A shocker for me in gameweek 4 but a week like this was coming. A clear narrative had formed on certain teams but this week will make some question their conclusions.
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Gameweek 4 review
A measly 49 points (against an average of 51) was a poor showing. and a big drop in overall rank was inevitable
Henderson continues to disappoint with no cleansheets to date. Can he do it this week against Man United?
The defence massively disappointed too with Gvardiol benched as Rico Lewis kept his place and Walker came in. Rotation is always a risk with City and Gvardiol came on for a lovely 1 pointer. No attacking or defensive returns anywhere across the defence including the bench makes me wonder if it’s time to make some changes in this department.
Image source: theguardian
In midfield, I took Bruno Fernandes out and in came Diaz just in time for Liverpool to blank and United to win 3-0. I’m actually not too gutted about this specific transfer as I think Diaz is likely to outscore him in the long run and it’s freed up some funds for other transfers in the future.
Leaving Smith-Rowe on the bench didn’t work out but I’m actually surprised he turned out to be my joint highest scoring midfielder alongside Saka.
Solanke came in after his injury lay off but did little against that solid Arsenal defence. In fact, Spurs didn’t ever really look much of a threat despite the North London Derby historically being a goal-fest.
It’s Isak that’s been the biggest shame; I really thought he was due to kick into gear but with him now flagged and not great fixtures, I think my patience has run out with him.
Haaland did some serious heavy lifting scoring nearly half of my team’s points.
Gameweek 5 team and transfers
Having used 2 transfers last week, I’m left with just 1. There’s a few ongoing issues that I want to resolve. For now, no changes but there’s some selection headaches.
Smith-Rowe punished me being on the bench but Newcastle at home is no easy fixture and I’m again struggling to pick someone to take out for him.
Upfront I’m fairly sure I’m transferring Isak out (cue an Isak haul!). I’m thinking for Vardy, again to free up funds. With Vardy’s fixtures and current form I think he’s a great option at his price point. Rotation and early substitutions are a risk but I don’t think leaving this move until later is wise given the fixtures.
Image source: newsweek.com
Saka and Haaland are my premiums but I’m expecting a low scoring game so it’s not great having them both this week. I hope I’m wrong but it could be a bad week to own these 2 over, say, Salah or Palmer. Saka’s fixtures are better after this Man City game so I’ll want him straight back however Palmer has great fixtures too.
I can’t keep Saka and get to Palmer without taking a hit but 1 route involves downgrading Isak and Solanke over the next couple of weeks. I have got the Wildcard in hand which would save the hit but I want to hold it as long as I can so may resist using the chip. For now, it’s Vardy in for Isak and Smith-Rowe may find himself in my starting 11 by the deadline.
Captaincy is a dilemma too. It’s on Haaland as default but that Arsenal defence could be the one to stop him. Saka isn’t a great option either given the likelihood of a low scoring game. I think that only really leaves me Luis Diaz but on the back of a Champions League midweek fixture and a blank the week before, I’m not filled with confidence.
Conclusion
I’m not going to lie, I’m trying to stay patient and not click Wildcard or take hits but it’s a struggle. Weeks like last week make me question my team but I also could have a great week in game week 5.
Vardy in for the struggling Isak is a bit of a risk but the freed up funds will be useful as I shift my team structure around in the coming weeks. Hopefully Isak doesn’t make me pay!
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