Game 19 proved to be a frustrating setback, with poor returns negating much of the momentum built in the previous weeks.
Despite a well-laid plan, key players failed to deliver, resulting in the team falling well below their game week average for the second straight round.
With limited flexibility heading into Week 20 games, every decision now carries extra weight.
A single free transfer forces caution and the temptation to score becomes ever greater.
Game Week 19 Review
Week 19 was a bad week for me because almost everything didn’t go as planned. The past two weeks have been particularly damaging, with most of my players failing to get anything back.
Consecutive weeks of below race week average pretty much ruined the strong run I was enjoying, and I had six straight race weeks with above average results.
At the time of the goal, my two goalkeepers were facing each other and I expected both to concede. I chose Petrovich in hopes of getting extra save points, but the gamble didn’t pay off.
None of my defenders are back, with Diogo Dalot proving to be the most painful omission as I believe United will keep a clean sheet against Wolves.
Antoine Semenho was the only bright spot in midfield with an assist against Chelsea.
Given Ugo Ekitike’s form and the inconsistency of Leeds’ defence, I thought he was almost certain to return, but he has failed to deliver on his promise.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin only came on as a second-half substitute and had a goal ruled out, while Erling Haaland missed a great chance against Sunderland.
Ultimately, I completed the entire game week with only one player providing a return.
Week 20 Game Plan
There wasn’t much I could do going into Week 20 because I only had one free transfer opportunity.
Ideally, I would like to freshen up the squad with new faces like Mukiele, Roefs or Gabriel Magalhães. However, I can only bring in Leandro Trossard to replace Eberechi Eze.
Eze appears to have dropped down the pecking order since Martin Odegaard returned from injury, necessitating a replacement.
I’m still considering bringing in Gabriel at -4, but that decision will be made closer to the deadline to allow time for an injury update.
If I did choose to bat, Marcos Senesi would make way as Bournemouth’s defense is in poor form and has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four games.
Despite facing Manchester City’s star-studded attack, Roberto Sanchez will still start in goal. I believe he has a better chance of keeping a clean sheet than Petrovic did against Arsenal this week.
Dalot, Piero Hincapière and Michael Keane currently make up my back three, with David Moyes confirming in his press conference on Friday that Keane has a chance to return.
Trossard joins Morgan Rodgers, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenho in midfield.
All four have the ability to create decisive moments in their games, which makes me optimistic heading into game week.
Up front, my offensive line remains the same as I hope to eventually see the returns match expectations.
