Opinion

FPL Question Time – Case for Sané as Christmas planning begins

Fantasy Premier League Question Time is here yet again to help solve your problems ahead of Gameweek 14.

Liverpool were unconvincing once again, even in a 3-0 win over Watford at the weekend, and some managers are still contemplating move their assets on.

The form of Leroy Sané has caught the eye, and could be a good alternative to the Reds’ midfielders.

We address that subject as well as how to approach the Christmas period and handle life in the top 10,000 Fantasy managers in this article.

Who’s on the panel this week?

FPL Holly – The founder and editor of Fantasy Football Community, as well as a contributor to the FPL Show this season. Holly was sitting just outside the top 1k going into Gameweek 13.

Who Got the Assist? – Nick and Tom are familiar names on social media as the two halves of Who Got the Assist?, the popular Twitter account and podcast. The WGTA boys have also featured on the FPL Show this month.

Chief FPL Manager – Another member of the Fantasy community with a huge Twitter following, “Chief” runs the FPL Hints website and has six top 1% finishes to his name.

Question 1 – Chief

Louis Stein: Is Sané looking like a good option with Mendy out and Pep’s post-match comments regarding Sterling and Mahrez fighting for the right wing spot?

“The more I think about it, the more Leroy Sané makes sense. With 33 points in his last two Premier League starts, he can no longer be ignored.

“Of course he won’t register double digit returns on a weekly basis but if last season’s performances are anything to go by, he’s more than capable of registering a Fantasy return for almost every 90 minutes played.

He was extremely unfortunate not to make the national squad at the summer’s World Cup and it’s fair to say that Die Mannschaft were a weaker unit without him.

“But for what it’s worth, this de facto ‘rest’ and the initial lack of game time up until early September could substantially benefit him in the form of being protected from mid-season burn out.

“Having said that, the spectre of Pep’s rotation will always be risky, especially with the upcoming annual fixture rush in December. Sané won’t be immune to it.

“However, as has been evident in the early stages of this season, Raheem Sterling has also missed out at times in the league too.

“But without Mendy’s presence until at least mid-January Sané may be an automatic starter, subject to on-going form.

“There’s no doubt that with ownership of less than half that of Sterling’s and a price tag costing £2m less that he’s effectively a rare Manchester City attacking differential.

“Best of all, because of his price, you can fit him in your team along with Laporte and Aguero, but this would be far more difficult if you were trying to shoehorn Sterling instead, alongside your other premiums.”

Question 2 – Who Got the Assist?

Fred W: Do you plan on holding Liverpool assets over the festive period? If not, when are you ditching?

“I plan on holding a defender (Robertson) for definite. Their defensive solidity is shown by the fact they’ve conceded the fewest shots on target over the last six Gameweeks.

“In terms of the attack, it’s harder to decide.

“Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are the key men there and are (especially in the case of Salah) returning points regularly.

“It’s up to you whether they are value for their price tag or if you think other emerging options are better targets.”

Question 3 – Holly

Doug: With a non-playing second goalkeeper, what are the best options for a set-and-forget keeper over the Christmas period?

“The premium goalkeepers look to be great options over the festive period, as they won’t get rotated, whereas the more expensive defenders are more likely to be.

“Take your pick from any other then Leno, with Ederson the standout.

“Personally, I prefer to have a cheap goalkeeper in my squad, where save points can bolster point totals, along with clean sheets.

I’m tempted by a move to Fabianski, given West Ham’s fixtures. He’s second for saves and joint top for bonus points.”

Question 4 – Who Got the Assist?

James: What are your key tips on climbing the ranks whilst in the top 10k? Template teams are rife with effective ownership considerations playing a part in keeping it that way.

“In the top 10k, it’s about biding your time.

The attraction would be to take risks to try to push on, but if you want to keep climbing it often comes down to one or two very small moves which makes the difference.

“When I (Tom) finished 2.3k in 2015/16, I was in the top 10k all season and, frankly, played a very safe game until the double Gameweeks when I went for it with a few bold picks and was richly rewarded.

So it’s about picking your moment and treading water by playing safely in the meantime. Good luck!”

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1,226 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Please stay injury free Raheem & Sergio

    1. Fergus1107
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      And Dilva

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      And Sane

    3. Orion
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      This please

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Hopefully Sterling stays injury free, but gets rested.

      1. Like an Egyptian Magician
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        LoL

    5. Rock n Grohl
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      And Laporte

  2. InTommyWeTrust
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Keep Liverpool attacking assets; up to you

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Very helpful advice that lol

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Well it is usually up to us who we keep unless your name is Scotty B

    3. Like an Egyptian Magician
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yeh that was an epic response

  3. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sane over Xmas with Mendy out looks great and explosive! Will either go him or Silva for the Sterling double up on WC.

    What do people think of Robertson and Alonso on WC?

    1. Lucackadoodledoo
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Im thinking there are cheaper options who can fill Alonsos shoes.

      As soon as I transfer him out he will score a brace though.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Will WC after this GW I think so Alonso is on show against Fulham Home this weekend. A 1/2 pointer and I think he goes

        1. Lucackadoodledoo
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Seems a wise move. Too much money for 1/2 pointers. Am keeping him for fulham and then also getting rid if he's not impressive

          1. Lucackadoodledoo
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            By the way Robbo is a season keeper for sure. Every time Liverpool get a clean sheet he gets bonus and also gets attacking returns

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Are you not tempted by TAA for 1mil less?

              1. Lucackadoodledoo
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Im tempted for both to be honest. Perhaps a triple of salah robbo and taa could be very profitable

  4. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Why is it so hard to stop Robben from scoring the exact same goal every week? Serious question. It's baffling.

    1. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Cut inside left foot curler into the corner?

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        That's the one. 😀

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      The defenders like to see them getting humbled.

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      He's taking the pish now. Just scored an exact 2nd.

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        loll

  5. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Genuinely tempted with Sane Sterling Dilva triple up in midfield.

  6. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    So City is going to be a minefield,

    Sterling is due a rest, with Mahrez cover

    Sané can be rotated with Bilva from gw 15

    Dilva with de bruyne from gw 16

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      They score enough points in 1 game to cover most other mids in 2/3 games

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        true but the game in which they blank and if another nailed heavyhitter smashes points knees will jerk

    2. Rock n Grohl
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Only Ederson is safe. Risk v reward though.

  7. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    is hope in hazard + aguero being fit/ not rested potentially dangerous for GW 14?

    1. Lucackadoodledoo
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Same predicament here. Hazard currently my captain choice but not confident at all. Rival has sterling and will probably captain him so in a pickle. Getting sterling in means a hit unless I downgrade salah

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Riyad is messing it up

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      He's an attacking midfielder, Pep trying to make him a deep playmaker ?

      He's not de Bruyne that's for sure

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        he is playing winger only i think

      2. My Name Is Pepu
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Baldie knows what he's doing. An away game in UCL is always tricky. Patience.

  9. Dream Killers 2.0
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone wildcarding now or over next few gameweeks? If yes, who are first picks in your team?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      yep, Wildcarding for GW15. I would say Sterling, Kane and TAA are first 3 picks in my team

      1. Dream Killers 2.0
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        TAA over Robertson?

      2. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        whats your rationale for WC-ing in gw15 over gw16/7

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Sterling Sane Kane !

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        This and Alonso

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          You certain on Alonso? He’s done well but I’m not as happy with his position this year

    3. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      TAA-Robbo-Sane-Sterling-Hazard-Aguero-Kane

      1. Dream Killers 2.0
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Can you afford all them together?

  10. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Congratulations Sterling & Sané owners - Mahrez bench at the weekend 😆

    1. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I got all 3 in.

  11. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Fernandinho mandatory yc

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      And there is the early sub #1 on 60 mins .... not good for owners of other City players

  12. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Patricio
    Robertson Luiz Laporte AWB Doherty
    Hazard Salah Richarlison
    Aguero Arnie

    Hamer Wilson Fraser Obiang

    1 FT, 0.4 ITB

    What to do here please??

    Thanks

  13. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Too much alcohol may be bad for your health but too many City players are never a bad thing to own FPL wise! 😀

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

    Come On City!!! Where is the dominance usually seen in the Premier League

    1. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Only a matter of minutes before they score.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      The Premier League teams aren't as good.

  15. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    wowww

  16. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Lyon are bunch of bar stewards, they just can’t finish it

  17. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Looks like lyon do have a blueprint to beat city

  18. My Name Is Pepu
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Laporte is having some game here. Has been rock solid so far.

  19. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Laporte having a stormer. Bailed out City 2-3 times already.

  20. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Lyon looks really good.

  21. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    City hysteria taking hold. I only have Aguero but I'm happy with Salah and Hazard for now. Last week was a freak and Sterling and Sané are really not essential over these two

    1. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I can smell the fear

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Congrats on your points last week

        1. Jarnathan
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Actually I failed last week and brought Sterling, Sane and Zaha in for Hazard, Aguero and Barkley. (-4).

          It could backfire horribly.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Keep repeating it over and over and it might help

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I can smell the fear

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      if pool win tomorrow i am a bit confident not having sterling,sane

    4. InTommyWeTrust
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      ^this

      Salah four in five with two assists and those underlying numbers. Hazard at home to Fulham is not a fixture to move away from

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        What's with the 1 year icon?

        1. InTommyWeTrust
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Haven’t a clue

    5. TerryVenables
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I only have Aguero, Salah and Hazard too. However, we will get smashed most weeks. City are by far the best team in the league.

      1. TerryVenables
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Looking to hold FT this week and do Salah+Aguero > Sterling + Kane next week.

  22. Releasebreaks
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    So why not risking with city assets attacker, if others midfielders in the game expect Salah will always get points like 2 2 2 8 2 2 2

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      You need a translator mate 😉

      1. Releasebreaks
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yes, I meat to say: except Salah

  23. My Name Is Pepu
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Robben party 😀

  24. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling yc

  25. My Name Is Pepu
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling YC

  26. ESilva23
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Ederson, Foster
    Doherty, AWD, Alonso, Robbo, Digne
    Kenedy, Martial, Salah, Richarlison, Haz
    Arnie, Success, Jimenez

    1 ft, 3 mil itb

    Thinking of
    Ederson -> Fabianski and either
    a) Martial -> Sterling
    b) Rich -> Sane
    for -4 this week

    Then perhaps
    Salah -> Ozil (or other) and Jimenez -> Kane

    Any thoughts/suggestions?

    1. ESilva23
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      The salah and jimenez moves coming next week to two

  27. Jarnathan
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    How's young Kluivert playing for anyone watching the Roma match?

  28. R Whites
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Hazard, Fraser >> Silva, Sane?

    Alonso, Robertson, Duffy, Kiko, Bennett
    Salah, Silva, Sane, Richarilson, Cama
    Aguero, Jiminez, Arnie

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t be an ostrich

  29. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Martial back to horrible...

  30. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling is wasted playing deep.

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      u are not pep