Game Week 22: SamFPL’s Key Questions

Some massive decisions this week including captaincy, What to do with Amad, What to do about the DGW and so much more. Luckily, SamFPL has got it all covered!

Game Week 22: SamFPL’s Key Questions
  • Remember to check out the Transfer Wizard for last minute Transfer recommendations for game week 22!
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My Strategy for Double Gameweek 24

Finally, we have reached the first double game week (DGW) of the season, with the Merseyside derby being rescheduled for GW24. This means both Liverpool and Everton will have a DGW24, with Liverpool visiting AFC Bournemouth and Everton. Meanwhile, Everton will have two home games, with matches against Leicester City and Liverpool.

We should start planning for it, and I’ll share my current strategy. Rolling your free transfer should be the easiest decision to make as long as your team is well set up for GW22 and no significant improvement can be achieved with your transfer. Delaying transfers until GW23/24 allows you to make better decisions and select better assets for the double game week.

As a Salah and Alexander-Arnold owner, I’m looking forward to tripling up on the Reds, and it’s going to be either Konaté or Gakpo as my third pick. I think the next two weeks will provide us with more information about the best third pick from Liverpool.

Everton should also be on your watchlist under Moyes, and waiting until we have more information about their new playing style will be the best strategy, to be honest.


Amad or J. Pedro to Start?

Both players will face each other at Old Trafford. Pedro has penalty duties and can punish the shaky Manchester United defence, but honestly, he has looked quiet recently and was lucky to get points in GW19-20. On the other hand, Amad has scored in his last two games against Liverpool and Southampton. His hat-trick gives him more confidence, and Amorim should learn to keep him closer to the goal as a winger rather than using him as a right wing-back, where he loses much of his threat and benefit to the team.

Dalot is back from suspension and should occupy the wing-back spot, allowing Amad to play further forward. Amad is United’s most lively asset, and I can’t bench a player just two days after his hat-trick.


What to Do With…?

1. Mbeumo

Since last season, Brentford has been a strong attacking team at home. They have only failed to score once at the Gtech this season. They scored two goals against City and will likely hurt Liverpool on the counter. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if Alexander-Arnold lost his clean sheet this week. Brentford will likely score, and Mbeumo may get involved.

I recommend starting him if you own him. For non-owners, wait one more game week to bring him back for his amazing run of fixtures.

2. Man City

City faces Ipswich before entering a very tough run of fixtures. With UCL games coming soon, they will have to face the best teams in terms of attacking and defensive stats. I believe Ipswich should be your last chance to use your City assets. If you own Haaland, Foden, or Gvardiol, I highly recommend selling them in GW23 for cheaper picks with better form and fixtures.

3. Palmer’s Injury

Cole Palmer hasn’t trained today and is doubtful for GW22 due to an ankle injury he sustained in the first half against Bournemouth before finishing the game.

Thankfully, Chelsea plays on Monday night, which gives the English international extra time to recover. It doesn’t seem to be a major injury, and he should be available. If fit, he shouldn’t be rested, as Maresca doesn’t prioritize their European participation at this early stage. I’ll start him anyway.


Captain Salah?

In the last game week, I went against Salah for captaincy and gave the armband to Isak, who rewarded me with 32 points! Thankfully, I had good reasoning: Nottingham Forest was among the top three teams for defensive metrics such as xGC and big chances conceded. They were also top for clean sheets. It was very tricky for the Reds, and it was one of the rare opportunities to bet against Salah.

However, when I owned Flekken, I noticed that Brentford is a very fragile, leaky team this season and concedes a lot of chances to opponents. They have conceded 37 goals this season and are sixth-worst for xGC. Their numbers at home aren’t solid either, as they have conceded more than two goals in seven of their last eight fixtures at the Gtech Stadium.

I don’t see any reason to go against Salah this time.

 

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By: SamFPL

Last Updated: 17/01