GW21 Preview: New Year, Return to Mediocrity?

For the first week of the new year, no fixtures really jump out as ones I want to bring players in for.  A few players who are tempting:

Maddison – he really is very very good, although I already have 3 Leicester players so I’d have to use 2 transfers to get him in, and sacrifice another strong performer.

Martial – inconsistent, and I really think Arsenal will win.

Rashford – more consistent but the other point still stands and I’m pretty happy with my front 3.

Bernardo Silva – plays all the time, “due a goal”.  One of the reasons I’m doing better this season though, is going with what there is clear evidence for, rather than assuming form (good or bad) is due to change.

Mahrez – inconsistent but seems to be fairly high up the pecking order and at the very least will probably fall over for a penalty.  Always a risk of being rested though.

If Spurs were at home I might consider Kane but it would involve some rearranging to be able to afford him.  I think they’ll win but I think it’ll be low scoring so not willing to rock the boat too much

While I expect City and Liverpool to record wins, their opponents are looking strong so the games could be fairly tight.

I fancy Leicester to beat Newcastle fairly comfortably, and Vardy will be well up for it so he can do the Bebeto baby-rocking celebration.  Love that celebration – back when I played regularly, I hit the post whilst on paternity leave, robbing me of the chance to do it myself.  I didn’t score for another 4 years after that, by which time I had another daughter and both of them were able to verbally congratulate me, so the moment had somewhat passed.

Watford are bouncing back under Pearson so I’m not too interested in jumping on the Traore bandwagon. 

Will West Ham have a similar bounceback thanks to a new manager? Considering the new manager is the one they ditched a year or so ago and basically said he wasn’t good enough, I’m a bit confused as to what to make of his return.  Think I’ll avoid that one too, especially as I can never predict what Bournemouth are going to do – they could lose 3-0 or win 3-0 and neither would particularly surprise me.

I expect Burnley to beat Villa, so I’m considering selling Grealish and bringing in someone a little more expensive. Then again, Grealish is bang in form and it’s likely that if Villa do score, he’ll be involved in some way. 

I decide against making any transfers and get 2 free ones in the bank for the coming weeks, knowing that Maddison for Grealish (and X for Soyuncu/Schmeichel) is potentially the one I will regret.

The one conundrum is which GK to go with. As previously mentioned, I think there is a strong chance of both a Leicester and a Burnley clean sheet but I already have Soyuncu, so to hedge my bets I go with Pope.

Captain choice: it’s between Vardy, KDB and Mane.  In the end the home fixture and the fact that Liverpool are just unstoppable means I’m going with Mane.

Right lads, gather round please.  Starting XI today is as follows, 3-4-3:

Popey in net. Trent, Serge and Prince Charming at the back.  Jack, Kev, Dele, Sadio across the middle. Dele, don’t get sent off today mate. Sadio, you’re captain today so don’t be afraid to be selfish. Jamie, Raul and Danny up top. Just go out and do what you do best. So that leaves Todd, Kasper, John and Martin on the bench, but it’s a long season lads with lots of games so stay warm and I’ll try and get you on when there’s a chance.  Ok lads get out there [clapping]. Sadio: “yeah come on lads, from the first whistle eh”….etc, fade to advert break.