Another Premier League weekend is upon us which means millions around the world will be making a number of last-minute additions to the their Fantasy Premier League squads.
The weekend is undoubtedly highlighted by Sergio Aguero’s (£13m) return. The Manchester City striker has served out his three match ban for violent conduct and will be raring to take the field once again.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola is yet to confirm whether the Argentine will be named in the starting lineup. He might even decide to bring Aguero as a second-half substitute due to his lack of match sharpness.
Given the current form of backup striker Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.1m), Pep may decide to give the Nigerian another go. In the two matches he’s played in place of Aguero, Iheanacho has averaged 10 points per game.
Against Manchester United, the 19-year-old grabbed a goal and an assist, and recorded identical stats in the following game against Bournemouth. He also picked up three bonus points on the way and makes a huge case for being named in City’s starting lineup.
Is Etienne Capoue the real deal?
Five weeks into the season, Fantasy Football managers have been rocked by the resurgence of Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue (£5m). With 44 points to his name, the Frenchman is the highest scorer in this season’s FPL.
While his price has gone up by £0.5m over the last month, there are very few people that are complaining. For a goal scoring midfielder, Capoue is the ideal man to have in the team. With most of the big names costing over £9m, the 28-year-old is offered to managers at an absolute bargain.
Also, in three of the next five matches, he is set to face league newcomers in Burnley, Middlesbrough and Hull City, which could guarantee a number of points for managers who have decided to pick the Watford midfielder.
Eden Hazard has a tough set of matches ahead and should be dropped
Eden Hazard (£10m) sits 9th in the midfielders table. Given his high rate, it makes very little sense for FPL managers to continue sticking to the Belgian midfielder. He did enjoy a glorified run with being involved in a goal in each of his first three games.
But since the international break, Hazard has been a much maligned figure down Chelsea’s left wing. Also, three of Chelsea’s next four opponents have a difficulty rating of 4, and so should be taken out of the team.
The Lamela-Son dilemma at White Hart Lane
Wingers Erik Lamela (£7.4m) and Son Heung-min (£7.1m) have given a pleasant selection dilemma to Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, but not so much for FPL managers. 10.8 percent FPL managers own Lamela, but have not seen the Argentine start in Spurs’ last two games.
With Christian Eriksen (£8.4m) preferred as a left winger, the fight for the right wing berth has intensified during recent weeks. Son was the glimmer of light against Stoke City as he grabbed 19 points by scoring twice and assisting once.
But Lamela’s performance in the mid-week EFL Cup game against Gillingham made his case for being selected by Pochettino. He played a part in four of Spurs’ five goals, scoring once and assisting another three.
It still remains to be seen which one of the two will be picked by Pochettino.
Should Lorius Karius be considered?
Liverpool’s new signing Loris Karius (£4.9m) made his debut for the Reds against Derby in the EFL Cup and is in contention to start in the weekend’s game against Hull City.
Simon Mignolet (£5m) has played in all five games this season, but only has 16 points to his name and a meagre ownership percent of 3.2. While Karius is still only owned by 0.4 percent of FPL managers, one league start for him could see his ownership rate skyrocket. Thus, it is wise to buy the German stopper for this week, given Hull’s weakness in front of goal.
