Each week the Premier League schedule delivers a unique combination of match-ups. For Fantasy Premier League draft managers, those match-ups should be dictating how they use the back half of their squad. In the salary cap game, there are limitations on the number of transfers allowed during any given week. In the draft game, you have both more freedom in the form of number of transactions allowed and less in the form of the number of players available. This leads to a need to understand what non-star players you should be prioritizing in your line-ups based on match-up, injury, or rotational circumstances. Welcome to Week 3’s Sit/Start column for FPL Draft managers:
Start
Hector Bellerin – There are likely those frustrated with Bellerin’s production so far but don’t blame him for the shooting woes on easy opportunities that cost him and assist or two last weekend. With West Ham’s leaky defense coming to the Emirates, Bellerin should be starting this week.
Ryan Fraser – Fraser has come out of the gate on fire for the Cherries who have been just has hot to start the season. With Everton’s questionable defense arriving this weekend, Fraser should be a good bet to keep the production going.
Danny Ings – Maybe you recall a hundred years ago when Ings was very good for Burnley before getting his big money move to Liverpool. His goal last weekend is a good first step to getting back to his best after a wasteland of injury issues. Leicester City aren’t the best defense so if Ings is your 2nd or (more likely) 3rd forward you should get him into the line-up this week over a midfielder or defender with a questionable match-up.
Sit
Eric Bailly – Things don’t feel good at Old Trafford. The play has been poor. The manager seems to be on the verge of a tantrum. Into this mix comes a Spurs side who have shaken off similar concerns – World Cup participation, lack of transfer activity, etc. – and have thrived. Hard to see United winning let alone getting a clean sheet.
Ruben Neves – Hosting Manchester City isn’t exactly a recipe for success for a holding midfielder who is more likely to be spending his time trying to help his side avoid being pressed into oblivion and defending. Assuming you have higher upside alternatives, Neves should sit.
Ayoze Perez – The concern coming into the season was that Perez’s final results last season were driven by one incredibly hot run of form rather than a sustainable improvement in his ability. The early returns seem to back that up and with Chelsea coming to town on Sunday, I’d be considering alternatives if I had them available.
Enjoy the matches.
