Selection

FPL – Player List Analysis – Budget Defenders

The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is now exactly seven days old and our analysis of the player list turns to take a first look at defenders.

These players will play a vital role in our seasons. Two, or even three, budget defenders – perhaps operating in rotation – can free up valuable funds.

Clean sheets remain the core of a defender’s points, but there are other factors at play.

It’s important to consider FPL’s Bonus Point System (BPS), which is used to allocate extra points to players.

This will favour defenders who complete passes and crosses, make recoveries and clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), and win tackles.

Rotation pairings are also crucial for this position at the budget end of the market.

By switching two or three budget defenders according to fixtures, we can attempt to maximise the points potential from our backline.

Alongside goalkeepers, budget defenders are the key position when considering a rotation strategy.

We’ve discussed the basic principles involved in this article.

The 4.0 market

It’s currently impossible to find a defensive option that offers assured starts among the 4.0 price bracket. They just don’t exist.

However, as we saw with Swansea City’s Jordi Amat last season and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez in 2015/16, they can materialise for short spells.

Pre-season will be crucial in identifying these candidates, and injuries may yet unearth one or two options prior to August 11.

As it stands, many FPL managers will still look at a 4.0 target just as a means of liberating that precious 0.5 in loose change.

Swansea City’s Angel Rangel has already proved the top target here, claiming 18.7% ownership, even though he is unlikely to wrestle starts from the 4.5-priced Kyle Naughton.

AFC Bournemouth’s Brad Smith and Adrian Mariappa of Watford are also options, with the latter perhaps having the strongest opportunity to claim a starting role having featured heavily towards the end of last season following a run of injuries. He is also under a new manager in Marco Silva, who will have fresh ideas on the Hornets’ defensive line-up.

Burnley’s Kevin Long is another possibility. In the short-term, he could benefit from Michael Keane’s departure. However, James Tarkowski, at 4.5, is perhaps more likely to get the nod alongside Ben Mee, with Sean Dyche surely set to buy in this position.

Axel Tuanzebe of Manchester United is another possibility. But, by opting for him, you’re tying up a United slot and limiting your options elsewhere in your squad.

It pays to stick with the “unfashionable” sources of Fantasy talent when selecting bench fodder.

That could see us turn to the promoted teams and, early on, Uwe Hunemeier has attracted 8.1% ownership to rank second behind Rangel. The German started 11 matches for Brighton and Hove Albion last season, but is expected to be back-up to Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy, who are both priced at 4.5.

Up the bracket

While we may accept an inactive 4.0 player in defence, we need to stretch to 4.5 in order to get ourselves a guaranteed starter.

Looking at the early ownership levels, it’s the aforementioned Ben Mee that has earned the majority of attention. The Clarets’ centre-back has been snapped up by 13.6% as the most desirable of Dyche’s defence.

Mee was second only to Bournemouth’s Steve Cook for CBI last season but, despite that, he picked up just six bonus points.

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton dominated with 21 in the Burnley rearguard, but with Michael Keane departed, Mee may step up further and be even more dominant next season.

His credentials as a 4.5 option look sound, although Matt Lowton is also a consideration.

If you’re overlooking Heaton at 5.0, then one of that pair, with their opening home fixtures, appear worthy options even without Keane in the Clarets’ defence.

Clean home rotation is not an option for Burnley, with Chelsea their partner. But if we look beyond this, there are some other potential pairings.

We should immediately point out that if you’re willing to rotate a West Brom 5.0 option – either Craig Dawson or Gareth McAuley – then this looks a very strong avenue to explore.

The combination with Burnley would provide seven successive home fixtures to open the season (BOU WBA STO CPL WHM HUD WAT).

The issue here is that you’ll need to shell out for a 5.0 option and be willing to bench a West Brom defender who offers clear goal threat at set-pieces away from home. It’s a major blow that Allan Nyom was hiked to 5.0 this season. It leaves us hoping that new signing Ahmed Hegazi can gain regular starts as the only Baggies backline option at 4.5.

A Burnley defender could also be rotated with a Crystal Palace 4.5 option to offer an attractive opening burst (HUD WBA SWA CPL SOT HUD).

The partnership derails in Gameweek 7 with the choice of Everton away or a home tie with Manchester United, but then it gets back on track.

However, the weapon of choice in Frank de Boer’s Palace backline is far from clear. We need more of the pre-season to discover the pecking order and we will be relying on starts for either James Tomkins or Martin Kelly.

Stoke City perhaps provide a better option alongside Burnley (eve WBA wba CPL new HUD SOU WHU BOU NEW), with Geoff Cameron the player to monitor.

The American international was favoured in central midfield by Mark Hughes last season, though with Darren Fletcher now at the Potters, his starting role is far from assured while Stoke retain a back four.

The impending signing of Kurt Zouma on loan muddies the water still further.

Phil Bardsley and Glen Johnson are alternative 4.5 candidates for the Potters, although they may rotate over the season.

The promoted teams play a major role in this price bracket, with Newcastle United and Brighton both supplying strong candidates.

De Andre Yedlin and Jamaal Lascelles have picked up ownership (5.3% and 3.6%) and are arguably the most assured starters in Rafa Benitez’s defence.

Lascelles edges it, with Benitez perhaps likely to rotate at full-back. Much depends on his pre-season tactics, however, with the possibility of Yedlin deployed as a wing-back in a 3-4-3. That would also bring new signing Florian Lejeune into the equation.

Newcastle pair up with Leicester City to offer 38 successive home matches, although the fixtures are far from favourable, forcing us to consider away ties early on (TOT BHA WHM swa STO bha bou WBA CPL brn)

With Danny Simpson available for 4.5, there’s a clear duo on offer. However, Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare could consider Harry Maguire for right-back to scupper those plans. Wes Morgan is also priced at 4.5 and with Robert Huth (5.0) sidelined for the season openers following ankle surgery, his stock has improved.

Swansea City provide another able partner for early Newcastle’s fixtures and, in the aforementioned Naughton, they do provide a secure starter at 4.5 – if you’re willing to overlook Alfie Mawson’s goal potential at 5.0 and are ignoring Lukasz Fabianski (4.5) in goal.

A Lascelles/Naughton partnership offers a very solid opening ten Gameweeks (sot hud WHM NEW STO WAT whm HUD CPL brn).

Goal threat and CBI potential mean that Lewis Dunk is the most attractive candidate in the Brighton defence, although we have to hope that his disciplinary record improves – 12 bookings last season is a concern.

The Seagulls partner with Huddersfield Town to offer clean home rotation. Christopher Schindler is perhaps the more assured starter, though centre-back partner Michael Hefele has the far greater goal threat and would be our choice to accompany Dunk.

Chris Lowe is also an attacking option for the Terriers, but he’s now under threat from new signing Scott Malone.

Bournemouth’s Simon Francis could also be paired with Dunk.

The Cherries’ skipper faces a battle for his starting role following Nathan Ake’s arrival but, if he overcomes that, he has to be a consideration for those turning down the attacking appeal of Ake and Daniels in the 5.0 bracket.

Working with a Brighton man, he offers a decent opening ten Gameweeks (wba WAT wat WBA BHA NEW LEI EVE sto SOT).

Up until West Ham’s re-arranged fixture with Southampton was announced, the Hammers provided perfect home rotation with Watford – two clubs that also serve up 4.5 defensive options.

They could be considered here, although we need pre-season to decipher Marco Silva’s plans.

Sebastian Prodl may emerge as a possibility, though Younes Kaboul fares better in the BPS when fit and selected. New signing Kiko Femenia also requires monitoring.

For West Ham, Angelo Ogbonna looks more assured of starts than James Collins, although that will depend on Slaven Bilic running with a three-man defence and that is far from certain.

Everton’s Cuco Martina is a new consideration as a potential one-stop shop at the 4.5 price point.

Manager Ronald Koeman has been re-acquainted with the former Southampton right-back who provides cover for the injured Seamus Coleman. We would now expect Martina to get the nod over the inexperienced Mason Holgate and Jonjoe Kenny. However, Everton’s evil early fixtures are a major deterrent.

Nonetheless, a rotation pair with Lascelles, in particular, appears to be an effective ploy while Coleman remains sidelined and if Holgate and Kenny are kept out of the frame.

Our current appraisal of this price bracket has us leaning towards a series of assured starters.

Mee/Lowton with Dunk and Naughton appear the most likely, with a Lascelles/Yedlin combination also in the mix. Francis is also another candidate for those willing to overlook the 5.0 Cherries.

If you’re looking to risk saving funds with a 4.0 option and two premium defenders, you’ll be limited to a two-way rotation.

Extending to three and forgoing the 4.0 defender is certainly a solution to explore.

Burnley and Dunk don’t work particularly well as a pair but, if you factor in Naughton, we’re given a very reasonable single fixture to work with two heavy-hitters (Sot WBA wat WBA bou HUD whm HUD whm NEW).

Similarly, we can look to Mee, Lascelles and Francis to get (wba WBA WHM CPL STO HUD LEI WHM CPL NEW). Or Naughton, Lascelles and Francis to get (wba WAT WHM NEW BHA WAT LEI HUD CPL brn).

As a side note, if you’re looking for further reading on three-way rotation, I heartily recommend Peter Blake’s early pre-season work here.

As the pre-season develops and as further moves in the transfer market transpire, our thinking in this area will surely shift.

In particular, we need to monitor Cameron’s stock over the summer, along with Hughes’ preferred right-back. That could open up a very favourable three-way rotation with Francis and Naughton.

Equally, the defensive selections from De Boer, Silva and Bilic look vital.

Palace, in particular, not only work well with the Burnley options, but they are also a component of several attractive three-way rotations.

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

4,001 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mranonymous
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Yoshida v Stephens?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If both are playing, Stephens, was better with baps

      1. mranonymous
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Is 1 a slightly more secure starter than the other?

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          At this stage who knows? As said below it would be better to go for Bertrand/Cedric

    2. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Avoid both if Van Dijk is fit (and still at Southampton). Don't know which one will start.

      1. mranonymous
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Surely 1 is more favoured to start that the other...

        1. I Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Hard to know with a new manager at the helm.

    3. GGMU11
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Would say Bertrand and Cedric are much better options, wouldn't take either of those two.

  2. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    A. Lacazette and Fab
    B. Morata and Ramsey
    C. Any Chelsea and Arsenal combo for this money that you like?

    1. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lacazette and Willian

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        This

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Ok everyone is saying Willian over Fab. Time to join the herd. Thanks for advice.

  3. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this 4-4-2 draft? Cheers

    Forster
    Cahill Milner Valencia trippier
    Kdb Mkhti Willian zaha
    Kane firmino

    Elliot Carroll fletcher rangel

    1. IWR
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Too heavy at the back IMO.

    2. GGMU11
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If you're playing 2 strikers I'd have 2 heavy hitters. I'd probably downgrade Cahill.

  4. IWR
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts? 0 ITB.

    Foster (Elliot)
    Lindelof, Trippier, Cedric, Ake (Mee)
    KDB, Alli, Zaha, Tadic (Carroll)
    Kane, Lukaku (Murphy)

    Murphy the only dead 4.5 fodder. Zaha could become Fab and even Lukaku could become Aguero.

    1. Pepereina Pizza
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I like Zaha, good player, but who knows which CPFC will show up GW1. Plus you already have Tadic as a "differential" if there is such a thing early doors.

      I would look for a way to avoid the 4.5m striker trap, it's difficult to get out of if you get into trouble.

      Other than that, great front line and nice defense.

      1. IWR
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Fair points, there's no one really tempting me for that third spot though. Are you on Gayle? I'm not fully convinced he's up to it.

        1. Pepereina Pizza
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          my team is below. i went with Crouch. He may not start every match, but he'll get games, and he still has some magic left.

        2. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          He is tempting me too. But if I have him he will be first on bench. This years expensive Capoue would do for me if it go an increase in TV.

    2. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nice team. Well balanced. I don't see any major faults.

  5. Pepereina Pizza
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go!

    Heaton | Foster

    Lindelof | Ake | Cedric | Mee | Yedlin

    Mane | Stanislas | Alli | Carroll | Fabregas

    Lukaku | Kane | Crouch

    + 0.5m ITB

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      would it be too much money spent on GK? the 0.5m saved together with 0.5 itb could be used to upgrade elsewhere

  6. I Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I'm a bit confused by the love for Ake and Daniels. Bournemouth were 5th worst for goals conceded and big chances conceded last season, and they play City and Arsenal in GWs 3 & 4. What's the appeal?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Attacking threat and Begovic + Ake should stabilise their defence

    2. Pepereina Pizza
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Sort all defenders by Points Per Match.

      Ake managed better PPM than Bertrand, Blind, Trippier, Luiz, Alderweireld.

      Daniels better PPM than Bellerin, VvD, McAuley...

      Bournemouth are more/less the same team they were last season. Join us!!!!

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Ake scored 3 goals from 7 shots. Surely he won't sustain that conversion rate.

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Daniels has been doing his thing for a while. A proper attacking full back, used to be a winger.

      2. IWR
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        THIS. Loving Ake to start at 5.0

        I might need to find an extra .5 for Crouch as well.

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Crouch? what? I'm pretty sure the old man will be getting a transfer to the championship. Thats his level now.

    3. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Bournemouth went from whipping boys to a very tight unit at the end of last season. Ake and Begovic are going to improve their defensive consistency. Daniels is the highest scoring 5.0 player if Bournemouth concede a decent amount.

    4. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks the responses guys. Might have convinced me to ditch my Southampton double up for Daniels.

  7. nisag17
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I have 1.0 in the bank and Lukaku and Jesus as forwards.

    Should I change Jesus to Aguero? Always got burned with Aguero in the past. Gets injured too often, sometimes within the game or at the last moment. That is usually a double loss of points - for that gameweek and typically -4 for the additional transfer.

    1. GGMU11
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Think it's best to just wait for their preseason to get going, nobody really has a clue about city.

  8. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Will Morata be bandwagon?
    I think he will change lots of our team template.

    1. GGMU11
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I still put him behind all of the big hitters everyone is currently contemplating. I'm looking forward to some of the ownership going down while people hop onto morata.

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Needs to look good in pre-season before I jump on board. Overloaded striker market at the moment too.

  9. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Easier that posing two teams so

    A. Alonso ( with a bench of forward 4.5 fodder, mids Carroll and RLC
    B. Cedric - I have Bertrand already ( with a bench of forward Gayle, mids Carroll and RLC

    1. mcrayeps
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B with mcauley?

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Good call - nice fixtures
        You think he can get close to 6 goals again this year?

        1. The Man Pastore
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Nah, I would go with Daniels/Dawson

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            McCauley is a injury doubt too I see. Thanks.

  10. mcrayeps
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this team? 0 itb

    Foster Myhill
    Cedric Lindelof Trippier Taylor Hunemeier
    Alli Sane Willian Philips/Chadli/Ritchie RLC
    Kane Lukaku J.King

    any advices?

    1. jon.terry.tfh
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not a big fan of J.King. Defoe will take over penalty duties and will be the focal point of attack.

      Not a big fan of doubling up with Spurs attack and with no Liverpool coverage. I really don't think any midfield other than Debryune at City is nailed atm.

      1. mcrayeps
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        tried to avoid liverpool in early GW because of UCL qualification..
        KDB is 1.5m more than Sane, any idea how to fit him?
        and defoe vs j.king, will look forward to this.. thanks

  11. Park That Bus
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure where to put this but if anyone is interested in joining a competitive league, the code is 192027-151590. Thanks and may the best team win!

  12. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    735 entered in LMS.
    Make sure you enter. 🙂

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      League code?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Need a link update. The usual place.

  13. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What formation are you likely to play?

    1. Slam
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Good Q.

      4-3-3 or 4-4-2

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Just 1 difference in each team or big changes?

        1. Slam
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          As there is still 3 weeks to go, I have a core 6 or 7 which haven't changed since the beginning and am not planning on changing until GW1. The other 4 or 5 left determine the formation I will be playing but it is impossible to specify personnel this early, still a lot of pre-season to play and ultimately, a lot more information to digest.

          So to answer your question, no not big changes, just one or two players at similar price points that play in different positions (Ex. Lacazette/Jesus vs. KDB)

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Cool, looks like a few below want 5 at the back.

            1. Slam
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Way too inflexible imo. Once the season starts they will realize how difficult it will be to perform transfers

              1. Ryan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                Early WC's are guaranteed I think. The inflexibility will be punishing.

                1. Slam
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  Even with 4 at the back I'm aware that I could be left wondering how to fit in x y or z.

        2. Slam
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          And yourself?

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            No idea tbh. Won't be 5 at the back for sure at least.

            1. Slam
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Early days yet

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                Yep, some people have more daily RMTs than total LMS entry updates.

                1. Slam
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  Good one 🙂

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      343 Its been a consistent formation for years. Only when there are good selection of cheap attackers will I consider 4 at the back.

      1. The Man Pastore
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        so you will have 3 heavy hitters in attack? What does you midfield look like?

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I will have as many big hitters as I can get. Should be able to have 4.

          I don't feel the need to share my team.

          1. The Man Pastore
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            No problem. I should have 4 as well, 2 in attack and 2 in midfield

    3. C-Dawgg
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Really leaning towards 5 at the back. I know it's a bit bandwagon or whatever but I fancy trying something different and honestly can see value there.

      Just got to decide on 5-3-2 with balance or 5-2-3 with a garbage midfield.

    4. korbendallas82
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Between Milner 5. defender in 5-3-2, or Ramsey 4. mid, in 4-4-2. At the moment.

    5. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Mainly 532 with the option for 523

    6. ScotDougie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm settled on4-4-2 after much tinkering

    7. aaaaaa
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      4-3-3

    8. The Man Pastore
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      3-4-3 or 4-4-2

    9. GGMU11
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Likely 3-5-2. No interest in 4 or 5 at the back like lots here seem to be.

      1. Slam
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        2 strikers? Even with the plethora of options available to us?

        1. GGMU11
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Could switch to 3-4-3 by the time the season starts but right now like the way the team looks with 5 in midfield.

          1. Slam
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Fair enough

    10. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      4-4-2 and a bit of 3-4-3 with Daniels/Ayew rotating depending on fixtures. I might also throw in some 3-5-2 if RLC looks good.

    11. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      433 b.c of $ and not alot of great mid options yet imo

  14. *Reformed-Character*
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    De Brune & Mkhi vs lukaku and Redmond
    Which combo do you feel scores more over the first 6 weeks?

    Many thanks.

    1. korbendallas82
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Pointwise Lukaku and De bruyne will be close i think. Maby Mkhitaryan better Redmond. So De Bruyne-Mkhitaryan.

    2. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on alternative captain options without lukaku

  15. aaaaaa
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    When does the draft release?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Today or tomorrow most likely.

      1. aaaaaa
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Hope they release it today. Friday release means they can't fix any issues on Saturday, Sunday.....
        Thanks!

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Being a draft game, you probably don't want to be doing the draft early.
          Good point about Friday.

          1. aaaaaa
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks!

  16. aaaaaa
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Kane, Alli, Trippier to start with?

    1. ScotDougie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Going Lukaku and Lacazette up top in a 4-4-2 so no room for Kane hoping my strong midfield with extra funds covers him , Trippier and Alli in my 11

    2. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Leaning towards the same just with Eriksen instead of Alli.

    3. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      All 3 could be great but the Wembley factor may still play a part

  17. dracoira
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    RMT?

    Forster
    Dawson-Trippier-Lindelof
    Mkhitaryan-William-Alli-Redmond
    Lukaku-Lacazette-Firmino
    (Elliot, Rangel, RLC)

    With 1m to spare.

    Any suggestions guys?

    1. ScotDougie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Forster to foster and Mkyhi to Alli

      1. ScotDougie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I really need to start reading posts better sorry

      2. dracoira
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I already have Alli..

    2. aaaaaa
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not a huge fan of Redmond.

      1. ScotDougie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Redmond to Zaha , Dawson to Bertrand for a saints Double up ?

        1. aaaaaa
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Dawson to Milner, Firminho to Defoe, Redmond to Zaha?

          1. dracoira
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Milner is 6.5

        2. dracoira
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I have Forster already hm..

      2. dracoira
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Upgrade to Zaha?

        But Soton fixture looks good thou.

    3. *Reformed-Character*
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No city players is absolutlely insane.....

      1. dracoira
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Mkhitaryan for Sane you reckon?

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Lukaku to Aguero

  18. money face bandwagon
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Good that there are more options as it spread out the risk for not having a particular striker at any point of time

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Agree the more options the better. Allows different tactics without a template

  19. HurriKane
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Matty Phillips at 6.0m ? Has a good record in past 2 pl seasons

    2016-17: 4 goals 9 assists in 26 starts

    2014-15: 3 goals 8 assists in 20 starts.

    Westbrom first 5 fixtures are good too and assume he's on set peices

    BOU bur STK bha WHU

    1. Postman Ty
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      He had a nice purple patch last season and then did absolutely nothing for the longest time. I would avoid.

    2. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Safest 6.0 option to start with in my opinion.

      1. HurriKane
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        yh could start with him and assess options like knockert ince who are unproven at this level

        stanislas is another alternative if fit.

    3. ScotDougie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not a bad option Pullis started him as part of a front 3 in last nights Asia cup game with JRod and Rondon , could be good

      1. Slam
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Did you watch the game Michawallace?

        1. ScotDougie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I didn't mate watched the first half of the pool palace game as was scouting Salah , he looked impressive

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/premiership-set-piece-takers/

      Trolled me last season when buying him late.
      Could still get him.

      1. HurriKane
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        yh was late to the party too but feel like he has best potential for 6m options this season alongside stanislas

    5. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I think a no WBA attack policy is wise.

    6. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Solid option for the price. Not enough goals in WBA though

      1. HurriKane
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        westbrom scored more goals than soton but redmond tadic seems to be popular. think there good value in philllips and jrod this season

  20. Man Chest Hair United
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Not many on Aguero this year I think he could haul early on.

    Thoughts on this front 7

    Ali Coutinho William Carroll
    Kun lukaku Lacazette

    Still allows a good enough backline but obviously a week 4th mid

    1. Slam
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Expect 2 points from Carroll

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I do but I also expect a haul from my other players and have 5 genuine captain options

        1. The Man Pastore
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I don't consider Coutinho a very good captain option

    2. nisag17
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      There is a lot of value this year in 5.5 defenders. Trippier, Lindelof and Bertrand. Have a lot of 4.5 defenders means a difference of big points per game combined. Manu and Spurs in particular have defensive minded managers so their cleans sheets output should be quite stable. Is it really worth the 5th captaincy option to forgo two or three 5.5 defenders.

    3. QPRUTD
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I am on Aguero, since it would be easy to downgrade to Jesus if required.

    4. Waxys
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Meh so can Jesus and is £1m less

  21. Coca Kolo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Eriksen or Alli?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I prefer Alli but it's a coin flip

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Comes down to personal preference, both are equally good options. One tends to get more goals, the other more assists. I prefer Alli myself.

    3. The Man Pastore
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Alli fot me too

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I like Eriksen, mainly because he gets returns just by turning up, corners free kicks etc.
        Also he not as popular which is good

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Excellent differential that is for sure. Most prefer the goal scoring prowess of Alli.

  22. The Man Pastore
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What do you think of Fraser as a cheap 4th mid ?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      How much is he?
      Is he nailed ?

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I heard he played a pre-season game at full back. Bit of a worry. I still think he's too green, prefer Stanislas.

      1. The Man Pastore
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        That's not a good sign indeed...

    3. Birds of Prey
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I have him, and might downgrade to? Arter, but 5.5 might be a deal given fixtures. GL

    4. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      He's a rotation risk IMO. Bournemouth's first 11 is a bit unclear atm. Better to wait and see.

    5. The Man Pastore
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers

  23. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Mauricio Pellegrino Manegerial style is more defensive or attacking?

    Considering Bertrand and Cedric double for those fixtures so would be interested in comments from anyone who knows a lot more about Pell than I do 🙂

    1. dracoira
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      High risk high returns

      Double or nothing!

    2. Twelve years a slave
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Defensive

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Suprised the community picked Daniels ahead of Ake, whats the reasoning behind that?

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Either might be a safer option for the first two weeks over Cedric and see then when BOU fixtures turn bad.
          If Ake maintains that level of goal threat he could be a steal. He would want to make them a bit more solid too for me to consider either medium term.

    3. Corona Macallan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      The only risk with doubling up on defense is that one goal.

    4. Kroosin'
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't say defensive. But he was pretty tight at the back.

      The full backs bomb forward in his set up. Both of them are great options, but I wouldn't double up. Spread the risk early.

  24. Corona Macallan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Which attack looks better
    A. Coutinho Willian Ramsey Sane
    Kane Lukaku Gayle

    B. Coutinho Willian Alli Sane
    Lacazette Lukaku Gayle

    1. Corona Macallan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Anyone?

  25. Twelve years a slave
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Suprised the community picked Daniels over Ake, why be it so?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hardly a surprise.

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Domyou think Daniels better? If so why

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Why do you think Ake is better?

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Oh yes he is
            oh no he's not 🙂

          2. Twelve years a slave
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            More attacking threat, huge points per minute, better player, nailed on

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Better for bonus, don't think he's got more attacking threat.
              His ppg looks great due to limited minutes and being part of a great stretch for B'mouth. I guess your voters have no idea then.

            2. Kroosin'
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              How is 'better player' an argument in FPL perspective ?

              Also, I think Daniels is nailed on and has more attacking threat.

            3. Ramboros
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Those first two points are flukes. You might as well say that Ake is terribly defensively, having conceded 20 goals in less than 850 minutes.

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      134 and 130pts last two seasons. Excellent value for 5.0m

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        How many of those were penalties

        1. Twelve years a slave
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Im glad you all like Daniels as was worried the community had picked a wrong'un

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          12 points plus whatever bonus so possibly another 6.

        3. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Likes a free kick too. I don't really care where the points come from.

        4. Waxys
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          he scored 0 pens last season HAHAHAHAAH he's just a quality bloke and he was never
          on pens. The community has spoken all hail Daniels

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

            "He was never on pens". Where do you get this drivel? And why do you not check it before you post it if you're not sure?

            1. Waxys
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Are you feeling alright?

              Show me one game where he was on pens last season go on then.

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

                Who said anything about last season? Or does "never" mean "not last season" on the planet where you reside?

                1. Waxys
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  I was taking about last season in my post. So I'm 100% correct in the context of what I was saying.

                  You're a big boy I'm sure, fill in the blanks using your brain without me having to spell things out for you.

                  He was NEVER on pens for the duration of last season which everyone was referring to.

                  Now run along troll i reside im suprised anyone from New Zealand knows what football is.

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

                    Ryan referred to the last 2 seasons in the post which started the conversation. TL questioned how many were penalties. You then said he had never been on penalties. But he scored 3 penalty goals for Bournemouth in 15/16.

                    And I'm not from New Zealand as it happens. Not that it makes any difference.

                    If you just try not to post nonsense we'll get along fine. 🙂

                    1. Waxys
                      • 7 Years
                      7 years, 3 months ago

                      I was talking about 1 season in my post. I can definitely say never in that context as he's never been on pens that season.

                      I can say never if I give I timeline and I gave an implied one.
                      It's not nonsense he was never on pens last season and scored 3 goals and got 134 points he's essential

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah Daniels consistency is great. Ake has huge potential though and more of a gamble.

        1. Twelve years a slave
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Surely Defoe will grab the penalties now. I see Ake as having more upside, he in my own team currently

          1. Ryan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Will he though?

            1. Waxys
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Even if he does Daniels scored 0 pens. His goals did NOT come from pens I hope we can put this rumour to rest

          2. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            It's just 2 goals less. King is probably before him also.

            1. Waxys
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              +1

          3. Ruth_NZ
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            I have followed Aké for a long time and watched him play live on many occasions. He was one of my favourite Chelsea youth players and I was disappointed they sold him. But... his goals for Bournemouth were freakish in terms of his career record. He has never shown a big goal threat at any level until that run at Bournemouth. I'd be hard pressed to imagine it will be repeated.

            Daniels, on the other hand, is a genuine attacking fullback who used to be a winger. If you think Bournemouth will improve defensively with Aké and Begovic in the team then Daniels could be great value. That's my take anyway.

    3. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not even Ake, Daniels is better than many of the premium picks too... I think you haven't seen him play?

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        +1

  26. QPRUTD
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on

    A) Rooney, now that Barkley is set to miss the start of the season.

    B) Morata: Expected price and potential

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A. fixtures are not good
      B. 9.0

      1. QPRUTD
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        What if he's on penalties and set pieces?

        1. QPRUTD
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          talking abt Rooney...

        2. Siva Mohan
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          worth investing then

    2. Corona Macallan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Expecting morata to be priced somewhere around 10.5m. His minutes per goal ratio is good enough. Again new to the premier league but can set the ground running

  27. Siva Mohan
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Morata - £58m initial fee + £12m add-ons (depending on achievements and performance)
    Lukaku - £75m initial fee + £15m add-ons (depending on achievements and performance) + £10m (Rooney)

    PL has gone mad!!

    1. QPRUTD
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Just ignore the prices. They are only gonna get more ridiculous.

    2. Twelve years a slave
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      When is brexit going to hit premier league?

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

        It already has. Part of the reason for those huge fees is the drop in the value of sterling.

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Poor Raheem

        2. Siva Mohan
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          could be..

          1. Twelve years a slave
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Lukaku transfer had nothing to do with foreign exchange rates

  28. Siva Mohan
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    PL clubs are interested in Barkley.. why?

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe they need to bolster the number of homegrown players for European cup competitions? Just thinking...

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        their academy players are far better than £50m tagged Barkley

        1. Mini Mane Mo
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          He's out for 4 weeks after groin surgery. Don't think clubs want 50m crocked player atm

          1. Ryan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            He will be alright towards the end of the transfer window. The transfer rumours should be put on ice until then.

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I wonder if its Barkley's agent doing all the talking.

    3. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Because he's a very good player?

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        People just hating on English players now

  29. Garam MOSALAH
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Who is better to have as City cover ?
    Aguero , Jesus , KBD

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      J

  30. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I hope Morata is 10.5

    Then I can get him instead of Kane and then grab Ali who I've always wanted

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      would Morata be a instant-hit?

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yes 15 goals and 4 assists in 24 appearances yes please!!!

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lacazette and Jesus already sitting at 10.5 and maybe better options?

      1. Waxys
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I have Sanchez and Jesus so Morata would fit right in