FPL GW11 Preview
No time for an intro, too much to talk about, let’s jump straight in…
Another midweek with European commitments for the top teams, and not a lot of rotation occurred, which could prove problematic for FPL managers this weekend.
Cancelo, Mahrez, Foden, Grealish, Salah, Mane, Alexander-Arnold, Havertz, Antonio, Benrahma, Kane and Son all started. Sterling, Jesus, De Bruyne and Vardy all came on as substitutes, whereas Dias, Robertson, Chilwell and James were on the bench and did not come on.
Chilwell and James not coming on is huge news, as Chelsea have a plum fixture at home to Burnley in the standout fixture of the weekend. Could it be third week lucky for Kai Havertz owners?
Probably not.
Injury wise, Firmino came on as a sub but went off with a hamstring injury, leaving the door open for Diogo Jota to start at the weekend. We do not yet know the extent of the injury, and with a two week International Break ahead, it could be enough time for the Brazilian to recover, so thoughts of picking up Jota for a long term investment isn’t wise until we know how long Firmino’s layoff will be.
The big news of the week came off the field, as Spurs announced the appointment of Antonio Conte as Head Coach. The former Chelsea and Inter Milan man is a formidable figure in world football, and his 3-4-3 formation could revolutionise a jaded Spurs side. Notably, the Kane and Son combo could be sparked back into life; their partnership when they are both firing on all cylinders is terrifying, and despite Kane’s failed attempts to push through a move to Man City over the summer, Conte will surely be able to bring out the best in him. The problem of course comes in the form of the January transfer window, when Spurs will surely be braced for more bids for their star man.
Elsewhere, defender Sergio Reguilon could be a shrewd pick, as Conte likes his wing backs to play high up the pitch. He has 2 assists this season, but Conte is a different beast to former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, so he is firmly on the watchlist.
Looking at the upcoming fixtures, it is Spurs, who we have already covered, and Brentford with the standout fixtures over the next 6 games. The attacking partnership of Ivan Toney and Brian Mbeumo for the Bees are the standout options in the budget categories in midfield and the forward positions against a Norwich side who… well, I’m lost for words about the Canaries this season.
Captaincy options: Salah. I don’t care who he plays. It’s West Ham. Vardy against Leeds and, perhaps Chilwell or James against Burnley for a punt?
Deadline this week is Friday 5th November, 6:30pm, so get your teams sorted before you go off to the fireworks.
Remember, it isn’t too late to join the Official And He Takes That Chance FPL league, simply click on the link below.
fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/ut6b0t
Denny Ledger
Twitter: denny_ledger