Sigurdsson gets FPL armband as ‘All Out Attack’ chip is put to the test

The All Out Attack chip was generally not well received by players of the Official Premier League game. It allows for managers to opt for a 2-5-3 formation in a chosen gameweek instead of the minimum 3-man defence that is obligatory in all other gameweeks but the chip has been described as useless, worthless and even pointless.

While defensive injuries or suspensions might make it a viable option at various stages of the season, it can also be utilised if you think that there might be more upside in selecting an extra offensive-minded player in a particular gameweek.

As GW30 approaches we are not overly impressed by our current defensive options. Antonio Valencia and Marcus Alonso pick themselves but neither Chris Brunt nor Michael Keane have realistic clean sheet prospects facing such strong opposition in the shape of Manchester United and Spurs, while Aaron Cresswell continues to underwhelm. The Hammers’ left-back seems to be a shadow of his former self, lacking confidence after a spate of injuries, while Keane represents a Burnley side that is win-less in its last 6 matches. Brunt makes slightly more appeal due to his ‘out of position’ nature but we’re going to go with a 2-5-3 in an attempt to accommodate all of the attacking talent at our disposal.

Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mané and Romelu Lukaku should all be involved in a potentially high-scoring Merseyside derby, while Oumar Niasse looks primed to start for the Tigers after being ineligible for Hull City’s clash with his parent club Everton.

Jermain Defoe highlighted his well-being by returning to the England fold and getting himself on the score-sheet, while Josh King has been in tremendous form of late for Bournemouth. Robert Snodgrass hasn’t quite hit the heights since his move to the London Stadium but an injury to Michail Antonio means that he could be deployed in a more attacking role in GW30 and a return to familiar surroundings might just bring out the best in him.

However, it is Gylfi Sigurdsson that really catches the eye this week. We initially had some concerns after the Swansea City midfielder pulled out of the Iceland squad that faced Ireland but those fears have now been allayed, after it emerged that it was all pre-planned. The appointment of Paul Clement has seen Sigurdssson switched to a left-sided attacking role and the Icelandic international has been thriving there as illustrated perfectly by this WhoScored article which focuses on his creativity.

Sigurdsson’s threat from set-pieces is second to none and his GW30 captaincy credentials were highlighted in our latest armband ratings, where only Chelsea’s Diego Costa ranked higher.

With a double gameweek on the horizon for Manchester United, it now looks like a good time to stock up on Red Devils’ players. David de Gea has the best chance of a clean sheet in GW30 according to the latest goal projections, so the Spanish keeper is transferred in, with Ben Foster making way.

We’ve put the All Out Attack chip to the test, now it’s time to sit back and watch ‘The Iceman Cometh’!