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

    No price changes 🙂

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers Rainy

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers, Rainy.

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Sweet!

    4. Big Daddy Sam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers Rainy

      2 up, 1 down

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Don't believe you

    5. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      after yesterday's 0-2 defeat, it's a welcome 0-0 here!

    6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      How has Trippier not dropped. It’s a fix

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

        He's joined Stephens in the red light district... they live every night on the edge and they're never leaving

    7. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A.k.a. casuals have left the game 🙂

  2. yakirh
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Which Spurs players are you aiming for next GW? and how many of them?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      None. I will wait till after the Arsenal game.

      Unless we get intel on Aguero being benched.

      1. yakirh
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I meant after the Arsenal game

        Im thinking Kun Haz to Kane Alli/Eriksen/Sane

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      That being said prolly just Kane for Aguero and maybe Son for Martial

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Possibly Alli/Kane. Trippier will wait and see if I have the funds

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Already shipped Mane to fund Kane. If Hazard is injured or looks off it v Fulham, I'd be tempted to get in a Spurs mid next week

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

      Kane for Aguero maybe. But he’s expensive. Also could go for one of the mids. Son my favourite if he’s somewhat nailed.

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

    Best 5.5m striker please?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Ooo geez mate, it's slim pickings that's for sure!! Maybe better to get fodder and spend elsewhere?

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

        Haha.
        Thing is, I had Success and then upgraded to Jiminez
        (who i now need/want to ditch) so I can hatch my master plan in GW15. I'm going to bank transfer this week then take a -4 to do (Kun/Mane/Jim >>> Kane/Sane/5.5).

  4. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    We'll know something about Hazard before the match right ?

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

      they have a europa game on thu

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

      Unlikely I think.He will be anyways rested .Training pics for each day can give a clue.Training news on Thursday and Friday give better info as the main team won't play UeL so separate training sessions

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

    Best 5.5m striker for GW15 please??

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

      none, just downgrade to a 4.3 striker to get a premium 4th mid

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

      How much is Ings?

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

        nice troll, he is 5.4, but....

        - currently injured
        - plays for southampton, relegation favourites
        - gw15-17 fixtures include spurs and arsenal
        - 2 returns in the last 8 games, he is just not very good

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

          He will be fit for the weekend
          On penalties
          Nailed
          Rotates well with a 4.5 mid or defender
          Better than a non playing 4.3 forward over the most congested period of the season though

  6. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Playing 325 this week 😉

    Ederson
    Alonso / Robertson / AWB
    Camarasa / Billing
    Sterling / Jimenez / Kane / Aguero / Hazard
    (Hamer, Fraser, Digne, Jonny)

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team, what do you think of mine below

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

      I’d play Fraser over Billing.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, it's a very very close one that imo...it's just the fact I cant see Bou doing anything at City and Billing has being playing well recently (passing the eye test) with a nice home fixture.

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

          I can very well see Josh king slotting a penalty past ederson

  7. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this team for a hit?

    Fabianski
    TAA Vandijk Bennet Doherty
    Sterling Sane Salah
    Arnautovic Aguero Jiminez

    Hamer Brooks Camarasa Balbuena

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Solid squad that although dont particularly love the defensive double ups.

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

      No hazard Alonso could hurt this week but team looks decent

  8. The Quad
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    With sane, mahrez and sterling all having played the game against lyon which two are most likely to be starting against bournemouth?

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

      It’s anyone’s guess...but right now I’d say Sterling and Mahrez. But it could any of the two/or three.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Reckon Pep likely sticks with SAS up top for the BOU game

  9. HD7
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Fab
    Digne Alonso Bellerin Robbo
    Sterling FAnderson Eriksen Sane
    Arnie Kane

    Subs: Button, Success, Kenedy, WanB

    (+) Kane great Captain material;
    Double City and Spurs Atack;

    (-) No Liverpool and Chelsea attack, though their fixtures arent great around Christmas;

    If you have a better option around Bellerin price? But he has the fix and can have some assists 🙂

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

      Kenedy > 4.5
      Bellerin > 4.5
      Upgrade Anderson imo.

      But definitely wouldn’t get Bellerin, we can’t keep a clean sheet.

  10. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 2.

    A) Doherty (car)
    B) WanB (BUR)
    C) Richarlison (liv)
    D) Fraser (mci)

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

      CD

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      CD.

    3. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      AD

  11. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Current WC Start. Suggestions and views welcome

    Ederson Hamer
    TAA Robertson Alonso AWB PVA
    Sterling* Sane FAnderson Fraser billing
    Kane Arnautovic murray

    * Could become Hazard once we are clear on him . 50/50 ATM between the two

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good. Not convinced by Anderson. Would change him and Fraser out for likes of Sigurdsson/Martial/Richarlison likes of Hojberg to rotate with Billing, defender.

    2. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Don't like PVA + AWB and Liverpool doubling.

      PVA Rob => Bennett and 4.5 and upgrade elsewhere probably. Anderson => Alli etc. as WHU double up also.

  12. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Can I get.away with saving a FT here and doing surgery next week?

    Patricio
    Alonso Robertson TAA Doherty AWB
    Salah Hazard Sigurdsson
    Aguero Arnie

    Hart Ings Fraser Hojbjerg

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.

  13. Nigawan
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Should I sell Hazard for Sterling?

    a) DO IT
    b) DONT BE STUPID

    Patricio - Ryan
    Laporte - Robertson - Alonso - Wilmot - AWB
    Martial - Mane - **********Hazard*********** - Fraser - Richarlison
    Jiminez- Arnautovic - Aguero

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      b) as home to Fulham

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

      B Sterling was very quiet yesterday.All depends on pep and his tactics and it changes game to game.So points will swing roundabouts

  14. Jayv807
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    The combination of the milf dating adds on this site and the fact I also frequent the "Always Cheating" website could lead to a fun conversation with my wife someday.

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

      FFS sometimes like to refer mids as milf

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

      Haha

  15. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero silences critics and doubters who plan to switch him over to Kane.

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      the cool kids will have both and ditch liv attack 🙂

  16. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    A big concern for Sterling captainers as Pep shows he isnt afraid to play him in the midfield rather than out wide

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Didnt brought him for captaincy purpose, so not really an issue...

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, agree with Kane & Kun as my main captaicy options going forward...not too worried

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

      Wouldn't go that far. Bernardo Silva and Gundogan should be back for the weekend. I'd be more worried about benchings.

      Jesus for Agüero isn't out of the question either.

  17. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Benching decisions could seperate the men from the boys this week, especially if all the bit hitters play avoiding too much benchwankery!

  18. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    What do we think of Man City's line up yesterday? Will Sterling and Sane be dropped this week?

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

      Take a guess and see if you're right once the teamsheets are out.

      It doesn't look good but we've got no idea.

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

      No one as a clue.If u are looking long-term loadin on the man city assets as Pep's selections will even out.But if u have wc in hand shorterm pep could troll badly

  19. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Surely Foden is looking at Sancho and thinking of what could be.

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

      he has to leave to progress in his career, no way he will be able to break into the current man city team, and they will only keep buying players

  20. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Salah > Sane?

    Ryan Button
    Alonso Robertson Doherty Fernandez Bennett
    Salah Hazard Sterling Richarlison Diangana
    Arnie Wilson Kamara

    1. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I did Salah to Sterling. I am considering taking a hit to do Fraser to Silva or Haz to Sane (only if Haz was to be ruled out). Don't have enough ITB for Fraser to Sane or I would probably do that hit for sure now.

      I only brought in Salah four weeks ago and stuck with my plan to get rid again after they played Watford as I prefer how my team looks without him taking up the budget.

      I have a very similar team to yours

      Ederson, Hamer
      Alsono, Robbo, Doherty, AWB, Bennett
      Mane, Hazard, Sterling, Anderson, Fraser
      Arnie, Wilson, Jimenez

  21. Steiger
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Thinking about doing these two transfers for free next week, what do you guys think?

    Salah>Sane
    Arnie>Kane

    Any advice appreciated.

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

      what if salah gets a hat trick?

      my point is wait til this gw to be over to reassess

      1. Steiger
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, for sure. Just wanted to know if anyone would consider both transfers that's all. Cheers

    2. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I still think Arnie will be great value in coming weeks...

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

        not with that dodgy knee, im staying away

  22. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    A. Hazard > Sterling for free
    B. Hazard & Aguero to Kane & Sane -4
    C. Hazard, Aguer & Gud to Sterling, Kane, Brooks -8

    thoughts lads?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      D. Save

  23. Klein
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    How does this look over few gwks?
    Shaq to sane this week
    Followed by kun + hazz + arnie to kane + alii + laca?

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

      shaq to sane makes sense

      haz is a wait and see, it will be hard to drop him if he scored a brace or more

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed

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

        Thanks a lot.i can hold hazzard and arnie in that case. But alli and laca have superb fixtures

  24. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Which combo do you prefer from gw15 and onwards

    A) Aguero, Salah, Son
    B) Kane, Haz, Sane

    (Sterling in both options)

    Leaning towards B

    1. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      b absolute nobrainer

  25. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Save or spend?

    Fabianski
    Robertson | Alonso | Doherty | AWB
    Hazard | Mane | Mahrez | Barkley
    Aguero | Arnie

    (Richarlison | Digne | Success)

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

      mahrez to sane

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Could easily be Mahrez to do well this weekend. I think I keep him for one more week...

  26. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, I know Mane has a decent fixture this week but I’m quite tempted to tf him out for Sane. What do you guys think?

    Cheers

  27. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on going against the crowd and avoiding Man City over Christmas?

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Good luck with that

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

      judging by yesterday dont think thats bad an idea in all honesty

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      if you can gain pts somewhere else, not really an issue

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

        this

        1. chaser123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          So load up on the rotation proof players elsewhere?
          - Hazard
          - Kane
          - Mane/Salah
          - Lacazette

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Could work just fine if you play it right

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Who would you look to have in your team?

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Well it’s already a 3 from 5 scenario on premium attackers - so Haz, Salah, Kane (no Kun/Sterling)

        Then Alonso, Robbo, Trent, Trippier if fit

        One or two of Siggy, Martial, Rich, Mitro, Eriksen, Alli, Son, etc filling in the blanks

        It’s very possible on a WC, less so without

  28. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    would you get all three Sterling, Sane and D.Silva as a triple up?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      i may go that route if hazard is out

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

      nah 2 is enough

    3. Where has all the rum gone?
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      can you afford all 3?

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I played with this but how limited the team seems to become so limited in terms of excitement.

    5. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Not the worst idea, but 1-2 is probably sufficient

    6. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Could endup losing one each week.

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

      I did but Mahrez over Dilva.

  29. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Pep will want Aguero for the Chelsea game. That suggests he’s most likely going to start this weekend but not midweek next week!?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      he can play 60mins in all 3 games i guess

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I’d agree, but injuries May force him to keep starting Kun, who knows

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Agree with this

    3. Where has all the rum gone?
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      agueros performance against the top 6 hasnt been superb. starts or not. he will be just a smokescreen for his teamates to attack.

  30. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Was planning to WC next week, but if Hazard & Arnie both get ruled out do you think it’s worth WCing this week?

    Ederson
    Alonso, TAA, Doherty, Mendy*
    Salah, Hazard, Richarlison
    Aguero, Arnie, Jiménez

    Stek, Balbuena, Brooks, Hudson
    Bank 0.1m, 1FT

    * planned FT out this week

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      You have Spurs playing Arsenal and I am sure both sides in your thinking for WC. Wait for pressers and take out one of them. Probably Arnie if you intend keeping Haz for the long Haul