Team News
9 January 2018 1358 comments
James H James H
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With the dust now settled on the festive period, we take time out to assess the lessons learned from the teamsheets over the last four Gameweeks.

Our aim is to pinpoint the selection patterns to emerge, as a guide on what to expect for Gameweek 23 and beyond.

Arsenal

  • What we saw: Arsene Wenger started 15 players over the four Gameweeks. At the back, he opted for a wing-back formation in the final three matches after rolling out a 4-2-3-1 in Gameweek 19. Hector Bellerin was the only defender to start all four fixtures, with injuries to Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac forcing Wenger’s hand – Callum Chambers proved the main beneficiary, earning three starts.

    Rotation was far less evident in attacking areas. Jack Wilshere kept his spot alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield throughout, while Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette also started the four matches. Meanwhile, a minor knee complaint meant that Mesut Ozil missed out against West Brom.

    Wenger handed his fringe players a run-out in the FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest. Ashley Maitland-Niles and Alex Iwobi (two starts each) featured the most frequently over those recent league encounters.

    That line-up clearly had one eye on Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

  • What we learned: After falling out of favour as a result of a switch to a back four, the wing-back system handed Kolasinac a reprieve before injury struck. Wenger was forced to manage Laurent Koscielny’s minutes, suggesting that the Frenchman’s long-term Achilles complaint remains an issue. Chambers now looks to be the favoured central defensive back-up option.

    Wilshere dispelled any concerns over his fitness, though Aaron Ramsey’s return will surely give Wenger a selection headache in that area. Meanwhile, despite mounting speculation over the futures of Sanchez and Ozil, both remain assured selections – for now at least.

    Lacazette was ever-present over the festive spell and his minutes look more assured with Olivier Giroud sidelined and with Danny Welbeck failing to impress against Forest.

    Sunday’s loss may now knock on to Wenger’s approach to both the Carabao Cup and the Europa League, with the Gunners now scratching around for silverware. We could see stronger XI’s deployed in those competitions from here on, starting against Chelsea.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield

    Bournemouth

  • What we saw: Cherries boss Eddie Howe handed starts to 18 players over the last four Gameweeks. In terms of tactics, he opted for a wing-back set-up for the trip to Manchester City in Gameweek 19 before reverting to his favoured 4-4-1-1/ 4-4-2 formation from there on.

    At the back, only two defenders – Steve Cook and Adam Smith – started all four matches. Charlie Daniels returned against Brighton in Gameweek 22 following injury, while Nathan Ake featured as a substitute on the south coast after feeling the effects of the busy festive programme.

    Injuries prompted changes in midfield, with Andrew Surman and Harry Arter limited to one start apiece, as Dan Gosling earned three starts in their absence. Jordon Ibe and Ryan Fraser were the clear favoured options on the flank, making four and three starts respectively.

    Josh King picked up a hamstring injury during the 2-1 victory over Everton in Gameweek 21, handing an opportunity for Benik Afobe to join Callum Wilson, who started all four matches, in attack.

  • What we learned: With Daniels now back from injury, Howe again has five players – Daniels, Ake, Steve Cook, Simon Francis and Adam Smith battling for the four spots in defence. Steve Cook is perhaps the most likely to drop out, though he has boosted his claims having scored in the Cherries’ last two matches.

    In the absence of the injured Junior Stanislas (hamstring), Fraser and Ibe look to have established themselves as the first choice wingers. Ibe has played from start to finish in five successive matches now, having previously managed 90 minutes in just one of the opening 17 fixtures.

    King and Wilson appear the favoured pair in attack with Jermain Defoe sidelined. Afobe remains the back-up and is likely to come in against Arsenal on Sunday should King fail to overcome a hamstring problem.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield.

    Brighton & Hove Albion

  • What we saw: Chris Hughton used the festive spell to hand starts to 17 different players. In terms of formations, we saw his usual 4-4-1-1 system in three of the matches, with a more defensive 4-5-1 deployed for the away clash with Chelsea in Gameweek 20.

    In defence, Lewis Dunk was the only player to start all four matches, although Shane Duffy only missed Gameweek 19 through suspension. Bruno and Ezequiel Schelotto made two starts apiece at right-back, while Markus Suttner (three starts) gained favour over Gaetan Bong (one start) at left-back.

    There was plenty of rotation in wide areas, though Solly March and Anthony Knockaert (both three starts) were favoured ahead of Jose Izquierdo (two starts), while Pascal Gross (three starts) was preserved for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

    In attack, Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed were both handed two starts each as they job shared the lone striker role.

  • What we learned: Brighton’s first-choice left-back remains uncertain, with Bong seemingly making way for Suttner during this period.

    In midfield, both March and Knockaert currently appear to be Hughton’s favoured wide pairing, with Izquierdo and Izzy Brown the back-up options. The latter is now nursing an injury having been withdrawn early in Monday’s FA Cup tie.

    Having scored from the bench in Monday’s FA Cup win over Crystal Palace, Murray looks set to be re-established as the first choice striker and will be expected to start at West Brom in Gameweek 23.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Left-back, flanks, lone striker

    Burnley

  • What we saw: Sean Dyche stuck with a settled XI, handing starts to just 13 players. He generally kept faith with his favoured 4-4-1-1 formation, although a 4-1-4-1 was deployed for the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in Gameweek 20.

    In defence, Kevin Long made three starts before James Tarkowski returned from a three-match suspension for the Liverpool clash in Gameweek 22.

    Up top, Chris Wood has missed out having sustained a knee injury in the 3-0 defeat to Spurs in Gameweek 19; Ashley Barnes took up the lone striker role in the three matches that followed.

    However, Barnes started wide left in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, allowing Sam Vokes to lead the line.

  • What we learned: Tarkowski and Mee are now back as Dyche’s first choice centre-back pairing and will be expected to continue at the expense of Long. Right-back Phil Bardsley started all four league matches during this period and appears to have seen off the claims of Matt Lowton. Meanwhile, at left-back, Charlie Taylor is set to continue while Stephen Ward remains sidelined.

    Barnes will surely continue as Dyche’s lone striker while Wood works his way back to fitness, while new loan signing Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is now a factor on the left flank, putting Scott Arfield’s starting role under threat.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Left wing, lone striker

    Chelsea

  • What we saw: Antonio Conte handed starts to 15 players over the last four Gameweeks, switching between 3-5-1-1, 3-4-2-1 and 3-4-3 systems.

    At the back, only Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses started all four matches, with Davide Zappacosta surprisingly only featuring as a substitute three times.

    N’Golo Kante was the only midfielder to start all four matches, with Tiemoue Bakayoko (three), Cesc Fabregas (two) and Danny Drinkwater (one) sharing spot in the XI.

    Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata each made three starts, with Hazard rested for the Gameweek 21 meeting with Stoke City, while Morata missed the Gameweek 19 trip to Everton due to suspension. That allowed Pedro and Willian to make two starts apiece.

    Conte rested much of his first choice XI against Norwich City in the FA Cup ahead of tomorrow night’s EFL Cup clash against Arsenal, although David Luiz returned following an injury lay-off.

    Of those who started at Carrow Road, Gary Cahill, Antonio Rudiger (three starts each) and Bakayoko featured the most frequently over the festive period.

  • What we learned: Luiz hands Conte a further option in defence, though Andreas Christensen – rested in the FA Cup – will be expected to remain the first choice in the Blues’ back three. Cahill looks to have a slight edge over Rudiger for the other spot in central defence alongside Cesar Azpilicueta.

    Moses confirmed his status as the first choice right wing-back, though rotation alongside Kante in midfield looks set to continue following the arrival of Ross Barkley.

    Hazard is fit to return in the EFL Cup and will be expected to start up with Morata in that encounter and in Saturday’s meeting with Leicester in a 3-5-1-1. Starts for Pedro and Willian look likely to remain scarce, then.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield

    Crystal Palace

  • What we saw: A growing injury list saw Roy Hodgson hand starts to 16 different players. He was forced to mix up his tactics, using a 4-4-2 against Swansea City and Arsenal, while opting for a 4-3-3 against Manchester City in Gameweek 21. Hodgson then switched to a 4-2-3-1 for the 2-1 win at Southampton.

    After conceding three times against Arsenal in Gameweek 20, the Palace manager decided to hand a recall to Wayne Hennessey in place of Julian Speroni in goal. He has now made three consecutive starts in all competitions.

    Injuries hit hard at the back, with James Tomkins the only defender to start all four matches. Timothy Fosu-Mensah benefited from two starts at right-back having made just two of the previous nine Gameweeks.

    There was consistency in midfield, with Luka Milivojevic and Yohan Cabaye, along with Andros Townsend, all making four starts. A knock for Ruben Loftus-Cheek (two starts) opened the door for James McArthur (two starts) to come into the side.

    After missing the Gameweek 19 trip to Swansea through suspension, Christian Benteke started every match, while Wilfried Zaha (four starts) was also a regular.

    Hodgson handed opportunities to fringe players in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, though Jeffrey Schlupp and Andros Townsend started and picked up injuries making them major doubts for Gameweek 23.

  • What we learned: With Schlupp (foot) and Townsend (ankle) adding to the lengthy injury list last night, Hodgson’s options for Saturday’s home meeting with Burnley are severely limited. Patrick van Aanholt will come in at left-back, with Kelly likely to partner Tomkins in central defence. Fosu-Mensah should continue at right-back and Hennessey is expected to retain his start in goal.

    Hodgson’s formation changes, along with Loftus-Cheek’s absence, makes it trickier to predict the make-up of the midfield and attack. Milivojevic and Cabaye should start, while the injury to Townsend makes McArthur another likely starter. Jairo Riedewald has played in a defensive midfield role in two of the last three matches and could be an option depending on injuries and formation.

    Zaha and Benteke are certain starteres, with Bakary Sako’s goal at Brighton helping him push for a role out wide in either a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2.

  • Current Status: Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, full-backs, central midfield, flanks

    Everton

  • What we saw: Toffees boss Sam Allardyce utilised his squad over the festive period, handing starts to 18 players. He also shifted formations, operating with wing-backs for the Gameweek 20 trip to West Bromwich Albion. He then reverted to a four-man backline for the trip to Bournemouth and the home clash against Manchester United, using 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 systems.

    At the back, only Michael Keane and Cuco Martina started all four matches. Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Mason Holgate all made two starts apiece, with Holgate used at right-back against Man United, handing Jonjoe Kenny (three starts) a rest.

    Wayne Rooney was limited to one start after falling foul of a virus. That was countered by Yannick Bolasie’s return from injury which lead to two starts, impacting on Aaron Lennon’s (two starts) pitch-time.

    Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (three starts) was preferred to Oumar Niasse (one start), with the former handed a rest in the final match against Man United.

    Both he and Kenny returned for the FA Cup tie against Liverpool in a strong starting XI.

  • What we learned: Keane emerged as a first choice centre-back but missed the FA Cup fixture due to a foot injury, and is now a doubt for Saturday’s encounter at Spurs. Allardyce could start with Williams, Jagielka and Holgate in a three-man defence, or leave one of that trio out in a four-man backline.

    Rooney’s is set to continue in midfield with Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye shielding the defence behind him. Gylfi Sigurdsson could be used in a No 10 role after he impressed after moving into that position against Liverpool. Yet the Iceland international may continue to be used on the left depending on the formation, with Bolasie having the edge over Lennon on the opposite flank.

    New signing Cenk Tosun is likely to make his debut up front at Wembley, though Calvert-Lewin could be preferred as the lone striker if the Turk is short of match fitness.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, flanks

    Huddersfield Town

  • What we saw: David Wagner was another who was happy to rotate his squad, starting 16 players. The Terriers head coach remained consistent in terms of his formation, however, favouring a 4-2-3-1 system.

    Centre-backs Christopher Schindler and Mathias Jorgensen both started all four matches, with rotation continuing in the full-back positions – Tommy Smith, Florent Hadergjonaj, Chris Lowe and Scott Malone all made two starts apiece.

    In midfield, Aaron Mooy, Tom Ince and Rajiv van La Parra all made four starts, while Collin Quaner (three starts) was also a regular. Jonathan Hogg and Danny Williams shared pitch-time alongside Mooy in the double-pivot.

    Frontmen Laurent Depoitre and Steve Mounie were handed two starts apiece, as the lone striker position was shared.

    January loan signing Terence Kongolo was handed his first start for the Terriers at centre-half in the FA Cup tie with Bolton Wanderers.

  • What we learned: Rotation will surely continue at full-back and also in the spot alongside Mooy at the base of midfield. Kongolo’s impressive debut will give Wagner food for thought and a new option to possibly rotate his central defenders.

    Further forward, Quaner picked up a hamstring problem and is a minor doubt for Gameweek 23. Joe Lolley will be on standby to come in, while Depoitre and Mounie both look set to continue sharing starts up front. The latter could get the nod for the visit of West Ham having been an unused substitute in Saturday’s cup tie.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Full-backs, central midfield, flanks, lone striker

    Leicester City

  • What we saw: Claude Puel turned tinkerman over the last four Gameweeks, handing starts to no fewer than 18 players. Tactically he kept a fairly consistent approach, though, using 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-1-1 formations before adopting a 4-4-2 for the 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town in Gameweek 22.

    At the back, only two defenders – Harry Maguire and Wes Morgan – started all four matches. A hamstring injury for Danny Simpson saw Daniel Amartey take over at right-back, while Christian Fuchs (three starts) benefitted from Ben Chilwell’s festive illness at left-back.

    In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton all made four starts, with Vicente Iborra (two starts) being rested twice, handing opportunities to Andy King and Matty James.

    Jamie Vardy made three starts before missing the Terriers clash with a groin injury. He was replaced by Islam Slimani in Gameweek 22. Demarai Gray and Shinji Okazaki shared pitch time in the support striker role, making two starts apiece.

    Gray and Amartey were the only two players who made two or more starts over the festive period to feature in the starting XI for the FA Cup tie away to Fleetwood Town. Chilwell recovered from illness to figure, while new arrival Adrien Silva was handed his first start.

  • What we learned: Amartey looks set to continue at right-back for the injured Simpson, with Aleksandar Dragovic or perhaps Yohan Benalouane battling to partner Maguire in central defence for the trip to Chelsea with Morgan (hamstring) struggling. Robert Huth has upped his fitness with minutes for the reserves but is unlikely to be risked.

    Chilwell’s illness over Christmas was an inconvenience for Fantasy managers. He had started six of the previous seven outings so could usurp Fuchs at left-back.

    Silva is still finding his feet, so Iborra will likely continue to partner Ndidi in central midfield for now. Gray and Okazaki are seemingly battling for the support striker role, with Vardy expected to recover in time to replace Slimani for Gameweek 23.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, support striker.

    Liverpool

  • What we saw: Jurgen Klopp toned down his rotation but still shuffled his line-up more than most, handing starts to 19 players. But the regular 4-3-3 formation remained.

    No defender started all four matches, but Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Andrew Robertson (all three starts) were the favoured back four.

    Emre Can was the only Liverpool player to start all four matches, with rotation much more of a factor in midfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made two starts and, along with the returning Adam Lallana, could be the beneficiary of Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona.

    In attack, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all made three starts each.

    Virgil van Dijk was handed his debut in the 2-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup alongside Joel Matip in central defence.

    Can was one of five players who made three or more starts between Gameweeks 19 and 22 to start in a strong Klopp line-up.

  • What we learned: Klopp again flirted with the option of Loris Karius in goal, starting him against Leicester and in the FA Cup tie, but Simon Mignolet will be expected to return in goal for Gameweek 23.

    Van Dijk and Matip will surely form Klopp’s first choice central defensive pairing, with Lovren and Klavan now back-up options.

    Gomez continues to be the favoured option at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, but with Alberto Moreno closing in on a first-team return, rotation between the Spaniard and Robertson is now on the cards.

    The speculation surrounding Can’s future at Anfield looks to have had no impact on his minutes. If Jordan Henderson (hamstring) remains sidelined for the meeting with Man City, it could be Georginio Wijnaldum and perhaps Oxlade-Chamberlain who join Can in central midfield. Lallana is another option, though he still appears to be building his sharpness following long-term injury.

    Salah is on course to join Firmino and Mane in attack on Sunday according to local press reports. However, Firmino’s start is dependent on the FA’s verdict following an investigation into his exchange with Mason Holgate in last Friday’s FA Cup tie. Dominic Solanke will be on standby, with Daniel Sturridge missing the festive period with a muscle problem.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Central midfield, right-back

    Part two of Line-up Lessons, detailing the remaining ten teams, will follow tomorrow.

    1. pakornk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Bought Ddg at 5.8 and thinking to free up funds. Who Ddg >? Already have Fab.

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Adrian

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

        Courtois

        1. navin
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          pope

      3. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Pickford all the way

    2. Man Chest Hair United
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Thoughts on this team for next week

      Pope
      Alonso Christensen Ottemendi Jones
      KDB Salah Sterling Son Arnie
      Kane

      Elliot Mee Depoitre Mcburnie

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Nice - WC?

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Not wildcard. I’m a little worried about structure. But for now looks ok

      2. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Future problems if a forward starts to get points.

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Yep but I currently have 5 good backs and 5 good mids. Might save a transfer soon and look to change structure

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Early thoughts on next week's move:

      A) Mbemba to Van Dijk
      B) Aguero to Morata

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Not B.
        Maybe a

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        B) should read Morata to Aguero

        1. Joggers Nipple
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Then yes!!!!
          B

      3. Karan_G14
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Save FT.

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Monitor Aguero and morata but kun is way better so I would switch

      4. Delhidynamo
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        A

    4. RIDZ
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone not captaining Kane? who? I am afraid frustrate with Kane after dgw and put the armband for Azpi

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Must have a better option than Azpi. He doesn't have the same breadth of attacking potential as Alonso if Chelsea lose their CS

      2. skodaole2
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Will probably captain Alonso for the 3rd time this year. If not, Son. Will captain Kane vs the more attacking teams away from home.

        1. Tazah
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          How's captaining alonso been for you?

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

        Lingard vs Stoke looks good

      4. Magic Box
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Maybe Sterling.

    5. skodaole2
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Bench Rondon(BRI) ahead of Alonso(LEI), Sanchez(EVE), Dawson(BRI), Kabasele(SOU) or bench a defender instead?

      1. Tazah
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Bench kabasele

    6. TaiwanHC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Gtg for next week? 1FT.

      De Gea
      Otamendi - Christensen - Cresswell - Ogbonna
      Eriksen - Salah - Sterling - Arnie
      Kane - Morata

      Speroni, Quaner, Loftus, Long

      Thanks!!

      1. Mini Mane Mo
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Wait for pressers to check on Cresswell and Arnie...might not have a playing bench with Quaner and RLC injured and Long back to sub role

        1. navin
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Downgrade Loftus to Caroll. Upgrade Long. At least you will have playing bench.

    7. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Thoughts on this lot?

      Pope
      Ota • Jones • Christensen • Kabasele
      Haz • Alli • Son • Sterling • Arnie
      Kane

      (Elliot / DCL / Niasse / Wimmer)
      1 ft & 1.6 itb

      A)
      GW23- Save FT
      GW24- DCL, Kabasele & Alli ➡️ Quaner, Salah & VVD/Stones (-4)

      B)
      GW23- Alli ➡️ Lingard
      GW24- DCL & Son ➡️ Tosun & Salah (-4)

      C)
      GW23- Alli & Kabasele ➡️ Lingard & Alonso (-4)
      GW24- Son & DCL ➡️ Salah & Quaner (-4)

      Sorry for the long post!

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        B - get Lingard in for Son this GW

      2. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        a. Gets you off triple spurs and rid of a player, DCL, who has prob lost his spot long term

      3. Man Chest Hair United
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Just figure out how to Alli to salah and your set

      4. navin
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        C

      5. DenDanskeDuo
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I like B

    8. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      My bench is crap and there's nothing in the bank to fix it

      Pope
      Otamendi Vertonghen Mustafi Jones
      Salah Sterling Alli Arnautovic
      Kane Aguero

      Elliot Quaner RLC Mariappa

      Any ideas? 1FT 0 ITB

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Its a sound team. Only spots to raise cash would be Vert or Musafi downgrades later to raise cash?

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Vertonghen or Alli downgrade is what I'm considering

          VVD or Mahrez for either gives me enough to convert Mariappa to Dunk/Duffy

          cheers JN!

      2. grumpyman
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Arnautovic > Lingard
        Mariappa > Duffy (or similar)

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Think I'll hold Arnie for a few more if he's fit, but if he's not those are solid moves!

          Cheers grumps

      3. Ruth_NZ
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        The bench isn't so bad, RLC should be available soon and with Townsend injured should be starting regularly. Quaner shouldn't be too long either.

        I'd look at downgrading one of the Spurs players next week. Alli >> Mahrez would be one decent option if he looks like staying at Leicester. Or Vertonghen >> Christensen maybe. Even Kane >> Morata would be worth considering.

        1. Whats the Huth
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Morata?
          I have him. But I wouldn't sell Kane for morata.

          1. Ruth_NZ
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            No, you probably wouldn't. Doesn't mean it's a bad idea though. 🙂

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

          Yeah a lot depends on their recovery period, would be nice to have them playing with the no. of injury doubts!

          Downgrading either/both of Alli or Vertonghen is a tough one because it has a big chance of backfiring this week, I'm keeping my fingers tied and saving FT this week cause Mahrez/Christensen don't have an attractive fixture either!

          Cheers for the reply Ruth! Definitely need to figure out a way to get some blues in that lineup

      4. Whats the Huth
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Rlc should be back soon. Hopefully this weekend. And if fit - will start.
        Downgrade Alli- perhaps to lingard

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I don't know how many more wonder strikes Lingard has in him, but the attractive thing about that move is it will allow me to get Alonso in for Vert!

          cheers wth!

    9. Kadi_J
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone know why Salah (10.1) has not dropped in price despite being the most transferred out player of the round? Price locked?

      1. Mini Mane Mo
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Free hits, wildcards, manual intervention....

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I understand that but 25 ohers have been dropping though, seems strange?

      2. Whats the Huth
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I didn't sell him as I felt he would only drop 0.1m
        Sellers regretting it big time

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I think most are just simply surprised there has been no drop rather than regretting the decision. I happily took the points and will buy back after City maybe no matter what his price.

          I am struggling why people with TV of 105+ were worried about dropping when there was potentially a load of points to be had ? Surely a healthy TV is there to help get extra points in such circumstances of DGW tweaks ?

          1. McNulty
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            The highest dgw midfielder scored 12 and that was Son. 2 transfers (usually for a hit) to sell and get salah back for up to a 0.5m loss was not worthwhile.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              I think I bought him at 9.8 in GW15.

              Before the DGW we did not know what score the replacement world get but the upside was potentially quite high. The points Son, Alli and Eriksen scored is acceptable in my view and situation.

              Not sure your ‘hits’ statement is correct because not many will be buying him back for a hit when he is flagged and playing City next, I am saving my ftransfer this week for sure.

              If Salah doesn’t play this week then that is effectively 3 games of Alli, Eriksen or Son foregone in holding him ... the team lineup announcement will be eagerly awaited on here no doubt 😉

      3. Pasqualinho
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        The FPL Statistics guy(s) believe it’s either a) a lot of wildcards, b) free hits not behaving as expected or c) a new rule they haven’t been able to test yet, They suspect a) the most.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I suspect C ....

          But surely WC and FH would hold back all changes not just Salah? Been about 40 other price changes this GW, but not Salah,

          I am struggling to believe people are taking out Salah in a long term WC strategy .... most WC teams on here include Salah ?? Most surely took him out for a one week DGW non WC punt?

          He is again being sold (blue arrows now turned red) and I think if he is still flagged going in to the weekend we will see a fall in price.

          1. Pasqualinho
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Current theory is he needs to drop 10% of ownership. Now, we know normally when a player is above base price then only negative NTI target is required, but it may be that players who are above base price and flagged still require 10%. That would be more in line with the current status FPL Stats are quoting. And this should mean that as soon as his flag is removed, he will drop once. Or not.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Incidentally half the price drops were red flagged players so a flag, WC, FH chip etc didn’t seem to be an issue for them. Maybe 10% is the best explanation but we will never really know ?

              All part of the game and keeps us on our toes 🙂

              1. Pasqualinho
                • 16 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                It wouldn’t really make much difference for the other players. The highest owned and flagged recent faller was someone like Valencia who had significantly less owners than Salah - and he probably had lost 10% of ownership on non-WC transfers and therefore fell in price. Salah may have not yet lost the same % of owners as Valencia did.

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Keeps us on our toes 🙂

        2. Squashed
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          a. wildcards and free hits combi. he will drop just not as much people are wishing for.
          so no rubbing hands with gee. yet.

      4. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        No one knows. It appears FPL manually tweak the price change algorithm for high profile, highly owned players.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          It seems for sure to be a different rule for these high owned players for which FPL Stats etc haven’t yet managed to work out ? .... this has only related to Kane, Lukaku and now Salah so not sure you can define that as ‘manual tweak’ rather than simply a protocol that has only a few times come in to play and simply not understood by FPL Stats etc.?

          I like the inflammatory ‘intervention’ theory though 😉

          1. Pasqualinho
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            FPL Stats must be close to working it out, though. They've had Salah hovering around the 100% out mark for a while now - and the last few nights he's been in the 90s and he, as they predicted, has not dropped. I don't like the 'manual intervention' theory because anyone can claim that and it's impossible to either back up or disprove - so it is not really helpful.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              I have tracked my players that have been stuck at 98% at times for weeks without falling.

              FPL Stats now simply take a player to 98% and re-set the delta every day there is no rise or fall. There can be a delta of 100 for example, then 200 sales, no fall and the delta is reset to 100 again the next day.

              This is certainly not getting it correct but massaging it to avoid embarrasent of a -150%

              1. Pasqualinho
                • 16 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                That sounds a bit ungrateful towards all the work their doing to help us with our transfer strategy, to be honest. They are ressetting the tragets when they're incorrect - so much is true. But I think they're doing it in order to increase the accuracy and help us all out. If their main objective was to avoid embarrassment then they may just as well pull the plug on the whole site and leave us completely in the dark. And we don't really want that.

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Wasn’t meant to be ungrateful, just disputing the ‘better accuracy’ angle you put forward whereas it is the opposite. A 100 delta that then goes on to have further 1000 sales but stays at 98% is misleading at best, not better accuracy. Sometimes they change a -98% to, say, -80% when sales are still being made - this is a bit embarrassing imv but a much better solution than incorrectly holding someone at -98% when the previous delta is spent and plainly wrong

                  I am very very grateful indeed, I rely on them immensely and they do a great job, but if they get it wrong I can’t see a problem with pointing it out.

                  1. Pasqualinho
                    • 16 Years
                    7 years, 11 months ago

                    I don't agree. If someone's at 102% and doesn't drop then they have 2 choices - Admit they are wrong, try and calculate what the threshold / WC estimate should be, and set the new value to this (probably sub 100%) figure - Or stubbornly keep it at 102%. I'd rather it be the former. If its 98% or 80% I'm sure it's still their best estimate based on their mathematical model, not a figure plucked from the air.

                    1. Hotdogs for Tea
                      • 10 Years
                      7 years, 11 months ago

                      I agree with the first part of your post and the situation upto the first ‘reset’, but they have stopped trying to reset the delta properly from there on and they just tweak it every day until eventually the drop in price inevitably happens, and sometimes that could go on for weeks

                      Not knocking it, just calling it for what it is

                      1. Pasqualinho
                        • 16 Years
                        7 years, 11 months ago

                        How else would you propose they reset the delta properly? They don't know the algorithm 100%, and they have no way of accurately knowing how many wildcards have been played. They have to estimate the tweaks, and learn from when these estimates are accurate, and when they're not.

                        Anyway, I'm pretty sure you understand the gist of the way it works, so not really addressing this at you personally - but if more people knew the process then we wouldn't be getting the annoying posts from people who claim a sense of entitlement when a price change they were hoping for didn't happen. Which I'd quite like.

                        1. Hotdogs for Tea
                          • 10 Years
                          7 years, 11 months ago

                          It is tricky but I think something different should be done with the presentation to deal with the inevitable (scientific) error of what ultimately becomes an absolute or binary issue of rise or fall. At the moment the 100% rating says ‘this player will price change’, and the delta says 100 more sales and the price will change, whereas that is simply not the case

                          Sex it up ? Think drop zones - a 90% to 100% drop zone maybe, ‘cliff edge’ category, trending indicators like ‘5 star’ or ‘Hot’ or ‘colour’ ratings (already have the double arrows) ... it really could be a big niche FPL business in the way FFS has developed.

                          Rather than let the geeky bare numbers sit there without commentary make it interesting, address the issues, add personality, explain ‘we are confused by Salah’ .... give it some cheer leader razzle dazzle 🙂

                        2. Pasqualinho
                          • 16 Years
                          7 years, 11 months ago

                          Have you seen Fantasy Football Fix?

                2. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  There are no price rise sites for the Norwegian Fantasy Football (for example) I played this year and I enjoyed that.

                  Personally I would be happy if we didn’t have them for FPL ... it would mean more skill would be needed in playing the TV game and a great leveller for all concerned 🙂

      5. FlockofSeagulls
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I know why but frankly it would take far too long to explain.

        Let's just say it involves Aliens, the pyramids, Illuminati, reptilians, Jonty's hulked posts.

    10. Pjanić At The Disco
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Who’s the best replacement for Calvert-Lewin with a budget of 6m?

      1. Tazah
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Quaner or Wilson according to scout cast

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Depends if it is a playing or non playing 3rd forward ?

    11. Bavarian
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      W

      1. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        would you do Gross to Ramsey if fit?

        1. Tazah
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Yip

    12. FPL Maldini
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Is Alonso still worth bringing in if he starts tonight?

      1. Tazah
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Yap

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

        always worth it

    13. Tazah
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Okay so I know the obvious transfer is Zaha to lingard in my team, but really don't fancy the utd fix after this week

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Noted 🙂

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

        keep Zaha, he's a good differential

    14. Reiko
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Which 2 defenders to bench from the lot? Team is below:

      Fab
      Ota Christensen Jones Mee Ogbonna
      Haz Salah Sterling Lingard Arnie
      Firmino Kane

      Bench: Elliot ____ _____ Quaner

      1. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ogbonna+Mee

    15. Effendi007
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Is Mata worth taking a punt on ? He started the last 6 league games

    16. VFORVANDETA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Play Masuaku or Mee?

      1. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Mee

        1. el polako
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Why always Mee ?

    17. GoRedz
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Hello I'm looking for a good defender at 4.4M to replace Holgate.
      Is Klavan a good option ? otherwise I need to take a Newcastle fellow I believe.

      1. navin
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        nope.

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        VVD and Matip will push Klavan out of the starting 11.

        Tomkins is cheap and nailed on.

        1. LegsA
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Have the same challenge. Tomkins / Francis / Martina / Kenny appear to be the best of an ordinary bunch

    18. Monster Pick
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      DDG
      alonso daniels masuaku
      sterling alli son arnautovic lingard
      kane (c) vardy
      sub : elliot DCL gomez naughton
      1FT 0.9TB

      A. vardy -> firmino
      B. alli+dcl -> salah + quaner (-4)
      C. save FT
      D. another thought?

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        A

        1. Monster Pick
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          thx.. btw my def seems weak

    19. Bavarian
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Thoughts on this team for next week 1.5ITB 0T

      Fabianski
      Vertonghen Christensen Otamendi Jones
      Salah Sterling Gross Pogba
      Kane Morata

      Elliot Mee Depoitre RLC

      1. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Thinking Gross to Ramsey???!!!

        1. HNI
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Why would you want a frequently injured player?its not as if rlc and deponshout strong bech lol

          1. Bavarian
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            once fit lol

      2. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Save and next week Morata to Aguero?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Yep

    20. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      This is tough. Bench one:

      A) Ogbonna (hud)
      B) Dunk (wba)
      C) Mee (cpl)

      1. HNI
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        It isnt tough
        Ogbonna
        Easily
        Worst dgw defender ever..wham just back to grose defending like before

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I'd tend to agree but Huddersfield don't score many goals away from home.

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

        I'd go for B

        A random flukey WBA goal

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

        It is tough but in similar situations of comparing defenders with similar clean sheet chances, I go for the BPS statistics and choose that one which is likely to attract more bonus points. That seems to favour Dunk or Mee more.

      4. Numb
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        C

      5. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        A

    21. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      A tough one

      A kdb and lingard
      Or
      B Sterling and pogba

      Really want kdb and pogba but can't afford them both 🙁

      Thanks

      1. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        B for me

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks

      2. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        B, but I would go with Lingard.

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks

        2. Eze Really?
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          This^

      3. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        A

      4. grig
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Sterling - Lingard doesnt sound too bad atm.

    22. jose1
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Any update on Arnies injury?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Should be fit

      2. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        He’ll be back

    23. Numb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      What would you do here?

      A. Alli > Lingard (FT)
      B. Alli / Mbemba > Lingard / Alonso (-4) and bench Ogbonna
      C. Save

      Thanks

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        C

      2. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        A

    24. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool v Man City score predictions?

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        0-2

      2. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        The hardest pick this season.
        I am going 3.2 Citeh

      3. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        it will be first defeat for City...so 2-1 Liverpool

      4. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        hope Liverpool stop City undefeated, 2-1 with Salah&Sterling

        1. Bavarian
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          exactly 2 goals for Salah and assist from Otamendi loool

    25. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Eriksen to Salah or wait a week? Team at present

      Pope
      Otamendi Jones Alonso
      Eriksen Sterling Son Richarlison Arnautovic
      Kane (c) Firmino

      Adrián Ogbonna DCL Kenny

      1. Creedey
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        wait

      2. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        heavy on Spurs and Hammers.
        Would wait for a week relating to Pool fixture and Salah fitness.

    26. Creedey
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Help! What to do with this lot?

      Pope - Elliot
      Otamendi - Christensen - Ogbonna - Kenny - Ward
      Salah - Eriksen - Sané - Arnautovic - RLC
      Kane - Firmino - Joselu

      Cheers!!

      1. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        save and Eriksen+Firmino to Aguero+... next week, 3 home matches out of 4 without Jesus

        1. Creedey
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks!

    27. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Not a jot of news about Salah injury for over 2 weeks now ... no photos of training, press releases, reporting etc ... not looking good for the City game

      1. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Concerns me too. Did he return from Africa awards?

        1. Numb
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Sadly not

          1. Eze Really?
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Source?

      2. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I fear it may be terminal.

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          He’ll be fine.

          They’ll make sure he’s ready for Man City

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Just because they want him fit it doesn't mean he will be. Wait for pressers and hope.

          2. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Sure I read somewhere Klopp said he should be fit for the Man City game...

    28. dan_247
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      1 FT 2.1 ITB Any suggestions?

      DDG Elliott
      Jones Ota Christiensen Mee Kenny
      Richarl Sonn Ali Arnie Lingard
      Kun Firminho Gayle

    29. Cheshire Duck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Any advice ? I still have some budget aside but I'm waiting for the end of the transfer window. Then I could upgrade Lingard and/or Caroll and/or Son.

      Pope - Adrian
      Cuco Martina - Marcos Alonso - Jones - Suttner - Gomez
      Sterling - Salah - Carroll - Lingard - Son
      Quaner - Tosun - Kane
      ITB 2.7

      I'm planning Carrol to Arnie (this GW) or Albrighton (after GW23).

      opinions ? Mu main concern is that it seems a very very very (did I mention 'very' ?) template team ...

      1. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Template for a reason.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Don't understand Tosun

        1. Cheshire Duck
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          A differential ... I tried to spice it up ...
          If I don't do Carroll>Arnie, I can do Tosun>other-striker-under10.2
          That leaves me with Firmino, Vardy or Rooney ...
          Or I could go with Depoitre and upgrade in midfield. But that would leave me with 2 Huddersfield forwards

          1. Eze Really?
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            A differential that is hard to move from with the price

      3. navin
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        lol.. third time i'm looking at this team

      4. navin
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Not sure about your defence of Suttner, Gomez and Martina.

        Are they nailed week in week out? You may look into Burnley (Mee, Tarkowski) or Brighton (Duffy, Dunk).

        What are the formation you would like to deploy? Seems like 4-4-2 to me.

        1. Cheshire Duck
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I was planning a 3-5-2
          I know Gomez and Suttner might rotate, less sure about Martina, while other defender are injured, he'll play

          1. navin
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            If you are planning 3-5-2 then better get a playing third defender. In a gameweek, Suttner, Gomez and Suttner might not play all together. So there is a risk where you only have 10 outfield players.

      5. grig
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I think going Tosun is too punty. More likely to be Gabbiadini/Zaza than Salah.

    30. Eze Really?
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Time to think about reduced GW's?
      Week 28 could mean Ars Man C Chelsea Man U. not playing.
      I have 4 atm. maybe not worth increasing the number.

      1. Kabayan
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        If there is no FAC R5 replay, they could play on gw28 midweek, no?

        1. Pasqualinho
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Possibly. Not likely.