Every new Gameweek brings to light new information about teams and players that can influence our Fantasy decisions. Injuries, new signings, tactical shifts, new roles, and young players emerging are all essential parts of the decision-making process when a fantasy manager evaluates trades, waiver wire pickups or drops. In this new article, we aim to list everything that happened during the weekend and our takeaways through fantasy-tinted glasses.
Fantrax Takeaways Gameweek 27
Here we outline our Fantasy EPL Takeaways from the previous gameweek and how to interpret them for draft fantasy.
Key Injuries and Suspensions
Amari'i Bell (LUT, DEF)
Prospects: Bell was taken off in the very early stages in the defeat to Villa. It seems he may be set for a spell on the sidelines after clearly being rushed back into action.
Replacement: It remains to be seen how Luton will lineup, with both Osho and Bell out for now. Expect Burke and Mengi to be guaranteed starts in the short term with the potential for someone such as Doughty or Kabore to be thrown in a back 3.
Verdict: Luton are about to have a double gameweek and whoever starts in Bell's place is worth a pickup.
Marcos Sensei (BOU, DEF)
Prospects: Sensei came off after about 12 minutes with a hamstring injury. He should be expected to miss at least the next game if not more.
Replacement: Mepham will start in Sensei's absence most likely having come on for him.
Verdict: With a friendly double gameweek, Mepham is worth a stream as a DEF3, only if it is confirmed Sensei will miss both games.
Pedro Neto (WOL, FWD)
Prospects: Neto came off at half time with what seems to be an achilles injury. Initial statements after the game suggest he was taken off as a precaution, so it sounds like it shouldn't be a significant injury, but he could still be a doubt for the upcoming gameweek.
Replacement: Fraser came on in his place, but if he is expected to miss significant time, we could see O'Neill experiment a bit.
Verdict: Hold Neto for sure, but his replacement will probably not be worth a stream.
Kieran Trippier (NEW, DEF)
Prospects: Trippier was subbed off with pain in his calf, but the extent is not yet known.
Replacement: Livramento will replace Trippier if he misses any time.
Verdict: A game against Chelsea isn't the greatest to stream Livramento, but he is worth an add to wait and see how long Trippier will be out for.
Tactical Discussions
That Title Race
Observation: Liverpool, City, and Arsenal are in a three horse race separated by just 2 points across the three spots. All three teams have had their struggles at some point this year, but now all three teams are pushing full throttle to the finish. In the last 5 games only Liverpool has lost 1 among the three teams, which was against fellow contender Arsenal. It looks like nothing will change as all three teams got wins this weekend as well. Fantasy wise, all three of these teams "studs" will be very difficult to get in any sort of trade. There is significantly more rotation among both Liverpool and City's attack than Arsenal's. Especially among City with the likes of Doku, Grealish, Bernardo, Alvarez, and KDB all receiving at least 1 benching in recent weeks. At Liverpool, it is injuries that is keeping the lineup pretty steady right now but with Szobo back, and Salah close to a return expect more rotation. Some managers especially those in the bottom half of the tables may not be able to afford these "rotation risks" as they try to get closer to the title or to at least a playoff position. If you are near the top of the table, have playoffs secured, and just want upside the likes of: Doku, Grealish, Jesus are all worth looking at in trades. You probably can get them for 75 cents on the dollar or even cheaper.
Verdict: Look to bring in some of the rotation upside assets of the title challengers if you are in a good league place.
Can Luton Survive?
Observation: Luton have played some great football in recent weeks and even months but it just hasn't translated into results for them. They currently sit 4 points away from safety, but have a game in hand with this double gameweek. Luton will need to start turning good showings into actual points if they want to survive. With games against Palace and Bournemouth, they should at least hope to come away from the double gameweek with 3-4 points. Fantasy wise their assets, especially attacking ones have been set and forget, and among the best out there. The likes of Doughty and Barkley in particular have been standout players in real life and fantasy. Morris and Ogbene as well have shown great form since the new year and all four should be in for a big double gameweek haul. It will likely be near impossible to get any of these four assets until after GW29 without overpaying by a good margin. Expect these assets to continue to have a good floor, but for more returns to start coming through especially if Luton hope to survive. Defensively their assets are very hit or miss and should only be considered in friendly fixtures. This double gameweek could be a trap with both Palace and Bournemouth tough attacks to defend against. Kaminski is a good shout, and Mengi as well this week.
Verdict: If you can somehow get Barkley, Doughty, Morris, or Ogbene for a decent price jump on that chance.
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