After a week of mulling over my short term changes and longer term strategy, I don’t believe using my free transfer this week would beneficial. It’s odd, as this could be the third time this season I roll my FT, which is very unlike how I have played in years past. While there are transfers I could make, the bigger picture to added a premium midfielder in the coming weeks will hinge on what I do with these two free transfers next week.I mentioned last week that Callum Wilson was another mistake. While he’d been the most consistent performer for Bournemouth, it stands to reason, I was chasing points when he returned a season low, 1-point in GW10. On paper, he was a worthwhile punt home to So’ton and away to Fulham. All isn’t lost, as long he can punch above his weight this week and take advantage of a very poor and leaky Cottagers defense. On the season, they have conceded 25 goals (2.77/game).
His poor return, coupled with that of past players; Theo Walcott (£6.5), Lucas Moura (£7.3) and Ryan Fraser (£5.8) have me reconsidering potential moves. These mid-priced midfielders haven’t really impressed on a regular basis, adding yet another doesn’t bode very well for returning points this week. That said, Moura and Walcott will be the first two players transferred out, putting £13.8 into my bank, bringing my available ITB to £15.1. Unfortunately, two moves won’t get me Eden Hazard and a budget midfielder.
The original strategy, move Kun Aguero, bank the £11.2. Transfer out Moura and Walcott. This would allow me to bring in Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, leaving me £5.2 ITB for a forward. Again, paper is a great tool, as you can make dog shit look good on paper. However, finding a starting forward for £5.2 becomes very challenging. Options aren’t impressive; Bobby Reid, Joselu, Laurent Depoitre, Shane Long, Issac Success and Kenneth Zohore. It effectively takes away any formation with three forwards, not sure that is a direction I want to go.
In order to get KDB into my starting lineup, it would mean transferring out Ederson, Ben Mendy or Aguero. Based on FDR, I have been looking at options for Ederson. City has been in fine form defensively, posting five clean sheets in the last five games, to give them six on the season. Probably their toughest run of fixtures all season, moving Ederson would save me an addition £1.0! It would also allow me to get KDB into my starting XI with two moves, leaving Walcott and Fraser to deal with in coming weeks.
As for game week 10, if you are looking for transfer options, here are a few differentials you might consider.
GOALKEEPER
Ben Foster (£4.5/4.2%): While I do like Mat Ryan and Lukasz Fabianski this week, Brighton plays Wolves and I not really sold on the West Ham defense, on the road. Foster has played well over the course of the season, but hasn’t scored many points. Just two clean sheets on the season, but very favorable fixtures for the next three weeks could offer their best CS potential. Won’t get you many save or bonus points, but should be a strong candidate this weekend.
DEFENDER
Cedric Soares (£4.4/4.7%): Haven’t backed a Saints defender all season long, but they are playing Newcastle this week at St. Mary’s. The Magpies have scored just two goals in their last four games, which bodes well for a Saints defense that has been just as leaky. Could be an interesting game, but I like Soares and the Saints to keep it clean this week. How about that attacking return?
MIDFIELDER
Etienne Capoue (£5.0/1.1%): This is a bit of a stretch and my second Watford selection this week. Capoue, when he’s hot, he is on. We saw that a few years back, as everything he hit, found the goal. This could be the start of a short streak, as he’ been playing very well in the midfield at both ends of the pitch, very active and as we saw can still contribute. I like Watford this weekend feel Capoue can go “Ca-POW!”
FORWARD
Issac Success (4.5/2.0%): He’s gathered a bit of steam this week, as managers have slowly brought the Watford front man in, after his debut start last weekend. Troy Deeney is doubtful, which means Success could get his second consecutive start against a struggling Huddersfield defense. Big, strong and powerful, can hold up play, beat a man and knows where the goal is.