Zaha or Gayle?

[BuckJones]

Subject line speaks for itself...through GW 6 FFS currently has Gayle at 23.9 and Zaha at 23.4 with Gayle being 0.5 cheaper...is this really realistic? Personally, I think that Zaha and a $4.5 FW3 and then use the extra $1.5 elsewhere seems more reliable than Gayle. What are the arguments for Gayle instead if any?

[Mav3rick]

I wouldn't pay a lot of attention to the projections. I mean it's a new season, new managers, new signings, new teams.

Think more about structure of your squad, I think if you're being forced into a 4.5 striker, then (as its a deadspot in your team) that's a good reason to either take Gayle or to re-think the rest of your squad if you fancy Zaha generally.

[BuckJones]

I am not being forced into a 4.5 striker, its my opinion that the non-premium strikers are very unattractive as regular starters until one emerges by WC1. I fancy a 4-4-2 until then as attacks get settled.
So I was looking at good reasons to consider the 343 or 433 instead and Gayle is the only option really to consider it seems.

[Mav3rick]

"Forced" is maybe not the word I meant, you've chosen a deadspot and effectively Zaha+deadspot over other squad configurations. In general, I'd personally not advocate that sort of structure as it leaves you with potentially pretty unfavourable subs, especially so if your base price mid is dropped.

You're not alone in not fancying the cheaper strikers at the moment, but I genuinely think a 433 would be better than a 442 right now (and a 42 is basically the same as a 33 anyway in FPL terms if things are going well).

[BuckJones]

So getting back to my original post...everything else excluded...straight up is there an argument for Gayle over Zaha?

[Mav3rick]

If that's the only question in your mind, I'd take Zaha. Not necessarily because I think he's a slam-dunk better bet than Gayle (although he probably is the better call) but he has the extra advantage of there being options (Ramsey, Willian until Hazard is back, some West Ham players) that can take over the spot as a bandwaggon or as injury cover.

You could create a poll if you just want to gauge straight opinions.

[TheBigLewandowski]

I have Gayle in my draft in the cheap striker slot.
Also keen on Zaha, but currently have Tadic instead.
Can't have them all!

[BuckJones]

Just looking for arguments one way or the other not a poll. Thanks for your input, and I agree with your assessment. Playing devils advocate, one argument to make for the other way is that the 4.5-5.5 striker is bench fodder while the likes of Allen, Capoue, Mooy, JWP, and Chalobah could be the first off the bench which may have value by making for a strong bench but also if they become starter worthy then you get that flexibility to upgrade elsewhere. Ultimately, the underlying root of my post was because Gayle is a total unknown to me, maybe others have stronger opinions on his skill and FPL potential and I am using Zaha as a reference point.

[donlos]

I started playing Zaha 7m, reckon he's gonna have a huge season with theDuth coach's style. However in preseasons game Sako 5m has looked strong and played up in the front with Zaha and Benteke. If Sako is playing in the front also when the season starts and you want a CP player with that starting fixtures, he could be a bargain for 5m. I would therefore replace him with Zaha and upgrade my attack or defence with the plus 2mil.

What are your thoughts on that, reckon Sako will be a starter?

[swadd1er]

Gayle scored again last night. 3 in 3 games.

[Mav3rick]

Glad he is scoring well as it adds some depth to that third striker spot. If him, Austin and perhaps Abraham all start looking good then we'll have some decisions to be made around that striker bracket.

[Ruth_NZ]

Zaha I would consider. Gayle I absolutely wouldn't.

Zaha is proven in the PL. Gayle has only ever failed in the PL. Championship form is a notoriously poor guide.