EPL Supercoach Gameweek 1-5 Wrap: 7 things we learnt

I think this is the first time in my Premier League watching life that I’m glad for the International Break.

After a hot start that saw the Bolywood Bhoys up in the Top 500, Gameweek 5 (labelled a ‘troll week’ by Niko) has ravaged the rank – 62 hurts anytime – although a little less given the weirdness of the round and my confidence in Arsenal, who met one of the hottest teams in World Football on the weekend.

No time like the present then to look back on what we learned not only in GW5 of EPL Supercoach – but what the first 5 weeks have shown us.

599 Total – 1,542 overall is not bad considering last year’s finish was more than 2,000 places below that – room to grow is a good thing – as many of the Premier League’s new managers are finding this season.

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1. Fernandes is not the sure bet of last year

This applies to United more broadly (although they were never sure bets) – but I’m more worried about them than I was this time last year under a manager – who I frankly don’t think is up to the task of taking this team in the right direction – much less having the squad to take them to a 2nd consecutive season of Champions League football.

The first price drop has hurt for owners, and a Breakeven of 29 is frightening – the caveat I’d bring here is that after the first international break last season he reeled off 5 straight double-digit scores in games against the likes of Liverpool & Brighton – before several explosions over the Christmas period.

I’m committed to holding my nerve for the moment and wouldn’t consider selling at the moment – but I completely understand those who have jumped off. United’s attack is giving him little, if any, support at the moment. 

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2.  Brighton have season-long keepers

The trick is going to be figuring out who they are. Luka Vuskovic looks just that – cash projections all green until well into the year as they key figure in a defence that is over-performing again and has one of the best goalkeepers in the competition as its anchor.

Are there any through midfield? I’ve seen enough from Jack Hinshelwood to think he could be that, but an injury so early in the season can be a curse – hopefully the extended layoff helps him in the long term, although I’m not convinced he’ll come straight back into their starting side.

Maxim De Cuyper – looks a sure thing – but will he stay playing in the same position for much longer? If I am further forced to think about a Fernandes trade, I’ll be trying to spend most of his cash on this guy.

Yalcoulye – minutes risk, Gross – has probably topped out in terms of price, Diego Gomez could be a sneaky steal at 7.8mil just for his versatility.

If Kostoulos gets a run of games together, he looks a legitimate forward option now or somewhere soon down the track.

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3. Liverpool’s Attack is a wait-and-see

Some doubts over their last two performances against Fulham and Bournemouth – but both were sent out to disrupt the Reds, and that’s not how most teams will be taking them on.

Alexander Isak’s start has been more than encouraging, and bar a couple of tight offsides, he could have had an even hotter start. Not a trade in this GW, but I’d be keeping a close eye on him if his price drops as projected to around $8mil.

You’d be right to point out I’ve reinvested Wirtz’s money, but I’d still describe myself as a believer – I don’t think there are any midfielders I’d be moving to in his price range at this point – given the fact I think the growing quality around him will improve him as the season goes on.

Man City after the international break could well be where they explode – the Sky Blues’ defence has looked anything but sturdy to this point. 

Speaking of City…

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4. Haaland is still the most fixture-proof forward in the League

Goals against Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd & Brighton last year – another goal against the Red Devils already this season – barring injury, he will win the Golden Boot again this season.

Looking down the track – the run from Gameweek 16-21 looks particularly appealing. 

5. Brentford have better options than Sangare

I was one of those praising him to high heaven when he came into the Premier League, and I stick by the fact that he will be at a Top 6 club – but he’s not registering the contributions we want on the defensive side of the ball in his deep-lying position at this early stage of his career in England.

Plenty has been said about Kevin Schade and Vitaly Janelt – not a move yet, but whoever wins the starting spot from Mikkel Damsgaard & Mathias Jensen in the long term could yet be someone we’re riding to the penthouse.

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6. *In Harry Redknapp Voice* Josh King is going right to the very Top

If you’re a podcast listener, you’ll have heard myself and Matty Jurman wax lyrical about this 19-year-old since last season – we weren’t wrong – just early.

Now he has an unchallenged run ahead of him in a Fulham team that (with the exception of the 0-0 with Liverpool) has been set up to attack.

His performance against Man Utd was the latest in a string of them that will see him playing for England before long.

Ipswich (A), Hull (H), Coventry (A) – is an invitation to jump on.

If you’re keen on doubling down on attack-minded Fulham… Forward Gonzalo Garcia at just 5mil could be a steal.

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7. Active Defenders are sneaky big point scorers

James Tarkowski leads the way here – sure, two clean sheets help, but his underlying numbers are terrific again, as they were a year ago.

It’s part of the reason I’m confident Gabriel will rise up the pecking order again as the season goes on. 

See also Jeremie Jacquet, Jan Paul van Hecke (although I couldn’t endorse any Spurs trade right now) and Murillo.

Team Set Up – Trade Plans

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