Gameweek 22 was a huge one as I was up against the leader Eman. I could not afford to lose as it would probably put an end to any chances I had of the title, as it would leave me nine points behind him. A win however, would see me close the gap on him to just three points. I tried to not overthink and just treat my team like I was playing anyone else in the 'Justice League'.
After missing out on Diogo Jota's brace and assist at Bournemouth, I made him my captain with no hesitation. The one transfer I made was to finally sell Mo Salah. The aim was to keep him as I had already sold Erling Haaland, and I did not want the task of trying to work him and Salah both back into my side. However, with Salah picking up an injury at AFCON, my hand was forced. Out went the Egyptian and in came Kevin De Bruyne, a transfer that would have really aided me had it been a week earlier. I had thought that Eman would make the same transfer, whilst benching Cole Palmer, and that was to be the case. He gave his captaincy to Julian Alvarez.
The midweek action began on Tuesday. Arsenal travelled to Nottingham Forest, and Eman had two men from the Gunners. One of them, Bukayo Saka, scored the second goal as Mikel Arteta's men won 2-1. Taiwo Awoniyi's goal at least prevented Gabriel Magalhaes from getting my opponent clean sheet points. Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford got his seventh clean sheet since I sold him as Fulham and Everton ended goalless. Luton hammered Brighton 4-0 to the shock of many. Elijah Adebayo (£4.8m), who I recommended a couple of gameweeks back helped himself to a hat-trick! Eman and I both owned Pervis Estupinan, who returned a big fat zero. No goal from the Seagulls meant a blank from Pascal Gross for me too.
Aston Villa, who had not been beaten at home for almost a year fell 3-1 to Newcastle at Villa Park. I was busy so missed the first half of the game. Only to be informed by Rian (Milito) that Fabian Schar had copped a brace. I was stunned, and very grateful. But the whole reason he was the defender from the Magpies I picked, was because I felt he was the most likely of theirs to score. Therefore, trust him to be the last of their main defenders to deliver a double figure haul this season. Nonetheless, it was well worth the wait. Eman messaged me saying "you can thank your lucky Schars", I thought 'now, now, lad do not be a hater'. Nah, actually to be honest he was a good sport and it was just some light banter, 'lucky Schars (stars)' was almost the title of FFF this week too. We both owned Ollie Watkins and he got Villa's consolation goal. This took four valuable points from me in terms of the head-to-head, as it meant no clean sheet points for Schar. So though my score stayed the same, it added four points to Eman, therefore meaning he closed the gap, hope you caught all of that.
Wednesday, saw Tottenham beat Brentford 3-2. Richarlison made it seven in seven games which aided my opponent. Eman and I both owned Pedro Porro, but this was somewhat of a rare occasion where he did not return. Manchester City won 3-1 against Burnley. Alvarez was at the double and this benefitted Eman massively as of course he was his captain. De Bruyne and Phil Foden assisted which helped us both too. Liverpool, beat Chelsea 4-1, and that man Jota opened the scoring. Amidst a Conor Bradley (21 points), masterclass, Darwin Nunez managed to hit the woodwork no less than four times. This included missing a penalty when Jurgen Klopp's men were 2-0 up. To Eman's horror, he was then booked before getting a late assist for the fourth by Luis Diaz, but the damage had been done. Being a Liverpool I wanted him to score, but this actually helped me.
Wednesday, ended with me ahead by just one point. You would think with 17 points from one of your defenders that you would win easily, but Eman had a good team. We both had Alphonse Areola in action on Thursday, but that was it for him, I had Jarrod Bowen, so as long as he did not get sent off then I would hold on by the skin of my teeth. West Ham were to draw 1-1 with Bournemouth, but I had to hide behind the sofa as Bowen got booked, but thankfully I went on to win by just two points, 73-71. I did it! The title race is still on for me, but saying that, Andrew (41) is just one point behind me. Then Delvin has 40 points, in addition, Muji and Stel have 39, so if I'm in the title race then they are too.
@DubulDee
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