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I’m going to be honest with you
I gave up playing Fantasy Premier League a long time ago, probably before Christmas. It had been a couple of weeks since I’d updated my team – despite writing this column – and I had slid down many leagues that I signed up to in August. I was so far behind that there was realistically no way to climb back up while competing against dedicated individuals such as yourselves.
So, if you’re still fighting in the FPL leagues with the same dedication that you had back in August, I salute you. You are a stronger person than I am. But let me reassure you, dear, loyal readers, that my disregard for my own team has not spread to this column. I take these tips very seriously. I cheer when someone I’ve tipped scores, and grumble when someone I’ve tipped gets sent off. In many ways, this has replaced my FPL team.
On that note, here are my tips for this week.
1. Ashley Barnes – Burnley, £5.7m
The Clarets’ highest point scorer this season has formed a formidable partnership with Chris Wood up front, and will cause all sorts of problems for Crystal Palace’s defence who will be without Mamadou Sakho.
2. Luke Shaw – Manchester United, £5.1m
Luke Shaw was United’s biggest attacking threat midweek against Crystal Palace and will be looking to grab another assist against his old club this Saturday, when they welcome strugglers Southampton to Old Trafford.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool, £5.3m
The 20-year-old became the youngest player ever to register three assists in one Premier League game this week as Liverpool handed Watford yet another thrashing at Anfield. This week Liverpool will want to make use of his excellent delivery against an Everton side who – and this is not exaggeration – are absolutely terrible at defending set-pieces.
4. Diogo Jota – Wolves, £6.1m
Jota is one of the unsung heroes of this incredible Wolves side. While Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho steal a lot of the headlines, Jota’s tireless pressing and intelligent movement off the ball makes them a huge threat on the counter-attack. Wolves play Cardiff this weekend, so shouldn’t exactly struggle to score.
5. Ben Chilwell – Leicester, £5m
Leicester’s previously dull brand of football is about to become much more exciting after the club appointed Brendan Rodgers as Claude Puel’s successor. That will involve getting both Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira involved in the attacks. At just £5m, Chilwell is a bargain for such an attack-minded full-back.
