Opinion

The Burning Question: Is now the time to revisit Leicester City’s assets?

For much of the season, Leicester City’s assets have been way off the radar of Fantasy managers, as their overpriced and under-performing stars failed to replicate the astonishing form that captured the Premier League title.

But last month Claudio Ranieri, the manager who guided them to 2015/16 success, was ruthlessly sacked and ever since the Foxes have once again become an invigorated force.

They have won all three league games under new boss Craig Shakespeare and also find themselves in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

But can we really forgive months of mediocrity and take the plunge for the final few Gameweeks?

We turn to a select band of Fantasy Football Scout contributors to ask the Burning Question: is now the time to revisit Leicester City’s assets?

Simon March (2014/15 FPL Champion) says…

Potentially, yes, in the short term at least.

Leicester’s back to back home fixtures against Stoke and Sunderland couldn’t be much more enticing, and their usual suspects – Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Christian Fuchs – all seem to have hit some form of late. They could definitely inflict damage and deliver returns in the coming Gameweeks.

However, while the next couple of away fixtures against Everton and Crystal Palace could definitely be worse, there’s that small issue of a Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid looming on the horizon. You have to assume that, from Gameweek 32 at least, Leicester’s biggest assets will also become their biggest rotation risks.

Then there’s the question of their mentality. Yes, they’ve rallied spectacularly in the past few weeks, but is that sustainable given how poor they’d been previously? We know how dangerous Leicester can be when their back is against the wall, but are they really up for it in the league now relegation is less of a threat? And just how much of a distraction will that Champions League tie be? These, for me, are all reason to think twice.

Leicester will have a double Gameweek, but it looks likely that it’ll pit them against Man City and Spurs, giving them one of the toughest schedules of all the teams playing twice.

For me, investment in Leicester is for those looking for a short-term opportunity. There’s hardly any scope for ‘bargain hunting’ and, with more consistent performers coming in at similar prices to the likes of Vardy and Mahrez, I think there are better options for those looking to build for the longer term.

Jonty says…

It hasn’t just been their woeful form this season that has put me off Leicester assets; it has also been their dramatic price hikes since their title-winning season.

While Jamie Vardy started this season at an eye-watering 10.0, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku could have picked up in Gameweek 1 for 1m less. Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez’s initial 9.5 price tag looks dreadful value compared to the attacking potential of Liverpool and Spurs’ cheaper midfield big guns.

Elsewhere, Christian Fuchs’ Gameweek 1 value of 5.5 was, incredibly, the same as Kyle Walker’s at the start of the season. As we approach Gameweek 30, 56 points separate the Spurs’ raiding right back and the Foxes’ flop.

Even with their turnaround in form and a slight price reduction, Mahrez and Fuchs still seem a little over priced to me

But as for Jamie Vardy, finally, he appears to be performing like a 10m striker, with three goals and two assists in his last three.

With Stoke and Sunderland at home and with my team currently without an enticing Gameweek 30 captain, it is the Foxes’ marksman that interests me.

Not only does he have form and fixture, he also offers me exactly the kind of explosive differential I need as I seek to catch up on my mini-league leaders. Still owned by just 10.6% of FPL managers, he already has the same number of double-digit scores as the 39.6% owned Diego Costa, who will probably be Gameweek 30’s top choice captain.

For others in my position, of looking for a quick boost in rank, I think Vardy is the ideal solution, especially if you hand him the armband against Stoke, and even against Sunderland in Gameweek 31.

Andy85wsm says…

During the 2015/16 season, I wasn’t able to attend one single Vardy party. Twenty-four goals he scored last season and I somehow managed to dodge every single one.

With the way the current season has gone, I hadn’t even looked for an invite until the Ranieri sacking. Two goals against Liverpool and suddenly I was looking at the Leicester fixture list once again, although too scared to commit early. It was the “eye test” that did it for me, while watching the second leg of the Sevilla game in the Champions League.

Leicester’s performance was reminiscent of the team that had won the league last year; they were pressing and fighting for every ball and once again looked hungry.

While I don’t agree with what happened to Ranieri, there’s no room for sentiment when it comes to Fantasy Football. Now Craig Shakespeare is in charge the question of “to Leicester or not to Leicester” is coming back into our minds and I think I’m in the “to” camp, at least in the short term.

Stoke (h), Sunderland (h), Everton (a) and Crystal Palace (a) are a good set of short-term fixtures. With Harry Kane injured, Sergio Aguero a little too expensive for my liking and Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended, I feel like we have room for Vardy in our line-ups, even if he is perhaps a little overpriced.

He’s shown he can still get the points, with three goals and two assists in his last three matches and at £9.8m I think he’s one to give another chance in our teams, and possibly even captain material against Stoke.

Mahrez on the other hand, is probably a step too far.

It’s not that I don’t think he will do okay over the same fixtures, it’s the availability of other midfielders performing who are just too difficult to sacrifice. Even with a 3-5-2 formation, I’m struggling to see how he fits in.

Beyond Vardy, my interest lies in Christian Fuchs who is priced at £5.2m and potentially much easier to fit in our squads.

With the next four fixtures I can see potential for both clean sheets and attacking returns: he has already managed four chances created and four shots in as many games. I missed out on Fuchs last season but am tempted to make a move this time; it’s just a question of finding some spare transfers at a time when there never seems to be enough.

Az says…

It’s such a shame that in the footballing world, the sunshine and rainbows from Leicester’s title winning run has been replaced with a big fat dark cloud.

However, in the Fantasy Football world things are quite different. Suddenly we have a team that has won all three of their Premier League games under their new manager, have a decent run of fixtures and a double Gameweek thrown in for good measure.

There really seems a buzz around the Leicester team now, and many of us are keen to tap into it. The main problem, though, for me, is who do we select?

In defence, Leicester are still leaking goals and Robert Huth and Wes Morgan are looking as ponderous as ever, I don’t fancy their chances of keeping many shut-outs in the near future.

However, the savvy manager will note that former Fantasy favourite, Fuchs, has dropped to 5.2 and has a goal and an assist in his last three. While I don’t see him picking up any clean sheets, he may just add to this tally in the coming weeks.

In midfield, Mahrez is the Hazard of last year, frighteningly bad all season but has seemed to be caught up in the improvement whirlwind that Shakespeare has summoned. But the Algerian still doesn’t look quite the player he was last season, despite his two goals in two games.

Plus, with the Liverpool midfield minefield, Alexis Sanchez and the Spurs options, is there really space for this Foxes maestro?

Elsewhere, Albrighton (4.9) appears to have regained his place and has two assists in the last three. He may be the man to consider in midfield if you are looking for a cheap enabler with some decent games and a double Gameweek.

Finally, up front, we have Leicester’s star man – Jamie Vardy (9.8). He looks electric at the moment: he seems to have recovered his blistering pace and looks capable of putting teams to the sword.

With a lack of firing forward options, his return to our thinking has come at a perfect time. I just wish I’d pulled the trigger last week to get his haul against the Hammers.

Applebonkers says…

Leicester’s new manager bounce looks in full-flight and right now their bushy tails are definitely up.

The same names as last season stand-out for me. Fuchs at the back, Mahrez in the middle and Vardy up top.

The latter looks particularly appealing as in attack is where options are currently most limited. Aguero has fixturitis, Zlatan is suspended, Costa has a brace allergy, Kane and Gabbiadini are crocked, Lukaku has no double Gameweeks, Defoe needs penalties, while Benteke is still Benteke – hugely frustrating.

Why not throw in some Leicester as pre-Wildcard punts?

Their immediate fixture list is so green it looks like one of these kale smoothies. A drink that claims to detox and reinvigorates after murky episodes like Gameweek 28.

Mark says…

I was always lining up an Aguero to Vardy trade ahead of Gameweek 3, but the cruel Seamus Coleman setback may just have put things back on ice.

It seems an obvious window to revisit Leicester. We have the convenience of their flourishing form, timed perfectly to coincide with our second Wildcard that, for some, could be put in play prior to Gameweek 34.

Back-to-back home matches with Stoke and Sunderland appear to present the platform for the Foxes to continue a run of three successive victories so, as short-term investments, they are exceptionally alluring. But the emphasis is on the short-term – I’d likely be looking at an exit plan as soon as Gameweek 32.

Fuch’s stock enjoys a boost in light of Coleman’s injury, although he will likely need attacking returns if he’s to repay our faith and, despite his recent goal and assist, I’m still not certain I trust him enough given the outlay.

Mahrez and Vardy are a different matter.

Involved in 45% and 50% of Leicester’s goals last season, not surprisingly, they are integral to the Shakespearean revival. Their incredible transformation following the departure of Claudio Ranieri leaves a sour taste and, while they still struggle to look good value, it’s difficult to ignore the form and fixture – Stoke and Sunderland at home in quick succession will surely offer further profit from the pair.

Much as my heart screams for me to be brave enough to move for Mahrez, the head says to stick with Vardy as a possible swap for Aguero.

But shedding Aguero, even with tepid form and two testing fixtures, brings me out in a rash and, with Coleman lighting a fire elsewhere in my squad, I’ve got a cast-iron get-out clause.

I want to be brave enough to see it through and perhaps even back Vardy with the armband, but there’s still several meetings to be had, and Gameweek 30 action points to be decided.

Truth be told, I’m still troubled by the scale of the transformation post-Ranieri and the fragility of the revival, with the Champions League still a massive distraction.

Paul Says….

If Vardy and Mahrez were priced similar to last year, I’d be more likely to consider them.

Those premium price tags are far too unpalatable and, looking at the underlying statistics; I just feel that there are a number of in-form alternatives with equally strong fixtures that merit my attention.

Leicester have somewhat flattered to deceive since Claudio Ranieri left. Vardy has scored three times from six attempts, and Mahrez’ frequency of shots and key passes have both slowed, despite his two goals. At the back, they have conceded more shots per match under Craig Shakespeare.

Granted, their morale is sky-high, and the upcoming pair of home matches with Stoke and Sunderland do look potentially profitable.

Of their options, Vardy is the one player that looks likely to sustain his form as the numbers also highlight that they are creating more “big chances” for him of late.

My 3-5-2 formation also factors into my thinking. I’m happy to hold Lukaku and then bring in Ibrahimovic next midweek rather than roll the dice on the Leicester man. The plan is then to switch to three up front, but that will only occur when Kane and/or Gabbiadini recover from injury.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

2,125 Comments Post a Comment
  1. drughi
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Keep switching captain between sanchez and aguero, gaahh

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      change to someone else

      1. drughi
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        no way

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Both good choices 🙂 whoever you vice will get a huge hall no doubt 😀

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Check their flight times and Captain the first one back to England

      1. drughi
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        good idea

  2. Astronautovic
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    pickford
    Alonso fernandez brunt
    Hazard sanchez mane antonio siggy
    Defoe kaku
    Heaton coleman robertson grabban
    2.0 itb
    Who to get in for antonio?
    Wanted to get alli but then it will be hard to afford ibra. Should i go with alli? Or r there cheaper options till gw34?

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Tadic, but you want Alli next week or GW32 at the latest. Also, wait to hear about Hazard's status.

  3. Olee
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is it bonkers to get Mane out for Sanchez this week? Also looking at Ward Prowse for Snoddy...also bonkers?

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I keep advising against it, but if you have no other way to get Sanchez, I would have to admit he is more important than Mane. Perhaps wait until next week, but really the answer is: find another way to get him.

      1. Olee
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I dont see any other good way than getting rid of Manè....and im kinda getting tired of pool assets splitting all points, and not beeing consistent vs lesser teams. But if u have a better idea to get Sanchez in this team, im ready to listen!?

        Randolph
        Alonso-Walker-Valencia
        Siggy-Eriksen-King-Manè-Snoddgrass
        Lukaku-Costa(c)

        Heaton-Barnes-Chambers-Yoshida

        0FT-2,4ITB

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Well, you could wait until next week, when Siggy has a bad fixture, and do Snoddy and Siggy to Sanchez and De Roon! But then you'd have to play Barnes . . .

          I think your best bet is downgrade Costa (GW31, not this week) and do Snoddy to Sanchez. Gabbiadini when fit, or Deeney right now, would free up what you need.

          1. Olee
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Well, i really dont like that idea, because Siggy has been the definition of consistent (unlike pool assets), and kinda the same with Costa..and I would really not like de Roon. Deeney i just dont think passes the eye test, i belive it has been more or less pure luck that his goals all of a sudden came. And Gabbiadini is risky, cause we dont know when he will be fit.

            The idea i have ATM is to do Manè for Sanchez, Snodgrass for Ward Prowse(probably), and that will enable me to do Costa for Ibra/Kane for the DGW...I dont thik that is such a bad idea?

  4. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Coleman replacement as I see it.

    .............Valencia.........Walker.......Bertrand......Vertronghen
    Rotation.......4.................5...................5....................5.........
    Form............4.................4...................5....................3.........
    Fixtures.......4.................5...................4....................5.........
    Explosive....4.................5...................4....................2..........
    ....................12..............19..................18................15..........

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Maths as I see it.

      4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        oh, ofc. sorry.
        I add "explosive" factor later that's why.

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          No problem 😉

    2. drughi
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      What about Toby ? Has been a bit unlucky not to score lately

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        16

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Hmm, nobody scores more than 19%. I'll leave them all alone.

    4. Springbank
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Hmm lemme guess non Valencia owner here 😉

    5. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Clean sheet potential
      4.........5.........1.........5

    6. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Valencia's form is 4? How can that be, the guys has had 1 blank in 10 weeks or something.

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

      If rotation scores are on the basis of past games Valencia should be 5 on 5 whereas Bertrand has been rotated often so he's definitely l not 5 on 5.

  5. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    any news on Martin Olsson?

    he's on my bench but with Funes Mori list injured now I need to take 1 of these cats out for the GW.

    Cheers
    Dom

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Will be decided closer to the game

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Just some speculation going around but FM looks worse .... move him IMO

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        that's who I'm leaning toward but to get Valencia I'd have use - 4 to transfer Kun out > Vardy, then do FM > Valencia.

        Thoughts?

        1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Those moves are being done commonly and so think they are reasonable

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      They more confident on naughten returning apparently

  6. Crouching Tiger
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Start Heaton (TOT h) or Grant (LEI a) ?

    Tough choice...

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Heaton for save points.

    2. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Start heaton

  7. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Does anybody have plans for when they will sell Lukaku and Sigurdsson? I'm assuming most people will shift them out before the expected double week in 37. I think I might move around week 35.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Many will keep them because of their potential to out score double game weekers

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        True. I'll probably look to switch Lukaku to Kane for the doubles but not 100% sure yet. Not seeing many better options than Sigurdsson though.

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Possibly going to keep Lukaku until GW38

    3. Pep says
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Tbh I plan on hiding them. I'm hoping to field a team like this in GW37 BB

      Pickford Caballero (both double)
      Alonso (dbl) Rose (dbl) Yoshi (dbl) Mawson (sun) PVA (HUL)
      Sanchez (dbl) Haz (dbl) Alli (dble) Siggy (sun) King (BUR)
      Kane (dbl) Kaku (WAT) Barnes (bou)

      9 double gameweek players but my chances of rotation with the sgw players are slim and they all have good fixtures

      1. Pep says
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        plan on *keeping them

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

    Any news on Gabbi yet? Really hoping he is back soon. Can't see any other good cheap strikers.

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      See previous page

    2. big_cliff
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Fancy a Deeney punt for 4 gws?

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

        Possibly mate.

        Really want to do Costa+Antonio > Gabbi+Sanchez for next GW. Deeney would work though too.

        1. big_cliff
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, we should def have news on Gabbi soon

  9. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I played with and against Lionel Messi.
    I played with and against Diego Costa.
    I played with and against Gareth Bale.
    I played with and against Thiago Silva.
    I played with and against Robert Lewandowski.
    I have played in the: English, Spanish, French, German and Italian league.
    My last 2 coaches are Spanish.
    I'm over 30.

    Which player am i?

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Found this on Troll Football, anyone know the answer?

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

        Woodgate ?

    2. drughi
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      di maria ?

      1. drughi
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        nothing

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

      M Laudrup ...

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

        probably too old

    4. Springbank
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Xabi Alonso?

      1. Springbank
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Only he hasn't played in France

        1. The Head-Ake
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I thought the same

      2. drughi
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Hasnt played in Serie A

      3. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Hasn't played with Messi.

    5. PaddyPyne
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Pepe Reina?

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

      Modric?

      1. drughi
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Hasnt played in serie A or french league or german league

    7. Brap.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      von Bommel?

    8. Hman
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Anyone worked this out?

    9. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      This is doing my head in

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I swear if it is a troll, Im'ma kill myself

  10. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    (1) Snoddy + King to Sanchez + DeRoon 343
    (2) Snoddy + Llorente to Sanchez + Gestede (till 5.2) 352
    (1) or (2)?

  11. The Left Duke #3
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Any advice on my FT this week (0.5m ITB)?

    Have no injury worries but not quite sure what way to go moving forward. Any help is much appreciated.

    Foster Jaku
    Williams Valencia Brunt Holebas Alonso
    Coutinho Mane Eriksen Siggy Lanzini
    Aguero Lukaku Diomande

    1. A.T
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero to Vardy so you can do Coutinho to Sanchez next week. Does that work money wise? Maybe even do both for a hit.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I have the exact money to do Coutinho and Aguero to Vardy and Sanchez (-4) right now....very tempted....although my rival who i'm chasing has Vardy already so I think at this stage I need to be different to him

        1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          This C A to V S is a very solid move.
          Any way to get Sanchez and get another reasonably in form player is good IMO

  12. Feed tha Sheep
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Which is the best transfer this week?
    A. Mane > Sanchez
    B. Brunt > Alonso
    C. Both for -4

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      What r the best options in midfield 8.0 and under?

      1. Astronautovic
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Sorry shouldn't have been there.
        But i would say sanchez is the main target but it's hard giving mane away. Can't u have both mane and sanchez?

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          It's lose him siggy or Alli?

          1. Astronautovic
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            It's hard who to loose
            Maybe give siggy away?

            1. Feed tha Sheep
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              He's literally been the most consistent player in fpl last 7/8GWs

    2. A.T
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

  13. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Rephrased...
    Play...
    A. Baines
    B. Holebas
    C. McAuley
    D. Snod (aoa)

    Or hit...
    1. Baines to Valencia
    2. Holebas or McA to boro def
    3. As above to Cedric/Yoshi
    4. Snod to Albrighton/Redmond/JWP

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I would play snoddy in aoa this week

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Think he'll start?

    2. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A

  14. UCL Fantasy
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Good morning all!

    A little part of me wants in on that Spurs defence so looking at Walker but Valencia seems like a no brainer.

    Eventually plan would be to have both but not sure how easy that is with Alonso and the want to get Alli at some point.

    Anyone else left Valencia for now?

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I didn't go for valencia too and want a spurs defender.

      1. Astronautovic
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I*

    2. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I'm not even sure I'll get him, I think there are better premium options elsewhere

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I've got him in - a DGW transfer later on I won't have to make (as not planning WC until after GW34)

      1. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah same - not planning it until 35/36 at this point so probably makes sense just to bring the DGW defender in.

        Maybe I can hold out hope that next 2 games for Spurs are away.

      2. Individual
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Exactly this.

        I'm wildcarding in 35 I think so I get at least some value from it in 35/6 before the double haha

    4. Pep says
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm avoiding. Have DeGea in goal though so I'm happy to have one United defender and not 2.

      I've gone for PVA. Bit of a wild call but I'm benching this week. Then they play sou, ARS, LEI, dgw, BUR, mci, HUL, mnu.

      Bit of a gamble but I really don't buy into the Valencia hype. Been very fortunate with his returns over the past 2 gw's

      1. Pep says
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        If you don't have Spurs defence, I think Walker or Vertongen are the best options. I've got Davies but have the funds aside to swap for Rose. Hoping to get the next 3 gw's outta Davies though..

      2. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        What if I don't have De Gea though? Seems unlikely that I'll get him in too

        1. Pep says
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          That cert of a clean sheet against Middlesbrough has left me wondering if United defence are even worth it. They play WBA, EVE, sun and CHE.

          WBA could easily. I'd fancy Everton to score. Defoe has proven he can score against any team. And Chelsea will surely score also. United aren't as solid as people seem to like to they are at the back.

          Still think Spurs defence Trumps United's for the run in.

          1. Pep says
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            I'm benching DeGea for Grant against Everton and Chelsea. Selling DeGea for Pickford after the double and will have no United defence

    5. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      im considering Toby instead now as it enables me to get bertrand and Alli aswell if i get walker im 0.1 short

    6. A.T
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Good morning Andrew. There's a fair amount of hype about Valencia I'd say. I've got him and I'm happy to have him but I'm not expecting much from him tbh. I wouldn't be too concerned if I​ didn't get him until the dgw. Spurs defence the priority I'd say.

      1. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Andrew.......I'm worried now.

        1. A.T
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Urgh predictive text thing. Soz.

    7. bigbudgie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I got him in. Seemed like a no-brainer. And I must admit I was furious when United conceded, but then jumping around at that lucky goal last week. That made it all ok. If that hadn't have happened I'b be an unhappy owner. Small margins.

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

      I'm all over the hype. He's basically right wing again now.

      I did Coleman > Valencia last night to leave Alonso - Walker - Valencia.

      Those are the 3 teams you want to cover IMO and I'd say Valencia is in better form and has better fixtures than Walker.

      Do the move for me.

    9. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I am getting more and more drawn toward Jan Vertonghen i like the diff factor i have been watching vids of his Ajax days
      He was a goal machine back then and i do not think he will finish this season without scoring

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkeP0IIzAo0&t=2s

      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I'm thinking this too. More assured cleanies than United I think, and he keeps creeping forward lately.

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          He was rattling off a few shots before he got injured if i remember correctly i am just wondering how i am going to fit him in i got Valencia last week Vert could be one for my wc team

      2. pompeyfan
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        it's been strange his drop off in output. At Ajax he had license to go forward with Alderweireld sitting back. Vertonghen always used to be the classier player too with Alderweireld more of a 'blocker'.

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          He would be a blocker of a Spurs attacking treble up too as far as i am concerned which i would like to do but Vert still intrigues me

    10. drughi
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I can do coleman>valencia for free and as you say it's a no brainer with dgw and such coming up but the old gut feeling is telling me to get walker/toby intstead. Now my gut feeling has lead me the wrong way all season so maybe I should just go coleman>valencia and be done with it

    11. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      i'm left Valencia for now, because i'm wildcarding in gw34. So will pick Walker for now

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

      Trippier has done well when he's played.

      Might this threaten Walker game time on double game weeks ?

      JV seems a safer shout for spurs defence.

    13. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Go walker if you can afford him. Easy choice imo. Its IF you can afford though with Ibrah and sanchez imo essential

  15. bigbudgie
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Really don't like having 4 players in the Merseyside derby

    Mane Firmino Baines Lukaku

    Guess a lot of people are in the same boat. Anyone selling one of these four this week?

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

      I've got Coutinho in place of Firmino and the other 3. I think I'll offload Baines to Walker/Vert; Wouldn't be surprised if Pool post a cricket score

      1. bigbudgie
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I remember watching Everton away at Spurs recently. They were very unambitious. But tried to set up defensively. Didn't really work.

    2. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Can't look at a single game week.

      Firmino / Mane have Bournemouth the week after

      Lukaku in great form

      Could argue to get rid of Baines I suppose if you don't have Walker / Valencia but I'd keep the other 3

      1. bigbudgie
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I have Valencia Alonso Pieters and Amat. Baines to Vertonghan is one I'm looking at this week.

    3. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I've got 3 and playing them all.

  16. UCL Fantasy
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Mkhitaryan wasn't risked because of a niggle versus Boro - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-news-henrikh-mkhitaryan-12811985

    Arguably still nailed on then, or as nailed as can be when you're not Paul Pogba. That fixture congestion though....(so probably not nailed 😆 )

    1. bigbudgie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm a massive fan too. I think he's gonna be gold, it's just catching him at the right time.

    2. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He's going to be rotated, most will be.

    3. joeydordon
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Surely he has the most potential out of the mids to play most fixtures, he has been in and out of team all season cant see him being dropped for fatigue! Ive took a punt on him on wc, hes 1 of those players i put in my team purely because hes beaut to watch!

  17. FPL Panda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Barnes still the best 3rd striker in a 3-5-2?

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think so

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      no

      anichebe

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

      Victor Anichebe@£4.3m and bank another £.2m it all helps and Victor is close to a return i believe

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I feel like throwing caution to the wind and do a -8 involving anichebe. crazy.

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Maybe if you thought it was going to be the last hit you were going to take before the wc it might pay off over 6 gameweeks if you got it right

    4. UnitedFan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes imo.

    5. A.T
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

  18. JAC THE CAT
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Time to start tackling GW 30 - 1FT - 8.1 ITB

    Heaton
    Alonso - Baines - Robertson
    Mane - Sigurdsson - Son - King
    Aguero (VC) - Lukaku (C) - A.Carroll

    Robinson - T.Carroll - McAuley - Ake

    Thinking of the boring move of Son -> Alli? Any other ideas welcome.

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

      I'd be looking at starting to strengthen your defence, especially for double gameweeks. Valencia and Walker are the obvious choices. McAuley or Baines to make way.

      1. JAC THE CAT
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers Irbox

  19. Individual
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hi all

    Is it absolutely mad for me to bench Antonio and RFM this week? I think I should do Kun to Vardy (c) instead of removing one of them - I feel like it'll maximise points for this week and, crucially, enable Antonio to Sanchez and RFM to Yoshi in 31 to refresh the team. Done Valencia for Coleman already.

    Here's how it's looking:
    Jakdolph
    Alonso Valencia Brunt Pieters / RFM
    Siggy Eriksen Mane / Fletcher Antonio
    Kun Kaku Llorente

    So not the best for the weekend, but I at least have a captain I like in Vardy if I do the move, and I can easily do Sanchez in for 31.

    Sound like a decent plan? Aware I'm losing Kun before Hull etc etc but this really seems like the best one I can come up with haha. Don't want to wildcard.

    Thanks!

    1. A.T
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Sounds good to me.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      do Ant->Alexis this week?

      1. Individual
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Oh my if I could I would! I need to free up some cash from Kun to afford it, and I get Vardy v. Sto Sun (familiar sounding fixtures lol! TC captainer here) vs Kun against ars che. Good deal I think.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          GL with whatever you decide.

          Alexis is a must for me.

          1. Individual
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks Christina

            I 100% agree with you. I am doing this move to afford to get Sanchez in ASAP as I can't do the straight swap this week 🙂

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              What price can you afford for Kun if you do Antonio->alexis?

              1. Individual
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                Enough to get in Vardy, who I'd prefer to get in this week for Sanchez to recover from travel (maybe), then get him in for 31 which is midweek anyway 🙂

                1. Christina.
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 7 months ago

                  so you playing one of Fletcher, Brunt or Pieters instead of the -4?

                  1. Individual
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    Yeah, not sure I want to take the -8 - feels a bit drastic, fine with Brunt coming in.

    3. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Bringing Vardy in is a popular move on here but I don't want to lose Aguero.

      1. Individual
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I'm not particularly thrilled about it, but I feel like in my current ML situation I have to take the short term punt - that's what's driving this a bit, ML rivals have Kun so I fancy going elsewhere to get some precious differential points. If Vardy explodes, all the better and, as I mentioned above, I get Vardy v. Sto Sun vs Kun against ars che. Good deal I think.

  20. AzzaroMax99
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Caballero nailed? I'm thinking to get rid of Heaton and get Caballero in after Chelsea game? Yes or no?

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      It's looking that way, I'm monitoring him for now as I want to bring him in before GW37.

    2. athreya
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yep should be nailed.

  21. BooYaKasha
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    On a WC

    which would you rather have?

    a.
    Jaku / Pickford
    Walker, Valencia, Alonso, (Yoshida, Holgate)
    Sanchez, Mane, Alli, Siggy, Pedro
    Lukaku, Vardy, (Diomande)

    b.
    Pickford / Hennessey
    Walker, Valencia, Alonso, (Cedric, Holgate)
    Mane, Alli, Siggy, Pedro, (Can)
    Lukaku, Vardy, Costa

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. BooYaKasha
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Not worried about not having Sanchez?
        it really boils down to that decision

        1. JAC THE CAT
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, it's so close.

          It's a really tough decision.

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Dont think I'll keep Mane if on WC... Mane to Sanchez possible in B?

  22. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    1FT 0.3 ITB

    Pickford Foster
    Alonso Baines Coleman McAuley Chambers
    Mane Coutinho Eriksen Siggy Sanchez
    Llorente Lukaku Rondon

    I'm considering just Coleman to Vertonghen and going with a 352.
    Any obivous moves I'm missing involving? Obviously getting rid of Rondon is a priority, so Rondon to x and play AOA is an option?

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Coleman -> Vertonghen sounds good

    2. athreya
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      What is the Ibra plan?

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

        WC after this GW, back to De Roon 5th mid. The 5 midfielders I have has caused a lot of headaches...

  23. Is team value still important?
    Oddjobleff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Why is it time to worry less about team value? If we've got a WC to go, making moves early to catch rises increases the value we can play with on the WC. I don't get why it's perceived to be less important now.

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Because if your player get injured, -4 will be on card. Info is more important than some 0.1s at any stage...

      1. Oddjobleff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        A valid approach but one you could have argued from GW1. We didn't do that due to price changes. Same applies now surely.

    2. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      It's the home straight now, all about who can bring in the points.

      1. Oddjobleff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        It's always about points. Price is still relevant though. No reason to not keep making the most of rises or disregard them.

        1. JAC THE CAT
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Earlier in the season I would make a transfer to gain the 0.3, even if the player had a midweek European game still to play and potentially become injured.

          Now with WC's being played all the time and players prices much more settled I won't risk it, don't want to take any unnecessary -4's

    3. athreya
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      With so many WCs flying round from now till 36 there won't be much price changes anyway. The team value bus should have been caught between GW1-20.

      1. Oddjobleff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        That could be valid. I've never understood how WCs affect rises. When you're active on WC that doesn't count on prices?

        1. athreya
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          That's the received wisdom that WC transfers don't affect price changes. Mind you no one knows the exact process.

        2. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          no

          1. Oddjobleff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Right. Could play a part then. I expect the masses won't have saved their WC though so will be transferring like mad as per usual. Most on here will have saved but all my ML rivals have used theirs so I expect the price changes to continue mostly unaffected.

    4. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes if you want Sanchez, Ibra etc in the coming weeks -every penny counts

    5. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes still very important, but for Valencia I'm prepared to jsut get him for GW34 and in the meantime ditch Coleman and Jones for a hit for 2 defenders with good fixtures and attacking potential. Means Valencia will probably cost me 0.3 extra but jsut feel that Valencia is a trap.

    6. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Agreed.

    7. Pep says
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Because prices have risen, profits should be made by this stage of the season when majority of players are active. No with the 2nd wildcards being utilized, we won't see much movement in the markets.

      I can't see many players riding by 0.4 in the next 2 gameweeks for example. And if they do, they're players you're probably going to want for the remainder of the season.

      So missing the odd 0.1 rise isn't going to have a huge effect. Maybe on a wildcard it will be the difference between Yoshida and Fabio or Grant and Valdes or something. The player you won't he able to get will most likely be the one you least care about in the 15 players you are wildcarding for..

    8. noquarternt
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think it has ever mattered. Take it easy, don't take hits, make transfers on Friday and you'll rise to the top.

    9. tm245
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Team value is always important and your responses to the posts are spot on -- getting priced out of a player to avoid a hit might just cost you that hit later on: if you have to use another transfer to raise the money to bring him in at his inflated price, all while potentially missing the form or fixture that prompted the price rise to begin with, not sure how that is the prudent move.

    10. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Is team value still important? Yes. This is when those with high team values will do well. This is the time they worked for.

      Should we make moves early? That is based on strategy, your team, your TV, all the normal things.

      I think that it is less important now than early because if you do transfers with TV in mind at the beginning of the season you have all season to take advantage of the increased TV. Now, there are fewer weeks to take advantage of it. It is still clearly important and if a player, for example, is going to go up 0.3 every week until GW37, and you want him for 37, maybe it makes sense to get him now. That said the benefit of early moves, I think, decreases as the season progresses.

  24. United10
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Who to captain
    a) Mane
    b) Alli
    c) Aguero

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C

    2. Johqvist
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, Kun

    3. Oddjobleff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C

  25. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    FunesMori

    You useless tosser

  26. athreya
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Heaton/Pickford
    Bert/Alonso/Brunt/Pieters/Amat
    Alexis/Mane/Alli/Son/Siggy
    Kaku/Llorente/Carroll
    0 FT,2.1 itb

    Already did Coleman to Bertrand. But squad still bears scars of GW28.

    Thinking of following moves by GW34
    Llorente to Negredo
    Carroll to Ibra
    Brunt to Rojo
    Pieters to Chambers
    Son to cheapie (4.2)

    Then WC in GW35. Does this sound good or stupid? I am worried about Negredo punt but at some point they have to start scoring goals.

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Mostly sounds fine, but (a) Negredo, just no, and (b) things will happen and you won't end up doing exactly this anyway. You're in great shape this week, so wait and see if Negredo suddenly comes alive.

      1. athreya
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks yeah waiting for another week wouldn't do any harm.

        Just that Carroll has always been a tosser whenever I play him. And I went for Llorente instead of King as GW28 punt. And so I really really hate him in my team:-)

  27. Crouching Tiger
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Does people still have their BB/WC? I do... any other DGW's coming than GW34?

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      All other DGWs will be in GW37 except for Arsenal+Southampton which will be in 35 or 36.

      1. Crouching Tiger
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. Some planning needed...

      2. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I have all my chips bar my WC 🙂

    2. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      gw37

  28. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    On -12, FML FPL

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      That is a heavy hit i hope it pays off for you
      Have you the wc?

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Not really a gamble, it just happened!
        Sane > Sanchez
        then Antonio got injured > Ramirez
        Baines to Walker
        then Coleman got injured so couldn't resist Holgate

        No WC - I'm trigger happy!

        1. Pep says
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          You didn't own Coleman??

          1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Sadly was a Baines owner who still maintains pens made him the right choice lol

    2. Johqvist
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      What are your transfers? Coleman, FM, Antonio out?

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

        Saw them now.

  29. JAC THE CAT
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    What's the thoughts on Spurs Son?

    Likely to play this GW?

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He did not impress too much against Southampton but i still reckon he starts you just never know with Son he is highly explosive on his day

      If i had him i would keep him until Kane comes back

    2. Individual
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Could be rested, has been after previous IBs

    3. athreya
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He is in Mark's team. Just keep him and play him.