Pre-Season

The midfield bench fodder options available in FPL

Our analysis of the Fantasy Premier League price list will conclude with a look at budget midfielders.

While we may have struggled to so far pick out many gems among the cut-price defenders and forwards, the sheer weight of numbers among similarly priced midfielders – there are currently 119 such players priced between £4.5m and £5.5m inclusive at the time of writing – suggests there may be more joy to be had in the middle of the park.

With sub-£6.0m midfielders representing more than 25% of all FPL players, we will split this analysis into three separate articles.

This first piece will look at players available for £4.5m, the second focusing on £5.0m midfielders and a final feature to follow on those available at £5.5m.

The £4.5m Options

There are, at the time of writing, 35 FPL midfielders available for £4.5m.

The primary function of a £4.5m midfielder is to be an emergency option on our benches, to be ready to come in for a two-point (or better) return when rotation, injury and/or suspension bites hard.

The first requirement of such a player is that he is a reliable starter.

That immediately rules out a large number of Fantasy assets, although pre-season is yet to start in earnest and we may well see a surprise name emerge from this bargain bin of players.

Possible Starters

Leander Dendoncker was benched only once from Gameweek 22 to 38.

There aren’t too many players at £4.5m who can guarantee us a game.

One of the most popular options in FPL right now is Leander Dendoncker, who currently sits in 9.5% of squads.

The Belgium international had to bide his time to become a regular starter under Nuno Espirito Santo, not making the matchday squad until Gameweek 10 and failing to make a single start in the first half of the season.

Dendoncker’s debut finally came in Gameweek 20 and he went on to start all bar one of Wolves’ final 17 league fixtures.

The central midfielder has scored twice in 2019 and, after his full debut, only six players in his position went on to register more big chances – all of them more expensive in FPL.

Wolves’ participation in the Europa League may lead to some rotation but Santo’s squad is fairly small, so Dendoncker should still get plenty of league starts.

Isaac Hayden is the only £4.5m-rated FPL midfielder who features in more FPL squads at the time being, although the Newcastle midfielder – who started the Magpies’ final 20 games – is seeking a move away from the north-east for personal reasons and his whereabouts next season are still to be confirmed.

Dale Stephens made 29 starts for Brighton and Hove Albion last season, meanwhile, registering two attacking returns.

A regular under Chris Hughton, we will have to monitor the Seagulls in pre-season to see if he features prominently in new boss Graham Potter’s plans.

Matteo Guendouzi offers semi-regular starts but that, arguably, isn’t good enough when we are also concerned about rotation to our heavy hitters.

The French midfielder made 23 starts last season but was named as a substitute on a further 14 occasions, coming on ten times.

Oriol Romeu is perhaps up there with Dendoncker in terms of first-team prospects, having started 21 of the 23 matches that Ralph Hasenhuttl oversaw.

The one-time Chelsea midfield spoiler has scored exactly one goal in each of the last four seasons, which is arguably perfect for those who don’t want the anguish of seeing their third-choice substitute stuck on the bench after a double-digit haul.

We may be able to add Tom Trybull to the mix, with the Norwich defensive midfielder a regular starter in the second half of the season at the expense of fellow £4.5m asset Alex Tettey.

The Rest

Grady Diangana made six starts and 11 substitute appearances last season.

Nampalys Mendy made 23 starts last season but not one under Brendan Rodgers.

Aside from those already mentioned, Morgan Schneiderlin was one of only two other £4.5m midfielders who reached double figures for Premier League starts (ten) but even he looks likely to be a backup again this season.

Grady Diangana was briefly a budget midfielder to monitor last season but West Ham’s plethora of attacking options may again restrict his chances, while the future of anchormen Pedro Obiang (who made 12 starts for the Hammers) and Carlos Sanchez is in some doubt.

Moritz Leitner was peripheral in the season run-in for Norwich after being an ever-present in the first 18 matches (the Canaries being well stocked in central midfield), while youngster Todd Cantwell may well be sent out on loan by the Championship winners.

Henri Lansbury, Birkir Bjarnason and the ‘out of position’ Keinan Davis look unlikely to be heavily involved at Villa, meanwhile.

The likes of Mohamed Elneny, Danny Drinkwater, Matty James and James McCarthy would appear to be backup options or surplus to requirements at their respective clubs, with only Arsenal’s Egyptian making any league starts (five) last season.

Youngsters such as Ethan Ampadu at Chelsea, Luke Dreher at Crystal Palace, Tahith Chong and James Garner at Manchester United, and Callum Slattery and Tyreke Johnson at Southampton will be hoping for breakthrough seasons at their respective clubs but remain only prospects for the future at present. Only Slattery of this group made a league start last season.

Brighton’s Beram Kayal will have his fingers crossed for more game-time under new boss Potter, while defensive midfielder Hamza Choudhury is one to monitor (for starts, if not attacking returns) as he continues his development under Brendan Rodgers.

Daniel Amartey is the other Leicester midfield option at £4.5m but it is difficult to see where the some-time right-back fits into Rodgers’ system when he returns from an ankle injury.

Oliver Skipp made just two starts at Spurs last season, while Domingos Quina and Nathaniel Chalobah – who were in Javi Gracia’s starting XI on just three occasions each – will likely be backup options again in central midfield.

Rafael Camacho has left Liverpool on a permanent deal while Luke Amos has joined QPR on loan from Spurs.

It should be stressed that the above information is how we see the picture in early July and there is plenty that could happen between now and Gameweek 1.

We’ll keep you up to speed on all the developments in pre-season and shine a light on any names from this price tier should they look like threatening some league starts.

1,267 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts/Preference?

    A)
    Lloris
    TAA, Robbo*, Walker, Digne
    KDB, Richar, Moura*, Brooks
    Kane, King*

    Button, Jorginho, Azpi, Greenwood

    B)
    Lloris,
    TAA, Walker, Digne, Azpi
    KDB, Richar, Brooks, Dendoncker*
    Kane, Aguero*

    Button, Jorginho, Diop*, Greenwood

    1. Ghost Ship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Got to get some Liverpool attack in there.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This*

      2. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I figured that would be the first comment. Would probably move one of Kane/Kun to a Liverpool attacker depending on who ends up firing.

      3. @FPL_Chess
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I think, in terms of value, Liverpool's defence appeared a better call last season.

        • Skalla
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I think TAA and Robbo should count as Liverpool 'attack'!

    2. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Who is villa's no1 keeper? Nyland or steer?

      Looking at villa Burnley keeper rotation....

      Thanks

      1. Captain Fozzy
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Rumoured that they are getting Butland

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hed be good for 4.5

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      which do you prefer?

      a. Jimenez & Maddison

      b. Siggy & Deulofeu/Jota

      Cheers

      1. Ghost Ship
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Personally avoiding wolves as Europa League messes up any team it touches. Also not sure where Maddison plays this season

        So b with delafeu

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          This isn't actually true, as evidenced by a post on an article a few days ago, however it may impact individuals directly.

          1. Ghost Ship
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            What the europa league? Definitely destroys the defense for the “smaller” teams. Someone like Chelsea can cope. Evidence being Pulis’ stoke getting thumped 7-0.

            1. Zenith UK
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Defence, OP isn't adding defenders but attackers

              1. cheekumz
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                to be fair his example of a 7-0 defeat doesn't make a great argument for attackers either lol. But regardless, one game is hardly enough to base a decision on.

      2. Captain Fozzy
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        B with Deulofeu

      3. @FPL_Chess
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Jimenez and Siggy for me.

        • the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          thanks for the comments

      4. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Lucas Moura could be an ok punt for GW1 with plenty of options (such as LEI mids) to downgrade him to if needs be.
        Thoughts on the below 442 squad?

        Ederson
        Robertson / TAA / VVD / Coleman
        Sterling / Siggy / Lucas / Fraser
        Vardy / King
        (Button, ASmith, Greenwood, Dendonker)

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          no Salah or Mane?

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Pretty sure I'm going to start with triple LIV defence and hope for massive returns v Norwich to start with 🙂
            Salah & Mane potentially eased into the season after AFCON but even so, that's not been part of my thinking tbf.

            1. the dom 1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              good to see you have a plan in place lad..

            2. Snevitz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              It worked out really well towards the end of last season, really helped my rank despite Sterling not being a particularly consistent captain. If I'd captained TAA for the last 6 weeks instead....

        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Looking good. Moura could be worth a punt indeed.

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers mate, if I go Kaneless he will very likely be in my GW1 team 🙂

        3. Ghost Ship
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Don’t triple defense. Get Salah or mane.

        4. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I've currently got Moura in my team and he's an easy downgrade to Anderson (WHU) for bha, wat, NOR, avl GW2,3,4,5. It'll only return 0.5M but could definitely be worth it

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            hard to predict WHU atm but def worth considering a move like that with those fixtures!

            1. Zenith UK
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              If we don't sell Diop (we shouldn't, makes zero sense) then you've got a good rotation between him and Boly/Coady with one bench fodder.

        5. DeathoftheParty
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Would Pocc not start with;

          Alli/Eriksen/Son

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            No, son is banned GW1/2

            1. DeathoftheParty
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Knowledge! Time for a Moura punt!

              1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                He’s in my squad for GW1 for sure.

          2. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Son is suspended for the first three games.

            1. DeathoftheParty
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Moura Moura!!!

            2. Zenith UK
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              First two* he missed the last game of last season

              1. jia you
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                yes, my mistake, cheers

      5. Ghost Ship
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        New draft. £1m in bank so obviously looking to upgrade a couple of defenders once clearer who’s starting. Taylor is there for now if takes tarkowskis place if he leaves.

        Ederson 4.0
        Robertson Coleman Kelly Taylor O’Connell
        Salah Richarlison Zaha 4.5 4.5
        Aguero Vardy King

        Thanks

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Not a fan of the backline at all, way to weak. Either nil returns or negatives

          1. Ghost Ship
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Sorry should be Gibson not Taylor. Assuming he and Kelly play you don’t reckon playing two out of Burnley, palace and Sheffield is good enough?

        2. Penguin
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Looks good to me

      6. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm always a fan of a 3-5-2 formation and really like this draft team. However, I'd appreciate some feedback on any improvements or issues that you guys spot.

        Ryan
        TAA | Robertson | Digne
        Salah | KDB | Siggy | Perez | Zaha
        Vardy | King

        Bench: usual rubbish

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Very nice

        2. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Strong team as long as you have a playing sub on your bench.

        3. Ghost Ship
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Ideally needs sterling or Aguero

          1. The Mighty Hippo
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I'll start with Sterling if it looks as though Salah may be rested after AFCON, but otherwise I think KDB will do very well this season.

            1. Ghost Ship
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Just think you can’t gamble on arguably the best attack in the league. Got to get it covered or you will get mullered.

              1. Baby Bowen
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                That's what KdB is for. 200 point player for 9.5m

              2. Zenith UK
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                As above. KDB going to run it up this season

        4. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I like this a lot, 4.5 defender first sub?

          1. The Mighty Hippo
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Unfortunately the bench is pretty weak, but I always work on the assumption that points on the bench are points wasted and therefore only ever really expect 2pts coming in at the mist. The first 11 are all regular starters and if any are likely to be out for more than a week or so they can be transferred.

        5. Baby Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Brilliant team. TAA/Robbo to VVD and Perez to Maddison and you have achieved perfection

          1. The Mighty Hippo
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            That's a good option. Maddison will hit the ground running from the start, whereas Perez is a bit risky.

        6. Kobayashy
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Decent team, but are you not concerned by Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham in 6 of the opening fixtures? Or maybe hoping Vardy will continue his decent scoring record against the top sides?

        7. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I love it, but don't have the balls for KDB over Sterling myself...

          I really should get some balls though - over the first bunch of weeks I will be favouring Salah as captain...

          1. Kobayashy
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            That's because you're not paying attention to the most important statistic, Dan.

            1. DantheManinaPan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              😎

      7. R.C
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        How do you check FPL league code if I have renewed a previous league?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          It tells you the code when you renew it

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Well it didn't any other way to check?

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Go to leagues page, click on league then click on Administer. It's at the top

      8. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Just realised that Lloris missed about 5 to 6 games last season. His points total would've been right up there with Ederson if he had played every game 😯

        1. Ghost Ship
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Good point.

        2. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Ah he saved 2 penalties vs 0 for Ederson. That explains it. Nothing to see here lol

          1. Valar(Keith)
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Thought Ederson did get an assist too. Remove the freak points and they'd have still been just 10 or so points apart. Wish the difference was 1.0 million and not 0.5 though for the risk attached

            1. Ghost Ship
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Just imagine if lloris hadn’t been hungover half the season.

      9. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I think one of Perez/Maddison will disappoint.

        Maddison is one of Leicester’s best players imo. So Rodgers has to start him at his best position. That’s attacking central midfielder, n10.

        So, way I see it, Perez only fits in as the attacking right midfielder, which is NOT his best position.

        To me, Perez doesnt fit in Leicester’s best XI

        Schmeichel
        James Maguire Evans Chilwell
        Ndidi Tielemans
        Pereira Maddison Barnes
        Vardy

        ... with that formation, he can only replace Pereira; Pereira then playing right back instead of James.

        If Rodgers wants to get the best of Perez, he has to play another formation. But if he does, he wont get the best out of Maddison.

        That’s why for me, Rodgers would be right to consider Perez as a back-up to Vardy and/or Maddison in a 4231. Nth more.

        He prob wont, though. Which means one of Perez or Maddison will probably disappoint us, FPL-wise.

        1. Kobayashy
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I agree, and I'm also not sure I see the value of Maddison over someone like Zaha who will likely see a greater points return after being reclassified as a midfielder.

        2. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          LEI as a whole will be so much more attacking than CPL that's where the benefit will be. Zaha has to carry Palace. No Bats or AWB this season either most likely.

          1. Kobayashy
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Chelsea, Spurs and United in their opening 6. Plus surely the fact Zaha has to 'carry Palace' implies he will be more at the centre of any goals they do score.

        3. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Waiting on Tielemans. 7.5m - I'm in.

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Getting that many attacking returns was unlike him you know. Not sure he can sustain that. For 6.0 Id get him in.

      10. Ceefax Page 302
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Have decided to put together a team without Salah, Mane, Sterling or Aguero, spreading money across 13 of the 15 players. How could i improve the following?

        Pickford, Woodman
        Robertson, Digne, Ake, Duffy, Kelly
        KDB, Sigurdsson, Fraser, Anderson, Zaha
        Vardy, Wilson Jimenez

        1. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          You're leaving out four of the leagues best players so you can have money on the bench? Seems pretty wild to me.

          1. Ceefax Page 302
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yep 🙂 Have looked at the fixtures and it gives me a pretty much solid starting 11 each week through to game week 12.

            1. Supersonic Marv'
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Stout fellow. I hope it pays off for you.

              1. Ceefax Page 302
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Thanks - so do i, lol!

        2. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Fraser > Brooks
          Wilson > King

          Allows additional funds to maybe upgrade another defender. Other than that in terms of an even spread team, nice. Who'd have ever thought a triple BOU/EVE up would ever be a good idea?!

          1. Ceefax Page 302
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I did think about king as he's on pens though the assists for Wilson last season swung it his way. Brooks I'll keep an eye on as its easier to downgrade a player than upgrade imo.

      11. Macca4092
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thoughts guys?
        I think a strong defence will be key this year but I’m worried it has left me too weak in other areas. Lack of Man City mid concerns me also

        Pickford (Button)

        TAA | Robbo | Coleman | Pereira | Laporte

        Salah (c) | Zaha | Perez | Fraser (Dendoncker)

        Kane (studge) (wickham)

        1. palace ash
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Don't like the Pereira pick (early poor fixtures especially)
          Need a Man City attacker.

          1. Macca4092
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah think a Man City attacker is essential, I’ll probably go for B.Silva given my available funds and make some changes in defence

        2. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Pereira, Fraser & Zaha > Diop, Brooks & KDB?

          1. Macca4092
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I like Brooks but think it would be risky taking out Fraser given his returns and Bournemouth fixtures

      12. palace ash
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        First draft: Looking to build a squad for GWs 1-4, then WC during international break.

        XXX, Button
        Robertson, XXX, XXX, Digne, XXX
        Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Zaha, Dendonker
        King, Deulofeu, Wickham

        A: Ederson, Gomez, Zinchenko, Ward
        B: Ryan, Laporte, VvD, Kelly

        1. Macca4092
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Definitely B, Ryan is a solid choice for his price and Laporte will give u more defensive returns by sacrificing Ederson. Gomez vs VVD is interesting, Gomez would free up funds but would have to gauge is playing time pre-season, also a rotation risk given Matip strong finish to the season

        2. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Not a fan of Zaha or Deulo.
          Could downgrade Salah to Mane to have both Ederson and Laporte?

        3. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          B

      13. @FPL_Chess
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Joining code for FPL Chess ~ Grandmaster Edition ~ 2019/20 season:

          cmoq01

          We've had 780+ players in the previous two seasons.

          Favourite moment after playing this for many years was the season before last, when the first eight players in FPL Chess came from eight different countries. I loved that.

          @FPL_Chess (twitter)

        • mcmd11
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          thoughts on this team?

          Ryan (Button)
          VVD Digne Robo Laporte (Kelly)
          Salah Sterling Zaha Maddison (Dendoncker)
          Jimenez King (Greenwood)

          Cheers

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Like it! Would try to upgrade Zaha/Maddi to Sigurdsson.
            Laporte -> 5.5

        • No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          A) Ederson, Smith and Robertson (have TAA)

          B) Ryan, Laporte and VVD

          1. NIKO.
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            B

        • Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          For one spot in a team. Would you prefer
          A) Taylor + Diop + Dunk rotating for one spot for their easy home games with the other 2 acting as an OK bench
          B) Coleman + 4.0 + 4.0.. Coleman playing every week with no bench whatsoever (the other bench spot is a 4.5 forward)

          1. Bambi
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            A. wouldn't feel comfortable knowing that you have zero player coming off the bench

            1. Valar(Keith)
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Exactly. Ive always had a good bench. This year seems trickier but I still need some security 🙂

              1. Bambi
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                this is the reason why im not a fan of 5 midfield - the baseline options at 4.5 gives a good bench insurance.

                1. Bambi
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  whereas the 4.0 defenders and 4.5 forwards wont get minutes - therefore 4 in midfield seems like a decent compromise

                2. Valar(Keith)
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  I prefer the 4.5 options in defense compared to the likes of dendonker and Stephens though. Can always expect a fluke cleansheet from them. That being said dendonker does look like he could get 5+ attacking returns a season. Could be worth restructuring

          2. Valar(Keith)
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Fixtures for the rotation would be SOU WHM SOU NOR BUR NOR avl CPL for the first 8.. Not bad at all. And the bench fixtures wouldn't be half bad either

            1. Valar(Keith)
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              avl and SHU complete the first 10 fixtures of that rotation. Expecting a 4 ppg for that fixture run surely can't be expecting too much 🙂

          3. Zenith UK
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Valar, option C to consider (maybe?) go Diop/Boly with a fodder. Diop & Boly rotating means you don't face a single top 6 team from last season. Food for thought? Sorry if I made the conundrum even worse! 😀

            1. Valar(Keith)
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              The more options the better :).. Thanks zenith

        • Bambi
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Heaton
          Robbertson - TAA - Digne - Coleman - Zinch/Maguire*
          Salah - Sterling - Zaha
          Vardy - Deulofeu

          Bench: 4.0, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5

          *or whoever is the best city option at 5.5

        • Warby84
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Struggling for a 5m keeper between

          Foster
          Fabianski
          Leno

          Currently on Foster, I could go Ryan to upgrade VVD to Alex-Arnold..

          Any thoughts?

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I would do that, the 5.0m range feels like a dead zone

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I'd go the other way and find 0.5 for Pickford.

          3. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Fab out of those GK's

        • Marmalade Forest
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I’m sure it’s been asked a thousand times but what are the thoughts of

          VVD+TAA/Robbo+Laporte
          Or
          Mendy/Walker/Zinc+TAA+Robbo

          I think the second one if we can be 80% certain on the City Full-back.

          1. KunDogan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Zinc(if close to starting)+TAA+Robbo

        • Whats the Mata?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Think there must be a HT on this?

          Assuming most of us are doubling up on Liverpool defense, which TWO among Robertson, TAA and VVD are y'all opting for? And why?

          TAA has setpieces and probably the best attacking potential among the three but not the level of security of starts like Robbo or VVD.

          Robertson lies 2nd among the three in terms of attacking potential from open play plus has the security of starts.

          VVD is the MOST nailed player in that Liverpool team and probably will never be rotated. Yes, hardly any attacking potential from open play but is a beast from corners/setpieces. Plus is 0.5m cheaper compared to Robbo and TAA.

          Hope the discussion here helps people find the best duo.

          Cheers 🙂

          1. Iceball
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Currently on Robertson/VVD but very unsure, even more after reading this 🙂

          2. Bambi
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            TAA and Robertson. I would be too scared to only own one knowing that every other week you will be disappointed when the one you don't have hauls.

          3. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            TAA for attacking returns and VVD for security, and use the 0.5m elsewhere.

            Obviously Robertson and TAA are the best 2, just can't stretch to it.

          4. dunas_dog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            TAA and VVD as that .5 m helps get 7 m mid. TAA biggest goal threat and can see VVD getting more attacking returns from corners etc.

            Also we do not know yet if Robbo will be fit for start of season.

          5. Supersonic Marv'
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Anybody considered all three? You could possibly have KDB and Sterling instead of a liverpool attacker.

          6. Kobayashy
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Robertson and VVD for me, because of a) the saved 0.5m and b) less threat of rotation from Gomez.

          7. Zenith UK
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Reading this. TAA & VVD (easier to type)
            Just kidding. TAA crosses to VVD. Assist and Goal. Robbo be quiet please 🙂

          8. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            VVD is gold for 6.5 but cant look past TAA and Robbo. 25 assists between them last season. Crazy. Considering all three of them but that obviously means no Salah.

            1. TAA
            2. Robbo
            3. VVD

          9. Winston.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Currently on TAA and VVD

          10. Scotty B
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Alisson & VVD is the safest and cheapest way to go

          11. Skalla
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            The one I don't pick will score GW1 , so prob just going for a triple up and watch Salah and Gomez rack up the points!

          12. Dybala10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Robbo and VDV for security of starts. Gomez being back makes things difficult for TAA.

        • statenisland
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Any love for Teemu Pukki at 6.5?

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I need to see how the promoted teams go about things first.

          2. Kobayashy
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Could be FPL gold. Opening fixtures and preseason will tell.

          3. Marmalade Forest
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Lots of love for him, but think he costs too much to think about him in the pre-season squad.

            I think King is a better option at 6.5, the 7+ strikers are all better and 6.5 is too much to regularly bench.

            Over the season, if he scores 100 points, I think most 5m defenders will match it.

            The new signing also means we have 3 strikers when we’ll probably only ever play 120 minutes per game between Pukki, Srnby and Drmic

            1. statenisland
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Good sensible advice. thanks

        • Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Anyone feel like copying my team?

          Ederson 4.0
          TAA Robertson Digne Coleman Walker
          KDB Salah Siggy Pogba 4.5
          King 4.5 4.5

          1. Blanka
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Pogba a joke, right?

          2. Supersonic Marv'
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Get rid of Pogba and we'll talk.

          3. Kobayashy
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Can't tell if serious...

          4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Sure someone does

        • Kobayashy
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Richarlison is going to outscore Sigurdsson this season, both in terms of goals and FPL points. #ChangeMyMind

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            No he wont. Changed your mind.

          2. Homer21
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Lol

          3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I just wonder whether Siggy may emerge as a bit of a troll figure this season... he’s being hugely well backed, and he did do well last year overall, and has nice starting fixtures so lots of positives.

            But Digne is the man on DFK’s & Corners now which removes a lot of Siggy’s set piece threat.... his penalty record of late is also poor (missed 4 of 7 in the last year) leaving him very heavily reliant on G & A from play for FPL points

            He’s a player I could see regressing rather than kicking on to score 200 points, but equally no one would be suprised to see him with 40-50 points on the board by GW7 either

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I think he'll do fine, but the reason he's a bit unreasonably popular at the moment is due to lack of competition. His price bracket is where you expect to find viable midfielders from Arsenal, Chelsea, United. But there's no one.

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                When he has set pieces he’s a hugely useful FPL asset for sure... what would you project him at points wise for the first 5 games, and for the season?

            2. The Polymath
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Don't trust Siggy prefer Fraser.

            3. Winston.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Yes, possible of course... but has he ever let you down (if not injured)? What about Zaha - great player, but if he stays in CPL, his opening fixtures don’t look that great...and if he goes to Arsenal, what does that mean FPL-wise? Zaha might a great pick for the season though...

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                He had 23 blanks in 38 games last season - I think people sometimes forget just how often these 7.0-8.0 mids deliver 2 points - as often if not more so than the 6.0-7.0 defenders we’re blessed with this season

                Digne & Coleman for example both got 85-ish points in 2019 (Digne 16 games, Coleman 14 games)

                Siggy struggles to break 80 in 2019 from 17 games...

                He’s a lovely player, it there’s just that nagging doubt about him now in FPL given his price, the loss of set pieces, the penalty record, how cheap the wingbacks are etc and especially given Everton’s defensive form - if Gueye stays

          4. Eat my goal!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            If you said in the first half of the season or 1st 15 games I’d probably agree

            We all know rich likes into go MIA by Christmas

        • S3
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Ryan
          TAA | Zinchenko | Digne
          Salah | Sterling | Siggy | Moura | Zaha
          Calvert | King

          Button I El Mohamady I Kelly I Long

          SMEs Pls RMT

        • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Best 5.5 mid/forward options? For bench

          1. Asbestos City
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Kodjia

          2. Jafoole_88
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Mark my words: John McGinn will absolutely j!ZZ in this season, plus Villa's fixtures are decent

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Card magnet with little big man attitude. No thanks

              1. Jafoole_88
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                He's got a bigger stub than you

          3. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            There's nothing. Better nab a 4.5 and invest a million where it'll be more useful.

            1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              That's what I was thinking aswell. But if you are pleased with your XI and have a million left, it would be good to know your options in that price bracket.

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                If I was really happy with my Starting XI, I'd bank the million.

                1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Cheers mate!

        • The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          The creator of a private FPL league has renewed it from last year and can see me on the list of members but it's not appearing on my list of private leagues. Any ideas? I have logged out and back in again.

          1. Dybala10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Clear cache?

        • Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Best 4.5 keeper? Anyone considered Villa?

          1. The Polymath
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Nope

            1. Eat my goal!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I haven’t really looked at their stats but fixtures are favourable

        • Winston.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Comments on this one? Could 541 work ?

          Ederson
          TAA VVD Digne Coleman Trippier
          Salah Sterling Sigurdsson Zaha
          King

          Dendoncker 4.5 4.5

          1. The Polymath
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Not sure about Trippier, otherwise looks good.

            1. Winston.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah, risky - but can switch him to City 5.5 defender if available after opening games

              1. Marmalade Forest
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Bold going to put two 4.5 strikers on the bench/in the bin.

                You’ll feel a little silly if King gets benched. You’re also limited in an easy out if you want to get rid of him.

                But makes your ten players look very good.

        • Scotty B
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          So tough this, which one would you guys go for and why?

          A Alisson, Walker, VVD, Laporte, Digne, Ake
          B Ederson, Coleman, VVD, Laporte, Robertson, Smith
          C Ederson, Robertson, VVD, Walker, Digne, Smith
          D Pickford, Walker, Robertson, VVD, Laporte, Smith
          E Alisson, Walker, VVD, Laporte, Coleman, Keane
          F Ederson, Coleman, Walker, VVD, Robertson, Ake

          1. Francescoli
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            B because I’m not a fan of Walker

            1. The Polymath
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Not sure I would even go for a keeper over 4.5 to start the season.

              1. Scotty B
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                With Ederson or Alisson though you are pretty much set and forget for the season

            2. Scotty B
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Smith nailed?

            3. Scotty B
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              What's not to like?

          2. Winston.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            B

          3. Sandy Ravage
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            None. I'd rather have 2 City forwards

        • Francescoli
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Thoughts on Trippier this season?

          1. The Polymath
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Nothing to suggest he's worth getting.

            1. Francescoli
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Takes freekicks and very attacking. Threat of rotation is the only thing that puts me off.

              1. The Polymath
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                True but even then can be hit or miss.

              2. Zenith UK
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Pretty sure that Aurier just got injured at AFCON?

          2. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I have him atm but need to see situation pre season re starts, incoming transfers and Aurier injury

          3. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Not sure the manager trusts him, to be honest.