Pre-Season

The Best Premium Defenders to Buy in FPL 2018/19

Having assessed the worth of various budget defenders that caught the eye upon the launch of the 2018/19 Fantasy Premier League game last week, we now turn our attention to the stoppers higher up the price list.

As well as analysing the premium defenders who have a starting price of £6.0m+, we will also run the rule over the numerous mid-priced options (£5.0m/£5.5m) available at the back.

The £6.0m/£6.5m Premium Options

Five defenders will set you back £6.5m at the start of the 2018/19 season: Cesar Azplicueta, Marcos Alonso, Nicolas Otamendi, Kyle Walker and Antonio Valencia.

Azpilicueta and Alonso were the two highest-scoring defenders in FPL last season with a combined 340 points between them. Chelsea’s clean sheet total of 16 was, despite being admirable, only the fourth-best tally in the league and their two Spanish assets only topped the defensive rankings through contributions elsewhere on the pitch.

Alonso scored more goals (seven) and had more shots than any other Premier League defender last year, while no stopper bettered Azpilicueta’s haul of 25 bonus points. Azpilicueta also chipped in with six assists, his joint-best effort in a single season, despite featuring almost exclusively at centre-back.

Uncertainty over Antonio Conte’s future as Chelsea manager, though, means Fantasy managers would be understandably reticent about splashing the cash on either of these two premium assets at this early stage. The same would apply to Victor Moses and Antonio Rudiger (both £6.0m).

READ MORE: The best Chelsea players to sign in FPL 2018/19

Otamendi’s four goals and underlying passing statistics contributed to his 21 bonus points and third-highest score overall, though whether the Argentinean centre-back will get as many as the 33 starts he managed last season is open to debate. A Manchester City defender (or goalkeeper) looks near-essential for Gameweeks 2-7, with home fixtures against Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United, Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion punctuated by trips to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City.

Walker is another City option in the £6.5m bracket for those hugely appealing matches. Although the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back has scored only two league goals in six years, he has recorded six assists in each of the last two seasons: no defender has created more goals in that time.

There may be better value elsewhere in the City backline, though. Pre-season might give us an indication as to which of the £5.5m-rated centre-back options – John Stones, Vincent Kompany and Aymeric Laporte – is favoured by Pep Guardiola, while Benjamin Mendy (£6.0m) has returned to fitness after a serious knee injury curtailed his debut Premier League season last September. The French full-back supplied five assists for Monaco in 2016/17 and could be a huge threat this year from the wing-back position if Guardiola reverts to the 3-5-2 formation he started with last season.

No defender registered more clean sheets last season than Antonio Valencia, who also found the back of the net on three occasions. The long-serving right-back has for several years now been a relatively rotation risk-free route into the Manchester United backline: Valencia missed only seven matches last season, four of which enforced through a hamstring injury.

Chris Smalling and Ashley Young (and indeed goalkeeper David de Gea) are ways into the United defence at £6.0m. Smalling started all but four of United’s matches last season from Gameweek 7 onwards, missing three fixtures over Christmas and being rested for the final-day match with Watford with the FA Cup final in mind. No defender scored more on the Bonus Points System than Smalling during his unbroken run of matches in the United team between Gameweeks 23 and 37.

Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Diogo Dalot (all £5.5m), Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof (both £5.0m) would, perhaps, best be avoided until Jose Mourinho’s first-choice central defensive partnership becomes known.

Of the 14 defenders who have a starting price of £6.0m, half of them play for Spurs. Jan Vertonghen will likely be the safest route into the Tottenham backline, with the Belgian centre-half having started more matches (36) and kept more clean sheets (16) than any of his fellow Spurs defenders. Rotation in the full-back department is a constant worry with Mauricio Pochettino, so Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies (both of whom racked up seven assists last season) look expensive gambles at £6.0m given that they can’t be assured of starts.

Spurs’ start next season looks like one of the trickiest: the Lilywhites play five of their first seven fixtures on the road, with one of their “home” matches (against Fulham) contested at Wembley. Liverpool and Manchester United also await Pochettino’s side in Gameweeks 3 and 5.

Anfield was a fortress for Liverpool last season: the Reds were unbeaten on home soil and 12 of their 17 clean sheets came on their own patch. With West Ham, Brighton and Southampton visiting Merseyside in the first six Gameweeks, there will be interest in Andrew Robertson and Virgil van Dijk (both £6.0m).

Van Dijk carries a considerable goal threat but enjoyed a luckless spell in front of goal last season: Shane Duffy was the only defender who had more attempts on goal last season without scoring.

Robertson, meanwhile, was a staple of the Liverpool defence from Gameweek 15 onwards and only Hector Bellerin had more touches in the final third from this point till the end of the season.

The Mid-Price Alternatives

Bellerin is one of five Arsenal defenders available at £5.5m although his underlying attacking statistics mightn’t be as impressive this season if new boss Unai Emery decides to ditch the wing-back system in favour of a back four.

READ MORE: The best Arsenal players to sign in FPL 2018/19

Nacho Monreal and new boy Sokratis Papastathopoulos are among the other defensive options for Arsenal at this price and would be worthy of consideration from Gameweek 3 onwards in particular (the Gunners run of matches from this point reads: WHU, cdf, new, EVE, WAT, ful, LEI, cry).

READ MORE: Scout Report on Sokratis

Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen (both £5.5m) could be more cost-effective, albeit slightly duller, routes into the Chelsea defence than Alonso and Azpilicueta, although the risk of rotation will see plenty Fantasy managers dodging both (neither is currently owned by more than 2.5% of FPL bosses).

There are a few gung-ho full-backs available at the £5.5m mark elsewhere. Fantasy managers will be keen to see if Everton pair Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines are revitalised under new manager Marco Silva, particularly given the Toffees’ kind start to the season: Everton play just one of last season’s top seven clubs in the first nine Gameweeks, a start that also features home matches against Southampton, Huddersfield, West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) had a phenomenal end to 2017/18, meanwhile. All five of his league goals (and one assist) came in the last ten Gameweeks of the season and even a price hike to £5.5m may not deter investors given Palace’s favourable start: the Eagles face only one of the “big six” clubs in their first nine matches.

Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m) is a slightly cheaper route into the Palace defence. Although the former Liverpool centre-back does not carry the same goal threat as the Dutch left-back, Sakho’s returns on the Bonus Points System are noteworthy. Incredibly, only three defenders registered more bonus points than Sakho (18) last season despite the French centre-half making only 18 starts.

READ MORE: The best Crystal Palace players to sign in FPL 2018/19

Harry Maguire (£5.5m) was the only defender to have more penalty box touches and efforts on goal than van Aanholt from Gameweek 29 onwards and the Leicester City centre-half is another defender whose goal threat is the chief reason for his elevated price.

The Foxes new defensive recruits, Ricardo Pereira and Jonny Evans, are available for £0.5m cheaper.

READ MORE: Scout Report on Ricardo Pereira

READ MORE: Moving Target – Jonny Evans

West Ham’s tough start (the Hammers play five of the “big six” in the first nine Gameweeks) would suggest that Aaron Creswell (£5.5m) is one to avoid initially, although his assist count of seven was not beaten by any other defender in 2017/18.

The drop in Charlie Daniels’ starting price (£4.5m) means that Nathan Ake (£5.0m) is unlikely to be the most popular defensive option for Bournemouth, despite the latter’s goal threat.

Burnley’s overall impressive defensive statistics from last season has led to a price hike for Matthew Lowton, Stephen Ward, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski (all £5.0m). That the Clarets only recorded two clean sheets in 2018, however, might stick in the throat of potential investors, despite Sean Dyche’s side having a favourable-looking first eight Gameweeks of the season.

Sean Morrison and Barry Douglas both delivered excellent attacking returns (Morrison scored on seven occasions; Douglas delivered a league-high 14 assists) for their respective clubs in the Championship last season but are a risk at £5.0m given that Cardiff and Wolves are making the step up this season. Ryan Fredericks, who starred for Fulham last season but has since moved to West Ham, is also priced up at £5.0m.

READ MORE: Our team analysis of Wolves

READ MORE: Our team analysis of Cardiff

READ MORE: Our team analysis of Fulham

Jamaal Lascelles (£5.0m) is one to avoid with Newcastle facing Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in their first five matches.

Southampton’s first five fixtures (BUR, eve, LEI, cry, BRI) are enticing, although Ryan Bertrand‘s (£5.0m) case for inclusion in our Fantasy squads is somewhat lessened by Cedric Soares being available for £0.5m cheaper.

Perhaps the most attractive proposition available at the £5.0m mark is Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of five Liverpool defenders who starts at this price. Alexander-Arnold is available for a whole million less than Andrew Robertson and Virgil van Dijk and, although Nathaniel Clyne (£5.0m) has now returned to fitness, would seem likely to begin the season as Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice right-back: “TAA” started ten of Liverpool’s last 13 league matches, despite Champions League-influenced rotation being a worry.

Alexander-Arnold is the most-owned defender in FPL at this early stage.

 

1,224 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Asking for a friend. Chasing a big gap (to me). Captain:

    A) Griezmann (5*2)
    B) Kane (I will captain Kane)
    C) Maguire (gotta be Maguire, right!) 😀

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

      trippier imo if you have him, maguire out of those imo

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        She does own Trippier. I'll pass the message along 🙂

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      KKKKK go Kane.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4zr3ZPSDac

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        😀 I used to hate that song. Listening now, I can see why.

        1. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Simplicity and repetition. It's perfect for FFS 😀

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            One reason I'm not a Nirvana fan. Too Fantasy Football Scouty.

            1. Bun Rab
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Then you'd hate an actual FFS more!

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCxLpte5loY

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 8 months ago

                I thought Franz Ferdinand were meant to be pretty good, but this is weak af

                1. Bun Rab
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 8 months ago

                  Their 1st album was great, got weaker as they went on for me. But this is a collaboration with Sparks. Told you you'd hate it :p

                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzPplBE75tQ from 1st album.

                  1. Deulofail
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 8 months ago

                    Stronger 🙂

    3. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      How big is the gap when you add on NDiaye’s appearance points?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        50 odd points 😐

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          She should captain Kane so as to not lose more ground, but then wait till you leave your account abandoned and transfer in 15 non-starters before the next round for a -56

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Gonna be difficult to do from India, but she probably knows my password. Sneaky

            1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              😀
              In answer to your original Q it has to be Maguire and hope he has the taste of goal and is hungry for 5 goals

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 8 months ago

                Cheers man. She's been refreshing this page, hanging off the edge of every word you say 🙂

                1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 8 months ago

                  Glad to be of service

  2. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    best 6.5 or below forward to get?

    A king
    B austin
    C jemenez
    D reid

    ?

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      all tosh, B out of those

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

      why not shop in the 7m mark? arnie looks incredible with all the players west ham have signed

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        interesting. tuson also intriguing.

      2. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        POO

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Mitrovic or avoid like the plague imo

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        cheers

    4. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      i found it! how about chris wood?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Good option. Is he the best option though? 0.5 extra for greatness! And an easier switch to another 7.0 or cheaper if your selection fails.

        1. Lord Flashheart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          i fear arnie might play as winger rather than a forward now - don't you think?

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Prefer Zaha and Tosun to start the season 🙂

          2. Brehmeren
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            I don't think he will play as a winger. Pellegrini hasn't signed another striker, but has signed a winger with another one, Felipe Anderson, incoming. Some people are talking about Chicharito getting a second chance, but for now I think Arnie will be first choice up top.

  3. HALFSPACE
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson
    Emerson Ream Schelotto Bissaka Bednarek
    Salah Hazard Sterling Jota Pritchard
    Kane Wilson (Mitrovic placeholder) Quaner.

    No Coleman's, Cedric's, Daniels's, Robertson's or Mendy. None of this Sterling nonsense where you convince yourself he isn't starting GW1 or worth 11m.

    I'm fully allergic to FFS groupthink, and thus a genioso.

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

      Omnishambles

    2. Fantastisk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Obi Wan unlikely to play.

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A situation that has been comprehensively mismanaged, characterized by a string of blunders and miscalculations.

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Maverick. Some would say genius, others idiotic.

    5. child of God
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I really hope you snap out of it soon

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

        Coleman, Cedric, Tosun, Deulofeu, Daniels etc
        State of the teams on this site

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Coleman is good. You are right about the rest.

        2. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Daniels, agree. Cedric, semi-agree. Coleman and Tosun, ummmm look at your Wilson! Deulofeu, how dare you!

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

            Wilson placeholder for Mitrovic, but but Tosun!!

    6. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      quality wind up 🙂

  4. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Bavies+fodder or Coleman+4.5 defender?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      C&4.5.

    2. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Coleman and Tomkins

  5. azz007
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Courtous 3pts > Subasic
    Grizzy 10pts to Kane (c) ?

  6. Fantastisk
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed
    A. DDG, Mendy, TAA
    B. Ederson, Robertson, Coleman

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      B for me.

  7. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Post on the last page asking members about RMT and if any player rates look to be off

  8. Fantastisk
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Best 2x 4.5 defenders:

    A. Cedric
    B. Daniels
    C. Tomkins
    D. Other?

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      That’s the top 3 IMO ... Cedric and Tomkins rotate perfectly also I think...

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Those plus possibly an Everton CB (Williams/Jags).

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A and C, don’t like the Bournemouth defence

  9. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    ————-Ederson ——————
    Danilo Otamendi Laporte Delph
    — Fernandinho Gundogan ——
    ——Mahrez Silva Sane———
    —————-Aguero—————-

    Thoughts on my predicted City
    line-up ? Do you think it’s accurate?

    Have I missed anything ... making predictions based on likely absence of World Cup players...

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

      You've missed they're not a 4231 team

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

        And Sterling, somehow. Not surprising as this site will be rushing to get him first few GWs in.

        1. Fantastisk
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          You think Sterling will start first week back?

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

            Could, could not. He'll be more matchfit than his City team-mates. But this site somehow managing to collectively ignore a 229 pts scorer and pretend he doesn't exist is so funny

            1. HNI
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              At 11mn he can be covered. And with Mahrez in mic doubt he will play all epl games

              1. HNI
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 8 months ago

                Mix*

              2. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 8 months ago

                Will you please just put MC Mahrez on the mic!

                https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SG94P5mBN5I/maxresdefault.jpg

            2. @fpl_phenom
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              ye because that’s what ‘this site’ is doing ... pretending Sterling doesn’t exist ... FML

            3. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              all players have a mandatory 3 week break after their last international game .... any player in the WC semi finals will not break up from their international team until 15th July earliest.... can't see any of them starting just 5 days after returning to their clubs on about 5th or 6th August ... no way will Hazard Sterling Kane etc. start GW1 and only a mad man would have them in their squad 😉

        2. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Seriously like?? There’s no chance Sterling starts GW1 ....

        3. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          lol @ having Sterling when Mahrez is 2.0 cheaper

        4. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          If Sterling starts in GW1, I will eat my shat.

          1. child of God
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah you should do that

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              More likely to drink it

        5. HNI
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Sterling will probably retire if England win World cup. Not much left to do then..maybe ucl thats all :p

      2. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Ok so what are they then ... where am I wrong do you think? Doing this to try to pick my city players

    2. child of God
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ooh my goodness surely this must be what pep will go with gameweek 1

    3. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Wrong

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Please elaborate

        1. Eden Wizard
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          You asked what we thought of your suggested team, probability is you'll be wrong so I played the percentages 😆

          1. child of God
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            I think he could be right, although it'll probably be 4-3-3

            1. @fpl_phenom
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              You thinking

              Mahrez — Kun — Sane

              Up top?

              Probably right hopefully

          2. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Ah here lad come on ... I’m looking for good estimation based on the evidence we’ve got ...

            Not helpful , no need to comment

          3. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            According to you, previously, the probability is 0%.

            1. Eden Wizard
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              I'm lost but i do remember saying 0% to something

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 8 months ago

                Mahrez starting in the Sterling role

                1. Eden Wizard
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 8 months ago

                  0% of nailing indeed

                2. Eden Wizard
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 8 months ago

                  Silva replacement, i even read it online this morning as part of reducing Silva minutes this year.

    4. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      4-1-3-2:
      -----------Ederson
      Danilo - Ota - Laporte - Mendy
      ----------Fernandino
      ----Sane - Mahrez -Silva
      ---------Jesus - Aguero

      1. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Could just as easily be Sane Kun Jesus with Mahrez & Silva as playmakers

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Oh ye absolutely, Peps capable of that too... Silva Aguero Ederson looks 3 solid picks for the first few weeks anyway... cheers

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

        Which Silva? Agree with this team

  10. Fantastisk
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    With the lack of playing 4.0 players due to new signings, is Peltier essential?

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Plenty of 4.0's

      1. Fantastisk
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Playing? Who?

        1. Eden Wizard
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Bennett Peltier Schletto Wan-Bassaka Bednarek all could play first choice

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

      I don’t think Peltier is viewed as first choice. He’ll get some games when injuries and suspensions.

  11. Eden Wizard
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    West Ham aiming for Arsenal'th place

  12. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing a gap of 35 points.. He has 2 England defenders (Maguire, Trip) + Lingard, Modric, Kane and (c) currently on Griez.. I have 4 England defenders (Maguire, Trip, Young, Pickford) + Alli, Kane .. Should I put the (c) on one of them and just hope for a clean sheet to make up points?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'd put it on Alli personally - need a good differential to make up that massive points deficit imo

  13. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on my first draft:
    Ederson Hamer
    Robertson Coleman Daniels Cedric Wan-Bissaka
    Salah DSilva Jota Deleufeu Cairney
    Aguero Firmino Tosun

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      jota, cairney, hamer, wanbisakka, deleufeu

      not great

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Very good...

      Similar to my teams... I think down grade Tosun to £4.5M Kamara

      Upgrade Jota or Deulofeu ?

      You can have the likes of Mahrez Mkhitaryan Ramsey etc

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        That's actually what I had originally, Deulefeu to Ramsey, Tosun to Kamara, Wan-Bissaka to Tomkins?

  14. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Are there any good 4.0 defenders?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      They don't need to be good. They need to play!

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Are there any playing 4.0 defenders?

    2. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      No. A few that might potentially play, Peltier, Schelotto, Bednarak, Wan-Bissaka.

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Peltier = Jazz Richards back from injury, apparently a threat
        Schelotto = Bruno threat, new signing threat
        Bednarek = Saints have a new CB, won't start
        Wan-Bissaka = Joel Ward threat. Hopefully can win the place, but who knows.

        I wish we had a good option, but it's looking less likely as time goes on.

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Bednarek still has a chance if they play 3 at the back, no? Too early to say.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Thought it was Yoshida Hoedt Stephens/Bednarek last season. With a new CB, surely he can't.

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Dunno tbh. Surely he can, though. But unlikely and too early to tell.

              1. Midlands Saint73
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 8 months ago

                We are on verge of signing another CB too. Looks like 3 at the back for sure. Yoshida away at Asian cup early doors. Nodes well for Bertrand and Cedric as WBs. CB situation a bit of a headache though.

      3. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Hopefully we see some of these emerge as starters during pre-season!

  15. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Twist from Grizzy to Kane or play it safe?

    I'm ahead in my mini league but everyone has Kane and will captain him.

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      yes definitely

      worst case 3 pt loss not a big deal

      upside far greater

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      obvious twist

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You're ahead so you know better. Trust in yourself.

    4. buzzkill
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      take the hit to block their (p)oints

  16. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    First Draft. Rip it apart

    Pickford Button
    Robertson Bailly PVA Cedric Yedlin
    Salah Mane Lamela Stephens Romeu
    Kun Morata Tosun

    Will be playing 4-3-3. Planning on an early wc.

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      lamela, stephens, romeu, yedlin, button yuck

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Is Lucas Moura a better option than Lamela. Just saw Tomkins is 4.5 so will have him in for Yedlin. The others will just be on the bench

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team. Different but nice. Some choices that need to be assessed based on transfers and pre-season such as Morata and Tosun

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers! Will be watching the transfers for sure.

  17. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Could Fabregas, Kante and Jorginho play together in a midfield 3?

    Cesc at 6.5m may be gold.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I think Chelsea might be using Fabregas as a makeweight for the Jorginho deal.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Would be nice to see him go so I can invest in RLC 😀

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Likely, but i would prefer/hope to use RLC or Barkley in that attacking role and bring Fab on if struggling. Plus not always gonna need 2 def mids at home so he may start then as well.

    3. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      He's getting on a bit now.

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Hes been poor for the last two seasons. If he gets regular play time for Chelsea hes probably still a good pick thouhg, especially at 6.5

  18. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Have ye all got your waistcoats cleaned and pressed for tonight?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      already wearing mine hope i don't spill pizza on it got to take it back tomorrow

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I am going out sunning myself for a while to get me in the mood too.

        https://imgur.com/a/hOIXifX

        1. Norman Conquest
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          should look decent once the sunburn kicks in

  19. Norman Conquest
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    new players added

    torriera 5.0 m
    guendouzi 4.5 m

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Torreira in at the expected price. If we weren't restricted to 3 per team, I'd consider him to start the season as a safe bet, and move him on to someone with attacking threat a bit later. There are a couple of 5.0s already who are probably better, though. Maybe some better 4.5s before the season starts, too.

      1. Norman Conquest
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        yea i don't think ill be adding either to my squad

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Guendouzi is an interesting one. He looks good enough to start for Arsenal in the highlights - like a more exuberant David Luiz, except you can understand a bit better why his body is actually going in the direction it is - but they are only highlights. I suppose he'll likely not feature at all this season, but one to keep an eye on.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyCEJT3-hcM

          1. Norman Conquest
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            yea decent enough not sure if he will start many games one for the future

  20. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I see they still haven’t priced up or input Mitrovic into the game... bit crafty.

    I want my 5.0 budget striker for Fulham!

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

      They're waiting for us to tell them what price we expect him to be on.

      5.0 sounds realistic, at most he should be 5.5.

      1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        If they price him pre-transfer he should be 5.0 or 4.5. Not a chance he gets into the Newcastle side!

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

          Good point actually. Not much Premier League pedigree, no chance for playing for a team that should be battling relegation again. That screams 4.5.

          1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            If by some miracle he is 4.5 or even 5.0 and his transfer to Fulham goes through, I think he’ll be a must have. Strikers at that price playing 90 minutes each week is unheard of.

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

      Starting FBs for Fulham Christie and Augustinsson you reckon?
      Mitrovic 6.0 minimum

      1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I’d like to think so, the Swede would be a great purchase for us.

        Not sure they can price him at 6.0 while he’s still on Newcastle’s books - doesn’t stand a chance of getting in their team under Rafa.

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

          Oh wow forgot that

          Underhand stuff not to price him now.

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Same with Kenedy and others. Sneaky so and so's.

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I like what they are doing. They should try to avoid underpriced players at all cost.

  21. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    3rd Place Playoff is it confirmed points will be counted for this game? im unsure

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      yes

      1. quayle99
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        hoping my rival dosent realise and transfers out all belgium/croatia or england players 😀

        1. Funkyav
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          not much of a rival if they do

    2. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Which game are you playing ??

      In McDs it counts :- https://fantasy.fifa.com/en/howtoplay

      *The final round consist of both the third place play-off and the final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™.

  22. Root
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Yarmolenko 7.0

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ooooh. Now that could be interesting.

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      juicy price

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      one to watch for sure

  23. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Rui Patricio as a set and forget 4.5 GK from an strong defensively-minded promoted side? They usually do well, he could be the new Heaton. BAPs and saves galore with plenty of cleanies.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Could be a bargain.

    2. Champione
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      very good option imo. Had Douglas in my team but will now get Patricio instead

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Could work, especially as part of a rotation. No nailed Man City defender to start the season is the biggest issue. Also, Douglas and Doherty offer attacking threat.

    4. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Great price and a temptation for many. Could be a lovely back up to DDG for me.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        If you get DDG you cant have another 4.5 keeper

    5. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      might go him and fab rotation not really looked if they work together yet

  24. Prøfeßör …
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Patricio @4.5. 😯

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson > Patricio done

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      L'essentiale

    3. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ooerr that's tempting

      1. Prøfeßör …
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed, it is for sure!

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Aren't Wolves an attacking side?

      Terrific keeper, but will he keep many CSs? I worry it's a Neuer & Germany situation 😀

      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        No they are very pragmatic. Played 3 CBs and two holding midfielders most of last season

      2. Prøfeßör …
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Defence is Nuno's biggest strength. I posted a guide on Wolves a little longer than 24 hours ago - check it out if you have time.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks guys, will look into it.

    5. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      As he should be, good option.

    6. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Patricio + 4.0 until WC no brainer

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Oops cannot make transfer because I have 4 City players. Locked in as it is until GW1 😆 1.5 ITB

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Just give in and make the required changes. 🙂

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Patricio is not required. It'll take more than that to break me, however inevitable it is. 🙂

    7. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A Fab, Rui rotation looks good

  25. Champione
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Sanchez? Will probably have an important role as Lukaku, Rashford and Lingard will get limited minutes for the first few weeks. Also an easy swap to KDB, Haz, Mane, Eriksen, Sane etc

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      sanchez has admitted he was't happy with his performances at united last year i think we will see a different player this season but i will still wait and see first

    2. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I've got him in but mainly just as a means of spending my budget till GW3 when I want an easy transfer to Auba.

      With City, Liverpool and Arsenal (threatening with that run of fixtures) I find it hard to invest a lot in utd attack since they aren't as likely to explode as the other 3.

  26. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    a) siggy mkhi fabianski OR
    b) mahrez masuaku ederson

    OR

    1) siggy mkhi
    2) mahrez deulofeu

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A & 1. Either is fine.

  27. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Is Dalot much of a threat to Valencia's starting place? He only started 4 league games for Porto last year and he's only 19. WhoScored have him down as a left back too.

    https://www.whoscored.com/Players/353418/Show/Diogo-Dalot

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nah but he is one for the future.

      He will be used as a squad player for cup games and that while he learns his trade at United.

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      he is a right back and i think he will only be back up for valencia at the moment

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      The answer is in the question - no, he's not much of a threat.

  28. Parm
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    So i'm assuming everyone else has Cédric & Daniels as permastarters for the first 5 GWs?

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'm not going anywhere near Daniels, 4.5m or not.

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Bargain at that price lad, attacking threat still there looking at last season's underlying numbers.

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Fair enough mate.

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Absolutely not!

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cedric yes, Daniels no.

    4. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Daniels... No thanks

    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      no, traps.

    6. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      nope, permasub nailed starter if needed bench fodder in a 343 though 🙂

  29. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    richarlison anyone?

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Pereyra, Duelofeu and Hughes are probably better options imo 🙂

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, if you like the pain of seeing your player miss chance after chance in every game

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Apparently he's fixture-proof, though. And he was essential during last season, too, so what do I know 😆 https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/11/26/scout-notes-sanchez-denies-battling-clarets/?hc_page=23#hc_comment_17029830

    3. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Have seen him in a few drafts. I've punted Deu

  30. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Any early team news? On hols...remote location 🙂

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Use remote to turn location to England

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Virtually as far away as I could possibly be from Engerland without leaving mainland Britain 🙂

    2. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      England unchanged.

      Croatia likely starting lineup (Vrsaljko is the only doubt, but he should make it):

      Subasic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic; Badelj, Modric, Rakitic; Rebic, Perisic, Mandzukic.

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers PB 🙂