Previous week lessons
A lot of Fantasy coaches used their free hits last gameweek with the weird four-game set-up, so it’s about re-grouping given, with the international break, it’s been a while between games with your actual squad.
It’s hard to glean a lot from last gameweek given it’s unique nature, but worth noting Tottenham pair Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane were among the top scorers with 15 and 13 points respectively.
New Options
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hamstring injury will have coaches weighing up their options in defence, or potentially holding him. Among the picks to replace him are Joao Cancelo, Andy Robertson or even Reece James, who is closing in on a return. Robertson may be the pick of the options based on form, with recent scores of 12, 6, 6 and 13.
We aren’t overly blessed with amazing Everton options on the double, with midfielder Demirai Gray their top scorer this season after a bright start. Defender Michael Keane isn’t far behind him, but can they keep it tight away to West Ham and Burnley?
Burnley have five games in the next five gameweeks, so it’s worth picking up one of their stars, led by midfielder Maxwel Cornet who comes in at 5.9m and has 64 points this season. Woug Weghorst remains a value pick too, while goalkeeper Nick Pope has been very strong.
Who to captain?
Liverpool host lowly Watford in the early Saturday kick-off with Mohamed Salah leading the picks as always given his 222 points across the season which 35 points ahead of the next best. Robertson’s form line is exceptional too.
Alternatively, Kane has been in ripping form with four double-digit scores in the past seven gameweeks, fuelled by seven goals and four assists.
Injuries
Alexander-Arnold is the major headache for coaches, with the full-back likely to miss Saturday’s game against Watford with a hamstring injury sustained prior to the international break. James is a chance to return for Chelsea, looming as an trade option for TAA.
Wolves forward Raul Jimenez is suspended after his red card, while Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is no lock to return after a surprise abdominal injury. Keep an eye on Bukayo Saka too, following illness but trained on Thursday.
From the sides on the double, Ben Mee will likely miss with a fibula injury, while Matej Vydra won’t play on the weekend due to an elbow dislocation. Everton’s Donny van de Beek won’t play due to illness.