Dec 14

Gameweek 12 Preview

Share post on:
Our @JWoodfield365 previews Gameweek 12 as the north London derby takes centre stage and home comforts appeal for in-form defenders and forwards alike. We're nearly there. The final international break of the year is winding down as FPL managers' souls thaw knowing their weekends will again be hijacked by Pep Guardiola's lucky dip team selections and Ben Mee's insatiable lust for bonus points. The humble average points score of 44 from Gameweek 11 was the second-lowest since GW4, but the alluring temptress that is GW12 appears to offer many more prospective routes to points. Relatively straightforward fixtures for Manchester United, Bournemouth and Burnley offer home comforts in defence and attack, while Man City and Chelsea will expect to emerge from awkward away games with three points. In fact, it's only Arsenal v Spurs where a myriad of uncertainties exist; the North London derby is not only hard to call but both teams are afflicted with injuries to key players. For Arsenal, doubts remain over Laurent Koscielny's fitness, while Spurs also face dilemmas over the inclusions of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. In attack is a different story, though. Harry Kane's record against Arsenal is imperious, and Spurs' away form is too impressive - they've won four of five league games this season. But Arsenal have won all of their five home games so far and also possess in-form attacking players such as Sead Kolasinac and Aaron Ramsey, the latter of whom has two goals and two assists in three games. The Gunners haven't kept a clean sheet in this fixture since September 2013, and those relying on clean sheets should probably lower your expectations. The derby has returned goals aplenty in recent years, and Kane is a particularly laudable captain option, especially after a two-week rest having withdrawn from England duty.

Essentials Collection

Romelu Lukaku Four league games without a goal notwithstanding, Romelu Lukaku's brace for Belgium against Mexico showed that when given the service he's still capable of applying the finishing touch most adeptly. His chances were limited against Chelsea and Tottenham, but the visit of Newcastle, who've lost their last three away games, will yield greater opportunities to add to his seven league goals. Charlie Daniels The time is now to load up on Bournemouth defenders. Following their somewhat surprising defensive shut-out at Newcastle, the fixtures have aligned sweetly for the Cherries. This week's opponents Huddersfield haven't scored in their last four away games. Charlie Daniels marks the most attacking pick of the bunch. Ben Mee Stephan Ward may have 11 more points and almost twice the ownership, but with five bonus points in two games and a home fixture against goal-shy Swansea, Ben Mee, who's also 0.4m cheaper than Ward, is a standout budget defensive option for GW12. Mohamed Salah Prior to the international break there was a meaningful argument to opt for both Salah and Sadio Mane, such were their exploits at West Ham (15 points for Salah; 10 for Mane), and while this argument pertains, a recurrence of the latter's hamstring injury could jeopardise his availability for Liverpool's game with Southampton. Salah, though, is in unavoidably remarkable form, recouping 26 points from his last three.

Risk factors

Ruben Loftus-Cheek He may only have one assist for Crystal Palace, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek made a mockery of his paltry £4.5m value with a MOTM performance for England against Germany, and the youngster's tail will be up as Palace host an unpredictable Everton side yet to win on their travels. Alberto Moreno  Don't let the secret out, but Liverpool have four home clean sheets from five this season. Alberto Moreno has played all but two of the Reds' league games so far, and at £4.5m is the cheapest avenue into their back line for their game against the profligate Southampton. Paul Pogba  Paul Pogba had over 1.8 million owners prior to GW4 - the Frenchman had amassed two goals and three assists previously � and while Newcastle will reportedly be deemed premature for his Man United return, there's no reason at all not to spent Friday afternoon vigilantly refreshing Twitter to see if there's a more positive update. Follow Jack for more FPL insight...

More FPL Gameweek Tips

Wondering who to pick as as your Gameweek 12 Captain? @FPLHolly discusses the best options in her weekly GW12 Captain tips article. Follow Us for more #FPL tips, picks and expert opinion. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type="1_6" layout="1_6" spacing="" center_content="no" hover_type="none" link="" mer_position="all" padding="" dimension_margin="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_offset="" last="no" element_content=""][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]