Goalkeepers
Fabianski – Conceded against an improving Huddersfield last time out, yet still managed to come away with 5 points through a combination of saves and bonus points. 2nd to only Joe Hart for saves with 51, the West Ham stopper has registered a total of 15 additional save points so far this season, failing to register the extra in only two matches. Not to be considered this week with Man City coming to town, but has a very favourable fixture list between GW14-21 which could see some clean sheets on the horizon.
Ryan – 30 points in GW8-10 courtesy of 3 clean sheets, 5 save points, and 7 bonus points shows his capability of racking up the points. Also picked up a Sky MoM in that period. Sits 3rd for total saves (46) and has a decent fixture list that for defensive returns over the next four.
Hart – 4.5m for a Burnley GK is a bargain if they can start delivering regular clean sheets. Has struggled in this area recently having conceded 13 goals in three games against Man City, Chelsea and West Ham, but came back with a huge 10 points against Leicester last time out. Hart just keeps racking up the saves (54) and has failed to register extra points on only one occasion this season.
Defenders
Doherty – Has become Wolves primary attacking outlet this season and remains out on his own for SoT (9) for all defenders this season. Was unlucky last time out against Arsenal and was on for a clean sheet and 3 bonus until the last few minutes. I haven’t been able to find space for him since first adding him to the watchlist in GW4, but with Mendy injured he’s a definite consideration for GW13.
Laporte – The cheapest defender in a Man City team that has kept 7 clean sheets in 12 matches, and conceded only 1 goal from open play. Is the only City defender to have played in every game. Received the Sky MoM in GW10, and is 1st overall in that format due to picking up regular passing bonus. With Mendy out for a significant period, Laporte is a worthy replacement as a consistent set and forget option.
Balbuena – Could be a bargain at just £4.4m if the Hammers easing fixture list can result in more clean sheets. An attacking threat at set-pieces, he has registered 6 goal attempts in the last 4 fixtures, netting his first goal for the club in GW10.
Removed:-
Van Dijk – Came into the team last week for Trippier and repaid the transfer instantly courtesy of a clean sheet and bonus point. The Spurs man leaving the field early due to injury meant it was pretty much a perfect transfer. Just hope he’s not used up all his goals on international duty.
Midfielders
Sterling – An £11m price tag has kept his ownership low, but is a consistent attacking threat. Has 11 goal involvements in 10 appearances, and is fresh off a 21 point haul in GW11 where he registered the most penalty box touches (15) of any player in a single match in 2018/19. A decent alternative to Aguero if looking to free up a striker slot, and seems more rotation proof than most under Pep. Given City’s form, I’m tempted to ignore the either or arguments between him and Aguero and get both!!
Maddison – Passing the eye-test every week. 3 goals, 2 assists and 3 bonus points is a great return for a £6.5-7.0m midfielder who also has 3 Sky MoM awards to his name. Seems to be the back-up penalty taker behind Vardy. Great fixtures until GW16 when Spurs visit, but may be rusty due to an injury picked up before the international break.
Fraser – At only £5.7m at the time of adding (£6.2m now), the wee Scotsman is currently the best value midfielder in the game, with only Hazard, Sterling and Salah having scored more points. Showing his increasing influence on games this season as he 1st for big chances created across all positions. Has received 3 Sky MoM awards and 10 bonus points already. Tough fixtures incoming with Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in the next four, but Bournemouth are 5th in terms of goals scored this season so I’d be holding any attackers.
Sigurdsson – I said I prefered him to Richarlison a few weeks ago, but had to change my stance after the Brazilian’s double in GW11. However, I can see this flip-flopping throughout the season and with 5 goals, 2 assists, 7 bonus points, and 2 Sky MoM, he’s definitely an alternative. At £7.4m though, its difficult to recommend him over the now £7.0m Brazilian when the budget is tight. Fixtures are fairly mixed, but has 3 good home fixtures in the next four.
Diangana – An injury to Yarmolenko opened the door for the West Ham youngster and it looked like he’d grabbed it with both hands. Was 1st for chances created (5) for midfielders in GW11, leading to a first league assist against Burnley. Could potentially be the best £4.5m budget option, but got subbed at half time in GW11 when the team were struggling and it remains to be seen whether he’ll keep his spot with players now returning from injury and suspension.
Forwards
Aubameyang – Despite being in and out of the Arsenal side in recent weeks, he’s the most in form forward in the league right now with 5 goals, 1 assists, and 8 bonus points in his last five games. Only 1 goal behind Aguero goalscorer in the race for the golden boot and could potentially be a replacement for the City man once a difficult run of fixtures ends with Man Utd in GW15.
Jimenez – To go with their defensive solidity, Wolves are now 3rd in the league for goal attempts this season. As the focal point of the attack, Jimenez seems to be the main beneficiary. He is 5th for forwards in shots (33), and 4th for SoT (14). Also seems to have a share of penalties which adds further appeal.
Removed:-
Vardy – Not having the best run of things lately as Leicester have toiled against the likes of Burnley and Cardiff in recent weeks. Backed him until now as he’s always been consistent, but after 12 weeks and only 3 goals, it’s fair to say something is missing this season. Sorry Jamie, but there’s better options to be found elsewhere!
