FPL Gameweek 12 : Decision-making after an international break is always tricky due to the uncertainties surrounding players’ fitness. The good news is that unlike the last international break, where many players returned injured, this time, several players seem to have used the opportunity to regain confidence and form.
Moreover, there won’t be another international break until March 2025, meaning we can now plan our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) goals with a long-term perspective. Let’s dive into some crucial points of interest for Gameweek 12.
Erling Haaland: Keep or Sell?
This is the burning question troubling many FPL managers over the past few weeks. Despite having the best Expected Goals (xG) in the league, Haaland has failed to deliver consistently.
However, this weekend, he faces a Tottenham side missing Micky van de Ven, and with the possible return of Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City could regain some much-needed creativity in midfield.
For now, I’m giving Haaland one more chance to prove himself. If he underperforms again, it might be time to part ways.
What to Do About Liverpool ?
Liverpool has been in great form this season, but from an FPL perspective, only Mohamed Salah has been a reliable option.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s attacking returns have fallen short of expectations, and with his injury concerns, the best defensive options might be Ibrahima Konaté or Virgil van Dijk.
In attack, Diogo Jota’s injury makes him an avoidable pick, while Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo’s rotation risks mean they should be avoided as well.
Most importantly, Liverpool’s fixtures are concerning. They face Manchester City and Newcastle in the coming weeks, which significantly reduces the likelihood of big returns from most Liverpool assets.
Is It Time to Move on from Nottingham Forest Players?
Nottingham Forest has enjoyed a strong start to the season, but the road ahead looks challenging. Between Gameweeks 12 and 18, they’ll face several top-half teams, starting at Arsenal this weekend, making it one of their toughest stretches of the season.
For instance, Chris Wood, a popular budget forward, might not deliver in these fixtures. It could be a good time to replace him with someone like Alexander Isak or Matheus Cunha, who both have more favorable matchups.
Best Budget Midfielders for FPL Gameweek 12
If you’re to pick amongst Semenyo, Rogers, and Smith Rowe, here’s what to consider:
Smith Rowe may have the highest points so far, but Fulham’s fixtures don’t look favorable, and Bournemouth’s form doesn’t seem good enough to maximizing his potential.
Rogers looks like the safest bet among the trio, given his form and upcoming fixtures.
Gameweek 12 presents an opportunity to reset and plan ahead with a long-term perspective. Be strategic with your decisions, particularly when it comes to premium assets like Haaland, evaluating fixtures for teams like Liverpool, and navigating the form and fixtures of budget players.
Remember, the decisions you make now can set the tone for your FPL season until March. Good luck!
Busari Azeez Olayemi
