70 points would have been enough to see a green tick accompanied by a resounding increase in overall rank this gameweek. This was the impressive haul delivered by our combined captain picks presented in a gameweek where we recorded yet another 100% success rate here at The Stats Zone. In a gameweek where copious amounts of big names failed to deliver, we succeeded in finding the four not-so-hidden gems whose consistency prevailed in a week full of surprises in which a dismal Chelsea fell victim to an increasingly unpredictable Everton, Liverpool were played off the park at times by the Cottagers and Hector Bellerin managed to throw the ball correctly; chaos!
Mo Salah (£12.3m) was perhaps slightly lucky to bag himself a goal from the spot in a game in which a blank looked effectively inevitable throughout. 16 points and a massive six-minute rest for the midweek fixture against Spurs would have been a luxury for Mane and Jota owners who ensured more heartache this week. We said last week that Jamie Vardy (£11.3m) was ageing like the port he had the night prior to matches; perhaps Sherry Trifle would have been more fitting for a man who has delivered festive cheer for owners in a tough few gameweeks. Vardy scored and assisted both of the remaining goals in an emphatic 3-0 Leicester win against a weak Brighton side. As predicted, Harry Kane (£10.9m) outscored his South-Korean partner in crime and took the maximum bonus after a swerving goal in an exciting London derby. Finally, Danny Ings (£8.4m) registered an assist in Southampton's resounding victory over the Blades who look a depleted force void of any confidence for the coming weeks; an FPL manager's bread and butter when it comes to captaincy options. With Gameweek 13's deadline looming (Tuesday, 15th December, 16:30), we have the added task of predicting who will have their minutes managed over this demanding schedule.
PREMIUM OPTIONS
Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m) vs SHU (A)
Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m) was unusually quiet in a drab Manchester derby which had been built up as a battle of creative wits between himself and KDB. Despite this derby being the potential cure for insomnia, Bruno provided a few of his signature through balls to an exceptionally wasteful Marcus Rashford who will almost certainly be replaced up top against Sheffield with both Martial and Cavani working their way towards full fitness. The Blades ironically look anything but sharp this season and with a lack of squad depth, December may be a detrimental month in a season where they look increasingly destined for relegation, Expect Bruno to unlock a defence that seems to be crumbling from a terminal case of second season syndrome. The Portuguese magician seems one of the standout options given Ole's increasingly heavy reliance on him.
Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) vs WBA (H)
Captain with caution is the approach we would recommend in this instance with the Belgian likely to have his minutes managed over the festive period. With an abundance of creative talent in this City side, it is difficult to determine why the Belgian is effectively carrying Pep's team in the league this season. A case of overcoaching or simply a failure to find the correct starting 11? Regardless of what the issue is, it remains clear that KDB is an integral part in City persisting in the title race this season. It may be a case of a 60-minute stint from Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) this gameweek but this should suffice for an impressive haul against a Baggies side who fell victim to a toothless Newcastle side last time out. Ferran Torres and Phil Foden may be worth a punt if you find yourself exceptionally low in your mini-leagues with both likely to start after falling victim to Pep Roulette last time out.
Harry Kane (£10.9m) vs LIV (A)
A marksman with the creative prowess of an artist in the Italian renaissance. Had someone suggested captaining Harry Kane (£10.9m) in this fixture at the start of the season, you may have been laughed at. In an increasingly unpredictable season, a Harry Kane haul seems to be the only thing remaining constant each week. While Kane will be unlikely to score huge this gameweek, Liverpool will potentially be forced into starting Nat Phillips in the biggest game of their season. While Crystal Palace provided the fitting rebuttal to those considering Jose's men as title challengers, it's difficult to predict what Liverpool team will turn up on Wednesday night given the uncharacteristic deviation in performances over the last few weeks. Kane will be looking to reinstate Spurs' position at the top of the table and don't be surprised if he is the match-winner this time out.
DIFFERENTIAL CHOICE
Patrick Bamford (£6.2m) vs NEW (H)
Patrick Bamford (£6.2m) was visibly frustrated as he trudged off after 72 minutes against a resolute West Ham side who restricted him to only a handful of half chances across the course of the game. After registering an assist in the first six minutes, a return of five points was rather tame for Bamford in Gameweek 12. It would appear Bielsa was resting him for the festive schedule as opposed to him falling out of favour and despite Newcastle's win against West Brom last time out, expect both Leeds and Bamford to overpower Bruce's mediocre side. A lack of striking options makes Bamford a nailed on starter effectively every gameweek and his early substitution would indicate Bielsa may have been prioritising this fixture.
