FPL 20:21 | Team for GW20: Focus on consolidation
Post the massive success of double gameweek 19, wherein I decided to go ultra attacking with 3 not so conventional picks, I have a couple of options in principle as I approach GW20. Either focus on consolidating my rank this Gameweek and continue my chase to increase my rank with a moderate approach or be ‘Gung ho’ in my approach but risk falling in overall rank yet again, which would dilute the result of last GW.
As I try to breakdown possible options for this gameweek, I hope to find an answer to how do I proceed.
My picks for GW20
Son / Kane or both – I had both Son and Kane for a long time in middle of first half of the season, but eventually sold one, then exchanged one for another and then removed him last week, but that was done primarily keeping the DGW in mind and now could be the time to get at least one of them back and eventually get them both when the fixtures turn after their match against Man City in GW 24 (hopefully in time for their DGW around GW26). I am okay to wait for another gameweek as their game against Liverpool this GW could be a cagey affair with both the teams trying to avoid a loss at any cost.
Gündoğan / Bernardo Silva- With KDB injured and out for 4 – 6 weeks apparently, most teams will have a Man City attacker shaped void in their teams and so do I. As touted by many FPL manager Gündoğan is a great choice given his recent form and penalty duties, I agree to it as well.
However, I am inclined towards placing a punt on Bernardo Silva. Not because he just scored a crucial goal in the last game and will be high on confidence, but also because he can be deployed as a False 9 given City’s striker perils and the fact that in KDB’s absence he could take up the role of creator in chief. It seems Pep favours him again, with B. Silva starting last 6 premier league matches and finishing 90 minutes in 5 of them.
P.S. Foden also seems to be a decent pick. Sterling ? I have been bitten multiple times last season to even consider him.
B. Traore / Ross Barkley – Aston Villa have some fantastic set of fixtures in next few game weeks and their attacking potential is very high with third highest xG in PL for last 8 matches. Bertrand Traoré has been in decent form scoring 2 and being heavily involved in Villa’s attacking play.
Ross Barkley is back from injury and starting to get into a rhythm and looked menacing against City last time around. This could just be a time to get him as an ultimate differential in side that has high attacking potential (5.9M, 0.8% owned)
Leicester defence – One of the bandwagon’s that I have missed on has been that of Leicester’s defence and with a relatively easy run of fixtures I could get onto it now, however I am not sure whom to get. Justin is the most popular choice, however Ricardo Pereira is almost back. Evans seems to be the safest bet at this time.
Transfer Options
I have just breached 2M overall rank mark for the first time last gameweek and I am setting a realistic target of getting near 1M by GW26 to target sub 1M rank after the potential double gameweek 26. I want to focus on consolidating my rank this week and not falling below 2M yet again and hence the idea is to not take any hits this gameweek. The team is in decent shape and any change combination that I consider, I am not convinced that they will yield a positive outcome.
Given KDB’s injury, he is the obvious transfer OUT for my team and all the picks listed above can be a brought in – Son, Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva, Barkley, Traore.
Son seems to be the safest pick with high ownership, but I expect Liverpool to fight it out and given Mourinho’s style of play against attacking opposition, I don’t expect too many goals, so maybe I can hold off Son for another week.
Among City and Villa players, I believe it is important to get City coverage in my team, hence it comes down to Gündoğan vs B. Silva for me.
Gundo has been in red hot form and will now be on penalties as well, however there are doubts if he will be able to continue this run, and on the other hand Silva is now starting regularly for City, looking menacing yet again and could be on the start of a decent run. KDB’s absence might mean more creative responsibility for him. The biggest point that goes in his favour is that he is 0.9% owned, could prove to be a great differential if he clicks.
KDB –> Bernardo Silva
Captain Pick
I will go for the straight forward captaincy choice in Bruno Fernandes this week. He has an easy home fixture, got a rest midweek and Manchester United seem to be out there to prove a point. Plus, seems like he will be the highest captained player this GW.
Team for GW 20
Best of luck everyone!