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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. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Money no object....Which 3 defenders would you have?

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

      Alonso Bailly Davies

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think it will end up being Alonso, Kolasinac, and either of Azpi or Valencia (who is nailed into a good defence whilst being a bit rubbish at attacking returns recently).

    3. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alonso - Valencia - Aurier

    4. MTPockets
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Alonso, Kolasinac, Valencia

      • Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Alonso, Alder and Kompany.

      • danishdynamite
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Alonso, Mendy, Kola

    5. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Massive shame neither TAA or Gomez are not nailed.. BUT, are those wildcarding tempted to put one in anyway, or is that just creating an unnecessary problem? They may not come on if they don’t start so as long as you have four other defenders then may be worth it. If I was wildcarding, I’d definitely be considering it.

      Liverpool and defence are words that don’t often go together, but Gomez got attacking returns last game and TAA would be on some set pieces (unless Coutinho is on the pitch). I think the risk would have potential.

      1. Basil1977
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Clyne has been left out of the Liverpool champs league squad, which gives both players a great chance to make the postion there own. (on going injury) With Moreno and Robertson both available for under 5 mill. Lots to watch with the liverpool defence. Not sure who is nailed thou.

        1. Bouncebackability
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          None are nailed, but the upside has potential as long as you have a decent bench elsewhere. It is one thing having a 4m non playing defender but if you can stretch another .5 for a rotation risk who could potentially get double figures, it may be worth it.

      2. MTPockets
          6 years, 8 months ago

          No - breaks my no liverpool defenders policy.

          1. Bouncebackability
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I would normally have that policy as Lovren has been the cheapest option previously – But at 4.5 I think that policy needs to be looked at again at least. I guess you argue to include Moreno (gulps) in the discussion at 4.5m.

            1. MTPockets
                6 years, 8 months ago

                It's partly previous let downs/value. But also prefer not to use up spot for defender given attacking options.

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

            7 clean sheets in 9 games isn't it?

        • Basil1977
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Advise needed please?
          I have had the best start i've ever had to a season, and want to carry on the form, i have 2 FT's but i have 0.0 itb. current squad
          Foster Elliott
          Cedric Davies Blind Mee Hunemeier
          Salah Alli Willian Tadic Carrol
          Lukaku Jesus Firmino

          Worried about Jesus rotation and Willian game time with Hazard returning.
          A) Jesus to Morata and roll over transfer.
          B) Jesus to Morata and Willian to Ramsey (Arsenal cover great fixtures/poor form)
          C) Something else? Might take a hit giving 3 transfers.

          1. Luca Toni
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            A is the only viable option ..

            1. Basil1977
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              thank you for the reply

          2. Bouncebackability
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Would be tempted to ditch Willian for a someone cheaper. Brady maybe, home fixtures are sweet.

            Or even ditch the 4mill Hun and get Mbemba – Won’t be nailed for too long, but will protect you from losing .1 shortly and if nothing else is screaming at you and you have 2FT then why not.

            1. Basil1977
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              thank you for the reply. Not to bothered about losing 0.1 on Hun for Mbemba would rather roll over a transfer. You never know what injuries or suspenions are round the corner, then worry about losing 0.1

              1. Bouncebackability
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                But you have 2FT and need to use one. Otherwise yes, definitely don't waste a transfer on that move

        • The Mighty Whites
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          on WC, 0.2 itb, thoughts?

          Foster, Elliot

          Jones, Cedric, Naughton, Lowton, Lowe

          Mane, Alli, Pogba, Atsu, Carroll

          Kane, Morata, Firmino

          1. FPL Hitman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Nice team.

          2. Basil1977
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            looks good

        • SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Aguero -> Lacazette for a FT

          Yes or No? Would plan on Captaining Lacazette

          1. FPL Hitman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            It is risky and could pay off yes, but what about the week after? Don't they have a tough fixture?

            1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah we have Chelsea away after, but then double Home Fixtures against West Brom & Brighton

              1. FPL Hitman
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                By that time, we would gain clarity as to who plays upfront - Laca, Welbeck or Giroud

                1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  The Europa League will of started then, reckon Welbeck will play in those games & Lacazette will get a break, we haven't signed a 50m ST to put on the bench imo

        • Alexis Nonsense
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          If Alli is punished for giving the finger, it won't affect PL right?

          1. FPL Hitman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            No, the PL will go on as usual.

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

            It will affect FPL though, in a positive way !

          3. Tommyg
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            It might. Other have been given game bans for doing similar, like Ronaldo.

        • Heavy Data
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Agonising over what team to pick. HELP!!!!!!

          A)

          Forster
          Bailly-Alonso-Cedric
          Alli-Miki-Salah-Eriksen-Pogba
          Mounie-Firminio

          B)

          Forster
          Jones-Alonso-Cedric
          Richarlison-Miki-Eriksen-Cork
          Firminio-Lukaku-Kane

          C)

          DDG
          Cedric-Hegazi-Alonso
          Pogba-Alli-Miki-D.Silva-Salah
          Kane-Mounie-Firminio

          1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            C

          2. Basil1977
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            b for me love that team ofter then cork can you raise an extra 0.5 for astu?

            1. Heavy Data
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I could swap Forster to Foster and then do Cork to Astu

        • Sweden11
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Is Trippier + KdB + Jesus --> Naughton + Pogba + Kane -8 worth it?

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            No just do KDB to Pogba

        • Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Is Bavies likely to play this GW? I have 1FT and want 4 strong playing defenders. Currently have:
          Bavies, Jones, Alonso, Hegazi, Mbemba

          Bavies > Naughton/Yoshi/Cedric or save the FT and hope he plays?

          1. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Save. No reason he doesn't play.

          2. MASTER ROSHI
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I don't see any reason for him not to play... Rose still isn't back

        • Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Help needed - captain choice has jumped between about 6 players this GW:

          A) Alonso (lei)
          B) Kolasinac (BOU)
          C) Mkhitaryan (stk)
          D) Pogba (stk)
          E) Eriksen (eve)
          F) Firmino (mci)
          G) Chicharito (HUD)
          H) Kane (eve)

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            C

          2. ryacoo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            H or G

          3. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            C

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

            Firmino (only if no Kompany) or Lukaku for me. Would be tempted by Kane if I had him but think Everton will be stronger this week now that they haven't played Euro league qualifiers before PL match

          5. Tommyg
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            C or H

          6. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Interesting - was expecting a spread of opinion, it is currently on Mkhitaryan but not sure how I feel about it.

        • IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Any improvements to be had here?

          Fabianski Elliott
          Alonso Bertrand Jones Hegazi Holgate
          Eriksen Salah Mkhi Brady Carroll
          Kane Firmino Chicarito

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Hegazi and Fabianski to Naughton and Foster might be more secure. Can see WBA back line moving towards being

            Nyom Dawson Evans Gibbs

          2. Tommyg
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Well balanced team. Can't see anything obviously wrong. Heg might lose his place and holgate might also be dropped, but I'm guessing you know that already and they are picks chosen because of budget restrain.

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Possibly. I got Hegazi at 4.5 so could trade him out for two nailed 4.5

          3. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Who you captaining this week?

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Arry! Even as a toffees fan

              1. Miguel Sanchez
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Did you catch the England game yesterday - he looked a bit off the pace still and I rate your CBs

                1. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Yeah but surely he has to start converting opportunities. Salah could be a sneaky pick! Who are you weighing up?

                  1. Miguel Sanchez
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 8 months ago

                    Asked above and no real consensus but seems like its on Mkhitaryan

        • ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Which way would you go on WC:
          A) Mee, Chalobah/Carroll (4th mid), Lukaku
          B) Alonso, Pogba, Abraham

          1. Tommyg
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            With A you gain a captain but with b you gain overall points.

            Flip a coin.

          2. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            B

          3. FC nelo
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Looking at that I think B will give you more points. Alonso/Pogba you will play each week without a doubt.

          4. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            B.

        • FPL Hitman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Is there any possibility I will feature in Season 8?

          1. Chenku╰☆╮
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            No

            1. FPL Hitman
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              *Disappointed*

        • The Mighty Whites
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Steven Davis or Atsu?

          1. The Mighty Whites
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            or Fernandinho?

          2. Chenku╰☆╮
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Davis fixtures

          3. Leeds-Utd
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Atsu.

          4. Jam0sh
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Atsu

        • Champione
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Play one
          A) PVA
          B) Mee
          C) Carroll

          1. FPL Hitman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Mee

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

              cheers

        • rnrd
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          what is your opinion on knockaert ?
          Fixtures look quite good

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

            don't think Brighton will score many goals personally. Prefer Ritchie

        • FC nelo
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Going Kane less, what do you think of this for a WC?
          Going for 4,5s in the back to get a strong front 7.

          Foster
          Dunk / Mee / Naughton
          D. Silva / Miki / Eriksen / Salah
          Morata / Lukaku / Firmino

          (Elliott / Carroll / Schindler / Mbemba)

          Is this enough to not play Kane, or is he essential?

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Too weak at the back and D.Silva will prob start seeing some random rotation soon enough

            1. FC nelo
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Okey, yes, Silva is the one I am not sure about. Might upgrade Morata to Kane, downgrade Alli and upgrade a 4,5 to Alonso instead.
              Although, a week back I don't mind, thinking that rotating five players at the back to provide a strong front seven can be the way to go. Unless you have someone like Alonso.

          2. FPL Hitman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            D.Silva may lose minutes around CL time.

          3. LC1
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Downgrade Silva and upgrade some defenders

        • Elwood
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Will there be a scoutcast today - no Hot topic yet.

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yes. Get excited

          2. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Knowing Jonty he's probably waiting for the new article.

        • Jam0sh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Which one would you play?

          A) T.Carroll (NEW)
          B) Fraser (ars)
          C) Suttner (WBA)

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

            Similar for me I'm going with carroll

          2. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            A

          3. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            C. Just.

        • Erez Avni
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          any suggestions?

          Foster (Elliot)

          Alonso - Jones - Cedric (Mbemba, Rangel)

          Alli - Salah - Pogba - Atsu (Carroll)

          Lukaku - Firmino - morata

          Cheers!

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

            Great team, man! Maybe Lössl for Foster, but he's fixtures aren't great indeed

          2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            you need a reliable bench...good team though

          3. FC nelo
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I'd downgrade Cedric to a 4,5 and upgrade Rangel to a 4,5 to be certain to have a playing back 3 for multieple weeks to come.
            Otherwise looks really nice.

        • EWH2020
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Who to get for Trippier?

          Current Defence:

          Jones, Alonso, Zanka, Mbemba

          £6.5m to spend

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

            Naughton.

          2. Elwood
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Bertrand or Cedric

          3. Bafana
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I got Kolasinac. Is nailed now Ox is gone. Arsenal defense sucks (but will get better), but at least he's gonna bring great attacking returns

          4. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Cedric?

        • Elwood
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Excellent technical area post, cheers Prokoptas

        • Swinner
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I only have firminho and have been pleased to own fromday 1. After ditching kdb on WC I've gone double Manu - Pogba, Mak with Dele for value rather than Liverpool for a better lottery odds imo than Liv mids. Have Lukaka so high scoring Manu big hitters are covered. Lower price Manu miss enables Alonso. If Kane drops 0.3 and he also comes into play as a swop for Lukaka enabling Manu def cover from De Gea

          1. FER FUSCH AKE
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            dude!!!!

          2. Elwood
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            It doesn't look like Kane will go down 0.3

            He hasn't gone down 0.1 yet . . .

        • klavan
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          On WC
          Foster, Elliot
          Alonso, Cedric, Jones, Naughton ( Lowe)
          Salah, Mikhi, Pogba, (RLC, Carroll)
          Kane, Morata, Firmino

          Is this midfield weak?

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Not if you plan to play 4-3-3 most weeks.

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

            I think you're missing Alli/Eriksen, but it's still a good team imo

        • Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          hello Y'all,

          advice appreciated.

          Henn
          Danilo-Stephens- Tripp
          Salah-Eriksen-Atsu-KDB*
          Abrahams-Kaku-Jesus

          Elliott-T Carroll-Suttner-Mariappa

          Will transfer - KDB > Mhki.

          This will leave me 3.2 in the bank.

          Is it worth a -4 for a further transfer.

          Danilo > Blind/Jones - Hegazi/Evans/Gibbs. Any one else?. I would be tempted by Alonso but I think I want to do - Abraham > Firmino next week.

        • Ode
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          On a wild card, which do you think is the best option:

          A) Double Spurs mids & no Kane
          B) Double ManU mids & no Lukaku
          C) Lukaku & Kane, but rest of the team suffers

          1. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            C for me. Back up of A.

          2. Heavy Data
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            This is exactly the thing i was looking at yesterday. Looking at the last 3 games the mids for both United and Spurs have outscored the striker by some substantial points. I have toyed with the idea of going Alli-Eriksen-Pogba-Miki-Salah in midfield with Firminio and Mounie up front. Its a difficult decision to make. Having Lukaku and Kane up front really does ruin the rest of the team. In order for me to have Kane and Lukaku i end up having a bench made of non playing players just to make the funds. Tough choices.

        • The Mighty Whites
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Which defender to get out of Simpson, Hudds defender or Brighton defender?

          1. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Brighton, purely for the fixtures.

          2. F4L
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            The way Huds are playing, probably one of them lot

          3. Ode
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Dunk

        • bangers and M*A*S*H
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          A) Firmino & Pogba
          B) Lukaku & Carroll

          Caroll will be rotated

          got Mane if that matters.

          1. F4L
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            A

          2. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Feel A will get more points in the long term.

        • F4L
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I've come to the realisation that Pogba is just pretty awful at finishing. Needs to work on his shooting

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

            He is amazing at shooting, have you seen his long shot goals when he was at Juventus?