Another Haaland blank and Saka no show. Could this be the hardest FPL season yet?
Gameweek 8 review
39 points (against an average of 36) was another week where I’ve scored near to the average. I’m not to down about my team, I think I’ve just been a bit unlucky and the week to week change in players who perform well has been hard to establish consistency in scoring.
Considering I nearly sold Gvardiol a few weeks back I’m glad I’ve stuck with him. Bringing in Rico Lewis also blocked any thoughts of taking a punt on Foden last week which was a relief when he was benched (saying that he did come on and get an assist!).
Rogers got a return as did Vardy with a penalty goal but nothing else across the front line or midfield. I know I’m not the only one!
Selling Luis Diaz for Mbeumo last week still feels like it was the right move – Mbeumo didn’t keep up his great scoring form but Brentford have good fixtures so I’m happy I’ve got him and Diaz seems to have fallen out of favour at Liverpool.
However, I did toy with swapping Saka for Son but didn’t prioritise this move. The controversy over Son’s assist aside, I would have been laughing with his 12 pointer.
Upfront, Haaland blanked again but with Southampton at home this week and a couple goals in Europe mid-week gives me confidence to keep him.
Solanke was probably the biggest disappointment, given Spurs scored 4 but he failed to get a single return. He’s potentially on the chopping block longer term but I have more urgent changes to make first. Plus Spurs fixtures are good so no need to panic.
Gameweek 8 team and transfers
This week I’ve moved early. Usually I hold out for the deadline but with Saka out for what seems like a while plus bad fixtures, many managers are selling him. I bought him for £10m and his price has dropped from it’s high of £10.1m back down – this doesn’t affect me as we only get 50% of the price rise of a player when we sell. But I’m conscious of another price drop so I’ve gone for it early – it’s unlikely but that £0.1m loss if it drops again could make life harder later.
Son is in – one of my proposed transfers from last week (that would have paid off) – but with Spurs next 3 fixtures I’m happy it’s the right move. I’ve already got Palmer, who is a better long term pick than Son, and I don’t have the money for Salah who faces Arsenal this week anyway. I can’t see past it as the best option – everything else is more of a punt.
Image source: fpl.team
My main dilemma now is simply who to select. Smith-Rowe has blanked the last few weeks but the Everton fixture is tempting. Vardy is currently on my bench but a home fixture to Forest for a player on penalties could be too tempting. Whenever I’ve dropped Smith-Rowe to my bench he’s scored so I’m on the fence – we’ll see where I land at the deadline.
Captaincy is on Haaland still, Southampton at home is just too good not to. I’m bouyed by his brace in mid-week in Europe so I’m hopeful he’ll repay my faith.
Conclusion
Son in, Saka out which feels like the most sensible and obvious move so I’ve pushed the button early. I’m happy with my team and with upcoming fixtures I’m hopeful of more consistency but who knows in this strangest of FPL seasons.
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