FPL players from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham all make it on to the Gameweek 23 Bangwagon List.
A late cat among the pigeons has changed the face of Gameweek 23, as Cup shenanigans rule out some big hitters this weekend.
Most Transferred IN Players for Gameweek 23
1) Santi Cazorla – 113,985 transfers in: The little Spaniard has shown great form in recent weeks, in a role behind the striker which is keeping Mesut Ozil out of the team. On penalties for Arsenal, a home match against Aston Villa may even tempt some owners to captain him. Competition is fierce however, and Arsenal’s quest on two other fronts may soon bring rotation into play. For now, with Sanchez a major doubt for the weekend, he is Arsenal’s midfielder of choice.
2) Sergio Aguero – 112,600 transfers in: A late riser of the transfers in list this week; Diego Costa’s suspension has forced many to turn to the Argentinian, despite not yet showing his pre-injury form. Plenty of fantasy managers had him penciled in for a return to their squads in time for the visit of Hull in Gameweek 24, but, their hand has now been forced.
3) Eljero Elia – 94,247 transfers in: Southampton’s January signing made a telling contribution against Newcastle, scoring twice in a 2-1 win. The Saints have decent fixtures and priced at £5.5m, Elia doesn’t represent a massive punt if he can keep up his form. However, competition for his place hots up further as Sadio Mane returns to the squad this weekend, particularly if his form before his African Cup of Nation’s departure is anything to go by.
4) Stewart Downing – 90,982 transfers in: One of the stand-out fantasy players this season, West Ham are about to enter a fixture schedule which will really test their credentials. Liverpool, Manchester United, Southampton and Spurs is a daunting run which may well restrict Downing’s point potential.
5) Christian Eriksen – 84,492 transfers in: Another to benefit from a good run of form, the Spurs midfielder has scored in his last Premier League outing against Sunderland whilst also picking up 3 bonus points. His impressive performance against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup looks to have encouraged many FPL managers to hire his services ahead of Gameweek 23.
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Most Transferred OUT Players for Gameweek 23
1) Gylfi Sigurdsson – 266,592 transfers out: This week is the story of the 3-match suspension and Swansea’s star man was the first recipient of this punishment. One of the most highly owned midfielders in the game, his red card received in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn has led to his many owners looking elsewhere, leading in part to this week’s popularity of Elia and Downing.
2) Diego Costa – 230,062 transfers out: Before Tuesday’s match against Liverpool, Diego Costa featured towards the top end of the transfers in list after his stunning performance in the previous league game. In the aftermath of the League Cup semi against Liverpool, the pendulum began to swing the other way, and Friday’s confirmation of his three match ban well and truly sparked an exodus. It’s safe to say that both his ownership levels and price are about to plummet!
3) Alexis Sanchez – 92,918 transfers out: After his FPL injury flag was changed from a 75% chance to a 25% chance of playing, Fantasy Premier League managers have today taken drastic action by axing the Chilean from their Gameweek 23 squads. Whilst Sanchez faces a late fitness test on Saturday ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, there’s no reason for Wenger to risk him due to the return of Theo Walcott and Mesit Ozil to the starting eleven. A massive blow for managers as his form has been outstanding so far this season and he looked favorite to top the captaincy picks this week.
4) Cesc Fabregas – 85,769 transfers out: After feeling his hamstring against Liverpool, the Spaniard is another of the highly owned midfielders who may be missing out this week. Although his injury flag status suggests he has a 75% chance of playing, Mourinho may have no choice but to play him as they face a difficult home fixture against Manchester City in a must-win game on Saturday evening.
5) David Silva – 78,629 transfers out: An interesting addition to the transfers out list this week. Manchester City’s form in general means many FPL managers don’t want to double up on City attackers. Aguero is no doubt the most explosive City prospect and the lack of striking options compared to the midfield makes him more of a shoe in for people’s wildcard teams and Costa replacements. Silva once again returns to a semi-differential status as his ownership percentage has today dropped to 17.9%
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Costa – Transfers in?
Before finding out that Diego Costa had his 3-match ban for stamping on Emre Can upheld by the FA on Friday afternoon, the Chelsea man received more transfers in for Gameweek 23 than out. That situation has well and truly reversed as we approach Saturday’s deadline, as he shoots closer to the top of the transfers out list. It just goes to show the risk attached to making an early transfer after a good showing in the previous league fixture. In hindsight, new owners will look back at the three cup games between the Swansea game and this week’s match against Man City and recognise the gamble hasn’t paid off, as they no doubt look to sell the Premier League’s top scorer.
Friday rush hour
The FA’s decision on Friday has had a massive impact on this week’s bandwagons. Before this, Gylfi Sigurdsson’s suspension had led to the majority of transfer activity centering on midfield. Sergio Aguero languished in the lower echelons of transfers in, as mid-priced midfield assets like Elia and Downing came to the fore. As soon as the red flag appeared next to Diego Costa’s name, the transfer of Costa to Aguero/Giroud became the fashionable transfer to make. With this gameweek and next to use the winter wildcard, many will be forced to use it a week earlier than planned, with major doubts over fellow big hitters like Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas adding another variable in the mix.
Article written by Matthew Williamson
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