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The Technical Area – Firmino’s Opening Gameweeks

Heading into the 2017/18 season, the Fantasy Premier League reclassification of Roberto Firmino from midfielder to forward was a source of much chatter.

Three Gameweeks in and Firmino has made fools of those of us who shied away.

The Brazilian sits joint-top in the overall standings on 26 points, having notched two goals, a pair assists, and twice taken home a maximum bonus points haul. Indeed, only Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (106) leads Firmino (101) in the Bonus Points System (BPS) to date.

Over this international break, interest in the Liverpool man has been understandably high. He has experienced one price hike already (from 8.5 to 8.6), and could possibly rise again between now and the Gameweek 4 deadline.

With Liverpool in rampant form – as evidenced by last week’s 4-0 demolition of Arsenal – Firmino offers managers an opportunity to save valuable funds by downgrading a premium forward option to a lower-priced alternative who has hitherto managed to outperform his more expensive rivals.

Here in the Technical Area, we thought that this week represented a good opportunity to dig into Firmino’s game in greater depth.

Specifically, we will be exploring how his profile compares to that of other FPL forwards and whether that early-season form can continue as the campaign unfolds.

2,697 Comments Post a Comment
  1. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What's Spurs defensive line-up gonna look like after their new signings?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Toby A, Vertonghen, Sanches
      With Aurier and Rose at wing back

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Lovely defence on paper.

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

      I don't know but i guess more rotation is expected due to CL.

  2. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I have 1ft and 1.8 ITB. What is the priority here? Taking out TAA/Yoshida for who? or any other move?

    My team
    Foster,
    Dawson, Mee, Yoshida
    Pogba, Salah, Mkhi, Alli
    Lukaku, Jesus, Tammy
    Subs: Elliot, Tarroll, TAA, Hunemeier

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

    Will Kane drop before saturday?

    Will any striker rise in value before saturday?

    1. MTPockets
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Probably.
        Okazaki, Vokes, Calvert-Lewin highest atm. Perhaps Firmino/Morata, but both still need a lot of transfers.

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

      Which is the better option?

      a) Alonso + Davies + Bertrand + Brady + Abraham
      b) Jones + Cedric + Mbemba + Chalobah + Lukaku

      1. MTPockets
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I'd pick B, but decent arguments for both.

          1. james_lebron
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Yeh, option A to me has more balance but B just has Lukaku and he seems to make up for all of that.

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

        Mbemba

        I've heard different stories on FFS as to whether or not he's likely to play for a significant period of time. I can sell him for a 4.4, but there aren't many options: Holgate (not nailed), Martina (not nailed), Wimmer at Stoke (probably nailed, but won't start for a while).

        I won't need to start the defender, but keeping him for 1 or 2 weeks and then needing to switch later just saves up a future guaranteed transfer and I'm on a WC.

        Just go Wimmer? Or keep Mbemba and hope for a double price rise and a month of games?

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

          I'd keep Mbemba and monitor Holgate. Holgate to come in GW6 if he can hold his spot.

        2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Keep him while he is playing. Transfer him out when he isnt

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

          Im not an expert, but i think Memba is first in line to be shunted out when an injured defender returns. As the return dates is show as an unknown this is a bit of a roulette spin.
          Note that a lot of people have transferred him in on the expectation of a price increase. If he were to lose his place, many of them would be tempted to switch, especially if a new 4.4 or 4.0 option opened up. If you dont need to play him and have the cash, could move to a 4.4 like Wimmer, who will play, and when he plays will garner lots of interest as a way into a strong defense.

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

          Similar dilemma, but for me I'm trying to decide between Tammy + Mbemba or Calvert-Lewin + 4.5

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

            I was looking at Calvert-Lewin before - I think he'd be a great option if he was going to be regular, but Koeman has many options up front - especially now with Siggy in the team.

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

              It's annoying because he does look exciting!

        5. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Keep Mbemba. As you say, you won't need to start the defender. Rarely, if ever, does that 3rd sub get used. Even if it does, 0.4 in value is better kept for other areas

        6. FC nelo
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I think that Dummett is out for a while and Mbemba will play until he is back.

        7. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I'm hopeful that Mbemba will nailed down a spot.

      3. cjhewitt92
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Best Midfield option

        A) Mkhi already have Lukaku
        B) Alli already have Kane
        C) Sane already have Salah
        D) David Silva
        E) Hazard already have Morata
        F) Anyone else

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

          Eriksen?

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

          Alli already have Kane

        3. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Eriksen imo

        4. Big P
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          B, by a distance

        5. nath660
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          sanchez for me, arsenal are due to smash someone and with him classed as a midfielder when hes gonna be playing centre forward that means more points!

          1. J T
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Why would he play CF? They just bought Lacazette

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

        Who play ?

        a/ Carroll
        b/ Ince

        1. Big P
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          B

        2. Samurai Blue
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          A

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

        I have Lukaku, mkhi and pogba, but no spurs coverage. Who do i drop and who should i replace them with?

        1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          None of those
          Somebody else

        2. FC nelo
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I would probably drop Pogba or Lukaku.

      6. FPLAdmiral
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        On a WC, gone double Spurs mids over Kane. Thoughts?

        Fabianski
        Jones, Alonso, Hegazi
        Mkhi, Alli, Salah, Eriksen
        Lukaku, Firmino, Abraham

        (Elliot)(Atsu, Lowe, Mbemba)

        Still unsure of Fabianski + Hegazi or Foster + Naughton

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

          Looks great. BTW - how much team value is that? seems like above 101!

          1. FPLAdmiral
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Currently 101.1 but with a few more risers should end GW on 101.5ish!

        2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Good team

        3. Guru Mediation
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Defo foster + naughton. Hegazi not nailed

        4. A or B or C or D
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Thats a lie....

          Your history said you played your wild card last week!!

          1. FPLAdmiral
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Errrm ... no! Last week I stupidly transferred KDB + Firmino > Pogba + Chicharito 🙁

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

            Just checked, wrong link. I'm definitely not "Whiteladies" 😆

        5. Big P
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Excellent mid and attack

          Jones, Hegazi and Mbemba is transfers waiting to happen - i'd replace one of them with a more nailed / not made of glass option

          1. FPLAdmiral
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Could do Jones + Hegazi > Cedric + Naughton?

      7. Rik Waller
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Which one, considering the next few fixtures.

        A - Kane Lukaku Chica
        B - Kane morata Firmino

        Cheers

        1. Jackson99
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          B

      8. bitz13
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        WC team

        De Gea
        Cedric, David Luiz, Naughton, Kolasinac
        Atsu, Pedro, Alli
        Lukaku, Firmino, Jesus

        Subs: Elliot, Mbemba, Oriol Romeu, Chalobah
        3.0 ITB

        Planning on playing 4-3-3 throughout the season and going for
        Pedro to Hazard when fully fit and might do Lukaku/Alli to Kane/Mkhi

        Any thoughts?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Lose Jesus

          1. MTPockets
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Why?

              1. Respect My Authoritah
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Because there are 3 forward slots and more than 3 better options than Jesus imo

                1. MTPockets
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Fair enough although I doubt there'll be better at the price.

                    1. Respect My Authoritah
                      • 10 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      Morata and Firmino better at a lower price for me. Lukaku and Kane better at the upper end

                      1. MTPockets
                          7 years, 2 months ago

                          They already have Lukaku/Firmino. Kane for sure but 2.1m more. Not convinced Morata will do better but we'll see.

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

                Defence way too heavy and yet still no Alonso! Mid is very light, would definitely downgrade Kolas

            • Scotty B
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Foster
              Cedric Mee Jones Alonso
              Salah Pogba Eriksen
              Morata Lukaku Firmino

              Elliot Carroll Chalobah Mbemba

              On WC, 0.1 ITB.
              Any changes I should consider?

              1. Scotty B
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                *Foster S/B Fabianski

            • Bald Eagle
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              What's my priority?

              A Daniels out for any decent replacement or
              B Fraser to Brady?

              Thanks all.

              1. Spike ⚽️
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Won't you want Daniels for GW 5 agst Brighton?

                1. Bald Eagle
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Inevitable price drop is bugging me and I plan to WC soon and might get him back cheaper, but I do like him in GW5 for sure. Currently leaning towards Fraser out anyway.

                  Cheers mate.

              2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                B

                1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Priorities
                  Players that haven't been starting should go first

                  1. Bald Eagle
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Yep, that's my thinking also. Fraser not playing last game should be alarming enough. Thanks mate.

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

                A is unnecessary, so B

                1. Bald Eagle
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Daniels as a wing back could do something even vs ARS possibly. Should look at him long term and not worry about his price.

                  Thanks mate.

            • Cabellafan
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              On WC: Best 4.5 mid? RLC, Carrol, Chalobah

              1. Spike ⚽️
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Carroll especially from GW 6

                1. Guru Mediation
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Swansea just signed 2 central mids, I'd be wary

                  1. Spike ⚽️
                    • 13 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Good point but Carroll is Swansea's workhorse

              2. Guru Mediation
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Chalobah

              3. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Chalobah looking best for attacking points if u are a form guy
                Carroll has the fixtures if
                u are a fixtures kind of guy

              4. Partick Bateman
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Cork.

              5. Respect My Authoritah
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Right now, Chalobah. Carroll's security is a little unclear. I'd back Carroll to keep his place though

              6. Cabellafan
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Thanks all! Between Carroll and Chalobah then..

            • tattywelshie
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Kola > Naughton (would allow me to upgrade Redmond to Erikson)

              A. Yes - 100%
              B. Wait until after Bournmouth game then get rid

              1. A or B or C or D
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                A

              2. Big P
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                If for free, then this week, sure

            • Lightbody
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Start: Stones (vs Liverpool) or T.Carroll (vs Newcastle) ?

              1. laGan1n1
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                TC

                1. Spike ⚽️
                  • 13 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  this

              2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                You really can't decide whether to play a defender that didn't start his last game and if he does start is playing a team that has scored 8 goals in 3 ganes

              3. Samurai Blue
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                TC

            • Egg noodle
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              People were talking about Kane dropping one, two or even three times. He hasn't even dropped once!

              1. Spike ⚽️
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Well spotted

              2. Fred54
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Most people do transfers Friday night or Saturday morning, obviously the latter won't affect price till after deadline. So plenty of time.

              3. MTPockets
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  If threshold is about 10%, implies 170k-ish wildcards.

              4. A or B or C or D
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                HELP Needed! GTG? Rate if possible (copy the template and replace "?")

                GK: Foster
                DEF: Stephens-Mee-Jones-Kol
                MID: Mhki-Willian-D Silva
                FWD: Lukaku (C)- Kane - Frimino

                BCH: Elliot-Dawson-Carroll-Astu

                GK: ?/10
                DEF: ?/10
                MID: ?/10
                FWD: ?/10

                BCH: ?/10

                1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Looks good to go

                2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Not really a willian fan if you want critique

                  1. A or B or C or D
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Think this is his last week with me. Looking to swap for alonso and week mid.

                    Do you think he will start?

                    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                      • 7 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      Yes I would think he will this week

              5. PocketZola
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Is it a good idea to go the opposite to leader in your league? So if they have pog you go mkhi, if they have erik you go alli?

                1. MTPockets
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    No, just pick who you think gets most points.

                  • Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Not this early in season
                    Last 5 weeks for that

                  • Partick Bateman
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Wouldn't worry about your leader at this stage. Long way to go, pick the team you think is best.

                  • Ron_Swanson
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    maybe towards the end of the season if you need to make up points.

                2. Tiamani Warrior
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Did anyone see france play? Was pogba very attacking? I still can't decide if he's the real deal now or just had a lucky start

                  1. Respect My Authoritah
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    He'll do well over the season, but he won't get returns every game

                    1. Tiamani Warrior
                      • 11 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      For 8 mil I'd want 5-5.5 ppg think it'll happen?

                      1. Respect My Authoritah
                        • 10 Years
                        7 years, 2 months ago

                        Nope. That sees him getting around 200 points over the season!

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

                  Best defender at 5.4? To fill Danilo
                  Def atm...
                  Dawson Stephens Danilo

                  1. laGan1n1
                    • 12 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Monreal

                    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                      • 7 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      Monreal hahahaha 3 games 8 goals conceded
                      Great suggestion

                      1. laGan1n1
                        • 12 Years
                        7 years, 2 months ago

                        Ok

                  2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Jones

                  3. Respect My Authoritah
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Jones. Cedric also a good shout for a bit more security

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

                      Double Southampton defence a good idea?

                      1. Respect My Authoritah
                        • 10 Years
                        7 years, 2 months ago

                        Not sure why it's a any different to having 1

                  4. Partick Bateman
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Cedric

                4. laGan1n1
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  KDB > Ozil (C) probably this week for me

                  Mesut against Bournemouth 3 games - 2 goals and assist

                  1. Respect My Authoritah
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    I'd honestly bet on a Bournemouth win this weekend tbh

                    1. laGan1n1
                      • 12 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      no way, mate

                      1. Respect My Authoritah
                        • 10 Years
                        7 years, 2 months ago

                        Arsenal fan I take it?

                        Obviously, an Arsenal win is the likely outcome, but considering the improvement with Bournemouth playing a back 3 v City, can see them stifling Arsenal and King/Defoe exposing the backline

                5. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  I am prepared to be laughed off the site buuut
                  Knockaert looked good last gameweek
                  I know Brighton haven't been much threat but he was injured
                  He looked fit and sharp
                  At 5.9 he could be a steal with some kind home games upcomimg

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

                    Good numbers last game, well spotted

                  2. Respect My Authoritah
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    I don't think 5.9 represents a steal. At 5.0, yes. At 5.5, probably "good value" at best. At 5.9, probably going to do as well as his price suggests imo

                6. whodatgoal
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Joselu or Tammy?

                  1. Big P
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    T

                7. C0YS
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Man U fans:

                  Thoughts on Blind? Just how nailed is he?

                  1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    When UCL starts he will get rotated

                  2. Big P
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    surely Darmian and Shaw are a threat?

                  3. Respect My Authoritah
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Not nailed at all. Too slow. Darmian is a better defender

                  4. QuintonFortune25
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Keep if you have him but don't bring in

                  5. LC1
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Not nailed. Definitely wouldn't bring him in.

                8. Big P
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Can Josh King keep close to Defoe in terms on FPL points this year?

                  Not seen Bournemouth much, but that 0.6m extra could be really useful

                  1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Yes. Based on so far, they will both be close
                    On about 4pts
                    Last chance saloon against Brighton or I will be selling Bournemouth assets

                    1. Big P
                      • 7 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      🙂

                      I'm talking long term though.....

                9. SUPER MOKH
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  VOTES NEEDED HERE!

                  After a long headache for a decision on Danilo's replacement, it now boils down to;

                  JONES VS BERTRAND

                  I need your votes guys, would appreciate it if you could come with justifications as well especially regarding their international duty performances, I couldn't watch both of the games. Both have good fixtures ahead, and good defensive records. Jones with better CS chance while Bert offers more attacking threat.

                  My other def: Alonso - Stephens - Mee - Hunemeier. *Im planning to let go ship out Stephens in next few weeks as I think he is under threat with the presence of Hoedt and VVD, and will get likes of Naughton/Dunk/Zanka/Schindler/Maguire.

                  Thanks!

                  1. QuintonFortune25
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Jones then Cedric for Stephens if he gets dropped

                    1. SUPER MOKH
                      • 8 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      Yeah good idea too as i think its wise to have Saints cover on the def if Stephens gets dropped. Thanks!

                  2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Bertie.
                    More chance of attacking returns

                    1. SUPER MOKH
                      • 8 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      Hows his performance last night? Do you think his attacking returns enough to justify his extra 0.5 price?

                  3. Respect My Authoritah
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Currently, I'd say Jones. Bertrand's attacking threat is useless if Saints can't score

                    1. SUPER MOKH
                      • 8 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      Good point mate, just realize Saints hardly score these days.

                10. QuintonFortune25
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Start Richarlison (Southampton away) or Carroll (Newcastle home)?

                  1. Make United Great Again
                    • 12 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Rich

                  2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    The stats say Rich

                11. A or B or C or D
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Dunk for Brighton has more threat than 90% of midfielders.

                  At 4.5m is anyone considering getting him in?

                  1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Did you base this statistic on how many goals Brighton have been scoring for fun

                    1. A or B or C or D
                      • 7 Years
                      7 years, 2 months ago

                      *13 midfielders

                      There's some hard facts for you!!

                  2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 2 months ago

                    Please post that
                    Be interested to see

                12. Erez Avni
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  any suggestions how can I improve this team?

                  Foster (Elliot)

                  Alonso - Jones - Cedric (Mbemba, Rangel)

                  Alli - Salah - Pogba - Atsu (Carroll)

                  Lukaku - Firmino - morata

                  Cheers!