Chris James, a fantasy football expert from Fanny's Football Scale, makes his Off The Bench debut, discussing the puzzling performance of Erling Haaland, who has only netted two goals in six matches. He weighs the pros and cons of selling or holding the Man City forward. The conversation shifts to whether an Arsenal defensive double-up is a wise investment and highlights the undeniable need for Mo Salah in any fantasy lineup. Additionally, they debate the merits of various players from Aston Villa and Wolves, providing strategies for navigating tricky transfers.
Erling Haaland's dwindling performance, with only two goals in six matches, has led many FPL managers to contemplate selling him.
The emerging budget-friendly forwards like Visser and Kunja are providing valuable alternatives, allowing teams to balance budgets while enhancing scoring potential.
Mohamed Salah's recent success as a captain choice illustrates the critical importance of making informed decisions based on player form and match-ups.
Deep dives
The Haaland Dilemma
Erling Haaland has become a major discussion point in FPL this season, particularly after he was the most transferred-out player, with over 654,000 managers selling him. His performance has dropped significantly since the early season, with only two goals in the last six games, leading many to question whether retaining him is worthwhile. Despite being a premium asset, his inconsistent returns are forcing managers to look for cheaper alternatives that are delivering more consistent performance. Captains and top performers have shifted, creating a conundrum for Haaland owners who fear missing out on other valuable midfield players.
Scholars of Captaincy
The ongoing battle of selecting effective captains is emphasized, as one host shares his struggles with captaincy choices throughout the season. After a rough patch of misjudgments, recent success came from choosing Mohamed Salah over Haaland, showcasing the importance of making informed captaincy decisions based on current player form and match-ups. With Salah's impressive performance generating significant points and keeping him ahead in the scoring charts, proper captain selection has proven crucial for elevating overall rank in FPL standings. This week highlighted how quickly fortunes can change, as experienced players assess their strategy for upcoming fixtures.
Emerging Alternatives
New budget-friendly options are emerging in the forward positions, with players like Visser from Brentford and Kunja from Wolves gaining attention for their impressive performances. The show experts discuss how these players provide excellent value for money compared to traditional premium forwards like Haaland, and as they continue to deliver consistent returns, they are cementing their places in fantasy teams. With flexibility in team budgets, FPL managers are beginning to look closely at utilizing lower-cost players to facilitate the inclusion of high-performing midfielders. Emphasis is placed on researching each player’s form and upcoming schedules to make well-informed decisions.
Bruno Fernandes' Resurgence
Bruno Fernandes' return to form is a significant highlight, as he registered a stellar performance with a goal and two assists, contributing greatly to the impact of Manchester United in recent matches. His statistics show a remarkable improvement under the new coaching regime, with a clear uptick in his attacking contributions since the change. While many managers were initially hesitant to include him in their squads this season, his performance is altering perceptions and igniting a rush to bring him onboard. His involvement not only elevates his own potential scoring but also enhances the prospects of fellow teammates as Manchester United begins to spark offensively.
Wolves' Attack Gains Momentum
Wolves are emerging as a formidable team with their recent performances proving beneficial for FPL managers, particularly regarding assets like Ait-Nouri and Kunja. Ait-Nouri's combination of clean sheets and attacking threat positions him as a valuable defensive option, while Kunja's recent scoring surge has increased his visibility as a budget-friendly forward. The upcoming favorable fixtures for Wolves are making them attractive for investment among FPL managers seeking to enhance their squads, as the team's form suggests they could secure points both in goals and defensive efforts. These assets are now seen as viable players to consider for those focused on maximizing their returns this season.
With only two goals in six matches for Erling Haaland, hard questions are being asked about what to do with the Man City forward 🤖👋
FPL experts Sam Bonfield and Chris James discuss the options, if an Arsenal defensive double-up is worth the cost, and how Salah is essential.
LISTEN 👇
* Wicked Wissa (09m 20s)
* What to do with Haaland (18m 05s)
* Arsenal defence (30m 06s)
* Essential Salah (35m 12s)
* Villa decision (39m 37s)
* Wolves options (42m 55s)
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