Members

The Technical Area – Willian’s Progress

Much like the broader picture of his career at Stamford Bridge, Willian’s 2017/18 FPL campaign has been something of a tumultuous one.

Heavily touted in the pre-season as an underpriced route into the Chelsea attack (after an Eden Hazard injury opening up space within the Chelsea XI), the Brazilian’s early returns proved bitterly underwhelming: no goals and a solitary assist over the opening eight Gameweeks served as disappointing returns for a player of his calibre.

A spell on the sidelines followed, with Willian most frequently utilised as an impact substitute towards the end of matches.

The winds of change, however, seem once again to be blowing in Southwest London.

Willian, who had started just one of Chelsea’s previous eight fixtures, returned to the lineup in Gameweek 17 and has since proved a revelation.

From this date, he has returned three goals and five assists over eight Gameweeks, alongside a heady seven bonus points. In so doing, the winger has also begun his return to fantasy prominence – acquiring over 100,000 new owners during this span.

Do the underlying numbers support the idea of a Brazilian resurgence? And how do Willian’s numbers compare to other mid-priced competitors? With popular mid-priced picks now falling by the wayside, could Willian yet prove to be a powerful Fantasy differential?

2,112 Comments Post a Comment
  1. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Does Son > Sane warrant -4?

    Team:

    Elliot
    Alonso - Dunk - Maguire
    Salah(c) - Sterling - Son - Richarlison - Zaha
    Kane - Firmino

    Bench: Lloris - Kenny - Quaner - Masuaku

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I'd say no..

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Enough in squad to make no further transfer?

        1. Fuddled FC
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Yep squad looks fine

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Son has poor fixtures, yet as a player he is as attacking minded as you 'd want a midfielder to be. He plays a lot like a striker. He's energetic and busy with plenty of pace, I'm thinking that maybe Son is a rest-of-the-season keeper. So in short, no, I guess not worth a -4.

  2. Krionos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Starting to think VVD was a terrible mistake...

    Thinking of this for free:
    VVD > Chillwell
    Lingard > Mkhitaryan

    Too soon, or good differential for this week?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Major headloss before hudd a - a very easy game on paper. Hold.

      1. Krionos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        This is my fear also, but they just can not defend...

        Just feel the need to at least do a transfer since i have 2 frees!!

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sort you keeper or something. Get rid of Duffy, everyone seems to have Duffy.

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

    A fresh Crystal Palace side could batter West ham this Gw..

    Tricky fixtures after putting me off investing

    Zaha/Sako & Benteke Should score well

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Just brought zaha in for lanzini (im keeping it hush) and surprised more are not talking of zaha tbh

      1. Patch
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        After Richarlison batters Stoke, I will ditch him for Zaha.

        1. Sylas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          *if

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      One year, perhaps not this year, Sako will be the absolute must-have midfielder.

  4. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Foster,
    Jones, Alonso, Ogbonna
    Sterling, Arnie*, Son, Lingard, Salah
    Kane, Aguero

    Elliot, Quaner, Mbemba, Rosenior
    ————————————————

    What to do with this team. 1 FT and 0 ITB

    Need to get rid of Arnie but don’t want Shaqiri. What are best options?
    A) Willian
    B) Ramsey
    C) Arnie & Son -> Mahrez & 6.4mid (-4)

    Cheers

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I'm doing Ram

  5. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    This week I've done arnie > shaq
    Is it worth a -4 to do lingard > Walcott ?

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

      Nope

    2. Patch
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Wait till after Hudd and Newcastle

  6. ebb2sparky
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Why is everyone so keen on shaqiri? Scored 1 and assisted 1 in last 10 PL matches? Is it simply due to upcoming fixtures?

    1. Hoofedgod
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      passed the eye test in the last 2 games

      1. The Hobbit
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        This.

        But he could easily be an eye test troll. 🙂 I like him as a player though, always fancied him playing for Swiss.

    2. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I don’t get it either

    3. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      He is cheap. Im not confident he will deliver big scores but with those fixtures he is decent value

    4. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      It's the romantic side of FF to support a player who is actually good, committed and creative. Otherwise we'd all have Stones. Here's Shaqiri's scores when he first came back from injury earllier this year. 5, 13, 5, 9, 2, 8

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

    Pope
    Otamendi Jones Alonso
    Salah Arnautovic Sterling Mahrez Lingard
    Kane Firmino

    Speroni Ogbonna Calvert-Lewin Hunemeir

    1 FT, 0.5 ITB

    What to do here:

    A. Arnie >> Shaqiri
    B. Arnie / Kane >> Shaqiri / Aguero (get Kane back after the 3 tougher fixtures) [-4]
    C. Kane >> Aguero (play Ogbonna for Arnie)
    D. Save (play Ogbonna for Arnie)

    Thanks

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

      A

  8. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Is Gudmundsson (BUR) worth considering? Which cheapies do you considering for Sanchez plan?

    I can get Ulloa + max 5.0 mid.

    1. Rsforstar
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      milivojevic

      1. Yellin' in my Ear
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        This

        1. Yellin' in my Ear
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Not the greatest fixtures, but bench fodder and can get a pen against anyone

    2. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I think he is - posted a little earlier on this.

      Question mark over whether he will compete with Lennon, but great fixtures, good underlying stats and good price.

    3. The Hobbit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No need for Sanchez for me yet. 🙂 but I’d look at Ibe, good stats, passed eye test last time I saw him playing.

      1. Ruth_NZ
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Stanislas is the worry there. Apart from that I agree with you. Stats have been great as well.

      2. rdamjan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        If if want Sanchez I must made play this week (I have 2 FT). Ibe was my first choice too, but got aswer yesterday his spot is in danger from Stanislas.

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Gudmundsson has very nice creation stats but Burnley don't score that many. He could do well and he could do nothing but Burnley do have a good fixture run.

          Will Lennon affect Gudmundsson's gametime? That's another uncertainty.

    4. Halftime
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      McArthur is cheaper and gets a few goals too

    5. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Last year McArthur had a good little run of scoring.

  9. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Who loses his spot if Jese starts? Or is Jese not going to start at all

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I think he will keep his place. Mata seems most likely to drop out.

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

    Help me scouts!
    A) IN Kun & Sanchez OUT Kane & KDB
    B) IN Kun & def (who is best replacement for Ota?) OUT: Kane & Otamendi

    Rest of team:

    Adrian
    Ota•Alonso•Gomez•Christiansen
    Salah•Sterling•KDB•Mahrez•Lindgard
    Kane
    (Elliot•Okazaki•DCL•Ogbonna)
    0.9itb.

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A is ridiculous, B if you must but why not just Kane to kun if that's your want (personally I'm keeping Kane)?

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Definitely not A
      How much in the bank for new defender?

      1. MFFista
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Already have 3 City players so need to get Ota out. 8.1 itb if doing B.

      2. MFFista
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Thinking of going Maguire which gives me 2.6 ITB

    3. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I like A.

  11. Hoofedgod
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Play one
    A) Fabianski (ARS)
    B) Pickford (LEI)

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

  12. Yellin' in my Ear
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    B

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Rf to hoofedgod

  13. GAMBIT
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    I am so confused. Is Willian injured or not?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Probably

    2. The Hobbit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Looks like injured for this gw

  14. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Morning lads. Bit of help needed. Selling Arnie and Depoitre for a hit, have 16.6 in total to spend on a striker and mid:

    Pick.
    Alonso. Ota. Jones.
    Salah. Sterling. Son. JLingz. XXX.
    Kane. XXX.

    Subs: Elliot. Masuaku*. Robertson. Quaner.

    Thought? Thinking Kun + Mili or Hazard + Wilson. Thanks.

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I have Wilson already, and prob going for kun and mili fwiw

    2. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kun and whoever you can buy with what’s left itb

      Mili ok

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kun and Mili no brainer

    4. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Hazard & J-Rod. Might be a little early on J-Rod but he'll do well over 6-8 weeks.

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        You have Kun yourself. Don't think he's worth getting?

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, I do. This week I will have both. 🙂

          I just think that the option I suggested is better over a period of weeks. Kun was only ever a short-term addition for me, as soon as Jesus is back (GW28) Kun is on his way. Very glad to have him right now though. 🙂

          1. Over Midwicket
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah I get that. Thoughts on Wilson? Seems similar to JRod but is more of a focal point, bit less pedigree and plays for a more attacking team. Great fixtures too. Both are on pens too, with Chadders and Morrison out.

            1. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Can't put anyone off Wilson really. It's just I have been waiting a long time to see J-Rod hitting his straps again and it seems he is now. Deserves it too, has been through hell with injuries.

    5. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks everyone. Kun seems to be the consensus but I still don't think he's worth the cash and I love the look of Wilson (pens, hattrick, value, fixtures) and JRod as a differential.

      Will probably plump for Kun and Mili, that being said.

    6. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Or J.Rod, Sanchez

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Not enough $$$. I also think Sanchez is poor pick. Can't people people are ripping their teams apart to get him in.

        1. Over Midwicket
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Believe*

        2. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Sanchez an easy downgrade to anyone to upgrade striker to Kane.

    7. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I’d go for Kun and Mili

  15. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    G2G?

    De Gea
    Kenny - Christensen - Otamendi - Alonso
    Salah(c) - KDB - Hazard - Sterling
    Firmino - Crouch

    Elliot - Dunk - Ibe - McBurnie

    1. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Interesting team - very defence/mid focussed - could be a good idea.

  16. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Current team....

    Elliot (Foster)
    Ota Ogbonna Mee Christensen (Holgate)
    Salah Arnie* Sterling Son (Atsu)
    Kun (C) Kane (DCL)

    2 FT and 0.2 ITB

    Willin' to go -4....so 3 TF to use. Arnie will go, but......

    should i give my midfield or defence priority with the other TF's?? Suggestions? Won't get Alonso though...

    1. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Just swap Arnie for someone playing and save transfers (good team).

  17. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Has masuaku now officially entered the list of awful punts for this season?

    Who else makes the list?

    1. Man Getting Hit By Football
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Had him since gameweek 18 and he's done literally nothing. Can't wait to get rid next week.

      Masuaku & Morata have been the worst investments for me this season.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Yes - been burnt by both.

    2. The Hobbit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Whole westham defence was a trap, sadly.

      1. Babit1967
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        I’ve still got Kiko lingering in my bench , hasn’t played a game for me

  18. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Morning lads.

    Who would you change in my starting Xl? (2FT).

    DDG

    Jones Otamendi Alonso

    Salah Sterling Son Lingard Milivojevic

    Kane Agüero Quaner

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Surely Quaner is benched?

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I meant to leave Quaner out.

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          In which case I'd be wary of double Utd defence - do have fodder to move on. I guess you could trade Son if you have moves to burn.

          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Double United defence has played a big part in me shooting up the rankings, definitely holding there.

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      no one

  19. YouReds
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Would you play...

    Elliot/Ogbonna over DDG/Jones

    this week?

    1. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      no

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    How confident can we be about Ramsey being back as a starter?

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Dont know why would anyone want him right now

      1. FantaCity
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        It's a little early, agreed, but potentially a bargain with Sanchez gone

      2. The Hobbit
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Arsenal looks like scoring for fun at the moment.

        Mikhi is better asset though, in similar price bracket like Rambo bus playng more forward and has more class. I’m even tempted to punt on him this week!

      3. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Because his points per match is better than anyone else worth £7m or less

        1. JJO
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Its a diferent situation now
          Same as Allens regarding CM / AM role

      4. JJO
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Dont think he will be nailed
        Even if he would be,he will now play DM
        Arsenal have awful fixtures

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I think he will be eventually when he is back to full fitness

  21. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    No ‘Burning Question’ article about ‘Kanexit revisited’?

    Thought Mark had mentioned one was coming

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Tomorrow.

  22. Krionos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    So many options, but really unsure what to do. What do the masses reckon?

    DDG, Elliot
    Alonso, Jones, Stones, VVD, Duffy
    Salah, Sterling, Lingard, Ibe, Milivojevic
    Kane, Aguero, Okazaki

    My current thoughts (2 FT, 0.5itb):

    1. VVD, Lingard > Chillwell, Mkhitaryan
    2. Kane, Okazaki > Vardy, Firmino
    3. Lingard > shaqiri/choupo moting
    4. Okazaki > Ayew(enabler for sanchez next gw)

    Any other suggestions?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      4.

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      4

  23. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Which move?
    (A) Arnautovic to Shaqiri
    (B) Arnautovic and DCL to Mahrez and McBurnie/Quaner (-4)

    1. Big P
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Not a huge fan of either to be honest :/

      Not sure aboit Mahrez looking at his stats of late

  24. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    As a Sane owner , hoping he gets a rest today..

    With WBA defensive issues he will be my captain..

  25. Big P
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    How will Arsenal line up if they sign Aubayamang?

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Aubeyang has played central his whole career - where Lacazette is now. I think Az was talking about having a forward line of Kane, Lacazette and Aubeyang but I think they will rotate at Arsenal. Ozil will 100% play and I can't see Lacazette being moved wide (and if he is surely he won't be as attractive at his price)

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Cech
      Bellerin Mustafi Koscielny Monreal
      Wilshere Xhaka
      Ramsey Ozil Lacazette
      Aubameyang

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Not sure I agree Diesel. I don't think Lacazette plays. And as much as I hate these ITK types, all the stories are that Aubeyang is being pushed on Wenger with the new guy from Dortmund pushing. Lacazette has hardly set the world on fire.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Cech
          Mustafi Koscielny Monreal
          Bellerin Xhaka Wilshere Kolasinac
          Ramsey Ozil
          Aubameyang

          1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah... Although probably Mikhi as
            part of a front three with Ozil and Aub with Ramsey instead of Wilshere? *think* that was what I heard an Arsenal connected journalist say on a podcast last week.

  26. Coldplay
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Have there been any news on Eriksen yet? Is he likely to start on Wednesday?

  27. AmeliesDad
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Already done DCL to Ayew. Now what do I do with Masuaku, Arnie and RLC?

    1. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Getting near a wildcard situation.

  28. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Dele -> Mahrez/Sane

    or

    Son -> Pogba

    Any worth a -4?

    1. Coldplay
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I am also thinking the first one with Eriksen instead of Alli, but already on a -4 so not sure.

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe Dele to Mahrez.

  29. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Arnie, Masuaka & D.Gray > D.Silva, Chilwell & Milivojevi (-4)?

    1. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Yep

  30. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Best value stoke player to get in.
    Allen
    Chu
    Shaq

    Thoughts lads.