Coming out of the first international break of the Premier League season and based on what I see on Twitter, there are quite a few who have activated their wild card, looking to increase their budgets with some prices rises, while looking to add talent to their squad. In fact, it’s looking a bit “template” like. For me, I hit the button ahead of GW3, which has been a trend the last three season. Ask me if I am happy with my team and I think it’s good but as we have seen some players haven’t been playing to their potential. Now managers look to tweak and transfer ahead of GW5. So where do we look?
BUDGET DEFENDING
Intentions were to start looking at Crystal Palace defense, as they hit a purple patch and feel this is value in their upcoming FDR. Risky considering the number of clean sheets are down and many managers are unwilling to run out a premium defensive lineup. Looking at the top defenders we see a number of sub £5.0 defenders topping the list including Konsa Ngoyo, Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku and James Justin. Outside of Justin (23.6% TSB) none of them are over 5% owned! Jury is still out on Villa’s defense but already owning Emiliano Martinez, I won’t buy in on a defender, which leaves Cresswell as a target when the Hammers fixtures turn.
MDIFIELD MAYHEM
While the Phil Foden for Jack Grealish transfer didn’t go well in GW4, Foden should get another start this weekend against Arsenal. However, Kevin De Bruyne is flagged, coming off early during the international break. He hadn’t returned points in two consecutive games. Currently being assessed, I plan to hold this transfer as long as possible, but won’t hesitate if we receive any indication from Pep, his intentions for inclusion in the starting XI this week. The move to Son Heung-Min with intentions to bring KDB back when fit.
Considering what we have seen this season, goals are up from last season through four games, as teams have scored 144 compared to 110 last year. This has me thinking of shifting from a 4-4-2 into a 3-5-2. Had I not played the WC earlier, I could build bigger in the middle, but will continue to keep the double Liverpool defense with Nelson Semedo as my starters. This leaves £0.8 ITB (total: £5.3) and an eye on transferring out André-Frank Zambo Anguissa for a viable midfielder to start. VAPM data after four weeks points to Jorginho on the back of two PK goals in GW4, priced at £5.1. The other option is Jeff Hendrick at Newcastle. Given the fact the Chelsea midfielder is on PKs, he could have a Luca Milivojevic type season with many PKs being issued after VAR. Not crazy, given the limited amount I have ITB.
VAPM OPTIONS?
Any other overhauls in the midfield will require a hit or free transfers over a 2-3 week period. Right now, I am not willing to take a hit but must see what the news is out of Man City before making any transfer permanent. There are a number of players I am watching closely using VAPM and FDR for the upcoming four week period.
Defenders: Konsa (AVL), Mings (AVL), Zouma (CHE), Cresswell (WHU)
Midfielders: Townsend (CRY), Fornals (WHU), Zaha (CRY)
Forwards: Wilson (NEW), Maupay (BHA), Vardy (LEI)
As we play more games we will see this list fluctuate, right now there is still limited data to give us a better idea of the players will that will maintain or exceed that 0.35 for the season. Good luck in GW5!