The tragic events at the King Power stadium on Saturday night make discussing Fantasy Premier League Draft a little pointless. But sometimes it takes tragedy to unite football and that seems to be exactly what has happened all over the footballing world.
While hearts heal, football will continue and will be used by many as a helpful distraction. And while there’s football, there’s fantasy football to get us talking.
Although it all seemed trivial, Gameweek 10 was a cracker as three teams extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to double figures while certain individuals reminded the league exactly what they were capable.
Here’s some risers and fallers ahead of Gameweek 11.
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Fantasy Premier League Risers
Ross Barkley
Could this finally be Ross Barkley’s year? If the last three weeks are anything to go by, it looks like we will see why the comparisons to the great Paul Gascoigne were made when Barkley broke through as a teenager.
Barkley has struck three goals and laid on two assists in his last 192 minutes of football. Mateo Kovacic’s arrival seemed to have spelled out another season on the sideline for the England man, leading to much regret from those who gambled on him early in their FPL draft.
However, the FPL draft managers who held on to Barkley are now the ones with a great asset on their hands. Squad rotation is to be expected from Mauricio Sarri after he admitted he didn’t do enough of it at Napoli last season, but a continuation of this form will make Barkley undroppable.
Crystal Palace at home next up represents another great chance for Barkley to fill up his stats column. After averaging 19 points in Fantrax over the last three weeks, the fact that he is still unowned in a third of leagues is a big surprise.
Callum Paterson
As out of position players go, Callum Paterson is this year’s main attraction. Most would settle for a defender playing in midfield (the Matt Doherty’s of this year and the Marcos Alonso’s of last) but having one playing regularly as a centre forward is basically cheating.
After failed auditions by Kenneth Zohore and Danny Ward, the versatile Paterson was given a shot. Goals in his last two games suggest that he has the position nailed down.
The sheer number of aerials won (66 in eight games) makes him a great asset in Fantrax leagues regardless of his newfound clinical nature in front of goal. FPL draft managers who managed to snag this FPL gem will be able to roll him out every single week.
Back to back home games against Leicester City and Brighton provide Paterson with more excellent opportunities to keep up his excellent average of 16.72 points per game.
Glenn Murray
Glenn Murray just keeps defying the odds. The veteran goal getter netted his 100th strike for his club to secure another 1-0 victory for Brighton against Wolves.
It feels like Chris Hughton and co have been scouring the market for a Murray replacement for the last 12 months but those at the top of the club’s hierarchy must be wondering why they have wasted their time.
The 35-year-old’s goalscoring tally of six is the same as that of Sergio Aguero and one more than Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane. Incredible stuff.
Brighton are in the middle of a run of excellent fixtures and Murray is clearly a man of form, making him an (unexpectedly) great FPL draft asset.
His six goals have come from just 14 shots, suggesting his run may not be sustainable but wouldn’t it be great if it was?
With five bottom half sides to face in the next six, the veteran goalscorer could, once again, be well worth an add.
Fantasy Premier League Fallers
Roberto Firmino
Yes, really.
FPL draft managers will have spent a first round pick (and an early one at that) to secure the signature of Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian was a joy to own last season thanks to 15 goals and seven assists. Firmino’s contribution of two in each column after 10 games this time round is, therefore, extremely concerning for FPL draft owners.
His surrounding stats of 12 key passes and six shots on target also suggest that a dramatic increase in goal contributions isn’t forthcoming, while further analysis of his overall positioning suggests that Firmino’s role of centre forward looks more like a withdrawn false nine.
His average score of 8.15 is also less than that of Reds goalkeeper Alisson (8.25). There’s no doubt, however, that Firmino has the quality to turn his form around, meaning now is the perfect time to fire a cheeky trade towards a disgruntled owner.
Mateo Kovacic
For every riser, there has to be a faller. Mateo Kovacic enjoyed a hot start to his loan spell at Stamford Bridge and looked to have nailed down a starting position as the driving force of the Chelsea midfield.
However, the aforementioned Ross Barkley took his chance when Kovacic was rested for the game at St Mary’s against Southampton. Four more attacking returns for the England midfielder means that Kovacic’s regular starting position is in doubt.
The Croat’s excellent assist against Liverpool suggest he does have potential for attacking returns. But Barkley’s form means that it may be necessary for FPL draft managers to own both players.
While Barkley has averaged 19 points over the last three weeks, Kovacic has scored 3.5 overall. It’s clear which is the better FPL draft option.
Jose Holebas
A hot start to the season saw Jose Holebas included in the Risers column in Gameweek 4. Fast forward seven weeks and five bookings later and the left back may have lost his place in the Watford eleven.
Holebas has always liked a booking so his suspension in Gameweek 10 was no surprise. Adam Masina slotted in seamlessly for the 2-0 win at Wolves. He then kept his spot in the dominant 3-0 success over Huddersfield at the weekend.
The Greek full back’s dominance of set piece duty means he’s a great FPL draft asset on his day. His day may not come around again for a little while if Javi Gracia chooses to stick with his winning formula.
I’d like to finish this article in the only appropriate way: by sending my sincere condolences and thoughts to the Srivaddhanaprabha family and to all of those affected by the tragic events of Saturday.
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