Selection

FPL Player List Analysis – Mid-Price Defenders

Following on from our assessment of goalkeepers and budget defenders, we now take a look at the mid-price defenders in Fantasy Premier League.

This covers those assets costing 5.0 or 5.5, with rotation pairings far less of a factor here – particularly at the latter price point.

Instead, we should be pinpointing assured starters that offer both the prospect of clean sheets and attacking points. Ideally, they will also be favoured by the FPL’s Bonus Points System (BPS), which boosts their bonus point potential.

The 5.0 Market

Sitting in 20.5% of squads, Bournemouth’s Charlie Daniels is the most popular defender in this price bracket and the second most owned overall.

There’s no shortage of competition in the Cherries’ back-four, though. Nathan Ake, Steve Cook and Adam Smith also boast a significant attacking threat and are identically priced to the raiding left-back.

Owned by 2%, Cook could be the dark horse. Potentially the likeliest to claim bonus, he registered more Clearances, Blocks and Interceptions (CBI) than any defender in 2016/17 and fired more efforts in the box than any defensive team-mate. He earned Baseline BPS – that is BPS without the inclusion of goals, assists and clean sheets – at a rate of one point every 5.3 minutes. That bettered any of Bournemouth’s other backline options last season.

Both Simon Francis and keeper Asmir Begovic are cheaper at 4.5, with Francis a possible option if he can retain a regular role.

Certainly, the addition of both Ake and Begovic should improve a rearguard that shipped 67 goals last term, though it’s Daniels who remains our preferred pick after scoring four goals and three assists in 2016/17.

Eddie Howe’s side offer three favourable home matches (WAT BRI LEI) and a trip to West Brom in the first seven Gameweeks.

Cedric Soares has the schedule to offer exceptional value over the opening months. He looks very kindly priced compared to his defensive team-mates at 5.0 and will face just one of last season’s top nine over the first 11 Gameweeks.

New manager Mauricio Pellegrino had a fine defensive record at former club Alaves in the previous campaign – they conceded just 43 goals, a tally bettered by just four other sides.

Ranked among the top four defenders for both successful crosses and key passes in 2016/16, we’re expecting Cedric to improve upon a meagre tally of three assists. Over 16% of FPL managers concur.

The caveat here is that Cedric is yet to make an appearance in pre-season. Handed an extended break following Confederations Cup exploits with Portugal, we need to see him turn out prior to the season to be fully assured on his prospects. On his return, we currently consider Cedric as the most sought-after selection in the 5.0 bracket with the edge over team-mates Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens.

As mentioned in our earlier pair of articles, Swansea City and West Brom present us with a home/away rotation pairing over the entire season.

But with Baggies quartet Jonny Evans, Craig Dawson, Gareth McAuley and Allan Nyom all priced at 5.0, there’s perhaps no surprise that keeper Ben Foster has claimed a 19.3% ownership after being listed at 4.5.

With McAuley in the twilight of his career, we’re placing our faith in Dawson to profit from an excellent first few fixtures. Tony Pulis’ team host Bournemouth, Stoke City, West Ham and Watford and also travel to Burnley and Brighton in the opening seven Gameweeks.

Dawson won more headers (126) and fired more attempts inside the box (18) than any other West Brom defender last season – a key factor to consider given that they scored more goals from corners (16) than any other side.

If you’re not opting for Foster between the posts, Dawson’s obvious goal threat has huge appeal and he seems destined to claim a high ranking in our Watchlist ladder prior to Gameweek 1.

For Swansea, although the likes of Kyle Naughton and Federici Fernandez offer options at 4.5, the goal threat of Alfie Mawson can be worth the extra outlay at 5.0 as a ‘fire and forget’ option.

After cementing a starting role in Gameweek 15 last year, Mawson was joint-top for shots inside the box (22) among defenders and scored four times.

Burnley’s crop of 4.5 budget options could come in as handy rotation partners if you are willing to bench a 5.0-priced defender for tricky fixtures.

As we’ve stated previously, Ben Mee is our favoured pick here and pairing him with a West Brom defender would hand you a kind run of seven home matches (BOU WBA STK CRY WHM HUD WAT) from the off.

Crystal Palace also alternate kindly with the Clarets over the same period, offering a run that consists of (HUD WBA SWA CRY SOT HUD).

Scott Dann’s goal threat makes him our stand-out Eagles’ pick at this price point, though Jeffrey Schlupp is also listed at 5.0 and could be in the mix if he ousts Patrick van Aanholt on the left. That has been the case so far over the pre-season.

James Tomkins and Martin Kelly are both cheaper at 4.5, though, and are worth monitoring if they can claim a regular role. With Frank De Boer deploying a 3-4-3 system, there is every chance that either Tomkins or Kelly will get the nod.

Stoke City also alternate early on with Burnley side and offer a kind opening stretch (eve WBA wba CRY new HUD SOU WHU BOU NEW).

We’d back Ryan Shawcross over Erik Pieters at 5.0 apiece. The Potters’ number one for CBI, Shawcross fired 20 efforts in the box last year, despite scoring just once. Like Palace, though, there are cheaper possible options to consider, with Geoff Cameron (4.5) hoping to claim a role in central midfield. Both Glenn Johnson and Phil Bardsley will also vie for the right-back role and are available for 4.5.

Leicester City new boy Harry Maguire currently looks a more enticing pick than Christian Fuchs at 5.0.

Maguire was second only to Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso for shots in the box (24 to 25) in the previous campaign but found the net just twice. However, with Robert Huth injured, Wes Morgan – at 4.5 – grants us an option to rotate home/away with Newcastle’s budget picks over the 38 Gameweeks instead. Danny Simpson also comes in at 4.5 if Maguire claims a centre-half berth in Huth’s absence.

The arrival of Marco Silva at Watford could boost the prospects of Jose Holebas and Daryl Janmaat, though there are a host of 4.5 picks – including their respective goalkeepers – potentially offering the value route instead.

It’s a similar situation at West Ham, with the arrival of Joe Hart as a 4.5 option diminishing the appeal of Jose Fonte, Winston Reid, Aaron Cresswell and Pablo Zabaleta. The Hammers schedule – with four away trips in five Gameweeks – also gives us time to revisit their prospects.

Huddersfield Town’s Tommy Smith is the only promoted defender with a price over the 4.5 mark. Four goals and 10 assists in last season’s Championship underlines manager David Wagner’s penchant for raiding full-backs, though the Terriers’ defence looks far from resilient.

Elsewhere, there are a number of options among last season’s top six that could yet factor in our thinking, but for now, there’s too much uncertainty over their pitch time.

Arsenal’s Rob Holding, Per Mertesacker, Gabriel and Kieran Gibbs may struggle for minutes, although Holding seems the likeliest to benefit from the 3-4-2-1 formation.

Phil Jagielka’s pitch-time at Everton also seems in doubt after the arrival of Michael Keane, while elsewhere on Merseyside, Mamadou Sakho surely needs to leave Liverpool to remain a viable option – as evidenced by his displays for Palace last time out.

Over at Manchester United, Phi Jones seems a peripheral figure and Luke Shaw will need to somehow find his way out of the treatment room and convince Jose Mourinho of his merits before he can come into consideration.

The 5.5 Market

Kyle Walker’s switch to Manchester City opens the door for Kieran Trippier to finally claim a regular role in a Spurs team that produced 17 clean sheets last season.

Trippier is the most popular defensive pick in this price bracket – selected by 19% of FPL managers on the back of five assists in just 12 appearances (six starts) last time out.

His quality of delivery from the flank is highly impressive. Despite playing a mere 566 minutes, he created more big chances (five) than any Spurs full-back last season, averaging a key pass every 43.5 minutes.

Indeed, his propensity to create chances significantly boosts his BPS potential. His baseline BPS numbers are hugely impressive, with the left-back gather a point every 4.4 minutes.

With the rest of Mauricio Pochettino’s regulars all sitting in the premium bracket, the former Burnley man is likely to thrive going forward in the wing-back system. However, Ben Davies also comes in at 5.5 and could start the season on the left if Danny Rose remains sidelined.

Spurs are also blessed with an eye-catching opening schedule, facing just two of last season’s top eight in the first eight Gameweeks.

Victor Lindelof is our pick of the bunch from a list of five Manchester United defenders (along with Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind) at a price of 5.5.

The summer signing has proven a popular pick, too. Currently backed by 15.8%, he could also be in the pecking order for direct free-kicks following the departure of Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Lindelof is expected to claim a place alongside the pricier Eric Bailly in the heart of a defence that matched Spurs’ 17 shut-outs and also offers a very favourable run to justify that level of investment – United face just one of last year’s top six in the first eight rounds of fixtures.

However, his pre-season form has been far from convincing which has dented confidence somewhat.

Given United’s potential for early clean sheets, Bailly or Antonio Valencia currently appear more secure options and could eat back into Lindelof’s ownership before Gameweek 1.

Everton’s new boy Michael Keane is another with considerable backing.

Over 13% have already invested, despite the Toffees’ tough opening schedule. Ronald Koeman’s men face Man City, Chelsea, Spurs and Man United in the first five Gameweeks.

Nonetheless, we feel that Keane’s eye for goal could still profit – 22 efforts in the box was sixth-top at the back in 2016/17 and seven more than new team-mate Ashley Williams.

Keane and Williams both offer serious CBI potential – they placed third and fourth for this metric last time out and look an ideal partnership as Koeman seeks to improve upon a total of 13 clean sheets.

Over at St Mary’s, the appeal of both Ryan Bertrand and Virgil van Dijk undoubtedly suffers from Cedric’s kind price tag.

The duo bettered the Portuguese for points per match in the previous campaign, with 4.4 and 3.6 to 3.4 respectively, yet our quest for value keeps Cedric as the main man for now. There’s also no doubt that Van Dijk’s expected departure will have a detrimental effect on their clean sheet count.

Arsenal’s end-of-season switch to a wing-back system impacts on our assessment of Nacho Monreal and Shkodran Mustafi.

Mustafi offered a considerable close-range threat last term. Despite scoring just twice, he sat joint-sixth with Keane for efforts in the box among defenders.

Essentially though, if Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac look nailed-on as wing-backs, paying just 0.5 extra could be the sensible move for those looking for a route into the Gunners’ defence.

We’ll be keeping an eye on Joel Matip should Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp rotate his full-backs to cope with European fixtures this season.

The pricier James Milner is our preferred pick thanks to spot-kick duties, but with new boy Andrew Robertson added to the mix as a natural left-back, it remains to be seen whether Milner’s security of starts will hold firm. Certainly, at 5.0, Robertson could turn heads if he can cement a regular role but it’s too early to tell whether he can make an immediate impact.

He may have scored just once last year, but Matip produced 24 efforts in the box– just one fewer than Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso at the summit. That threat makes him a more appealing option than Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne for those reluctant to shell out 6.5 on Milner.

Man City’s defence failed to convince last season, although it’s worth noting they conceded the fewest shots of any side.

New keeper Ederson hardly covered himself in glory during the recent defeat to Man United, while faith in John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi is similarly thin. All three sit under the 5% mark, with the premium-priced Kyle Walker boasting 18.7% ownership after arriving from Spurs.

Elsewhere, Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt now looks overpriced at 5.5 in the light of De Boer’s summer teamsheets. However, should he eventually oust Jeffrey Schlupp at wing-back, there’s no doubt that the Eagles’ system boosts the Dutchman’s appeal. He is a proven threat in the attacking third having scored 11 times in the last two seasons.

There’s next to no chance that you’ll be splashing 5.5 on a Stoke defender, although the impact of Kurt Zouma’s switch to the bet365 may force a reassessment. If Mark Hughes moves to a three-man defence and operates with wing-backs, the likes of Pieters, or even Johnson or Bardsley, could be the main winners here.

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1,994 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    'Rashford: My partnership with Lukaku can fire Man Utd to glory'

    I'm getting hope here I can outplay the Lukaku owners by building a team based on his new strike partner 😉

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

      I hope this happens. So much potential.

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

    Best 4.5m Defender (as a bench player to play a few)

    1. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I think Mee, but Burnley have lost Keane. Maybe Francis. Or Hegazi.

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

      Francis or Mee both starters

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

      Dunk

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

      Dunk

    5. UnitedFan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Mee. Keane won't matter too much as their defensive shape as a collective was more important than any one player's contribution.

    6. 6thGoal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Second the Dunk selection.

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

      Dunk. Stats wise, a superior defender to Ben Gibson and similar to Michael Keane, for 0.5 less (on last seasons prices). Bonus magnet CBI wise (though I can't tell you recoveries).

      Drawback? Discipline. Will lose you ~10pts a season. Not the best record in that sense.

    8. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Ignore Dunk, he plays for Brighton. I'd suggest Francis, Mee, Simpson, Glen Johnson.

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

    Draft league (mock) starting in 10mins

    87727-24729

    8 players, do join

    1. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Is this Indians only too?

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

        No sir!

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

      8 minutes left

    3. Krul Intentions
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'll give it a whirl.

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

        Welcome, 3 members currently, 6 minutes to go

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

    Wtf Rashford just said Rooney and Ibrahimovic aren't the players they once were if he wants to stay in my team he needs to stop talking ASAP

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

      Link

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

      Try proper punctuation.

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

        I did use punctuation spaces are punctuation just be glad I did that OTHERWISEIHAVEMOPROBLEMTYPINGLIKETHIS

      2. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I love people who criticise others for not using punctuation. You can read it right? What's your problem...

    3. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I mean this is true.

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

        Lies

    4. 6thGoal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Talk is cheap, let's see where Rashford starts GW1. Not sure it will be on the pitch.

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

        Hopefully not but I'm making a bet he won't.

  5. cklessa
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Probably the same as everyone else on here... thoughts?

    Foster (Elliott)
    Alonso, Bailly, Trippier (Mee, Hegazi)
    Eriksen, Willian, Sane, Philips (Carol)
    Lukaku, Jesus, Austin

    1. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Really good team pal. You could free up funds by making one of the 4.5m defenders 4m.

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

        As long as I have 4 playing defenders could do and upgrade Sane to 9.0 Liverpool mid

        1. goriuanx
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, that's what I would do.

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Good team. 8.5/10

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lukaku© every week?

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Good if you plan to go without Kane.

    5. shearer9
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Alonso to Bellerin and Jesus to Aguero would be better imo.

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

    Willy Cabalero is Chelsea's new number 1

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      There's only one willy around here. 😀

  7. 6thGoal
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any Members using the RMT tool in the members area to help maximize their points for the early weeks? I continue to look and rate some of these squads I am seeing, but aren't impressed with the total points I am seeing for the first 6 GWs.

    1. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      It's a good indicator for points potential.

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

      No essentially it's a geek with a keyboard trying to predict the future

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

        Nidge, sure I understand and it should be used as nothing more than a forecast or indication. But still I put a bit more weight into those indications than being told I am spending too much on defenders or to change my 5th midfielder to Carroll or RLC.

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

          Put a bit more trust in yourself

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

            I have confidence in the two teams I am looking at to start GW1.

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

          😆

    3. 6thGoal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      So do you not think it would be worthwhile to build a team that provided the highest point total using this tool?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Does the "tool" contradict or reinforce your view of how well a player will do?

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

          I find it very useful and has reinforced the 5-3-2 formation I am considering GW1. Now it's not the traditional 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 and probably carries more risk than reward if the CS don't roll in the start the season. But early on it's a risk I am willing to take to get off to a better start than the past 4 seasons. It's interesting to change players and see what it does for the ensuing weeks, granted nothing is set in stone and things will most likely change, but I feel it has strengthened my starting XI.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Intriguing! I'm all for new ideas and especially going with your gut.

            I've tried a few 523 formations which look strong so see no reason why they shouldn't work. After all, is David Luiz likely to return less points than Matty Philips at the start? Probably about 50/50 I'd say.

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

      Hey Stephen 🙂 yet another channel where we speak hehe!

      I always use RMT when I'm planning transfers etc going forward, and the projections are really useful too just to give a feel

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Is the RMT thing just Mark sat there with a calculator?

    5. iammitch
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      What do you see as an impressive score for GW1-6?

      I dont quite understand how its taking into account bench players etc when they may not even see my first 11 but I scored 332 and 342 with my two favourable drafts

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

        The best I have been able to put together has been 340.48. The tool uses the best anticipated scores of your top 11 players and doubles the output of your highest player.

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

          I would be fairly happy with that tbh although I've no idea what scores others are producing

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

            I am just rating teams I see on these posts and very few come close to 340.

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

    Henessey/Speroni
    Kompany/Lindelof/Trippier/Cedric
    Salah/Willian/KDB
    Kane/Lukaku/Gayle

    Carrol/Romeu/Rangel 0.0itb
    Please suggest any changes.

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

      Good team. Keep an eye on Lindleof during pre-season, had a bit of a shocker against RMA

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

      Like it - quite similar to my team (see below). You have opted for a 4-3-3 instead of mine 4-4-2. I see Zaha/Willian/Lanzini/Ayew-bracket better than the Gayle/Austin/Gabbi/J. Rod-bracket... just saying if Gayle doesn't deliver enough points I think it's easier to find alternatives in the midfield than in the attack.

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

    Quite happy with my current team - too riski bench maybe?

    Forster
    Trippier/Dawson/Cedric/Daniels
    DeBruyne/Alli/Willian/Zaha
    Kane/Lukaku

    Bench: Elliott, 4.0, T. Carroll, 4.5

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

      Our benches are never going to be great until we up our TV, I'm not worrying about mine too much.
      Looks good, slightly weak in defence though. Would want a utd or chelsea defender in there.

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

        My Bench is amazing however.

        Benefits of no Rashford

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

          ?

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

        You have a point there. Romeu snd T. Carroll should be nailed.
        I really want a United-def but not sure that Lindelof is nailed. Can't afford any Chelsea-def..

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

        I could do Forster and 4.0 def -> Foster (double WBA) and 4.5 def?

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

          Wouldn't be confident on double WBA.
          Although I would switch Forster for Foster. Forster is terrible.

          That frees up 0.5 to do as you wish!

          What do you think of my team below?

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

            Thanks! It's just that I like Dawson..
            Maybe Hart/Fabianski and Dawson?

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

            See below 😉

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

      You have no bench and are missing that third forward.

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

        Tired of finding the 3rd forward from last season..so much easier to find in defence or midfield IMO.

        Could do Zaha -> 4.5, Quaner -> Gayle and 4.0 def -> 4.5 def?

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

    keep coming back to this. what do you think?

    Foster Elliot
    Trippier Cedric Shawcross Daniels Hünemeier
    KDB Willian Ramsey Caroll RLC
    Kane Lukaku Morata

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

      No Shawcross. Jesus for Morata. Coutinho for KDB

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I hate it. Ramsey out Morata punty with no preseason. Shawcross and Hunemeier......

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

      I feel like doing the following changes could be very interesting as well:
      1. Kane -> Laca
      2. Ramsey -> Alli
      3. downgrade a defender that is 0.5m cheaper

      thoughts?

  11. TheEgyptianKing
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Tottenham score the least goals at the start, Kane never scores at the start etc but im still so scared to go without Kane

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

      Kane has had two attempts at starting the season.

      Not exactly conclusive

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

      Kane's had two seasons of playing international football in the summer as well as a full season for Spurs. This summer he's been on hols. Might be different this year

      Yes yes Wembley factor to be remembered, but will this stop him scoring all season? I doubt it.

  12. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Why so much Dunk love?

    Loves a card, and Suttner may have set pieces and assist potential?

    Or just Ben Mee instead?

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

      I like Suttner, but just need to know he is nailed. Dunk is definitely nailed.

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      He's someone to sit on the bench

    3. 6thGoal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Dunk or Suttner, potential bonus points and both carry some offensive potential. Good run of fixtures after GW1

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

      Copy/paste from above

      Stats wise, a superior defender to Ben Gibson and similar to Michael Keane, for 0.5 less (on last seasons prices). Bonus magnet CBI wise (though I can't tell you recoveries).

      Drawback? Discipline as you say. Will lose you ~10pts a season. Not the best record in that sense.

  13. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Teams to go down this year?
    Watford, Huddersfield and Brighton standouts for me.

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

      Huddersfield,Brighton,Swans

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Burnley cannot repeat their lucky home streak. Agree on the last two.

    3. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Swansea if they lose siggy don't think Watford will manager is pretty good he even made hull play well at end of the season

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        hope you're right about Watford. Guess Swansea/Burnely might take their place.

    4. Eze Really?
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Add Swans and W Brom to the mix

    5. 6thGoal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Watford won't go down. Marco Silva will make sure of that. Look at what he did with a Hull squad who doesn't have the quality of personnel that Watford does. The 'Orns remain in the Prem, middle/lower table. Remember that 9-17 were separated by just 6 points last season. Watford was on hols like WBA was later in the season.

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

    for the draft game, if i dont have kane, only when someone drops him from the team then i can try to sign him?

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

      Why would anybody drop him???

  15. shanebuckz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts plz
    Pickford Martinez
    Ake trippier Bertrand pva hunmeir
    Willian coutinho eriksen tadic Phillips
    Abraham lukaku morata

  16. Bellerinmondo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I've set up an 8-team draft league, drafting at 5pm (UK time, in half an hour) for anyone who would like to join
    87941-24772

    1. BLANKET DEFENCE
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A practice league that will be deleted or one that will run for the season

      1. Bellerinmondo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        run for season I guess, don't really see much point in doing a practice one

        1. BLANKET DEFENCE
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Just think its a bit early with 2.5 weeks of transfers still possible before the premier league starts. Some decent players could be picked up outside of the initial draft pick

          1. Bellerinmondo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            true , but that's part of the game no?

            1. BLANKET DEFENCE
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Ya. Im in anyways. Got nothing else to do

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

      I'm in. Even if just for experience of how the draft works!

  17. SWANCK
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Think I'm done tinkering now.

    Foster
    Bailly Trippier Alonso
    Alli KDB Willian Mooy Romeu
    Lukaku Aguero

    Fabianski/ Dunk Rangel Fletcher

    Tried to spread my value everywhere apart from the bench. Thoughts?

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

      Not a fan of having 2 subs who don't play.
      I'd rather Cedric and Ake over Bailly and Rangel

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Starting Romeu is a poor move

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

        I know, fixtures are tidy though.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      For a second I thought you were starting Mooy and Romeu every week. Silly me.

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

        Bring me the TV asap!

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

      Like it!
      I would do Fabianski -> Elliott and upgrade Mooy to Philips.
      IMO I would rather play 4-4-2 than playing one of Dunk and Romeu every week.

      I would do:
      Fabianski -> Elliott
      Mooy -> T. Carroll
      Rangel -> Daniels

      (and then playing 4-4-2)

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

        Or maybe just do Fabianski -> Elliott and Rangel -> 4.5

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

          Cheers pal!

          I'm now currently on

          Foster
          Alonso Bailly Trippier
          Alli KDB Lingard Willian Romeu
          Lukaku Aguero

          Myhill/ Dunk Rangel Fletcher

          After first couple of GW's my TV should be up to atleast 101m so that gives room to upgrade one of the suspects!

  18. Numb
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Bailly being banned for the Super Cup is not good for working out the GW1 CB pairing

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Is for Bailly owners

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

    Forster, Elliot
    Alonso, Kompany, Trippier, Bertrand, Mee
    Alli, Willian, Zaha, Phillips, Carroll
    Lukaku, Lacazette, Gayle

    Yes I have an expensive defence and an expensive bench but good rotation and a captain choice with a good fixture each week.

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

      I watched Newcastle's last lee seasom game and Gayle was on bench Elliot started and Rafa said he wants a new forward

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Expensive bench?

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

    I like Valencia but I don't 6.5m like him if you catch me drift. Preferred him at 5.5 last season when I had him

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

      My*

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

        I'm from Yorkshire. It was right first time.

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

      He's been over priced

  21. goriuanx
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    UEFA suspend Manchester United defender Eric Bailly for three-games following his red card against Celta Vigo in Europa League

    1. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      This doesn't help the Lindelof situation. Super Cup won't be the 1st choice CB pairing.

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Good for owners

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      does this include the Super Cup game?

  22. Uncle Avram
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    How nailed on is David Luiz or is there a risk of rotation?

    1. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I saw an article that suggested he may be the new captain.

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

      I'd say he's safe.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Very good value, I reckon. Might take the odd free kick and Chelsea don't have another CB who can step out from the back like Luiz can.

  23. jia you
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Well hello there guys,
    hmmm... Morata at 10m could be worth a punt!

    A. Morata + Ramsy (0.5itb)
    B. Laca + Willian (0.0itb)

    A or B? (no other CHE or ARS players btw)
    How important do you feel it is to keep a little itb at the start?

    Cheers

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

      B from those. Don't rate Ramsey too much yet. I can see the benefit of £ITB but I can never resist rinsing it all.

      1. jia you
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks, yeah keeping 0.5 is not a reason to put Ramsey in my side I guess!

  24. Jamie_GAWA
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    In a 8 man draft I picked my 3 striker spots first, got Aguero,Vardy,Rooney.

    Getting a good frontline is hard..

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

    Subject to change but...

    Foster
    Lindelof, Trippier, Bertrand, Cedric
    KDB, Salah, Willian, Zaha
    Kane, Lukaku

    Myhill, McBurnie, Carroll, Rosenior

    Salah is my only real punt. Could be gold. Lindelof and Zaha could change by GW1 like.

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lindelof, Cedric probably more risk thanSalah

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

        Yeah Lindelof could change. Bit of Cedric paranoia creeping in round here but I think he'll play.

  26. Doinkster
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Join my League

    88154-24818

    only for 2 extra players

    draft begins at 8 o'clock (2.25 hours waiting)

  27. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Had no idea Hart was 4.5m.

    Does that make him the better option over Gomes, Foster, Fab, Begovic etc?

    1. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not given West Ham's opening fixtures. Later in the season maybe

  28. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hi folks,

    Here's my first FPL draft:

    Bego (Elliot)
    Dawson Cedric Trippier (Morgan 4.0)
    Cout Alli Willian Zaha (Carrol)
    Kane Lukaku Austin

    Anything you would change?

    No city my main worry but cant have them all. WC planned after GW3

  29. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Are we backing Redmond or Tadic to do well?

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Radical

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

    Kane + KDB
    Aguero + Alli (with 1.5mil to spend elsewhere)

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

      Aguero & Alli