dele alli tottenham hotspur
in Opinion/Features

Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 14

The January transfer window is fast approaching and for Fantasy Premier League managers, that second wildcard will shortly be on the horizon. If you are one of those virtual coaches desperately in need of a squad refresh, it’s probably safe to say that the latest weekend of action did not quite go your way.

For others, this weekend could have proved a welcome boost as you bid to climb your respective mini-leagues, a pair of premium defenders delivering the goods at Anfield.

As we always do here at The Football Faithful, here is our FPL League Team of the Week…

Goalkeeper: David Martin – West Ham – 10 points

What an afternoon for the West Ham goalkeeper, who made his debut for his boyhood side at the age of 33 and produced a solid display to earn Manuel Pellegrini’s struggling side a shock 1-0 win at London rivals Chelsea.

Martin, son of club great Alvin, would be reduced to tears following his performance, a showing which earned him the distinction of being the highest-scoring goalkeeper in FPL.

Owned by just 0.3% managers at the time, Martin earned an additional two points for making six saves before being rewarded with three bonus as one of the best players.

Defender: Trent Alexander-Arnold- Liverpool – 10 points

Alexander-Arnold’s fantasy value is well recognised, the Liverpool full-back possessing a premium price-tag courtesy of his attacking threat.

The most valuable defender in the game delivered handsomely once more, however, providing two assists as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield.

The England international’s performance earned him an additional two bonus points, taking his tally for the weekend to 10.

Defender: Matt Doherty – Wolves – 10 points

A fantasy favourite last season, Doherty’s ownership has dropped somewhat following his price rise to £6m.

That said, the Irishman provided another reminder that he still possesses good value, scoring his second league goal of the season as Wolves drew 1-1 with Sheffield United on Sunday to earn 10 FPL points.

Games with struggling West Ham and Brighton are next for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, whose players could prove good value in the coming weeks.

Defender: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool – 17 points

Two towering headers from the Dutch defender were enough to edge Liverpool home against Brighton, with no defender having scored more goals than Van Dijk since the beginning of last season.

Liverpool’s threat from set-pieces makes Van Dijk a valuable defensive addition to possess, the 28-year-old’s brace and three additional bonus points giving him 17 points, the highest total of any player for Gameweek 14.

Jurgen Klopp’s side’s inability to clean sheets has seen many opt to part with Liverpool defenders, though Van Dijk is one of three Reds defenders amongst the leading backline scorers in FPL.

Defender: Aaron Cresswell – West Ham – 14 points

The third goalscoring defender to make our side, West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell continued his fine recent record in front of goal by netting his third league goal of the season to give Manuel Pellegrini’s side a 1-0 win at Chelsea.

Not always a regular starter this season, the left-back has delivered when given an opportunity and posted his second double figure haul of the season, a goal, clean sheet and three bonus points giving him an impressive score of 14 points for Gameweek 14.

Midfield: Son Heung-Min – Tottenham – 10 points

A regular scorer of FPL points in recent weeks, Tottenham‘s Son Heung-Min delivered attacking returns for a third consecutive week as the club’s resurgence under Jose Mourinho continued.

The South Korea international provided two assists during the North London side’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth, earning 10 points including an additional two for bonus.

It’s now six Premier League assists for Son, only Man City‘s Kevin De Bruyne has more this season.

Midfield: Dele Alli – Tottenham – 15 points

Is it time to jump on the Dele bandwagon?

The Tottenham midfielder joins teammate Son in our team, courtesy of a 15 point haul following his well-taken double in the win over Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 23-year-old looks rejuvenated under Jose Mourinho, and FPL managers will be strongly considering his inclusion.

At £8.5m, he could prove to be a bargain on current form.

Midfield: Wilfried Zaha – Crystal Palace – 11 points

The Crystal Palace star has endured a slow start to the campaign after failing to secure a summer move away from Selhurst Park, though he has responded in recent weeks to net back-to-back goals against Liverpool and Burnley.

Zaha’s performance at Turf Moor this weekend helped secure his side a precious 2-0 victory as they got back to winning ways, earning himself an additional three bonus points for a tally of 11.

It was Zaha’s best score of the season so far in FPL, and he may be worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

Forward: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal – 13 points

After a worrying run of form, Aubameyang was back in the points this weekend, earning 13 points thanks to a brace in Arsenal‘s 2-2 draw with Norwich at Carrow Road.

Only Jamie Vardy has now scored more points than the Arsenal captain out of all forwards, his 87 points so far having justified his premium pricing and high ownership.

Arsenal may have struggled this season, however, their star forward can still be relied upon for FPL managers.

Forward: Kelechi Iheanacho – Leicester – 11 points

The unlikeliest of heroes for Leicester this weekend, the Nigerian forward coming off the bench to score a later winner against Everton in what was his first appearance of the season.

The 23-year-old had earlier provided the assist for Jamie Vardy’s equaliser, securing himself three bonus points during his cameo and a total of 11 for Gameweek 14.

Will his impact be enough to earn him minutes over the coming weeks? FPL managers will be keen to find out.

Read – Premier League weekend: Heroes and Villains

See also – Tweets of the Week: Mourinho ghosts Son, Uefa solve racism, and VAR is a Tory

ArsenalBournemouthBrightonBurnleyCharlton AthleticChelseaCrystal PalaceDerby CountyEvertonFPLFulhamLeicester CityLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedSouthamptonSwansea CityTottenham HotspurWatfordWest Ham UnitedWolves