Some big name injuries are forcing Fantasy Football managers into sticky situations. Nowhere is more troublesome than the frontline - Aguero's awkward Amsterdammer accident means he'll miss at least a few weeks and must be replaced. Meanwhile Morata may not play Palace. Then there's the sad state of Sadio Mane. Jesus and Lukaku are likely replacements up top, depending on your existing lineup and budgetary constraints, and Coutinho (9.0) is back in full flow and is an obvious replacement for Mane, but if you're looking to mix it up, fear not - Bantasy Football's preview is here to dig down into the data to deliver some desirables.
Mane is butthurt right now
EL CAPITAN
Harry Kane (12.7) -- Tottenham | BOU (H)
The smart money is on Kane to score at least 2 for a fourth consecutive game. Since the August hoodoo lifted, it's been HurriKane season. Bournemouth were knocked for three by Arsenal earlier in the season and this could be another North London blowout.
Lukaku is mighty tempting as a somewhat differential option against a leaky Liverpool defence, but it's just hard to look past the way Kane's been working it recently.
BUY LOW
Richarlison (6.2) -- Watford | ARS (H)
Every year there's a seemingly relegation-bound team which exceeds expectations and has a decent run at the European spots.
Sitting just 1 point behind Chelsea and Arsenal are Watford, whose success has been in no small part down to the Brazilian, who is playing in an advanced position and getting more shots in the box and key passes per 90 minutes than Mane (apparently the most influential player of all time now that he's injured) and Matt Ritchie (a comparable player in the same price bracket).
Consider me seduced.
My own seduction tekkers could do with some fine tuning
DON'T SELL
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (8.5) -- Manchester United | LIV (A)
I wouldn't buy Mkhi right now but I'd also be reluctant to sell. With Pogba out, he is United's key playmaker. His playing time has taken a bit of a hit recently - sure - as too has his productiveness - sure - but he remains the recently-former-best-player-in-Europe and a potential assist machine in one of the best attacks in the league.
Looperville concede goals at a silly rate so you may as well save up the transfer and see how this week plays out.
Mkhi. Mkhi. Jungle is massive.
FOOL'S GOLD
Abdoulaye Doucouré (5.3) -- Watford | ARS (H)
It's easy to see why FPL managers are purchasing Doucoure in their droves - some of the reasoning is outlined above. High-flying Hornets, yada yada.
But don't be fooled into thinking he presents better value than Richarlison just because he is cheaper - Abdoulaye has a more subdued role in the Watford midfield and doesn't get into the box or shoot nearly as much. Sure he scored last week - sure, but he's only had 3 shots in the box all season to Richie Rich's 18. There's no doubt who the more offensive player is.
It's pretty simple really:
1. Pick the cheaper, worse player - Have a bad time.
2. Pick the better player - Have a good time.
PIC OF THE WEEK
Have a great week everyone. And thank fudge the international break is over.
