West Ham, Newcastle and a Robbie Williams Inspired Defender Pick

Sep 19

Fantasy Football – Gameweek 6 Preview – Written by @NiallHawthorne

Last season’s Top 7 have meetings with European counterparts this midweek, and you’d hope for the reputation of the Premier League that these meetings go better than they did for a certain B. Johnson in Luxembourg. You’d hate for Eintracht Frankfurt to be ready for kick-off with Arsenal only to find that the Gunners are nowhere to be seen, because the Eintracht fans were making a bit of noise and not being friendly. How embarrassing would that be?

These midweek commitments make this weekend’s FPL selections slightly more problematic, as the lurking threat of rotation really starts to come to the fore. A few were stung by the first spin of the ‘Pep Roulette’ wheel last weekend (compounded by the no-show of previously Sterling performers, naming no names…), and a grueling trip to the* Ukraine will most likely cause a few sphincters to be twitching when City team news is released at 2pm this Saturday.

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Defender: Ryan Fredericks, West Ham United

You know you’re making real progress in FPL when you graduate from the ‘Outsider’ selection in this column the week previous, to a bona fide tip this week. Congratulations to Ryan Fredericks! I know his dad Frankie is very proud as he continues training to represent Namibia in his 12^th Olympiad at the age of 73. Marvellous.

Two clean sheets on the bounce allied to two BPs on Monday night at Villa Park can’t be ignored, especially with just 0.4% ownership at time of typing. The visit of Manchester United will be fascinating, particularly as United have scored just once in each of their last four outings.

Midfielder: Christian Atsu, Newcastle United

Atsu has always been the kind of player that has flattered to deceive during his time in the Premier League, but this may have been influenced by the fact that for a long time he was one of that large band of Chelsea refuloanees, sent out to all corners of the footballing world (even to remote footballing outposts like Everton), while never having anywhere to call home. We’ve seen how some of those have flourished when finally granted settled status.

He’s now found a home in the North-East and is showing signs of maturing into the devastating attacking player he has always threatened to be. He set up the winner at Spurs, and had a hand in giving Newcastle a shock lead at Anfield, so that’s two assists in three appearances this season. Considering his best haul for season assists is four, it’s a strong start. Oh, and he’s owned by 0.2% of FPL players right now.

Forward: Sergio Aguero, Manchester City (probably, depending on Pep, y’know yourself)

The defeat at Carrow Road will have hurt badly, and with the Hornets rolling into town on a poor run of form, there’s only one team going to be stung this weekend.

Ordinarily this would be a Captaincy tip, but with a trip to face Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night, followed by a Saturday 3pm KO, only the Lord himself knows who Pep will start this weekend. Then again, I suspect even the big man upstairs would have his doubts.

Should Kun start, then I expect City to make a mark and re-stamp their authority on their title defence with a comprehensive victory, and Aguero could easily plunder a hat-trick.

Captain: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal

Arsenal feature in the Super Sunday fixture this weekend, and you can’t blame Sky Sports for that match selection. Their audience this weekend will have the casual football fan, Arsenal fans, Aston Villa fans and fans of slapstick comedy, all of which will tune in expecting, nay demanding, more of that hilarious Arsenal defending we’ve come to know and love (well maybe not the Arsenal fans, right Ryan?). (Ed. If you were paid anything I’d dock you right now)

One thing Arsenal fans can rely on is the form of their now talismanic frontman Aubameyang. Five goals and an assist already this season mean he’s pretty much indispensable.

Draft: Bjorn Engels, Aston Villa

Last week I tipped Dan Burn in this slot and for 90 minutes it was an inspired choice. However, things started to Come Undone when Burnley did Somethin’ Stupid and grabbed a late equaliser. This week I implore you to Let Me Entertain You, have Patience and trust someone who’s been playing this game for all this Millennium. You’ll have No Regrets and you’ll be one of the smarter Kids if you follow my advice.

Forget Dan Burn, I’m Loving Engels Instead.

*I have no idea if it should just be ‘Ukraine’ or ‘The Ukraine’.

Fantasy Football – Gameweek 6 Preview – Written by @NiallHawthorne