Team News

Line-Up Lessons – Gameweek 7 – Part Two

As expected, Gabriel Jesus replaces Sergio Aguero in an otherwise settled Man City team, while Jose Mourinho surprises us all by starting a doubtful Phil Jones, while resting Eric Bailly in his defence. Elsewhere, Chancel Mbemba is omitted by Rafa Benitez while Virgil van Dijk is reinstated to the Southampton rearguard.

Here’s part two of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 7, with one eye on developments after the international break. Part one can be viewed here.

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph; Fernandinho;  De Bruyne (Danilo 90), D Silva (B Silva 76); Sterling, Sane (Gundogan 84), Jesus. Subs not used: Bravo, Mangala, Zinchenko, Toure.

  • What we saw: Pep Guardiola kept faith in the 4-1-2-3 formation for the trip to Chelsea, with Gabriel Jesus returning as the central striker in place of the injured Sergio Aguero. In the absence of Benjamin Mendy, Fabian Delph was preferred to Danilo at left-back. He was later introduced, along with Ilkay Gundogan in order to hold onto the 1-0 lead, leaving just Raheem Sterling and Jesus in attack.
  • What we learned: With a home fixture against Stoke City up next, Guardiola is expected to continue with the 4-1-2-3 system. Man City do face Napoli in the UEFA Champions League in between Gameweeks 8 and 9, though, so rotation is a concern. Jesus should lead the attack against the Potters, but there is a chance Aguero may be ready to return against Burnley. Bernardo Silva is a viable alternative to Sterling, Sane and David Silva, while Gundogan could also be a factor in central midfield. Danilo should see some minutes in either full-back position over the next two league fixtures, while Vincent Kompany (calf) may be ready to return after the international break, threatening Stones’ pitch-time in particular.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central defenders, flanks

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Young; Matic, Fellaini; Mata (Herrera 76), Mkhitaryan (Lingard 66), Rashford (Martial 71); Lukaku. Subs not used: Bailly, Blind, Romero, Darmian.

  • What we saw: Jose Mourinho retained the usual 4-2-3-1 formation for the visit of Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, with Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini – who had all been pre-match doubts to varying degrees – available to start. Eric Bailly was handed a rest, with Chris Smalling given his first league start of the season in central defence. The Man United boss switched to a 4-3-3 late on, with Ander Herrera in central midfield, and fellow substitutes Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial flanking central striker Romelu Lukaku.
  • What we learned: Mourinho continues to favour the 4-2-3-1, particularly against the lesser sides, but with a trip to Liverpool up next, there is a reasonable chance he opts for a more solid 4-3-3. That could mean Herrera joining Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini in central midfield, with Juan Mata more likely to make way than Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the right of a front three. Martial and Rashford continue to be locked in rotation for the left flank role, although Rashford has now started six of the seven Gameweeks, with Martial used mainly in European ties. In defence, Bailly will be expected to return to replace Smalling at Anfield.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, attacking midfield

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Elliot; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Manquillo; Shelvey, Merino (Hayden 75); Ritchie, Perez (Diame 90), Atsu; Joselu (Gayle 78). Subs not used: Murphy, Lejeune, Darlow, Gamez.

  • What we saw: Rafa Benitez stuck with the 4-4-1-1 system for the home meeting with his former club Liverpool, but did opt to recall former Reds midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in place of Isaac Hayden. Chancel Mbemba was also surprisingly left out of the matchday squad, with Javier Manquillo recalled at left-back.
  • What we learned: Following another positive result, we should see a very similar line-up for the trip to Southampton. Manquillo and Shelvey may have done enough to retain their starts ahead of Mbemba and Hayden, while changes appear unlikely elsewhere. Matt Ritchie has withdrawn from the Scotland squad due to a knock, but he will be expected to be in contention for the south coast trip. The likes of Florian Lejeune, Jacob Murphy and Dwight Gayle all look unlikely to force their way back into the starting XI for now.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, central midfield

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric Soares, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Bertrand; Romeu, Lemina (Austin 86), Davis (Boufal 61); Tadic, Long, Redmond (Gabbiadini 67). Subs not used: McCarthy, Hoedt, Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse.

  • What we saw: Mauricio Pellegrino decided to hand a first start of the season to Virgil van Dijk, with Wesley Hoedt making way in central defence. The rest of the side remained unchanged in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Sofiane Boufal was introduced onto the left wing just after the hour mark. Dusan Tadic moved to the No 10 role, and Shane Long to the right once Manolo Gabbiadini was brought on as the lone striker. That became a 4-2-4 late on, with Charlie Austin joining the Italian up front.
  • What we learned: After making a strong impression from the bench, Boufal could come into contention for a start when Newcastle visit St Mary’s in Gameweek 8. Any of the three starting attacking midfielders could make way, while in attack, Gabbiadini and Austin are viable alternatives to Long. Van Dijk and Yoshida may again be favoured in central defence, although Hoedt will push for a recall should Pellegrino wish to freshen things up.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, flanks, attacking midfield, lone striker

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Zouma, Cameron, Wimmer; Diouf (Johnson 90), Fletcher, Allen, Pieters; Shaqiri (Afellay 87), Choupo-Moting, Berahino (Crouch 70). Subs not used: Grant, Tymon, Adam, Sobhi.

  • What we saw: Potters boss Mark Hughes used a 3-4-2-1 formation against Southampton, with Xherdan Shaqiri playing centrally behind lone striker Saido Berahino, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting operated wider on the left. Hughes welcomed back Kurt Zouma, Geoff Cameron and Kevin Wimmer in central defence, with Glen Johnson and Ramadan Sobhi dropping to the bench.
  • What we learned: Jese Rodriguez missed the 2-1 victory due to compassionate leave but the Spaniard should be available again for the Gameweek 8 trip to Manchester City. Despite scoring the winner against the Saints Peter Crouch appears unlikely to force his way into the starting XI for City, so Jese could get the nod over Berahino in attack. Bruno Martins Indi (groin) isn’t expected to be available for the trip to the Etihad, while Ryan Shawcross (back) remains doubtful, so the three-man defence looks set to remain untouched.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, lone striker

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson (Clucas 87); Britton (Roque Mesa 69); Sanches, Ayew, Carroll; Abraham, Bony (Fer 46). Subs not used: Nordfeldt, van der Hoorn, Rangel, Narsingh.

  • What we saw: After ending the Gameweek 6 defeat to Watford in a 4-1-2-1-2 midfield diamond, head coach Paul Clement stuck with that system for the trip to West Ham. Ayew started at the tip with the recalled Leon Britton at the base. Renato Sanches also returned in central midfield for the Swans, with Sam Clucas and Leroy Fer dropping to the bench. Fer was introduced at half-time, with Bony feeling tightness in his hamstring. The Dutchman operated at the tip of the diamond, with Ayew shifted slightly further forward in support of Abraham.
  • What we learned: The Welsh outfit have confirmed that Bony suffered no injury at the London Stadium, so providing he returns from international duty fully fit, he should be available for the Gameweek 8 clash at home to Huddersfield Town. Clement is expected to keep with the back four, so his options appear to be to either stick with the 4-1-2-1-2 formation, or consider switching to a 4-3-3. In the 4-1-2-1-2, Ayew, Bony and Abraham all appear certain starters, with Roque Mesa, Fer and Sam Clucas different options in midfield. Both Nathan Dyer and Ki Sung-yeung have featured for the U23s over the past week as they look to build up their match fitness, and may have an outside chance of being available to feature from the bench against the Terriers.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, forwards

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier (Walker-Peters 82), Winks, Dier, Davies; Eriksen (Sissoko 74), Alli; Kane (Son Heung-min 87). Subs not used: Vorm, Nkoudou, Llorente, Foyth.

  • What we saw: Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino again turned to the 3-4-2-1 formation against Huddersfield Town, although he did hand a first league start of the season to Harry Winks, who replaced Moussa Sissoko in central midfield. Kieran Trippier came in for the suspended Serge Aurier at right wing-back.
  • What we learned: Following the emphatic 4-0 win, Pochettino is expected to stick with the majority of the same side for the visit of Bournemouth to Wembley after the international break. Sissoko could replace Winks in central midfield, while Mousa Dembele will also be an option if he is fit following an ankle injury. Aurier will be available again following his one-match ban and is a viable alternative to Trippier at right wing-back. Son Heung-min could operate on the left wing if Pochettino considers switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation against the Cherries, with Davinson Sanchez’s start in doubt should he use that system.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right wing-back, central midfield

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Femenia, Mariappa, Kabasele, Holebas; Doucoure, Capoue (Pereyra 62); Carrillo (Gray 74), Cleverley, Richarlison; Deeney. Subs not used: Karnezis, Janmaat, Britos, Hughes, Watson.

  • What we saw: Despite Miguel Britos being available following his three-match ban, Marco Silva decided to stick with Adrian Mariappa and Christian Kabasele in central defence against West Bromwich Albion. The Hornets head coach only made one change, with Troy Deeney handed his first league start of the season in place of Andre Gray as the lone striker in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. When Silva decided to introduce Roberto Pereyra, he switched to a 4-1-4-1, with the Argentine joining Tom Cleverley in central midfield. The Watford boss then switched to a 4-4-2, with Pereyra moving out to the right and Gray joining Deeney up front.
  • What we learned: Silva demonstrated that when chasing a match, he isn’t afraid to throw men forward in more attacking formations. Up next for the Hornets is a home meeting with Arsenal, so Britos may push for a recall in central defence, while should either Sebastian Prodl (hamstring) or Younes Kaboul (leg) be available, they could also be in contention. Gray’s pace on the counter-attack could see him get the nod over Deeney’s physicality against the Gunners.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, lone striker

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Krychowiak, Barry; Brunt (Livermore 62), Rodriguez, Phillips (McClean 58); Rondon (Robson-Kanu 72). Subs not used: Myhill, Nyom, Morrison, Chadli.

  • What we saw: Baggies head coach Tony Pulis opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation against Watford. Salomon Rondon returned as the lone striker, with Jay Rodriguez operating just behind the Venezuelan. Matt Phillips (right) and Chris Brunt (left) were handed recalls out wide, with Jake Livermore and Allan Nyom dropping to the bench. Pulis switched to a 4-5-1 during the second half, with James McClean taking over down the right wing, while Rodriguez shifted over to the left.
  • What we learned: It’s likely we’ll only see Pulis switch to a back three against the leading clubs, so with a trip to Leicester City up next, he is expected to use either a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ahmed Hegazi continues to keep his place in the side, but with Nyom and, potentially, Gareth McAuley, options in defence, the Egyptian remains at risk. Pulis has plenty of midfield options, with Livermore and James Morrison possible starters. Hal Robson-Kanu remains the back-up option to Rodriguez and Rondon in attack.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble (Lanzini 62); Antonio, Chicharito (Sakho 78), Ayew (Masuaku 78); Carroll. Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Ogbonna, Rice.

  • What we saw: Having been favouring a 3-4-3 formation of late, Slaven Bilic switched to a 4-2-3-1 system for the home encounter with Swansea. With the match at 0-0, the Hammers boss brought on the fit-again Manuel Lanzini for Mark Noble in central midfield, while Arthur Masuaku operated out of position on the left wing in place of Ayew.
  • What we learned: The change of formation eventually paid dividends for Bilic, but there remains uncertainty over which system he’ll favour. In a 4-2-3-1, it’s difficult to get the best out of both Carroll and Chicharito. But it does allow Antonio, Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic – who missed out due to illness last weekend – to start in the attacking midfield positions. Ayew and Diafra Sakho provide other attacking alternatives, while Masuaku has impressed in a couple of matches coming on as a left winger. Bilic has so far, at least, been reluctant to use a 4-4-2, though that may have been influenced by the number of injuries he’s had to deal with. In a back four, it’s likely that Angelo Ogbonna will continue to miss out.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks, attacking midfield, forwards

1,313 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 404_FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    so hav to change plan

    morata to jesus

    then is it worth

    mkhi to silva for -4?

    yes or no ?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      worth it but go for sterling instead of silva

      1. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        can i ask why u prefer sterling ?

        1. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          more of a threat to score goals and be more explosive imo. but silva is safer choice assists bonus points and more nailed on

          1. 404_FC
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            thx

          2. Jayv807
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I think Silva has been a bit unlucky not to have scored yet. He's been getting forward a bit and heavily involved in attack from what I've seen.

            1. Pranav Santhosh
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              he is very involved in the attack but previously silva has had a tendency to assist the assister

    2. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I am weighing up Mkhi to a Man City midfielder for -4 (already have Jesus)...

      It probably makes sense, and I will do it in the end. The question is either Silva or Sterling.

      As I plan to WC potentially next GW, feels like I can go for the more explosive risky option potentially.

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      no

  2. Advice On Dumping Cash Cows
    Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How do you handle your assets that have raised in price?

    I, like many, I have quite a few assets in my team that have had a good price rise, but that I've probably could do without for the next fixture period. To fill with assets with much better short term assets (ManC/Che/Lei etc).

    Kaku (+0.3m)
    Eriksen (+0.2m)
    Bavies (+0.3m)
    Mhki (+0.3m).
    to name the most obvious in my own team, but there are other examples out there.

    But if we ditch these players now, the chance is we will want to bring back, if not all, at least a few of them pretty soon. And then have to pay the premium price to do so.

    I feel like in past seasons might have been inclined to keep these players during a tough fixture period, just for the value, and that might not be the best way forward in every situation.

    How do you handle these players, two blanks from Mhki is enough to ditch?
    Price fall needed for you to ditch?
    Kaku/Eriksen will stay in your team no matter what?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      if you think you are going to get them back in near future i would probably stick. out of that lot only ones i would maybe get rid of are eriksen and mkhi

      1. Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, that is my "standard tought" also.
        Eriksen and mhki are easier. They have very like assets to get (alli & pogba).

        But my thinking now is more. It might cost me 0.1 - 0.2 to sub out and later in, say kaku. But does getting say 5-10p extra in this fixutre swing makit worth that maybe?

        It's risk reward of course. If Jesus/silva/sterling/hazard and their likes with good fixtures perform good, they will rise and make up for the "lost money" to, and not just the points

        1. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          if you gain an extra 10 points in the fixture swing i think its worth it but you arent guaranteed the 10 points so i think im leaning more to the keep side but you got to take risks to reap the rewards

    2. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I m usually not too bothered about price rises if they are less than 0.5m. Needed 0.2 or 3 to buy back is not a big deal.

      The 2 seasons that i got into top 10k my tv is less than 105. So its more of getting the right players at the right time

      1. Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        well, TV is important, but having less than 105 TV at the end of the season doesn't nessesarily mean that you haven't had alot of raises during the season, just that you have "spent" some of it.
        Having a very expensive player during an horrible fixture period "retains" your TV, but it's not well used mabye

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I prefer to sell as soon as better option is available, dont really care about those extra 0.3-0.5 I have to pay later on..

      Regarding performance, I give 3 chances for poor statistical show. No mercy when they play 3 games without return and poor numbers... 😳

      1. Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, this is what I'm leaning more to, but not decided on where to draw the line.

        Heavy hitters like kane/kaku/haz/sanchez
        or more the midpricers (where other assets are always available) in the 8-9.5m range

    4. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      This is where overthinking and worrying about price rises can hurt. And I've been just as susceptible as others in the past. But last year I made a concerted effort to not really worry about them when they're in my team. Really just ask yourself do you want them for the next few weeks, if not - sell, because over 4 weeks you may get a replacement who gets you a 10-15 point increase. That's a hell of a lot better than 0.2 in the bank.

      With your example, I don't think Spurs assets are a worry for you - I back them over the next few. Mhki is the only one I'd move off personally.

    5. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Depends - if you want a player back in a few weeks and the player you replace them with also goes up in price you may be fine.

      An example is Coutinho - single or double price rise very likely this week...get him in for Mhki could be good and not cost anything to get Mhki back if you wanted.

      Lukaku out for Jesus as well could see the price difference you have to pay, if you want back, reduced.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        What has happened to Lukaku?

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Nothing - he's still awesome.

          Just using that as an example - his price may stay the same at 11.8...so if you sell for 11.6 and get Jesus in at 10.4 - who then rises substantially then the 0.2 is covered.

          Alternatively Lukaku could rise to 12.0 and Jesus barely move...in which case you could spend 0.4 to get him back.

          Its all a risk though.

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Thank God for that! 😀

    6. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I've a different issue - how do you handle assets dropping in value?
      I've had Jesus & Firmino all season. In previous seasons I'd have knee-jerked them out when they looked like falling in price.
      Often resulting in hits.
      This season just sticking with them has seen Jesus produce returns every game he's started since he fell and now he is back to his original value.
      Conundrum atm is Firmino. Still think he will match last year's returns which in the 8.5m bracket for strikers or mids would seem to be as good as you'll get - with possible exception of Vardy & Silva atm. But he is going to drop in price again this week..

      1. Jayv807
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Price drops are the bigger issue IMO. Players seem to drop a lot faster in price than they rise. So sticking by a player like Firmino is tough as if you get it wrong, you get the double whammy of no points and possibly 0.2m less in sell value compared to if u had swapped earlier. Then his price will continue to plummet pressuring you into a potential risky early transfer the next week.

        1. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          problem is with strikers atm not a lot of options outside big hitters.
          Firmino falls in the price bracket that creates issues. Either you downgrade a long way to Abraham to use funds elsewhere or you have have make sacrifices elsewhere to upgrade at least 2m to next level of strikers. Probably involving a hit as well.
          If Jesus was the problem then changes are easy but in the Firmino price bracket there is only him and Vardy. (or a risky punt on Rashford).
          I've a similar issue with Keane. Brought in for Stephens as Everton had reasonable fixtures. Injured then concede at home to Burnley and a price drop. Next 7 or 8 fixtures only Arsenal are really scoring goals atm.
          But he's easy to deal with if Everton don't improve and even with the price drop I can find plenty of good defenders at 5.3/5.4 or less.

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

      Certain players are very fixture sensitive (Lukaka or Defoe for example), others are not (Kane or Vardy). I'm happy to get rid of those who are while keeping those who are not. Losing TV isn't a problem for me but losing SV is. Locking in a 0.1m profit by selling a player who has risen twice and has lost form or has poor fixtures is how you build your budget.
      Remember that unless you are willing to sell a player then however much he rises it hasn't increased your budget one penny. and your only advantage is that he will cost others more to buy. For example for me, barring injury, Kane is almost certainly a season keeper so however much he rises or falls it doesn't effect how much I have to spend onthe rest of my team.

      1. Jayv807
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I agree, if I don't intend on keeping a player long term, I will usually sell before I lose SV. Otherwise I don't sweat a player's value dropping. I think I sold and then bought back Sanchez twice last year and each time I bought him back at the same price I got when I sold him.

        1. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Coutinho was a little gold mine for me last year ... buy him, take 200K profit, wait for him to drop, then repeat

      2. beefo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Sorry, still new at this, what does SV stand for?

        1. John t penguin
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          selling value
          if you look at your transfer page you can see how much you paid for player, what they cost to buy now and what you would get if you sell. Really this is what your actually team value is.

        2. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          SV is Sales Value - as opposed to Team Value

          SV is what you actually get back when you sell a player ... don't forget you only get 1/2 of any price rise between when you bought and sold a player ... rounded DOWN to the nearest 100K

          Total SV is what you have available to play with if you used a WC and replaced your whole squad

        3. beefo
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Roger that, thanks!

    8. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Great opportunity for those that play the game for points to get one over on those that jizz over their TV and stubbornly hold onto players they have value tied up in.

      1. Philman
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Couldn't have put it better myself. I have always found my good TV over the seasons is a by-product of good selections, and not holding onto players unnecessarily.

        1. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Holding on to players doesn't add much to team value - it's rare for a player to make more than 300K profit
          If you hold players too long you end up with too much of a disparity between your TV and SV ..,. which can really hurt when you need to do wildcards etc.

          During Alli's first season I must have bought and sold him several times ... paying a higher price for someone is not an issue as you are retaining SV

          My target by the time we get to the DGWs at then is to have TV 110M or more and SV 108M or higher

          I will never keep a player who is going to lose me SV ... If no one else wants that player there is usually a good reason

          1. John t penguin
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            do you think 108 is realistic
            it seems to be getting slower every year with price rises

            1. HashAttack
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              First 2 or 3 weeks are always really slow ... I'm up to 103.7 / 101.9, having dropped another 200K TV by selling Morata last night - the figures aren't really any lower than last year, possibly higher

              We haven't seen the type of express trains we saw last year - Capoue, Allen, Gundo
              I put this down to lack of performance, the several 2 goal wonders who haven't done anything since

              One thing I have noticed is that the top value teams (on the FPL status page) are all "normal" teams ... usually we see teams that are only chasing the money in that list

              1. GreenWindmill
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Wow, you really chase the money hard! 22 transfers in the last 5 weeks is so alien to my way of playing!

                1. GreenWindmill
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  And 2 already this week - you love a price rise 🙂

                2. HashAttack
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Actually most of those changes have been for team reasons - none were planned last week until Kun took a taxi ride, none were needed this week until Morata died

                  1. GreenWindmill
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    22 transfers for team reasons? That's changing your entire first XI twice in a month! Plus you played your wildcard in GW2!

                    I get that there have been a couple of injuries but that doesn't cause a wildcard and 68 points in hits by GW7!

                    It's not meant as a criticism by the way, I just genuinely can't imagine chasing the prices that much.

                    1. HashAttack
                      • 7 Years
                      6 years, 7 months ago

                      I could probably justify virtually every transfer in terms of raising money or moving funds around - and a little bit of superstition (Statistically I get green arrows for 5 transfers, red arrows for 4 transfers)

                      Reckless use of transfers might be a more correct abuse 🙂

                      Would have to be another day though as I really have work to do

              2. RedLightning
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                You may have a very high TV and SV, but you have already lost 70 points in hits and your OR is over 2m.

                Was it really worth it?

                1. RedLightning
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 13 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  ...You've also had red arrows in 3 of the 5 game-weeks when you took hits.

    9. HNI
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Would be crazy to let go of Lukaku when even in slight off-form he banging goals
      Mikhi yes worth a kick
      Eriksen still have a tasty fixture

    10. robredo10
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I tend to look at the next fixture blocks and assess how soon I'd want them back, or whether I could move to another target. So, go from Mkhi to Silva to Pogba over the season, for example.

      Gaining value is all well and good but you only actually gain it when you sell the player. Having Michu a few years ago was a nightmare because I was so afraid I'd want him back. Lots of rivals who made a switch took advantage of his rise and extra points from other players.

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

      I would certainly keep Kaku and Davies (they're in my team!).

      I have Mkhi too and am considering ditching him. The way Mourinho plays against the bigger teams I think there's even a chance that he might not play. He could go with Matic, Herrera, and Carrick in midfield with Lingard and Martial supporting Kaku for their pace on the break.

      I'd keep Eriksen. Guaranteed to play and always liable to pop up with a goal or assist against anyone.

    12. Mr Wizard
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Wow....

      This reads horrifically.

      1. Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Give me your mail and I'll send you my comments for prof reading in the future. Would be great since I've spent about four weeks in English speaking countries in my life.

        Even better if I just can mail you in my native tongue for you to translate.

        Thanks in advance, best regards
        Bendtner

    13. Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Very good (even though obvious) point many are making, that TV isn't really realized until a player is sold. Just that he'll be harder to knee-jerk in for those who missed the train.

      As said before, having low TV at the end of the season, does not really imply that a team has missed price rises. They may as well just have been realized multiple times this season.

      For my own part on dumping Eriksen (or Davies) has more to do with that i have a triple up on spurs atm. And I don't think that's the way to go for the coming weeks, I think there is better teams to back in the near future. And being on WC this week, give me the luxury to not just "solve problems" but to look at the fixture swing as a hole right now.

      1. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        The whole game is a money squeeze ... that's why we are always 100K short of just the right transfer

        Building SV does cost points but that is counter-acted by the ability to field stronger players in the second half of the season ... balancing the two is tricky but adds a lot to the experience of being a team manager

        Right now my SV is 101.9 ... I imagine some people are wildcarding this week with a SV of 100.4 or less
        That's the difference between a Firmino or a Morata, a Mkhi or a Salah, a Monreal instead of an Alonso
        Come the second wildcard that additional value has this affect but for several positions

        1. Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Dayum, SV of 101.9 seem magnificent. I thought I've kept up pretty good so far this year, and have a SV of 100.5 with and TV at 101.3

          1. Lord Bendtner, TGSTEL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            But can see now, that you've payed 68 points in hits so far this season, to gain that.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              It's more interesting to look at this from the other side. I'm on a WC and I've cashed in profit on the likes of Jones, Davies and Salah, but what I'm enjoying is the money saved on bringing in players who have fallen in value.

              There's Bellerin, Monreal, Trippier, Van Dijk, Otamendi, Luiz, Cahill, Sterling, Coutinho, Mane, Fellaini, Iwobi (just got him at -0.4 because I suspect Ozil has given up), plus Lacazette, the Bournemouth defence just as their performances are about to improve, and plenty more - in short a damn fine WC squad can be built out of these 'rejects'!

    14. zag
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      What’s the point in TV if your players aren’t scoring points? I’d rather switch early, and reassess if I need to get them in when it comes up. The landscape changes so fast you don’t know those players will be good options on a month or so.

    15. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Dumped Hegazi & Mkhi (owned since day 1) for Cresswell & Sterling. On to the next wagon!

      Stayers: Hazard, Kane, Kaku - Jesus til aguero comes back

  3. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Forster
    Valencia - Bavies - Mee - Cresswell
    Alli - Salah - Mkhi - Brady
    Lukaku - Morata

    Elliot - Hegazi - Tarroll - McBurnie

    2FTs, 2.1 ITB. Thinking Salah, Morata > Hazard (C), Jesus

    Madness?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      no its a good move with morata in doubt

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Great move Cruel boy. But you have to captain either hazard or Jesus then.. Which will be a little risky. Not a GW to NOT own Kane.. but bringing him in now is not smart either..

      Who will you cap?

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Hazard as mentioned. Just feel Kane won't be scoring a lot over the next 3, especially with two games vs Real sandwiched in between. Plus don't want to be in a position where I possibly have 6 players in the United-Spurs game.

    3. Sangomango
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I would get rid of Mkhitaryan instead of Salah (if funds allow it)

  4. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Mkhitaryan>Silva?

    Will be keeping Lukaku.

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      good move would rather sterling but still good move

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Think the Snake is worth the risk too!

  5. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Off topic, but do any of you guys listen to Quickly Kevin Will He Score?

    Genuinely think it's the best podcast out there.

    Those were the days, growing up in the 90s.

    1. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah it's absolutely brilliant 🙂

      Also love Athletico Mince, so so funny. But very little to do with football after about episode 4 lol

  6. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    For next week, right order of team?

    Fabianski
    BDavies Jones Simpson Kola
    Miki Carroll Eriksen
    Kane(C) Kaku Jesus

    Subs: Elliot, Atsu, Chalobah, Mbemba

    Carroll instead of Atsu?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      id go atsu over carroll

  7. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I've just been playing about with my team and come up with this. Very defensively strong, I would gladly play 4 at the back here. Thoughts?

    Foster - Elliot
    Walker - B.Davies - Bellerin - P.Jones - Mbemba
    Coutinho - D.Silva - Richarlison - RLC - Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Batsh1t

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      dont like the batshuayi pick

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        me either really. I could bring Jesus in for Lukaku i guess and that leaves some funds to upgrade Batsh1t

        1. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          yes i would do that

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I like the batshuayi punt.. I mean why have a 2nd striker (who has proved he can score goals ie. the atletico Winner etc) if you dont dare to field him vs Palace and Watford? Its purely nonsense.

      1. Jayv807
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        While I agree, Conte may not

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Dont take Kaku. He will come in handy in GW9 as a captain option.. wouldnt trust the armband on Jesus nor Kane in gw9.. Even though I have to since I dont own Kaku..

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Dont take Kaku out**

    5. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I think your team looks excellent. I would probably swap Foster for Fab or Pope and Lukaku for Jesus which would allow you to upgrade Mbemba to Ward or Mee.

  8. leocarter27
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Pick 1?

    A) Keep Vardy?

    B) Sell Vardy for G Jesus?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      a

  9. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    WC or not WC?

    DDG, Elliot
    Alonso, Bertrand, Mee, Naughton, Hunemeier
    Salah, Eriksen, Mkhi, Atsu, Carroll
    Luk, Kane, Ayew

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      wc

    2. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Depends what u want. U can start Elliott this week, your defense is fine for this week (could start 4 defenders). Can go Mkhi to a city mid if you want or just leave as is.

  10. Transferred Out
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Please RMWCT

    Fabianski
    Azpi Davies Otamendi Mee
    Eriksen Coutinho Sterling
    Kane Jesus Abraham

    Bench: Elliot, Choupo-M, Mbemba, Cook

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      nice team

  11. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys

    my team is

    Foster Elliot

    Monreal Naughton Dawson Simpson Rangel

    Salah Mkhitaryan Alli Ritchie RLC

    Lukaku Kane Wood

    Team value is £101.3 ...... do you think i should wildcard and do :

    Alli,Dawson, Salah, Lukaku, Foster, Wood to ---------> Sterling, Mee, Hazard, Jesus, and Joel Pereira (and play Elliot), Vardy

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      yes

    2. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'd keep lukaku if I still had him. Best captain option for GW9 and could very well score against a suspect Liverpool defence.

  12. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    morata OUT

    who for?
    Vardy or Lacazette

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      vardy

  13. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    OFF TOPIC! 😀

    Anyone know anything about laptops?

    Looking to buy one, not sure where to start..

    1. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      macbook air, £750, sorted.

      1. FPL Touches
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Had mine since 2015 and never had malware

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Never really got the hang of using macs.. Is it not true that I could get a similarly specced windows laptop for similar?

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            No.

            And Macs are dead easy.

            Tip: When using numbers, get the old version: Numbers ’09 v2.0.3

            1. Irish Madridista ⭐
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              I've always maintained that I'm a windows fanboy equivalent to the hordes of artsy photoshopping architecture and multimedia students that have tried to swing me towards macs in the past... and although they are undoubtedly great machines and fantastic laptops, I'm still not 100% convinced..

              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Well, you can take a horse to water ... 😀

                Listen. I am an old git, now nearly 64. I started using Macs in 1991, and been on them ever since. I would never have bothered with Windows. All about me have been corrupted, hacked, or just plain crap. And I mean ALL, no exceptions, including my wife's work laptop.

              2. Irish Madridista ⭐
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                I appreciate the help however, I'll have another look at macs and watch a few windows vs mac youtubes to determine whether I should cop on 😀

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Macbook Pro. The 2015 one if you can get hold of it 🙂

  14. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Already done Morata > Jesus.
    Worth doing Kola > Azpi or Mkhi > Silva/Sterling? 1.1 ITB

    Elliot
    Naughton, Otamendi, Kola, Bavies
    Mkhi, Atsu, Salah
    Jesus, Kane, Lukaku

    Krul, TC, Chalobah, Hun

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      mkhi to sterling

    2. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      For free, Mkhi to a city mid could be a good shout.

  15. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    RMWCT?

    Fabianski
    Davies Otamendi Maguire Cedric Ward
    Coutinho Sterling
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    (Elliot Choupo Carroll RLC)

    Appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      i personally dont like 523 but that is a really nice team

      1. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not exactly a 5-2-3.

        Benching Choupo-Moting in GW8 for Ward as he faces City away.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sterling over Silva? Looks v. good. Not a million miles off mine mate...

      Fabianski
      B.Davies • Cedric • Otamendi • Mee
      D.Silva • Coutinho • Richarlison
      Kane • Lukaku • Jesus

      (Elliot, Loftus-Cheek, Carroll, Mbemba)

  16. martyhan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Your thoughts on this wc team please

    Fabianski Elliott
    Luiz mee Jones Davies Cedric
    choupo-Mot fellaini countino hazard Silva
    Kane lukaku quaner

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      solid team

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I like it.

  17. Mateja
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    The best cheap striker up to 6.5.. ?

    1. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Tammy

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      joselu

  18. eamonhegg
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Off Topic.

    But if Ronaldo and Messi was in FF. What would their prices be?

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      14m prolly

  19. kae0r
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guys, would you be kind enough to RMWCT?

    Elliot/Foster
    Stones Stephens Davies Luiz Naughton
    RLC Choupo Silva Eriksen Carroll
    Kane Jesus Vardy

    Thanks

    1. kae0r
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Forster is now Fab apologies

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      stephens out for cedric?

      1. kae0r
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Ah yes I had considered and I can make it happen - 0.1 ITB now.

      2. kae0r
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Stephens > Cedric
        Stones > Otamendi

        Which is best?

        1. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          stephens to cedric because i think he will lose his spot in the lineup

  20. awgJose
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Best mid for 7.5?

  21. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Jafalad - you still here?

  22. Mateja
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Stones ,Jesus and Sterling in WC Team isn't too much citizens ?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      not with city good fixtures coming up

  23. milejedinakhighclub
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    The fundamental difference between my two main WC squads is this:

    a) Ramsey and Joselu
    b) Loftus-Cheek and Vardy

    What do you think? a) or b)?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      b

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

  24. leocarter27
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Early thoughts on this please? Suggestions appreciated. 1 ft 2.4 itb

    De Gea / Elliot

    Cedric Mee Naughton / Mbem 4m

    Richarlison Gross Eriksen Mkhi / 4.5m

    Lukaku Kane Vardy

    Thanks all.

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      dont like mbemba as a 4th defender maybe 4m defender to a 4.5 than richarlison to sterling

  25. Vlekz
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Why did the price change take place right now? It wasnt changed a couple of hours ago. Jesus was 10.4

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        You are mistaken - you forgot to refresh your page.

        1. Vlekz
            6 years, 7 months ago

            OK. Maybe. Thanks

        2. NotAddicted
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I believe the price change is updated in the afternon.

      2. Markus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Repost as nobody knew last time... Does anyone know where I can get hold of..
        - previous fpl scores (ie not just for this year's players), even if just sending on your own spreadsheet!
        - expected goals data?

        I'm a member if that makes any difference..

        1. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          understat is a good website for xg

          1. Markus
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Cheers, that's an amazing resource

            1. Pranav Santhosh
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              no worries i used it to pick sterling over sane and silva

      3. migas2k7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Richarlison or Choupo-Moting? And why?

        1. mcrayeps
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Rich, more attacking team

        2. Jimjam
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Richarlison - not much in it stats-wise, and Stoke perhaps have slightly better fixtures, but I think Watford are more attacking, and the better team.

          1. Markus
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Richarlison in 2 matches time!

      4. Jimjam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Fabianski (Elliot)
        Luiz, Otamendi, Davies, Yoshida (Hunemeier)
        Coutinho, Silva, Richarlison (Carroll, Cork)
        Kane, Jesus, Morata

        On WC. Downgrade Morata to Vardy, or find a way to get Lukaku in (if fit)?

      5. mcrayeps
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        still didnt find the answer, help me please which pair do you like :

        1) Salah - Eriksen - Joselu (my team)
        2) Salah - KdB - Joselu (GW 9 Eriksen -> KdB)
        4) Salah - Sterling - Chicharito (GW 9 with 2ft)
        3) Sterling - Eriksen - Joselu (1.2m itb)

        1. Jimjam
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          4 if you have Kane, 1 or 3 if you don't.

          1. mcrayeps
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Kdb is not an option?

            1. Jimjam
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              For me he's not good value

              1. mcrayeps
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                how about if money is not an issue?

          2. mcrayeps
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            i have kane and lukaku upfront

            1. Jimjam
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Then 4 for me

      6. acidicleo
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Is manquillo (newcastle) nailed now?
        Noted he has gone down to 4.4..

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Nope. He'll be in and out. Mostly out. Yedlin is 4.4 and much more nailed, should play 90% of the time. Else Clark is 4.5 and 100% nailed!