We are rapidly approaching the winter months of the 2019/20 Serie A season, and with this, are nearly a 1/3rd of the way through. This is the point in the campaign where we begin to learn who should be taken seriously as contenders, and who should perhaps be dismissed as pretenders in the race for European qualification.
Last week saw plenty of notable outcomes that changed the shape of the table, including Roma’s 2-1 win over Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico, as well as Cagliari shooting into 4th with a 2-0 victory away versus Atalanta. With these results came plenty of standout performers, several of which you may want to consider adding to your fantacalcio rosters this weekend.
Here are five players to look at for round 12.
Theo Hernández (DEF, AC Milan, Value 13.24) – There have not been many better in the Rossoneri squad than the Frenchman, nor have any been as consistent. Theo Hernández did not enter the season as the starter due to working his way back from a summer injury, but since becoming 100% fit, the former Real Madrid’s talents have shined through. Bombing down the left flank full of energy, the 22-year old has often been one of the few dangerous players for Milan this season, with an ability to stretch the field and force the opponent to respect his explosiveness. At 13.24, Hernández is a very good play this weekend vs Juventus, especially if Pioli switches the formation to free him to push forward more without undertaking the defensive burden.
Lautaro Martínez (ATT, Inter, Value 18.46) – A star is being born right before our very eyes. Even if the numbers aren’t as eye-popping as those Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haland post, Lautaro Martinez is doing things on the pitch throughout a match that are incredibly impressive for someone his age. Beyond goals (5) and assists (1), the weight of the 22-year old’s technical ability blended with the instinct to exploit space to free up Lukaku cannot be overstated. Inter host Verona this weekend at the San Siro, looking to return to winning ways after a shock defeat in the UCL vs Dortmund. Look for Martinez to come good on his 18.46 value and deliver for Antonio Conte.
Christian Kouamé (ATT, Genoa, Value 18.86) – Genoa are officially, and barely, above relegation waters at the moment, and certainly have the 21-year old Ivorian striker Christian Kouamé to thank for that. His 5 goals, 2 assists and overall active play throughout a 90 minute match lend credence to a forward ready for a big move in the near future as his attacking instinct shows weekly for the Rossoblu. Thiago Motta’s squad will travel to the San Paolo this weekend to take on a club in chaos Napoli. Collectively, the Partenopei have not been sharp, especially on the defensive side, which means there is potential in a solid showing from Kouamè. Consider him for your free weekly transfer as Motta is likely to lean on him to further Napoli’s downward spiral.
Arkadiusz Milik (ATT, Napoli, Value 12.84) – There has not been much to celebrate this season in Naples. You have a manager and president feuding, while the locker-room is in disarray amidst a difficult run of results seeing the club’s title hopes wither away. However, we would be remiss to not, at the very least, highlight Milik’s recent offensive form, which certainly takes the edge off Polish National Team supporters. The former Ajax striker has split time with Dries Mertens quite a bit this season, limiting him to just 6 appearances. Yet, in his last 4 matches, Milik’s buried 5 goals. With Mertens’ future beyond January in doubt as offers file in from abroad, the Pole should continue to receive the lion’s share of the minutes on the go forward. 12.84 is tremendous value, especially against a Genoa side still working to adapt under Motta.
Chris Smalling (DEF, AS Roma, Value 12.84) – Manchester United outcast turned Roman treasure, ‘Smalldini’ (formerly known as Chris Smalling) is a friendly play on words and a nod to legendary defender Paolo Maldini. Of course, the Englishman is nowhere near half the player the Italian was, but that does not mean he shouldn’t have his praises sung for such a drastic improvement. Smalling’s been one of the best central defenders in Europe this season, stabilizing Paulo Fonseca’s back line with brawn and experience. In spite of all the injuries to the Giallorossi, Fonseca’s squad sits 3rd and Smalling is largely to credit for that. 12.84 is a no brainer when you consider the prices of Alessio Romagnoli and Kalidou Koulibaly who have not been at their best this season. Scoop up Smalling ahead of Roma’s visit to Parma.
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