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, 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 6
Here we outline our Fantasy EPL Takeaways from the previous gameweek and how to interpret them for draft fantasy.
Key Injuries and Suspensions
Rodri (MCI, MID)
Prospects: Rodri received a red card for putting his hands around the neck of Gibbs-White. He will be suspended for 3 games, but only 2 of those games will be served in the EPL given that there is a midweek cup fixture this week. Rodri started off the season really well, scoring double-digits in half of his starts and 20+ points in two of his six starts.
Replacement: With Rodri out, it remains to be seen how Pep will line up. But you can assume Nunes will get a few games in the side now. Bernardo is sidelined as well and could miss a few more games. Kovacic is potentially ready to go this coming weekend and could slot in alongside Nunes in the pivot. I would expect Lewis to also be in contention to get minutes there at least off the bench or in the cup fixture. But depending on injuries, two of Nunes, Bernardo, or Kovacic should start the two games Rodri will miss. Kalvin Phillips is also getting a rare start in the Cup; if he does well, it could propel him to a bigger role, however unlikely it might sound.
Verdict: Rodri is a hold for sure. He will be back in the XI as soon as he's back and is a set and forget asset. Look to pick up Nunes or Kovacic if they have been dropped in your leagues.
NLD injuries (ARS, TOT)
Prospects: Maddison, Johnson, Saka, and Rice were all nursing knocks or came off with injuries during the North London Derby. The news is still minimal on these boys, and we should get a better idea closer to the weekend. Saka has been nursing an Achilles issue for quite a few months, and the rumour is that it flared up during the NLD, so he should be fine, just may not go 90. Arteta expressed some concern about his availability for the weekend.
Rice came off at half-time with a back issue, but there is strong belief he will be fine for the weekend.
Maddison is nursing a minor knee issue, and a strong tackle in the NLD didn't help. He may get a precautionary scan, but I expect him to start the Liverpool game. Johnson pulled up with what seemed to be a minor hamstring issue, but the rumours swirling are that it was just tightness/fatigue. He has a good chance to make the squad this weekend unless Spurs decide to be careful with him. His injury looks like the most serious of the bunch; if confirmed, he could miss a few weeks.
Replacement: I would expect all of Saka, Rice, and Maddison to start the weekend barring any major updates. Johnson may not get another start if Spurs are being cautious, which will most likely see Solomon come back into the XI at LW with Son thriving in the 9 role.
Verdict: None of these players are worth dropping or even panic trading out, but I would look to grab Solomon if a manager dropped him over the weekend.
Malo Gusto (CHE, DEF)
Prospects: Gusto will most likely be suspended 3 games for his bad tackle on the weekend. It is fair to say Gusto cost Chelsea the game, and this team is very low on confidence.
Replacement: Reece James is still a few weeks away from being ready to play, so Poch will need to shuffle the team a bit. Chilwell should get back in the side in a LB role (one he hasn't occupied all year). I would expect one of Colwill or Disasi to be shoved out to RB, with the other continuing to partner Thiago Silva in the CB role. Chalobah would have been another option but is still injured.
Verdict: Gusto is an easy drop. He has been poor except for his Luton masterclass, and Reece James will be nearing a return when he is back from suspension. If you can buy low on Chilwell, it could be a good move.
Odsonne Edouard (CRY, FWD)
Prospects: Edouard missed the midweek cup game with a hamstring injury. It remains to be seen if this issue will keep him out of the weekend. Edouard has had a strong start to the season, and will hope to return as soon as possible. Hodgson hasn't confirmed how long he will be out for, but expect another update later in the week.
Replacement: If Edouard does miss any time, Mateta is the like for like replacement. Expect him to start in Edouard's absence.
Verdict: Edouard is a definite hold unless he is deemed to be out for months, which would be a surprise. Mateta is worth a punt if you are desperate for a forward, but I wouldn't be excited about starting him.
Nicolas Jackson (CHE, FWD)
Prospects: After a very poor start to the year, getting more yellow cards than goals, Jackson will serve a 1 game suspension. Chelsea's attack has failed to score for an entire month, and losing Jackson isn't exactly what Poch would have liked before Fulham.
Replacement: The like for like replacement is Broja who is just getting back from a long term injury. It remains to be seen if Poch will trust him with a start given his lack of real minutes for Chelsea over the past seasons. There could be a reshuffle in the attack with Sterling occupying the #9 role flanked by two of Mudryk, Palmer, Madueke, or Chilwell (if he isn't used at LB). The issue is Chelsea are the last game of the gameweek, so be sure to have back-ups for any of your iffy Chelsea assets.
Verdict: Jackson is in poor form but isn't worth dropping. Unless you can get decent value for him, you just have to continue to hold and hope his guaranteed minutes eventually help to improve his form. Palmer is worth a punt this weekend if he is on your waiver wire, but again, be sure to have a back-up in case he doesn't start.
Harvey Barnes (NEW, MID)
Prospects: Barnes lasted just 11 minutes in the drubbing vs. Sheffield due to a toe injury. He will be out for the foreseeable future.
Replacement: Gordon is the obvious replacement for Barnes on the LW with Almiron continuing on the RW and one of Wilson/Isak up top.
Verdict: News came out that Barnes will be out for months, rather than weeks, so he is unfortunately destined for the drop.
Tactical Discussions
Luton and Burnley prepping for DGW
Observation: Luton took the game to Wolves and looked the better side for the most part with some very commendable fantasy performances from their starters. Their first EPL point might be the boost they need to get their first win in DGW7. Burnley looked the part against a disjointed United team and were very unlucky not to come away with any points from the game. Both have decent assets that fantasy managers will be swarming to scoop up for the double.
Verdict: Kabore, Koleosho, Amdouni, Nakamba are a few players who were picked up in more competitive leagues like the Community League, the International Genie League and the Discord Super League for DGW7. The chart below is great evidence that the three big leagues provide fierce competition for those looking for a challenge. Drop the defensive mids and most defenders, though, after the double!
Everton resurgence incoming?
Observation: The Toffees finally got their campaign up and running away at Brentford with a convincing 3-1 win. Tarkowski (34), Garner (19), Doucoure (14) and McNeil (13) were among the best scorers of the gameweek. With DCL and Harrison working their way back from injury and Danjuma still to be unleashed, this team suddenly looks much better on paper and also in real life. Luton and Bournemouth up next (both at home) should be the adrenalin injection this team needs both IRL and in fantasy.
Verdict: The highly drafted assets like McNeil and Tarks were starting to burn a hole on teams before some redemption came last week, but they will need to keep it up to reach their draft day value. McNeil will most likely go from strength to strength, but Tarkowski's ghost point output, especially his aerials when partnered with Branthwaite, need to be monitored as the youngster took the "alpha" role in matches before the IB.
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