Miles Reucroft is undertaking a different way of playing the ever popular Fantasy Football this season. To understand his methodology, read part one here. The Week 1 review is here, Week 2 transfers & preview here, Week 3 preview here, Week 4 preview here, Week 5 preview here, Week 6 preview here, Week 7 preview here, Week 8 preview here, Week 9 preview here, Week 10 preview here, Week 11 preview here. Week 12 preview here. Week 13 preview here. Week 14 preview here. Week 15 here.
There’s a really settled feeling to the squad at the moment. Recent transfers have proved to be, for the most part, successful and the boys are racking up points hand over fist. We just need to find a way of sustaining this, rather than the constant yo-yoing; dramatic climbs up the tables like this, followed by an equally swift descent.
FC Fakin’ Run Aboutabit are riding the crest of a glorious wave at present, though. The last seven days have seen us move from 1,491,237th to a very creditable 820,732nd. This is our highest position of the season and with the fixtures coming thick and fast over the festive season, I’m optimistic that the boys are in good shape to keep our form up.
The last week was taken in two stages and we racked up 59 and 67 points respectively. Notable performances across the week have come from captain Kane (28 points), Dave Silva (24) and Otamendi (17).
The 3-4-2-1 has worked a treat, too. It’s getting the best out of the resources available.
There are, however, one or two question marks. Oumar Niasse, despite a very encouraging start, has done nothing since. His questionable suspension for simulation has been served, but he just hasn’t looked the same. It’s got in his head and he needs to get it out.
Bobby Firmino, too, set the world alight on debut but has had a quiet couple of games since.
Too much of the goal scoring burden is falling into Kane’s lap. He’s usually coming up with the goods, but given the volume of football he’s been playing, he’s prone to the odd off day. Dave Silva has chipped in, which has been handy, but I’d also like to see a couple of goals from KdB and Richarlison. Tiemoue Bakayoko has scored his one for the season and we can’t be relying on our defensive midfielders for goals.
Still, so long as Otamendi is finding the onion bag, all is well with the world. He’s been an excellent acquisition.
The Niasse question appears to be my most pressing, but he’s been a ‘triffic lad in training and hasn’t been a moment’s bother. With things going well, I see no reason to risk upsetting the apple cart. There’s also the fact that he was a budget option and with my £1.5m slush fund, his departure would leave me with around £5.4m to spend. You find a regular goal scorer for that sort of money.
All this stability means a quiet week for our player agent, Gary. He won’t be bothered, mind. He’s a massive darts fan and the World Championships start this week. I’m sure I’ll have some work for him soon. In the meantime, good luck to Steve ‘The Bronzed Adonis’ Beaton at the Ally Pally.
Given how well the 3-4-2-1 has been serving us, there’s no reason to change it. Phil Jones is back to full fitness after his lay-off and will be returning to the side in place of Joe Gomez. Other than that, we go again…
3-4-2-1
Schmeichel – Maguire, Otamendi, Jones – Richarlison, Bakayoko, Xhaka, Silva – KdB, Firmino – Kane
Subs
Gomes, Niasse, Gomez, Bertrand
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