HIVE FPL - Game Week 14 Preview: The Haaland Captaincy Dilemma

Welcome once again to our weekly Fantasy Premier League preview where we talk about all the important issues that managers need to know about the forthcoming gameweek.

This week's apple of discord has to be Erling Haaland's(FWD) fitness as a result of the knock he seemed to have had in the Champions League on Tuesday. Although he has been seen training with the rest of the team, we are all very aware of Pep's roulette which is likely to be in play this weekend.

So, managers might have to look elsewhere for succour as Haaland(FWD) has been the best performer in the FPL this season with 117 FPL points, 17 goals, 5 assists and 18 bonus points.

Game week 14 also brings us closer to the world cup break, which also means a reset of the FPL with regards to the provision of another wildcard (unlimited transfers).

This means managers can splurge a little this remaining 3 game weeks knowing that they have unlimited transfers when the season continues on the 26th of December.

Some players to look out for in game week 14 are;

Ones to Watch

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• Erling Haaland(FWD) has without a doubt been the gravy train this season with numbers that are mind buggling. However, a knock against his former team Borrusia Dortmond in the Champions league makes him a doubt and although he hs been seen training with the rest of the squad and also because I personally dislike Noon-time fixtures, I think starting Haaland(FWD) or giving him the captain's armband on your FPL team in GW14 is something managers need to carefully consider this week.

• Liverpool Fc has been a great deal of inconsistency that has made many managers keep thier players out of their FPL teams. Mo Salah(MID) who has undoubtedly been the golden boy in previous FPL seasons seems to be very much affected by inconsistent form. However, Salah(MID) has a great form against Leeds and has scored - goals in his last - appearances. Also, he and Darwin Nunez(FWD) are beginning to develop some chemistry that makes it possible for both of them to play effectively at the same time. Salah really looks like a good alternative for captaincy with regards to the uncertainty around Haaland and his good form against Leeds.

• Miguel Almirón has been completely exceptional this season but also so has his team Newcastle who are sitting pretty in 4th position going into GW14. He is the second highest scoring midfielder in the league with 6 goals, 5 assists, 67 FPL points of which 9 have been Bonus points and has only De Bruyne(MID) doing better than him at the moment. Almirón seems like the perfect midfielder at the moment as he comes at a very affordable price but has been giving mammoth returns. Hopefully he and Newcastle's form in the EPL continues, he is one player you do not want to sleep on.

• Callum Wilson(FWD) has also been excellent since returning from injury. His performances like his teammate Almirón is a reflection of the amazing football Newcastle seems to be playing at the moment, plus it's good he has the added motivation of trying to make the English World Cup team. He is one striker managers should be taking a close look at the next 3 weeks as he has a whole lot riding on his performance.

• The Arsenal Trio in Saka, Martinelli and Jesus are arguably the best combination in the league at the moment with 13 goals, 12 assists and 180 points. Having all 3 may be overkill, but you definitely do not want to be missing the action with this team that is obviously head over shoulders the best team in the league.

• Ivan Toney and Aleks Mitrovic are at the moment the best alternatives to premium strikers in Kane and Haaland. Toney and Mitrovic have 69 and 60 FPl points respectively and come at mid-range prices.

• Harry Kane has only blanked in 2 games this season and would have been considered messianic any other season but this one thanks to a certain Erling Haaland. Kane currently sits in the second position among top performers in the FPL with 10 goals, 2 assists, 17 bonus points and 82 FPL points. it would seem like the attacking set-up that works at the moment is one with Kane and Haaland up front or at least one of them.

Gameweek 14 Fixtures

Leicester vs Manchester City

Leicester FC are just coming from a very fine performance against Wolves and seem to be in great spirit after seeing off Wolverhampton Wanderers 4 goals to nil. They have a complete squad with the exception of Johnny Evans(DEF).

Jamie Vardy(FWD) returned on the score sheet last week and also contributed an assist to a Leicester side that have been struggling to stable the ship. James Maddison(MID) also came back from suspension and scored a goal in their last game.

Manchester City have been playing great football this season with players like Haaland, De Bruyne, Foden, Jaoa Cancelo and Bernando Silva amongst others playing brilliantly.

At the moment, Haaland(FWD) seems to be a doubt in the starting 11 but with the amount of firepower that City possess I doubt he will be missed against Leicester who seem to be struggling at the moment.

Accordin to Pep as to the availability of his top striker, he said

He feels better, we have training this afternoon and assess.

This means there is still a good chance that he plays. However, there is the chance he doesn't start.

This is meant to be a very open game of football, played between very attack minded sides. It is a game slated for lunchtime which means there's the chance that it will be played with some restraints. However, if the fixture is like some in the past, it could be one filled with so much actions and hopefully many goals.

Bournemouth vs Spurs

After pulling off some really exciting results, Bournemouth seem to have dropped off a bit with consecutive defeats against West Ham and Southampton. Only going to show how high-gear the premier league can sometimes be.

Dominic Solanke who picked a knock in Bournemouth's West Ham defeat has been their talisman with 2 goals scored, 4 assists and 44 FPL points. Philip Billing(MID) has also come good for Bournemouth this season, and with the way the team is defensively set up by new Manager Gary O'neil, Bournemouth could really trouble Conte's Spurs.

Like Bournemouth, Spurs have lost their last 2 games with their most recent defeat coming in the hands of high-flying Newcastle United. Spurs would be hoping to finish a somewhat unhappy October with a win over Bounemouth.

Last season's top scorer Heung Ming Son(MID) seems to be a shadow of himself this season with too many below-par performances. Many would argue that with the new way the team is set up makes him take up a deeper role on the pitch and reduce his contribution to the goals. However, knowing the quality he possesses it is certain that he can influence a game.

English Captain Harry Kane(FWD) who is already having a great season giving returns in all but two premier league games this season would be looking to continue in this manner as the World Cup is very close and he will need to be in the form of his life as it might be the last one he partakes in.

Brentford vs Wolves

These two sides are just coming from a 4 goals to nil thrashing by their last opponents in GW13 and would be looking to pick themselves up in this game.

Brentford have had mixed fortunes this season with one win, two losses and two draws in their last five games and only scoring 3 goals as compared to the 9 they have conceded.

Brentford is a side known for their attacking prowess and although things haven't gone their way these past weeks doesn't mean they are in any way push-overs.

Brentford attacked Ivan Toney(FWD) is amongst the top strikers presently in the Premier League and is in contention to make the World Cup team for England in a couple of weeks. He just needs to put up at least 2 good performances to better his chances of going to the world cup, and the game against Wolves seems to be one of those opportunities.

Wolves presently sit in 19th position after a horrible start mainly as a result of absent key playersat the beginning of the season which has culminated to the loss of their manager their somewhat dismal form.

Wolves would be looking for any opportunity to better their season and would probably take this Brentford game alike a do or die affair if they stand a chance of surviving this season.

Brighton vs Chelsea

Brighton FC has constantly shown their brilliance this season, and their hard-fought loss to champions Manchester City in GW13 is a testament to how well they are playing.

Leandro Trossard(MID) has been phenomenal this season, constantly popping up in the right places on the pitch and causing lots of problems for opponents. He has 6 goals, 2 assists and 66FPL points to his name already and would be a good mid-range midfielder to invest in as he comes with a price tag of £6.8 and the promise of returns.

Chelsea's new manager Graham Potter would be visiting his old hunting ground this weekend as Chelsea plays his recently departed Brighton side. Potter practically set u this Brighton side, so he will definitely know the ins and outs of the Brighton game. Hopefully, all of this knowledge would come handy for his new side who seemed to have drawn their last two games.

Graham Potter's rotation as well as the current dip in form has made it a bit difficult for Chelsea players to make it to the team of FPL managers. Nonetheless, Aubameyang(FWD) could come good any day now, and with Brighton's high press, he could be able to find hs way behind the defense line a couple of times.

US captain Pulisic(MID) also performed very well in their midweek Champions League fixture. If his performance is anything to go by, he could retain his position in the starting 11 against Brighton and probably bring in FPL points.

Crystal Palace vs Southampton

Crystal Palace had a disappointing GW13 losing 3 goals to nil to Everton. Crystal Palace were beginning to show promise in the last 3 games before Everton, winning 2 and settling for a draw against Leicester. They will be very disappointed that they might have lost some steam.

Crystal Palace are a good side with 3 very interesting midfielders in Wilfred Zaha(MID), Eberechi Eze(MID) and Michael Olise(MID) who seem to be the key to this side at the moment. Zaha(MID) seems to perform better amongst the trio partly because he is the most prolific in front of gaol of the 3 and the fact that he is the team spot kick taker.

Southampton currently sit 15th in the premier League table but where able to hold league leaders Arsenal in a tightly contested draw in GW13. Their last defeat came against champions City in early October, and they have been playing very well grinding out the occasional win and draws.

The team do not necessarily have any FPL player doing above average at the moment but the like of Ward-Prowse(MID), Che Adams(FWD) and Adam Armstrong(FWD) are players that could be an amazing differentials for any manager at the moment.

This looks like a game that would be closely contested, but time will tell.

Newcastle vs Aston Villa

Newcastle are having the time of thier lives at the moment, they currently sit in fourth place and having playing like an actual top team. They have gone 7 games unbeaten in the EPL and with the way they are playing, who knows what could stop them.

One player that is enjoying this amazing form is Paraguaying playmaker Miguel Almiron(MID) who has been totally electric for Newcastle. He is presently the second top midfielder in the league only second to De Bruyne. He comes at a very affordable price of £5.4 at the moment but has been dragging mammoth scores for managers who have kept faith in him.

Another Newcastle player to put an eye on is Callum Wilson(FWD) who has only just returned from injury but is already an integral path of the rise the club is experiencing. Wilson(FWD) would ao be looking to make the English World Cup team, this would require that he is in fine form in these games leading to the competition in order to better his chances of being selected for the three lions.

Aston Villa parted ways with their manager and Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard before GW13 and a caretaker manager was at the helms for thier victory against Brentford last week.

They have since appointed former Arsenal Manager Unai Emery to take over the stewardship of the club and steer them away from the lower parts of the EPL table.

Aston Villa had a happy hunting against Brentford in GW13 with Leon Bailey,Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins all performing very well. Many ascribed this performance to the formation that was a bit differentfrom the normal wy they were set up for Gerrard.

If the Villains continue to play in the very manner in which they played last week, that could signal lots of problems for teams facing them as it would give thier forwards an opportunity to play better.

Fulham vs Everton

Fulham are enjoying thier return to the premier league with good results and interesting plays. They presently sit &th on the EPL table and play with an air of audacity that seems to mean that they are here to stay.

Forward Aleks Mitrovic has shown his quality as athorough-bred number 9. He is winning challenges in the box and scoring headers and pretty much having an interesting time in the EPL.

Andreas Pareira(MID) is probably the best budget midfielder in the premier league at the moment with a price tag of £4.6 and fpl score tally of 50. He is most managers dream bench player that they are constantly wishing he gets substituted as a result of his outstanding returns.

Everton are playing good football at the moment and have very good pictures leading up to the World Cup break. They are a good side that could punish any team on thier day.

Everton forward Dominic Calvert-lewin(FWD) is back on the team and available for team selection once again. He is another player that could find his way in the English team if his performance in the coming weeks improve.

Everton defence seem to be the most solid part of the team and with Connor Coady(DEF) in that defence line it symbolizes the grit and resilience of the Everton defense.

Liverpool vs Leeds

Although Liverpool have a great record against Leeds and because they haven't lost a game at Anfield in a while, this game looks like one that should favour the Reds on paper. However, thier recent inconsistencies begs to differ as they continue to falter all through the season.

Mo Salah(MID) has a good record against Leeds and also had a brilliant game in thier midweek fixture against Ajax where he score one and created the other. He is one to watch and could make a good alternative as captain for Haaland(FWD) who could miss GW14 as a result of a knock in the UCL.

Darwin Nunez(FWD) is picking himself up from his somewhat disastrous start of the Premier league and gradually becoming a part of the goals. He would make a good selection for managers in GW14 as he is beginning to play very well.

Leeds on the other hand are having a very difficult run of games losing thier last four games. This could be thier manager Marsch last chance to salvage the situation or it could cost him his job.

Rodrigo(MID) still makes an excellent differential if he can score or assist a teammate in scoring a goal irrespective of the outcome of the game.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

League leaders Arsenal would be entertaining Nottingham forest at the Emirate Stadium in GW14, and a chance to remain top of the table.

Arsenal seem to be having a little trouble in paradise with regards to thier midweek loss to PSV in the Europa League as well as thier draw to Southampton in GW13. Although, there is no doubt in thier abilities as they have been the better side all season long.

Arsenal's Saka(MID), Martinell(MID) and Jesus(FWD) have been brilliant all season long, and would be called upon once again to ensure that the lead on the EPL table isn't easily given away.

Nottingham Forest are coming off an unexpected victory against Liverpool and are beaming confidence with the hope that they can squeeze another result from another big side in the Premier League.

Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been making really encouraging stops between the sticks and could make a good budget defender for many managers. Defender Neco Williams(DEF) seems to be showing promise in the fullback position and has already earned 27 points this season and making him the highest rated defender in Nottingham Forest.

Manchester United vs West Ham

Manchester United were able to salvage a point against Chelsea in injury time last GW and also easily saw of Sherrif in the Europa League on Thursday. Man Utd seem to be playing better by the day with thier new manager, and thier senior players are beginning to put in a really good shift.

Christiano Ronaldo(FWD) is one of the world's best footballers, and although things seem not to be working for him as he wants at the moment doesn't reduce his pedigree in any way and he is the kind of player that can turn a game on it's head.

Midfielders Rashford, Fernandes and Eriksen have been brilliant this season contributing with goals and assist all season long. They will a good addition to any team and probably an amazing differential for managers who take the risk on them.

West Ham are coming off a morale boosting victory over Bournemouth and have in the past found good fortune at Old Trafford. They would really enjoy another good result at Old Trafford at this point in thier season when they can really use any point they get in climbing up the table.

Jarod Bowen might have been taking off penalty duties, but he is still a player with immense talent and the ability to score or assist a goal that could change the complexion of any game.

Gameweek 14 Chips

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The World Cup is in a couple of weeks and with that break coes another free unlimited changes for managers. Therefore, it is my opinion that at this point in the season, managers should use chips like triple captain and Bench boost seldomly as there would probably be clustered fixtures after the World Cup and Christmas that would make using them then make a lot of sense.

Captaincy

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Haaland has been the obvious choice od captaincy all season long, but a knock in his last game makes managers a bit scared. Note, before you completely take Haaland of your team, remember that Haaland playing only 30 minutes of a game is better than many other players taking part in the whole 90 minutes.

Hence, if you are having doubts on his availability you could take away the captain's band from him and give the captaincy to any of the players below

• Harry Kane(FWD)
• Mo Salah(MID)
• Son (MID)
• Ivan Toney(FWD)

Hive FPL Standing

The Hive FPL is currently led by @deniskj but by just 11 points. Hopefully, he will be able to maintain the lead for another game week.

Hive FPL Table

I wish you all good luck this week and may the best man or woman win.

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Till next time, goodbye.