GW Points: 62
Overall Points: 1,408
Overall Rank: 13,734
Transfers: None used
Game week 21 didn’t really go to plan but the team’s recent good run had to come to an end at some point. Fortunately, this only resulted in a small drop on the overall leaderboard. The big turning point was probably Jesus missing his penalty. This resulted in -3 points rather than a potential 8. This would have probably stabilised the team had he scored. The week was also dominated by injuries to big players – luckily for me it was only Mane in my team who picked up an injury.
Positives:
15 points for Alexander-Arnold was another good return.
8 points for De Bruyne.
3 goals for Aguero and 20 points was another good result.
A goal and 10 points for Salah.
Potential Issues:
Given this week’s upcoming fixtures, I still can’t see any real issues with the team. Other than Mane being injured. This is unfortunate as Liverpool do have an additional Premier League fixture this week. With Man City having two fixtures this week, including an FA Cup fixture, I think it’s worth holding onto Jesus for the time being. If Mane is out for a while, the only player I’d really want to bring in is Traore. Again this is poor timing as Wolves don’t play this week. I’m hoping it will just be a knock, if it is I may well go another week without using a transfer as the fixtures this week certainly favour the players I’ve already got.
In the longer term, I’ve been looking at Traore for a while and with the Europa League kicking back in during February he’s going to be a difficult player to ignore. Moura hasn’t done a lot since I took a punt on him so he will be the player I’m looking to move on. I’d have to downgrade elsewhere to make this move. Soyuncu could be the one to go, as Leicester don’t appear to be keeping as many clean sheets lately and his fine point scoring form appears to have dried up since I bought him in.
Tips for Game Week 22
Looking forward to the game week, fixtures are dominated by FA Cup games at the weekend and EFL Cup games during the week. Other than Liverpool, who play West Ham in a rearranged Premier League fixture. I’d imagine a lot of managers will be looking to use any remaining transfers this week to remove the likes of Rashford, Vardy, Abraham and Mane. If you’re lucky enough to have any left I’d probably be looking at Man City and Liverpool players. Importantly, this does highlight how using three transfers straight off the bat at the start of the month can backfire. My strategy this season tends to have been to only take players out when they are seriously injured or there form is that bad that they are facing time on the bench. This has meant that I’ve had a fairly stress free season when it comes to transfers. If anything, I’ve struggled to use my allocation for the month.
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DTT
Who would be you’re replacement for soyoncu..?
There aren’t any ideal replacements but Reece James (not sure how long he’s out for?), Otamendi, Lindelof, Coady, Fuchs, Emerson, Shaw, Alderweireld and Rudiger are all within budget. Can’t say I’d be happy with any of those at the moment. Alternatively we downgrade Jesus slightly to free up further funds. It’s a tough choice.
It looks like Vardy will play 2nd leg of league Cup semi final, Brendan Rogers hinted as much, I wish he could be more definate, if I take Vardy out it will have to be before they kick off tomorrow, not totally happy with Firmino, but would opt for him with double game week of winnable fixtures.
Anyone heard how long Mane might be out for?
Don’t know I took him out for marhez
That’s exactly what I was going to do. But I’ll probably wait and see if Mahrez starts first.
Aurier is racking up the points, he could be a good replacement for soyuncu. What’s you thoughts dtt?
Not sure on Aurier – does seem to be doing well but Spurs don’t keep many clean sheets.