Aviva underwriting apprentice Archie Taylor-Salmon talks to Insurance Times about his strong performance in this year’s Fantasy Football league
Gameweek 10 of the Premier League and, much more importantly, the Insurance Times Fantasy Football League kicks off tomorrow at 15.00, with managers having until just after lunch at 13.30 to make their team decisions.
A selection of important games take place this weekend, with title hopefuls Manchester City taking on surprise second place Bournemouth and struggling title defenders Liverpool facing off against an in-form Aston Villa side.
One of the season’s most entertaining games also takes place at 17.30 Saturday, with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea set to battle it out.
Fantasy managers may also be looking to Newcastle’s game against West Ham for points hauls, with new striker Woltemade odds on to secure attacking returns.
Before all that though, Insurance Times thought it would speak to the Aviva’ apprentice underwriter Archie Taylor-Salmon, who currently sits in fourth in the league.
Taylor-Salmon is current 14 points behind leader Islam Mohammed in first, but only seven points ahead of eighth-placed Harry McNeil.
1. Congrats on being in the top 10 for GW9, how do you rate your chances of staying there for the season?
I believe I have a good chance this season. I’ve started well and am currently sitting fourth, with my wildcard and bench boost still to be used.
My goal at the minute is to just keep stable in my position, try not to go rogue with any transfers or take the captaincy off Haaland – despite it being tempting.
Hopefully then I’ll remain near the top end of the table. If it gets towards the end of the season and I’m still in the same vicinity, then I might start to pick some differentials to help me push on and go for first place.
2. What are the key decisions to make ahead of GW10?
Ahead of GW10 coming up, I’ve got one free transfer to use and a wildcard. However, my team feels quite solid currently and all my players have good fixtures coming up, so I’m looking more long term than just this week.
I am debating whether to transfer out my Nottingham Forest defender for someone else, due to their poor performances recently – an Arsenal double up in defence looks like a good option, so I might bring in Calafiori.
3. Who would you call out as an under-rated player for everyone’s Fantasy squad?
My underrated player would be Brentford’s Thiago. I haven’t got him in my team currently, but certainly have my eye on him for a cheap attacker.
He seems to be at the forefront of most Brentford attacks and has picked up quite a few goals so far.
On the other hand, although not necessarily underrated in terms of his percentage ownership, I believe Gabriel should be in everyone’s teams for consistent clean sheets and a big attacking threat. He is doing well for my points currently – and covering for when my attackers don’t return.
4. Who or what would you like to call out in the insurance industry?
My call out would be to the new business senior underwriter on my team, Gary Wilkins, for his plethora of knowledge that is consistently shared with me and my team at Aviva. His continuous perseverance and new business success makes him a great colleague to learn from!
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