Roefs (SUN, Goalkeeper, £4.9m)

Verdict: HOLD

Roefs is a solid, nailed-on option in goal with a decent run of fixtures, making him a strong hold for managers.

The Reasoning

Fitness & Availability: Roefs is fully available and a nailed-on starter for Sunderland, with no injury concerns or news to report.
Recent Performance: While his last two outings yielded only 2 and 3 points, he previously delivered two impressive 7-point hauls in the last five gameweeks. His consistent save-making (3-4 saves per game recently) helps him rack up bonus points even when clean sheets are elusive.
Upcoming Fixtures: Sunderland faces a favourable run with Crystal Palace (H, difficulty 3), West Ham (A, difficulty 2), and Burnley (H, difficulty 2). These fixtures offer good potential for clean sheets and save points, especially against less potent attacking sides.
Underlying Stats: With an ICT Index of 63.2 and an Influence score of 593.2, Roefs demonstrates his importance to Sunderland's defence and his ability to contribute to bonus points. His 19.39 points per million is excellent value for a budget goalkeeper.

Risks

Sunderland's defence can be inconsistent, as shown by conceding three goals in their last outing. While the upcoming fixtures are good, clean sheets are never guaranteed, and goalkeepers generally have a lower ceiling for points compared to outfield players.

Alternative Options

For managers looking for a similar budget option, Areola (£4.2m) at West Ham or Flekken (£4.6m) at Brentford could be considered, depending on their respective fixture runs. However, Roefs' current form and upcoming schedule make him a very competitive choice.

The Strategic Play

Roefs is a fantastic set-and-forget option for the upcoming gameweeks. His high ownership means holding him prevents you from falling behind if he continues to haul, and his price point allows for investment elsewhere in your squad. He's a reliable enabler for the long haul.

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