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The Watchlist Updated – Midfielders

Having analysed our favoured Goalkeepers and Defenders in the newly-updated Watchlist rankings, focus now turns to the midfielders primed to profit from the season run-in.

For those unfamiliar, the Watchlist offers mid-term player recommendations for the next four-to-six Gameweeks and beyond. They can be found in your sidebar on desktop, or via your slide-in menu on mobile or tablet.

These highlight our current thinking on player selection for each position, listing the factors that are contributing to the given rank.

After heading into the international break off the back of a 29-point haul at home to Watford, Mohamed Salah remains an immovable object at the top of our rankings.

Liverpool may not have a Double Gameweek on their agenda, yet the schedule remains very much in their favour (cry eve BOU wba STK che BHA), with only a Gameweek 37 trip to Chelsea problematic.

Averaging 8.9 points per match and having produced 14 sets of double-figures, Salah will be one of the few players to avoid the Wildcard cull as we freshen up options for the run-in.

A four-goal haul against the Hornets took Salah to 28 strikes for the season – at least double all but Raheem Sterling (15) in midfield four ahead of second-placed Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot.

Only the relentless Salah denies Riyad Mahrez from claiming a place at the summit.

Climbing up to fourth in the midfield rankings, the Leicester winger has supplied a goal or assist in 11 of his last 14 league starts, delivering back-to-back 10+ points hauls in their last two league matches.

As a result, Mahrez is the second most bought midfielder among Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfielders ahead of Gameweek 32.

The schedule also promotes investment. With a Double Gameweek 34 (bur SOU) confirmed and an expected pair of Gameweek 37 matches (WHU ARS), Mahrez would be granted three home fixtures to profit from. Furthermore, the Foxes also face the likes of Brighton, Newcastle and Crystal Palace before the season concludes.

With frontman Jamie Vardy identically priced, Leicester’s run-in may well persuade many Wildcard managers to double up on their two big-hitters.

We’ve also listed Marc Albrighton lower down as a budget buy. At 5.6, he has two goals and eight assists to his name and leads Mahrez for key passes, by 44 to 42.

Chelsea’s pair of Double Gameweeks elevates Eden Hazard (10.6) and Willian (7.1) at very different price points.

Although he’s less secure of a pick than Hazard, the Brazilian has started four of his side’s last five league matches, indicating he could offer value for money over the run-in. Having netted twice in the previous three, Willian is the third most bought midfielder ahead of Gameweek 32.

Across their previous six appearances, Willian has matched Hazard for FPL returns (three goals, one assist) and has fired 11 shots on target – level with Salah at the midfield summit and more or less twice the Belgian’s six.

Antonio Conte’s side have still to face two top four teams (TOT WHU sot & bur blank swa LIV new), though both of them are at home, with a visit from Huddersfield expected to join Liverpool’s trip to Stamford Bridge in Double Gameweek 37.

Spurs also supply us with two players ahead of an expected pair of Double Gameweeks.

With four goals and 31 points accrued in his previous two Gameweeks, Son Heung-min is the top transfer target in midfield. The South Korean looks set to profit from a role up front in Harry Kane’s enforced absence and has started 15 of the last 16 league matches, though a drop to the bench as recently as Gameweek 28 served a reminder that, with Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura offering strong competition, he’s not quite as nailed on as Christian Eriksen.

Nonetheless, Son’s explosive potential keeps him very much in the frame for our Wildcards – although he’s played 639 minutes less than the Dane, he leads him by 154 points to 153 in FPL.

More expensive on the budget (9.4 to 8.3), Eriksen betters Son for shots (74 to 65) and efforts on target (32 to 27), with the playmaker also claiming top three places for both key passes (73 to Son’s 32) and big chances created (14).

Once this week’s trip to Chelsea has passed, many more Wildcarders could be set to load up on Spurs ahead of a fine schedule (stk MCI & bha blanks WAT wba LEI), with a home clash against Newcastle expected to drop in Double Gameweek 37.

As mentioned in our morning Scribbles article, though, Kane could return to action quicker than anticipated, which could yet see Eriksen climb above Son as our preferred Spurs midfielder.

Brighton’s Pascal Gross is our favoured cut-price pick. Chris Hughton’s side are set for a trio of home matches (LEI HUD cry & TOT) in the next three Gameweeks alone, which could persuade many to Wildcard in the Brighton playmaker, who is expected to face both Manchester sides in Double Gameweek 37.

Over the last six Gameweeks, Gross is ranked third in midfield for shots (15), efforts on target (seven) and key passes (16) on his way to producing a goal and three assists.

With five goals and eight assists this term, the Seagulls’ summer signing is second only to Salah for value, in terms of points per million, in the centre of the park.

Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan has wasted no time in settling since arriving from Man United over the winter.

Averaging 6.4 points per start for the north London outfit, the Armenian has delivered 13 points in two of his three home matches – a record that bodes well ahead of a trio of Emirates encounters (STK SOT new WHU) in the next four Gameweeks.

Such a schedule promotes early Wildcard investment in the Gunners, who also face Burnley and Huddersfield in the final two rounds of matches. A trip to Leicester is anticipated to drop alongside the Clarets’ visit as part of Double Gameweek 37.

Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard also boast a favourable upcoming run-in (SWA mci WBA & bou blank ARS bha WAT), with a trip to West Ham expected to accompany their visit to Brighton in Double Gameweek 37.

However, both have struggled for output of late.

Priced at 11.5, Sanchez has just a goal and assist in six Gameweek since arriving at Old Trafford, with many preferring the similarly priced Romelu Lukaku (11.4) up front as their route into the United attack. Nonetheless, the Chilean has matched Lukaku for shots (13) over this period and has created more chances for team-mates, by eight to four.

Lingard, at 6.0, is far more pleasing on the budget, yet two sub appearances in United’s last three league matches – including a one-minute outing in the Gameweek 30 match against Liverpool – underlines the risk attached to his acquisition.

Further down, Johan Berg Gudmundsson and Junior Stanislas offer in-form budget candidates ahead of respective Double Gameweek 34s.

Gudmundsson’s Burnley are the only side with a Double Gameweek 34 to also play in Gameweek 35, when they make their way to Stoke.

Priced at just 5.1, the Icelandic international has bagged a goal and two assists in his previous five ahead of a very kind schedule (wba wat LEI & CHE stk BHA ars BOU) that has earmarked him for our Wildcards.

Stanislas (6.0), meanwhile, has four goals and a pair of assists in eight league outings since recovering from injury. Clashes with Watford and Palace precede a testing Double Gameweek 34 (liv MUN) and blank Gameweek 35, though subsequent encounters with Southampton and Swansea hand Eddie Howe’s men further chance to pick up the Fantasy points.

682 Comments Post a Comment
  1. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    DDG, Ryan
    Alonso, xxx, xxx, Tarkowski, Chilwell,
    Salah, Mahrez, Son, Willian, Gudmunsson,
    Auba, Vardy, Barnes

    (Auba to Lukaku pre GW34)

    A) Valencia and Lowton
    B) Smalling and Christensen

    (Currently on a WC with all chips remaining)

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      A is safer

    2. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      A

      Both Smalling and Christ are under threat of rotation

    3. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      B is better

    4. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      A by a mile due to both being nailed

    5. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      B as A is impossible

      1. Sigsgaard
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 days ago

  2. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Pickford
    VVD Zanka Ogbonna
    Salah Mahrez Walcott Stanislas Shaqiri
    Auba Firmino

    Pereira Quaner Naughton Kenny

    1FT, 8.4ITB

    A. Quaner => Lukaku
    B. Anything better

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      FH in GW34, WC in GW36

    2. puhd
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      I would do that. Actually I would WC now and change the entire goalie/defense

  3. puhd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    DDG Fabianski
    Smalling Monreal Mee Morgan Naughton
    Salah Willian Mahrez Son Kenedy
    Aubameyang Lukaku Barnes

    Should I go with Gunsmussond over Kenedy? Or Christensen over Smalling?

    Thanks!

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Yes Gudmundsson over Kenedy.

  4. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    without FH for 35 and hit my WC before the fixtures were announced...

    DDG
    Smalling - Mustafi - Robertson
    Son - Salah - Willian - Mahrez - Gudmonsson
    Aub - Lukaku

    Ryan - Barnes - Lowton - Morgan

    .4 ITB

    This allows me to:

    GW32: Team above
    GW33: Save FT
    GW34: 11DGW players + 2 Arsenal + 2 Liverpool + BB Chip + Auba>Vardy (Probably)
    GW35: 2 FT plus maybe a hit for city assets and playing GW35 players
    GW36: Save FT
    GW37: Get in as many DGW players as possible plus TC chip

    1. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Pretty much the team most of us are picking without free hit chip. Seems the most sensible option. You can then concentrate on 11 players for gw37. Gw35 gives us a chance to buy in 3-4 quality players who we can keep for gw37 double.

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        What are your thoughts about Lukaku from the beginning vs. bringing him in for DGW34?

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          I bring him in now and consider even benching for gw33.

          1. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            After his performance v Chelsea at home I’d play him.

            Especially when he’s worth 11% of your TV

      2. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        What about Hennessey over Ryan to have a GW35 goalie so we don't have to waste a transfer?

        1. Little Frank
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          That's what I've done. Plus you never know when that extra 0.2 will come in handy.

          1. Drogba Legend
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            Cheers. What is the rest of your squad looking like?

            1. Little Frank
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 3 days ago

              DDG, Hennessey
              Christensen, Mustafi, Morgan, Lowton, Mariappa
              Mahrez, Son, Salah, Gross, Gudmundson
              Aubameyang, Lukaku, Firmino

              Leaves 8 players playing in GW35.
              Haven't decided whether to go Smalling over Christensen

              1. Drogba Legend
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 3 days ago

                I like it. Thoughts about Robertson/Vardy/Mhki? I think Christ/Smalling are in the same bracket when it comes to price/nailed/injury prone/etc so either or really

        2. Óró Sé…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          +1

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Seems a little light in Kane planning and maybe a bit heavy in Burnley when maybe some players with decent fixtures and a GW35 (e.g. Watford) could enable better?

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Could easily drop Lukaku/Aub and another player to bring in Kane and a cheaper option. Most likely would drop Lukaku.

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          That's what I'm planning, but you're already thinking hits in GW35 and saving a FT in GW36. With no FH, I have decided to go slightly lighter on DGW players in 34 (a little easier with Liverpool having a great fixture on paper) to make sure I can get 10/11 out in GW35 without a hit. Then the cost of getting in Kane is reduced

          1. Drogba Legend
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            Not a bad plan. It really comes down to whether we want to sacrifice points in 34 or 35. For me, I think I'd rather risk 35 since there are fewer teams/options playing

      2. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Don't really find value in anyone from Watford or a lot of any other teams vs. the value I get from the current Burnley players who DGW34 + GW35 fixtures

    3. Deece
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      I’m in similar situation and have this:

      DDG Hennessy
      Bailly Robertson Lowton Tark Morgan
      Salah Son Mahrez Gudmunsson Mili
      Auba Lukaku Firmino

      I took out Willian as I don’t believe he’ll play 2 in the double and means I can have Firmino for GW35.

      Mili and Hennessy are perfect enablers for us without Free hit as they have decent fixtures in both 34 (for bench boost) and 35 then they cant rot on the bench.

  5. essexcam
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Trying to accommodate for Hazard is proving to be tricky, reverting to a midfield five.

    Any thoughts?

    A - Hazard - Groß - Lowton - McCarthy

    or

    B - Mahrez - Willian - Tarkowski - Ryan

    Current team on WC / all chips remaining.

    DDG - McCarthy
    Alonso - Smalling - Robertson - Lowton - Morgan
    Hazard - Groß - Mhki - Son - Salah
    Murray - Auba - Barnes

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      V

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        B!

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      B

    3. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      B

  6. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Gross & Barnes / Gudmundsson & Murray owners...

    Who's your 7th attacker this GW?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Groß. Don't fool yourself, the Burnley attackers will let us down

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Stanislas

  7. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Evening lads, as a man without a free hit or WC how does this plan sound?

    Ryan
    Vvd Maguire Lowton
    Salah Sane Mahrez Mkhi Ibe
    Auba Firmino

    Adrian Schindler Mounie Francis

    Gw32. Team above
    Gw33. Ibe and Mkhi > Son and Willian -4
    Gw34. Auba and Mounie > Lukaku and Barnes

    This is far as I’ve got with my plan so far. Also planning to bench boost in gw37

  8. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Chilwell or Morgan?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      I would like Chilly

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Morgan marginally more nailed, but Chilwell makes up for it with attacking interest imo

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Maybe Morgan for a goal? Chilwell assist? Not sure either are really 100% nailed so budget could be the decider. If you can only get a 4.3 there's nowt wrong with Chilwell as you know the risk.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Morgan's last goal was in the CL...

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          Due then isn't he 😉

          1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            😆 Old dog past his prime.

            1. 32chickens
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 3 days ago

              What a drag
              Ovic

              1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 days ago

                Really hope Leicester sign him up, and a good RB and LB and go loan Chilwell to some half decent team.

  9. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Any thoughts on this lot? No FH so trying to balance out some guys with a GW35 fixture

    Cech McCarthy
    Alonso Robertson Lowton Chilwell Mariappa
    Son Sterling Salah Willian King
    Auba Firmino Lukaku

    £0.0 left over

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      I think I've already given you my opinion on your goalies, res is ok I guess. Would rather have Utd defence than Lukaku

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        I would love some united defence, but it's hideously overpriced for what you get imo.

        Trying to be a little different with keepers - Cech has good fixtures and no blank, McCarthy cheap and 2 DGWs. Yes DDG will likely outscore both, but this way I can cheer united to concede every week haha

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          I kind of agree with your first sentence. I would agree with it even more if it read Alonso instead of United defence - ideological schism I guess, nothing I can do to convince you and vice versa 😛

          Cech has had good fixtures for a lot of the season, and done worse than eight other keepers.

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            Yeah - but at least there is a prospect of decent attacking returns from Alonso (makes watching the game more exciting than just hoping they don't concede).

            Just a gut feel on Cech. With the money available, smart money says that the Arsenal keeper gets more points than any other option. If I was sure that one of Pope/Heaton was nailed, I might go double Burnley, but I'm not

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 days ago

              I'm risking it on Pope I think. He'll have to be a small god every game to keep Heaton out the team, and with World cup aspirations and Europe on the line next year, he just might pull a blinder over the next few. Only need him to stay first choice for three weeks...

            2. Going Home
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 3 days ago

              See I think Heaton will start from this week to give him a shot at making the world cup too. He was Dyche's golden boy last season and, with relatively little to play for, I see him being given this chance (as Pope has already passed his audition

              1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 days ago

                I suppose if that happens, an ungracious hit might be in order.

    2. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      No Mahrez or Vardy?

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Not a fan. Think Lei***ter attack is overrated. Vardy has extra fixture over Bobby but blanks in 35. Also no double figure haul since GW1. Might bring him in for a hit in GW37, might not.

        And I am not as keen on Mahrez as I am on any of my three "premium" midfields. Again, he blanks in GW35 where Raheem doesn't. Son too good to miss in Kane's absence and Salah, well...

  10. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    knowing Pep likes to rotate and having LC in mind , would B. Silva be more or less nailed on for upcoming gws 32,33 just trying to think different from template (no wc) thx

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      He would be less nailed.

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      No city mid is nailed. But we pick one and hope for the best (Sterling owner)

    3. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      In answer to your specifc gw question i would say more nailed
      Imo fernandhino and dilva and kompany and oto will be held back for CL

  11. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Who would you rather have this week?

    A Mahrez
    B Lukaku
    C Sanchez

    1. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Lukaku

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      For 1 week only? Lukaku. For the rest of the season? Mahrez.

    3. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Oh Scotty B, let go of Sancheeeezzz

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Sanchez has better underlying stats 😉 And remember, so had season keeper Richarlison also!

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        So instead of those dull choices why not the most expensive differential? It absolutely cannot harm your team in any way. He will haul against MCI.

  12. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    RMWCT
    ederson Ryan
    Smalling dunk lowton Robertson Morgan
    Mahrez willian Salah Gross gudmundsson
    Aubameyang lukaku Vardy

    0.6 ITB
    suggestions?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Chip strategy?

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        BB 34
        FH 35

  13. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Alonso or Willian if you had to pick?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Willian

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      On WC? I've done a 100m template and it's easy to get both and still have a cracking squad. No excuses not to fit both in mate 😆

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Show and tell, mate 😛

  14. Jigger & Pony
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Who would you rather have in GW32 and 33? Can only have one.

    A. Son (che, stk)
    B. Willian (TOT, WHM)
    C. Mahrez* (bha, NEW)

    * Have Vardy in the team.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Mahrez. Vardy in the team makes no difference.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Mahrezzential!

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      C

    4. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      What I want to know is who in that midfield is keeping out Son and Willian 😛

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Haha yes.

        Salah Sane Mkhi xxx Kenedy

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          I'm seriously tempted by Mkhi. Do you think Sané will be nailed?

          1. Jigger & Pony
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            Relatively more nailed than others given the position he plays. Plus he has had a rest when he was injured.

    5. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Must be holding City mids?

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Yes City/Arsenal

    6. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      C for sho

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        And we hate popo, wanna kill us dead pick up C fo sho...

      2. Jigger & Pony
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Thanks man

  15. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    What do you think to this WC team. FH in GW35

    DeGea Ryan
    Bailly Vert Lowton Morgan Mustafi
    Mahrez Salah Son Willian D.Silva
    Auba Vardy Barnes

    0.6 ITB

    Worth having D.Silva in there or GroB more nailedness?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Groß makes it easier to get Kane back.

      1. Virgil Hilts
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        This ^^^^^

        Gross is the ultimate enabler for Kane.

        Either Kane doesn’t come back as expected, and you have a prize 2 x DGW asset in 34 and perhaps 37, or he does and Gross is downgraded to c4.7m fodder to bring Kane in for a Lukaku type.

    2. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Good shout

  16. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    prmwct
    DDG
    Bailly vert Robertson
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian
    Auba Lukaku Barnes

    Ryan Millo Lowton Morgan

    No Alonso too risky?.

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      I'll go with Alonso.

  17. EMERGING STAR
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Eagerly waiting for the announcement of DGW 36!

    I would FH34 TC 36 BB37. Lovely...

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Ooohhh...

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      If that happens, I may play Mad World for all the poor people with no free hit left

    3. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      The number of absentees in gw37 will also be lovely. Will
      Be left with a team which is just good on paper. Go crazy gw34 as by gw37 most will he on holiday or have other competitions to focus on

      1. EMERGING STAR
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        I believe there will be separate battles for top4, Europa qualification, relegation, top half finish, golden boot etc.. So just avoid 3-4 teams on holiday and BB. Could backfire... But what if that works out

  18. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Lame, but if you're bored......
    How's this for a plan? (Building a GW35 team):

    GW32: WALCOTT + STANISLAS > D.Silva + Mkhitaryan (-4) (bench Shaqiri)
    GW33: WILSON (or Mounie) > Wood (or cheaper GW35 player)
    GW34: FH
    GW35: MAHREZ > Ozil (11 players with fixtures)
    GW36: WC
    GW37: BB

    Play TC chip in GW 33 or 38.

    Hennessey*
    VVD* Alonso Azpi
    Salah* Shaqiri* MAHREZ STANISLAS
    Firmino* Mounie WILSON
    Fabianski* | Baines*, Coleman*, WALCOTT*

    * = GW35 fixture

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      If using FH in 34, why not play WC now and fix the team for a BB37 and use 3FTs between 34-37 for injuries, etc.?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Hmm... not very easy to pick 15 players 39 days in advance, even with 3FTs to make some edits between GW 34 and 37, and especially if covering GW35 (only 5 teams have a fixture in GW35 and a double in GW37-ish, I think).

        1. Reuser
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          This is what I am trying - needs planning but I reckon it is possible.

          (Draft in post below)

        2. Jigger & Pony
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          Your call of course mate but you will need to carry the likes of Shaqiri, Mounie and others that could lose you lots of points relatively...

    2. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      I am doing the same btw,,would keep Stanislas for next 2..

      How about Alonso/Azpi/Mounie -> Lowton/Moreal/Auba

      It is -8 yes, but your team is much better balanced for 32, 33, 35

      1. Pras (FPL)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Then next week Walcott->Mkhi
        And GW35 - pick the Man City mid most likely to play eg. Sane/Sterling

        1. Pras (FPL)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          for Mahrez

        2. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          Cheers Pras. It's a good idea. I'm mostly worried about Mkhi rotation in GW33, as I've said in my lengthy response below. This as well as selling Walcott a week late meaning I have to play Shaq against Arsenal this week.

          I could also afford Alonso + Walcott + Mounie > Monreal + Mkhi + Auba (-8) this week (exact money), which is tempting.

          Was trying to avoid hits though, since it makes me think it's not the optimal solution anymore, given the chips at our disposal.

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            Also this means I have 2FTs before GW35, and already 10 players, which again seems suboptimal (unless I'm lucky enough to get an injury! haha).

          2. Pras (FPL)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            This would tempt me.. 3 Arseanl boys will easily make that up in 32, 33 35

            1. Pras (FPL)
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 3 days ago

              Also, I am not too worries about Auba/Mkhi rotation becasue

              1) Wenger needs to keep home crown happy
              2) He can not drop the league a la Man U last season because of Athletico Madrid (favorites)
              3) Mkhi/Auba missed a lot of games for their clubs in first half of the season. its not like they are tired or have to be fresh for world cup

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 days ago

                Yeah I'm not too worried in general, because I would imagine that any player is only at risk of being rested once before we WC, and given that it's not guaranteed, we may as well take the risk. I would have a (probable) penalty taken in Baines as first sub anyway.

                That said, I do think it's likely that Mkhi and Monreal and a few others will be rested in GW33 (or perhaps another week), rather than unlikely. If I didn't think this, I would strongly consider buying Wilshere back (for Walcott) to allow me to get Auba in. I sold Wilshere reluctantly against Watford because I thought he might be rested for Europa, and luckily for me, I was right.

                I think Wenger has enough cover to rest 2 players per week, without the fans being too angry - perhaps 3 players in GW33. Iwobi, Kolasinac and Maitland-Niles are actually like by the fans already (okay maybe less so, Iwobi, but he's still a decent enough player!)

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Hey Pras, cheers. I can afford Azpi + Mounie > Monreal + Auba (-4), no need for the extra hit. However, there are several caveats for me. I'm really sorry, but this is long, so don't worry about addressing each point. I'm just thinking out loud.

        1. Chelsea have a good fixture in GW33, and I see GW33 as the week Arsenal player are most likely to be rested (I could be wrong, here), with Monreal easily replaced by Kolasinca, leaving me to get his points off the bench, or let Baines loose against Pool (wanted to avoid this).

        2. Also I bought Azpi at 6.5 and would have to buy him back at 6.9 on the FH if I want him for GW34. (Actually, this problem doesn't exist with Alonso).

        3. If I keep Walcott this week, I would have to play Shaqiri against Arsenal this week, and then I'd end up keeping Walcott for GW35, which mean I would have to play him of Shaqiri next week too. Selling him now means I don't have to worry about having 1 poor fixture in my front 7 over the next 2, and it means that the cost of the hit is balanced by the extra advantage I get from benching Shaqiri over then next 2.

        4. I don't actually need a hit to get 11 players in GW35, but the fixtures dictate that I sell one of my GW35 players (Everton or Stoke), which means I need one hit to get 11 again for GW35. Taking 2 hits this week as you suggest, and not selling a GW35 player, would mean I could have 2FTs going into GW35 and nothing to spend them on before the WC! This seems pretty inefficient to me.

        5. Finally, If I get Auba, I can only get one of Mkhi, Ozil or Silva (by downgrading Mahrez in GW35), because I won't have the space in the team with the extra midfielder (Walcott) present, and no player expensive enough to downgrade so that I can afford another one. Maybe Auba + Mkhi is enough, but it's not as good as Silva + Mkhi + Ozil (to over simplify things!)

        I agree Stanislas would be a loss. But fixtures, player positions and money considered, I'm not sure Auba is a good idea, since it'll restrict my options for GW35.

        How's your team looking at the moment? Will you be taking hits to prep it for GW35?

        1. Pras (FPL)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          I hear you but my issue with your strategy is that 1) GW35 you might be at a significant disadvantage to the FH35 teams (3x Liv, 3x Ars, 3x MC) 2) The Chelsea lads carry 15% of value only really play one good game for you 3) the Everton/stoke guys have terrible fixtures and you will need to carry them 32/33

          So 1 other option could be to sell Coleman/Walcott for Arsenal players, even though they play GW35, do you really need 3x EVE?

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            Yeah in my OP I plan to sell Walcott this week 🙂

            Would love Auba though 😐

            1. Pras (FPL)
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 3 days ago

              With so much GW31 bagage (STK, EVE mainly), you could consider WC33, BB34, FH35 btw

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 days ago

                Yeah this was the original plan. Could do Walcott > KDB/Sane/SterlingMkhi this week, and then wave goodbye to the whole team.

                I live the idea of keeping Liverpool players whilst many others sell them early, and then selling all Pool players (Salah included) on a WC whilst many others keep hold of Salah lol

                1. Pras (FPL)
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 3 days ago

                  My thinking too

        2. Pras (FPL)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          My team is

          Pope* Adrian
          Robertson* Schindler PVA* Ogbonna Smalling
          Mahrez Stanislas Salah* Walcott* Shaq*
          Mounie Firmino* Niasse

          I am doing Niasse + Walcott -> Auba* + Mkhi* (-4) this week (giving me 11 strong players GW32)
          33 - Ogbonna-> Monreal/Mustafi*
          34 - FH
          35 - Will get 2 city mids for Mahrez*, Stanislas*

          Giving me 3x LIV, 3x Ars, 2x City for 35

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 days ago

            2 hits for you too, I see. Nice plan. Getting the City mids at the last minute is probably the best way to go about it tbh. I'm thinking if I did get D.Silva this week, though, at least my expensive bench could end up being useful before the WC haha

  19. Reuser
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Trying something different and going for WC32, FH34, BB37.

    Any thoughts?

    Ederson, Fabianski
    Alonso, Mustafi, Smalling, Dummett, Mariappa
    Salah, Mahrez, Sterling, Mhiki, Kenedy
    Aubameyang, Firmino, Ayew

    Gives me 10 for gw35. And 4 FT before gw37. Salah TC against WBA/Stoke.

    Thanks.

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Mariappa > VDH will give you 11 in 35 and an extra DGWer in 37.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        .1 more expensive is a problem I guess...

      2. Reuser
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Considering it if I can afford it. Although his gw35 is against City.

        Mariappa has some decent home games and good fixtures in 35 and 37.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      What does rmt tool give you with that team (with and/or without planned transfers)? And how would your bb team look like atm?

      1. Reuser
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Not a big fan of RMT - and it's of limited use at the moment until all the fixtures are confirmed.

        For what it's worth, gw35 comes in at 46.9.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          Hmmph... My strategy gives me for gw34 103-106 pts depending on transfers and I can fh 35. It is still the best and only available tool for comparison.

  20. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    A. Lukaku, Dunk, Stephens
    B. Vardy, Vert, Mustafi

    Is Lukaku really worth it?

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Definitely B of those options but there is surely other cuts you can make?

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Not really

        DDG, Ryan
        Stephens, Dunk, Morgan, Alonso, Lowton
        Salah, Son, Mahrez, Willian, Mkhi
        Aubameyang, Lukaku, Barnes

  21. Black Panther
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    Gross/Barnes owners, who are you playing this weekend?

    A) Gross (LEI)
    B) Barnes (wba)

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Groß

    2. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      I'd probably go gross, it a bit of a headache though.

    3. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Gross, Nailed, and Leicester always seem to find a way of conceding.....

  22. _figu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 days ago

    On WC. Anyone going with Auba Kaku Vardy front three instead of cheapie? Which one and why

    A) Auba Kaku Vardy/Firmino
    B) Auba Kaku cheapie
    B Auba Vardy cheapie
    C) Kaku Vardy cheapie

    I'm currently on option B. Think I'll just put Barnes in there. Only need him for 34 when BB. Vardy likely comes in for Auba for 34

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Your current plan is mine as well

      1. _figu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Cool. I'm quite set on that tbh

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      2x option B. Playing it safe

      1. _figu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Ha. Typo. Tired.

    3. Jay_
        6 years, 3 days ago

        B for me as it keeps options open. If Kane is fit for 34 (say he plays 90 in 33 and looks good) then it’s possible to keep Kane AND Lukaku in 34. If he’s still not fit then Aub > Vardy and an upgrade somewhere, whilst keeping cash for Lukaku > Kane with 1 FT in 36 makes sense. The cheap 3rd forward stops cash being spead elsewhere and reduces further moves (hits) to redistribute that money. Can’t really do with A, C, D, unless you keep to same structure but with 4m+ in the bank.

        1. _figu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          Good stuff. Honestly, haven't had the time to plan ahead and didn't even realise Kane in for 34 is an option (if fit).

          Based on the RMTs I've seen here this week it looks like most on WC are ditching Bobby.

      • Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        A Vardy for me. Best option for gw32 at least. Easier to downgrade later, could not afford them all today.

    4. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      My 1st go at the wildcard:

      DDG Ryan
      Lowton Smalling Mustafi Mariappa Chilwell
      Ibe Salah Son Mahrez Willian
      Auba Lukaku Firmino

      0.0itb, do I need a Chelsea defender right away? How does she look so far? Cheers

      1. Virgil Hilts
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Christensen rather than Smalling.

        Both about same price and rotation risk but you already have DDG for Utd def

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 days ago

          Think I will swop next week after Spurs when Smalling has City?

    5. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Lukaku/Gross or Vardy/Mkhi? Free Hit transfer is gone, so factoring in Wk 35:

      De Gea (Ryan)
      Monreal Smalling Lascelles (Lowton, Chilwell)
      Salah Mahrez Son Willian Mkhi/Gross*
      Lukaku/Vardy* Auba (Barnes)

    6. connorman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Is DDG (5.9) essential? Is Schmeicel (5.0) being overlooked, great fixtures for the next 6 game weeks and has most max bonus points than any other GK or defender. Would offer some much needed funds for elsewhere.

      Is Alonso essentail? What other Chelsea defenders offer guaranteed starts and high returns?

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Azpil saves a little

    7. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      WC team, might not look great but It's set up to get any player and have max flexibility:

      DDG,Ryan
      Alonso,Morgan,Lowton,Dunk,Stephens
      Salah,Mahrez,Son,Willian,Groß
      Lukaku,Aubameyang,Barnes

    8. dimitros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Planning to do Gross/Stanislas + Auba to Gudmundsson + Lukaku in GW34.
      Which one for GW32 and 33?

      A) Gross
      B) Stanislas

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        Stan

    9. Moses _H
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Hows Ibe looking. But at 4.7 an assist is more than enough for a double gameweek.
      Plus a good bench for the 2 coming weeks

      1. Moses _H
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 days ago

        At*

    10. Merlinsnose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 days ago

      Would you keep Sterling? I will lose 0.3 if I sell.

      Thanks