FST’s Fantasy Football tips for GW13: Mid-budget must-haves
Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
This time of year brings plenty of challenges for FPL bosses, with three selection deadlines in the space of eight days. We are right in the middle of the festive crunch now, a perfect time to pile up the fantasy points.
To think, just over a year ago we were all incredibly impressed with being able to watch every Premier League game live on Amazon Prime. It feels much more routine now, ahead of Amazon’s 10-game slate this midweek.
With this round of games including a title battle between FPL stalwarts from Liverpool and Tottenham, there’s a selection headache for fantasy managers. We’ve drawn up a squad full of alternative stars, which could help you patch up any gaps as injuries begin to take their toll.
Don’t forget that you can get a more in-depth look at each match this weekend in our Premier League predictions.
Fantasy Football GW13 Fixture List
Tuesday, December 15
Wolves vs Chelsea (Amazon Prime)
Man City vs West Brom (Amazon Prime)
Wednesday, December 16
Arsenal vs Southampton (Amazon Prime)
Leeds vs Newcastle (Amazon Prime)
Leicester vs Everton (Amazon Prime)
Fulham vs Brighton (Amazon Prime)
Liverpool vs Tottenham (Amazon Prime)
West Ham vs Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime)
Thursday, December 17
Aston Villa vs Burnley (Amazon Prime)
Sheffield United vs Man United (Amazon Prime)
Best Fantasy Football Team for GW13
Fantasy Football Transfer Tips this Week
Avoid the midfield pile-up
While many seem to be funnelling money into midfield, we suggest avoiding that strategy with rotation likely to hit premium midfielders this month. Trying to fit De Bruyne, Salah, Fernandes and Son into your side will only lead to problems elsewhere.
A more balanced approach to your team should be the aim, especially with bargins like Tomas Soucek (5m) and Matt Targett (4.5m) consistently starting and producing the goods.
Keep an eye on defence given that Premier League games seem to be getting tighter. On top of that, strikers like Harry Kane (10.9m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (7.9m) have little competition and should get regular minutes throughout December. They’re only affordable if you shift some expensive midfielders.
March in the Saints
They may have only been playing Sheffield United, but Southampton were dominant in their 3-0 victory over the Blades. That win took the Saints into third, so they’ve clearly been producing against stronger opposition.
Arsenal aren’t that much stronger than the Blades right now and the visitors tend to enjoy themselves on the road. Given that, we’ve got three Saints players in our side for this week.
Jannik Vestergaard (4.9m) is defying his price as the third-highest scoring defender in the game. He should get some joy against an Arsenal side who struggle up front and can’t defend set-pieces.
The midfield talents of Stuart Armstrong (5.5m) make him a great cut-price option and Danny Ings (8.4m) is hard to go without in FPL. Ings’ is owned by just 8% of players so this is the perfect time to back him.
Pep Differential
Manchester City are making strides, but FPL bosses still seem unconvinced. Kevin De Bruyne (11.8m) is still under 30% ownership, despite his clash with struggling West Brom on Tuesday. He’s much more likely to move you up the rankings than heavily bought stars like Salah or Son.
While rotation remains a risk with Pep, Ruben Dias (5.6m) is an ever-present for City now. The reliable defender has scored six points in three successive gameweeks, is owned by less than 4% of players and isn’t priced that high.
Who to Captain in GW13
Bruno Fernandes
Sheffield United have made the worst start to a season in Premier League history. Manchester United’s issues pale in comparison. While the Red Devils don’t have too many standout performers in FPL, Bruno Fernandes (10.9m) remains a great asset.
The Portuguese has scored in each of his away games, with five of his seven goals coming in away games. All five of his assists have come on the road too, while he’s picked up maximum bonus points on four occasions. Against an awful Sheffield United side, Fernandes looks like the ideal captain.
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