I headed into DGW GW23 with double Watford attack force in King and Dennis. Dennis was the default pick for captain, but I chose to captain King owing to the underlying statistics. Sadly King blanked in both the games and even got a yellow card; and Dennis got a red card in first game, getting a sum total of -1 points. Thankfully majority of the owners had captained them so the GW average was only 35 points, and I edged it out by a point, mainly thanks to Dalot, who got a 9 pointer.

Prior to this GW finishing, we had long break and while this is the time to plan for upcoming weeks with a small DGW in GW25 and a 8 team DGW in GW26, I have not been able to come to terms with what changes I should make. With Covid postponements out of contention, focus is back to trying to get the right players to stay ahead of the curve and also plan for DGWs. I have all my chips intact so I am still taking a short term approach, with an eye on those DGW fixtures.

As things stand, I already have 2 United and 1 Brighton player; and 6 of DGW 26 players, so I am necessarily not planning any changes keeping the DGWs in mind and focusing on the right players for GW24. Based on this I am eying following players for transferring in this GW:

Edouard – I am in the market for replacing one of Dennis / King, and with Edouard is good form, playing against the leaky Norwich team (although last game they looked resurgent, but then again it was only Burnley), he maybe picks himself, specially given the fact that Crystal Palace also have a double in GW26.

Harry Kane / Son – Kane or (and) Son are probably the players to jump on too this GW, given they are in form, have a good fixture this GW, double GW in 26 and have a very high ceiling. The only question is how to accommodate Salah next GW (Yes I am not getting him in this GW, and probably might get Mane instead) if I were to get either of them this GW.

Aston Villa attackers | Watkins, Buendia, Ramsey and Coutinho (even Digne) – They are a repeat pick from last GW, but I think they have a high potential. I personally backed Buendia as a differential captaincy pick and would probably evaluate getting him once again.

Ait Nouri – Wolves are an extremely well knit unit and have clean sheet potentially, even against Arsenal and Ait-Nouri has established himself back in the playing XI and probably the brightest player on the field for Wolves. Plus DGW26 is on the horizon for Wolves.

Although I am not contemplating getting Salah this GW, it definitely must be addressed. He has played multiple 120 minute matches with a 3-4 day gap in the last couple of weeks, I don’t see Klopp starting Salah (or Mane) from the start. And I believe Mane could match Salah for remaining of the season (at least except for penalties) and could be a great differential, so I am waiting to see if I should get Mane instead.

Differential Captaincy Picks

Diogo Dalot (3.3% owned)- This might sound bizarre but I feel it could be worth the punt. United have not been playing great offensively, but Dalot has shown some promise on the right side with his attacking involvement. This is in addition to the fact that Ragnick has strengthened United defensively, so Dalot should have defensive and attacking potential this GW. Big risk is United can concede out of the blue and that will be our GW ruined.

Foden (7.9% owned) – Southampton will concede against City in all liklihood and if Foden is on the pitch, Foden will likely be involved. Big question is will he start ? Specially after starting the FA Cup game over the weekend ?

Richarlison (4.7% owned) – Although Newcastle have made many defensive signings in January window, I doubt if they will turn up as a cohesive unit right away and Everton are bound to experience the new manager bounce, right ? Richarlison, on the back of a goal in FA Cup, could just be the man to lead the Everton team back into form in PL under Lampard.

Edouard (8.2% owned) – As mentioned above, I fancy Crystal Palace to grab a goal against Norwich and Edouard is expected to be in the middle of it, great price for a good punt.

Those are my picks for the GW. Best of luck to you, green arrows everyone!