The week in Fantasy Premier League: Sizing up Zlatan replacements
The big Swede landed awkwardly before hobbling off with what looks like a nasty injury.
And so the rush to replace one of the most popular players in FPL begins!
Having scored against Sunderland and Chelsea recently, a late winner against Anderlecht seems to have catapulted into ‘obvious replacement’ status in the eyes of many.
But while the price is right, Man United’s starting line-up remains easily the most unpredictable in the league - a situation only compounded by their Europa League survival.
With back and Zlatan’s replacement playing for his United future, a consistent run as lone striker for the 19-year-old could be a case of wishful thinking.
Before his goals against Sunderland & Chelsea, Rashford went 20 Premier League appearances without a goal. He doesn't interest me for DGW.
— FPL General (@FPLGeneral) April 20, 2017
Negredo and Benteke better options than rashford! Jose will rotate - Rooney, Martial, Lingard or Fellani could start up front v Burnley
— Holly Shand (@HollyShand) April 20, 2017
For those yet to board the bandwagon, the transfer is a relatively simple one.
The Spurs marksman costs a mere £0.1m more and it feels like a move that must be made at some point anyway.
...Ok Folks
— FantasyYIRMA #FPL (@FantasyYIRMA) April 15, 2017
Two types of #FPL managers
Which are you
RT - A) I HAVE HARRY KANE
FAV - B) I DON'T HAVE HARRY KANE pic.twitter.com/CTPdYQAg7e
Similarly, provides a reliable replacement for the remaining few yet to snap up the 24-goal forward - and some pocket change to boot!
But these two are the safe, highly-owned candidates - let’s look at some intriguing short-term options for those who still have a wildcard in their back pocket.
Mid-price forwards with big-time potential
With three goals in his last four games, has become one of the form strikers in Premier League.
Joint top with Sergio Aguero for shots in the box (16) and shots on target (7) over the last four GWs, the Belgian is in confident mood ahead of Palace’s DGW ties against Spurs and his former club Liverpool.
1️⃣2️⃣ EPL goals this season
— Sky Sports Six-a-Side (@SkySportsSAS) April 19, 2017
😳 Against his old side
🌟 #CPFC's Benteke is an Elite Player option.
(🎥 credit @CPFC) pic.twitter.com/I8ScVUVWsq
Despite some distinctly underwhelming performances this season, you would think that even couldn’t conspire to blank against Bournemouth and Sunderland in DGW34.
Prospective owners should be encouraged by the fact that since the departure of former manager Aitor Karanka, Negredo's ‘threat on goal’ stat has rocketed - averaging 75, just behind Benteke’s 78 (thanks FPL Statto for that little nugget).
Of course, those without their wildcard must think more long-term. For them, the promise of a Double Gameweek or two should ease the nerves considerably.
Forgotten by many since his injury, 3.6%-owned could prove a masterstroke for canny FPL managers willing to take an early punt.
Although a trip to may not seem ideal, but the Blues have stumbled of late, and haven’t kept a clean sheet since GW22!
Ignore the doubters who say Austin and Long will steal his minutes - ‘Gabbi’ will be ever-present in that Southampton team for the rest of the season.
The bandwagon has clearly seen better days, but he could yet be an unlikely saviour for anyone needing a mini-league miracle.
Although injury has kept on the sidelines, after one goal in five games, you would imagine his days as Arsenal’s lone-forward are numbered. The same goes for Alexis Sanchez (albeit for reasons which elude understanding for all but one lone Frenchman) clearing the way for the 2.6%-owned frontman.
Though much maligned, Giroud has plenty of goals in his locker given the right conditions - including those four in consecutive mid-season games - and should be relatively fresh given his recent lack of gametime.
Often when one high-priced forward gets injured, the instinct can be to replace him with another - but that cash can just as effective when spent on your midfield.
Players auditioning to replace Alexis Sanchez
After frustrating loyal FPL owners for three weeks, finally stopped the rot with a goal against Middlesbrough.
His disinterested performance was still enough to persuade many to sell, although Arsene Wenger’s decision to roll the dice with a 3-4-2-1 formation at least gave owners hope that a new, more central role could yet jolt the Chilean into life.
But with tempting alternatives like , and ready to take up the cause for your team, all eyes will be on Sanchez in the days ahead.
Firmino now has returns in his last 6 games. Mostly underwhelming ones but still, decent form. #FPL
— FPL GOAT (@FPL_GOAT) April 16, 2017
For more on this, and much more besides, have a listen to my guest appearance on this week’s FanFeud podcast, alongside FPL Stag, Fantasy Pest and host FPL Marple.
Gambling on low-owned midfielders
Of course, for those running out of time to make up ground in their mini-league, these big-name players are strictly off the menu. Now is the time to start gambling on low-owned alternatives and hope the more obvious names grind to halt.
Luckily some exciting options have emerged - all with ownership of less than 5%.
has been central to Crystal Palace’s recent resurgence, registering an average of seven points in his last six games, including returns in his last three.
He’s created 15 chances in that time (second only to ) which are now blossoming into assists, thanks to Benteke’s spike in form.
His price comes in at £0.2 less than , despite scoring five more points than his well-owned teammate since GW27.
Owned by just 1.1% of FPL managers, has looked dangerous in recent matches.
His three upcoming ties against Swansea (A), West Ham (H) and Bournemouth (A) will hold little fear for the Austrian, who was unlucky not to add to his 12-point haul against Hull.
Although hasn’t quite managed to turn his early promise into consistent returns, Hull are excellent at home and the Polish international could fill his boots against a Watford side with 40 points and nothing to play for.
QUICK TIP
There’s really no worse feeling in FPL than buying a player, only to see him injured before he even has the chance to score you some points (just ask the 81,000 new owners, they’ll tell you).
But this is the fate that could await anyone bringing in , , or assets this week. All four must first play what should be pretty intense FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday before they even set foot on a Premier League pitch in midweek.
⚠️⚠️ WARNING ⚠️⚠️
— FPL Stag (@FPLStag) April 18, 2017
ARS, CHE, MCI, TOT
Play their FA Cup semis at the weekend, GW34 matches in MIDWEEK!
🚫🚫 Risk of injuries/rotation 🚫🚫 pic.twitter.com/EgylRBFEst
That’s not to say you absolutely shouldn’t bring in any players from these four, but if money isn’t a factor, at least consider banking that free transfer and holding out until GW35.
BUY
The prospect of a Double Gameweek, followed by a home tie against Burnley, makes hard to ignore, at least in the short term.
Failing that, for those willing to gamble on his fitness, remains an ominous presence for the weeks ahead.
Eden Hazard's Premier League season by numbers so far:
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 13, 2017
128 take-ons
64 chances created
14 goals
5 assists
Back to his best. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HrcUWJgs00
His blank against Man United may have seen him temporarily drop off the radar, but he remains one of the few viable options left, and will surely run riot against the likes of Boro (H), West Brom (A), Watford (H) and Sunderland (H) during Chelsea’s title run-in.
TRY
Similar to Phil Jagielka recently, Hull’s has celebrated goals in his last two games. However, unlike the Everton defender’s freakish scoring run, however, Maguire has some potential to keep this going.
Despite having more shots and attempts in the box than any FPL defender since GW15 (according to FantasyFootballScout.co.uk), Maguire’s ownership has somehow stayed at a mere 0.5%.
There’s nothing like a goal from a defender to turn your Gameweek around, and right now, he’s the man most likely - all for a bargain £4.4m.
GOODBYE
Diego Costa's Last 5 PL Games
— Stats Per 90 (@StatsPer90) April 16, 2017
18 Shots
3 Shots On Target
3 Yellow Cards
0 Chances Created
0 Assists
0 Goals#CFC #FPL pic.twitter.com/TBtOexd1bI
A five-match barren run has seen one-time Mr Consistency punish many early wildcarders. He’s even gone back to his old ways, picking up three yellow cards in the process.
He’s still owned by over 30% of FPL managers, but with the likes of and on offer for less, that surely can't continue for much longer.
Top of the League
Gameweek 33 saw long-time leader make up some ground on and in . With similar high-priced players in both teams, it looks like defenders and mid-priced midfielders could decide this one. Exciting stuff!
