28 Dec, 2024

Game Week 19: SamFPL’s Key Questions

Keep up to date with the best budget and premium options on Ingenuity’s FPL Player Rankings Section.

Flekken and Fabianski Owners

Suddenly, Flekken and Fabianski owners found themselves without an available GK for the next game week as Fabianski was stretchered off on Thursday, just a day before Flekken’s injury. Both were subbed after 30 minutes and ended up with 2 and 3 points respectively, although both their teams kept clean sheets. It was a disaster for managers who own both, like me. Fabianski is going to miss around 3 GWs, while Flekken’s injury isn’t clear yet, but perhaps he won’t be available for the next GW during this quick turnaround.  Keep an eye on Brentford’s official press releases for more news.

If you’re looking for cheap GKs, I believe Sels and Pickford are the best GKs to own long term. Henderson is also a good option, but Munoz blocks getting him. Alisson is a good alternative if you’re seeking a premium pick. Personally, I’ll sell Flekken and keep Fabianski (4.1) on the bench. Sels is my current target, as I believe NFO’s stats and fixtures are slightly better.

Pedro to Cunha?

Although Pedro got back-to-back 90-minute starts and has been nailed during the quick turnaround, he has looked disappointing. As a false nine, the team output is truly affected by the absence of Welbeck.

Once again, they failed to score against the leaky BRE, despite BRE being one of the worst teams defensively away from home. And the schedule starts to turn tougher now. I believe it’s enough, as there are many solid forwards that can replace him.

For Isak non-owners, getting him should be your top priority. He is in the form of his life, looking impressive every game week. But for Isak owners, I don’t think Cunha is a buy right now. Scoring from corner kicks isn’t something that is going to happen consistently. Cunha can be suspended very soon—we have no updates yet on the timing or the duration—and his fixtures turn tricky. Apart from Spurs in the next game week, Wolves face 4 of the best defences in the league in their next 5 weeks. NFO, ARS, CHE, and NEW are very tough opponents, and his ceiling is going to be very low. For more Fixture Scheduling check out the Opta Match Centre.

The forward who I favour and is going to be my personal replacement is Mateta from Crystal Palace. He is their main forward, nailed, and shares penalties with Eze. He has been a proven FPL asset since last season, and his fixtures turn good now. The Eagles have encounters with two promoted clubs over the next three weeks and face many leaky defences until GW24.

Amad or Rogers to Start?

So it’s Amad vs. NEW (H) or Rogers vs. BHA (H).
Rogers and Villa failed to score against Newcastle last week, the same as Amad, as both teams were down to 10 men early. It’s a tricky decision, but the data and odds lean towards Rogers for some reasons.

First of all, Man United will be without Bruno, who is their main man and most creative asset, while Mount is also unavailable. United will struggle to create chances for Amad. United’s opponent is much stronger than Rogers’ opponent. NEW are in great form recently, while BHA has been struggling.

The last point for Rogers is that Aston Villa has very decent numbers at home this season from attacking and defensive perspectives. In my opinion, Rogers should be started over Amad this game week. For more Great options at the budget price point be sure to make use of the Transfer Wizard.

Bruno Fernandes Replacement

Unfortunately, all of Saka’s replacements experienced failure, as Maddison and Liverpool’s players were benched as expected. Arsenal midfielders, Foden, and Sarr blanked, while Bruno was red-carded after picking up 2 yellow cards in less than 50 minutes.

There is no clear and standout answer to this question. The midfield has been very poor recently, and there are no consistent, essential picks apart from Salah and Palmer.

You can bench him if your bench permits. Rogers may be a saviour for some managers who don’t have free transfers to spend. But honestly, I don’t think it’s an optimal strategy to bench an 8.4m midfielder as he faces Liverpool at Anfield after suspension.

I think Gordon, Foden, and Sarr have the best fixtures to target. Diaz and Jota should start vs. the depleted WHU, but I can’t be sure about their minutes going forward.

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