Transfers

Market Forces – Gameweek 10

Uncertainty is the buzzword in the current Fantasy Premier League market, as Pep Guardiola’s rotation once more led to widespread face-palming in Gameweek 10.

The feeling is only reinforced by the tricky match-ups on offer in the Gameweek ahead.

Under normal circumstances, we’d be grateful for a home fixture for Spurs with Crystal Palace – it would surely lead to heavy Harry Kane transfers and a captaincy. However, with the striker’s starting role in doubt following his Gameweek 10 absence, the market mirrors the dilemma we face heading into Saturday’s deadline: he’s been ranked in the top five for both transfers-in and transfers-out ever since.

Continuing our series of weekly articles, we at whogottheassist.com assess the patterns and behaviours in the Fantasy Premier League market and give our view on the viability of the transfers taking place.

Sane is the Man

Having played all but seven minutes of the last five matches, Leroy Sane looks to be Pep Guardiola’s current new favourite, with the rest of his attacking midfielders having their minutes managed.

Flying slightly under the radar a couple of weeks ago when his team-mate Raheem Sterling was all the rage, the German winger now seems to have been identified as the next must-own City target.

He’s seen over 163,000 transfers-in – almost 100,000 more than any other player this Gameweek.

This much appears to make sense. Sane was the most creative player on the pitch for the Citizens and came away with a goal and an assist from their visit to The Hawthorns, providing owners with a 12-point haul. He also goes into the Gameweek 11 clash with Arsenal on the back of four successive double-figure tallies in home matches.

Indeed, Sane has now registered an eye-watering four goals and five assists in his last four outings and is the top scorer in FPL.

It seems the leading man making way for Sane is his team-mate David Silva, as managers make the sideways move.

Arguably, this is a far more questionable tactic. It may be partly because many have already tripled up on City assets, but also because the Spaniard’s early season consistency has waned, with just one return from his last four Gameweeks.

Accordingly, Silva to Sane is the most popular direct trade at present, with over 44,000 managers making this transfer.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is another being sold in high numbers to acquire Sane – more than 52,000 managers have dropped him so far, with 18,000 swapping to the German.

In parallel with Silva, but perhaps to a greater degree, the Armenian has faded dramatically after a bright start. He has now failed to register attacking returns in five consecutive Gameweeks and is losing pitch-time on or around the hour-mark.

It’s also worth acknowledging City’s unsung hero from Gameweek 11 at this point. At only 5.1, Fernandinho has also been getting involved in the all-out attack regime and now has two goals and two assists to his name.

That has been enough to convince some to fill a City slot with the deep-lying midfielder, who has gained more than 32,000 transfers-in. However, this is surely a flawed exercise, with Fernandinho’s defensive role meaning goals and assists may be the exception rather than the norm.

Confusion reigns with forward heavy hitters

While Sane is attracting acquisitions in midfield, managers seem at a loss with their premium forward slots.

Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Harry Kane and Alvaro Morata all figure highly in the lists for both transfers in and out, encapsulating the current confusion in the market.

Spurs arguably have the best fixture of the Gameweek, meaning that Kane has attracted over 39,000 early transfers.

However, injury doubts – perhaps now calmed by today’s return to full training – has also led to a further 53,000 sales.

Mauricio Pochettino’s press conference today indicated that these managers might live to regret that manoeuvre, with Kane seemingly likely to return to the fray and get a run at a Palace defence that could be without Mamadou Sakho once again.

Notably, Kane’s acquisitions have increased markedly since the press conference this afternoon, indicating that the striker’s ownership may now start increasing once again , while sales slow.

Elsewhere, Aguero’s no-show against West Brom, after playing 120 minutes in the EFL Cup midweek, has also been a source for erratic market behaviour.

Combined with the match-up against Arsenal, the Argentine has lost over 31,000 owners. But this is counterbalanced by 36,000 transferring him in. Again, evidence that managers seem very unsure on where to invest their big striker funds.

Despite starting at The Hawthorns, Aguero’s team-mate Gabriel Jesus failed to muster a single shot on goal, adding to the alarm surrounding his current Fantasy stock.

Over 47,000 managers have now sold Jesus, with 8,000 making the direct trade to Aguero and almost 10,000 moving to Morata. However, there is again a sizable counter-movement in play as 14,000 have signed him up.

Chelsea’s Morata scored more than most big-ticket strikers this weekend with his modest five-point return, meaning he has attracted big interest this Gameweek. Over 36,000 acquisitions make him the fifth most bought player.

Nonetheless, over 22,000 have removed the Spaniard ahead of the crunch visit from Manchester United on Sunday.

Around all this confused activity, Romelu Lukaku’s ownership has managed to remain fairly stable.

Some 25,000 have sold the United striker after his three Gameweeks without a goal. However, with 20,000 acquisitions ahead of the weekend’s deadline, Lukaku’s ownership remains at the 52% mark.

While he has hit a dry spell in terms of goals and big returns, there has been no clear and established contender to steal a significant slice of his managers.

Abraham value turning heads

Tammy Abraham has surely benefited from the lack of faith in the premium striker options.

The Swansea City man is continuing to attract a great deal of attention and, at only 5.8, represents strong value.

He returned an unexpected assist away at Arsenal in Gameweek 10, helping to prompt another 66,000 managers to swoop ahead of vastly improving short-term fixtures.

However, it is a testament to the chaos in the current forwards market that it only took a five-point return to elevate him as the second most bought player.

Some of those selling on Kane and Jesus are turning to Abraham to free up funds. This could be contributing to a trend toward bulking up in the midfield, with the likes of Sane, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah or even Eden Hazard planned as the destination for the liberated cash.

Jamie Vardy and Roberto Firmino also both scored strongly at the weekend, offering further alternatives to the top bracket forwards.

Over 30,000 managers have drafted in Vardy following his eight-point return from a goal and two bonus, and some 34,000 have seen fit to invest in the streaky Firmino, irrespective of the pair’s recent goal droughts.

More points in Jones’ locker

Another clean sheet for the Manchester United defender, plus all three bonus, has brought Phil Jones back to prominence as the man to own in Jose Mourinho’s stubborn backline.

Still only 5.3, he remains a bargain and seems vital to United’s defensive solidity – they’ve only conceded two goals in the ten matches that Jones has completed, while they capitulated at Huddersfield after he was forced off early in Gameweek 9.

Managers appear confident enough to ignore the perpetual anxiety over his fitness (stoked in part by his own manager), with over 61,000 managers snapping him up ahead of Gameweek 11.

The route to Jones seems to be through selling an array of different options, such as early season favourite Ahmed Hegazi and also Spurs’ uncertain starter Kieran Trippier.

Despite the visit to Chelsea looming, United have “parked the bus” effectively in other big matches, meaning that these new Jones investors will be expecting immediate returns, even from the testing Stamford Bridge encounter.

The swift fall of last week’s flavour of the weekend, Nicolas Otamendi, is also worth noting among defenders. His zero-point return against West Brom has elicited purchases (18,000+) and sales (19,000+) in almost equal measure.

Could this lack of faith in the combative defender be due to his Gameweek 10 tally? More likely he is being used as a makeweight to free up a City slot and funds to enable a swoop for Sane.

In Conclusion

Managers often complain about an early-season template forming, or even that they are spoon-fed their transfer decisions by fixtures and form. But the current market forces indicate that this certainly isn’t the case right now.

Up front, there is clearly mass confusion, with the selection of premium forwards seemingly interchangeable and little long-term confidence on show.

Kane’s return could change that and introduce some much-needed stability.

Midweek Champions League fixtures may also offer us some further clues as to Guardiola’s intentions with Aguero and Jesus – again, a much-needed ingredient which would steady transfer activity.

But should the uncertainty continue, it will inevitably slow down the market in the short-term as managers pause for clarification before committing to trades.

In the interim, the consensus seems to be that Jones is the man to own in defence and Sane the midfield favourite.

However, with some tough fixtures this weekend, some managers may choose to hold fire and roll their transfer ahead of the upcoming international break.

Nick and Tom WGTA We're Individual and Matamatics on FFS, and started our own site to add our voice to the FPL community and for FFS in particular.

736 Comments Post a Comment
  1. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    why isnt Manolas playing?

    1. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Looks like he has been injured and just come back to the squad.

  2. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    4th week of Fantasy UCL and still I refuse to get Messi for some reason, even though the only reason I'm playing the game was to be able to have him and Ronaldo!

    This week I sold Kane to try and get Messi in, but got Salah instead.

  3. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Has Jones got a European ban or what? Not even on the bench

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He never plays Europe this year?

      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Injury prone, can't play three games in a week it seems.

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks

  4. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Elliot/Fabianski
    Cedric/Jones/Naughton/Gomez
    Eriksen/Silva/Salah/Atsu/Caroll
    Lukaku/Morata/Firmino
    2 FT available
    0.3 ITB
    a) Gomez- Mee
    b) Gomez-Lowton
    c)Silva-Richarilison
    d)Otamendi-Daniels
    e) Firmino-Vardy
    Which one would you choose?

    1. Jsadler95
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Is this for transfers? Depends what your goals are. Silva to Richarlison, Morata to Kane would be my personal move. Then Cedric to Daniels or Simpson next week.

      1. konrad.sygula95
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        That's not a bad idea i have to consider it, however all will depend on kane's availability. Silva has failed to deliver in two last gameweeks but he is immune to the Pep's rotation. Morata is really annoying with his lack of confidence after injury but on the upsides his playing time is sure and i am counting on his cooperation with hazard. Of course this GW kane vs crystal is an obvious choice, nevertheless I have the feeling that if he will play against Madrid he will be rested vs palace to not risk.

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

    Roma 1-0 Chelsea

  6. Jigger & Pony
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Roma 1-0

  7. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Brilliant goal Roma

  8. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    only 1 minute in, kill me please

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Chelsea fan? Or Chelsea defence fail in fantasy?

  9. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    That was quick

  10. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Leaky leaky Chelsea

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      - and peeps want to buy Alonso.

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      It wasn't bad defending just an early outstanding goal. Bit hasty to call them leaky on account of that.

  11. HNI
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Good to see another englishman by name of Mctominay getting exposure at topmost club stage. Even so called anti-youth cant take away the united spirit of keeping its englishness alive unlike some of its rivals

    1. Diva
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Or Scottishness, depending on who he chooses to play for.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Well, he was born in Lancaster, and there is no take up for McTominay that I can find. 🙂

        1. Diva
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          "Despite being born in Lancaster, Scott has Scottish roots and that could be where his international future lies. He has already attended training camps with the country’s younger sides and revealed: 'I’m probably more Scottish than I am English.'"

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Well, well, well. It seems that "son of" has been appropriated by the Scots. 😉

  12. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Conte being outsmarted by Elvis Costello

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      And I got outsmarted by Richcarlison. Shouldnt have been my namesake to remove ritchie for him for hit :p

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      You're favourite girl at Cardiff tonight WR.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Looking good 🙂

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        The cockney brass not looking so good.

  13. HNI
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Delicate darling Jones rested for Chelsea match. Dont I just love it. Another 0-0 at stamford bridge lol

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      best player in terms of pts per million invested right now

  14. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    If you were Morata, after those interview comments, wouldn't you go all in to smash ManUtd to convince fans you don't want to leave?
    Captaincy motivation..

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I mean, most of the time players blank it's not because they're not trying to score a goal...

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Lmao nice one mate haha

    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Its against best defence of england. Plus he isnt one physically strong to get better of bailly one on one

    3. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I’m pretty sure players like Morata always go into games wanting to smash their opponents.

    4. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      ..increased motivation, you know?

  15. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Yay or nay here lads?

    Kola -> Dunk
    Atsu -> Rich
    -4

    Cheers

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Non non no
      Atleast get burnley/bou defense for kola

      1. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        I have Ward.

        Bou? Im not so sure atm. Defo on watchlist.

    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      And replace atsu with gross you will thank me after 4gws

      1. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers mate

  16. el polako
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Celtic to beat Bayern tonight ?
    One of those magic nights for the God fearing part of Glasgow ?
    Better be I ve put 5 quid on them.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Should’ve bought Pizza

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Waste of a fiver.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Well, that escalated quickly ... 😆

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Seems to be a unanimous verdict Doos.

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Indeed! 😆

    3. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Oh dear.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Nevermind.

  17. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Seems everyone here thinks we shouldn’t bench Jones. I’m not at all convinced Utd will keep a cs and he offers little in attack 😕

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Whether I bench him or not is irrelevant because my 4th and 5th defenders are Martina and Mbemba 😆

  18. Jsadler95
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Anything you'd change subs wise?

    Elliot
    Jones, Moreno, Fernandez
    Salah(v), Sane, Richarlison, Gross
    Kane(c), Morata, Vardy

    Pope; Bailly, Monreal, Loftus-Cheek

    (Monreal to Azpi next week)

  19. Haz to be Eden- Top scoring…
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A) Erikson + Joselu
    B) Groß + Kane

    If B, would you do A to B for a -4??

    1. Jsadler95
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      B every single day of the week and yes.

  20. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    What a dive,

  21. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    United pen, Martial fouled and taking.

  22. Jigger & Pony
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Martial pen

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Saved

    2. Diva
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Fail

  23. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Prediction: Lukaku to come off with a knock and FPL towers to give him a nice price rise before the weekend.

  24. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Martial pen miss

  25. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Justice 😀

  26. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Martial due to miss one? His penalties don't look that convincing.

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Too late, but correct nonetheless 😛

  27. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    50 million down the train, Tony Martial dives again.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Choo-choo, the boogie ...

  28. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Highly volatile Martial

  29. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Mata not on the pitch = Kaku back on them?

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I hope not - I'd rather someone else miss them.

      As a side-note, all my players to have taken penalties this season have had them saved.

  30. @persecuted_by_mods
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Long shot but the bt commentators in the Chelsea Roma were just discussing a world class "unbelievable goal" scored but I missed who it was by, anyone know what/who they were referring to? They finished off the convo with "well worth checking out on social media"

      1. BoleynWin
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Could be referring to the right back Florenzi’s goal he scored back in 2015 against Barca, 45 yard lob from the right hand side of the pitch

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Ooh cheers