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The Technical Area – Firmino’s Opening Gameweeks

Heading into the 2017/18 season, the Fantasy Premier League reclassification of Roberto Firmino from midfielder to forward was a source of much chatter.

Three Gameweeks in and Firmino has made fools of those of us who shied away.

The Brazilian sits joint-top in the overall standings on 26 points, having notched two goals, a pair assists, and twice taken home a maximum bonus points haul. Indeed, only Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (106) leads Firmino (101) in the Bonus Points System (BPS) to date.

Over this international break, interest in the Liverpool man has been understandably high. He has experienced one price hike already (from 8.5 to 8.6), and could possibly rise again between now and the Gameweek 4 deadline.

With Liverpool in rampant form – as evidenced by last week’s 4-0 demolition of Arsenal – Firmino offers managers an opportunity to save valuable funds by downgrading a premium forward option to a lower-priced alternative who has hitherto managed to outperform his more expensive rivals.

Here in the Technical Area, we thought that this week represented a good opportunity to dig into Firmino’s game in greater depth.

Specifically, we will be exploring how his profile compares to that of other FPL forwards and whether that early-season form can continue as the campaign unfolds.

2,697 Comments Post a Comment
  1. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi DZ, what should I do with Willian? I have already taken a hit (Gabbi, Dann > Firmino, Jones) and will not be taking another.

    Start 1:
    A) Willian
    B) Carrol
    C) Stephens (double Southampton)

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      start willian

  2. Foozeball
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Jonny Evans or Dawson?

    Cedric or Yoshida?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Cedric. Yoshida could lose starts to Hoedt and VVD.

    2. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Evans will possible get his spot back but it's tough to say.

      Cedric, definitely. Yoshida and Stephens...one will go.

  3. Ser Bronn of The Blackwater
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Mane or Mhki?

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mane, however they're tough to compare without the rest of your team, and some price difference there.

      1. Ser Bronn of The Blackwater
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        DDG
        Hegazi Cedric Davies
        KDB Salah Ince
        Gabbiadini Lukaku Kane

        Elliot Richarlison Carroll Rangel

        0.5 ITB

        1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          so mane then as u dont have any pool player

  4. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is it worth switching Kane for Lukaku just for this week? Then bringing him back for game week 5? Do you guys really think he will score against Everton away?

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      That's not worth it, in my opinion. 2 transfers to do this, surely you'll want to solve something else.

    2. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      No. Nobody knows if he will score against Everton away but it is still Everton and not Real Madrid. Stoke and Everton can be equally resolute or equally bad depending on the week. No guarantees a move will pay off and you'll waste 2 transfers in the process.

    3. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I have Stones and PVA to switch out probably for Jones and Naughton. Best to do this with my 2FT instead correct?

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Those two transfers surely look like sure things to me. Frees up some $ as well.

    4. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If you want a 1 week punt surely Lacazette is better

      1. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Honestly Laca looks a little lightweight for the Prem for me. I can see him being a bust for this season.

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Physically he's similar to Aguero imo, shouldn't be a problem

          1. Red Dagger ✪
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            True. He does look really sharp. Will probably be great if Wenger doesn't keep him on the bench 😉

  5. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What ever happened to that cute ol' price bot puppy?

    1. Diva
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Retired to a secluded farm in the country.

      1. Francescoli
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        🙁

  6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Lindelof to be good value when Jones gets injured?

    1. Slam
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      We'll cross that bridge when it comes mate

    2. I am 42
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      can united keep cs without jones?

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Imagine saying that one before the Lindelof signing 😆

  7. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Seems like there will be no more price rises before Friday this week. Really different algorithm this year, compared to last year.

    1. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      It's pretty much identical. Some price falls on low ownership players while the national teams are playing. The rest stay the same due to a low non-WC transfer volume.

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        This.

  8. Corona Macallan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A Luka Eriksen
    B Kane Pogba

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

  9. soccercards.com
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Why no love for Fabregas?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gametime issue

  10. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Ashley Williams!

  11. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I dont get this on fplstats:
    delta target
    Alli Spurs M A 34.9 £9.5m 0 190084 -7.3

    Now he need 190084 transfers to go up 0.1 or to go down?

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      *delta////////target
      190084 -7.3

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      190084 for a fall.

    3. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      To go down. -

    4. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ta all,so he is well protected.

  12. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team guys ?

    Foster

    Jones - Cedric - Mee - Naughton

    Salah - Eriksen - Pogba

    Kane - Lukaku - Firmino

    (Elliot - Carroll - Chalobah - Mbemba)

    Any feedback welcome?
    Tnks

    1. hemil_3000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I would remove 1 of Kane or Kaku to get Morata and change 1 defender to Alonso.

    2. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alli over Erikson?

  13. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If a defender gets a red card (direct or not), does that cancel his amount of yellow cards ?

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ya

  14. sodom85
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    1.Is Holgate nailed if he fit?
    2.Is he worth to be 4th def?
    Cheers.

    1. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      More depending on Coleman and maybe Funes Mori I guess.

  15. aaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Lost a bet with a friend. I had Carroll captain this week, who beat Kane, Kaku, Aguero.
    This week i have Kompany.

    No more beta after this 🙁

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bets*

  16. Expected Toulouse
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on the following players as options once their fixtures turn soon:
    Rooney, Keane, Pickford
    Vardy, Mahrez, Maguire

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Would really be interested in Pickford

    2. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      read my mind. i've made a few suggestions below. not sure i can trust the pig...

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer Sigurdsson and Williams

      1. Expected Toulouse
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah forgot about Siggy. Will be interesting to see how he goes.

    4. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Got my eye on Everton Defenders when their fixtures turn.

  17. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Mkhi Salah Willian Atsu Carroll
    Lukaku Kane Firmino

    Is it good to stick with that front 8 right now?

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      GTG

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Points galore

  18. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Players we'll want for gw6 and the fixture shift

    Maguire, Keane/Jags, Siggy, Mahrez, Vardy, Morata, Hazard

    Any others?

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Rooney

    2. Expected Toulouse
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe Lacazette or Kolasinac.

  19. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    For those who haven't used their WC, any GW you are looking to play it or just whenever it seems right?

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Late december. There is so much of rotation and goals flowing!

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        You'll be doing well if you save it for then.

      2. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        That is really the ideal time...but this new chip could make Xmas changes quick and easy for a week.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Whenever it seems right I guess.

      Maybe when Southampton's fixtures turn tricky or multiple injuries/suspensions

    3. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      if i hadn't played it after the opening gameweek, i'd definitely play it gw6. A riff of this:
      Pickford
      Keane, Maguire, Alonso
      Mahrez, Siggy, Willian, Mane
      Vardy, Kane, Morata

      1. IWR
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Nice

    4. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Second IB most probably. Even if my team would be ok I think I will use it thst time due to biggest price risers that this IB, to get some money. Of course if my team would be fantantastic (which I doubt) and no much risers that time ( doubt that too) maybe late december but it's more like a wish than a serious plan.

    5. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Second IB probably or try to hold a little bit longer.

    6. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Only when I need it. If I can get through the next break without having to use it I suspect I'll have it for a while.

    7. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty much when it seems right...and itd likely be in response to a big fixture shift plus form of current players.

    8. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Second IB was always the plan

  20. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Best pick?

    1. Mane + Richarlison + Forster + 4.5m def
    2. Salah + Chalobah + Fabianksi + Alonso

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      2

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      2 unless you play all 4 each GW.

      1. KGFC
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'll probably go with a 433 benching TC and Chalobah. Will play with one 4.5m def though. The way I see, a 4.5m def has more probability to give me better returns than a 4.5m mid.

  21. jose1
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Knee Jerk of the season so far - Kirean Trippier!!!!

  22. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who to play this week:
    A) Naughton (NEW)
    B) Hegazi (bha)

    1. IWR
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tough one. A, just.

      1. Francescoli
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I know right. I'm currently on Hegazi mainly due to the fact that Newcastle scored three last week and Brighton couldn't find the net...

        1. IWR
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah I'd like to be playing both in your shoes. No one else in your squad bench worthy?

          1. Francescoli
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            My other defenders are Jones, Yoshida and Mbemba. Mbemba currently on the bench. Jones and Yoshida should have good games against Stoke and Watford... Hegazi and Naughton battling for the final spot.

            Other option is to bench Xhaka and play 433. Although I believe Xhaka will be a good shout against Bournemouth. He's got great stats.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

  23. IWR
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster (Elliot)
    Davies / Cedric / Jones / Hegazi (Mbemba)
    Mane (C) / Eriksen / Pogba (Carroll / RLC)
    Lukaku / Firm / Chich

    4.0 ITB

    Super torn on whether to try and generate another 1.4 to get Chich to Kane gradually or just spend the 4.0 on a Carroll/RLC upgrade?

    1. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      You could start preparing yourself for the GW6 shift in fixtures and get Siggy in early. Could you potentially do Eriksen down to Siggy and Chich up to Kane?

      1. IWR
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Almost! 0.2 off.

        I do want to start planning ahead so I'm definitely thinking about Mahrez and Siggy.

        I feel like I'll 100% want Kane next week. Sucks to lose Erik but you can't have them all.

      2. IWR
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the Eriksen-Siggy shout. Hadn't considered it.

        The 0.2 could be found by Hegazi-Naughton leaving:

        Foster (Elliot)
        Jones / Davies / Cedric / Naughton (Mbemba)
        Mane / Siggy / Pogba (RLC/TC)
        Kane / Lukaku / Firm

        1. Francescoli
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          that looks good.

          also worth looking at leicester and everton defenders from gw6.

          1. IWR
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Absolutely. I like Keane and Maguire, hopefully Maguire is still close to 5.1 by then

  24. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Best pick .. a or b ?

    a) alonso & morata

    b) cedric & kane

    Tnks

    1. IWR
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like B, but damn that's tough.

  25. Salah
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hey lads.Would you give hold onto Ritchie if you had him?He ranks pretty high in the ICT Index and has 3 good fixtures coming up.

    1. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

  26. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone looking at Brighton/Newcastle defensive rotation? Gives following run of home games:

    WBM, STO, NEW, LIV, EVE, PAL, SOU, BOU, STO, WAT, PAL

    Ryan, Elliott looks good for GK combo... if Krul wins a place, even better 🙂

    1. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thats a nice rotation, but boy, those defenses are poor thus far. I hate trying to rely on just save points.

  27. Angin out the Begović
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Gabbiadini to Firmino -4 ? i have Mane

    1. Twelve years a slave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I would say not

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I have Gabbiadini and he in last chance saloon, but does not look right taking a hit to remove before a decent fixture, especially with pool away at City

        1. Angin out the Begović
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          sound

  28. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    not for me .. gabbi has a good fixture

  29. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is this too risky?

    Elliot (Krul)
    Jones Hegazi Naughton (Mbemba, Rosenior)
    Eriksen Salah Mkhitaryan Loftus-Cheek (Carroll)
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      yes

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      On WC? Yes
      Before WC? No

  30. UpAndAway
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    On WC - worth dropping Mooy (losing 0.1 in value) for Brady?