Gameweek 19 of Dream Team presents a unique challenge with the integration of the FA Cup third round, creating both opportunities and dilemmas for managers. While Everton and Fulham played their cup ties in the previous Gameweek, all other Premier League teams face a double gameweek, demanding careful consideration of player selection. The FA Cup can be a source of abundant points against lower-league opposition, yet the likelihood of rotation among top-flight clubs adds a layer of complexity. Fortunately, a full round of Premier League matches follows midweek, offering a safety net for those with limited active players over the weekend.
Several players stand out as potential transfer targets for Gameweek 19. Bruno Fernandes, despite being a divisive figure, boasts an impressive 6.7 points-per-game average this season, a figure surpassed by only five other midfielders. His recent ten-point haul against Liverpool underscores his potential, and an upcoming match against struggling Southampton presents a promising opportunity. While the FA Cup clash against Arsenal poses a tougher challenge, the high-stakes nature of the tie might necessitate strong lineups from both sides, increasing Fernandes’ likelihood of starting both fixtures.
Savinho, Manchester City’s young winger, offers a more speculative option. Despite his profligacy in front of goal, he leads the league in assists and is a prolific bonus point earner. While his minutes against Salford in the FA Cup are uncertain, upcoming league fixtures against injury-hit Brentford and Ipswich, coupled with the return of the Champions League, suggest Savinho could be a valuable differential pick.
For managers seeking short-term gains, Eberechi Eze and Daniel Munoz present intriguing one-week punts. Crystal Palace are expected to field a strong side against Stockport in the FA Cup, and their midweek league game against a Leicester City side on a five-game losing streak offers further potential. Eze and Munoz average 7.3 and 5.7 points-per-game, respectively, with Munoz being among the league leaders in tackles.
Antonin Kinsky, Tottenham’s burgeoning goalkeeper, warrants consideration after a stellar debut against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. A favourable FA Cup tie against non-league Tamworth offers a high probability of a clean sheet, potentially offsetting a more challenging midweek derby against Arsenal. With an affordable price tag and a likely run of starts due to Guglielmo Vicario’s injury, Kinsky represents a budget-friendly option with significant upside.
In summary, navigating Gameweek 19 requires a strategic approach that balances the potential of the FA Cup with the realities of rotation. Established performers like Fernandes offer a degree of reliability, while younger talents like Savinho and Kinsky provide differential options with high ceilings. One-week punts on players like Eze and Munoz can yield significant short-term returns. Careful consideration of upcoming fixtures and team news is crucial for maximizing points and gaining an edge in Dream Team. Finally, remember to confirm your transfers before the Friday 6:30 pm deadline to avoid missing out.
Beyond these specific player recommendations, it’s essential to consider the broader strategic implications of the FA Cup fixtures. Teams prioritizing cup progression may field weaker sides in the Premier League, creating opportunities for budget-friendly players from less fancied teams. Conversely, teams already eliminated from the cup can focus solely on the league, potentially boosting the value of their assets. Monitoring team news and press conferences for clues about rotation plans is therefore vital.
Furthermore, the return of European competitions adds another layer of complexity. Teams involved in the Champions League and Europa League will face congested schedules, increasing the likelihood of rotation and fatigue. This could impact the performance of even premium assets and necessitate a more agile transfer strategy.
Finally, it’s worth reiterating the importance of the midweek Premier League fixtures. These games provide a chance to recover from any setbacks in the FA Cup and offer a final opportunity to accumulate points before the Gameweek deadline. Managers should therefore factor in the midweek schedule when making their transfer decisions, prioritizing players with favourable matchups in both the cup and the league. By carefully assessing the fixture list, monitoring team news, and considering the specific strengths and weaknesses of individual players, Dream Team managers can navigate the challenges of Gameweek 19 and optimize their chances of success.
