Last updated on September 13th, 2024
Everything that we learned so far and everything that happened during the international break.
Written by Mohon
GW4 is going to be a popular week for the wildcard for many, and, by the time you read this, many probably would have already activated their wildcard, including you and why not?! After all, the week after an international break is the perfect time to play the wildcard as many activate their wildcard as soon as the deadline for the last week passes (to get the advantage of any pricing change, although it hardly benefits anyone ever). So who really is in an advantageous position right now?? Those who already played their wildcard or those who saved it and took a hit(or no-hit)?! Well, there’s no right answer to this, as it all depends on how you have navigated your previous week’s transfers and how you are planning to use the next few week’s transfers. Some might still have 3 free transfers next week after playing their wildcard this week or some may played their wildcard this week and plan to not make any transfers for the next three weeks, while some who are yet to activate their wildcard chip and saving it for future because their team is well balanced now or perhaps they have enough points already which makes it easier for them to take hits without a huge rank loss and make their team similar to the ones who played their wildcard, regardless of your decision to play the cup right now or later; everything depends on how well you navigate every week keeping in mind both the form and the fixture of different players from different teams.
Let’s talk about the issues of the international break which we all expect more or less to affect our decisions. Let’s take a point-wise look at the issues and the end results of the same:
- Cole Palmer withdrawing from the England squad gave all of us(particularly Palmer owners) a scare as he is the best asset in the whole Chelsea squad right now. Palmer is also not included in the conference league squad of Chelsea for the group stage, which implies that it’s a no-brainer to have him in your FPL squad because he will play every single week, barring any injury. But as of now, he trained this week with the squad. Maresca also didn’t say anything about his injury in his press conference, and everything looks good.
- Ezri Konsa was subbed off due to an injury while playing for England in their nations league game against Finland, but there’s also nothing to worry about as Unai Emery passed him fit in his press conference and said he is fit to play this week.
- The talk of the town right now is whether Haaland will play this week or not. His close friend recently passed away but he was still seen in training and completed his training session. Guardiola was of no particular help regarding this matter in his press conference as usual. Personally, I do think he will play as he trained, and the good thing is if he doesn’t play, then he will not play a single minute. So, if you were planning to captain him but are now confused about whether to put the armband on him, then I would say yes, as in case he doesn’t, then you do have your vice-captain eventually.
- Will Joao Pedro play?! When asked about them, Hurzeler said, “I think we have a great medical department who will do everything for the regeneration of the players. Also, the players themselves are professional enough to know what they have to do to fully recover for Saturday. Of course, they can’t train today with the team but they will be back on the training ground. Then it is about giving them a good recovery, and hopefully, they can train tomorrow, and then, of course, they are part of the squad”. Make what you will of that statement, but one thing for sure is they are part of the squad, and based on past experiences, I think Pedro will at least play a part in the match, whether as a starter or as a sub; that is the question.
- Odegaard is definitely out in the clash against Tottenham Hotspurs after suffering an injury but Arteta denied giving any timeline on the injury he even denied ruling him out for this week’s match although it’s just a matter of time before you see the Arsenal squad without Odegaard, and that’s a huge advantage for Spurs and for those managers who have Tottenham assets.
- Solanke and Van de Ven are back in training and could well be in the starting line-up.
Other than issues from the international break, I would like to share my personal opinion on the trending questions on particular players:
- Isak – hold him if you have him, don’t buy him if you don’t, don’t buy him if you are on wildcard as the priorities should be on Haaland, Watkins, and Pedro. He is good for this week but, still, I would avoid him.
- Joao Pedro – Hold if you have him, you might buy him but I would rather go for Mitoma/Minteh if planning for longer term, but if budget is an issue then without any doubt Pedro is the best choice, not only because he is cheap but he is that good, the only thing that might stop you from getting him this week is the possible of him not starting.
- Son – hold him, even if you are on a wildcard; if, if you don’t have him then Palmer and Salah should be the priorities.
- Watkins – always a buy based on current fixtures, but the downside of having him is you cannot have all of Salah, Haaland, Trent, Palmerand .
- Saka – Sell, not that he is a bad asset or he can’t score against Spurs and City but as I said, Salah, Haaland, and Palmer should be the priority.
For those managers who activated their wildcard and are spreading their funds on their bench too, I personally would never do that as I like to keep my bench as cheap as possible which also helps me to have more in form premiums than others, and I think it’s absolutely rubbish if I say I can’t afford 3 or 4 premiums in my team, you pick players who are in form regardless of their price in FPL, if they are expensive then you make your team around them. More premiums or less, big at the back or cheap defenders, I just don’t keep much on the bench as it helps me to make transfers easily without having to manage funds in the coming weeks.
If you like what you read, make sure to follow me and connect on Twitter and Instagram @fpl_m10
Stay updated and interact in fun conversations. Any feedback is welcome.
Note: These are all personal views. FPL is subject to varied opinions and mental stress; make sure to follow your way and play accordingly.
