Weekly Wildcards: Gameweek Ten
Every week The Hype Train analyses the best wildcard options for your Fantasy Premier League teams. Historically weekly dream team’s comprise of mostly wildcard players whose selection falls under 5% of overall players, to which there is no doubt that their influence cannot be ignored. With such an abundance of points coming from the FPL’s hidden gems The Hype Train selects one player from each match in the upcoming gameweek to decide who could be the differential for your teams.
LAST WEEKS PERFORMANCE (GW 9)
Two players registered the big zero in gameweek nine; Daniel Sturridge was the first after he picked up an injury before the game against Spurs which was a disappointment. Secondly was Ryan Bertand who conceded two goals against Leicester and got books too. An eight man team was fielded in essence and it was otherwise a successful week all round. Out of the eight remaining players four got good points returns, and Theo Walcott picked up a clean sheet point against Watford. Wilfried Bony returned to his goal scoring best in the absence of Sergio Aguero, and Willian continued to be Chelsea’s best player in their sub-standard season so far.
Total Wildcard Points (GW9): 45 points Gameweek 9 Average Points: 51 points
Daniel Sturridge: 0pts
Willian: 7pts
Carl Jenkinson: 8pt
Brendan Galloway: 1pts
Wilfried Bony: 16pts
Ryan Bertrand: 0pt
Steven Fletcher: 2pts
Theo Walcott: 3pts
Aleksandar Mitrovic: 6pts
Neil Taylor: 2pts
TEAM OF THE WEEK WILDCARDS
The FPL is a wonderful place, filled with surprises and wonder, but not as unsurprising as seeing more wildcard picks in team of the week than non-wildcard picks. Newcastle have a lot to answer for in that respect, their drumming of Norwich produced two wildcards in this week’s team. Even more mysterious is how a Spurs defender leaked in after yet another clean sheet. Spurs are making a mockery of The Hype Train’s defensive prediction for them, any more solid performances and the whole team will have to issue an official apology. The two standouts are also the most obscure, Ander Herrera is a top player but wrestles for starts with heavily selected Man Utd players, and whilst everyone is looking at the marvellous Dimitri Payet of West Ham they cannot see the other shining start right beneath their nose in Manuel Lanzini. Wijnaldum wins the week in terms of pure thrill factor, but he is still Newcastle’s most reliable player, Lanzini and Herrera laughed at the FPL managers who rate other players in the same team as better value for money.
Let us also take a second to remember Wilfried Bony, the man who never reached wildcard status with Swansea because he scored against everyone, anywhere. His inclusion in this team brings back nostalgic memories of when everyone had him, and nobody dropped him.
Wildcards: Rose, Wijnaldum, Herrera, Lanzini, Sissoko, Bony - (6)
Non Wildcards: Myhill, Smalling, Bellerin, Sterling, Vardy - (5)
Points achieved by Wildcards: 90 points
Points achieved by Non-Wildcards: 61 points
THIS WEEKS WILDCARDS
For gameweek nine we are once again selecting ten wildcards, one for each game. Same rules apply: the players we choose must not be selected by more than five percent of the games players. We start in order of the games listed on the official Fantasy Premier League site.
The wildcard options selection percentage is accurate as of Tuesday 20/10/2015.
GYLFI SIGURDSSON, ASTON VILLA VS SWANSEA
Player Name: Gylfi Sigurdsson
Club: Swansea
Position: Midfielder
Price: £7.3mil
Ownership: 4.3%
Garry Monk has admitted that Swansea are in a bit of a slump, that was emphasised as Stoke beat them at the Liberty Stadium in the first away win of that Premier League fixture. Fortunately they are handed the opportunity to bounce back against arguably one of the worst performing teams this season in Aston Villa. Swansea should be looking to keep the ball and further expose Brad Guzan in goal who has looked shaky in the last few weeks against good opposition.
Gylfi Sigurdsson came off the bench and was making a difference to Swansea; he also nearly scored a couple of times too against Jack Butland with some long range strikes but to no avail. Gylfi will start the game against Aston Villa, and out of all the players between the two sides the Icelander is the only obvious option to go with that is a wildcard. None of the Aston Villa defence can be trusted, no can Swansea’s at the moment in the same vein. Attackers with goal scoring potential are the only consideration which is why Sigurdsson makes his way back onto the wildcards list. On set piece duty, and playing in the number ten role behind Gomis makes him the easiest pick of the wildcards this week.
Last Three
7 – SOU (A) – 8pts
8 – TOT (H) – 2pts
9 – STK (H) – 1pt
Next Three
10 – AVL (A) – 24th Oct, 15:00
11 – ARS (H) – 31st Oct, 15:00
12 – NOR (A) – 7th Nov, 15:00
BAKARY SAKO, LEICESTER VS CRYSTAL PALACE
Player Name: Bakary Sako
Club: Crystal Palace
Position: Midfielder
Price: £5.5mil
Ownership: 3.8%
Going into gameweek ten Leicester do not have a single clean sheet to their record, they have not dropped out of the top five since the beginning of the season and are an unbelievable success story so far. Much of the drama of their games comes from their ability to come back from losing the match to collect points, so whilst you would always favour Leicester in this fixture there is hope in the fact they are one of the least secure teams defensively.
Dwight Gayle picked up a red card for two clumsy offenses in gameweek nine and sits out this match, which means a space opens up for another player to come into the squad. Bakary Sako should be that man to come back into the team after a strong start to the season, he can play either left wing or striker and always on the attack for the Eagles. Sako or Bolasie will start up top for Alan Pardew’s squad, but it shouldn’t matter as Sako will be playing the Andre Ayew role for the team. Crystal Palace might also surprise a few people as they still have a great away form and will be looking to hurt Leicester defensively. Sako is still a cheap option, but his selection comes with the air of caution as it is unknown whether Gayle has a place locked in the team when he returns from suspension.
Last Three
7 – WAT (A) – 3pts
8 – WBA (H) – 0pts
9 – WHU (H) – 1pt
Next Three
10 – LEI (A) – 24Th Oct, 15:00
11 – MUN (H) – 31st Oct, 15:00
12 – LIV (A) – 8TH Nov, 16:00
CRAIG DAWSON, NORWICH VS WEST BROM
Player Name: Craig Dawson
Club: West Brom
Position: Defender
Price: £5.1mil
Ownership: 4.3%
A no brainer pick for this game, West Brom’s defensive prowess is almost too hard to look past. The game against Newcastle may have enlightened the might of the Toon’s new goal scoring form, but also on how to defend against Norwich. Much of the analysis was more about how Newcastle could have, and should have, conceded much more than they did. The homework has already been done for Tony Pulis whose squad will feel confident going up against a Canaries squad who are equal parts promising and disappointing.
The real surprise is that not many people are taking into consideration West Brom defenders as valued options, last season they kept a clean sheet every other game and this season they are predictably following this trend once again. Craig Dawson has been the true standout defender after he replaced Andre Wisdom last season. The full back players every game, is sturdy and solid, and also chips in with some goals and assists whilst being able to be relied upon for clean sheets. Norwich shouldn’t threaten West Brom too much. The baggies are going to storm the clean sheet table once again this season so in the eyes of The Hype Train they are an FPL necessity for defence.
Last Three
7 – EVE (H) – 7pts
8 – CRY (A) – 1pt
9 – SUN (H) – 5pts
Next Three
10 – NOR (A) – 24TH Oct, 15:00
11 – LEI (H) – 31st Oct, 15:00
12 – MUN (A) – 7th Nov, 15:00
GLEN JOHNSON, STOKE VS WATFORD
Player Name: Glen Johnson
Club: Stoke City
Position: Defender
Price: £5.0
Ownership: 1.1%
This is a season where anything is possible, and the latest possibility is that Glen Johnson might just be great for your fantasy teams. Having found a good run of form the Potters right-back has been consistently drumming up the points in the last three gameweeks, and with a home encounter against the newly promoted Watford could be warning signals that Stoke’s newfound defensive run continue. With two home games on the horizon, and Newcastle in-between, Glen Johnson is now a legitimate option.
Johnson, who was ridiculed in the latter stages of his career at Liverpool, has looked comfortable at Stoke after having nailed down a starting position in the squad. In the last three matches he has amassed a mighty 23pts as a defender, and that could be near thirty should Watford be kept out of the net. Glen Johnson is a solid pick for any fantasy team and at £5.0mil with his current point’s returns he is great value in comparison to more expensive options such as Manchester City and Chelsea who are struggling to keep clean sheets. Johnson’s biggest attribute has been his attacking, and as seen in the game against Aston Villa he is also capable of chipping in with assists, and potentially goals too.
Last Three
7 – BOU (H) – 5pts
8 – AVL (A) – 12 PTS
9 – SWA (A) – 6pts
Next Three
10 – WAT (H) – 24th Oct, 15:00
11 – NEW (A) – 31st Oct, 15:00
12 – CHE (H) – 7TH Nov, 17:30
MANUEL LANZINI, WEST HAM VS CHELSEA
Player Name: Manuel Lanzini
Club: West Ham
Position: Midfielder
Price: £5.3mil
Ownership: 0.2%
Slavan Bilic is being hailed as a miracle worker for proving there is life after Big Sam who now resides at Sunderland, and one of the best attributes for the Croat is being able to bring relatively undervalued players into his squad and they perform better than expected. That could be said of Manuel Lanzini who has been a shining light in their team so far, he was even the Hammer that ended the playing career of Dejan Lovren in West Ham’s historic victory over Liverpool earlier in the season. A large percentage of players will already have Dimitri Payet in their teams so there may not be room for another Hammers midfielder, but for those that don’t, or those that want a cheap fourth of fifth midfielder who is playing every game then Lanzini fits the bill.
West Ham’s opponents are Chelsea who are fresh off a win against Aston Villa, and as ever everyone will stack the deck against any team up against a team vying for the top four. On the flipside West Ham beat a much better team than Aston Villa at the weekend; they beat an in form Crystal Palace away from home. The game looks set to be interesting as Chelsea are still struggling, especially as they were held to a goalless draw in the Champions League midweek which Bilic will want his most creative players to take advantage of. Manuel Lanzini has 5pts and 13pts from his last two appearances and could make it the blessed trinity at the weekend. Chelsea are still struggling so expect even more shocks, twists, and turns to West Ham’s season and that could include their encounter at the weekend.
Last Three
7 – NOR (H) – 2pts
8 – SUN (A) – 5pts
9 – CRY (A) – 13pts
Next Three
10 – CHE (H) – 24th Oct, 15:00
11 – WAT (A) – 31ST Oct, 15:00
12 – EVE (H) – 7th Nov, 15:00
ALEX OXLAIDE-CHAMBERLAIN, ARSENAL VS EVERTON
Player Name: Alex Oxlaide- Chamberlain
Club: Arsenal
Position: Midfielder
Price: £5.6mil
Ownership: 2.5%
Arsenal have been showing some true form of recent, climbing up to second in the table and looking the real deal with Walcott and Giroud sharing the goals. Arsenal have the perfect predicament at the moment with Walcott to push teams in the first sixty to seventy minutes, and Giroud will come on to provide a different option and physical edge. The rest of the team is pretty much set with Sanchez, Ozil, and Ramsey in the attacking positions behind the lone striker. Aaron Ramsey was going to be the wildcard this week until his injury midweek rules him out of the home fixture against Arsenal. For every place left open, someone has to come in to fill it.
Arsene Wenger’s next best option is Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, of who comes off the bench every game for one of the attackers, so he is always guaranteed game time and is the natural choice to replace Ramsey at the right attacking midfield of Arsenal’s attack. No Everton option is worth the wildcard punt as their record at the Emirates it not great; also there is the chance that ‘The Ox in the Box’ can link up with the rest of the team. He should be a starter, and if Ramsey is injured for much longer there are good games upcoming for Arsenal where points will be available.
Last Three
7 – LEI (A) – 1pt
8 – MUN (H) – 1pt
9 – WAT (A) – 1pt
Next Three
10 – EVE (H) – 24TH Oct, 17:30
11 – SWA (A) – 31ST Oct, 15:00
12 – TOT (H) – 8th Nov, 16:00
GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM, SUNDERLAND VS NEWCASTLE
Player Name: Georginio Wijnaldum
Club: Newcastle United
Position: Midfielder
Price: £6.8mil
Ownership: 3.0%
Sunderland fans have a particular song every time they face Newcastle in the season, and they have good reason. The Black Cats have a phenomenal record against their Tyneside rivals and without reply either from the Toon. Usually, this fixture takes place around the new appointment of a Sunderland manager. Check. It usually takes place around a losing streak. Check. Newcastle is being doubted. Check. Everything is in place on paper for Sunderland to continue their great run, but that has changed with the emergence of the Toon Gini. This should be a match where the story has already been written.
Newcastle came alive against Norwich and exposed their poor defending, and the Gini scored a huge haul of four goals against a team that looked solid so far in the Premier League. Wijnaldum looks to be one of the best summer signings, and could be the major point’s outlet for any Newcastle player this year. In his last three games he has totalled a giant 38pts, of which 13 were obtained against top opposition in the form of Manchester City and Chelsea. With a promising three games ahead of Newcastle this form may not stop, Gini cannot be ignored. The Toon will fancy their chances at ending their torrid run of games against Sunderland. Wijnaldum is the key at the moment and if Newcastle were to score don’t be surprised it will be the Dutchman.
Last Three
7 – CHE (H) – 8pts
8 – MCI (A) – 5pts
9 – NOR (H) – 25pts
Next Three
10 – SUN (A) – 25th Oct, 12:00
11 – STK (H) – 31ST Oct, 15:00
12 – BOU (A) – 7th Nov, 12:45
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN, BOURNEMOUTH VS SPURS
Player Name: Christian Eriksen
Club: Spurs
Position: Midfielder
Price: £8.3mil
Ownership: 4.4%
Hell must have frozen over because Spurs are suddenly hard to beat. Signified by drawing with Liverpool, a team they have feared playing in recent seasons, their Argentine manager has done the impossible and made Spurs a proper unit this season, and one thing is undeniable…Christian Eriksen has made things happen for them. Having scored in Thursday’s Europa League fixture the Dane will be looking to take advantage of Bournemouth’s ongoing struggles in the Premier League.
With Memphis Depay dropped from the Manchester United starting eleven it could be Eriksen who replaces him in fantasy teams. Eriksen is a monster when he is behind the ball for free kicks and is also FPL proven…to an extent. Eriken has been largely criticised for becoming invisible in easy games for Spurs, such as the loss to Burnley last season at Turf Moor when he was one of the most transferred players in that gameweek. Having acquired 22pts in his last three appearances in the league it could be the start of something promising for FPL managers willing to take the gamble.
Last Three
7 – MCI (H) – 4pts
8 – SWA (A) – 15pts
9 – LIV (H) – 3pts
Next Three
10 - BOU (A) - 25th Oct, 14:05
11 - AVL (H) – 2nd Nov, 20:00
12 - ARS (A) – 8th Nov, 16:00
WILFRIED BONY, MANCHESTER UNITED VS MANCHESTER CITY
Player Name: Wilfried Bony
Club: Manchester City
Position: Forward
Price: £8.3mil
Ownership: 2.8%
Bony keeps his place in wildcards; no defence is to be favoured in the Cash Monies Derby so that only leaves attacking options. Also Bony and Sterling look to have a great partnership on the pitch which is refreshing to see something clicking at Man City when Aguero is on the side-lines. Bony is still the FPL beast as proven last week, so for that reason alone he cannot be dropped. The only downside to having Bony in your team is that it is hard to see where the Ivorian fits back into plans when Aguero retains to full fitness.
Last Three
7 - TOT (A) - 0pts
8 - NEW (H) - 1pt
9 - BOU (H) - 16pts
Next Three
10 - MUN (A) - 25th Oct, 14:05
11 - NOR (H) - 31st Oct, 15:00
12 - AVL (A) - 8th Nov, 13:30
ALBERTO MORENO, LIVERPOOL VS SOUTHAMPTON
Player Name: Alberto Moreno
Club: Liverpool
Position: Defender
Price: £4.7mil
Ownership: 2.7%
Daniel Sturridge is no longer a wildcard means someone has to be looked at in the Liverpool squad as Kloppmania runs wild at Anfield. Liverpool were convincing against a hard working Spurs, and it should continue and improve with more time under Klopp. One thing they did well was defend, and Alberto Moreno should start every game now he has no other competition for his place. He has also dropped in price, a really good price, an affordable price. Liverpool want to be a team hard to beat so why can’t continue good run of form.
Moreno has a good eye for goal and chipping in with assists, out of all the players he looks like he has settled in the full throttle realm of ‘new’ Liverpool The Saint’s will come to Anfield looking to upset the party, and every Manchester United fan will be happy to see that happen, but if they kept the same discipline they displayed at Spurs they could pick up another clean sheet.
Last Three
7 – AVL (H) – 1pt
8 – EVE (A) – 2pts
9 – TOT (A) – 6pts
Next Three
10 – SOU (H) – 25th Oct, 16:15
11 – CHE (A) – 31ST Oct, 12:45
12 – CRY (H) – 8th Nov, 16:00
For all GW 10 build up, check out the Weekly Hype page now.
All aboard.
