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In a significant blow to 15.1% of Fantasy Premier League managers, Manchester City's reliable defender, Walker, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. With no clear return date, managers are faced with the tough decision of whether to bench or transfer out the £5.4m-priced asset. Walker's injury comes ahead of a challenging fixture against Arsenal in Gameweek 30, followed by a more favorable run including Aston Villa (H), Crystal Palace (A), Luton (H), and Brighton (A).
Given the uncertainty surrounding his return and the mixed difficulty of upcoming fixtures, it's prudent for managers to consider their options. Let's delve into the potential replacements who could fill the void left by Walker's absence.
The table below presents a detailed comparison of potential replacements for Walker, considering their performance over the last five gameweeks and their upcoming fixtures:
| Player (Team) | Cost (£) | Points (Last 5 GWs) | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets | Expected FPL (xFPL) | Next 3 Fixtures (GW 30-32) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley (Liverpool) | 4.2 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 19.46 | Brighton (H), Sheffield Utd (H), Man Utd (A) |
| Gabriel (Arsenal) | 5.3 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 28.05 | Man City (A), Luton (H), Brighton (A) |
| Saliba (Arsenal) | 5.8 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 26.41 | Man City (A), Luton (H), Brighton (A) |
| White (Arsenal) | 5.7 | 41 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 31.49 | Man City (A), Luton (H), Brighton (A) |
| Mykolenko (Everton) | 4.6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16.1 | Bournemouth (A), Newcastle (A), Burnley (H) |
| Gusto (Chelsea) | 4.2 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 23.23 | Burnley (H), Man Utd (H), Sheffield Utd (A) |
| Aït-Nouri (Wolves) | 4.5 | 29 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 28.64 | Aston Villa (A), Burnley (A), West Ham (H) |
| C.Richards (Crystal Palace) | 3.9 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 22.6 | Nott'm Forest (A), Bournemouth (A), Man City (H) |
When it comes to replacements, top managers are leaning towards C.Richards, Gusto, and Aït-Nouri. These players have been brought in by a significant number of managers, indicating a trend towards value picks that allow for budget allocation elsewhere in the squad.
Ben White (Arsenal) - £5.7m - Next Fixtures: Man City (A), Luton (H), Brighton (A) - Projected Points: 2.7, 4.5, 3.2 (GW 30-32) - White has been in exceptional form, amassing 41 points over the last five gameweeks. His attacking returns, combined with three clean sheets, make him a standout choice. With an xFPL of 31.49, he's expected to continue his high-scoring performances, especially in the home fixture against Luton.
Aït-Nouri (Wolves) - £4.5m - Next Fixtures: Aston Villa (A), Burnley (A), West Ham (H) - Projected Points: 2.2, 3.4, 3.0 (GW 30-32) - Aït-Nouri offers both defensive solidity and attacking threat, as evidenced by his goal and two assists in recent games. With an xFPL of 28.64, he's a budget-friendly option that could provide differential returns, particularly in the upcoming fixtures against Burnley and West Ham.
C.Richards (Crystal Palace) - £3.9m - Next Fixtures: Nott'm Forest (A), Bournemouth (A), Man City (H) - Projected Points: 2.3, 2.5, 1.9 (GW 30-32) - As the cheapest option on the list, Richards is a tempting enabler for those looking to free up funds. Despite a tough fixture against Man City in GW 32, the preceding away games offer potential for clean sheets. With an xFPL of 22.6, he's a low-risk investment that could yield moderate returns.
Navigating Walker's injury requires careful consideration of form, fixtures, and finances. White, Aït-Nouri, and Richards emerge as the top picks, each offering a blend of defensive stability and attacking potential. Managers should weigh these options against their overall team strategy and budget constraints to make the most informed decision.
Remember, the key to success in FPL is not just in making the right transfers, but also in timing them to maximize points potential. Keep an eye on injury updates and fixture changes to stay ahead of the game.
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