GW23 Preview
Player Value Changes & a GW Preview
Today we’re looking at a few players whose value has changed recently + a GW23 preview:
Big Changes
The Amad/Dorgu Conundrum: based on last week, these guys are standout waiver options. My question is will they be starters against non-elite sides. I have to think Cuhna would come in for Dorgu if United are playing a non-elite side. Amad is the more interesting question. I really rate him, but the 2 guaranteed in the front 4 are Bruno/Mbuemo. So the question is does Sesko play (with Mbuemo right side) or does Mbuemo stay up top and Amad plays right. The good news is that United play Arsenal this weekend, so there’s no need to change the line-up from last week. I think you can pick both of these guys up, but be mentally prepared to try and trade them after the Arsenal match for a more certain asset. This especially applies to Dorgu. Amad might have enough upside to keep for the rest of the season.
Mo Salah: He’s back, and I believe will continue to start (and be on Pens). He didn’t give the most inspiring performance against Marseille, but the team should be structured around getting him more central (with Frimpong wide right), which should allow him to be in the penalty box more often.
Conor Gallagher: Remains to be seen how exactly he’s used, but he could be a defcon machine and has an attacking side to his game.
Gabriel Jesus: I’d take the punt if you’re at all unhappy with your third striker. Havertz apparently had another setback, and you all know my thoughts on Gyokeres.
Castellanos: Played as the 9 for West Ham. I don’t think this is the highest upside pick, but starting forwards are always at a premium.
GW 23 Preview
Brentford vs. Forest: This is a great spot for Brentford. They’re flying, and Forest play in Portugal on Thursday night. I’d be looking at both attackers and defenders from Brentford in this one. I think there’s a good chance Dango comes back in.
Newcastle vs. Villa: This is another schedule-based pick. Newcastle did play midweek, but Villa are playing in Turkey on Thursday with a full-strength side. That’s quite a quick turnaround to then travel to Newcastle. I’d expect an unchanged back 4 for Newcastle.
Burnley vs. Spurs: I think Burnley have replaced Wolves as the worst side in the league for me. The draw against Liverpool was a bit misleading (3.5xg - 0.5xg). Gallagher feels like the type of player that could run this match, and I think he’s an interesting pickup.
West Ham vs. Sunderland: I want to highlight Sunderland here. I think they match-up decently vs. West Ham, but mainly because they’re home against Burnley next weekend. I think it’s a nice 2 week punt for players like Le Fee, Brobbey, Xhaka (if they’re free) or the defense.
Ben White: Should retain his place with Califiori out. I don’t expect this match against United to be straight-forward for Arsenal, but it’s always worth grabbing a piece of their back 4 if you can.
Estevao: Looked great in their CL match as a sub. It’s still a bit of a punt since I’m not sure he’ll start, but he’s a very high upside player potentially.
Streamers: Quick reminder that we’re picking 4 streamers every week to track our points over the course of the season. Players must be under 5% owned in competitive 8 team leagues. I’m choosing 2, and the other 2 will be the highest vote getter in the polls below.
GW22 Results: Mac Allister (1), Maatsen (2), Tonali (2), Lindeloff (0): Tough week, but overall we’re at 109 points from 28 matches)
GW23 Picks: Gallagher (@Burnley), Kayode (H-Forest)
Happy Hauling!
Doug