FPL: Ten observations from GW11

Hello FPL managers, here I am again with my observations from FPL in GW11. The game-week is now over and it’s time for another dreadful international break. So let’s get into the action.

1. Entertaining game at the Bet365

In the first game of the week Stoke welcomed Claude Puel’s Leicester City to the Bet365. It was an end to end game with goals from Mahrez and Iborra for Leicester and Shaqiri and the header king Peter Crouch got on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Jamie Vardy failed to score again and there was a cheeky assist for highly rated centre-back Harry Maguire. It will be interesting to see how Leicester get on under new management, though Puel evidently has the Foxes playing attacking, expansive football. 

2. A Van la Parra screamer saw Huddersfield win against West Brom.

Huddersfield welcomed West Bromwich Albion in one of the 3pm games and in a close and dull game won through a Van la Parra stunner. It was another clean sheet wipeout for Tony Pulis’ men but a much welcomed return for Jonas Lössl’s owners (again).

Tony Pulis and his WBA side have now won only two of their 11 Premier League games, and with upcoming fixtures versus Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle in their next three, it could be time to ditch the defensive selections from West Bromwich Albion.

3. Bournemouth win it at the death versus Newcastle.

Newcastle United played Bournemouth at St James’s Park in a game which they dominated from start till the end but went down to an injury time goal from Steve Cook no less. Another talking point was the return of Callum Wilson to the starting XI. Wilson played well but missed a sitter and hence could not mark his return with a goal.

It was heartbreaking stuff for Rob Elliot owners as his clean sheet was taken away at the very last moment, though Rafa Benitez’s side will be expected to bounce back with fixtures against Watford and West Brom in their next three games.

4. Burnley defence looks seriously solid.

Burnley travelled to the St Mary’s Stadium and scraped a 1-0 through a Sam Vokes goal in the second half. Burnley were also able to keep another clean sheet with Nick Pope making fine saves again. He got one bonus point and Ben Mee got two to justify Burnley’s importance for defensive selection in your FPL team.

5. Glenn Murray is on fire.

It was 1-0 galore in the 3pm kick-offs and Brighton were another team to benefit as another Glenn Murray goal; his 4^th in two matches, saw them win in South Wales against Swansea City.

It was a disappointing afternoon for Pascal Groß owners as he failed to return points.I don’t believe I am saying this but Glenn Murray is one to be potentially monitored for your FPL watch-list.

6. Salah is the real deal.

Liverpool travelled to the London Stadium and faced a poor West Ham team as they ran comfortable 4-1 victors. This included a Mo Salah brace which was welcome news for his captainers and 37% ownership as he finished with a whopping 15 points.

The game also marked the return of Sadio Mane to the Liverpool side who got two assists. It was a poor West Ham performance which saw the end of Slaven Bilic’s time at the club with David Moyes confirmed as the Hammers replacement.

7. The curse strikes again.

Until now each week the most transferred in player has disappointed and the trend continued at Wembley as Harry Kane failed to make an impact against a Crystal Palace side who were unlucky to lose 1-0 to a Heung Min Son goal.

Palace created a number of chances themselves but failed to score, with Wilfried Zaha guilty of missing several clearcut chances. Spurs took their chance in the form of Son and won, but it was a disappointing game for many FPL managers as the most popular captain; Harry Kane didn’t deliver. The curse seems to be real.

8. Man City are unstoppable.

Man City showed another vintage performance as they brushed passed Arsenal at the Etihad 3-1 goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Kun Aguero and Gabriel Jesus meant an Alexandre Lacazette strike was just a consolation for the Gunners.

City look like the team to beat and their attacking talent unstoppable. Otamendi has now picked up five yellow cards and is suspended for the trip to Leicester after the international break.

9. Morata goal sinks United.

United travelled to the Bridge in the other high profile game of the weekend in which many thought it would be a park the bus performance from United. It wasn’t exactly that but the team looked flat and Chelsea took full advantage as a bullet header by Alvaro Morata, the cross delivered by none other than Cesar Azpiliqueta saw them nick the game in the end. Lukaku looked devoid of service again, though whether this will change with the return of Pogba or not remains to be seen.

10. Richarlison returns points but Everton win at Goodison.

Watford travelled to Goodison Park against manager-less Everton and were on course for a win after leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Richarlison and Kabasele in the second half. An inspired comeback from Everton culminating in a Leighton Baines penalty saw them win the match and collect a vital three points for David Unsworth’s side.

There was another twist though as a late penalty for Watford, won by Richarlison, was missed by former Toffee Tom Cleverley meaning FPL managers were cursing the Englishman for taking away a Richarlison assist and possibly bonus points. In the end it was a much needed boost in confidence for the Merseyside team.

That’s all the round up for the week and now we all have to wait for the international break. Hope you all had a great gameweek and have a great season ahead. Until next time.

I AM OUT.

Written by @Varun_esque