Player Rater GW10 Update

After an odd gameweek with a Begovic goal and a Rangel save you can find the updated model graphics here.

Comments Using the Player Rater Expected Points Model

This gameweek was all about Aguero. The model didn't rate his performance too well, with 9 shots and only 1 on target showing poor accuracy, but he had double the touches in the box of any other player this week! Suarez had no shots on target against Arsenal and so falls slightly back to normality, but him and Aguero still top the ratings. RVP proved me wrong, again, but with Aguero and Rooney also delivering points for less of your precious FPL cash they remain better options. Elsewhere, and a shock Newcastle win was accompanied by a great performance by Remy. He moves into the list of forwards worth owning alongside Lukaku who is currently blowing very hot and cold. The Belgian's last 2 home matches against Hull and Tottenham have seen him manage just 1 shot. His last away performance against Villa saw 6 shots and 3 on target though, and with a trip to Palace there's no reason to panic yet.

In midfield it's a familiar low-scoring story. Ozil impressed, Ramsey rolls on, Paulinho disappointed with just 1 shot (his stats are still inflated by a couple of great games), Townsend continues to top the shot charts but with only low quality chances and little else is happening. Coutinho was very impressive on his return from injury and could be on for a good run of form. In Man City's win over Norwich Silva was impressive, as was a certain Ivorian. Here's a quote from my over and under-performers post:

"Yaya Toure - probably won't score incredible freekicks all season..."

So maybe he will.

There's little change at the back and very few attacking options. Tottenham's defence is absolutely top draw though, only allowing 1 shot on target away at Everton this week. I'd recommend heading over to FFScout to read an excellent post by @FFScout_Andy on the new BPS system, you can find the first here, but you will need to be a member. It seems this year BPS will play a huge part in defender scoring, picking up 1 or 2 bonus points every clean sheet could prove more lucrative than a handful of assists or a few goals over the course of the season.

The Michu Dilemma?

Following another blank in the Welsh derby and an injury that'll likely see him out of action for a few games (go follow @physioroom if your not already for great updates about player's fitness and injuries) there's going to be an exodus for Michu owners this gameweek. I'd like to write a full post on good midfield options but I imagine many will want to dump Michu tonight with the price fall so I'll write a quick round-up instead.

In the high price bracket it's a shame Walcott is still out as he'd be a perfect replacement. Otherwise I'd target Silva, Ozil, Hazard/Oscar or even Yaya Toure. Coutinho had a great return from injury and with Fulham at home he makes for a very nice selection at a cheaper price, Gerrard has the same nice fixture and offers more security. Cazorla offers a differential option as well, but there are better players in his price bracket. In the mid price bracket there's a few reliable options in Ramsey (if you don't already own him), Paulinho and Lallana. Cabaye also had a good game and might be worth a punt, while Mirallas has a tasty fixture against Crystal Palace this week. If you want to go budget to allow you to invest upfront then Townsend, Amalfitano and Arnautovic look the best budget options, while Shelvey is a punt that might work out with Swansea's nice run of fixtures over the next 6.

Please do note these are not projections, just a list of the midfielders who are rated highly by the model. Please also look at form, fixtures, rotation issues and injury worries when making your decision. Personally I think I'm switching for Silva or Coutinho. Silva probably has a better long term outlook, but Coutinho is cheaper, is under the radar (so could be a differential in mini-leagues) and offers a nice fixture this week.