Welcome to the
GW25 REVIEW –
CHIPS AND CHEESE
Taking my cue from Pete (69th) last week and Chris (4th) the week before it really feels as if the weeks are starting to bleed into one another now. We’re always looking forward even as we look back. With that in mind this week’s theme is all about chips
But before our attention turns to the whopper double gameweek 26 let’s take a quick look back at last weeks plain old single double gameweek.
The fun began even before the deadline as word spread on FPL twitter of an injury to Jack Grealish. Apparently it’s FPL’s fault that news of his injury leaked out even though the rumours were spreading like wildfire before the deadline confirmed the following:
The end result of this is that Villa have banned their players from playing FPL with other clubs sure to follow suit. There has been plenty of debate about the rights and wrongs of this, all I’ll say is if it’s an issue knowing a player is out then what’s the point of press conferences with injury updates?
And that wasn’t the only controversy. As we awaited news of doubles the Premier League in their wisdom decided to troll the FPL community by announcing the upcoming doubles right on the deadline. Those planning on wildcarding with the intention of using their bench boost next week were scuppered. Poor old Ben Crellin who has done so much to help us with his spreadsheets was driven demented but his predictions proved accurate yet again.
All of this before a ball was even kicked.
Inevitably it was an underwhelming start to the double. Most ffukers had stacked up on Leeds who somehow lost to Wolves despite an XG of 2.67 to 0.86. The signs were there though and Raphinia (12) managed to pick up two bonus point for creating three big chances without actually returning.
There wasn’t much joy from the other double team either with Southampton assets largely disappointing over the double but Mount (10) did catch the eye on spot kick duties for Chelsea with Jorginho (1) not on the pitch. Tarkowski (9) hoovered up the bonus for Burnley who rode their luck with Mee (5) and Lowton (6) owners left to rue late yellows. You know strange days are upon us when Jordan Pickford (11) is making saves and picking up points and Lookman (11) was the standout for a suddenly solid looking Fulham team with other defensive assets, Aina (8), catching the eye ahead of the double.
Spurs form remains a worry ahead of their double, though there may be signs of life beyond the golf course for Bale (4). The real comeback story belongs to Jesse Lingard (10) however as he continues to impress for the high flying Hammers. Barnes (13) stole the show for Leicester, while the ever dependable Bruno (12) rewarded the 13.92% who stuck with him for the armband ahead of the more attractive but less dependable double gameweekers. The return of KDB (3) and what it means for Gundogan (3) was the main talking point in the City game but it was Sterling (8) and Fernandinho (9) who took the points there.
There wasn’t too much FPL interest in the “A23 derby” on Monday night with the FFUK champions league draw taking priority. You can watch it back here:
FK Crvena zvezda (ФК Црвена звезда) til I die.
Gameweek 25 was capped off nicely with the second game of the double on Tuesday. The less said about Ings (3) who started on the bench the better, particularly for the 5.49% who captained him and especially JPC (87) who triple captained him. It was though, an epic evening for the 12% of ffukers who owned Bamford (8), Raphinha (12) and Dallas (17).
All is well that ends well. So what does all this mean for the league?
FFUK TOP 20
Steve Cronin (1st) maintains his place atop the pile despite being briefly usurped by Daron Russell (2nd) in second. Steve also had the most bench points of anyone inside the top 100 (23) which is either an opportunity lost or ominous for the rest of the league with his bench boost still in his pocket. Lots of jostling amongst the chasing pack but no major movers with a lot of similar scores out there. Congrats to this weeks top scorer Tom PC (154th) with a gw score of 100 even. Joseph Collias (52nd) also scored a ton but took a -4 to get there.
Yabah Turnbull (55) is this week’s unlucky cont with an ordinarily respectable 57 points not being enough this week. I’ve said it before (every week since gw1) and I’ll say it again, you’re better off out of it mate. Onwards and upwards.
Right, on to GW 26, I’m off for some chips and cheese while I think about what chips to use. Use yours wisely.
Justin (19th)
FFUK 