Another red arrow last week, where a disappointing score of just 42 points (21 of which
came from Cancel and Stones) has seen me drop to 450k in the overall rankings ahead of Gameweek 29, the gameweek we’ve all been planning for, for what seems like months.
With just 4 fixtures this weekend, it’s going to be difficult to field a full 11 without taking hits, especially with the recent injuries to what sounds like a folk rock tribute band - Bamford and Son.
Both of these have been key to managers planning for this week and whilst Bamford is expected to play tonight, there is a lot more doubt over Son.
In terms of how I line up for the game week, I’ve managed to get 10 players (although, realistically is 9 as I don't expect Eric Dier to play as he appears to have fallen out of favour at Spurs) by taking a 4 point hit.
In come three players, who all play. Two of which i really wanted, and one I've brought in, just because I think everyone will want.
At the back, Lewis Dunk comes in for Matt Lowton. Whilst Brighton's defence have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 4, a goal-shy Newcastle attack seem the ideal team to target from a defensive point of view for this game week. I'm not expecting any attacking returns (despite Dunk scoring last week) but if any of Brightons defence was to provide anything Dunk just shaded Veltmann for me in terms of attacking potential.
My other two changes come in Midfield, where Jesse Lingard and Gareth Bale come in.
Lingard is a player I've wanted for a while, but was conscious of him missing last weeks game against Man United. Arsenal seem to be a team Lingard traditionally does well against with 4 goals in 8 games against the gunners, and his form since joining West Ham suggests he's got a great chance to continue that form.
In terms of Gareth Bale, this is more to cover him. Despite a poor performance last week in the North London Derby, Bale's recent form has been excellent, and people will have brought him in, in preparation for this game week, and then again to cover Son's injury. With his explosive potential, and the fact that Gundogan has no chance of playing this weekend, even if Bale blanks, but plays an hour, then the move will only cost two points.
There was one other player I was tempted to go for rather than Bale, was again targetting that Newcastle for Brighton, and i nearly brought in Danny Welbeck. Welbeck's underlying stats have been similar to Bale this season (Both 0.4 xGi per game, and Welbeck averaging more touches in the oppositions penalty area than Bale per appearance), and its a game Brighton will be out to win to ease the relegation fears that are slipping in...
In fact I'm still considering bringing him in ahead of the deadline.
Captain - Harry Kane
Vice Captain - Raphinha
