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. Stevecat
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Please rate my team

    Foster
    Alonso, trippier, pva
    Loftus cheek, KDB, chadli, ward prowse
    Lukaku, Kane, Jesus

    Myhill, dunk, Rangel, Carroll

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

      Not bad... midfield a bit weak though and doesn't look like RLC will be nailed. Impressive frontline though.

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      you cant have thtb frontline and such an expensive defence

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

      D - 9/10
      M - 2/10
      F - 9.5/10

    4. oli7
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      JWP, RLC and Chadli, would only be willing to risk 1 personally due to game-time security

  2. GE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    1) Alonso in 5-3-2
    2) Zaha in 4-4-2

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      1

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      1

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

      1

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

    RMT please. 0.0 ITB

    Heaton - Foster
    Milner - Ake - Cedric - Dunk - Hefele
    Alli - Sane - Willian - Gundogan - Carroll
    Lukaku - Lacazette - Defoe

  4. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who is best:-
    4.0 GK
    4.0 DEF
    4.5 MID
    4.5 FOR

    Currently on ownership it's Elliot, Rangel, RLC & Fletcher but I'dsay particularly Rangel & Fletcher have little to no chance of gametime so surely there are better picks who have a chance of gametime?

    1. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      4.0 def. Less risk

  5. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this? 4-3-3..

    Forster
    Cedric - Monreal - Dawson - Trippier
    Ozil - Alli - Sane
    Lukaku - Lacazette - J Rod

    4.0 - Carroll - Cork - Lascelles

    1.0 ITB

    1. chaboi1998
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Big fan of this. Love the midfield

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

      Looking good - Versatile and flexible

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Surely to much love for arsenal?

  6. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Delph vs carroll vs RLC

    1. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Depends how deep Delph plays, if all are nailed and rlc plays behind tekkers then I still think he will be the best option.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Certainly. But delph is a guaranteed starter

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Also stoke have signed fletcher so he will not play too deep

        1. Garlana
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Then Delph if that's the set up 🙂

    2. Boyd to Sven
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      As a villa fan Delph was always terrible for FPL even when he was in form. Not a player that scores or assists with any frequency unless he's changed his game somewhat since he left.....

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

    Rate my first attempt at a 433

    Foster (Myhill)
    Trippier Cedric Monreal Naughton (Lascelles)
    De Bruyne Willian Stanislas/various 6.0 choices. (T.Carrol RLC)
    Kane Kaku Lacazette

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      quite frankly excellent
      8/10

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Well groovy

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

    Can't believe it's still 3 weeks away.......

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

      Good things come to those who wait. And then 3 weeks later you get an international break 🙁

      1. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        urgh I'm dreading it already

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

          Yep ridiculous scheduling early on ruins the momentum of the first few weeks in my opinion.

          I would get rid of regional international tournaments and just have World Cup qualification over four seasons. Sick of pointless international games between England and San Marino.

          1. noquarternt
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I think International football is fairly broken. Although have you seen the new UEFA Nations League. Might make things a lot better.

            1. super zlatan
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I'm dreading it too.
              Team doesn't seem appealing right now.

            2. bojack
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I haven't to be honest, what's it involve?

              1. noquarternt
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                The concept of the UEFA Nations League would see all 55 of UEFA's members associations' national teams divided into a series of groups based upon a ranking formulated using their recent results, where they would be promoted and relegated to other groups according to their results within the group. The proposed tournament would take place on dates on the International match calendar that are currently allocated for international friendlies and would not affect the FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship.

                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Nations_League

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

                  Hmmm. Not sure what I make of that.

                  Nice one for posting tho!

  9. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Why no love for Che defs?I know they are expensive,but they bring home a lot of points.

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Money and fixtures. Plus the new guy throws a bit of a ? about.

      I'm sure people will get them when the fixtures move.

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tricky start and as you mention, expensive. That said, isn't Luiz the most owned defender?

      1. Garlana
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        If that's true then thats rediculous, azpi, alonso, Cahill!? They all scored more didn't they?

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

          It's true just checked. Owned by over a fifth of all registered teams.

          He's .5 cheaper than Cahill, Azpi and Moses isn't he. Also takes long range potshots which never go in.

          1. Garlana
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Ah didn't notice the price difference, I'd probably get kompany over him if I'm paying 6m for a defender personally. I seem to forget that the people on here make up a really small percentage of the overall player base, hence why I've seen no rmts with Luis in them.

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

              A lot of the time the popular punts on here have very low ownership in the game I guess 🙂

    3. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I guess the fixtures are a bit of a mixed bag, plus there are some other good value defenders either Playing for another top teams for 5.5 or the likes of Southampton who have good fixtures for only 5-5.5m.

    4. DON BE ZILLY
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      For myself, William/Fabregas are more likely to be in amongst it and I don't like gambling on premium defenders straight away.

      1. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Can't see either of them getting anywhere near Alonso.

        1. DON BE ZILLY
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Not over the course of the season, no. But certainly until Hazard gets back, one or the other.

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

          Even with Bertrand potentially on the scene?

          1. noquarternt
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Assuming he's nailed of course.

    5. So Troublesome
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ive been debating between Luiz and Kompany and Kompany's gal threat is winning me over.

      The rest of the chelsea defenders are over priced but things can change during the season if they start well.

      1. So Troublesome
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        *goal threat

        1. Emp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          can city keep clean sheets though ? i wouldnt bet on it

  10. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Lindelof | Trippier | Cedric | Daniels
    Alli | Sane | Willian
    Kane | Lukaku | Firmino

    Elliott | Rangel | RLC | Carroll

    Or..

    Foster
    Lindelof | Trippier | Cedric
    Alli | Sane | Willian | Ramsey
    Kane | Lukaku | Gabbiadini

    Elliott | Rangel | Long | Carroll

    What one... And your overall thoughts on that team!?

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer the second one with Austin instead of Gabbi

    2. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Option B is probably more appealing to me, I'm not racing to get lindelof though. Plus after Gabbi failed to perform when he was expected to last season, it kinda puts me off him. Maybe a different 4m to rangel as well as he's highly owned and currently unlikely to play.

  11. So Troublesome
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Best 6.5 striker?

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

      Gayle

    2. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gayle, J Rod or Austin assuming he's fit and likely to start

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

      Austin or Gayle

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Austin

    4. So Troublesome
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks

  12. GE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Quite happy to have 4-4-2 with Zaha, Willian and Daniels (then 5-3-2) fighting for 2 spots. They rotate quite well as well 🙂

  13. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    In the early days of the Premier League, GW2 was always a midweek affair. Could they not have played four opening games in two weeks this season to have avoided the congestion over Xmas. Granted a couple of sides may have missed out due to European qualifiers but could've played later on in midweek in September.

    I love Xmas fixtures but the congestion this year is going to see the likes of Klopp calling for a break again.

  14. Tornado
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Kane and zaha (already have williand and ramsay)

    Or

    B) eriksen and lacazette?

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

      B - Zaha is overpriced imo

    2. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

  15. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Morning lads

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

      Morning Zlatan when are you back from injury and will you provide us with a sub 10.0 United option? 🙂

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Hopeful to be back by xmas and 10.0 is a fairly safe guess at my price imo 😉

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

          Could be a great punt for Xmas!

          1. super zlatan
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Totally agree. Very nice differential.

            You going with 3 top heavies from the start Bojack?

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

              No I don't think so. On Kane + Lukaku right now but considering Agüero for the first couple of weeks then switch to Kane for BUR.

              Third forward an underwhelming Dwight Gayle at the minute.

              1. So Troublesome
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Same here.

              2. super zlatan
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                I'm currently kane , lukaku and Austin.

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

                  Very decent if Austin starts. Gabbiadini a worry unless he goes two up top?

  16. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Ramsey or zaha?

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

      Zaha's fixtures turn nasty quickly I think.

    2. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ramsey imo

    3. So Troublesome
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ramsey

  17. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Given the lack of starting 4.0 and half decent 4.5 defenders, is anyone looking to start with 5 at the back?

    Considering having 1 decent sub plus T Carroll & RLC in a fluid 4-3-3 / 5-3-2

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think 4 at the back is possibly the way to go at this moment in time.

      Cedric. Lindelof. Trippier. Milner/Alonso.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Have them also with Bertrand as the 5th defender.

        Alli--Willian--Redmond
        Kane--Lukaku

        with Gayle as B1

        Have always been a 3-4-3 advocate but I quite like going big at the back this year

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Foster
      Trippier Cedric Daniels Bertrand Lindeloef
      Alli Mane
      Lacazette Jesus Lukaku

      Myhill RLC Cork McArthur

      5 at the back

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Looks nice. No Kane the big risk

        1. Emp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Foster Myhill
          ALonso Milner Trippier Bertrand Cedric
          Mooy Alli Mane
          Lukaku Kane
          if milner minutes looking dodgy , milner to kol and mooy to 6.0

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

      Not at the start. Once the teams have settled in it'll be easier picking those with solid defenses I reckon.

    4. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Exactly my thinking.

      Alonso milner tripper yedlin dunk

      Alli salah mane carrol Rlc

      Lukaku lacazette fletcher

      Rotate the 4.5 based on fixturw

      4 4 2 or 5 3 2 or 3 5 2

  18. chaboi1998
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    This year will be Mesit Ozils year. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I've heard it before

      1. chaboi1998
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah you see

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If he outscores Eriksen and Alli at the same price I will eat my hat.

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Bookmarked.

  19. So Troublesome
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Im struggling with Crystal Palace players. Who do you suggest represents best value as a starter?

    Zaha, Benteke or Townsend?

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

      Zaha. Townsend played as a wingback last night which doesn't bode well. Benteke one to monitor.

    2. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tekkers is going massively under the radar imo

      1. So Troublesome
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'm trying to fit him in.

    3. Marstar
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      New Captain Puncheon could be good value.

  20. chaboi1998
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Foster | Elliott
    Alonso | Trippier | Lindelof | Cedric | Long
    Mane | Sane | Zaha | Fraser | Carroll
    Kane | Lacazette | Gayle

    Any replies gratefully received

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

      What formation?

      1. chaboi1998
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        On 4-3-3

        But fans shift to 4-4-2

  21. billnats
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Really don't know which way to go so your HELP is appreciated!

    A) KDB, Mkhi, Firmino, Jesus
    B) KDB, Coutinho, Gayle, Lukaku
    C) Zaha, Pedro, Jesus, Lukaku

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

      C. But Willian instead of Pedro.

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B if Gayle is 3rd stiker

      1. billnats
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Kane up top as well

  22. KnightSlayer
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    My crazy team

    Heaton

    Naughton Dawson Mee Simpson

    Eriksen Ali Mane Coutinho

    Kane Firmino

    subs Myhill Daniels LFC Quaner

    How to balance team while still good mids & forwards

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

      Firmino isn't good value.

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      if you are going this route would drop firminho to a 6.5 strker austen if nailed and seriously upgrade this defence

    3. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      3 Liverpool in attack is overkill IMO, likewise wouldn't double up on Spurs so early. Swap one of Eriksen/Alli for KDB, Downgrade Coutinho to Pogba/someone cheaper, downgrade Firmino to Defoe and spend the money in the bank on your defence

  23. billysupertramp
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think guys? 4-3-3 for GW1

    Foster (Fabiański)
    Lindelof -- Daniels -- Tripper -- Bertrand (Mee)
    Ward-Prowse -- Sane -- Willian (RLC, Gradel)
    Jesus -- Kane - Lukaku*

    *Morata?

    1. chaboi1998
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Worst midfield I've seen on here

  24. chaboi1998
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Fraser Sane Lacazette
    B) RLC Ozil Jesus

  25. EP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Struggling to fit a United defender into my team, which combo?

    A) Daniels & Foster
    B) Lindlhof & Begovic

  26. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all,

    Current draft is below, what do you think?

    Foster / Myhill

    Valencia / Cedric / Dunk / 4.5 / Rangel

    Sane / Willian / Tadic / Ritchie / RLC

    Lacazette /. Lukaku / Kane

    Cheers

    1. chaboi1998
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      That means tadic will need to play each week. But very good. There is no perfect team at this point.

    2. oli7
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      One of the better midfields I've seen with such a strong strike force

      1. ShaunGoater123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        thanks. the alternative i'm looking at has the following:

        Austin instead of Lacazette
        Trippier instead of 4.5
        Mane instead of Willian
        Ramsey instead of Tadic

        Is more balanced but harder to react to if a big midfielder or striker is firing

  27. Birds of Prey
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Please tell me what's wrong with my latest:

    Foster--Elliot
    Lin--Ced--Francis--Yedlin--Morgan
    Ozil--Coutinho--KDB-- CP/STK
    Luk--Kun--Rod

    thx for any thoughts

    1. chaboi1998
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus for kun

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

        Why>? Clearly Kun is still the man

        1. Y26 Royal
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I reckon Jesus will be the main man up top

        2. Emp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          is he tho ? sane kun jesus b silva and sterling to a lesser extent across those front three positions, we know jesus can play right mid or central. it would seem to me b silva gonna come in sometimes push jesus central and kun on the bencgh

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

            When asked if Aguero was staying in May, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Absolutely. There’s never been a doubt about that. I’ve read a lot of the speculation on this and it’s ridiculous.

            “Sergio Aguero is one of the best players in the world. We are a team that aspires to win every competition we compete in.

            “Having Sergio Aguero as part of the squad is an absolute must. It has never been in doubt.”

            https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/chelsea-transfer-news-sergio-aguero-to-blues-from-manchester-city/news-story/8c6730b1511f9a8a8206a7b9fc7c63e0

    2. LFC4EVER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mid and Front seems strong enough, I also recommend Jesus instead of Kun, and then put some cash on your 4 Mid or 3d D.

      What do you think:
      A:
      Francis
      Tadic
      Gayle

      B:
      Daniels
      Ritchie
      Austin

      1. Birds of Prey
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        B though tough call. GL

  28. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Really happy with my team. Great captain options and value players:

    Foster.
    Kolasinac. Trippier. Cedric. Daniels/Ake.
    Eriksen. Willian. Stanislas.
    Kane. Lukaku. Jesus.

    Foster. RLC. Carroll. 4.0.

    Bench covers the odd bad fixture in defence.

    Improvements?

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      IMO the midfield is too weak. Good otherwise

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, sacrifices have to be made. Too many good defenders and premium strikers this season

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. Not sure about Stanislas playing time though.

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'll monitor over preseason, can always switch to Tadic or something

  29. dashdriver
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Forster
    Trippier / Cèdric / Lindelöf
    Alli / Coutinho / Willian / Phillips
    Kane / Lukaku / Austin

    Elliot / RLC / Mee / Hünemeier

    Too much Spurs & So'ton, or does it look decent for the first 6 gameweeks?

    1. Y26 Royal
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Might need some Man City in there

    2. Samian
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Your team is very similar to mine.

      Ive got Foster / Myhill in Goal instead and Lukaku instead of Kane - this frees up money for Phillips becoming Pogba.

      My 2 x 4.5 are Schindler and Dunk, although I'm happy to shift these 2 as that central trio of Trippier / Cedric and Lindelof will start every game in a 3-4-3

  30. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    My latest attempt:

    Forster [Elliot]
    Kolasinac Trippier Lindelöf [Smith, 4.0]
    Eriksen Coutinho Willian Phillips [Carroll]
    Lukaku Agüero Gayle

    1. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Do you reckon Kun will outscore Jesus first couple of weeks? Who's most likely to be on pens?

    2. Slip it like Stevie
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Aiming for something like this myself too. Very nice balance! I still feel that I have to get Kane instead of Kun though..