Fantasy football

It’s the FA Cup fifth round in England this weekend, which gives Fantasy Premier League players the chance to take stock and decide what to do with their squads, ahead of Gameweek 27, which kicks off only on February 22.

For players in Phakaaathi’s Private Fantasy League, too, there is some time to pause for though, in the race for February’s prize, a Qatar 3-piece lounge suite worth R9 999.

There will need to be adjustments made to most FPL squads, as in Gameweek 27, four teams will not be playing – Chelsea and Manchester City will be busy in the Carabao Cup final on February 24, while Everton and Brighton get the weekend off. So be warned – if you put the likes of Eden Hazard, Sergio Aguero, Richarlison and Glen Murray in your side, you are guaranteed zero points.

With this in mind, it could be a good week to use your Free Hit chip, particularly if your FPL squad is full of players from these four teams and doing well. You can simply pick yourself another squad and then revert back to your original squad a week later.

Alternatively, those who still have their wildcard available may choose to use that instead, and change their squad permanently. That might not be a bad idea if you have too many Chelsea players in your squad, given the direction their season appears to be going in.

One gamble could be to bring back Deli Alli and Harry Kane (below) for Gameweek 27, with both possibly back for Spurs’ trip to Burnley. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are on a high after that amazing Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, and have time to rest tired legs, as they are not involved in FA Cup action this weekend.

The stand-out fixture for Gameweek 27 is Manchester United at home to Liverpool, with the resurgent Red Devils no doubt desperate to boost their own Champions League bid and dent their bitter rivals’ title chances. United’s defence is still a bit ropey, and David de Gea will need to have a fantastic game, no doubt, against Liverpool’s potent attack. It might well be worth sticking De Gea in goal for your FPL team for this one.

Huddersfield look doomed for the drop, and these days players from any team that faces them are worth a punt. Newcastle are at home to Huddersfield in Gameweek 27, and Salomon Rondon will no doubt fancy his chances of adding to his goal tally.