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 9
Here we outline our Fantasy EPL Takeaways from the previous gameweek and how to interpret them for draft fantasy.
Key Injuries and Suspensions
Solly March (BHA, MID)
Prospects: March suffered what is most likely a season ending injury in the loss vs. Manchester City. We will need to wait for final test results but early rumours put him out and requiring knee surgery.
Replacement: There are a few options to replace March, with potentially a reshuffle. The likes of Fati and Adingra should see a bump in overall starts at least until Enciso is back. Enciso should be back around the Christmas period but until he is fully up to speed, Brighton will turn to Adingra and Fati to really fill the void.
Verdict: If March is out for more than 8 weeks then he is an immediate drop unless you are in a playoff league.
Thomas Partey (ARS, MID)
Prospects: Partey missed the tie with Sevilla with an injury. Partey has struggled for minutes since his return from injury, and his absence won't really cause an issue for Arteta at least in the short term. Long term Partey should challenge for a midfield spot beside Rice and Odegaard.
Replacement: The likes of Havertz and Jorginho will continue to see increased minutes in Partey's absence but neither are really worthwhile fantasy assets.
Verdict: Partey is your classic Fantrax CDM, and is an easy drop. He will most likely be able to be scooped up again when he gets back into the XI.
Danny Welbeck (BHA, FWD)
Prospects: Welbeck sustained a muscular problem, and the extent is unknown. We will need to await further updates from the press conference to judge this one, but he should at least be expected to miss a few games.
Replacement: Ferguson's minutes became that much more secure with Welbeck out, with Fati another big benefactor. Similar to the March situation it will be the trio of Fati, Adingra, and Enciso (when fit) who benefit the most if these injuries are long-term.
Verdict: Welbeck is just not a good fantasy asset, and is an immediate drop.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (NOT, FWD)
Prospects: Hudson-Odoi will miss around 6 weeks with a hamstring injury. This is a blow to the once Chelsea starboy, who looked to be set to make a name for himself in the EPL.
Replacement: Elanga should be a near guarenteed starter now, and is definitely worth an add if you need a FWD3.
Verdict: You can probably drop Hudson-Odoi given the length of his absence. Unless you stuck with just 1 forward aside form Hudson-Odoi I would rather stream the spot.
Ollie McBurnie (SHU, FWD)
Prospects: McBurnie was withdrawn in the loss vs. United. McBurnie scored a penalty but came off injured and needs to be assesed. Sheffield are really struggling with injuries now, and can't afford another huge loss.
Replacement: Brewster might get a start if McBurnie is hurt for a period, but he is not worth rostering...at all.
Verdict: Wait for more news on McBurnie. If he is out until close to December he is defintiely a drop.
Tactical Discussions
Chelsea Are Good Now?
Observation: Chelsea are coming off what will feel like their best performance in the season, but only come away with a draw. They really sold the bag here when they were 2-0 up to Arsenal. An error from Sanchez gave Arsenal the chance they need to get something from nothing. Chelsea as a whole were better than usual but I think this scoreline flatters them. Their goals came from a penalty and a miss hit cross by the inconsistent Mudryk. Their defence still is as frail as ever, and their midfield lacks serious creativity with Enzo and Caicedo just not doing it. Gallagher has improved every game, and Palmer has been the saving grace of this team. With Reece fit again you would expect him to start in the next week or two, which will add much needed creativity. Chelsea are playing without a recognized #9 as well, but Jackson should get back into the XI sometime soon, potentially at the expense of Mudryk. I do think this draw will give Chelsea some confidence but this Brentford game is a must win given their upcoming run after that (Spurs, City, Newcastle, Brighton, United).
Verdict: Chelsea assets are worth starting/streaming this weekend, but they could also be worth a trade out. The likes of Palmer, Gallagher, and Mudryk especially due to their severe lack of consistency and Palmer and Mudryk showing they are afraid of ghosts. Look to target a Chelsea fan in your league who believes Chelsea might do something in this run.
What is up with Liverpool fullbacks?
Observation: Liverpool full-backs have failed to deliver on their draft day capital thus far. Trent especially has lacked the upside outside of the Bournemouth match that managers hoped for from a round 1 pick. He seems to be return or clean sheet dependent, and who knows if this upcoming run will even spark him back to life. Robertson was decent considering you could have got him near the end of round 5 in many leagues, but now is out injured. Tsmikas was nothing more than a FA pickup and produced that exact output. He did get his fair share of set pieces, but his deliveries were very poor, and there is every chance Szobo starts taking some sets from him. Van Dijk seems like the Liverpool defender to roster this season, and unfortunately we don't know if that will change. Despite Trent still passing the eye test, getting into good positions and whipping in crosses the points just aren't there. This might be the time to try and get at least round 2 kind of value back from Trent. I would advise against selling low, I would rather hold and hope for a spark in this friendly run of games to increase his value, but if you are able to get back a deal such as Szobo + 10-15 FAB I would take that.
Verdict: If you can't get proper value for Trent, look to hold throughout this run. Keep checking for updates on Robertson but if he is set to be out until 2024 then he is an easy drop.
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