High expectations coming off a very successful GW2, but met with a catastrophic fail going into the international break. As I mentioned from GW1, my goal is to average 60 points a week, which could put be at 2280 by season’s end resulting in a top finish out of some 3 million managers. GW3 was a step backwards, which many experienced managers will take. Being only my 4th year I am still wet behind the ears and learning the ins and outs of fantasy football.
It was not until Friday afternoon that I finally decided to use my FT (free transfer) for the week. I had been looking at a few players, which would yield a few different lineups, going as far as a 3-5-2. After copious amounts of reading and referencing players and reading some more I decided to make, what was considered a quality transfer transferring out Payet, who had played just 24 minutes through the first 2 weeks and brought in Barkley from Everton, who had seen 90 minutes through each of the first two games, adding a goal and an assist. Seemed a solid transfer heading into a tilt with Butland-less Potters.
Like last year I toyed with the idea of playing my WC, but figured I would run into complications after the international break if any of my players came back with an injury, something I wanted to avoid this season, as opposed to last. I continued to hold my WC and made the decision that prior to GW4, depending on the health of my squad I would conceivably play it. Still only 3 weeks into a 38 week season could seem to be a hasty move. Consider I made up most of my ground to get me into the top 75k last year during the second half the season. So transfer now or wait?
Watching the early games disappointed, as Gray was shutout out by Chelsea, which we all knew would happen, but Barkley was nearly invisible versus Stoke City as I started the week in poor form, just 4 points. It didn’t get much better as Mahrez was held in check against the Swans thanks in part of a penalty miss. Only a brighter note, Morgan shined against defensively leading Leicester to a shut out and 8 points. Valencia continued that tend in the later game scoring 9 points against Hull behind a shutout and 3 bonus points. Stones, disappointed again, conceding a goal vs West Ham and being pulled after just 58 minutes with an injury. Not a good start to his City career considering through 5 games last season City did not concede a goal. Then again, City is still without Kompany.
Rounding out the midfield it was Tadic 3 points versus Sunderland and Ramirez 2 points versus a stingy West Brom defense. Both players were pulled before 90 minutes. As I witnessed the first two weeks my midfield continues to struggle. None of the big named or big price tagged players have stepped up. At least not those on my squad, which is part of the reason I am considering the WC before GW4.
Up front was a dismal abyss. The “dynamic duo” of Ibra and Kun tallied just 4 points between them, for those of us, like me, who captained Aguero, we finished the day on 6 points. Nothing seemed to go to plan in GW3, then again maybe that’s why we play this damn game because of the twists and turns and chances we take through out the season. Never did I consider captaining another player prior to handing Kun the armband for the third week in a row.
In goal Foster shined again! 6 points, his second shut out in three games, as the Baggies continue to have a solid defensive form. Going forward it could get tricky starting with GW8, but until that time I have the utmost confidence in Tony Pulis and the West Brom defense. Next question, do I double up?
The international break is on the horizon before GW4, so it’s nearly 2 weeks to sit and consider what moves to make going forward. How do I consistently break through that 60 point threshold I am looking to achieve. Do I go 3-5-2 or stay with 3-4-3? Who will shine in the next 3-6 weeks? Big names such as Hazard, Sanchez and Costa are on my radar. Costly, all of them. So I sit, reflect and wait to see what I do with my WC.
