Ronaldo in or out? Five fantasy football questions answered ahead of Gameweek eight
- Sean Fisher
- 14 October 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo may have been named Player of the Month, but he’s yet to win over most of his fantasy owners, while Watford’s managerial shake-up has left players in limbo.
The end of the international break signals the return of Premier League action, but also means fantasy managers are back scratching their heads over their latest moves.
Despite scoring a midweek hat-trick with Portugal and being named September Player of the Month, Ronaldo's fantasy value is in doubt due to Manchester United's inconsistent form.
Elsewhere, the break has allowed injured players extra time to work their way back onto the pitch, and Roberto Firmino's return to full fitness could spell problems for owners of Diogo Jota.
Watford also made the surprise announcement that they parted ways with Xisco Munoz in favour of Claudio Ranieri. But without knowing whether he'll win them the title or leave them in the relegation mire like Fulham, we discuss what to do with your Hornets.
Dilly dong or dilly don't?
Despite sitting comfortably mid-table, Watford have binned Xisco Munoz in favour of former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri.
Well, Foster's (£4million) popularity comes down to him being an incredibly cheap yet reliable second keeper option, so with that in mind there's no harm in leaving him in - he's bound to get at least some game time under Ranieri.
But it's understandable if you're worried about tough fixtures. Watford have Liverpool at home next before a trip to Everton.
The two Merseyside teams have conceded just 14 goals between them this season, so on paper there's no denying that Watford enter as underdogs.
But there's also an argument to hold on to your Hornets for a while longer. A new manager often means a fresh dosage of hope, and it often results in an upturn of form.
If they are to spring a surprise against either Liverpool or Everton, then the Watford duo will leave you kicking yourself if you decide to get rid.
Should Ronaldo be transferred out?
Cristiano Ronaldo may have been named September's Premier League Player of the Month, but Manchester United have continued to look flat since his return to Old Trafford.
Three goals in as many games earned the legendary Portuguese forward his award, but with a loss to Aston Villa and a disappointing draw at home to Everton in their last two games, the United hype train has very quickly ground to a halt.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has failed to get the best out of his star-studded squad and, with a torrid run of fixtures on the horizon, it could get worse for the Red Devils.
Leicester, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City make up their next four games, so has Ronaldo suddenly gone from undroppable to unwanted?
At £12.6million, Ronaldo needs to guarantee goals, and that's become extremely hard with United's recent form. But, if there's one player bound to snatch the headlines in big games, it's Ronaldo.
Additionally, United have performed best when under pressure, and Solskjaer has a knack for pulling out crucial results when his time seems up.
Injuries to defensive duo Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire mean United will be leaky at the back, but it also could tempt Solskjaer to forego safety and unleash his attacking talent against the bigger sides.
That equates to more goals for Ronaldo, and while he currently sits well below Mohamed Salah in the pecking order of best fantasy assets at the minute, you can't go wrong with having both.
Does Firmino's return mix things up?
Liverpool currently sit second in the standings, and look back to their best under Jurgen Klopp this season.
A flurry of injuries last season stopped them from mounting a credible title defence, but they look rejuvenated and ready to mount another challenge this campaign.
The inspired form of Salah is Liverpool's biggest driving force, and their team picks itself most weeks. However, that's as much down to their lack of depth as it is players' form.
It's meant that Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota have been nailed on as starters each week, but Roberto Firmino's return from injury is about to throw a spanner in the works.
The Brazilian is yet to play a full 90 minutes for the Reds this season, but is back fit and firing following the hamstring injury he suffered in August.
That spells bad news for Diogo Jota (£7.6million) who currently resides in 17% of fantasy teams.
Liverpool have enjoyed the most success with a front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino, and Klopp will be keen to return to his winning formula as soon as possible.
Jota's minutes won't be entirely cut, but he'll likely be rotated and that will mean a reduction in points.
Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha (£7million) is a similarly-priced replacement, while Harvey Barnes (£6.7million) and Bukayo Saka (£6.3million) are also valid, in-form choices.
Is it worth wildcarding?
The international break is always a cruel time for Fantasy Premier League players. Players tend to pick up injuries, others find form with their international team, and all the while we're left mulling over our teams and hovering over the wildcard button.
Well, this week it may actually be an option well worth committing to. All players are given a new wildcard at the Christmas period for the second half of the season, so don't feel too protective over using it now - Gameweek 8 could be a prime opportunty to address some weaknesses in your team.
Premier League stars such as Raphael Varane, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Romelu Lukaku and Antonio Rudiger have all picked up knocks in the last few weeks and look uncertain starters for the upcoming fixtures.
To add to the mix, it looks as though the South American international fixtures will run too late for players to return in time for the weekend, putting their involvement in doubt also.
The wildcard option allows managers to have an unlimited amount of transfers for one Gameweek only, so while so many players are doubtful or injured, it could be the perfect solution for any team in desperate need of an overhaul.
However, while we encourage the use of a wildcard this week, it could be helpful to wait until manager press conferences highlight any injured/returning stars to help guide your decisions.
Who are this week's best differentials?
Brighton's Marc Cucurella (£5million) has majorly gone under the radar of most fantasy teams. The 23-year-old has featured in all of the Seagulls' games since Gameweek four, and has brought in 19 points during that time.
To add to his attraction, Brighton travel to Norwich this weekend who have scored just two goals all season. Selected in just 0.9% of teams, Cucurella could be a cheap yet reliable differential to help you get one over your rivals this week.
The 20-year-old midfielder has played a major part in Liverpool's last two games against Manchester City and Brentford, and racked up 15 points across both.
With Thiago and Harvey Elliot injured, Jones will likely feature again against Watford this weekend, and is a cheap option for a team in need of a midfield differential.
Up front, Wolves' Hee-Chan Hwang (£5.6million) gets our nod as a striker with bags of fantasy potential.
The South Korean forward has scored three in four games since his arrival from RB Leipzig, and is looking more and more like a major part of Bruno Lage's plans.
Almost £2million cheaper than partner Raul Jiminez (£7.5million), Hwang offers a great chance for you to profit from Wolves' attacking output, while stacking up on premium players elsewhere.
