Scout Notes

The Stock Check – Gameweek 25 – Saturday

Sadio Mane breaks out of the Liverpool malaise. Alexis Sanchez “hands” us a reminder of his near essential status and Gareth McAuley benefits from the most fortuitous of goals to build on his reputation. Here’s the Stock Check following Saturday’s Gameweek 25 action…

On The Rise

Sadio Mane
A sparkling first half performance re-ignited Liverpool and again offered indication that the Senegalese could be the Reds’ midfield solution we’ve been seeking.

The brace against Spurs were his first goals at Anfield since Gameweek 11 – a surprising statistic for a player previously so strong in home matches.

His 16-point return was his biggest haul of the season and enough to see him top the transfers in table overnight.

However, while Liverpool currently face a fixture in Gameweek 26, the FA Cup could yet play havoc with Mane’s schedule.

This report states that, should Millwall take Leicester City to a replay in their fifth round tie next Saturday, Liverpool’s Gameweek 26 fixture could be in jeopardy due to a possible replay date.

Liverpool’s meet with the Foxes is scheduled for Monday February 27, with the Tuesday/Wednesday slot that week set the default date for any fifth round replays.

However, there are possible solutions that are omitted in the report.

Liverpool’s fixture could move back from Monday to Sunday February 26, although that would be subject to restrictions surrounding the broadcasting rights.

Secondly, any potential FA Cup replay could possibly be scheduled for the week beginning March 6, immediately prior to the Quarter Finals.

However, there are Champions League ties scheduled for that week. Leicester City play their second leg with Sevilla in the week of March 13, however, UEFA frown upon fixtures being played out in the same week as European matches – although there have been exceptions.

A third solution would be for the FA to move the potential replay date back to the Saturday prior to Gameweek 26, forcing Leicester to play two crucial matches in three days.

Of course, Mane could also face a blank in Gameweek 28 should Burnley progress to the last eight of the FA Cup by seeing off Lincoln City.

Clearly, there continue to be many unknowns surrounding the Premier League schedule. Holding fire on Mane and other investments until the conclusion of next weekend’s FA Cup ties looks a very wise move.

Alexis Sanchez
The Sanchez brace against Hull City was, undisputedly, less emphatic than Mane’s contribution. Fortune played it’s part in the opener, although the goal scored via his gloved hand followed several opportunities spurned, as the Chilean again stood out as Arsenal’s most potent threat.

Sanchez then benefited from a late spot-kick, having also converted in stoppage time against Burnley back in Gameweek 22.

That appeared to confirm his status as the designated taker behind Olivier Giroud and the injured Santi Cazorla – another major plus.

Arsene Wenger’s decision to keep Sanchez on the pitch, despite Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Bayern Munich, proved vital again, then.

You have to wonder if the Swansea City incident and press questioning following Sanchez’ reaction has made Wenger far more mindful of withdrawing his star man. Although, with Hull City providing testing opponents, arguably there was no question of preserving Sanchez on Saturday.

The Gunners and Sanchez now face a Gameweek 26 blank, with the threat of a further postponement to follow in Gameweek 28. Arsenal need to beat Sutton United in the FA Cup, or for Leicester City to see off Millwall, to confirm that blank.

Sanchez has therefore been subject to sales once again, with Mane and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard proving the most popular replacements thus far. His price will likely fall significantly over the next 21 days.

However, omitting Sanchez for the Gameweek 27 trip to Liverpool appears to be a major risk and, once the blanks are navigated, there are surely fewer assets seen as more “essential”.

Oumar Niasse, Lazar Markovic, Kamil Grosicki
While the Hull City trio failed to deliver returns at the Emirates, their performance in a spirited Hull City display nonetheless gave us renewed confidence on their potential.

Marco Silva’s side are one of six to present us with a guaranteed Gameweek 28 fixture and, while we’ve already begun weighing up their defensive options, Saturday’s display demonstrated that their attack could also offer us solutions.

Manalo Gabbiadini
A Gameweek 26 blank dampens any immediate enthusiasm, but there can be no doubt that Gabbiadini’s performance at Sunderland has put the Southampton striker firmly on the radar.

Two more goals, adding to his debut strike against West Ham last weekend, confirmed the Italian as a clear option once we have steered through the ensuing blanks.

The Saints’ run-in is, however, a mixed bag, without a sustained run of favourable opponents. But acquiring Gabbiadini for successive home matches with strugglers Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in Gameweeks 30 and 31 certainly appears to be a viable strategy.

Manuel Lanzini
The Argentine is at least one standout performer from Saturday’s events unaffected by missing fixtures.

West Ham offer us coverage in both Gameweek 26 and 28 and, while our attention is drawn to Michail Antonio and Robert Snodgrass, Lanzini is making moves to suggest he can provide an effective alternative and differential.

His returns in the 2-2 draw with West Brom took him to two goals and three assists from his last four Gameweek starts.

Sofiane Feghouli, priced at just 5.0, matched Lanzini’s goal and assist but is perhaps less secure as a Hammers option.

Gareth McAuley
Extremely fortuitous to benefit from a Jonny Evans header on goal, McAuley nonetheless has to be acknowledged for earning a fifth strike of the season and yet another from a West Brom corner.

Like Lanzini, he is an asset unaffected by the looming blanks and now faces very favourable home fixtures with Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.

McAuley appears to be an assured starter, while Chris Brunt, deprived of his assist as a result of yesterday’s decision on Evans’ header, could soon be part of a midfield selection puzzle.

Should Evans be restored to the Baggies central defence and Allan Nyom shifted to left-back, Brunt would then compete for starts with James Morrison and Nacer Chadli.

Both Morrison and Chadli came out of the London Stadium clash with returns, with the former providing the assist for Chadli’s goal. Morrison has now returned in three successive Gameweeks.

Calum Chambers
Once again deployed at right-back against Everton, the Arsenal loanee produced a third clean sheet in five starts and has now delivered bonus in four of his last five Gameweeks.

Middlesbrough are among the sides who could miss Gameweek 28, although Aitor Karanka’s men seem likely to field a weakened side against Oxford United in the fifth round so should not be written off as an available option just yet.

Seamus Coleman
Everton claimed a fourth clean sheet in six at the Riverside Stadium and, while Coleman failed to provide attacking returns this time out, he still remained a key figure.

The right-back claimed a bonus point thanks to four successful tackles, although he also attempted five crosses having received more passes in the attacking third than any other Toffees player.

In Decline

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
While the double-digit haul for Alexis Sanchez reinforced his reputation, Ibrahimovic failed to punish a Watford defence at Old Trafford to cast doubt on his mid-term future in our squads.

The assist for Anthony Martial’s goal provided some consolation for the 22% who trusted him with the armband and he has now returned a goal or an assist in ten of 13 Gameweeks.

However, like Sanchez, Ibrahimovic will suffer significant sales ahead of the Gameweek 26 blank and is perhaps likely to be identified as more disposable.

Despite peppering Watford’s goal, the Swede has produced a single strike in his last four Gameweeks and, depending on Saturday’s FA Cup results, could now struggle to see off claims from Romelu Lukaku, Diego Costa and Harry Kane for our forward slots once we emerge from the blank fixtures.

The Gameweek 27 Old Trafford meeting with Bournemouth is the one major factor in his favour.

Many Ibrahimovic owners will surely either hold or schedule his return for that match-up. However, having failed to score at home to both Hull City and Watford in his last two home outings, we should perhaps remain wary.

Matt Phillips
It would be folly to write off Phillips heading into two home fixtures with both Palace and Bournemouth. With an assured fixture for Gameweek 28, he remains a key asset for this period.

However, having failed to return a goal or an assist in previous five, clearly, there are question marks surrounding his output and we perhaps need to manage our expectations.

Arguably, Phillips came into this period having over delivered. His nine assists delivered up to Gameweek 20 had been produced from just 30 chances created: he matched Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne for assists during this spell, despite creating 50% fewer chances.

Regression was always likely.

However, while Chadli and Morrison remain options in the Baggies midfield, Phillips appears more secure and, despite the wobble, he’s an asset that should be held and considered for acquisition.

Andy Carroll
Unlike Phillips, the dent to Carroll’s stock is far more damaging.

Carroll has the fixtures to provide us with an option but, having failed to train ahead of Saturday’s West Brom encounter, he missed out.

Typically, the Hammers striker just cannot seem to overcome ongoing groin problems to offer us a degree of security. A player cursed by injury concerns throughout his career, it’s clear that we cannot invest with any real confidence.

Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli
With home fixtures with Stoke City and Everton to follow and missing assets to address, there is little need to reach for the panic button just yet.

Nonetheless, Spurs are now troubling us as a source of attacking points, having scored just a single goal in their last three Gameweeks.

That has damaged the reputation of their three principle options, who could all face a blank in Gameweek 28 should Mauricio Pochettino’s side see off Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Wilfried Zaha
While showing flashes, Zaha has failed to fire on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Having delivered three successive blanks over a spell of favourable fixtures, Zaha and Palace are now edging into a testing period in their schedule and with a Gameweek 28 blank a strong possibility, Zaha’s stock, along with that of long declining Christian Benteke, continues to fall.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,006 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Judas
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Which defender to get for Cedric next week for £6.5m?

    A: Double up on CHE defence
    B: Maguire from Hull
    C: Splash out on Walker

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Maguire...... No blanks

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Who are your other def's Don?

    3. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        *assume that U have Alonso+EVE def

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      #waitforfacupmatches

    6. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C only if your 4th def is not very good or you will often play 4 at the back.

  2. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Randolph, Jaku
    Alonso, Evans, Holebas, Friend*, Holgate*
    Eriksen, Siggy, Phillips, Fletcher, Sanchez*
    Kane, Lukaku, Ibra*

    Friend, Ibra > Coleman, Costa for -4 today as I have exact cash?
    Need to upgrade that defense and I think that selling Sanchez isn't good move as he plays up top, got him early so would loose a lot plus no chance to get him back as I use money for Goleman. Friend and Ibra will fall maybe even today and Coleman will rise same as Costa for sure so if I wait even few days it will be impossible. Hate early transfers especially with long brake now but that moves seems as "must do".

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The investment should yield good returns over time.

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        so would you do it?

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Tricky, Ibra has BOU 27 so a great cap. Over the longer-term though, your move can I think, provide better returns.

        2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yep, get it done now before price changes.

          1. StoichkovFPL
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            cheers

  3. bigwig
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea have had an excellent injury record this season, makes all the difference

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No European football also helps them

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      yup

    3. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      It might be Conte's training method to some bit. As we know, Alonso/Hazard has been playing through injuries. But Chelsea has such a short squad. Fabregas Zouma Terry Begovic Willian Batshuayi are the only viable backups in the side.

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Luiz also playing through the pain, tough lads.

        1. Grand Thibauto
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yes Luiz too. What an annoying tackle from Aguero that. Expect Chelsea to get in some wing backs/Central mid for next season.

      2. Brap.
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Aké!!

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Barton to break couple of ankles 😛

    5. fiveyears
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Similar to Leicester last year, interesting whether its pure luck or whether the methods are different

      Guess no Europe has an effect.

    6. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Worse jinx attempt ever.

    7. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Leicester last season had the same. To win EPL you need luck and Kante

    8. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No European football, no injuries, several players who have won the league before and a world class manager. No surprise really.

  4. fiveyears
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Keown's apocalyptic visions of Wenger leaving and everything going wrong is absolutely mental.

    It'll be a period of adjustment when he goes but if I was an Arsenal fan I think the risk would be worth it, certainly not anything to be scared about like Keown is suggesting.

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      As Arsenal fan I think that Wenger time has come

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I know its not like Arsenal are exactly winning anything of late and not really challenging either

      1. Stokelona
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Agree, finishing 4th isn't the be all and end all anymore, there's so much money in the league now it doesn't matter financially. And Chelsea can finish 10th and still keep and attract the best players and manager. Wenger needs to challenge for trophies

    3. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe Allegri as a replacement would be a good move, otherwise Arsenal will struggle for the first few season without Wenger

      1. gunner 2727
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        i wanted Arsene out about 6 years ago, the game has changed, what wonderful memories he gave us but with him at the helm we have no ambition. Just seems content in the fact that because we have less money to splash we can't compete with city, chelsea etc. then the one year it looks possible get done by leicester! obviously next man in is key, but honestly id take any reasonable gamble just for something different to Groundhog Season, even if that is rebuilding. Allegri seems like an astute shout, but id like to see a young englishman get a chance, Eddie Howe.

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Eddie Howe would be a big gamble. Him getting that chance and taking it like Pep did with Barca would be great.

          1. gunner 2727
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Not similar but so was Arsene when hired. He's young, successful, working miracles on small budget. Having a tough run and agree its a gamble but with arsene mentoring i think has real potential.

            1. ZeBestee
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              I would love a high intensity coach like Klopp/Poch to manage Arsenal. That would transform Arsenal to contenders straight away.

              1. gunner 2727
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                i wanted klopp for 3 years, assumed it was the plan 🙁

        2. Brap.
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          How does this "no ambition" manifest itself?

          1. gunner 2727
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            i.e quite happily come top 4, europe, get knocked out in quarters, repeat, repeat, keep tactics,keep manager, buy same players. Great business strategy but in terms of winning league against rivals and champions league, even better rivals, doing the same thing over and over is either blind faith or lacking ambition. If arsenal board think they should be winning the league in a 10 year period then why still have a manager in place who cant deliver one?

            1. Brap.
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              The disruption caused by Wenger leaving will put you back at least a couple of seasons and cost probably more than hundred milly more than he would spend -- and other teams won't be standing still in that time

              Gotta be the right guy for the job, not taking a flyer

              Conte would've been perfect. Who else is there in world football?

              1. gunner 2727
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                so just carry on accepting how it is? thats the exact explanation of lacking ambition. sometimes you have to make a big decision, agree its easier to make that decision for a proven name.

    4. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      He will go upstairs surely?

      1. gunner 2727
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        exactly, someone young with arsene mentoring

      2. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        that's a big possibility given how much attached he is to the board and Arsenal FC. As an Arsenal fan though, i would love for him to go to a Barcelona/Madrid and see how he fares there.

      3. Stokelona
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        That would be nice, as long as he doesn't prevent the next guy coming in and doing things his own way

        1. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          He'd be a less intimidating presence than having Fergie looming over you 🙂

  5. ILOVEBAPS
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know how FPL auto-pick actually picks its players?it sometimes comes up with THE worst ideas.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      They ask Jonty.

      1. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Banter. That would mean I was doing it for much of last season.

        1. ILOVEBAPS
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          😆 I may as well use it as I could barely do worse

        2. gunner 2727
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Hi Mark, Can you shed any light on the mcauley "goal"? doesn't seem like a shred of evidence to justify immediately being given to him and taken away from a guy who thumped a header in.

          Just wondering what your well balanced thoughts would determine!

          ta

          1. Stokelona
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Mark has McCauley doesn't he, he'll be loving it!

            1. gunner 2727
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              as a fpl representative would still like his opinion.....

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      some strange random picks sometimes

  6. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Burnley 0-2 Chelsea. Costa brace, both assisted by Alonso. Hazard pen miss. Pretty please with sugar on top.

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      that would be perfect

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Costa can't produce brace

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No

    4. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      0-0 with a Hazard missed pen, Heaton save.

    5. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      0-0 with heaton pen save from hazard and costa red card would be perfect (heaton alonso owner 😉 )

    6. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Close but no cigar. You misspelt Costa... It's kante and Moses who score. Also Heaton with 9+ saves

      1. Brap.
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        (Actually Cahill and Matic)

  7. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Grant Holt is playing for Hibs

    Hasn't lost the use of his elbows

    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Like Delap, as long as his arms are fit he plays.

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        😆

  8. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do it?

    Ibra Sanchez --> Lukaku (SUN) Hazard (SWA) -4

    I see it as a relatively risk free hit.(with the intention of bringing them later)

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wait maybe for FA Cup

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        yh after all fa cup matches are done and dusted

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      2+2-4=0

      1. Grand Thibauto
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Expecting Lukaku and Hazard to blank at home to Sunderland and Swansea is a bit of a stretch

        1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          You never know mate.

        2. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          this. and both will be sligtly fresher as they have no european games

  9. John wick
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Select any 1 for replacement for lukaku after gw28
    Already have ibra and kane

    A. Costa
    B, jesus

    1. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Costa 100%

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Jesus will have a DGW.

    3. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Costa

  10. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Didn't realise that McAuley had 30% ownership

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah that ghost goal was a killer

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        We should get Family Fortunes to do a survey

        We asked 100 people who scored this goal

        99 said Evans
        1 Opta man said McAuley

        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Most ludicrous decision I've even seen playing this game.

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            It is definitely up there in the Top 3 weird goal awards of all time

            I can see why people think there is some form of skullduggery going on

        2. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          X

          (errr errrrrrr)

      2. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        he was 29% before that goal

    2. vectorman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I don't know what you're Culkin about.. Sorry that is a terrible terrible joke, just had to relieve 2 seconds of boredom

      Anyway yeah not to bring it up again but that was outrageous and I own neither of these players involved. McAuley's strand of hair did the trick.

  11. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Robbie starts and not at LB. Should be on set pieces? A very good 5.5m option if he can play his best stuff.

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Burnley

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        That's why he's 5.5m, surely not known for their attacking ethos. He's quality and one of their best attacking options and setpiece threat. Who else for a 5.5m mid, a 4th in a 4,3 or 5th in 5,2?

  12. Business Cat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Got a dilemma with my transfer this week...really dunno what to do.

    I can field 11 next week already, benching Ibra, Sanchez and Yoshida currently.

    Option 1: Sanchez to Hazard

    My sale value is currently 11.6m...I can see him dropping well below that over the next few GWs.

    Hazard has two tasty fixtures SWA,whm ahead of GW28...possible captain for GW26.

    Will give me an extra GW26 player allowing TCarroll to be benched away at Chelsea.

    However he probably won't play GW28 and I already have Costa.

    I'd be looking to buy back Sanchez GW31

    ...but...but...getting rid of Sanchez...doesn't feel good 🙂

    However if Hazard goes nuts, I'll feel horrible 🙁

    Option 2: Yoshida to Maguire

    The easier option...gives me an extra player for GW26 and GW28...will allow me to bench TCarroll away at Chelsea next week

    My GW28 team will then be up to a healthy 9 players definitely starting.

    I do already own Jaku though...so that is a Hull defence-double-up.

    Thinking I might do Option 1 this week, then Option 2 the week after.

    Thoughts?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      #waitforfacupmatches as may become clearer after next weekend

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Can you afford to wait until deadline GW26?

      Many games between now and then, something will happen to change our plans. I'm currently planning to sell Sanchez & Defoe > Siggy & Lukaku, but will take it to the wire.

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah...money's not a problem...got 1.4m itb.

        Patience not my strongest virtue 🙂

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Gotta wait Cat, I see some surprises over the next 14 days....

          1. Business Cat
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Hoping Burnley lose to Lincoln...that'll mean Liverpool get them at Anfield...can ditch Eriksen for Mane then 🙂

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Depends how you feel about Alexis@LIV? I don't like it, fear ARS won't turn up just like TOT. 11.6? Take it, buy-back 29 @WBA for less imho.

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Could go either way...Liverpool are like Jekyll & Hyde

    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      As u say. Do 1 this GW and the 2nd GW after.

    5. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Would it be a silly idea to do both for a hit? You'd get at least 2 of the points back from gw28. B on it's own seems a bit too safe when you can see haz's fixtures and the points potential, but maguire could repay you immediately at home to burnley and doesn't blank

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        On a hit diet...been taking too many recently.

        Now my team's pretty well set up for GW28, hoping my lack of hits will claw me back some ranking over less well-planned teams

        1. Stokelona
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yeh, you are well set, wish I had another transfer! I think I'd go option 1 for more immediate returns, plus it is a bit irritating having your most expensive player on the bench

    6. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Option 1 this week seems sensible... but I'd calculate how long you can afford to wait... I'd want to see those cup games first

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, I can wait for the cup games...can only lose max 0.3m on Sanchez...I'm not down to my last few pennies.

  13. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    1. Chelsea win today and season over?

    2. If Alonso is 7.0m next season will you get him?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Already over
      Nope

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      1. Season is over other teams playing for second

      2. Might be classified as a midfielder

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        How much you reckon he would cost as a mid?

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I don't know

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      It's already done.
      No.

    4. fiveyears
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I think they've won it.

      Alonso depends on classification. Given he is considered a 'wing back' but playing in a 3-4-3 it'll be interesting to see what happens.

    5. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Almost
      Funnily enough they may get an even "better" LWB lol, let's face it, he isn't that good a defender.

      1. fiveyears
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        True, one thing not considered is how Conte will bolster the squad with CL coming in.

    6. Mumble Pie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea have a really great run of games coming up....
      Remember when Brana was considered essential...
      Alonso might fill those boots

  14. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    C'mon Joey

    Rise to the occasion and get those Chelsea players riled

  15. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    No that someone cares but my thought about Ibra is that when my forward can't score against Hull and Watford at home i don't want him for now in my team.Even if gets points in gw 27.After that Man utd has a possible blank in gw 28 and 3 games with Boro,West brom,Everton.Three difficult games with solid defences.
    So again my thought is to move Ibra,i can find better strikers at this point and even if he gets points in gw 27 i will not regret it i think i am taking the right decision.

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'm leaning that way.

    2. Mumble Pie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Makes sense to me!

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Talking to yourself is the first time of madness 😉

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      He is still the highest point scoring forward at the moment thiugh ... may sway a few in to suggesting you can't get better ?

    5. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      After watching last 3 Utd games, his conversion rate would be less simply because they play at a very high pace and he sometimes can't cope with that. Took him out for Jesus before this gw and have no regret

  16. ILOVEBAPS
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Will Pickford get his spot back next GW you think? Did Manonne have a shocker?

    1. Deyanski
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      If he is ready I think he is pretty much straight back.

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Should be back within the next game or 2

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Worth holding with Lord Heaton or ship out for Jaku?

    3. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Manonne wasn't bad in previous game but I'm sure that Pickfor will stright back to first team when 100% fit

    4. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Was always a case of when he gets back in not if he gets back in but after yesterday I expect pickford to start next game. Just gives the defence that extra security and his distribution is ten times better than Manonne.

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Sess. Pick ➡ Jaku does not seem as straight forward now.
        Would u do it?

        1. StoichkovFPL
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          to afford what? jaku isn't bad by the way

          1. ILOVEBAPS
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Nothing to do with money. I want points! Think Jaku is a better option the next few weeks over Heaton but if Picky is back then I'd look to get a Hull 5th def instead.

            1. StoichkovFPL
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              I would love to have your "problems" 🙂

        2. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I did heaton > jaku couple gws ago a day kept pickford. Pickford & jak rotate well and cost pennies.

          1. ILOVEBAPS
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Ok cheers Sess. G'luck without Heaton!

            1. Sess!
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              I think it was a sensible calculated risk given Burnley short term fixtures. Lots of away games, two tough hone games. WC on tact if red to get him back when their fixtures improve/dgw

              1. Sess!
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                *if need to get him back

    5. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Shipping 4 at home...gotta think Pickford will come back in.

      Wasn't really Mannone's fault...whole team was cack, especially the defence. Gabbiadini was great too.

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers u cute lil puss cat you

  17. Mumble Pie
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Just looking at the comparison tool
    Lanzini vs Antonio
    The latter pretty much wins at every turns, but form is with Lanzini atm.
    Its the old class vs form debate.
    My gut is going with Antonio.
    Any thoughts on this wee dilemma?

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'd go with Antonio

      Feel it's only a matter of time, he plays up front

    2. Mumble Pie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      He's got that ability to do so

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio was the best thing since .... erm ... Lanzini ... until Phillips came along - they all have their days in the sun but never shine for ever

    4. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone snodgrass, he was really impressive on motd last night and has the set pieces

  18. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Hull defender

    A) Maguire

    B) Ranocchia

    1. Mumble Pie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B.. Bonus point potential

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Is he nailed?

    2. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A nailedness

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      God not B, he was awful yesterday and isn't nailed at all.

    4. Jersey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      if i do bring in a Hull defender, it will be Robertson.

    5. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Maguire looks class and is a goal threat from set pieces

  19. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else find this seasons official PL colour scheme really poor, especially when they use the bright colours as background for stats, team sheets, names etc....

    1. Mumble Pie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      It gives me a headache

    2. Mumble Pie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Dont they know that 64.7% of men are colours blind

  20. Totti
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    best replacement for ibra
    A) Niang
    B) carrol
    C) deeney
    D) other suggestion
    my front 3 ibra lukaku costa

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        i don't want to triple spurs as i already own alli and walker

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          You will if they lose in the FA Cup

          1. Totti
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            🙂 if this happened for sure i will 🙂
            anyway i will wait till the end of the FA cup games

  21. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    GW 26 is not till 2 weeks away think I'm gonna just jot things down on a notepad and plan it out but as far as making changes now is a no-no for me anything could happen with the FA Cup players could get injured or sent off & we could get fixture changes so hold fire everyone and be patient.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      You are correct, but you are talking to a wall.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I know people want to make changes now before the price rises so they get them in cheap but it's really not worth if fixtures get changed, players get injured or suspended but lie you said a few will go ahead and make them anyway.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yep - you can lead a horse to water 🙂

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      There are also teams involved in European games

      Arsenal, Man Utd & Spurs play midweek

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This ^ just mean more rotation with players too

    3. Funkyav
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      very sensible

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I learnt from last years mistakes I did changes very early sometimes and it hit back at me till when the actual GW came around hits were taking etc

    4. Jersey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      i agree that holding off on transfers is very wise under the circumstances, with one exception.

      if you have 2 FT's, and are definitely moving Sanchez out, i see no reason not to do so as long as the player you are bringing in does not play a game before GW 26, so as to remove the injury factor as much as possible.

      that would include Siggy and Barkley, off the top of my head, 2 players who should play 3 games from 26-28 as opposed to 1 for Alexis.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I own both Sanchez & Ibra have 2 FT's but will personally benching Sanchez and doing Ibra > Kane for GW 26 leaving me save and bank the remaining FT and have 2 for GW 27 where I can do Kane > Ibra again if I wanted to.

        1. Jersey
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          i own both also. i want Ibra to (c) vs. Bournemouth in GW 27, so i'm benching him in 26.

          i'm holding off on Sanchez out as long as i can, but i will not allow a loss to sell value, or a rise in the player i want.
          i can afford a .1 loss in Sanchez without losing sell value, so i am keeping my eye on both Barkley and Siggy . . . have not decided which of those two i want first.

    5. fiveyears
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Only one I may do early is Ibra to Lukaku, with Everton having no fixtures between now and 26. Plan on getting Ibra back before 28 anyway.

      General idea to wait though is a sound one.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I'm debating doing Ibra > Lukaku or Kane but will await the FA Cup results before I do Lukaku will get a big haul vs Sunderland in GW 26 I reckon.

  22. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    For next few weeks - Sterling & Sanchez ---> Antonio/Snoddy/Lanzini (which one?) & Siggy

  23. davies
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ibra & Amat > Lukaku & Maguire (-4)

    Worth it? (Could just play Capoue and make on transfer)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Worth it

  24. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    I just want some good solid points today. Costa, Cahill and Siggy. Come on lads!

  25. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking ahead, would you save FT for the following week?

    Foster
    Chambers Brunt Baines Mee Alonso
    Alli Eriksen Phillips
    Defoe Lukaku

    (Grant de Roon Sanchez Ibra)

  26. Funkyav
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Just seen the Brunt/Evans goal that was given to MacAuley.

    Seen a few replays, still dont understand how it isnt a Brunt assist/evans goal.

    Can anyone explain?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      We are all baffled

      #skullduggery

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      As a McAuley owner I am not sure they can... because it wasn't. I'd happily have the points deducted as it is a terrible decision.

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Aye take the points back.

        I don't want them anyway. 😀

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Even Chris Kamara said it was an Evans goal

    4. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Has Mark/FPL shed any light on it?

    5. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ball came off Evans forehead, rolled on top of McAuley's head as he was falling into the back of the net.

      Watch it enough...you'll eventually see it:
      https://my.mixtape.moe/ciogzk.mp4

      ...pretty marginal decision though

    6. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Evans heads it down onto McAuley's head.

  27. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Leicester line-up going to be interesting. Personally would not recall Huth, Morgan, Fuchs, Simpson, Drinkwater and Vardy. Derby replay showed the 'reserves' are fighting harder than the 'first choice team'.

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      As a fan I agree, but it won't happen. Some of the best performers in the cup haven't even travelled with the squad. Ranieri wants the experienced heads for such an important game for us, I fear that will backfire. Mahrez, Huth and the full back in particular don't deserve to hold their places

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Vardy has been feeding on scraps. He still runs the same amount (more than last season in fact) and gets into the right positions, but he is found less than half the amount of times that he was last season. We lack creativity, his strike rate isn't dissimilar to last season, he just rarely sees the ball in advanced positions.

  28. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Hi. 2FT and 3.0 ITB. Would like to do A and B.
    A) Cedric -> Brunt or Hull defender
    B) Anicehebe -> Carroll / Llorente
    C) Ibra -> who?
    D) Sanchez -> Hazard

    Grant
    Alonso, Coleman, Holebas
    Alli, Coutinho, Phillips, Stanislas
    Lukaku

    Pickford, Sanchez, Ibra, Valencia, Cedric, Anicehebe

  29. FPLHaggis
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Not using my 1FT until after FA Cup but these are my options for 11 men in GW26 basically:

    a) Amat > Robertson (BUR)
    b) Sanchez (11.5 sale value) > Hazard/Mane (SWA/Lei)

    1. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B just I think because I like to focus my transfers on my bigger hitters and it feels annoying having your most expensive players on the bench

      1. FPLHaggis
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        -4 to do both?