fantasy premier league midfielders – some thoughts on replacing Yaya Toure

I’m waiting for the gameweek to end before I do my ususal “ones to watch” articles but before that I thought you would appreciate some early thoughts on replacing Yaya Toure  who will be out for 2 weeks and 3 games.  In theory he will be back for DGW37.  I wrote this before the Arsenal West Ham game by the way

fantasy premier league midfielders – some thoughts on replacing Yaya Toure

Here’s a table comparing the stats for the key replacement options.  YYT at the top.  They’re in order of the best stats but you need to read the notes on each player

Silva

With a double gameweek still to come and excellent fixtures Silva is one of the form players and a natural replacement.  We are yet to get clarity on whether Pellegrini will play 2 strikers although we may get further information against Sunderland  on Wednesday.  Silva has been exceptional behind the striker.  The advanced central position has not only made him more influential but has also given him better scoring opportunities.  He’s scored 2 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 games.  Even if moved to the flank he’s hard to ignore.  The one cloud is his supposed toe injury.  It will be interesting to see if he starts against Sunderland.  If he doesn’t then he will be a doubt for DGW37 and that will diminish his attractiveness.  Personally I think waiting until after the Sunderland game is essential before transferring in Silva

fixtures to the end of the season excl DGW34:

West Brom (H)
Crystal Palace (A)
Everton (A)  DGW37
Aston Villa (H)  DGW37
West Ham (H)

Gerrard

Mr Consistency.  Will probably be the most motivated player in the premier league seeking to win his first title.  Does rely solely on penalties and indirect free kicks plus the odd corner.  His points scoring is very much in others hands though as a result.  However if Suarez’s performance against Man City  where he was seeking a penalty virtually every 5 minutes then there will be no shortage  of him trying to gain one at least

Fixtures to the end of the season:
Norwich (A)
Chelsea (H)
Crystal Palace (A)
Newcastle (H)

Eriksen

The form player of the moment.  Also has Fulham as his next game.  Has a good share of set pieces.  The only negative is that he doesn’t have 2 games in DGW37.

Fixtures to the end of the season:

Fulham (H)
Stoke City (A)
West Ham (A)
Aston Villa (H)

Nasri

The 2 striker point for Man City is not only of relevance to Aguero and Silva owners it’s also relevant to Nasri.  If City stick with a single striker and Silva plays behind that striker then Nasri is nailed on.  Returning to 2 strikers means he will share a place with Navas  He’s a far better prospect to start than Navas but it may mean a series of 60 minute subs.  Thats far from ideal

fixtures to the end of the season excl DGW34:

West Brom (H)
Crystal Palace (A)
Everton (A)  DGW37
Aston Villa (H)  DGW37
West Ham (H)

Mata

Things seemed to have turned around for him with 31 points in his last 2 games.   There’s also a decent set of fixtures to go.  Could be deffered until GW36 when he’s home to Norwich before the DGW37.  It’s Everton away in GW35

Here’s the full fixtures to the end of the season:

Everton (A)
Norwich (H)
Sunderland (H)  DGW37
Hull City (H)  DGW37
Southampton (A)

 Ramsey

As I write this he’s not started in the West Ham home fixture after playing well over 100 minutes at the weekend.  Ironically that probably gives him more chance of starting in GW35.  It’s a big leap of faith in his early season given his time off with injury.  His performances against Everton and Wigan showed some promise but nothing like the early season.  It would be a big leap of faith.  Good fixtures are the main attraction.

West Ham (H)
Hull City (A)
Newcastle (H)
West Brom (H)
Norwich (A)

Ozil

Supposedly back for GW35.  Again a gamble on early season form.  However you also need to gamble that he wont start from the bench and that he is indeed fit for GW35 given Arsenals return record with Ramsey.  Again good fixtures are the main attraction.

West Ham (H)
Hull City (A)
Newcastle (H)
West Brom (H)
Norwich (A)

Coutinho

Believe it or not his last 5 games have seen him score 2 goals and 2 assists and collect 30 points for his trouble.  Most of the time he looks like he couldn’t hit a barn door but maybe this is a return to last season.  If Sturridge’s injury is not short term then he should play in an advanced position.  Either in the 3 of 4-2-3-1 or in the front 3 of 4-3-3.

Fixtures to the end of the season:

Norwich (A)
Chelsea (H)
Crystal Palace (A)
Newcastle (H)

Possible scenarios

This assumes you already have Silva

Dont transfer YYT

GW35 –  Transfer in Eriksen

GW36 – Transfer in Rooney

DGW37 – Transfer in Mata

DGW37 – YYT fit

Transfer out YYT

Same except take a hit for YYT or Nasri gametime permitting

Thats it I hope taht gives you some ideas

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