Opinion

FPL Question Time – Whether Salah is essential and the end of rotation threat

Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Salah (£13.3m) is the headline topic in this week’s Fantasy Premier League Question Time offering.

The Egyptian has wowed everyone with three goals and three assists in his last four top flight outings and his lofty price has many wondering how much to sacrifice to get him in.

We’ve asked one of the best managers in the game what his thoughts are on Salah, as well as discussing the end of rotation threat, differential strikers and how best to invest in Manchester United.

Who’s on the panel this week?

FPL General – one of the biggest names in Fantasy football with three top 500 finishes in his last four campaigns.

Tom from Who Got the Assist?, one of the FPL community’s most popular podcasts.

Holly from Fantasy Football Community, currently ranked 15k worldwide

Question 1 – FPL General

James: How essential is Salah going forward? Would you make multiple transfers to take out any of Hazard, Kane or Aubameyang to bring him in?

General: “This is a question I’m asking myself this week. Selling the Egyptian ahead of the festive fixtures was a costly decision and I’m looking to bring him back in this week.

“No player is essential, but Salah is the player I’d want to own for the next five Gameweeks more than any other.

“He can be captained in all five which is a big factor. He’s back to his best, playing in a team fighting for the league title, it’s not one to overthink.

“I will be making multiple transfers to fit him back in, most likely three moves for a -4 hit.

“Points hits to accommodate a player like Salah are fine as you would expect him to pay you those points back, especially if you are going to captain him often which is likely to be the case given Liverpool’s kind fixture run.

“To get Mo back, I must lose one of Kane or Hazard this week. I’m torn. Both have great fixtures. The fact that I’m no longer confident in handing the Belgian the armband may swing it in Kane’s favour.

“I was severely punished by Salah over the festive period and I won’t be making the same mistake again. He’s as close to essential as they come now.”

Question 2 – Tom

Nikolas Mavrogalos: Is it all time for everyone to buy a ticket and jump on the Ashley Barnes train?

Tom: “Ashley Barnes is an enabler. Let’s get that clear.

“He operates on the same plane as the temporarily injured Danny Ings does – a striker who will help you if you need to unlock cash for elsewhere in your side.

“What Barnes has on his side, though, are strong stats and good performances to the eye.

“He’s actually second over the last six Gameweeks for big chances, for example, and third for shots in the box. Strong stats however you look at it.

“With Fulham (home) and Watford (away) in the next two matches, he might be a strong pick if you need a player at his price point, but it’ll be one you’ll need to continually monitor.”

Question 3 – Holly

Suraj Janyani: Now the busy schedule is out of the way, can we go the cheapest bench possible and maximise funds in our first XI without fear of much rotation?

Holly: “Rotation wasn’t as bad as first feared over the busy schedule and we are very lucky this season to have players with regular minutes at the budget end of the pricing to fill our benches.

“Button is the choice keeper at £4.0m, at least for the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Bednarek £3.9m joins the likes of Bennett £4.1m, who started the season at 4.0 along with Wan-Bissaka.

“Those playing 3-4-3 have better cheap midfield options to choose from than those going 3-5-2. Camarasa at £4.6m and Westwood £4.5m represent the best value picks, but it’s possible to downgrade as far as Romeu/Gibbs-White at £4.3m or even Puncheon at £4.2m.

“Kamara at £4.6m is the only extra-cheap option for our front lines, but he’s been in Ranieri’s bad books and could lose his place during the transfer window.

“If you are in the situation where there’s no obvious transfer to be made in your team, look to downgrade your bench in preparation for maximising funds in the first XI.

“With double and blank Gameweeks starting to come on the horizon, an early look at the clubs to target could make the decision making process even easier.”

Question 4 – Tom

Carlos: Is it time to dump Martial? He seemed like the logical choice when Solskjaer took over Manchester United but Rashford and Pogba have stolen the show instead, while Martial has produced only one goal and assist in four matches…

Tom: “Martial is looking the fall guy for me of the players I have, as I’m doubled up with him and Pogba.

“The call is being made because there is an abundance of assets in midfield right now and I simply want another option.

“However, Martial is a clinical player who has it in him to be a match winner for Manchester United, as we saw early in the season.

“This is very much one where there’s a case to keep or sell, but it is very dependent on your situation and who you might replace him with to complement your strategy going forward.”

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1,443 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ambrosiana Inter
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard to sterling?

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

      No

    2. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      For free, yes

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Presume you’ll be doing it?

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          No. I want Arnautovic more than I want to get rid of Hazard.

          If I had no other transfer to make I would, yes.

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No

    4. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No

    5. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting, I've both but can't decide who to ditch for Salah

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

    Lol. Lamela YC as usual.

  3. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Kane with his third dive in 5mins

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Getting better.

  4. MMN
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    1 FT, 0.1m ITB. Save and play Doherty or sell Lovren (can't see many good options for 5m)?

    Guaita
    Lovren, Alonso, Kola
    Son, Hazard, Anderson, Lingard, Richa
    Auba, Kane

    Button, Kamara, Kiko, Doherty

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Lovren to Kolasinac? Or save and sort out next week

      1. Monkey Hanger
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Could be back next week.

        1. MMN
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          So will Gomez and Matip

    2. MMN
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Already have Kola

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry missed that!! Save for me

  5. *sigh*
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Spurs really dishing out the dirt on Eden.

  6. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I don't know about lot but I am so glad Sarri-ball came to England

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Once he gets 2 or 3 more players in they will be challenging I think

  7. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Going to be a fiery return leg. A 'Battle of The Bridge' if you like.

  8. Origi-nal
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard & Lingard -> Salah & Camarasa for free?

    1. Paulie Walnuts
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  9. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Lucky Alonso!

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Not really lucky, Lamela can’t do anything without fouling

  10. Little fekirs
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    A. Salah, Kane, Deul
    or
    B. Sterling, Auba, Sane

  11. Ambrosiana Inter
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks for reply to previous post..so haz to,sterling no, would u
    Willian mitro to
    D silva , CLewin/Barns
    Or
    B Silva C Wood?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      D silva and Barnes out of those

      1. Ambrosiana Inter
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

  12. *Reformed-Character*
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard is a special player - outrageously good!

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yup, a joy to watch

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

      worth the armband at the weekend?

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Regardless of his returns this evening - he was sensational, my concern is the players around him...this may deter me from captaining! Shame really he deserves so much more.

  13. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    How would you fund Salah from this lot? Hazard? Auba?

    Patrício (Hamer)
    TAA, Holebas, Alonso, Doherty (Bennett)
    Lingard, Sané, Son, (Fraser, Billing)
    Auba, Kane, Rashford
    1.4 itb

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

      Downgrade the strikers.

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

      Is Hazard meant to be in that midfield?

      1. KLOPPTOMANIA
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Oops, Sané is Hazard, app was old

        1. Stockport Hatter
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Ah ok. I’m seriously considering Hazard to Salah for free. I’m unsure whether to go Pereyra and Aubameyang to Salah and Barnes/Arnie fir a hit though. I’ll hold until Saturday morning and see where I’m at then.

          1. KLOPPTOMANIA
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Similarly thinking of Auba/Lingard to Barnes/Salah or Auba/Son to Salah/Arnie. Would wait but Salah will rise today or tomorrow

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      You don’t have Hazard.

  14. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Ings to Barnes?

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      If you can't wait for Ings to return, then yes. Barnes stats look muy bueno.

    2. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Smashley went on a run of pts and cards about this time last season.

      1. AuFeld
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        And Chris Wood. They were great at the end of last season.

  15. TeamSteam
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    How`s Hazard doing?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Dangerous himself but playing with duds.

      1. TeamSteam
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Yikers. Ta.

    2. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      He’s been sensational, but as Rainer states - his attacking teammates are woeful.

  16. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    The wife told me to get 6 cans of sprite in the supermarket this evening. I picked 7 up

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Writing for crackers will have to wait another 9 months

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Smell my cheese.
        Now that's a cracker

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Ha

  17. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Fab
    Robbo / Digne / Holebas
    Hazard (c) / Salah / Son* / Pogba / Richarlison
    Kane / Deeney

    Button // Wan-B, Kamara, Bednarek

    2FT, 0.1 ITB. Any ideas for this week?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Could lose a transfer. Team looks good. Not a massive fan of Deeney but that’s about it

      1. abaalan
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Yeh was thinking that it might happen.... first time for everything

    2. S3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Deeney to Barnes?

    3. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Either this week or next, you could go Robbo to TAA Son to Sane

      1. abaalan
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Considerig Pogba + Kamara -> Rashford + cheapie
        Then Son -> Sane

        Or just Son + Kamara -> Arnie + cheapie next week and then Deeney -> rashford/Jimenez following week

  18. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Skipp looks like a 50 year old man

  19. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Not seen Skipp before....doesn’t look like a footballer!

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      What's that Skipp? There's a kid stuck in the mine shaft?

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Nice grieves

    2. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Bush kangaroo I thought.

  20. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Skipp to the end

  21. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hmmmm Kane played the whole 90 mins. Rested this week?

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

      Yeah, confirmed.

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

      95 minutes, actually. He might never play again.

  22. EDUARDO DA SILVA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    M. Oliver poor as always.
    City will smash spuds with that football.

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Must be a big saucepan

  23. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Skipp looks like a young Phil Jones

  24. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Spurs really flogging poor Llorente with all these minutes he playing in the last 5 days

  25. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea 17 shots

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      5 on target only 1 more than spurs

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      And not one was close to being a goal

  26. Greko82
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Need your opinion.

    Hazard + Mane -> Salah + Anderson

    Yes or no?

    1. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No no no

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

    Why was Rudiger picking on that little boy?

  28. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    The only good thing I’ve seen Lamela do is that rabona goal years ago (which to be fair was very good). Just wanted to throw that out there.

  29. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Burnley vs Spurs or Chelsea vs Brighton

    AND

    Everton vs Man City

    Wont take place in GW27.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Did anything change today?

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      What if Burton win?

      1. Monkey Hanger
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Far better for GW27.

  30. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Captain:

    A) Hazard (NEW)
    B) Son (MUN)

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. S3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Haz

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I'm taking a punt with B