Fantasy Football: Allianz’ Steve Fisher Q&A

On a total of 900 points after 14 gameweeks, Steve Fisher, xxx at Allianz, sits in fourth in the Insurance Times Fantasy Football League. 

Fisher was also top of the league for a couple of weeks prior to being asked to do this Insurance Times Q&A but has fallen to fourth after garnering 48 points in gameweek 14 – Insurance Times can neither confirm nor deny its involvement in jinxing him.  

Before gameweek 15 kicks off, Insurance Times asked Fisher for his tips and tricks on how to succeed in this year’s competition.

1. Congrats for being in fourth for GW14, how do you rate your chances of staying there for the season?

Thank you. I think that’s a tad optimistic. With so many engaged managers playing the game now, I’d be really happy with a top 10,000 finish overall.

With a second set of chips becoming available from gameweek 20, it’ll give those who’ve made a slow start an opportunity to catch up.

When you’ve made a good start there’s the temptation to start playing defensively, which often doesn’t go well.

2. What are the key decisions to make ahead of GW15?

Usually I plan five weeks ahead, but as we’re receiving five free transfers from gameweek 16 and a chance to refresh our teams, I’m just looking to maximise my points tally up to then.

For me, the tricky decision is whether I risk going with high upside players, such as Foden and Gakpo, who may be subject to squad rotation, or whether I play it safe with dependable players like Fernandes and Minteh.

Man City at home to Sunderland looks attractive as City have just scored five away to Fulham, but could it be subject to Pep roulette? 

I’ve transferred in Thiaw hoping for a Newcastle clean sheet at home to Burnley, but also fancy Woltemade’s chances of getting a return there. 

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

I think I’d plump for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. He’s a regular starter, is involved in a high percentage of his side’s goals and is a great enabler at just £6.3m.

Brighton don’t have the fixture congestion caused by Europe and have some good fixtures on the horizon.

I’ve also got my eye on Bruno Fernandes. He’s got lots of routes to points and is less than 20% owned.

I just want to see what role he plays once United lose Mbeumo and Amad to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). If he’s pushed further back, Cunha may become more attractive.

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

This year, Allianz UK has again been running its toy and gift appeal for Barnardo’s – our charity partner.

We have asked our people buy a gift from an Amazon wishlist that can then be sent out to children and families who need a little extra Christmas cheer.

Allianz also matches the number of presents bought by our employees, meaning even more young people can benefit.

Last year we sent out around 2000 gifts, but this year, it’s just been revealed we reached 2,350!

Many insurers will run initiatives like this and often they’re not seen or talked about externally, so I wanted to give a little shout out to everyone who’s been so generous.