Fantasy Premier League Guide – Gameweek 26
Eurgh, what a week. Again. I’m down 50k, dropped places in a bunch of my leagues, and am now down to 5th in the Full 90 Football league.
(The code to join is 1638548-372960, if you’d like to pile some misery on me too.)
It turns out not bringing in any new City players was a mistake. It wasn’t the worst mistake in the world, because nobody great played both games, and I would have had to take a hit for most of them. Still, it doesn’t feel good… and honestly, my motivation for fantasy this week has been so low.
Looking at the situation last Friday, I was really confident that Salah was the best captain, because of the fixture and Pep’s rotation… but I talked myself out of it for De Bruyne. I love KDB, and that’s why I bought him in, but I have to say I’m disappointed – given his minutes – that he didn’t get one attacking return over the weekend.
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I’m holding my transfer this week. I’m not sure if I want KDB for the double, but I know I want rid of Richarlison… though I’m not sure exactly what I’m doing with him.
We’re starting to near the end of the season, so we will probably talk about doubles and blanks from hereon in. Blanks in Gameweek 31 are too far away for me to care right now, though. I’ll decide more when I have more info.
Right. Let’s get into it before I start to cry.
Here’s my Fantasy Premier League advice for Gameweek 26.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Fabianski (4.7) dropped in price this week, which I was shocked by. He has lovely fixtures, and his ability to get an extra point here and there for saves is so good that I still think he is worth it.
Etheridge (4.7) is the cheapest high scorer, and he is good… but two penalty saves make his score look better than it is, and Cardiff generally suck. Regardless, I don’t think he is a bad pick.
Dubravka (5.0) is a nice option going forward, particularly considering Newcastle’s fixtures, despite his dodgy failed save against spurs.
As far as defenders go, Robertson (6.8) is by far and away the best pick in the game. If you haven’t got him by now, I don’t know what to tell you.
Alonso (6.5) has seen his price drop like a stone recently. Still, he had something of a bounceback game against Huddersfield (make of that what you will). His expected assists were the highest in a match since October, with Higuain up top.
If you’re still not ready to buy back in on him, and you’re looking for a cheap defender, I think both Yedlin (4.5) and Schar (4.6) are good options at Newcastle.
Brighton defenders are still viable options too, as you can just bench them during the blank, with Duffy (4.6) remaining the standout pick.
Midfielders
In Fantasy Premier League terms, there hasn’t been a huge amount of change between last week and this. Richarlison (6.8) still sucks, for one. Grumble grumble.
Salah (13.6) is still the top dog, and Sterling (11.3) is still great too. If you’re wildcarding this week, I’d definitely have one of these, and maybe even both.
Hazard (10.9) seems to be fitting in well with Higuain (though, granted, they were playing Huddersfield), and I think he could be a season keeper again after the blank. It just depends on your money and formation.
Mane (9.5) has started to look a bit better recently… but I’d rather have Son (8.8). We are all looking at replacing City players for their blank, and I would back Son as the safest pick. Pogba (8.7) is obviously an excellent option too, and is the least expensive premium midfielder.
Forwards
Aubameyang (11.2) should smash Huddersfield this week. I really hope he does, at least. His next three fixtures (he has Southampton and Bournemouth at home, after Huddersfield) are part of the reason why I never thought about switching him out for Aguero (11.4) last gameweek.
We’re in a nice little spot with Higuain (9.5). Chelsea’s blank after they play City allows us some time to really think about whether or not we want him. He’s looked good so far (again, bearing in mind the opposition), so we’ve definitely got to keep an eye on him.
Looking slightly further ahead, a Gameweek 29 Auba to Higuain switch could work very well.
Firmino (9.3) has underwhelmed for most of the FPL season. He’s not even in my thoughts right now, because of Liverpool’s wider dip in form.
Rashford (7.8) has been great, and offers so much value at this price. If you’re the one person who hasn’t got him in yet… you should probably do so.
Jimenez (6.7) is another of the most obvious picks in the world. I’ve stuck by him for almost the whole season, and have reaped the rewards gleefully. At least something is going well for me.
Llorente (5.7) is cheap, and has returned two weeks in a row. He’s still not a great option, though, if he isn’t starting regularly. Also, he definitely hasn’t passed the eye test.
Captaincy
Is Aubameyang the best… or is Salah always the best?
Well, Liverpool are struggling a little, and they’re not playing as aggressively going forwards as they have in seasons past.
F*ck it. I’m taking the risk and capping Auba.