One fixture stands out above all others this weekend. Despite Southampton sorting themselves out since the last time, and nobody is expecting a repeat, Leicester should still have a good go at smashing them all over the place. 3-0 seems like a not-unreasonable prediction.
My problemo: I already have 3 Leicester players and Maddison isn’t one of them. I would be surprised if he didn’t bring some sort of return, but equally I’ll have to sacrifice a Leicester defender and take my first 4 point hit of the season on another midfielder (Alli) in order to accommodate him. What’s a fella to do? Maths…that’s what. (for any confused American readers, “maths” is the correct abbreviation of mathematics). I have 1.9m in the bank too, so my options are quite good:
- Soyuncu plus [Alli replacement up to 10.7m]
- Robertson/VVD plus Maddison minus 4
Which equation will be higher?
At this point I should mention I had two free transfers but in a rush of blood I decided to use one to bring in Ben Foster and save my two free ones for the impending Liverpool DGW (GW24), otherwise the -4 element would not be a problem. A little hint at my old ways creeping back in and I’m disappointed in myself, especially as Foster is a longer term investment so there was no need to do it now. NEVER GOING TO BE KING OF GREECE WITH THESE SORTS OF RASH DECISIONS.
Soyuncu should get 6 points, no more, no less. Alli probably will get 1 or 2, which is why I’m likely to take him out, but really, when I look at midfielders under 10.7m, it’s going to be either Mahrez, Richarlison or Martial. None of them seem like a more interesting option than Maddison, on face value. Martial appeals the most, let’s assume he scores and gets 3 bonus points in a clean sheet win for Utd. Equation A) therefore equals 6+11=17
Equation B), Liverpool will definitely score, but will they keep a clean sheet? Let’s say no, I predict 2-1 Liverpool, but Robertson gets an assist and bags 6 points. Will Maddison get the 15 he needs for me to break even? That’s quite a lot, James.
In the end, I think I’m going to just accept I dropped a Baldock in making the Foster transfer and that I’m making this decision for the right reasons. The guy who’s number 1 in Greece has Maddison, so we have ourselves a differential.
Alli for Martial, leaves 2.8m in the bank to play with when it comes to GW24. No Maddison for me.
Oh, by the way, I saw that nearly 250k players have transferred out Jamie Vardy for this gameweek.
He’s at home to Southampton, probably chomping at the bit after two weeks out, he isn’t currently a doubt AND IT’S HIS FLIPPIN BIRTHDAY. He’s my captain and that’s that. Probably can still just about get away with the babyrocking celebration too. The script is written.
Just to mention some other things:
Grealish is really in form at the moment, and you may have noticed City aren’t, so I actually think Jackylad will give me something. Not much needs to be said about KDB what with him being probably the best CM in the world. Likewise Mane and TAA – top of their game, leave them out at your peril.
Lundstram is ABSOLUTELY NAILED ON to get double figures on Friday night. The Moyes factor was just a one-off and their bubble will burst. They’ll just blow some more so it’s not a big deal.
Jimenez should score at home to Newcastle, especially as their squad is decimated.
I’ve left Ings in as a hedge bet against my Leicester defenders. Nightmare scenario: Southampton score but it isn’t Ings. Doesn’t bear thinking about.
I’ll be satisfied with a 60+ score this week, but there’s the potential for an 80+ there.
Good Luck. May your arrows be green.
Westermania FPL: A Journey Through Mediocrity 