It’s time for our regular post-Gameweek members’ article as we assess some of the standout statistics from the previous ten matches.
A handful of mid-price wide men from Watford, West Ham and Southampton catch the eye, while Spurs and Liverpool’s left-backs chalk up some impressive figures.
Chelsea and Newcastle United’s new strikers also come under analysis as we assess their early impacts in the top flight.
Not keen on Willian or Ramsey. So A
Firm and Antonio?
Just a thought...
A easily.
WC team:
Foster/Elliot
Bertrand/Bavis/Jones/Lowe/Mbemba
Mane/Eriksen/Pogba/RLC/TC
Kane/Kaku/Chica
1)Is Alonso a must?
2)Miki over Pogba?
3)Cedric over Bertrand for 0.5ITB?
4)Trippier over Bavis?
5)Other recomendations?
Cheers!
Replied last page
Very much appreciated!
no
miki
cedric
bavies
Thanks!
Decent team
1) No
2) Yes
3) Your team is fine with Bertrand but I went with Cedric
4) When he's passed fit
Looks good.
Thanks mate!
Who to be my 4th mid in a 3-4-3....
A- Mooy
B- Richarlison
C- Jese
B
B
Do the mods here get paid or do they do it for free?
There aren't any vacancies.
they get to have a little badge by their username and it makes them feel special.
Little things please little minds.
If they charge 12£ for a membership surely they get something
Symbolic
Who's more nailed on . . . Phil Jones or Blind?
Jones..i think Shaw will get his chance once he match fit
This. Could be bargin of the season
hats off to you wayne, time to call it quits.
you were treated like dirt long enough. you were expected to win world cups on your own and when it didn't happen the knives were always out, ready and waiting.
He might not of been good enough in some peoples eyes but he always tried his best so yeah hats off to him
He's a legend.
4.5m Midfield Rotation
Something which I've been pondering for a while, and decided to now opt for, is a pair of rotating 4.5m midfielders. Simply put, the money saved by spending a megre 9.0m on two spots in your team means you can pump the remaining funds into the highly desirable players, fitting them all in.
For reference, I'll be using Carroll and Loftus-Cheek as an example, as that is the pair that I have opted for.
Both of these players have performed well so far in my opinion, and have been unlucky to not score any points. Both of them look like they could rack up a good tally of assists, as well as goals. The pair are highly involved in the attacking play of their respective sides, creating plays and even having their share of set pieces.
I think the issue has been for some time that managers don't want to start a 4.5m player because of their price. If either of them had been priced 0.5m, 1.0m or even 1.5m more, we might have argued that they were overpriced. However, if the promise they have shown had translated into points, they would potentially be being looked at as a cheap 4th midfield option. It's more a mental factor of having a 4.5m player starting in your attack.
The benefits of having more funds available are obvious. The likes of Kane and Lukaku take a huge chunk out of your budget so every penny is needed. With Eriksen and Alli now entering the fold, as well as Pogba and Mhkitaryan firing on all cylinders (albeit the latter two are very reasonably priced) and a host of returning heavy hitters in the form of Hazard, Sanchez and Coutinho, it's not only going to be hard to pick a few from the bunch, but fitting the few you pick in.
As everyone's team is different, the only way I can demonstrate the savings to you is if you go into transfers now and put these two players into your side, and tinker around to see what you can come up with using the influx of cash.
Here's the fixture schedule for rotating Carroll and RLC over the next 10 matches:
SWA, NEW, SOT, WAT, whu, HUD, new, WHU, BHA, bur/EVE
It has to be said that those do look like some promising fixtures indeed, and whilst it's not like having a heavy hitter facing those sides, you can be hopeful of returns.
Yes, there are options around the 5.5m bracket like Mooy, however I personally am not sold on the idea that he can keep up such a scoring rate, and the 1.0m (even more now after his rise) really does help elsewhere. Moreover, I'm not sure how many managers would be comfortable to bench a 5.0m+ midfielder in place of a 4.5 on a regular basis, even though it may be the best thing to do.
There's also the fact that you can easily switch formation, benching both options in any given gameweek and playing a 4th defender if their fixture takes your fancy.
I personally feel this is something that should be looked at more given the current state we are in, and the limited budget we have. Yes, there are drawbacks, but that's something that comes with any decision in FPL.
What are everyone's thoughts on 4.5m midfield rotation?
Thanks for your input! I'm going this 4.5 4.5 path with TC RLC which allows me to put big hitters which I want in my team
I have the same pair 🙂
At the moment, I'm sticking with it. May reassess when I wildcard - a few mid-priced options may start to stand out and then losing a heavy hitter for a pair of them may make sense.
Great post and worthy of a hulk. You are quite correct when you say "...The issue has been for some time that managers don't want to start a 4.5m player because of their price. If either of them had been priced 0.5m, 1.0m or even 1.5m more, we might have argued that they were overpriced"
I have both and they are best served to take the pressure off defensive assets when they hit a tough fixture. For example I will probably play RLC this week rather than risk Daniels vs. City.
Precisely - the key to this game is flexibility and I feel this is the best way to build a balanced, flexible team.
This would be my go to option if I needed funds. Downgrading KDB has made this less of a priority though..
Love it. I feel bad for not recognizing it last GW for Zaha transfer.
Ah that's what I did and nearly paid off, but for that Benteke miss.
Now I have 3.0m sitting in the bank though
Yep, good.
That is exactly how I built my team, but I prefer Oriel-Romeo who is not a scoring person or even assisting but Carroll could not convince me.
I've gone with the same tactic. Totally agree a good manager makes use of every player and doesnt have a designated bench player.
you could in theory have a 4 spot, 7 way 4.5 rotation with 5x4.5 defenders and 2x4.5 mids. thats with either 3 or 4 at the back. Works a treat.
The big flaw in your argument is that it is based on these players being unlucky or looking like scoring points, but not actually doing it yet. Until they both do, I'll be sticking with one and being happy with him warming my bench
It's about hopping on players before they score the points, not after. By watching games or even highlights you can see how effective a player is.
Like with Kane for example, watching him play and looking at the stats you can see that 1 pointers are not an accurate reflection of what is to come.
sorry for off topic but awful name and grav
not a fan of felons cult
I like the name and grav.
I'll take that as a personal insult then, as it's my Christian name and also a sign of your misinformed historical knowledge
have a +1 for your name and grav (i'm serious, not being sarcastic)
Thanks mate, obviously some people don't appreciate greatness
Plus 1 from me too.
Yes i love the idea and something similar to the Def.
But having a 5.0 mid like Astu who is alot more attacking might even be worth it?
Potentially, but the principal is to really über out and get 2 players in the cheapest possible bracket.
Atsu could be a good shout, but don't fancy Newcastle and I'm not entirely sure if he will get a higher points tally than Carroll or RLC come the end of the season.
How is this any different from 4.5 playing mids in previous seasons?
people love a good "this season is different" post 😉
It isn't, but I feel the 4.5 options this season are somewhat superior to previous seasons.
Usually they are defensive midfielders who don't show much attacking threat, and will only be good for 2-3 pointers at best.
The attacking threat posed by some of the 4.5 options, as well as set pieces and potential penalties (depending on who is on the pitch, wait and see), mean they could genuinely be options for starters this time around. Not just starters, but point scorers.
Not to mention that in previous seasons we've had a plethora of budget options scoring consistently, and are waiting to see if/who that will be this time around.
Tom Carroll is priced for when Siggy was still there. Now Siggy's gone, he's inherited set pieces and an attacking position he wasn't priced for.
Likewise RLC was priced for rotting on Chelsea's bench, not for a regular spot behind Palace's striker.
So, two £4.5m mids who are massivley underpriced for the role they'll take in the team and on the pitch. No brainer.
Mesa is on some set pieces duty and with possible arrival of Clucas/Chadli they set pieces will be shared even more.
Not a fan of RLC to be honest - after 180 minutes so far just 3 touches in the box and 1 goal attempt. Of course he will deliver sooner or later but I still need time to be more confident with him in my team. Prefer Atsu with 0.5 more (I know - it is not so easy to find even 0.5)
RLC should have got an assist at the weekend had Benteke not missed a sitter ...
Could do it with Fosu-Mensah/Naughton too.
prefer TFM+Fernandez
One of the best parts of using your entire squad to play the fixtures is that you don't make as many transfers trying to keep up with the fixtures. Fewer hits chasing fixtures are hidden points for a rotating team.
I'm totally on board with this plan for my wildcard. It allows 5 big hitters in midfield and attack, and a still quite decent defence.
Great post and and reasoning. Was thinking along the same lines when ditching Zaha, but chose Mooy over RLC. Guess I fell victim to Mooy being touted on the forums and scoutcast, and also thniking Mooy might be more nailed on. Need to keep an eye on both, and possible RLC price increases.
This is very tempting.
Would give me £2.4m in the bank and that will come in handy id KDB blanks against Bournemouth and Sanchez is back after the IB!
Great post. I have gone for the same combination. Was forced into it by needing funds to upgrade another mid but when I saw the fixture rotation I was pleasantly surprised
I'm rotating between Daniels (433) and Chalobah/Carroll (343). Provides quite a strong bench which is nice
Yep, completely agree. Started the season playing 4-3-3 with Romeu and Carroll as 4.5 mids, and Francis and Naughton as 4.5 defs. Can swap between 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 as I wish regarding a gameweeks fixtures.
This week though, wondering which to start out of Naughton and Carroll? Do we see Naughton more likley to keep a clean sheet, or Carroll to assist?
Latter
Cool cheers. Swansea have conceded a lot of shots haven't they.
Been on it from start - RLC probably the only thing I've got right he looks great value..
Anyone see Calvert-Lewin potentially as a rotation with RLC and Co?
I've had that combo since GW1 and their returns have justified their 4.5MM prices! Still, Ruben Loftus bum-cheek does pass the eye test and given Swans improving schedule I'll probably hold for a bit.
Liking this idea. My team would look like this:
Foster (Elliot)
Alonso Cedric Hegazi (Schindler Mbemba)
Eriksen Mane Mkhi RLC (Carroll)
Lukaku Kane Mounie
Any comments? Would probably rotate Elliot as well.
Thanks!
Very nice indeed; is that a WC team?
It sure is!
I'd be tempted to go Mounie > Calvert Lewin and upgrade One of your bench players to a 5.5 or a 5m and play 4-4-2 with the option to rotate Carroll,RLC and DCL
Good point. Who would you upgrade? Schindler --> Davies looks nice
That looks good.
I think this is the way to go. I have JWP and he looks like he wont start this week so I am probably playing both and saving a transfer as I also have Clark as backup at home to West Ham. So I think it shows how flexible it is having both of those, since in a week where many are wildcarding I can still manage to save a transfer.
Considering as I'm on a WC but this tactic doesn't allow for having players in the 6m bracket like Jesé,Rich,Tadic.
Assuming the first 3 midfielders will be big hitters.
This. If I'm looking at 1 Pool/Spurs mid, 1 Man Utd mid, 1 huge hitter (Sanchez/KdB/Hazard), then I'm totally pricing myself out of the whole 5M-7M bracket in which we've had great value before, and I'm sure will continue to.
This strategy I think works better for players who are going with 3 premium forwards, which would mean 2 big-hitting mids, 1 budget mid, and 2 uber-cheapies.
I agree. Looked at it. I have 1.5m left with this front 8.
Erikson,Miki,Rich,Carroll,RLC
Kane,Lukaku,Chicarito
The question is do I use the 1.5 to go Chich > Firmino?
Rich > Ramsey and bank 0.5.
I'd keep those 8 for now and fix anything if required in defence or keep the cash in the bank.
At the moment my back line is
Foster, Elliot
Alonso,Jones,Trippier,Hegazi,Lowe
Of course Jones and Trippier will be deadline decisions.
I probably could downgrade Hegazi or Lowe to a 4.0.
On WC so want all players as starters at this point.
Since you have 1.5ITB, maybe upgrade Hegazi instead? Say to Bertrand or at least to Dawson.
This did cross my mind. Maybe Maguire or Bertrand.
If Jones is out he could be Bailly as well
Tc and RLC already in my team from day one, plus a further step of rotating those two with my 4.5 mill defenders Mee and Francis. Each week I go for the best fixtures for two out of the four.
RLC's nailedness is doubtful and yes, he created one good chance for Benteke... TC, too, looks like a one assist per game kind of player. But is that enough to grant them constant rotation or is that wishful thinking?
Besides, just like with the 4.5 keeper rotation, there's probably a good chance you'll get it wrong, when they do actually score points.
For me, ultimately, it's the question of RLC+Chicharito or Jese+Mounie and I prefer the latter.
In practical terms it facilitates a transfer of following:
Mid[7.0 + 7.0] + Def[5.5] -> Pogba/Mkhi + 4.5 + Alonso
Mid[7.0 + 6.0] + Def[6.5] -> Pogba/Mkhi + 4.5 + Alonso
Very nearly went for this at the start of the season but went for Carrol and JWP. Contemplating revisiting it as I'm starting Carrol this week anyway.
I went crazy and have started season with three 4.5 mids
Good post. I have four 4.5 mids
Great post Roddy! I asked the same question to the scouts, but apparently these kind of questions are more suited to HTs:
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/08/22/line-up-lessons-gameweek-2-part-two/?hc_page=1#hc_comment_16279414
I was wanting to know if there people were warming to the idea now that we have seen the 4.5 mids in action. I first started the conversation on the possible value in the 4.5 mids here:
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/07/17/scout-notes-pre-season-5/?hc_page=10#hc_comment_15887941
I'm sure I wasn't the first to consider the idea, but I'm glad to see some discussion on the matter. I personally started the season with three 4.5ers (+Iwobi!).
Some of the original justification behind the idea besides included the ability to avoid all midfielders below 9m, who I had no faith in whatsoever, except for the mandatory spend of 4.5m (Actually I owned no mids between 5.5 and 10m). This was despite the seeming consensus flexibility in the midfield was essential, and that the ~7.0m options granted us that flexibility (of course people also managed to justify their picks on their own terms, whether legitimately or not).*
Another reason for this tactic was the potential of players at this price to increase in price. If I have three of them, I thought, I'm more likely to have choosen a 4.5 mid that returns early doors, who many managers will look to buy in order to fund movers elsewhere (e.g. to buy mids who cost more than 7.0m). Likewise they might want to jump on the bandwagon to catch the price rises, meanwhile wasting transfers relative to myself, who already owns that player. We saw this effect only slightly with Cork from GW 1. He didn't rise, but he's also the least sexy option. I've transfered him in regardless since he's nearest a price rise, and attacking returns are still as likely as many 5.0 options. (Also I get to have 2FTs dor the international break).
However, the main reason is (potential) value. As Rodellegabomb says (great name; it wasn't pronounced well on the Scoutcast ;P ), "he benefits of having more funds available are obvious". It's just a shame that discussion was often shuut down when I spoke about it, even to the point of bullying essentially (even a mod joined in). I won't cry about it here. Let's just talk about ideas. Again, thanks for the post 🙂
*Come GW2, it didn't seem like this flexibility was serving many people yet, with many people unable to find a replacement for Zaha they were happy with. Come GW3, we have the emergence of Jese and Richarlison, who both come with hefty caveats. The only great option for value at 7.0 or below is Ramsey, in my view, but people are even wanting to sell him. Whereas the 'emergence' of Alonso as a decent option has left many wondering why they chose flexibility in midfield rather than defence, and semi-worship of the semi-mythical midfield flexibility meme seems to have been a contributing factor in many early WCs. (All a generaliastion, no offence intended).
My main regret is succumbing slightly to the crowd pressure by selecting a 5.5 mid to join my three 4.5s, rather than another 4.5er! If I had got with my original plan of four 4.5 mids + Lukaku (instead of Jesus), I'd be 35 points better off!
Okay, I actually liked taking the risk on Iwobi, and I thought Jesus could be better value than Lukaku 😀 Anyway, the point is that the freed up funds can do wonders 🙂
It could be gold and many of my pre-season drafts contained both of those. I'm glad I didn't go with it thus far as one plays for SWA and the other plays for Palace. Palace may well improve sooner rather than later (but RLC is by no means nailed on), SWA probably not! Prefer a better 4th mid tbh.
It's prob the way to go if you want both Kane & Lukaku in your team though I must admit. If Hazard and Sanchez were in contention I think many more would be going down this route. GL!
All the cool kids went this route after the Zaha injury
I tried it with three of them for GW1 and it left me too exposed and reliant on the other ten players, only took for a few of them not to haul for an average week of points.
Am currently on two and doubt I'll play them but don't see much difference to having 4.5 defenders from teams who won't keep many clean sheets, only problem is that it wastes a spot that could have a high ceiling for points.
Cramming your team with big hitters at the expense of the rest of your team is a nice idea in theory but you need a lot of luck if it don't click, Kane, Jesus and Lukaku frontlines have been disastrous so far for example.
I've had the same rotating 4.5's since the start, along with a solid 5.0 defender (Daniels) so two of them get played each week.
No points so far (lol) but I'm sticking with it, think it could be profitable!
Mine is those two plus Daniels, Lowe and Mee. 2 or 3 play each week.
Hey guys, using my WC this week, what do we think of this:
Foster (Elliott)
Alonso, Trippier, Davies, (Mbemba, Long)
Mkhitaryan, Pogba, Eriksen, Richarlison (Loftus-Cheek)
Lukaku, Jesus, Chicharito
Colback looks like he'll drop to 4.4 so might swap RLC with him. I'll then have 0.8ITB so plan is to sell Davies at 0.1 profit and get Mendy when he's back and has dropped to 6.4. Thoughts?
You need at least one playing sub defender if on a wc imo
This
Get Kane and downgrade the defence
Thinking of a Firmino downgrade to Chicarito before the deadline..
Thoughts on this?
These are some moves I have in mind over the coming weeks.
Debating whether to just save the FT for now or make a transfer this GW.
Out-In
Firmino- Chica (Decent fixture this GW and it saves cash).
KDB- Eriksen (1 last chance for KDB before inevitable offload).
Willian- Mkhi/Pogba (Leaning towards Mkhi but will wait another GW).
JWP- Richarlison/Jese (Not priority)
Elliot.
Kolasinac, Jones, Yoshida.
Willian, KDB, Ramsey, JWP.
Kane(c), Lukaku (vc), Firmino.
Begovic, Carroll, Mee, Dummett.
Have 1ft, 0.0m.
Any transfers I should make:
Forster
Yoshida Kompany Dawson
KDB Ince Salah Willian
Lukaku Kane Jesus
Not really. I'd save a transfer and consider KDB and Willian out next week if they blank/rotated.
What was I thinking going for Aguero over Lukaku at the start of the season!
Lukaku has massively punished me so far and now his price has risen to 11.7, don't know whether to bring him in next week or not. Aguero has Liverpool but then Watford and Palace
Get Lukaku.
Ha.
Just get Lukaku.
That choopu mooting guy looked good against Arsenal. Maybe him over Jese?
Nah
Only 1FT and 0.0ITB would rather not use WC so early. But ... tempted as I had such a shocker GW2 (26pts!). Thoughts on current team?
DDG (Elliot)
Bertrand, Daniels, Kolasinac (Mee, Rangel)
KDB, Salah, Ramsey, Atsu (Carroll)
Kane, Lukaku, Mounie
Was just about to take a -4 hit to do KDB>Pogba and Daniels>Alonso but I'm 0.1m short!!!
Cheers
I'd just do Daniels > West Brom defender and leave it for another week. The GW was bad for (almost) everyone else too.
Any chance Hazard drops to 10.4 before he's back? Currently on -77.6
If he isn't fit for this weekend, there's a good chance
This weekend may be
lets hope so
Foster (Elliot)
Stephens Danilo Davies (Mee, Hunemeier)
Zaha De Bruyne Willian Ritchie (Carroll)
Lukaku Kane Firmino
2 FT 0.0 ITB
Haven't really gotten in the flow of things. What moves would you do?
Zaha is injured and Danilo is not nailed but he will replace walker while he suspended i should think
Yep, I honestly don't know who to get in for Zaha though.
anyone but zaha
How to afford Pogba as he will have a price rise again tonight??
Got 0.4 ITB....
Foster
Hegazi/ Bertrand/ Kola
KDB/ Mooy/ Salah/ T Carroll
Firmino/ Kane(c)/ Lukaku
Bench:: Elliot/ Atsu/ Suttner/ KLong
Sell KDB or Salah if you really want him
Salah is an option as I already have Firmino..... KDB faces BOU
sell salah
Good idea to save the ft over the international break?
Or would you skip Ritchie/Kompany?
Foster
Bertrand - Kompany - Kolasinac
RLC - Ritchie - KdB - Mhiki
Kane(C) - Lukaku - Firmino
Elliot - Tarroll - Lejeune - Hunmeier
Any chance Chica rises by another .1 or Kane drop.1?
Kane will not drop this Week
no and no but potential for next week
Any idea who else is expected to drop?
fplstatistics.co.uk
Begovic (Elliott)
Ake, Lowe, Stephens (Suttner, Long)
KDB, Willian, Redmond, Miki (Carrol)
Lukaku, Kane (c), Firmino
2FT, 0ITB
1. Willian > Antonio
2. KDB > Eriksen
3. Ake > Dawson/Hegazi/Jones (and which one)
4. Redmond > Richarlison
Thinking 1,3 and 4 or 1,2 and 3
3 and toss a coin
I've already done (2) and think I might take a hit to do (3) as well.
Given you don't have Foster in goal, I'd be tempted to do Ake > Dawson. Least prone to rotation.
Thoughts on Alonso guys? I'm not sure if u should splash out the cash for him, he does look like he was playing very high up...
If Chelsea don't sign anyone else for that position then I want him.
he is a defender playing as a wing back in midfield
Is Hegazi still a strong option to bring in or should we look to push to Dawson/Jones?
close to rising again so people want him for something
If you are Wildcarding I would seriously consider Fer as an option.
Played well against Utd. and was unlucky not to score. Bagged a brace last night and again played great. Swans fixtures not too bad either
not a bad shout
Not seen him in one team. Strange.
Yep, nice option. Many have Carroll and weren't keen on 2 Swans midfielders I guess
He reminds me a little of Cabaye at Newcastle a few seasons back. Got him in early and he just kept producing every week
Yes, he caught my eye last season too. I'm packing my m/f with heavies so can't fit him in, but this may change.
Which pair?
A) Zanka + KDB
B) Danilo + Silva +1.0
None
Hard to say without seeing the rest of your team, but A).
I'd prefer a 5.0 and Eriksen though.
Anything that don't involve danilo
In some doubt here..
Salah started with a price of 9.0 and rose to 9.1. Ofc i didn't get the price hike and i can sell him for 9.0. But he's gonna have a fall in price. Does that mean I'll be able to sell him for 8.9 and not 9.0 later?
Who would you rather play out of these two?
1. Monreal (liv)
2. TAA (ARS)
Don't feel that either will keep a clean sheet, so is it worth TAA as on corners, free kicks? Will watch the game tonight so see how he plays.
Alonso and Ramsey or Bailly and David Silva?
First pair. Alonso is basically a 6th mid.
Thanks
Would appreciate thoughts on my current team - I know I'm not a regular on here but looking for wisdom!
DDG (Elliot)
Bertrand, Daniels, Kolasinac (Mee, Rangel)
KDB, Salah, Ramsey, Atsu (Carroll)
Kane, Lukaku, Mounie
Only 1FT and 0.0ITB would rather not use WC so early. But ... tempted as I had such a shocker GW2 (26pts!)
Was just about to take a -4 hit to do KDB>Pogba and Daniels>Alonso but I'm 0.1m short!!!
Cheers
Daniels > Jones/Dawson.
Any recommendations on how to spend the last 1,4 ITB?
Have no FT back. Should I just stay put?
My team is:
DDG (Elliot)
Kompany - Bertrand - Davies (Daniels, Long)
Eriksen - Pogba - Willian - Atsu (Carroll)
Lukaku - Jesus - Gabbi
Anyone got that Richarlison guy yet?
yup loads
yeah
A few. I'd give it a week or 2 and re-assess
Trippier or Davies?
Tadic or Jese?
6 years, 8 months agoHi, on WC, please choose better option A or B and why?
A. Salah + Chicarito
B. Firmino + Willian/Ramsey + 0,6m
Thank you.