FPL captain tips: Gameweek 20 picks for fantasy football Premier League
After the madness of the first double gameweek of the season, Fantasy Premier League continues with all 10 teams in midweek action.
The deadline for transfers is at 4:30pm on Tuesday January 26 – here Squawka considers some of the big decisions awaiting managers as far as captains are concerned.
The Manchester City dilemma
News that Kevin De Bruyne could miss up to six weeks of action through injury has FPL managers scrambling.
While his 59th-minute substitution against Aston Villa had many cursing Pep Guardiola’s name again, his haul of 23 points from his previous three games saw him emerge as an obvious captain option once again after an uncharacteristically tepid start to the season.
His absence creates a void but there are emerging options to replace him in the City side with favourable fixtures against West Brom and Sheffield United on the horizon.
Ilkay Gundogan has proved valuable this term with 66 points to his name – the third highest total among City midfielders, and more than Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez – after chipping in with another superb goal against Aston Villa.
Only De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling have attempted more shots on goal than the German this season, who may benefit in a more advanced role should Pep tinker with the Belgian and Sergio Aguero unavailable.
Gabriel Jesus with the armband poses an unnecessary risk perhaps given his Premier League goal drought dating back to early November.
Manchester City to win to nil against West Brom 5/6
Bruno Fernandes risks?
Manchester United welcome Sheffield United to Old Trafford on Wednesday and with the Blades still rock bottom, assessing United’s assets is a must.
Bruno Fernandes is this season’s second most valuable player on 140 points (behind Harry Kane on 142) and while he underwhelmed in the league meeting against Liverpool, a superb display and a five-point haul against Fulham has eased any concerns over fatigue.
Marcus Rashford, another who underwhelmed at Anfield, was handed a much-needed rest at Fulham in midweek. The England forward provided his second biggest return of the season (14) in the reverse fixture earlier this season with two sumptuous finishes at Brammall Lane, and he could reap the rewards with Chris Wilder’s side reverting to type in their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham.
Manchester United to win against Sheffield United and both teams to score 9/4
Michail Antonio worth a chance?
Outside of the usual contenders is Michail Antonio.
Still West Ham’s only established option up front following the departure of Sebastien Haller, he has scored match winners in his last two while also collecting maximum bonus points in both games (18 in all during double gamweek 19).
Un unused substitute, he was rested for Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Doncaster in the FA Cup.
Michail Antonio first goalscorer against Crystal Palace 7/2
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