Blog

Gameweek 26 Recap

Gameweek 26 has left us with a trove of insights and shifting dynamics that could very well shape our strategies moving forward. Reflecting on the performances and outcomes, a few narratives stand out, underscoring the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of FPL management.

Key Performances and Surprises

One of the standout narratives from gameweek 26 was the unexpected benching of certain key players and the spectacular performances of others, serving as a stark reminder of the volatility inherent in player selection and form. Notably, Jarrod Bowen’s hat trick was a highlight, propelling West Ham to a much-needed victory. This performance, while remarkable, raises questions about consistency and whether such high points can be expected moving forward.

On the other end of the spectrum, we observed the continued defensive struggles of Newcastle, a concern that has been consistent throughout the season. Despite their potential for solid performances against lesser opposition, their inability to maintain clean sheets has made them a less attractive option for FPL managers looking for defensive stability.

Lessons Learned

The biggest takeaway from gameweek 26 is the importance of adaptability in our FPL strategies. Bowen’s explosive performance, for example, underscores the potential value in selecting players who may not be consistent but have the ability to deliver significant points hauls in a single gameweek. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about chasing points based on one-off performances, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to player selection that considers form, fixture difficulty, and playing time.

Another critical lesson is the impact of defensive solidity on FPL decision-making. Newcastle’s defensive woes highlight the risk of investing in players from teams that struggle to keep clean sheets, regardless of their offensive capabilities. This insight is particularly relevant as we approach gameweeks with double fixtures or those against significantly weaker opposition, where the potential for clean sheets increases the appeal of investing in defensively solid teams.

Watchlist for Gameweek 27

Gameweek 27 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As we edge closer to the end of the season, making informed decisions is more crucial than ever. This section delves into a curated watchlist of players across various positions, aiming to bolster your FPL squad’s potential for this crucial gameweek.

Senesi (Bournemouth)

Upcoming Fixtures: Burnley (A), Sheffield United (H), Luton (H), Wolves (A), Everton (H)

Fixture Appeal: Bournemouth’s defensive lineup, led by Senesi, is under the spotlight with their upcoming fixtures, notably against Burnley in Gameweek 27, followed by a promising double gameweek (Sheffield United and Luton at home).

Ownership and Attacking Threat: Senesi, with an ownership of 4.2%, stands out not just for his defensive contributions but also for his slight attacking edge over his teammates.

Caution – Yellow Card Accumulation: A potential fly in the ointment is Senesi’s disciplinary record, sitting on eight yellow cards. This could lead to a suspension at a critical juncture, making his selection a calculated risk depending on your chip strategy and the timing of your wildcard.

Key Takeaways: While Senesi presents an attractive option due to Bournemouth’s upcoming fixtures, his risk of suspension necessitates a backup plan. Alternatives within Bournemouth’s defense, or pivoting to other teams, might be prudent depending on your overall strategy and the FA Cup’s impact on fixture congestion.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Form and Fixture Analysis: Despite a recent dip in minutes, De Bruyne’s quality is undeniable. However, with City’s mixed bag of fixtures and De Bruyne’s high price point, his appeal dims in the context of FPL value and the rotation risk posed by Pep Guardiola’s management.

Strategic Considerations: For those owning De Bruyne, the Manchester United clash in Gameweek 27 may be tempting to hold onto him for. Yet, looking ahead, the blend of potential blanks and challenging fixtures suggests considering a transfer out post-Gameweek 27 might optimize your squad’s performance.

Key Takeaways: De Bruyne’s potential impact against Manchester United is tempting, but his long-term value in FPL squads is questionable given the rotation risk and upcoming fixtures. Managers should weigh immediate gains against future flexibility and squad balance.

Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

Fixture Appeal: Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (A), Fulham (A), Luton (H), West Ham (A)

Fixture Attractiveness: With Spurs facing Crystal Palace at home and Aston Villa away in the next two gameweeks, Son emerges as a prime midfield target. His penalty duties and lack of injury concerns further bolster his appeal.

Consistency and Impact: Son’s proven track record and Spurs’ favorable fixture run make him a standout choice for those looking to bolster their midfield. His ability to deliver both goals and assists offers a reliable source of FPL points.

Key Takeaways: Son Heung-min represents an excellent investment for Gameweek 27 and beyond. His consistent starting role, combined with Tottenham’s attacking prospects against their upcoming opponents, positions him as a potentially pivotal figure in FPL managers’ teams.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

Recent Form: Coming off a hat-trick, Bowen’s form is undeniable. However, his consistency over the season suggests that while he’s a solid pick, expectations for repeat hauls should be tempered.

Fixture Outlook: Everton (A), Burnley (H), plus fixtures against Villa, Newcastle, and Spurs around GW29 present a mixed bag. Despite some challenging matchups, Bowen’s form and role in West Ham’s attack offer potential for returns.

Strategy: For managers not using a Free Hit in GW29, Bowen stands out as a top attacking option due to his consistent minutes and role in set pieces. However, for those with the flexibility of a Free Hit, exploring alternatives with better single gameweek upside or fixtures may be preferable.

Key Takeaways: Bowen’s recent form makes him an attractive option, particularly for managers planning beyond GW29. His role in West Ham’s attack, coupled with a relatively favorable run of fixtures, offers a good balance of risk and reward. Managers should weigh Bowen’s potential against other midfield or forward options, considering both form and fixture difficulty.

Defensive Dilemmas and Opportunities

As we navigate through the tumultuous waves of Gameweek 27 in the Fantasy Premier League, our eyes are keenly set on the defensive assets that promise both peril and potential. In this critical juncture of the season, where every point can significantly alter our rankings, making informed decisions on our defensive lineup is paramount. Let’s delve into the defensive dilemmas and opportunities that await us in this gameweek.

Bournemouth’s Defensive Appeal

The Cherries have recently emerged as a topic of much discussion among FPL managers, with their fixtures piquing interest for potential clean sheet hauls. Marcos Senesi, in particular, has been at the forefront of this conversation. With Bournemouth set to face Burnley away in Gameweek 27 and boasting an enticing double in Gameweek 28 against Sheffield United and Luton at home, the allure is undeniable. However, Senesi’s appeal is somewhat marred by the looming threat of suspension, courtesy of his accumulation of yellow cards. This predicament presents a classic risk-versus-reward scenario for FPL managers, making Senesi a figure of contention.

Despite these concerns, Bournemouth’s upcoming schedule remains largely favorable, with fixtures against Wolves, Everton, Palace, and Luton post-Gameweek 28 painting a promising picture. This stretch of games offers a semblance of security in playing a Bournemouth defender, with Zabarnyi standing out as alternatives should Senesi’s disciplinary record deter you. Their defensive fortitude, coupled with their offensive contributions, could provide a steady stream of FPL points.

Newcastle’s Defensive Woes

In contrast, Newcastle United’s defensive unit has been underwhelming, to say the least. The Magpies find themselves among the bottom dwellers in terms of expected goals conceded, a statistic that paints a grim picture of their defensive capabilities. Upcoming fixtures against Wolves, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace do little to inspire confidence. While the temptation to invest in Newcastle’s attack, given their fixtures, might be strong, their defensive frailties suggest that our FPL funds might be better allocated elsewhere.

Arsenal’s Defensive Conundrum

The Gunners present an intriguing case. While Gabriel Magalhães has been a mainstay in many FPL squads, the looming blank in Gameweek 29 and a challenging encounter with Manchester City in Gameweek 30 complicate matters. Yet, the potential for clean sheets in the immediate fixtures cannot be ignored, leaving managers with the conundrum of whether to hold or fold on Arsenal’s defensive assets.

Key Takeaways

Risk Assessment: Senesi’s potential suspension poses a significant risk, prompting a closer evaluation of alternatives within Bournemouth’s defense.

Fixture Analysis: Newcastle’s defensive struggles, juxtaposed with Arsenal’s mixed bag of fixtures, highlight the importance of fixture analysis in our defensive selections.

Strategic Flexibility: The evolving landscape of the FPL necessitates flexibility in our strategies, urging us to adapt our defensive lineups in response to form, fixtures, and unforeseen circumstances.

Gameweek 27 Captaincy Choices

As we dive into the whirlwind of Gameweek 27, the captaincy conundrum takes center stage, offering both high-reward opportunities and potential pitfalls. The choices this week are as intriguing as they are critical, with matchups poised to either make or break many a manager’s week.

The Case for Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland’s name invariably pops up in any captaincy discussion, and this week is no exception. Manchester City hosting Manchester United is a fixture dripping with potential for the prolific Norwegian. Despite a couple of quieter weeks by his stratospheric standards, Haaland’s ability to explode against any opposition cannot be understated. The Manchester Derby has been a stage for heroes in the past, and Haaland has all the attributes to etch his name into this fixture’s folklore once again.

Key Takeaway: Haaland remains a tempting captaincy option, especially given his knack for shining in big games.

Son Heung-min: The Formidable Alternative

Tottenham’s Son Heung-min presents a compelling case for the armband as Spurs face Crystal Palace at home. Son’s consistency, coupled with Tottenham’s attacking prowess, places him high on the list of potential captains. With the added bonus of penalty duties and his ability to rack up FPL points both through goals and assists, Son is an option that promises both safety and upside.

Key Takeaway: Son’s appeal as a captaincy choice is bolstered by his fixture and form. Managers looking for a reliable pick with explosive potential may find the Spurs’ winger to be the perfect blend of consistency and flair for Gameweek 27.

Bukayo Saka: The Differential Dynamo

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been nothing short of sensational, turning in performances that have consistently rewarded his managers with hefty points hauls. With Arsenal set to face Sheffield United away, Saka’s penchant for finding the back of the net or setting up his teammates makes him an enticing differential captain. His form, coupled with Arsenal’s attacking verve, could make Saka the wildcard that propels managers up the ranks.

Key Takeaway: For those looking to break from the pack, Saka offers a high-ceiling option. His recent form, Arsenal’s offensive momentum, and a favorable match-up combine to make Saka a potentially game-changing captain choice for Gameweek 27.

The Strategy: Playing it Safe or Going Bold?

This gameweek, like many others, presents a familiar dilemma: opt for the perceived safety of proven FPL giants like Haaland and Son, or venture into the less trodden path with a differential like Saka. The decision may well come down to individual league standings and risk appetite.

Key Takeaway: Assess your position and competition. If you’re leading and looking to consolidate, Haaland or Son might be your go-to. But if you’re chasing and need to make up ground, the likes of Saka could offer that opportunity for a leap in the rankings.

Chip Strategy and Planning Ahead

As we navigate through the twists and turns of the Fantasy Premier League season, strategic use of chips becomes increasingly pivotal. With the FA Cup’s influence shaping the fixture schedule and potential double gameweeks, a well-timed chip can be the difference between soaring up the ranks and missing out on crucial points. Here’s how to approach your chip strategy and plan ahead for the upcoming gameweeks, particularly focusing on Gameweek 27 and beyond.

Navigating Gameweek 27 with an Eye on the Future

Understanding the Impact of the FA Cup: The FA Cup results have a direct impact on the FPL fixture schedule. By Thursday of Gameweek 26, we will have a clearer picture of which teams have blanks in Gameweek 29 and the potential double gameweeks in 34 and 37. This information is crucial for deciding when to deploy your chips.

Free Hit in Gameweek 29?: If you’re not considering using your Free Hit chip in Gameweek 29 to navigate through the blank fixtures, ensure you have a team set up for Gameweek 27 that doesn’t heavily rely on players who might not feature in Gameweek 29. Players from teams with guaranteed fixtures in both Gameweek 27 and 29 become invaluable.

Wildcard Planning: If you still have your Wildcard, consider using it post-Gameweek 29 to set up your team for the run-in, especially if you’re planning to use your Free Hit in Gameweek 29. This allows you to target players with favorable fixtures in the final stretch of the season and potentially double gameweeks.

Transfer Strategy: With potential blanks and doubles on the horizon, it’s wise to conserve transfers if possible or use them to bring in players who not only have good fixtures in Gameweek 27 but are also less likely to have a blank in Gameweek 29. Players from teams like Spurs or Aston Villa, who have a good run of fixtures and are less affected by FA Cup results, could be valuable assets.

Key Takeaways

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the FA Cup results and their implications for the FPL schedule. This will influence when and how to use your chips effectively.

Plan for Gameweek 29: If you’re using a Free Hit, prepare your team for Gameweek 27 with an eye on avoiding too many players who might have a blank in Gameweek 29.

Consider Long-Term Transfers: Focus on bringing in players with favorable fixtures in the upcoming gameweeks who are less likely to be impacted by blanks.

Wildcard and Bench Boost: Aim to use your Wildcard after Gameweek 29 to set up for the final stretch and save your Bench Boost for a double gameweek with a strong bench.