Opinion

The Digest – Gameweek 4

The curtain comes down on Gameweek 4 with the Digest round-up, capturing the player, the team and the topic of discussion to stand out from the previous ten fixtures.

We focus our attentions on Spurs all-conquering wing-back and the much-improved Magpies, before assessing the continued armband dominance of two-big hitters up front.

The Player

After four rounds of fixtures, Spurs’ Ben Davies leads the pack at the top of the Fantasy Premier League standings.

The Welshman’s 14-point return away to Everton – his second such haul in the opening four Gameweeks – helped him clamber to the summit on 32 points, one point clear of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

Davies has wasted no time in reminding us of the explosive potential offered by raiding wing-backs in the Premier League.

Unleashed down the left, he’s produced more crosses and successful crosses than any player in the top-flight.

Indeed, Davies has even emerged as Spurs chief creator – a total of 13 key passes is more than any team-mate and bettered only by Man United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, with 15 apiece.

Over 196,000 FPL managers have already acquired the Wales international since the weekend – making him the number one transfer target ahead of Gameweek 5.

A glance at the upcoming schedule suggests that Davies’ momentum will continue to build – the north London outfit offer home clashes with Swansea and Bournemouth and trips to West Ham and Huddersfield in the next four rounds of fixtures.

With new arrival Serge Aurier set to challenge Kieran Trippier for the role on the right of Spurs’ defence, Davies is easily the most secure and potentially profitable route into a rearguard that conceded the fewest goals of any side last season.

The general assumption was that Davies started the campaign as second to Danny Rose for the role on the left. But the Welshman’s recent displays indicate that the wantaway Rose may well have to settle for a back-up role – if he ever finds a way out of the treatment room.

The Team

In retrospect, it seems that Jonjo Shelvey’s moment of Gameweek 1 madness clouded many a Fantasy manager’s assessment of Newcastle United.

Let’s not forget that, before the midfielder received his marching orders for kicking out at Dele Alli, Rafa Benitez’s men were all square at 0-0 with Spurs early in the second-half at St James’ Park.

Twelve minutes later, the Magpies were 2-0 down and unable to contain Spurs’ one-man advantage.

Yet since then, Newcastle have conceded just one goal in three fixtures, racking up back-to-back shut-outs against West Ham and Swansea City.

Just three sides have conceded fewer goals than the Tyneside team’s total of three against, while they also rank fourth most resilient when it comes to shots allowed inside the box after four rounds of fixtures.

At 4.0, stopper Rob Elliot could barely be more enticing as a fire and forget option between the posts. He’s earned one save point in three of his first four outings and even picked up a single bonus point against the Swans – despite only making three saves.

Essentially, Elliot is benefitting from his defensive team-mates’ inability to complete 30 passes per appearance and therefore boost their bonus point system prospects; we saw similar with Burnley’s Tom Heaton last year.

Further up the field, Matt Ritchie’s back-to-back assists could also bring the Scotland international into contention for our five-man midfields as Benitez’s side prepare for a strong run of home matches.

Between now and Gameweek 16, five of their upcoming six at St James’ – STO CPL BOU WAT LEI – look good for Fantasy returns.

While set-pieces and spot-kicks strengthen Ritchie’s appeal, Christian Atsu is another to monitor. Yes, he dropped to the bench last Sunday for the first time this season, but there’s a felling his omission was simply down to long-haul flights after international duties.

At 5.0 to Ritchie’s 5.9, Atsu is one of the few viable attacking options in the midfield budget bracket.

Yet that pair may well be surpassed by the value on offer from new arrival Joselu up front. Handed a debut off the bench in Gameweek 2, he’s since registered nine shots on target – joint-top among all players with big-hitters Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku and Mohamed Salah.

Having found the net on his home debut already, the 0.4%-owned Spaniard now has the opportunity to take advantage of that favourable schedule and emerge as our budget frontman of choice.

The Talking Point

Four Gameweeks into the season, Lukaku and Kane continue to dominate the captaincy plans of FPL managers.

In each of those rounds of fixtures, the Belgian was the top armband choice, with Kane claiming runners-up spot – last week, the United man was captained by 37% and 11% opted for Kane.

Such is the confidence in this pair, no other player gained more than 4% captaincy backing for Gameweek 4.

Lukaku may sit fourth in the forward standings and Kane thirteenth, yet for FPL managers, they remain the undisputed top choices when it comes to selecting the captaincy.

Arguably, such is their stranglehold, going without both means you run the risk of a slide down the rankings should they deliver.

If you break the bank for both, you have the opportunity to cover at least 50% of their captain haul and remain in touch.

With those two dominating, it leaves the selection of our third forward all the more crucial.

Looking at the top of the FPL standings, Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is the second most popular candidate, yet he’s produced half the number of shots in the box than midfield team-mate Salah.

The goals have dried up from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, while Jamie Vardy will struggle to extend a 50% goal conversion rate that’s seen him score with all three of his shots on target.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck have excelled as mid-price options, but their pitch-time continues to remain in question. And neither player’s cause is helped by reverse out of position roles.

Typically, it’s only really the heavyweights Alvaro Morata and Gabriel Jesus that perhaps warrant attention. But slotting one of that pair alongside Kane and Lukaku is surely a stretch too far for most.

That consigns them to the role of compelling, but perhaps risky, alternatives to the big two, and leaves us still pondering the route for our third striker.

If Firmino can flourish in the coming Gameweeks, he will surely put the debate to bed. However, should he falter – as he has been known to do in the past – then his 30.9% ownership will begin eyeing the latest mid-price or budget alternative to offer a hint of form.

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2,002 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Very lucky goal from Salah but he deserves it, his work rate is incredible

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

      Yeah he deserved it

  2. Twelve years a slave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Aurier playing very well. May mean Trippier gets the easier games either side of champ league, or it could mean he not get much at all

    1. TheTwelfthMan
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      So it could mean anything.

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Except regular starts for Trippier

  3. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with this lot after foolishly using my 2FTs to catch Bavies before the price rise. Then Pogba happend. 🙁

    Im left with this:

    Foster
    Alonso Davies Jones Cedric
    Eriksen Groß Phillips
    Kane (C) Lukaku Chicarito

    (Elliot, Carroll, Pogba*, Mbemba*)
    0.4 itb 0FTs

    A. Stick

    B. Pogba* 》 8.5m mid or less
    - Pedro/Mahrez/Mkhi/D.Silva (-4)

    C. Pogba* & Chicarito 》 7m mid or less & Firmino (no idea which mid) (-8)

    D. Pogba* & Cedric 》 4m def & 9.5m mid or less (-8)
    - Salah?

    E. Pogba* & Cedric 》 Mendy & 7m mid (-8)

    Any other suggestions welcome.

    1. Plant Based FPLer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A, more info needed on Coutinho, hazard, Alexis

  4. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Liverpool may look like winning but I believe liverpool defense will make a comback

  5. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Salah + Firmino is better than any combination of 17.7 you can find. Putting me off the likes of D. Silva, Vardy, etc.

  6. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    sergio & jesus anyone??

    1. Lone Wolf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      "sometimes I will play Aguero, sometimes Jesus, sometimes both and sometimes none"

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        No shot there goes a game where neither of them start. Wont happen.

        1. Lone Wolf
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          not my quote mate..

    2. Mark-O
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      And Kane as well? What a luxurious trio

    3. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Going with Jesus on the WC, pending he escapes this game clean.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        hmm im thinking of getting rid

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Just before his fixtures turn to gold? I understand he's not entirely nailed, and that it's tough to pay 10.4 for that.

  7. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Still struggling with this one as Salah just KEEPS scoring!...

    Gabbiadini+Mane >>>

    A. Chicharito+Salah

    B. Firmino+Antonio

    1. Ode
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Prob B

    3. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

  8. laplana
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Liverpool double up is deffo a good idea, Sevilla a very good side and they look like they'll score more.

  9. juanmata8
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    WC Team

    Elliott Foster
    Naughton Jones Davies Cedric (3.9)
    Mkhi Eriksen Silva Caroll (4.4)
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    What do you think guys? Any suggestions?

    Thinking of rotating naughton caroll and cedric based on fixtures

    1. Plant Based FPLer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I like Morata over Lukaku/Lucrapu. Having two non playing benchers after wildcard can be a risk too, especially since Carroll is very, very high risk already. Get Morata and maybe gross or 4.5 def like Burnley, Newcastle or Watford.

  10. TheTwelfthMan
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Feyenoord will end up with 9 men at this rate.

  11. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Triple City and triple Spurs making for good viewing tonight.

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      All english teams really

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Got Lukaku and Pogba as well. The only non English one had to be cheapies from other shores.

    2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      goals and chances galore

  12. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I wonder if Moreno has a brain

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I wonder if you have one if you have to ask that question 😆

  13. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Squad is as follows:

    Foster Elliot
    Lowe Jones Stephens Mee £4m
    Salah Mkhi Eriksen Ritchie Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Gabbiadini

    1FT and £0.4m ITB

    Really want rid it Gabbiadini and want possibly Firmino. However not sure how to fund it?

    Opinions appreciated!

    1. Plant Based FPLer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      One more week on gab v palace. Then reassess with moreinfo on other players game weeks. Firmino isn't a good striker.

  14. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Bavies up to much or saving the haul for Saturday?

  15. Messsiaah
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is pogba's price going down tonight?

  16. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Pool penalty

  17. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Penalty Pool

  18. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Feyenoord are kicking lumps out of City

    3 players booked in the space of 2 minutes

    A few of them should have been red

  19. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Liverpool Pen

    Mane won it.

  20. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Oh ffs Firmino

  21. laplana
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Firmino FAIL

  22. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Firmino off pens? 😎

  23. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Firmino misses penalty

  24. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Firmino off Pens.

  25. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Salah on pens?

    1. MTPockets
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Has to be...

      • Mark-O
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Henderson next in line then

      • FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        defo ..lots of composure

    2. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      What would you prefer
      A) double spurs (Alli,eriksen)
      B) single pool (Salah)

    3. Mark-O
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Firmino penalty miss yikes

    4. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Milner essential

    5. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      you stupid little man

    6. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      He better not be off Pens

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

        Shouldn't be