Fantasy Premier League managers, it's time to face the music: your midfield is in crisis. With Moises Caicedo and Ismaila Sarr sidelined for Gameweek 14 and beyond, you're left scrambling for replacements. But fear not, because we've got you covered with some top-notch alternatives that won't break the bank.
Here's the lowdown: Caicedo's suspension means he's out for the next three Gameweeks, while Sarr's injury and impending AFCON departure make him a risky pick. And this is the part most people miss: with both players unavailable for multiple matches, it's a no-brainer to offload them and reinvest in fresh talent.
So, who should you bring in? Let's dive into some options that offer similar value and potential:
Declan Rice (£7.0m) – The Arsenal Anchor
Rice has been a fantasy stalwart, sitting just one point off the top of the midfielder standings. His all-round game – two goals, five assists, and 10 defensive contribution points – makes him a reliable pick. But here's where it gets controversial: is Rice's price tag justified, or are there better value options elsewhere? With Arsenal's favorable fixtures ahead, he's certainly one to consider.
Bruno Guimaraes (£6.7m) – Newcastle's Home Hero
Guimaraes has been on fire, blanking just once in the last seven Gameweeks. His recent form at St James’ Park is particularly impressive, with three consecutive double-figure hauls. And this is the kicker: Newcastle's upcoming fixtures include four matches against promoted clubs, giving Guimaraes ample opportunity to shine. But is his productivity sustainable, or is he due for a dip?
Elliot Anderson (£5.4m) – Forest's Rising Star
Since Sean Dyche's arrival, Anderson has been transformed. His 28 points in the last four Gameweeks are joint-second among midfielders, and his set-piece involvement makes him a threat. Here's the twist: if Morgan Gibbs-White is sidelined, Anderson could even take on penalty duties, boosting his potential returns. But is he a short-term fix or a long-term asset?
Yankuba Minteh (£6.2m) – Brighton's Assist King
Minteh leads the league in assists, with seven to his name. His influence on Brighton's attack is undeniable, with 19 shots in the box and 24 chances created. But the real question is: can he maintain this level of performance, or is he due for a regression? With three home matches coming up, he's certainly one to watch.
Now, over to you: Which of these replacements are you considering? Do you think Rice is worth the premium, or is Guimaraes the better value pick? And is Anderson a must-have budget option, or are you steering clear? Let us know in the comments – we want to hear your thoughts!
