FPL Gameweek 14 – Captain Picks
An unpredictable Gameweek 13 marked an emotional end to our month long hot streak here at the Stats Zone.
Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) largely reflected his namesake in the Christmas family favourite 'Home Alone'; impossible to find but ended the 90 minutes with a bang. Two inch-perfect deliveries after an effectively invisible performance should've earned our captain pick a minimum of 10 points however the frustration of a blank was somewhat alleviated by the securement of two bonus points. Patrick Bamford (£6.3m) was next up and despite his side's hammering over Newcastle, he managed just one goal; a steady but underwhelming night for a player that oozes consistency but lacks the explosiveness that is required to earn the armband in FPL. Harry Kane (£10.9m) stuttered to a measly two points after missing a gilt-edged opportunity to put Spurs in the driving seat in the title race. Given his heroics this season, we'll allow him the blank just this once. At the time of writing, our number one choice Bruno Fernandes (£11.0m) is yet to play but his owners will be quietly confident given the calamitous performances of the other big-hitters this week.
Despite this set back, we strive for perfection in Gameweek 14 and as quoted from the Chinese philosopher and FPL enthusiast Laozi:
'Perfection is the willingness to be imperfect'
PREMIUM OPTIONS
Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) vs SOU (A)
Manchester City won the premier league with 98 points in the 2018-19 season. While club legends David Silva and Kompany were present during this scintillating season which concluded with 14 consecutive wins, there is other elements of this legendary season missing within this stagnant City side. Aside from the obligatory annual dismantling of a pitiful Burnley side, City appear to lack urgency and innovation, two attributes in which the '2018' Manchester City squad had in abundance. Ironically, despite being considered City's star man and their only hope of mustering a title challenge this season, Kevin De Bruyne is one player that wasn't an ever-present in this record-breaking side. Despite recording incredible statistics in the following season and equalling Henry's longstanding record for assists recorded in a single season, the Belgian recorded only 11 starts in the aforementioned campaign.
While KDB is obviously not a rotten egg in the squad given his undeniable winner's mentality and contagious work ethic, it's unusual that this City side seems so reliant on a player that they have achieved so much without. As City stuttered to a 1-1 draw with West Brom on Tuesday night, it seemed as if a poor KDB was City's only creative outlet as all other players seemed tentative to put the ball into the box despite West Brom's gaping holes in defence. It may have taken him till the 89th minute but De Bruyne provided two match-winning-worthy crosses which were fluffed by Gundogan and Sterling one after the other. The Belgian playmaker demonstrated his ability to change games with his uncontested innovation and with Aguero potentially back in the squad versus a flying Southampton, KDB may not have to create multiple chances for one to be put away. Additionally, De Bruyne seems to have sole responsibility for set-piece duties and this increases his goal threat exponentially given he has failed to score from open play this season. While the Saints have looked exceptional at times this season, they conceded three goals to a questionable Manchester United side and five goals to Spurs earlier in the season. They seem slightly prone to leaking goals against bigger sides and this in addition to KDB's impressive statistics makes him a stellar captain option in a difficult week for FPL managers.
Bruno Fernandes (£11.0m) vs LEE (H)
It was revealed that Bruno Fernandes was the most searched sport star in the UK this week according to Google's rankings. If you have ended up on this article from googling the Portuguese maestro, this article should act as reassurance for your decision to captain him in FPL. Penalty merchant, small game player and poor man's KDB are just some of the digs that have been aimed at Bruno by envious opposition fans throughout his year in English football. Despite the agenda against him, it is undeniable that Bruno Fernandes is the best creative midfielder in the premiership currently and he will be looking to cap off his 2020 with a big performance against an unpredictable Leeds side.
Leeds were extremely impressive in a 5-2 win against Steve Bruce's wingless Magpies however they still conceded 2 goals against a stagnant attack. Bielsa's approach seems to target scoring more than the opposition rather than conceding less and don’t expect this principle to be altered against United. A stubborn tactician by nature, Leeds will pay little respect to the counter-attacking brilliance of a United side that will be looking to keep up pace with Liverpool over the festive period. Expect Bruno to flourish in the reunion of these two great rivals.
Christian Pulisic (£8.3m) vs WHU (H)
Chelsea's loss to Wolves was another demonstration of Frank Lampard's ineptness at this level. His failure to grind out wins in difficult positions is highlighted in the fact Chelsea have failed to beat a top 10 side this season. With a copious amount of attacking options at this disposal, Chelsea are undeniably underperforming in the league this season.
One man who Chelsea have been without for effectively the entirety of the campaign is Christian Pulisic (£8.3m) who recorded his first 90 minute cameo since the FA Cup final loss to Arsenal in August. The American showed bursts of the dynamism and enthusiasm that earned him great praise in his debut season of English football. Pulisic outperformed all the attacking signings made by Lampard as Werner and Havertz were passengers yet again in a worrying display by Lampard's side.
Pulisic's direct running and head-down approach is reminiscent of a young Eden Hazard and the presence of Giroud in the line-up is ideal for this type of player. Giroud's aerial ability presents the opportunity of assists from crossing positions while his hold-up play was the reason Hazard heralded him as the perfect striker to play alongside. Despite facing tough opposition in Moyes' Hammers, Chelsea have acquired an extra day's rest for the fixture and are in dire need of a response. Pulisic will start on his favoured left side against a relatively competent Coufal however Rashford highlighted the defender's lack of awareness for runs in behind and the American will be looking to copy and paste this performance on Monday.
DIFFERENTIAL CHOICE
Callum Wilson (£6.6m) vs FUL (H)
After a nightmare season last year with the Cherries, Callum Wilson (£6.6m) looks determined to prove his incompetent teammates were the reason for his side's relegation; he's doing a good job of it so far. With seven goals and four assists in an unpredictable Magpies side, Callum Wilson's form is undeniably essential to avoiding relegation and despite his injury history, Steve Bruce does not have the luxury of resting his star man.
Up against a revitalised Fulham side who have only lost one in four games, Wilson will have his work cut out. The return of his Bournemouth alumni Ryan Fraser may prove key in a fixture that can only be described as a must-win for Newcastle. Expect Wilson to get on the scoresheet and save Newcastle once again.
