It was another interesting weekend of football as Manchester City lost their fourth consecutive game in all competitions and dropped more points in the title race. Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa meant they went five points clear at the top of the table, going into the international break.
Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) again provided a goal and assist, while Erling Haaland (£15.2m) continued to underwhelm.
Manchester United and Brighton players did well and they have some favourable assets we should consider.
Here we will highlight the main Fantasy Premier League talking points from Gameweek 11.
Man United’s new manager bounce
Although Ruben Amorim has not been in charge over the past four matches, United have looked a much better side since Erik ten Hag’s exit.
Bruno Fernandes (£8.3m) got a goal and two assists as United ran out 3-0 winners over Leicester City.
He has registered two goals and as many assists in the two Premier League games under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. In the next two games, they play Ipswich (A) and Everton (H) and although they travel to Arsenal and Manchester City in the next five, their fixtures long-term look great.
At his price, Bruno looks a fine option and we may finally see him live up to his expectations this season.
Fernandes, right, is good value (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
He is the only attacker I would go for because the others seem a rotation risk. Alejandro Garnacho (£6.3m), Marcus Rashford (£6.9m) and Amad (£4.9m) are not nailed to start. Although the latter does seem first choice and at his price might be worth going for as your fifth midfielder.
I would not consider their forwards since there are so many good-value FPL strikers this season. Rasmus Hojlund (£6.9m) is first choice but Joshua Zirkzee (£6.6m) will take minutes and possibly some starts off him.
Manchester City decisions
Pep Guardiola’s side are struggling this season and Haaland continues to be the main talking point from an FPL perspective.
Although he scored in the 2-1 loss to Brighton, his yellow card meant he only finished on five points. He has only two goals in his last six league games and City’s fixtures coming up are not the best.
I covered in detail here whether it was worth selling the Norwegian. A switch to Salah is not too late and could pay off given Liverpool have better fixtures than City until Gameweek 18.
There remains a decision to make over Haaland (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
However, keeping Haaland is also viable and with Kevin De Bruyne (£9.4m) nearing full fitness, it’s one reason to keep faith.
As for other City assets, I think it’s time to jump off. Their games coming up don’t look good for clean sheet prospects and City’s defence has been poor by their standards. They have conceded 13 goals (fifth) with an xGC (expected goals conceded) of 13.0 (sixth).
Unstoppable Liverpool
Arne Slot’s side have been the best team in the league by a distance. Salah registered his seventh double-digit haul in only 11 games and became the first player to pass 100 FPL points. He has eight goals and six assists.
The 32-year-old is becoming too hard to ignore and with Southampton (A) up next, I would find a way to buy the Egyptian.
Liverpool have been great going forward but also in defence. They have conceded the fewest goals (six) with an xGC of 9.3 (first). Investing in their defenders looks worthwhile and there might be a great value pick in Conor Bradley (£4.7m).
Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7m) has a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for the international break. He could return for the Southampton match, but if he proves to be out for a longer period then Bradley might be an option. Otherwise, Ibrahima Konate (£5.3m) looks great value in the backline. He has started the last 10 league games.
Brighton players on the rise
Fabian Hurzeler has had a great start to life in the Premier League and the 2-1 win against City was more than deserved.
Brighton’s players should be well on our radars as their fixtures going forward are fantastic. In the next seven, they play Bournemouth (A), Southampton (H), Fulham (A), Leicester City (A), Crystal Palace (H), West Ham (A) and Brentford (H).
Joao Pedro (£5.4m) is an absolute no-brainer at his price. He played 25 minutes as a sub against City and got a goal and assist. He has been grossly underpriced by FPL this season and should be a transfer in, next gameweek or in Gameweek 13 when Brighton welcome Southampton. He is nailed to start when fit and the first-choice penalty taker.
Danny Welbeck (£5.9m) is also a great option — he is having a fine season having started every game and registering six goals and two assists.
Welbeck is firing for Brighton this season (Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
I would also be eyeing up their defenders. Lewis Dunk (£4.4m) should be back after the international break and is their most nailed-on defender to start. Jan Paul van Hecke (£4.5m) is also a starter and both are great buys at their price.
If you fancy a bit more attacking threat, Ferdi Kadioglu (£4.5m) is your man. He is not as nailed on, but he has been used as a left back, right back and on the right of midfield this season.
International break
You will be happy to hear this is the last international break until March 2025 (after Gameweek 29).
My advice is to hold back on transfers until closer to the deadline. Not only due to possible injuries to your players over the break but because we are approaching the festive season.
There are eight gameweeks in the month of November and December so you need your squad to be in the best shape possible going into this period.
(Top photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
