Last updated on December 3rd, 2021
By Matthew Petersen @Matt_Petersen13
Gameweek 13 marked the start of a busy December period, which should keep all FPL managers on their toes. Between transfers, taking hits, making the right captain choices and planning chip strategies, these are all key around this time of the season. It was also the first set of midweek fixtures where the top 3 all maintained their respective spots after picking up wins, with Liverpool impressive after winning 4-1 in the Merseyside derby. Elsewhere, Arsenal and Man United played out a cagey affair which the Red Devils edged out 3-2 after going behind under dubious circumstances, but Cristiano Ronaldo was on hand to net a double and secure the win. They now look forward to their first game under Ralf Rangnick against Crystal Palace this week. On the FPL front, a gameweek average of 53 points that included three of the last week’s six picks returning points. I will hope for more of the same this week.
Gameweek 14 top 3 performers:
1. Mohamed Salah – 15 points (90 minutes, two goals, 3 bonus points).
2. Jordan Henderson – 13 points (82 minutes, one goal, one assist, 3 bonus points)
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 13 points (90 minutes, two goals, 3 bonus points)
Let’s take a look at this week’s picks, reviewing their GW14 performance and previewing their points potential for GW15, based on recent form and favourable fixtures.
1. Bernardo Silva – £7.3m (MID); 14.5% ownership
GW14 review – 10 points (90 minutes, one goal, clean sheet, 3 bonus points)
GW15 preview – Watford (A)
The Portuguese maestro has been an absolute star for Pep’s side this season and has notched five goals and two assists this season as well, including three goals in his last four games. He has been a constant figure for the side, capable of playing various positions to the same kind of level. above and beyond his goal contributions, Bernardo has affected games with his sharp running, great ball control and continuous energy. City have a great run of fixtures coming up and, provided he avoids the dreaded Pep Roulette; Bernardo could hit double figures before the start of 2022.
2. Emile Smith Rowe – £6.0m (MID); 28.4% ownership
GW14 review – 7 points (69 minutes, one goal)
GW15 preview – Everton (A)
One of Arsenal’s academy products has been a revelation with five goals and two assists so far this season. He scored a contentious goal against Man United last week but it counted nonetheless as Arsenal fell to a 3-2 defeat. They face an Everton side licking their wounds after a heavy Merseyside Derby defeat as they are now winless in their last eight games. Arteta’s side have done well to bounce back from losses so far this season and Smith Rowe could be the key man this weekend.
3. Andy Robertson – £7.0m (DEF); 2.1% ownership
GW14 review – 7 points (90 minutes, 2 assists)
GW15 preview – Wolves (A)
Robertson has been outshone by both Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.0m) and Kostas Tsimikas (£3.8m) at times this season but one thing’s for sure, when he hits a run of form he can be devastating for Liverpool and so key to their attacks. He has had a brilliant run of form lately and picked up three of his four assists this season in the last two gameweeks, notching 19 points. Liverpool faces a Wolves side that has struggled to score of late meaning his clean sheet potential is strong this week too.
4. Raphinha – £6.7m (MID); 20.5% ownership
GW14 review – 8 points (90 minutes, one goal, clean sheet)
GW15 preview – Brentford (H)
In my opinion, this would be the last week to own Raphinha as after the Brentford fixture, Leeds face Chelsea (A), Man City (A), Arsenal (H) and Liverpool (A) in their next four fixtures. Nonetheless, this would be the week to hang onto Raphinha if FPL managers do have him as Brentford conceded 10 goals in their last five games, a far cry from the defensive unit that started the season so well. Raphinha has added penalty duty to his game in the absence of Patrick Bamford (£7.7m), so that could excite some managers in what is likely his last hurrah for most managers.
5. Gabriel Jesus – £8.7m (FOR); 9.5% ownership
GW14 review – 5 points (86 minutes, 1 assist)
GW 15 preview –Watford (A)
The 2nd Man City pick this week is Gabriel Jesus, who has been a mainstay in Pep’s squad since joining the club in January 2017. This season he has found himself playing on the right-wing in some games but has still managed to produce two goals and six assists this season, proving his worth as a creator as well. City have an exciting record against Watford, including an 8-0 victory in the 2019/20 season so Jesus would be licking his lips over the prospect of adding some goals to his tally this season. City do have good fixtures beyond this so Jesus becomes a good option for many FPL managers.
6. Sergio Reguilon – £5.2m (DEF); 14.4% ownership
GW14 review – 12 points (90 minutes, clean sheet, one assist, 3 bonus points)
GW15 preview – Norwich (H)
Reguilon was my pick ahead of the postponed game against Burnley and has now produced brilliantly against Brentford, notching his third assist of the season and really benefiting from his new role as the left wingback. Spurs face Norwich, who I have rather harshly targeted but have looked strong after Dean Smith’s appointment, but it remains a good-looking fixture on paper and Spurs should have enough quality in their side to beat Norwich and keep a clean sheet with it. As the team gets used to Conte’s playing style, performances and results will improve so keep a keen eye on Spurs in the coming weeks.
*Prices and ownership statistics are correct as of 3 December 2021*
To see the picks of last week, click the link below:
