Football fans, it’s fair to say Gameweek sixteen looks like an absolute belter. This is the perfect opportunity to plant yourself in front of the TV and enjoy Premier League football at it’s very best.
Anyway, now that I’ve jinxed it and every game will likely end up 0-0, it’s time to take a look at the Fantasy Premier League’s winners and losers, starting with those guys whose stock is on the rise.
Three players to buy
Eden Hazard – Chelsea - £10.8m
Where else to start but the most transferred-in player this gameweek? Eden Hazard is beginning to find form, and is an absolute steal at £10.8million. The brilliant Belgian is worth every penny and that value will rise rapidly.
Just 13% of managers have taken the decision to draft in Chelsea’s star man, which seems incredibly low. The Blues have a kind fixture list over the next few weeks, so this seems to be the ideal time to bring in the former PFA Player of the Year.
Ashley Young – Manchester United – £5.0million
Manchester United’s makeshift left-back has fought his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans, and seriously, all credit to him. He’s always been a streaky player and he’s looking in good form right now. Those two goals against Watford were simply stunning. £5.0m is a bargain, particularly for a player who you’ll bring in and out of your team from week-to-week.
The one downside to Young is that he’s registered as a midfielder; so all those clean-sheet points sadly won’t apply.
Jesse Lingard – Manchester United - £5.8million
I’m doubling up on Manchester United players this week and here’s why. The Red Devils have looked great in the last couple of potentially tricky away games, with Jesse Lingard at the heart of everything good about their play.
Mourinho will keep the faith in the Warrington-born-winger and rightly so. The system suits him down to a tee, and I fancy him to flourish against a City defence who have looked shaky at times. After the derby, United’s kind run of games over the hectic winter schedule will see his value rise.
Three players to sell
Kyle Walker – Manchester City - £6.7m
I love Kyle Walker, he’s an asset for both club and country. However, when you’re forking out £6.7m on a defender, you need production. City haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last three games, while the Englishman hasn’t produced a goal or assist either.
His 15% ownership is still relatively high at this point, but there are cheaper options if you want a Manchester City defender, with Nicolas Otamendi costing just £5.9m while also offering a better points return on the season.
Dele Alli – Tottenham Hotspur - £9.1million
It hasn’t been a vintage season for Dele Alli thus far. Over the last six gameweeks, the Englishman has only had a hand in one goal (assist vs West Brom). For a £9million outlay, that’s just not good enough.
Despite that poor form, he’s still boasting a high 13% ownership, which I find bizarre. He’s had the odd good game here and there, but us FPL players require consistency. Until he finds that, get rid.
Romelu Lukaku – Manchester United - £11.4m
Not only am I going big on Manchester United ‘ins’ this week, there is also a notable ‘out’. Romelu Lukaku has found it tough going over the last few games, and I don’t see that barren spell ending any time soon.
Quite frankly, there are better (and cheaper) options at the moment, so cash out at £11.4m and use that vital budget elsewhere. Perhaps Alvaro Morata?
Enjoy the weekend, folks. Good luck in your leagues, and let’s hope we’re all moving in the right direction by the time Sunday evening rolls around.
