Opinion

This Much We Know – Gameweek 3

Goals, rotations, bookings and dismissals continue to rain down – all in the early Saturday kick-off at the Vitality Stadium – before the weekend concluded with Wenger’s old bangers being sent home in disgrace by Klopp’s wacky racers. But in amongst the pain and pleasure of headline acts, some less conspicuous numbers are also worth following.

Poker-face Pep continues to perplex…

Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne have each shed around a quarter of their owners since Gameweek 1 as pre-season form and optimism dissipated quicker than an Arsene Wenger rearguard.

The dark spectre of rotation loomed large at 11.15am on Saturday morning, amidst rumours that our frustrations were mirrored by those of Pep Guardiola, with Jesus and de Bruyne thought to be first in the firing line. By around 2.30pm, even those of us whose obstinacy had allowed us to profit from Jesus’s nine-point haul had seen enough, whilst Mike Dean’s broken watch merely allowed additional time for De Bruyne’s owners to be subjected to further ‘deeper’ puns.

Only David Silva – with a precious pair of assists – can be found vaguely near the top of the FPL points lists and the exodus of City’s assets has already started as thousands trade in blue for red.  Manchester City have finished as the league’s top scorers in three out of the last four seasons, but until an alpha male emerges from their pack our teams may be (and our blood pressure certainly will be) better off without a Sky Blue asset.

We should thank Liverpool for the eggs…

The task of choosing a Liverpool attacker is currently far more gratifying a dilemma than Guardiola’s rotational minefield. Having transferred out Mohammed Salah for Christian Eriksen, prior to the weekend’s fixtures, it was galling for me to read those sagacious souls who had held firm bemoaning their lack of bonus and having to settle for a mere 11 points.

Liverpool, though, with eight goals and a table topping 39 attempts in the box (compared to Swansea City’s basement 11) look the real deal. Salah and Sadio Mane, unsurprisingly, have had the most attempts in the box of any midfielders, with the former’s 11 nearly double that of Fantasy darling Dele Alli’s six. All this despite Champions League rotation; a reality which may slightly stifle our enthusiasm.

Surely, though, with price, form and sound fixtures in his favour, Roberto Firmino is now the go-to striker? Whether we are willing to put three of our eggs in the Anfield attacking basket is another matter, but a minimum of two forward players would seem prudent, if not almost essential, on current form.

Admittedly, their next test is away to a Manchester City side who have conceded the fewest shots in the box, but watching Vincent Kompany and Nicholas Otamendi doing their best Bambi on ice impressions against Bournemouth on Saturday does little to convince me that they can keep the rampant Reds at bay.

Discount defence allows affluence in attack…

Huddersfield Town’s rash of shut-outs has not gone unnoticed, but perhaps more surprising is that fellow promoted sides Newcastle and Brighton only sit behind Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs for fewest shots in the box conceded.

Pre-season draft team darling Lewis Dunk finds himself in barely 1% of FPL teams, despite recording more shots in the box (five) than any other defender. Last season, Dunk managed an attempt every 98.5 minutes, whereas this figure is down to every 54 minutes in the top flight and, with West Brom, Bournemouth and Newcastle in the next three, it may only be a matter of time before we are subjected to abysmal slam-dunk puns.

In front of budget keeper favourite Rob Elliot, it also remains to be seen whether Chancel Mbemba’s compelling performance at the weekend will be rewarded with permanence of starts. However, Ciaran Clark, at just 0.5 more, appears to offer greater security, even if we may have already missed his goal this season.

A wing-back and a prayer…

Despite being on the back foot for much of the match against Manchester City, Bournemouth’s own wing-backs piqued our interest on Saturday, as back four stalwart Eddie Howe finally fell in line, so to speak. Adam Smith created one chance and had one shot of his own inside the box, while Charlie Daniels didn’t even bother venturing inside the area for his wonder strike.

Similarly, Swansea’s move to a back five against a shockingly poor Crystal Palace brought immediate rewards with a clean sheet and, for Kyle Naughton, an assist and maximum bonus. Last season, he created 23 chances (just one fewer than Marcus Alonso) and, with just one of last season’s top half teams (Spurs) to play in the next six, 25,000 FPL managers have already been charmed by the Swans’ wing-back.

Sorry Sanchez epitomises Arsenal woe…

Like Smith, Alexis Sanchez managed to muster one shot and one chance created in the pitiful collapse to Liverpool.

Sanchez, though, sets us back £7 million more than the Bournemouth defender and does not look a happy Gooner as the transfer deadline looms. Arsenal managed a grand total of zero shots on target against a Liverpool defence which is usually far more generous than that of their North London opponents.

After such an abject performance by a (purportedly) top side, we might experience a bounce back against Bournemouth, but are we willing to risk investment?

The doubts are a travesty given the fixture swing in Arsenal’s favour. Ordinarily, this would be a time to embrace Wenger’s charges, but in light of Sunday’s pitiful performance, only the brave will surely venture to invest in Sanchez and his “team-mates”.

The best of times; the worst of times…

Averaging almost a goal per game last season, Harry Kane retained his Golden Boot. This year, his statistics are up in nearly every category except for the most significant one: goals.

We all know that the flood must surely –will definitely – come, but the question for his exasperated owners is just how long that dam will hold.

I’m a magnanimous sort of chap, disposed to handing out an endless series of “one last” chances, but a large part of that may stem from my stubborn refusal to acknowledge that my initial gamble has failed and that my ongoing faith in the Spurs idol is simply chucking good money after bad.

But all Kane needs to do is smash in four goals against Everton and my loyalty is vindicated. Or maybe five against Swansea, if he blanks at Goodison? Six at West Ham might be pushing it, but isn’t out of the question, is it?

My epiphany is a painful one, but I realise now that my addiction must be tempered and that I have to kick the Kane habit. Going cold turkey, however, could be hell.

Two for the price of one…

While I’m in the mood for firing high priced, potentially Golden Boot-winning strikers, Romelu Lukaku has the misfortune to fall within my Alan Sugaresque cross-hairs.

His sin is to have “only” returned that goal a game ratio which my beloved Kane managed in his most prolific season, comprising a miserly 38 points as my captain in the first two Gameweeks. Had he the imagination to vary his predictable penalty placement (nearly two thirds of his previous spot kicks have been angled towards the goalkeeper’s right) it could so easily have been four goals in three games.

Instead, I find myself curiously unsatisfied and coveting Lukaku’s teammate, Paul Pogba (who may also usurp the Belgium’s place as United’s principle penalty taker), to potentially complete my Manchester United box set alongside Henrik Mkhitaryan and David de Gea or Phil Jones.

Pogba and Firmino for example, would come in at £16.8m with 26 points, two goals and two assists each already. By comparison, Lukaku’s £11.7m premium price tag barely left me enough change to pick up Christian Atsu, much as I appreciated his scrappy assist against the Hammers.

All I would need is a viable captaincy alternative – a big name striker perhaps with a proven pedigree, prodigious underlying statistics, who takes penalties and who has fantastic fixtures ahead. Too soon to call Kane back and tell him that I’ve had a rethink?

2,515 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Jesus or Morata?

    1. RichieW
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Morata long term

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

      Morata must be safer long term

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Morata

    4. RÏɠBY
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      jesus will be more explosive morata will be a dependable 1/2 a game i think

    5. Page 302
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm selling Jesus for Firmino. Too scared to captain Jesus with Pep's mad rotation. Also, there's something about Jesus' style of play...he seems very injury prone, always putting his body on the line in all the wrong ways. It's hard to describe, but there a bit of the Wilshere about him.

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

    Evenin' all

    Hows it going?

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Knitting a new cardigan

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

        Excellent

        1. Syd.
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I can knit you one for the next scoutcast

          You can be the Val Doonican of FFS

    2. RÏɠBY
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      taking an 8 point hit
      says it all..

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

        Hits are always good 🙂

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          You hitting the wild thing Andy?

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

            Don't think so!

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Fair play.

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Great , just cursing this international break! Sticking by Kane for this long is tough !

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Reading the 'Technical area' article (which was Fantastic) has kept me content. Hopefully a few for England will stop the sales. The goals are coming....

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

        It's one of the reasons I haven't even looked at wildcarding - not sure I'm comfortable getting rid right now

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Is it fair to say you don't put as much value in building team value as Mark?

          Or is the next international break better for this anyway?

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

            I do like building value where I can but I'm not hugely bothered by Kane as I want him anyway and I already got rid of KDB.

            Don't think any of my other players are dropping right now

            1. Business Cat
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              I'm not sure TV building will work as well this year.

              I'm normally really good at it (got to 112m+ last season).

              This season the price rises just ain't happening...slowed WAY down.

              I've struggled up to 100.7 + 0.1 itb over 3 GWs...not following the normal schedule at all so far!

              My TV actually dropped just before GW3!

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

          What does keeping Kane have to do with not wildcarding? I'm on my WC, will avoid the price drop(s) and get him back in before deadline. He will come good.

    4. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thoughts on Marks wildcard announcement ?

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

        Each team is different 🙂

        Think he could have just taken a few hits but he's adopting a similar approach to last year and that served him well - time will tell

    5. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking about taking a hit in defense. Maybe even two hits.

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

        Who for who?

    6. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I ditched Kane Sunday night 🙂

      Just waiting now for goal-pie on England duty... 😎

  3. white lightning
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I used my wc in gw3. There are 2 issues that I have in that Britos is out & Calvert-Lewin came off the bench. I was thinking of saving my ft in gw4. Do you agree. 1ft & 0.3itb. Thanks in advance.

    Foster (Lossl)
    Davies, Jones, Hegazi, Fernandez (Britos)
    Eriksen, Mane, Mkhi, Richarlison (Carroll)
    Kane (c), Lukaku (Calvert-Lewin)

    I think Spurs & Kane will come good in gw4 because they are playing away from home & will feel less pressure.

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

      I'd save for now.

      I'm of the belief that Kane will net against Everton too.

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Me too! then look at his fixtures after that!

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

          Aye he'll be reet. I'm on a WC so I've removed him pending his price fall. Hoping to pick him up again at 12.4.

  4. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Antonio, Lanzini, Arnie & Ayew.

    Which one doesn't play in GW5 when Arnie is back?

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

      It's impossible to say especially as Billic is clinging on to his job like Tony Pulis to a 1-0 lead with 88 minutes to go.

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Hehehe

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

        😆

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

      Ayew

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ayew

  5. Pap Boomez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What is the website to track price risers and fallers again? 🙂

    1. Sánchez
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Fpl stats

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

      FPL Statistics

      1. Pap Boomez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks gents

  6. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    If Sanchez moves to City then surely one of Aguero, Sane or Sterling has to leave to balance the squad

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nah Pep will play them all at LWB

      1. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Sounds legit

        1. Syd.
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          He is totally mad

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Seems a bit unbalanced before any move. Pep can play Jesus Kun Sanchez together as the 'front 3', KDB Dilva behind and use Sterling Mane is subs I guess.

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

      Surely Sané wouldn't be sold. He played very consistently towards the end of last year.

      I felt him and Sterling both deserved to start this season in the first XI.

  7. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Should I take a hit or two to sort this defense or sit tight?

    Hart
    Bertrand / Cedric / Ake / Mee / Long

    1. KISSES
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      I wouldn't.

      Hart (HUD)
      Bertrand, Cedric (WAT), Mee (CPL)

      That has clean sheets written all over it.

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

      Doesn't seem worth it, realistically best case scenario is you swap out a 2 pointer and get a clean so you break even, what's the point.

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Bertie Mee Cedric is fine, Hart v hud is okay too

  8. KISSES
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who is most likely to double rise before cut-off, Foster or Lossl?

    Im thinking Lossl as lesser ownership %?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      None

  9. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Would your rather have .2 in value or 10 points at this stage?

  10. GEORGEMCPFC
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is this good or is there a wildcard needed?
    GK: FOSTER, COLEMAN
    Def: BERTRAND, CEDRIC JONES LASCELLES GOMEZ
    Mid: ERIKSEN MAHREZ ELNENY POGBA JESÉ
    FOR: MORATA FIRMINO LUKAKU

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

      No wildcard needed.

  11. Everyday im Schneiderlin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    A cedric qnd kane
    B alonso and Moratta?

    thanks

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

      A

      1. Everyday im Schneiderlin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        thanks

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

      A

      1. Everyday im Schneiderlin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

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

      A too

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

    Best midfielder between 7-8 Million?

    Antonio decent shout?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah.

      Antonio or Lanzini

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

      I'm thinking Antonio too. His positioning is very interesting.

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Son could be one to watch.

      8m...nice fixtures after eve(A)

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

        I like that, good thinking.

    4. rivercityransom
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      alonso

  13. The Royal Robin
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is Kane + Ramsey > Morata + Salah too kneejerky?

    Team is:

    Foster
    Cedric Hegazi Jones Alonso
    Mkhi Ramsey Eriksen
    Lukaku Chich Kane

    Lossl Chalobah TFM Carroll

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

      Sounds good

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

      I'd happily drop Ramsey but Kane is trickier.

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      It is indeed. You know full well that Kane will hit the goal trail soon.

      Keep the faith.

    4. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Happy with the double west brom?

  14. Sterling Chap
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Good article!

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

    I can visualise Kane stepping up in front of the Gwladys Street End to strike a last minute penalty only for Jordan Pickford to push it out for a corner.

    And there'll be some wise sod on here who's captained Pickford.

    1. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Will that wise sod be you?

  16. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Mahrez has been great so far this season. Any chance he starts over Pedro/Willian if he joins Chelsea?

    1. Sánchez
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If he does, he does surely

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      every chance, but don't think the move will happen.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe Man Utd. Think Townsend (lol) is joining Leicester so Mahrez could join another prem club.

    3. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Willian and Pedro have been very good though. Don't see it happening to be honest.

    4. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Eventually, maybe not initially.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I was going to say earlier but i love that show

        1. Garth Marenghi
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Overall Mahrez is kinda like a candle in the wind...unreliable.

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

      Very impressive in the early games.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Prob likely

  17. FF Dirtbag
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster Elliot
    Davies Jones Stephens Mee Hunemeier
    Eriksen Mane Willian Carroll Fraser
    Kane Lukaku Gabbi

    Got 0.5 mill in the bank and 1 FT.

    A) fraser->mooy
    B) Kane out and Fraser out for a hit
    Ć) save?
    D) Any other options?

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

      C

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

      I'd want to improve Gabbi to Firmino. Downgrade Willian to someone like Richarlison who seems to have a significant goal threat.

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Would love to. But that makes the midfield far to weak. Willian is better I think. I would need to take more than a hit as firmino is 8.6.. Kane would go probably.

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Not sure I'd want Willian. Her has never been a prolific points scorer in ff.

          Might time for an 8 pointer triple bunger. Would not remove Kane given his pedigree.

          1. FF Dirtbag
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            I know pool are strong but can't imagine them doing immensely at city

            1. Jafalad
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              You are looking at just one gameweek then?

              1. FF Dirtbag
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Well I could do it so it sets it up for the next game week. Like Downgrade Fraser to gain some more cash then get in firmino next week.

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

      C. Definitely don't take a hit and I wouldn't lose Kane.

      2 FT will be useful next GW.

  18. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Surely Son isn't nailed?

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

      I doubt he is

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Only Poch knows.

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

      Not 100%

    4. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Wasn't last year...was awesome as an impact sub though. Scored in most games when he came on 🙂

  19. nonprophet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hennessy (Elliot)
    Danillo Jones Stephens Cedric (long)
    Sterling salah Erikson (Carroll chalobah)
    Kaku Kane Gabbi.. Question is, is it time to wildcats. I can see problems and value loss with danilo Stephens sterling Kane and gabbi. Thoughts on wildcats or no wildcats. Cheers

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Play your wildcard during the second international break when the transfer deadline will have passed and we will have a better idea of players/teams/managers' rot, etc.

      All the Cool Kids will be holding at present.

      1. nonprophet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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

    Trying out some WC ideas...

    Foster - Elliot
    Alonso - P.Jones - Naughton - Lowe - Mbemba
    Mane - Pogba - Antonio - Ritchie - T.Carroll
    Kane - Morata - Firmino

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

      Similar to mine. I like it. On Mkhi and Atsu instead of Antonio and Ritchie atm. Not sure if the United midfield double up is actually a good idea or if I'm just doing it because I'm worried about not owning Lukaku.

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

        I understand you doing that without Lukaku.

        Antonio is my biggest worry but so hard to find players in that price bracket.

    2. Unsuccessful
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If it was me I'd want more from my midfield on a wildcard.

      Does this leave you anything in the bank?

      Can you get to a spurs mid without losing either morata or Alonso?

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

        0 ITB

        Could save 0.5 by Mane -> Salah

        1. Unsuccessful
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I guess it's difficult to know which of Salah and Mane is more nailed.

          It's the same dilemma here really. I like Alonso but he's probably at the cost of a third big midfielder

          1. Business Cat
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Klopp will rotate a lot...end of the DGWs in 2015/16 showed that.

            No-one's safe.

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

            That's exactly my views.

            Could turn Alonso into Trippier then have another 9ish midfielder.

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Naughton possibly under threat...Clement's shopping. Fernandez might be a safer pick.

      I'm also looking at Wimmer (once Stoke's fixtures clear)...current 4.4m...could be a steal.

      Ritchie's a meh pick...though there's nothing amazing to replace him with in the price bracket.

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

        Cheers fellow cat, good points on the defence.

        Ritchie will be my set and forget, Antonio is my big concern but struggling to find better.

        1. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I've got Ritchie and he price dropped on me 🙁 Gotta keep him now...hope he goes back to 6.0.

          Can you do Antonio + Ritchie to Mahrez + 4.5? Might be a goer.

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

            I really like Mahrez, just don't want to be playing any of the 4.5's every week 🙁

            1. Business Cat
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Play 4-at-the-back some weeks.

              TCarroll should get something more than basics with the upcoming good fixtures.

              If not...gonna have to drop Alonso to a 5m or 5.5m to boost the 4th mid

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

                I've tried a few 4-3-3 teams, something I was keen on before the season but bottled it before GW1.

                You've hit it on the head, it's Alonso or a better Midfielder.

              2. Business Cat
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                ...or do what others are doing, just consider Alonso as your 4th mid.

                Keep two not-so-playing 4.5 mids on the bench.

                Aim to play 3 of the 4 non-Alonso defenders week in, week out.

    4. Bergkampgoal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'd consider Mane to Salah and Elliot to Gomes for season long GK rotation on WC.

  21. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is this team ok for next weekend and save transfer.

    De gea( Elliot )
    Dawson Yoshida Dunk Bellerin
    Mane Erik Ritchie
    Lukaku Kane Mounie

    Brunt Francis Carroll

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

      Yes good to save

    2. Unsuccessful
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      It's looking ok.

      I quite fancy running with Carroll (NEW) this week.

  22. AF90
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Need to replace TAA so who is the best 4.5 defender for GW4?

    Defence is set for GW5 & may WC soon so not thinking too long term here. Was thinking Suttner (WBA - H) maybe?

    1. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Brighton -WBA has 0-0 written all over it. Naughton (NEW) may be worth a shout too.

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

      Naugton or Mee?

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Mee seems to have some sort of goal threat. Simpson at 4.5 is good value for a LEI defender.

      HUD ds all look good too at present.

  23. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    A part of me wishes Chelsea went for Sanchez, he would be nailed in that squad

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes...I had the same thoughts for Leeds too. 😉

  24. WDT
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ffs. Dann AND Wijnaldum both falling tonight. Already took a hit last week!

    Bad bad start.

    1. fedolefan
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Scott Dann really is the worst.

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

      Daniels and Ake about to drop soon as well.

      Dann to either of them for free next GW if you have Mee to rotate with.

  25. James Sykes
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Can someone explain how using a wildcard works with player prices? Could I keep changing my team before gameweek 4 to make a profit? I don't really understand how it works.

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

      You could yup.

      If a player goes up 0.2 while in your team you could sell for someone else and you'd have made 0.1

    2. Monkey Hanger
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Recent article on it.

      1. James Sykes
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Could you link me the article?

        1. Monkey Hanger
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Titled Market Forces. It will only be a few articles back.

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

      Yes. You get players in and if they rise twice i.e. Morata and Firmino should be rising twice, you will make money as their prices will go up in your team and you can make money off them. Pretty much what I'm doing with Morata and I'm selling him for Lacazette once Morata goes up again and Lacazette goes down.

    4. Unsuccessful
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes if you wildcard in someone for 9.0 now, and they rise to 9.2 or 9.3, you can sell them for 9.1 and keep the profit.

      However prices rises seem to have slowed and last year almost froze completely due to the number of wildcard at play.

      1. James Sykes
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        But can I sell them again before gameweek 4 and still keep the profit?

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Yes.

        2. @fpl_phenom
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Yes

        3. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Ummm yes

        4. Unsuccessful
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Yes

        5. Monkey Hanger
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Yes.

  26. Luxy
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Question: if I've already taken a -4 but now want to wildcard: - will my WC include the transfer I've already done so no points at all will be lost?

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

      Correct

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

      No point hit if WC

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Correct - prior points are returned.

  27. Luxy
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Cheers guys - much appreciated

  28. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Starting to like the look of my wildcard team, which is worrying!

    Fabianksi, Elliot
    Bertrand, Hegazi, Jones, Maguire, Mee
    Richarlison, Eriksen, Miki, Antonio, Carroll
    Morata, Firmino, Kane

    - Rotating defenders from now until GW15
    - low ownership punts with great fixtures like Antonio, Jones and Fabianksi
    - Held onto Kane who will come good

    Thoughts thus far?

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I would be scared of not having Lukaku but then I guess your other players should pick up similar number of goals... It is good. I don't like Antonio that much, but then depends whether west ham actually start playing.

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I'd be more scared of no Mane/Salah.

        One of them doubling up with Firmino looking essential at the minute

        1. AYLD28
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Even when the champions league rotation hits?

  29. william prunier
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Dann at 99.7% requiring 20 transfers to drop!
    Any chance this is another red herring?

    1. Unsuccessful
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      possible but loads fell last night, even when I didn't think it looked likeky

  30. Football Heaven
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Morata van jesus?

    Fixtures wise, Jesus, risk wise, morata

    1. Football Heaven
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      *vs