We're half way through the wild wild wildcard period which means you're either ankle-deep in regret or are revelling in the plethora of options at your fingertips. Man City's stuttering form (two draws in three now) is cause for concern for those plotting Silva and Aguero-based world domination, while Chelsea's high goal tally (16 in their last 8) suggests doubling up on Fabregas and Hazard could be worth a squirt.
Cowboys was robbed
Buy Low
Jack Colback (4.8) -- Newcastle | SOT (H)
Prior to the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, the Toon scored six goals in two games. Colback - who is admittedly very ginger - was instrumental, scoring in each and getting an additional assist and three Bonus Points against Burnley. He has also played every minute this season, bar a one-match suspension for picking up too many yellows, and did I mention he costs less than the material that goes into a Geordie Lass's going out out outfit?
She's frigid
A decent run of fixtures makes Jacky boy a decent enabler if you want a premium front three or a blockbuster midfield four. Their fixture list 'aint too shabby either. That said, upcoming opponents Southampton just beat Arsenal AND Man Utd to nil, so it's not all butterflies and butterscotch. For only 4.8m squids, though, you're #winning.
Swansea have lost their Boney. Some limp performances would only be natural from any team losing their best player but with a fixture list that threatens Chelsea, Southampton away and Manchester United in the next five, you can expect some serious whisky dick. This is bad news for Fantasy starlet "Siggy", who procured three of his eight assists this season supplying the Ivorian and will inevitably see a downturn in production unless Swansea manage to find a suitable replacement for the striker before the window slams shut, or get more from the hitherto lumbering but wonderfully-named Bafetimbi Gomis. He's owned by 44.3% of teams and is popping up in a lot of Wildcard templates but do yourself a favour and protect yourself from the Gylfi zeitgeist - you can do better.
Always use protection
Fool's Gold
David De Gea (5.8) -- Manchester United | QPR (A)
We told you to put this guy in your team not two weeks ago. Things change, though. Just Ask Paloma Faith, or Tupac Shakur for that matter.
Tupac used to not be a hologram. Now he is one. Changes.
Turns out all those lardy-dars on Game of Thrones were off a touch - winter is yet to arrive - but what we do have is a Victor Valdes. This opens the door for Man Utd to open the door for their best player this season. Crazy, I know - but this is a team that bought eleven strikers then decided to put Josh Wilson in the squad instead of Radamel Falcon punch (I know he's not really called Josh Wilson - I'm being facetious). A North-Easterly Pantylemon-Krul combo is now the best keeper option in our book. See, this is why you have to read the blog every week. Tell your friends. Try the veal.
Bargain Bucket
Marcin Wasilewski/Paul Konchesky (3.9/4.5) -- Leicester | Stoke (H)
Try talking to someone about how well Leicester have played this season and they'll look at you all like "whaddafeeeeerk?".
Conversations are hard enough even when they don't involve Leicester
Truth is, though, they've been pretty unlucky and after trialling a good performance/bad result strategy, they've shifted to one which produces not only clean sheets but also vital wins. Two victories avec clean sheets and a 2-2 draw against Liverpool isn's the only good news - two of their last three goals have involved marauding defenders. Konchesky scored the winner against Villa and has always had a mean left foot so he could easily pop up with an assist in the home tie with Stoke. Wasilewski on the other hand is just classic bargain bucket - under 4.0m, plays every game, has some decent home games coming up. Beware Gameweeks 25-28, however - ARS (A), EVE (A), CHE (H), MCI (A). Yeesh.
Pic of the Week
Something not even tenuously related to fantasy football? You asked for it!
