As Fantasy Premier League managers, we're often faced with the tough decisions that injuries prompt, and the latest news on Kieran Trippier is no exception. The Newcastle defender, owned by a significant 38.5% of FPL managers, is sidelined with a calf injury and is not expected back until March 30th. This leaves managers without a key defensive asset for the upcoming fixture against Chelsea on March 11th, and with a blank gameweek following that, it's a crucial period to consider alternatives.
Trippier's absence is particularly felt given his contribution to attacking returns. With the next playable fixture not until the home game against West Ham on March 30th, managers must weigh the option of benching Trippier against transferring him out for a player who can contribute points in the interim.
Let's delve into the potential replacements, considering the most popular choices among top managers and their performances over the last five gameweeks. Here's a comprehensive table of the alternatives:
| Player Name | Team | Cost (£) | Selected By (%) | Next 3 Fixtures | Projected Points (Next 3 GWs) | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets | Points (Last 5 GWs) | xFPL (Last 5 GWs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porro | TOT | 5.7 | 14.3 | AVL (A), FUL (A), LUT (H) | 10.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8.4 |
| Smith | BOU | 4.4 | 0.4 | SHU (H), LUT (H), EVE (H) | 14.1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 15.04 |
| Zabarnyi | BOU | 4.4 | 1.6 | SHU (H), LUT (H), EVE (H) | 13.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 15.68 |
| Robinson | FUL | 4.5 | 2.3 | WOL (A), TOT (H), SHU (A) | 10.2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 20 | 18.05 |
| Reguilón | BRE | 4.4 | 1.9 | ARS (A), BUR (A), MUN (H) | 10.5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 20 | 21.94 |
| Doughty | LUT | 4.7 | 11.2 | CRY (A), BOU (A), NOT (H) | 10.3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 18.86 |
| Gusto | CHE | 4.2 | 6.7 | NEW (H), BLANK, BUR (H) | 7.7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 21.27 |
| Bradley | LIV | 4.1 | 6.4 | MCI (H), BLANK, BRI (H) | 7.2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 33 | 26.62 |
Highly ranked managers are leaning towards a few key replacements for Trippier. Doughty from Luton is a popular choice, likely due to his attacking potential and upcoming double gameweek. Zabarnyi, from Bournemouth, is another favoured option, offering a balance of defensive solidity and budget-friendly pricing. Gusto from Chelsea is a more adventurous pick, with the potential for both defensive and attacking returns, though Chelsea's upcoming fixtures present a mixed bag.
After considering player cost, upcoming fixtures, and a range of statistics, here are recommendations for Trippier replacements:
Doughty has been involved in creating chances and has shown an ability to contribute to goals, which is reflected in his expected FPL points. His attacking threat, combined with a decent run of fixtures, makes him an attractive option.
Zabarnyi is part of a Bournemouth side with four favourable home fixtures. He does offer limited potential for attacking returns, but could be a valuable asset with the likelihood of clean sheets.
Robinson has been a consistent performer for Fulham, contributing to clean sheets and chipping in with assists. His recent form and expected FPL points suggest he could continue to provide value over the coming gameweeks.
Injury setbacks like Trippier's calf issue are part and parcel of the FPL experience, but with careful consideration of the alternatives, managers can navigate these challenges effectively. Doughty, Zabarnyi, and Robinson present strong cases for inclusion in your FPL squad, offering a blend of defensive stability and attacking potential. As always, keep an eye on injury updates and fixture changes to stay ahead in the FPL game.
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