Fantasy Football: WH&R McCartney’s Alan Kirkwood Q&A

As quickly as one gameweek ends, another one begins, with gameweek 13 now just around the corner.

This week will begin with Brighton v Southampton and end with Liverpool v Manchester City.

But before all the action, we thought we’d speak to Alan Kirkwood, director at broker WH&R McCartney, about his top performance in the Insurance Times Fantasy Football league.

Kirkwood currently sits fifth in the table and has an overall score of 776 points. 

1. Congratulations on being in the top 10 for GW13, how do you rate your chances of staying there for the season?

It’s been a solid start to the season and sitting fifth out of over 400 players feels like a real achievement. As for staying in the top 10, it’s all about consistency and making smart decisions week by week.

There’s always a bit of luck involved – injuries and unexpected results can shake things up – but I’ve been focusing on strong captaincy picks and investing in in-form players from teams with favourable fixtures. If I keep up the momentum and avoid too many gambles, I’d like to think I’ve got a decent shot at staying near the top until the end of the season. It won’t be easy though, the competition is fierce.

 2. What are the key decisions to make ahead of GW13?

The complexity of the European competitions midweek are set to impact team selections. Players from clubs involved in Europe are at risk of rotation or fatigue. Monitoring press conferences will be key to identifying players who might be rested, allowing managers to make informed decisions. This brings a mix of opportunity and challenge, particularly with several key injury doubts like Gabriel, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joachim Andersen.

Deciding how to handle these players is crucial. Holding onto them for their long-term value might be wise, but benching or replacing them with in-form, reliable options could make the difference in this competitive gameweek.

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

One of the most under-rated players for Fantasy squads this season has to be Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. While he might not always grab the headlines like the big name forwards, Mbeumo has been consistently involved in Brentford’s attack and offers excellent value, especially as a mid-priced forward.

His ability to deliver points both from open play and set pieces makes him a reliable option and his low ownership means he could be a differential for managers looking to climb the ranks.

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

I’d like to call out just how incredible the UK insurance market truly is. Whether it’s in risk management, claims handling, or underwriting, the roles on offer are dynamic, varied and, frankly, much more exciting than people give credit for.

You’re not just sitting behind a desk, you’re actively protecting the things and people we cherish and love and that’s something to be proud of. Insurance is the real ‘unsung hero’ of the game. We’re not the ones stealing the spotlight with flashy goals, but we’re the ones making sure the defence holds strong when things get rough.

We’re the gritty centre-backs, the hard-working midfielders and always there when you need us. While others chase the glamour, we’re in the trenches, safeguarding what matters most – your home, your business, your peace of mind. Forget the spotlight, we’re the ones holding the line, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.