Zero Hero - Gameweek 12

ZERO HERO
0% PUNT PICK

This punt pick feature will recommend a super differential with ownership of 0.9% or less.  Hence the name "Zero Hero"!

Name: Roberto Pereyra
Team: Watford
Position: Midfielder
Price: £6.0M

Differential FPL choices can either be a wicked nightmare or a blessed dream. Often the beauty of a differential is that you have very little to lose and the chance to sky rocket your overall rank. Today, we are back with the 0% Zero Hero article – this differential isn’t just a normal differential, it’s an M&S Black Forest Gateau after a five course dinner differential. Crème de la crème!

As I’m traipsing through the depths and realms of the #FPL site, I succumb to last week’s punt, Josh King (BOU) that was excellently handpicked by our very own @FPLSailors. Obviously it came to no avail and Josh had a shocker of a game but that’s football, and I’m not sure I will have such a promising prospect for GW12 – but here goes….

The Watford midfielder Roberto Pereya (6.0m) immediately caught my eye, priced reasonably and boasting only a 0.6% TSB. Amazingly, Watford are as high as seventh in the premier league standings and have played surprisingly badly. The Argentine is a constant assist threat and can grab a goal here and there. He is commonly on free kicks and corners which is an added bonus for such a low owner percentage. Roberto has returned points in 4 GWs this season which baffles me to why nobody owns him. Deeney, Ighalo and Capoue are all out of the goals which could only mean one thing – Watford blank. Only joking, Roberto has the capabilities and I’m eagerly anticipating a return from him this coming GW. With Leicester at home coming up for GW12, I would be inclined give this differential a shot (no pun intended). Even for the next three games, in which Watford play Leicester and Stoke at home and WBA away, Pereyra could be absolute FPL GOLD.

In order to secure my Zero Hero choice, I gave Roberto a quick call and asked him “cheeky brace this weekend please pal?” He said “of course”, well at least I think that’s what he said, I don’t really understand Spanish. So think of me when you see Pereyra wielding away for his second goal of the game in celebration – good luck everyone, let’s hope we have some FPL luck on our side this time. 

Prediction (Points) : 5+ pts 

Written by @FPL_Opinion

10 key FPL players & their upcoming international games

The final international break of 2016 is upon us to the displeasure of all FPL managers. Players will be travelling across the world to represent their nations in World Cup Qualifiers. The miles travelled, the teams played and the date of the games will have significant implications on a player’s points return in FPL. Thus, FPL managers must be aware of players whose performance may hindered by the matches played on international break

1. ALEXIS SANCHEZ

The Arsenal and Chilean forward has been on top form in the Premier League so far, managing 6 goals and 4 assists so far this season. However, in recent history Sanchez’s explosive form has been hindered by the fatigue and distances travelled during the international duty. This has been evident this season in Gameweek 4 where Sanchez was benched against Southampton after the first international break amassing a disappointing 1-point return.

Apart of their World Cup Qualifiers, Chile will travel to play Colombia on the 11th of November and then they will travel back to Chile to face Uruguay on the 16th. Reports of his recent muscle injury will raise questions over his availability for club and country.  Arsenal will face Manchester United on the 19th of November. Therefore, this means that Sanchez will have only 3 days to return to London, regain fitness and prepare for the United game. Thus, should he even be fit, this may significantly impact Sanchez’s GW12 performance.

2. SERGIO AGUERO

Aguero has had an up and down season with dips in and out of form. Recent performances against West Brom and Middlesbrough have indicated a return to form but his Premier League form has been paused as he is selected to represent Argentina in their two World Cup Qualifiers over the next two weeks.

Argentina will travel to face Brazil on the 10th of November and back to Argentina to face Colombia on the 15th of November. Manchester City will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the 20th of November. Knowing Aguero’s injury record, especially during international breaks, this schedule is not appealing to all Aguero owners in FPL. Regardless, Aguero will have 5 days to prepare for Premier League action, which may be enough for him to feature in future fixtures.

3. MESUT ÖZIL

Ozil has been in great form for Arsenal in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Ozil has been an essential player for both club and country in recent seasons; however, Ozil has been left out of the German squad for the World Cup Qualifiers against San Marino on the 11th of November. This makes him a great option for GW12 against Manchester United at Old Trafford as he will be fully rested without any action for a 2-week period

4. EDEN HAZARD

The Belgian international has shown his true quality, which was hidden from view last season. He has been critical to Chelsea’s attack so far this season. He has managed two double figure point hauls in the last two Gameweeks with 14 points in GW10 and 19 points in GW11. As a result, Hazard has unsurprisingly been selected apart of the Belgium national team to play in the Wold Cup qualifiers.

Hazard will feature for Belgium against Estonia on the 13th of November. Chelsea’s next Premier League match is on the 21st of November when they face Middlesbrough away from home. This will give Hazard an entire week to re-join his Chelsea teammates and train for the upcoming Premier League fixture. His form and fitness is also aided by the fact that there is only one game to be played during the international break. Therefore, this makes Hazard an essential FPL option for GW12.

5. KEVIN DE BRUYNE

De Bruyne has been at the core of the Man City attack providing 2 goals and 6 assists so far this season. Considering he was injured for a month earlier in the season, he has been in staggering form for club and country. For the upcoming international break, De Bruyne has been selected to represent the Belgian national team in their World Cup Qualifying fixture against Estonia.

Belgium face Estonia on the 13th of November, while Manchester City will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the 20th of November. A week to prepare for Premier League action is plentiful for the Belgian as he seeks to continue the form, which FPL managers have come to know.

6. PHILIPPE COUTINHO and ROBERTO FIRMINO

Liverpool are in great form and are on top of the league after GW11. Centre to this success are the two Brazilian maestros. Coutinho has been at the forefront of the Liverpool attack providing 5 goals and 6 assists. This dip into great form is reflected in his FPL price has he has increased from a base value of 8m to 8.7m making him a premium pick. Similar to Coutinho, Firmino has also been an essential asset to the Liverpool attack leading them to the top of the Premier League table. His excellent form has seen him rack up 5 goals and 5 assists so far this season. It comes with no shock that both have been selected to represent their nation, Brazil.

Brazil will face Argentina on the 10th of November and Peru on the 15th of November. Further, Liverpool will face Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on the 20th of November. This will give Coutinho and Firmino 5 days to prepare for the Southampton game. The major problem with Coutinho and Firmino during the international break is not the fact that they’ll only have 5 days to prepare but also that they will play 2 games over the 2 weeks before any Premier League action. This is unlike other PL stars such as, Hazard, De Bruyne and Ozil; who all either play one game or not at all. This is a major problem because it’ll have negative implication on the Brazilians’ fitness levels going into the Southampton game and it may potentially affect their form as well.

7. DIEGO COSTA

The fierce Spaniard striker has been on tantalising form so far this season. In terms of FPL, the Spaniard has only blanked in 2 of the 11 games played so far this season, providing either an assist or a goal in those games.  He is the league’s top goal scorer with 9 goals and he has added 3 assists as well. Costa has also ben picked for the Spain national squad.

Costa will represent Spain in their World Cup Qualifier against FYR Macedonia on the 13th of November and then also in a friendly match against England at Wembley on the 16th of November. Costa will have 5 days to prepare for Premier League action as Chelsea’s next Premier League match is on the 21st of November when they face Middlesbrough away from home. 2 matches during the international break mean Costa not being 100% in GW12 and more exposed to injury. He is reportedly suffering a minor injury but is set to overcome it. Therefore, for this fact, FPL managers must keep track of Costa’s progress during the international break

8. ROMELU LUKAKU

The Belgian striker has been his usual self so far this season, scoring goals; a lot of them. Lukaku has almost carried Everton along with off the pitch best friend, Yannick Bolasie. Lukaku has managed 7 goals and 3 assists thus far this season. His contributions to his club have seen him earn a call up to his national team.

So therefore, Lukaku will likely represent his nation in their World Cup Qualifier against Estonia on the 13th of November and then his club, Everton, in the Premier League away against Swansea City on the 20th of November. A week to re-join with his teammates and recover fitness along with only one game to be played during the international break makes Lukaku an essential FPL asset for GW12

9. HARRY KANE

Kane hasn’t had the season fans were expecting after the master class on display last season winning him the golden boot in the process. Injury has plagued his season so far but now he is back and he reminded the Premier League fans of his qualities with a goal against Arsenal in his return game. Even though being injured for a while, Kane has been surprisingly selected for the England national team.

England face Scotland on the 11th of November as part of the World Cup Qualification and then they also face Spain in a friendly match at Wembley on the 16th of November. If Kane is to start both of these games and considering he has just recently recovered from a 2-month injury, Kane may be coming into a tough few weeks and FPL managers must be aware of his situation for GW12 and future Gameweeks as well.

10. LAURENT KOSCIELNY

The French defender has been an integral part of the Arsenal defence this season, also proving an asset in the other side of the pitch with his aerial abilities in set pieces. Even though there has been a significant shortage in clean sheets this season in the Premier League, Koscielny has kept 4 clean sheets and is the highest scoring defender on FPL. Along with his ability to keep clean sheets, Koscielny has also added some attacking return to his arsenal managing 2 goals.

Apart of the French national team, Koscielny will take part in France’s World Cup Qualifier against Sweden on the 11th of November and Ivory Coast in an International friendly on the 15th of November. This is all great however Arsenal play Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Trafford on the 19th of November. This gives koscielny only four days to recover fitness and train for the upcoming fixtures. This is a problem for FPL managers who own Koscielny as he is more exposed to a lack of match fitness and potential injury.

Written by:  Mark Dinkha

Gameweek 11 Review: Hazard Back To Brilliant Best

Eden Hazard and Diego Costa reminded Stamford Bridge of their riotous scoring exploits in the 2014/15 season which won Chelsea the league.

While Costa has been consistent in front of goal so far, yet to go two games without a goal, Hazard's return to form has been somewhat unexpected and has caught even the more experienced FPL managers by surprise. Hazard has been difficult to weigh up as an FPL option this season, especially after last season's derisory returns. After showing his class in the opening gameweeks, it seemed he would continue to be a regular point-scorer, only for him to fail to score or assist between gameweeks 4 and 7. It seemed the mercurial Belgian had gone from effortlessly good back to last season's no effort and poor output.

Hazard is well and truly back to form now, as Chelsea's 'beauty and the beast' strike partnership have scored a combined 8 goals in the last 4 Premier League weekends. Still not necessarily must-haves, Hazard and Costa might be confidence players more than season keepers, proving right this blog's title. Right now they are very high in confidence.

Coutinho, Firmino and Co in Fino Formo

Phillipe Coutinho has hit the form of his Liverpool career. It is now 3 goals and 6 assists for him in 7 games, and FPL managers continue to flock to transfer him in....

Yes, this paragraph is very similar to the one last week. It's the same story again, but what's new this gameweek is his teammates were equally impressive. The Liverpool front 4 combined majestically to score 6 past a Watford team that had previously not conceded for over 5 hours of Premier League football.

Liverpool's attacking starlets were firing from all angles. Mane struck the first and forth. Firmino bagged his 5th goal and took his assist tally up to 5, Can joined the party, Wijnaldum scored from off the bench to better Chelsea's 5 goals against Everton. Liverpool's midfield is quite obviously the main source of FPL points this season. The only concern with Liverpool is their defence. Watford somehow managed to score from 1 of their 8 shots on goal despite being dominated in all areas.

Save Points over Clean Sheets?

Clean sheets are very rare this season. It is now conclusive. Baring gameweek 9's nine-clean sheet anomaly, gameweek 11 was the opposite extreme. It marked a rare week in FPL when there was only one clean sheet for me to write home about.

That clean sheet was a significant one, as it was by a Chelsea team recognised as defensively solid until Antonio Conte's steely guidance. Chelsea haven't conceded in 500 minutes. Their defenders come at a premium price of 6.0 and above, but Marcos Alonso, who scored against Everton, made 5 crosses and 25 attacking third passes, is proving great value. The deadline day signing is playing so far up-field in his left wing-back role he should be considered as more of a 6th midfielder that can also score clean sheet points.

However, FPL managers will be wise not to transfer in Thibaut Courtois, who is 7 points behind Tom Heaton overall, and just 5 points ahead of Artur Boruc despite having kept 3 more clean sheets than both. 

Written by Kyle Norbury, 

Stoke fan and Fantasy football nerd.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter: 

@SCFCNerd

#FPLLIVE - Gameweek 11

Zero Hero – Gameweek 11

*NEW FEATURE*
ZERO HERO
0% PUNT PICK

Name: Joshua King
Team: Bournemouth
Position: Midfielder
Price: £5.4M

Introduction:

This feature will recommend a punt pick with 0% ownership.

The first ever 0% pick was an obvious choice for me. Sailing in at only 0.9% ownership and playing against Sunderland at HOME for GW 11 Joshua King is known to bang in the odd goal here and there. King has netted two goals and produced one assist so far for Bournemouth and a total of 33 points so far this season. His current form on FPL is 3.0.

His Opponents: Sunderland

Joshua faces a beaten up Sunderland side who have struggled to get points on the board so far this season. At the bottom of the Premier League table with only 2 points after 10 GW’s and without a win, Bournemouth will be hungry to add more points to the table with a win. Sunderland have conceded 20 goals so far which makes it their worst ever start to a Premier League season. Due to Sunderland’s poor form, Joshua should have a starting place in the team.

A bit about the man himself:

Joshua King was born in Norway and was signed by Man Utd in 2008 from Valerenga. The 24 year old was signed by Bournemouth in 2015 from Blackburn Rovers and has been playing for Norway’s first team since 2012 (His National side). His position is a combination of a winger and a forward. He wears the number 17 shirt.

Conclusion:

Overall, King is a mad pick and is owned by very few managers for that exact reason. He is an experienced footballer and has been coached by Sir Alex Ferguson in his early years with United. With King’s good history and upcoming fixtures he sure is an exciting addition. Priced only at £5.4M he’s a cheap midfield option and a great differential.

Prediction (Points) : 8+ pts 

Written by @FPLSailors