Liverpool Injury Woes Impact Key Assets
Liverpool’s Double Gameweek 25 got off to a rocky start for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, with injuries to key players and disappointing performances from popular assets. In the first of their two games, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden all failed to produce any points for FPL managers. However, there are still three more games to be played this week, offering the potential for redemption.
The most significant news from the weekend was the injuries to Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. Jota was taken off on a stretcher and is unlikely to feature in the second fixture of his double gameweek against Luton. It appears that Jota will be out of action for a while. Nunez’s injury seems less severe, but he is also expected to miss the Luton game. With the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on the horizon, it is likely that Nunez will be rested.
Curtis Jones was another casualty for Liverpool, being replaced before half-time. However, as he is only owned by 0.2% of FPL managers, his absence won’t have a significant impact. Both Jota and Nunez are now considered “sell now” options due to Liverpool’s upcoming blanks in Gameweeks 26 and 29.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah replaced Jota in the Brentford game and wasted no time in getting back on the scoresheet. He scored a goal and provided an assist in just 46 minutes. However, it is advisable to hold off on buying Salah until Gameweek 30 when Liverpool’s fixtures become more favorable.
Newcastle’s Defensive Decline Continues
Newcastle United’s defense has been struggling in recent weeks, conceding the second-most goals in the league since Gameweek 18. Their expected goals conceded (xGC) is also the worst in the league during that period. This decline in defensive form means it may be time for FPL managers to consider selling Newcastle defenders.
On the attacking front, Anthony Gordon continues to provide value for Newcastle. With eight goals and eight assists this season, he has emerged as the team’s penalty taker in the absence of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak. As long as these two forwards remain out, Gordon is a solid option to hold onto.
Tottenham Assets – Keep or Sell?
Tottenham suffered a surprise defeat at home to Wolves, and Richarlison blanked for the second consecutive game. With Tottenham being one of the four teams without a fixture in the next gameweek, FPL managers must decide whether to keep or sell their assets.
Despite his recent blanks, Richarlison should be kept due to his position as the team’s main striker. Tottenham’s fixtures from Gameweek 27 onwards are also favorable, and they are guaranteed to play in Blank Gameweek 29. Son Heung-min and James Maddison are also worth considering as popular buys in light of Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie missed Tottenham’s last match due to injury. While manager Ange Postecoglou expects them to be out for a couple of weeks, it may still be worthwhile to hold onto them if you have enough players available for Gameweek 27.
Are Hojlund and Garnacho Worth Investing In?
Manchester United has been in excellent form recently, winning their last four games and remaining unbeaten in the last five. Rasmus Hojlund has been particularly impressive, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his past five matches. At his price, Hojlund offers excellent value for FPL managers, especially with decent fixtures against Fulham, Manchester City, and Everton coming up.
However, it may be wise to wait until Manchester United plays Manchester City to see if they have a fixture in Gameweek 29 before considering buying Hojlund. The same goes for Alejandro Garnacho, who has five goals and three assists this season and is currently the best United midfielder to own.
Hold Your Transfers
With Liverpool and Manchester City still to play later in the week, it’s essential to hold off on making early transfers. Waiting for more information on injuries and Pep Guardiola’s lineup will provide a better understanding of how teams will shape up for Gameweek 26.
In conclusion, Double Gameweek 25 has brought its fair share of injuries and disappointments for FPL managers. Liverpool’s injury woes have impacted key assets, Newcastle’s defensive decline continues, and Tottenham assets are up for debate. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Hojlund and Garnacho offer investment opportunities, but it’s crucial to hold off on transfers until more information becomes available.