, and will stay even though he doesnt have the double gameweek some do next week.

FWD: Gabriel Jesus

I've wrangled over this all day, but against Brighton, with Aguero out (and doubts over Sterling), I couldn't resist him. If it goes wrong, he's no longer in my team come Friday.

GKSUB: Karlo Ziger

Cheap, and doesn't take away an asset from teams that are playing.

SUB1: Rob Holding

Another who has impressed recently for Arsenal, and available at a very tempting price point.

SUB2: Scott McTominay

A cheap 5th midfielder, who should play in case of anyone in my starting 11 missing out. Whilst McTominay has been amongst the goals recently, he's here as an insurance policy and anything more than 2 points is a bonus

SUB3: Rhian Brewster

Nothing more than an enabler at £4.5m. I'm not execting him to score more than 1 point, but I'll be disappointed if I lose 3 players and he comes into my team.