Fantasy Football: RSA’s Hayden Williams Q&A

As the Premier League seasons ticks into gameweek nine (GW9), here’s a quick reminder to sort out your Fantasy teams before the deadline tonight, when Leicester City take on Nottingham Forest.

But before that game marks the beginning of another game week, we spoke to RSA’s apprentice trading underwriter Hayden Williams about his strong performance in this year’s Insurance Times Fantasy Football League so far.

Williams currently sits in second place, five points behind Gallagher’s Chay Thornborough and 12 points ahead of MX Underwriting’s Niall Casey.

1. Congratulations on being in the top 10 for GW8, how do you rate your chances of staying there for the season?

Thank you very much. It’s been a great start and I’m thrilled to be in one of the top spots after eight game weeks.

Unfortunately, I think it will be challenging to maintain this league position, but at the moment my no-Haaland strategy seems to be paying off. I don’t think anyone expected the drop off in goals from him after such a strong start to the season!

I might end up eating my words this week, however, as City host an out of form Southampton side at home. Fingers crossed!

2. What are the key decisions to make ahead of GW9?

The major talking point this week has been whether to transfer out Saka with the uncertainty regarding his injury.

As an Arsenal fan myself, we have some very tricky games ahead and with other starters out injured, it begs the question of whether Arsenal will continue to drop points and play poorly.

Currently, I’m thinking of going with Son as a replacement. I hate to say it, but with Son playing for Spurs again they look a lot more threatening and have some nice fixtures ahead.

At the start of the season I never thought that I’d end up with more Spurs players than Arsenal in my team!

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

Very tough question! This season, there has been a lot more let downs than hidden gems. For example, I’m sure most would’ve expected Eze to have a return by this point in the season and I may have to think about moving him on soon.

I would have to go with Chris Wood. For a £6.3M striker, he seems to be in fine form for The Tricky Trees and it helps that he also takes penalties.

Another close shout would be £5.4M Morgan Rogers who has had four goal contributions, although he needs to stop getting yellow cards!

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

I would like to call out the importance of supporting the next generation in the insurance industry. There is lots of talent breaking through the industry, and initiatives such as apprenticeships are essential for attracting young people. I joined RSA as an apprentice this time last year after completing my A levels, and it has given me hands-on experience, networking opportunities and a clear career path- all things which appeal to young professionals. As the industry evolves, investing in young people will be key to building a forward-thinking workforce.

• Have you spotted yourself in the top 10 of the Insurance Times Fantasy Football League? We’d love to hear from you. Please do get in contact with deputy editor Yiannis Kotoulas at Yiannis.Kotoulas@InsuranceTimes.co.uk