Joccki's Weekly

[Aldershot Rejects]

Trigger pulled on Sané, Arnautovic and Kane Hazard, Shaqiri and Agüero for a whopping -8.

The first two transfers were urgent so adding Agüero wasn't a hard decision either because I think he will outscore Kane by a minimum of 4 points in the next three games. Plus, Sergio will get the captaincy band.

Decent move I think (well, I would because I also did A&K to H&A). Interesting to see how Shaqiri does. I was tempted for his run over the next 3 games but I'm not convinced by his fixtures after that. As an enabler for the other two, he's a good pick.

[Joccki_10]

Trigger pulled on Sané, Arnautovic and Kane Hazard, Shaqiri and Agüero for a whopping -8.

The first two transfers were urgent so adding Agüero wasn't a hard decision either because I think he will outscore Kane by a minimum of 4 points in the next three games. Plus, Sergio will get the captaincy band.

Decent move I think (well, I would because I also did A&K to H&A). Interesting to see how Shaqiri does. I was tempted for his run over the next 3 games but I’m not convinced by his fixtures after that. As an enabler for the other two, he's a good pick.

Me neither, but I might be using my wildcard around GW28/29 or he might just be a three or four GW-punt.

Stanislas would have been my preferred pick ( ) if it wasn’t for his poor fixture in GW25.

[Joccki_10]

Trigger pulled on Sané, Arnautovic and Kane Hazard, Shaqiri and Agüero for a whopping -8.

The first two transfers were urgent so adding Agüero wasn't a hard decision either because I think he will outscore Kane by a minimum of 4 points in the next three games. Plus, Sergio will get the captaincy band.

Decent move I think (well, I would because I also did A&K to H&A). Interesting to see how Shaqiri does. I was tempted for his run over the next 3 games but I’m not convinced by his fixtures after that. As an enabler for the other two, he's a good pick.

Me neither, but I might be using my wildcard around GW28/29 or he might just be a three or four GW-punt.

Stanislas would have been my preferred pick ( ) if it wasn’t for his poor fixture in GW25.

Poor fixture, eh?

[Joccki_10]

Two hits to bring in Hazard, Shaqiri and Agüero and captain the latter. Delivered me 17 points. Salah would have got me only one point less if I had given him the band. But okay, long-term moves. The only thing that bothers me is that Stanislas got 12 points. Because like I told AR, Junior would have been my preferred pick if it wasn’t for the Chelsea fixture. Ah well..

Furthermore I got a no-show from Mahrez, an own goal from Jones and a penalty miss from Joselu. And the last one really hurts.

44, -8 and a big drop in OR to 230k. A GW to forget. Let’s move on.

Now that Mahrez is staying at Leicester, I won’t doubt his commitment to the team. He will be staying for me as well. That should have led to me rolling the transfer this week, though the most obvious thing to do is of course Joselu Wilson.

Am really tempted to go with that one. The only question that then arises is how to bring in Firmino later.

[Joccki_10]

After another very poor GW, I will just have a glance at GW31 in advance.

GW31 PROSPECT

We are currently in GW27. That means there are only five - six in some situations - free transfers left before we arrive in GW31, the BGW that will see just a couple of games. I expect Huddersfield to be knocked out of the FA Cup so I assume their game against Palace won't be postponed.

• Huddersfield - Crystal Palace
• Stoke - Everton
• Liverpool - Watford

From these sides I only have Shaqiri, Salah and Quaner. However, I will spend all my remaining FT's to add players from these sides. That is because I will not use my wildcard before GW31 and that is because I already wasted my Free Hit chip.

TEAMS
Huddersfield
None are worth it to me. Huddersfield have lost their last five PL games with a total goal difference of 1-14. I think they are going down and I don't see any value in any of their players.

Crystal Palace
Palace is a bit more tough, but looking at their fixtures I probably won't bring any of their players either. Spurs, United and Chelsea (..) before GW31 and Liverpool immediately after. I won't have any spare transfer left so I don't expect to own a Palace player come GW31, although I could make a case for Hennessey if Bournemouth - West Brom - and so Foster - doesn't survive. Milivojevic doesn't fit into my team structure and a defender is out of the question.

Stoke
I already got Shaqiri, but besides him, there's only Bauer that interests me. Stoke play City before and Arsenal plus Spurs immediately after, so if I'm able to bench Bauer in GW30 and after the BGW I will very likely bring him in soon.

Everton
Walcott is a certainty. Coleman could be an option when I get rid of one of Alonso or Otamendi. By then money shouldn't be a problem so if he's back playing every game I reckon he will be a very attractive option. Though Everton also got two very tough fixtures after so I should be careful.

Liverpool
A few GW's ago I was set on Salah, Mané and Firmino but now that Mané seems to have such a big dip in form Robertson comes into the equation. I like their fixtures so I will definitely have three Liverpool players come GW31. Who depends on Mané's form and Firmino's possible suspension.

Watford
Had them down already to "None are worth it to me" but maybe I should reconsider after yesterday's result. I have added Janmaat and Deulofeu to my watchlist (knee-jerking, I know) and with two home fixtures in GW28/29, a game in 31 and two home fixtures again in GW32/33 it's only the away game against Arsenal that doesn't appeal. It's still a wait and see but I've always liked Deulofeu as a player and if Mané keeps underperforming he might be my Mahrez replacement.

Of course all of these decisions depend on what happens in the FA Cup, as there are two more games that could go through: Bournemouth - West Brom and Swansea - Southampton. I do however think that both games will be postponed; I expect West Brom to beat Southampton and Swansea to go through. The other way around would be perfect for me since I own Foster, Dawson and Wilson. To be continued...

[bigcliff2]

Nice post.

So far I have Hennessey (and Speroni), Quaner, Bauer, Walcott and Salah with the added possibility of one of either Francis or Naughton.

Karius is worth considering for Liverpool, not for me though, as I intend to stick with my Palace combo until I WC. Aguero to Firmino, potential ban notwithstanding, looks an obvious move for me at some point.

One of Deulofeu, Richarlison and Doucoure would potentially interest me from Watford.

[TheBigLewandowski]

Fantastic post, Joccki. Thanks for sharing.
I only have Zanka, Shaqiri, Walcott & Firmino at the moment.
I think it is bad news regarding Zaha for Palace.
He is expected to see a specialist today.
That could be a big blow for them if he is confirmed out for a considerable length of time.

[konstro]

Ditto. Very good post.

I would love to hear your ideas. I`m really struggling to think about which Liverpool players except for Salah I would like to have on my team. Actually which players from the teams that will for sure play in GW31 in general.

Keeper, I would consider if Pope loses his place to Heaton but Burnley now start a period of better games so it would be crazy to get rid of Pope for Karius.
defence totally unconvincing and high risk of rotation. Point is that after GW 31 there is an international break so I don`t think week 31 rotation will play a big part but Liverpool genuinely have 8 defenders ( TAA/Gomes, VVD/Matip/Salah/Klavan, Robertson/Moreno) now and I wouldn`t have a clue who is nailed. Robertson is probably the closest but with Klopp, you can never be sure.
Midfield makes me always wonder how on earth can Liverpool be so high in the table with Henderson, Wijnaldum, Ox, Can and Milner. Lallana is pretty much lost cause this season.
Attack; Firmino is an option but we all know how streaky he can be and this Holgate case is still not solves as mentioned. Mane with current form is no go. If, as I hope Firmino gets cleared I might go for him and hope for the best. He would replace Aguero.

Everton, although finally injected some pace into the team also doesn`t convince me that much. How many cleans can Pickford get? Even TU in STC thread mentioned that he wouldn`t go near defensive players. The only viable option seems to be Walcott. Other than that either from getting points on the board or rotation risk point of view there aren`t many candidates.

Looking at the next 5 games Huddersfield is not too bad actually. Very good fixtures and a home game in 31. Quaner played at OT and hopefully, he can keep the place. What is interesting about Wagner; he rotates a lot for a lower half team standards and is not afraid to let the game go if he believes that the chances to get points are not too big. They lost last 5 and will desperate to get some points on board. They have to ensure they are staying up before GW 34 as the last 4 games are horrible. For potential players maybe Zanka can do the job. I will be dropping Dunk after week 29 anyway.

Palace next 4 are horrible as you mentioned and nothing to see here. I will hide Mili on the bench and hope he doesn`t get to 10 yellows.

Watford seems rejuvenated and who knows. They might become an option as you mentioned.

I guess I just pretty much repeated what you discussed in your post. Anyway, for me is all about sniper rather than the scattergun approach. If there are only 3 games in GW31 I might go with as little as 6 or 7 players. Last season a lot of people got lucky with -8 or -12 if they chose King and Mawson but I cannot see obvious candidates this season. Still 6 weeks to go so a lot can happen. We might have 5 games which will completely change the perspective. For this reason, trying to play safe I will transfer either Stoke or Everton player this week. Although VVD is going back to Southampton so who knows.

[Mr Clarinet]

Reading the GW31 outline above, I went and checked Coleman's price. Wow! Even (like you) with Alonso to sell to fund Coleman + some spare change, it seems like an awful lot to spend on someone for an away game at Stoke. Of course, the fixtures between now and then are ok, but do we really think he'll play in all of them? But I can't fit Walcott in whatever, and who else (from Everton) is there...?
I already have Milivojevic on the basis that he's a dead-eye taker, and Zaha goes weak at the knees as soon as he's over the 12-yard line. If Wilf is out, that clearly lowers his potential. For me he's a hold if you already have, but not a buy if you don't.
I'll be looking at going into 31 with (already owned) Butland/Hennessey, Shaquiri, Salah, Milivojevic, Firmino (?) plus I'm swapping Doucoure in for Mooy (while they are the same price); and then add a couple of defenders to that with free transfers as 31 approaches.
I don't really see 31 as an opportunity; I'd be happy just to hold my place.

[Aldershot Rejects]

Great post Joccki which highlights the paucity of options. 3 x Liverpool (currently I have Salah and Robertson and will toss up between Firmino & Mane) and Walcott are the only players I can get enthusiastic about given the fixtures in surrounding weeks (although I also have DCL sitting semi-permanently on my bench). That gives me 5.

The rest feels a complete lottery and whilst one might get lucky, I am not really sure I want to play.

In practice, I will probably try to get up to at least 7. If Big Sam can get Everton tighter at the back then Coleman becomes interesting even at his price. That leaves one punt which will probably be Doucoure who is after all the highest scoring sub 5.5m midfielder in the game.

With Ake and Wilson in my side, I wouldn't be too upset if WBA go out (although that then makes DGW34 harder to negotiate)

[Gambit]

Reading the GW31 outline above, I went and checked Coleman's price. Wow! Even (like you) with Alonso to sell to fund Coleman + some spare change, it seems like an awful lot to spend on someone for an away game at Stoke. Of course, the fixtures between now and then are ok, but do we really think he'll play in all of them? But I can't fit Walcott in whatever, and who else (from Everton) is there...?
I already have Milivojevic on the basis that he's a dead-eye taker, and Zaha goes weak at the knees as soon as he's over the 12-yard line. If Wilf is out, that clearly lowers his potential. For me he's a hold if you already have, but not a buy if you don't.
I'll be looking at going into 31 with (already owned) Butland/Hennessey, Shaquiri, Salah, Milivojevic, Firmino (?) plus I'm swapping Doucoure in for Mooy (while they are the same price); and then add a couple of defenders to that with free transfers as 31 approaches.
I don't really see 31 as an opportunity; I'd be happy just to hold my place.

I agree, based on the two confirmed games, and the Huddersfield game being pretty likely, there doesn't seem much point potential.

Most will have Salah/Firmino and maybe a Liverpool defender, and then a Stoke mid, but the Huddersfield/Palace game and Stoke/Everton look tight low scoring affairs, outside of a good Liverpool win it's hard to see many points. Colmeman isn't worth 6.4m, no Huddersfield players I want, maybe a Palace defender but I'm struggling to see much else, a sea of 2 pointers it looks to me. And Everton/Stoke/Palace have poor fixtures after so unless I WC in 32 I'd be stuck with players I don't really want.

3 Liverpool
Shaqiri + might bring Bauer in
Palace defender/keeper
Everton player maybe

5 or 6 is all I may go with at the moment.

[Joccki_10]

Cheers, guys.

For me is all about sniper rather than the scattergun approach. If there are only 3 games in GW31 I might go with as little as 6 or 7 players. [...] Still 6 weeks to go so a lot can happen. We might have 5 games which will completely change the perspective. For this reason, trying to play safe I will transfer either Stoke or Everton player this week.

Agreed. I definitely won't go big and will only consider the players I mentioned, unless something extraordinary happens in the next few weeks.

Reading the GW31 outline above, I went and checked Coleman's price. Wow! Even (like you) with Alonso to sell to fund Coleman + some spare change, it seems like an awful lot to spend on someone for an away game at Stoke. Of course, the fixtures between now and then are ok, but do we really think he'll play in all of them? But I can't fit Walcott in whatever, and who else (from Everton) is there...?
[...]
I don't really see 31 as an opportunity; I'd be happy just to hold my place.

Yeah, Coleman's price is crazy, but if money ain't a problem and I still got my wildcard unused I would quite like a punt on him there. I expect we will know by then if he is able to play all PL games. As for who else from Everton; Firmino is the focal point there for me. I don't expect him to be suspended but if he isn't available I can see myself going for an Everton/Watford striker instead of him. Unless of course Bournemouth - West Brom goes through and I can play Wilson.

I think GWs like these (31) are always an opportunity to gain some ground if you are one of the serious playing managers and you know what to expect.

(although I also have DCL sitting semi-permanently on my bench). That gives me 5.

I forgot about Quaner too. I was even planning on bringing Firmino in for him but if Huddersfield have a game in GW31 that seems rather silly.

[blahblah]

Watford
Had them down already to "None are worth it to me" but maybe I should reconsider after yesterday's result.

Why? They only played Chelsea.....

[Smurphy Paw]

Everton
I think that I’d prefer Pickford to Coleman or Karius
Coleman: Cheaper. Save points. Benching potential before and afterwards.
Karius: Whilst this week it may not be obvious which Pool players to pick, by GW31 I’d expect that to change a little and think it’d be easier to find three outfield Liverpool players than an extra Everton player (assuming Walcott for most of us).

(Joccki, I note that you may or may not have Foster between the sticks, but you mentioned Karius so thought it was still worth adding)

[Mr Clarinet]

I think GWs like these (31) are always an opportunity to gain some ground if you are one of the serious playing managers and you know what to expect.

Well, I wouldn't rate myself a serious playing manager these days, but what I was trying to say was that I wasn't going to chase GW31 points by transferring in players specifically because they have a fixture that week. Some people will do that, and I'll hope to hold my place that particular week and regard the surrounding weeks as my counter-opportunity.

However, I still have all my chips and it occurred to me that it might be fun to play TC in 31. 'Pool vs Watford might be quite an open game. And that would leave me with an easier riddle to solve regarding WC/BB/FH in the remaining weeks.

[SirMattBugsby]

I predict an upset in the FA Cup. One of Man United or Chelsea. That should take care of GW 31

Sent from my Lenovo K33a42 using Tapatalk

[Joccki_10]

I was set on a move to Walcott after Puel confirmed Mahrez won’t be included in Leicester’s squad against City, but I have had second thoughts today because of their next three, tasty fixtures.

So I’m looking to still roll the transfer, owning Alonso, Jones, Tarkowski, Dawson, Mahrez and Quaner. Stupid?

Everton
I think that I’d prefer Pickford to Coleman or Karius
Coleman: Cheaper. Save points. Benching potential before and afterwards.

I do agree but Coleman has always been a consideration just because of his goal and assist threat. That used to be a big plus for him.

Karius: Whilst this week it may not be obvious which Pool players to pick, by GW31 I’d expect that to change a little and think it’d be easier to find three outfield Liverpool players than an extra Everton player (assuming Walcott for most of us).

(Joccki, I note that you may or may not have Foster between the sticks, but you mentioned Karius so thought it was still worth adding)

Yeah thanks. I actually forgot about a Pool goalkeeper. Never went in that direction. Does he save penalties?

[blahblah]

SSN were reporting that he will play?

[Zimmerman]

Hasn’t been seen at training since deadline day (that was the line yesterday anyway).

Sure they won’t just throw him straight back in after he’s kicked his heels for 10 days + (even if he has turned up for work this morning).

[blahblah]

Tbh, I was at snooker and it was on a tv.... I think the SSN claim was that Mahrez said that he would be playing, hence the ? .

[Smurphy Paw]

I think GWs like these (31) are always an opportunity to gain some ground if you are one of the serious playing managers and you know what to expect.

Well, I wouldn't rate myself a serious playing manager these days, but what I was trying to say was that I wasn't going to chase GW31 points by transferring in players specifically because they have a fixture that week. Some people will do that, and I'll hope to hold my place that particular week and regard the surrounding weeks as my counter-opportunity.

However, I still have all my chips and it occurred to me that it might be fun to play TC in 31. 'Pool vs Watford might be quite an open game. And that would leave me with an easier riddle to solve regarding WC/BB/FH in the remaining weeks.

That’s an interesting idea. Following their demolition of Chelsea I wonder which Watford player you’re considering?

[Mr Clarinet]

That’s an interesting idea. Following their demolition of Chelsea I wonder which Watford player you’re considering?

Let's see who smashes West Ham today...

Edit: Hmmmm...

[Joccki_10]

I have been drunk for almost three days now (it's called carnaval), so just here to drop a short note.

Been trying to fit Firmino in as like every manager I'm looking to own three Liverpool players for GW31 and their home games before, but really can't.

• Bringing him in for Quaner (who does have a game in GW31) requires some tweaks and there are several others I'd like to get rid of first.
• Agüero's position in my team is reserved for either him or Kane.
• Wilson has a good fixture coming up and maybe a game in GW31 as well. If Bournemouth don't, Wilson Firmino next week is an option?

Mané came with a solution tonight and now I'm thinking Salah/Mané/defender. Could really backfire though.

[Joccki_10]

I've been trying to convince myself to go back to my bigger GW pre- and reviews but I really can't so I'm here to drop another short note again.

On the one hand I have some worrying positions in my team even after three transfers and a hit last week. Otamendi and Alonso playing each other this GW and Jones still injured, Deulofeu immediately injured after I brought him in and I got Wilson as F2 of whom I think will start on the bench this GW. On the other hand I can't get excited about players who have a game in GW31 and players from clubs like Arsenal, United, etc. so I decided to not take a hit.

I took Arnautovic instead of Deulofeu (yes, after his price drop ) and unless he gets injured he will stay in my team until I use my wildcard (GW36). He looked very threatening against Liverpool last time out and with 7 goals and 4 assists in his last 10 PL appearances he is bound to get returns against Swansea, Burnley and Southampton. Plus West Ham will probably have two home games in DGW34.

GW29 choices
Still favoring Otamendi and Alonso over Dawson (wat), playing Adrián over Foster and captaining Kane.

[Aldershot Rejects]

I've been trying to convince myself to go back to my bigger GW pre- and reviews but I really can't so I'm here to drop another short note again.

On the one hand I have some worrying positions in my team even after three transfers and a hit last week. Otamendi and Alonso playing each other this GW and Jones still injured, Deulofeu immediately injured after I brought him in and I got Wilson as F2 of whom I think will start on the bench this GW. On the other hand I can't get excited about players who have a game in GW31 and players from clubs like Arsenal, United, etc. so I decided to not take a hit.

I took Arnautovic instead of Deulofeu (yes, after his price drop ) and unless he gets injured he will stay in my team until I use my wildcard (GW36). He looked very threatening against Liverpool last time out and with 7 goals and 4 assists in his last 10 PL appearances he is bound to get returns against Swansea, Burnley and Southampton. Plus West Ham will probably have two home games in DGW34.

GW29 choices
Still favoring Otamendi and Alonso over Dawson (wat), playing Adrián over Foster and captaining Kane.

Good move, I was 0.1m off bringing Arnoutovic in as my 5th midfielder. Really think he will score well over the next few weeks.

[Joccki_10]

I took Arnautovic instead of Deulofeu (yes, after his price drop ) and unless he gets injured he will stay in my team until I use my wildcard (GW36). He looked very threatening against Liverpool last time out and with 7 goals and 4 assists in his last 10 PL appearances he is bound to get returns against Swansea, Burnley and Southampton. Plus West Ham will probably have two home games in DGW34.

Good move, I was 0.1m off bringing Arnoutovic in as my 5th midfielder. Really think he will score well over the next few weeks.

I was looking for excitement in my move this GW and a defensive transfer wouldn't have given me that. Wilson was worrying as well but he did start so I was glad I went for Arnie's OOP prospects. Not so glad with the outcome though.