Fantasy Football: Insurance Times’ James Cowen Q&A

Following an intense double gameweek 33, there have been several swings in the Insurance Times Fantasy Football table.

I am happy to announce that I was among beneficiaries, having put myself firmly into the top 10. While I was there earlier this year – and even second at one point – my performances took a dip and I found myself well outside the top 10.

Recently, however, I have been in and out of the top 10 and have been trying to get myself back into a better position.

And I’m pleased to say my gameweek 33 tactics worked a treat – bringing in Arsenal’s Trossard and playing my bench boost secured me 96 points, moving me all the way up to P6.

Elsewhere, Bernardo Gomes still leads the table with 2,331 points, while Ian Penfold sits in second with 2,312 points.

So, all to play for, and ahead of blank gameweek 34, there could be some big swings in the table. Ahead of this, I was asked to do a Q&A, so here are my views ahead of a very crucial week.

Q&A

1. Congratulations on being in sixth for GW34, how do you rate your chances of staying in the top 10?

Thanks Insurance Times! It has been a very competitive season, with there being many swings across the table. So, staying in the top 10 is going to be difficult and one bad week could see you drop multiple places.

Despite this though, I am going to be giving it everything. While the upcoming blank gameweek presents challenges, there is also opportunity, and I will be aiming to close the 70-point gap I currently have to first place.

2. What are the key decisions to make ahead of GW34?

Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Manchester City are not playing and, as a result, many managers have big transfer decisions to make if they want to score a competitive points total this weekend.

Those who have not used a free hit or wildcard yet are in a luxury position, as they will be able to make as many free transfers as they want without taking a points hit.

However, I am not among such managers, meaning I have no choice but to take a points hit to be competitive this weekend.

Transfer options for me include Cunha, who is taking on Leicester City, and some Newcastle and Fulham players, with them taking on Ipswich and Southampton respectively.

3. Who would you call out as an under-rated player for everyone’s Fantasy squad?

I think Jarrod Bowen has been doing a really good job – most times I have played him he has returned for me and I reckon he can continue to deliver against Brighton this weekend.

4. Who or what would you like to call out in the insurance industry?

I think M&A has been a big talking point across the industry – and it has been exciting to see huge deals being announced, such as Aviva agreeing to acquire Direct Line Group and Ageas snapping up Esure.

With both deals expected to complete later this year, the competition for market share is certainly going to be interesting to watch.