FPL Q&A: Expert Advice on Team Selection and Captaincy Choices The FPL expert Holly Shand addressed a range of questions from players seeking guidance on transfers, captaincy choices, and strategic decisions for the upcoming gameweek. One key topic was whether to take a four-point hit to secure a fit goalkeeper. Shand advised against it, emphasizing that goalkeeper points are unpredictable and that having 10 outfield players provides sufficient coverage. She recommended prioritizing outfield players over a goalkeeper transfer, especially in the short term. For budget keeper options, Shand suggested avoiding goalkeeper transfers this week, citing the limited value of such moves outside of a Wildcard. She highlighted Ekitike and Joao Pedro as strong alternatives, with the latter’s recent form giving him a slight edge. When asked about Adli versus Wilson or O’Reilly versus Hall, Shand recommended moving Adli for Wilson to improve long-term prospects, while O’Reilly could be reacquired later due to Manchester City’s double gameweek schedule. Players like Casemiro and Dango Ouattara were discussed as replacements for Dewsbury-Hall, with Shand leaning toward Casemiro due to existing Brentford players in the squad. She also mentioned Elliot Anderson as a potential addition. Anthony Gordon was analyzed as a potential captaincy option, despite his underperformance this season. Shand noted his high number of big chances and potential for a golden run of form, advising players to "jump on" him. For captaincy choices, Shand recommended Harry Wilson or Joao Pedro as alternatives to Bruno Fernandes, acknowledging Bournemouth’s defensive vulnerabilities. She also cautioned against using the Triple Captain chip on Wilson, suggesting it be reserved for premium players.#joao_pedro #fpl #anthony_gordon #holly_shand #ekitike
Anthony Gordon to Arsenal transfer 'makes sense' as Mikel Arteta sent clear verdict Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has suggested that it 'would make sense' for Arsenal to sign Anthony Gordon this summer, despite Mikel Arteta already having two players vying for his position. The Gunners are currently battling to win their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season, and they’re also still in contention for the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League. Despite not struggling for goals this season, former England midfielder Cole believes that adding Newcastle United star Gordon to their ranks would elevate them to another level. Cole was asked about the possibility of Gordon moving to Arsenal and pointed out that the Gunners already have two players who perform in the same position as the England international. "I can see him fitting in there. He ticks the box of physicality for Arsenal. His mentality and physicality are top, plus he’s a winner," Cole said in an interview with Paddy Power. "You’ve already got two very good players competing for that spot in Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but none of them tick the boxes Gordon does. Martinelli has a little bit of that physicality and mentality, and Trossard does score goals. Anthony Gordon would just give Mikel Arteta something different on that left side. But again, I just think it’s a case of another huge physical body coming into that squad. He’s a great player and it would make sense to me." Former Everton striker Gordon moved to Newcastle in 2023 and has clocked up 144 appearances for the Magpies, netting 36 goals. The England international nearly signed for his childhood club Liverpool before the start of the 2024/25 season as Newcastle grappled with their Profitability and Sustainability accounts, but the transfer never materialised.#arsenal #mikel_arteta #newcastle_united #anthony_gordon #joe_cole
Manchester United set to pursue Anthony Gordon with £80m bid as winger crisis deepens Manchester United are preparing a significant £80 million offer for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, positioning him as their top target amid a pressing need to strengthen their attacking options. The move comes as manager Michael Carrick seeks to secure his permanent role at Old Trafford, with the club aiming to reshape its wide-play areas following a series of high-profile departures. Carrick, who temporarily took charge after Ruben Amorim’s exit, is determined to overhaul the squad’s attacking flair. The winger crisis has been exacerbated by the exits of Antony, Marcus Rashford, and the anticipated departure of Jadon Sancho, leaving the flanks depleted. Carrick has emphasized the need for pace, creativity, and personality to revive the team’s attacking identity, drawing comparisons to past legends like Ryan Giggs, George Best, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Anthony Gordon, 25, has emerged as the club’s primary focus. Since joining Newcastle from Everton in 2023 for £45 million, the England international has made 144 appearances in all competitions, including 106 Premier League starts. His 2023-24 season was standout, with double-digit Premier League goals and numerous assists, making him a key figure in Eddie Howe’s attacking strategy. Across his career, Gordon has accumulated over 200 Premier League appearances, scoring 43 goals and contributing consistently to the team’s progress. Despite a challenging season, Gordon’s underlying metrics—such as progressive carries, successful dribbles, and high press contributions—remain among the best in Newcastle’s squad.#manchester_united #newcastle_united #eddie_howe #michael_carrick #anthony_gordon
