Opinion

Hazard redemption, Salah dilemma and the ‘Special Wan’

After deploying his Wildcard and turning to his arch nemesis in Gameweek 5, the FPL General is in better spirits for his latest column.

This week he reveals his love for his newfound ally and gives his thoughts on the Salah debate.

Find out what he believes are the key talking points for Gameweek 6.

Hazard is a tro– I mean legend

Did Eden Hazard really score a hat-trick while he was in my side? I still can’t believe it. The player that has caused me and many others so much pain in FPL redeemed himself somewhat with a sensational 20-point return in Gameweek 5.

Maurizio Sarri has suggested the Belgian could score 30-35 goals this season; music to the ears of his owners. His link-up play with Olivier Giroud was key in his mega points haul against Cardiff, with the Frenchman creating two of Hazard’s three goals in his first 90-minute appearance of the campaign.

If he nails down the starting striker berth at Chelsea ahead of the misfiring Alvaro Morata, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Hazard reach Sarri’s prediction of 30+ goals.

Another big performance from Hazard against West Ham in Gameweek 6 will see the terms ‘essential’ and ‘must-have’ brandished alongside his name. He’s already the most transferred in player this week.

Time for Mo to go?

One possible route to Hazard for a lot of managers is losing Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has blanked in his last three appearances if you include the midweek Champions League win over PSG. He’s the most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 6, many presumably making the switch to Hazard.

Selling Salah before a home game against Southampton is a risky move though. I feel last week was the optimum time to go #NoSalah when Liverpool had Spurs away and Hazard faced Cardiff at home.

Salah stays in my team for Southampton. If he blanks again, he could be gone by the time Gameweek 7 rolls around.
West Ham looked a lot stronger with Declan Rice and Pedro Obiang in midfield in the 3-1 win over Everton. They could frustrate Hazard and Co. on Sunday.

The Special Wan

Aaron Wan-Bissaka. What a guy. He’s well on his way to becoming the best £4.0m defender in FPL history. A lot of us got his 9-pointer off the bench in Gameweek 5. He’s a gift from the FPL Gods. Cherish him.

Manchester United assets stake their claim

Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba impressed again in United’s 3-0 win over Young Boys on Wednesday night. Shaw put in another assured performance at left back which should see him keep his place for the visit of Wolves. Pogba scored a brace including one from the spot and set up Anthony Martial for United’s third. Can he bring this form into the Wolves fixture? Priced at £8.2m, he shouldn’t be ignored with a nice run of fixtures coming up.

Captaincy

It’s a tricky one this week. There’s no runaway leader in the poll with Salah, Hazard, Aguero and Mane all viable options among others.

Liverpool have the home fixture, but can we justify giving Mo the armband considering his form? Maybe Mane is the better pick against his former side? Will Hazard deliver against a West Ham side buoyed by their victory in Gameweek 5? Aguero didn’t start in the Champions League midweek, does that mean he’s nailed on to start vs Cardiff? Why has he only scored in one Gameweek so far?

Lots of questions and no answers. The beauty of FPL. It’s going to be a very interesting Gameweek. Whatever happens, FPL Twitter will be entertaining as the pro-Salah and no Salah sides go toe to toe after the Liverpool vs Southampton game. Get the popcorn ready.

Good luck to all in Gameweek 6.

You can follow the FPL General on Twitter HERE. He has achieved three top 500 finishes in the last four seasons.

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704 Comments Post a Comment
  1. twaid
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Foster, Fabby

    Alonso, Robertson, Mendy*, AWB, Peltier*

    Mane, Salah, Maddison, Wally, Hudson-
    Odoi*

    Aguero, Zaha, Ings*

    1ft, 0.7 itb

    If Mendy doesn’t play, I’ll only have 10 starting players which obviously sucks. What to do?

    A) WC
    B) Wally and Mane > Haz and Fraser
    C) Upgrade Peltier

    1. GE
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Peltier to Doherty/Jonny

    3. JurgenRocks
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

  2. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Why do so many people automatically conclude that Hazard would score better if he plays as a striker?

    An attacking player will score better if played in his best position and given the freedom to attack without much defensive responsibilities. It doesn’t matter where abouts on the front three that is. Take last seasons golden boot winner for example. It’s not a new thing either as Ronaldo showed at Utd.

    Hazard’s best position isn’t as a central striker and he even confirmed this when Conte asked him to take up this role. He output wasn’t great in this position either.

    I’d actually prefer Hazard much, much less if he played as the central striker.

    1. Licious Lizard
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I definitely agree.
      He best thing would be to keep playing in his preferred position as you say - with Giroud up top rather than Morata.

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Agreed, Giroud is a far better player for Hazard to play alongside than Morata.

    2. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think the article's saying if Giroud nails down striker, Hazard will get more goals, not that Hazard is or should be playing as a striker.

      1. Brosstan
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Definitely what its saying.

      2. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah my comment isn’t directly aimed at the FPL General, it’s about lots of comments on here re the Chelsea striker situation.

        1. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I haven't actually heard anyone suggest Haz should start up top. Haven't been paying attention obviously. Giroud seems perfect for him.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A central striker can also be a second striker. He can excel there with giroud

    4. Brehmeren
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I agree with this. Remember being sucked in last year when he was supposedly playing as a striker. 5 games in a row with 2-pointers. I am still bleeding..

    5. MTPockets
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Don't recall reading any suggestions of Hazard as striker. Is there a discussion about it?

      • Warby84
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I think Sarri turned Dries Mertens into a striker at Napoli and he played a similar deeper attacking position

      • Bushman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Nobody is saying he would score better as a striker, after all he was awful as a CF last season.

        Sarri wants him to track back less and spend more time in the opposition’s box but still playing as a left forward. People are getting excited because he is being given freedom to stay high up the pitch and roam i.e. very much like a Messi or Ronaldi role. So this should be good for his FPL output.

    6. Blanka
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Is it stupid to not include Fraser if on a WC?

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Wouldn’t say stupid.
        But I do think he is very good value.
        Who do you want instead ?

        1. Blanka
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          That's it, feel like I need him because just because of that.

          Atm it's boiling down to Fraser and non playing striker or Cairney and Jimenez.

          I like the latter I think.

      2. Oven Glover
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Not stupid. I have a feeling that people will start to look in Knockaert’s direction soon, though.

        1. Zenith UK
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Already on the watchlist.

      3. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Great value.

      4. Brehmeren
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I would say so, yes. But as always, it depends on your distribution of funds/formation.

      5. Twisted Saltergater
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Leicester played unbelievably open. Both of Fraser’s goals were from counter attacks.

        He’s a great player and excellent value, clearly, but I’m expecting a tough game against Burnley and think you can get more by spending a little extra (Maddison, Richarlison).

      6. The Jackal
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I looked at his last 2 seasons wher he played less than 2/3rds of gw's yet still managed 100 pts in both. So potentially a 150pt midfielder for 5.5m was a gift. (and to be honest I think he is still improving)

    7. CRO KLOPP
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone here buying Deeney?

      1. Oven Glover
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Looks like a good buy. Famous last words 😆

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, thought so

      2. FPL Touches
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Better options

        1. Oven Glover
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Like Mitrovic and Wilson? Not so sure.

      3. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        "he is focused on improving himself any way he can. That includes his new diet that has seen him lose a stone, and watching re-runs of his matches up to seven times within hours of the final whistle - but also his mental health too.....

        He started seeing a psychologist to deal with personal issues and still has sessions twice a week to get him in the zone for matches."

        https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45583138

        He's a new man, fixtures aren't half bad either. I'd still prefer Mitro or Wilson.

        1. Oven Glover
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Have you compared them? Mitro, Wilson & Deeney that is. Deeney has pens as a bonus. We don’t know if Mitro is on them yet.

          1. Eddie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            No I haven't really given thought to Deeney. I've had my heart set on Mitro as he passes eye and stat test. Maybe I should give him some more thought.

      4. CRO KLOPP
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I have mitro and want to slightly upgrade Ings

      5. The Jackal
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yes

    8. Zenith UK
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Who else wants Ultimate Fantasy Premier League back?!

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Me

        (if its free)

        1. Zenith UK
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'd play again even if it was £5 a season again. 13p per season

          1. Zenith UK
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            13p per gameweek*

    9. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Any suggestions for this WC Team chaps? 0.7 ITB.

      Hennessey
      Alonso, Robertson, Mendy*
      Hazard, Mane, Fraser, Dilva, Richarlison
      Aguero, Mitrovic

      (Patricio, Ings, AWB, Bennett)

      - Want to keep hold of Mendy as had him from the start
      - Sticking with Aguero for another week
      - Keen to stick with Robertson, not sure what I would do with the savings if I downgraded to TAA/Gomez?
      - Worth starting with Maddison for (HUD) then switching to Rich next week?

      Cheers

      1. Zenith UK
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I think if I brought Maddison in over Richarlison I wouldn't switch back unless Richarlison blew up and Maddison blanked. Vardy back might open up Maddison a bit more.
        Understand holding Mendy, AWB will come in if he doesn't play anyways. I quite like your team. Dilva is my only "meh" thought.

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks. I had Richarlison from the start and I will definitely get him back in but I take your point...

          I'm not too sold on Dilva either to be honest but I want to retain 3 city assets. Perhaps I could go Ederson as set and forget and get Pogba in for Dilva?

          Cheers.

      2. yakirh
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I've got a similar team, with Maddison & Zaha over Dilva & Ings
        I'm not sure which one is better actually..
        Dilva is an easy switch to Pogba\Son\Ozil so it might save a transfer down the line..

        Don't you prefer Fabianski over Patricio since you already have Bennett and Westham fixtures are about to be amazing?

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks. Not a bad shout and not too much in it I agree. I had Zaha in for first few weeks but think Ings is better value overall. As above I'm not too sold on Dilva so perhaps Ederson and Pogba in may make sense? And takes away the goalkeeper rotation headache...

          Don't fancy Fabianski despite the fixtures but maybe that's the wrong choice. I've always had a single expensive keeper (up until now)

          Cheers

      3. zon
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Very good team. In fact, if I was on a WC, I might just copy your team. 🙂

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks - just not sure about goalkeepers and Dilva - happy with the rest...

          1. zon
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            There's always Fabianski and his save points as an option for Hennessey. Dilva not an issue atm imo, if rotation threat steps up, there will be options around that price range (Spurs, Pogba for example).

    10. FPL Touches
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      GTG? Saving transfer.

      Foster
      Alonso - Mendy - TAA - Pereira - WanB
      Salah (C) - Mané - Maddison
      Aguero - Mitrovic

      Nothing stands out as critical...

      1. Pinturicchio10
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Agreed. As you were.

      2. micsway
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Compare the following:

        Robo / Fraser / Maddison (can switch Maddison to Richarlison later)

        or

        Shaw / Richarlison / Maddison

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          First option

      3. FPL Puppy
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Would love some advice.

        With Arnie uncertain to play this weekend, should I do;

        A) Arnie -> Mitro
        B) Kamara -> Mitro (keep Arnie but put on 1st bench)

        Rest of bench will be AWB (will most likely replace Mendy since he’s not fit) and Guendouzi.

        1. FPL Touches
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          B

          1. micsway
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            B

        2. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A. Pocket the change and bring Arnie back GW10 or 11 for the rest of the season.

          1. FPL Puppy
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I actually got quite a lot itb, so at the moment there’s no problem. 🙂 But thanks for the advice, got some hours to think before making my move.

            1. Eddie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Well check you and your thick wad out. In which case bring in Kane for Kamara. Alright for some.

              1. FPL Puppy
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                😆

      4. DeanKush
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Fraser or Richarlson ?

        1. micsway
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          This week Fraser, next week reassess.

          1. FPL Puppy
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            This

        2. Twisted Saltergater
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Richarlison.

      5. Emiliano Sala
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Suggestions? G2g?
        Patricio
        Mendy alonso shaw
        Sterling hazard maddison lingard
        Aguero vardy wilson

        Subs: Hamer awb bennett hoj

        1 ft. 0.3 itb Lingard to richarlison or save ft?

        1. badgerboy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Save.

        2. yakirh
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Lingard to Rich next week
          G2G

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks

      6. doy
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A) Theo to Hojbjerg
        Kamara to Mitrovic (switch from 352 to 343)
        B) Pedro to Maddison
        Deeney to Mitrovic (keep 352)

        Which one would you do?

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          A by far

          1. doy
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers mun

            1. Pinturicchio10
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Was that meant to say man, or hun? 😀

        2. NorwichCityLad
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Is Mustafi a good option and why?? Nice fixtures and good attacking

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Arsenal defence is terrible

          2. Pinturicchio10
              6 years, 1 month ago

              He is a good pick in my opinion. The question is is there better picks for the same price or less?

            • Eddie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Good attacking?

          3. Forza Papac
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Who are we all watching from the 17:55 kick offs?

            PAOK v Chelsea or Villarreal v the most successful club in the world?

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Is this a joke?

              1. Forza Papac
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Why would it be?

                1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Never mind. Enjoy the match sir 🙂

          4. Garlana
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Thoughts on this potential WC team please?

            Ederson
            Robertson, Alonso, AWB
            Salah, hazard, Fraser, Richarlison, Maddison
            Aguero, mitro

            4.0, Jiminez, Doherty, Bennett

            Any suggestions or improvements, takes the full budget atm.

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Perfection

              1. Garlana
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Great thanks 🙂

            2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Very jealous

            3. Eddie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              That'll do pig, that'll do.

              Or...
              4.5 keepers, .5 more in bank allowing a bit more flexibility. Otherwise looks grand.

              1. Garlana
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Great cheers, good thought

                1. Eddie
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  eg helpful to have option to swap Mitro to Arnie in a few weeks when fixtures shift.

            4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I would do Salah to Mane and Maddison to Dilva if i was playing WC. Saves some pocket change as well

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 15 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                this

            5. Twisted Saltergater
              • 15 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Salah + Fraser > Mané + DSilva.

              G2G

          5. Zilla
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Holebas too pricey to be a non-starter?

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Are you starting WB instead?

              1. Zilla
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Yep

            2. Jas_sid
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Why would Holebas not start? Imo he is nailed on

          6. Monkey Hanger
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Willian g Barkley a.

            1. Point-one short
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Sounds like it's in the bag. Best to sub-off Pedro now please Sarri.

          7. Jas_sid
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Alonso started today in Europa League while Azpi is on the bench. Is it possible that Alonso maybe rotated on the weekend for Moses?

            1. George Sillett
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Highly unlikely.

              1. Jas_sid
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I am about to transfer PVA > Alonso and would be totally devestated if that were to happen

          8. FootyFan
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            lukaku or firminho?

            1. Jas_sid
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Lukaku imo has a form and fixtures in favour and no risk of rotation.

              1. r0binh0
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                what makes you think Firmino is a rotation risk? He's absolutely key to this liverpool side.

                1. Jas_sid
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Due to fixture congestion

          9. ct mariner
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Just played WC - have 0.5 in bank
            Henn
            Robertson/Alonso/WAB
            Salah/Fraser/Hazard/L. Moura
            Mit/Aguero/Wilson

            Bench: Hart/Hojb/Doherty/Bennett

            Struggling with:
            Salah/Wilson vs Mane/Lacazette

            Also Aguero vs Lukaku

            Thoughts

          10. TooDifficuIt
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Arnie to Giroud for -4?