Title: FPL GW32 Review: Watkins’ Revenge and Injuries to Monitor
Introduction:
Gameweek 32 of the Fantasy Premier League was a high-scoring one, with 35 goals scored over the weekend. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins made a remarkable comeback from injury and punished his sellers with a brace. Meanwhile, Arsenal continued their solid defensive display with another clean sheet. In this article, we will delve into the main talking points of Gameweek 32, including Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy, the dilemma surrounding Watkins and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and the impact of injuries on various teams.
Pep Roulette in Full Force Once Again:
Manchester City’s Phil Foden found himself benched in Gameweek 32 after his hat-trick performance in the previous round. This serves as a reminder that no player is safe from rotation under Pep Guardiola. Erling Haaland also experienced the same fate in Gameweek 31. With City set to play five games in April, FPL managers should be cautious as more rotation is expected.
What to Do with Watkins and Toney:
Ollie Watkins returned from injury in style, scoring two goals against Brentford and accumulating 13 FPL points. Despite being the highest-scoring player in the game, it may be wise to sell him due to Aston Villa’s challenging fixtures ahead. On the other hand, players like Darwin Nunez, Alexander Isak, and Dominic Solanke offer double gameweeks and favorable fixtures until the end of the season.
Ivan Toney’s Unexpected Bench Role:
Brentford’s Ivan Toney surprisingly started on the bench in Gameweek 32. Manager Thomas Frank clarified that Toney had been struggling with a hip problem rather than being dropped due to his goal drought. Owners of Toney should monitor the situation closely, as his minutes may be reduced if the problem persists. However, with Brentford facing Sheffield United next, positive news regarding Toney could make him a valuable asset.
Wolves Assets to Consider:
Rayan Ait-Nouri, the most transferred-in defender in Gameweek 32, suffered an injury after 54 minutes of play. However, according to coach Gary O’Neil, the injury does not appear serious. With two fixtures in Gameweek 34, it is advisable to hold onto Ait-Nouri if you already own him. Additionally, Pablo Sarabia has emerged as a great buy for Wolves, having started the last nine games and being involved in set-pieces.
Injuries and Suspensions to Monitor:
West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen was substituted early due to a knock against Wolves. Although the extent of his injury is unclear, owners might consider selling him as West Ham lacks double gameweeks and faces tough fixtures ahead. Chelsea’s Malo Gusto was rested due to illness but should be fine to retain if his absence was solely due to that reason. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz will miss the next two league games after receiving his 10th booking of the season and is an easy sell for FPL managers.
Conclusion:
Gameweek 32 of the Fantasy Premier League was filled with excitement, high-scoring matches, and key injuries. Ollie Watkins made a remarkable return and punished those who sold him, while Ivan Toney’s bench role raised eyebrows. FPL managers should carefully consider their options, keeping in mind upcoming fixtures and potential rotation risks. Additionally, monitoring injuries and suspensions is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the game.