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. mcmd11
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which option?

    A) Maddison + Jimenez
    B) Sigi + Jota

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

      second option edges it for me.

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      both are good, probably b because of everton fixtures

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

      Aye, 2 for me

  2. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How about this? With VAR looking at 5 - 7 penalty takers in team.

    Heaton
    TAA - VVD - Digne
    Salah - Jorge - Sigurdsson - Brooks
    Kun - Vardy - King

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      its not a full squad

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

      Im counting 6 at max. Jorge as in Jorginho? no.

      1. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Jorge takes penalties for Italy. Punt I know.

        Sorry, left bench out. It's rotten.

    3. LSK
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Digne and Brooks to Ritchie and Mili for extra penalty takers

      1. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Like the Mili move. But Ritchie as in Newcastle Ritchie? God no

        1. LSK
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, wasn't being serious, just trying to get you more penalty takers. I like Brooks for the first 2 fixtures and then you can switch to West Ham/Leicester mid if he's not performing.

          1. jayzico
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            cheers man

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

    Currently have Jorginho in my starting 11 as an enabler. Should start and get the odd clean sheet bonus. However, if he's on penalties could he turn in to a milivojevic type player? Could end up a being a steal at 5.0.

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      they dont have zaha to win them penalties every week

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

      Is he really on pens or is this just an assumption

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        he took one last year, only player other than hazard to do so

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

          Surely lamps will have a say in whose on pens and if giroud plays he’ll want them

          1. jayzico
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Either him or Luiz. Lamps could change all that though. Preseason will tell us more

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

              Yep, the season seems like an eternity away

              1. jayzico
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Ahaaa

      2. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yes

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

      Willian could be first choice for pens for all we know. New manager.

    4. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      This. And I'd say he's 85% on for penalties

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

      I have him in most my drafts. Will be disappointed if it doesn't look like he's first choice or that he's not on penalties because having a 5.0 4th mid is what most of my teams have been relying on.

    6. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic will take pens

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

    KDB on option from the off or not?

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Better options there

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

        I’m currently on mo raz and kdb but figure actually it’s best to opt for siggy or rich and use the spare cash elsewhere

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yea

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

      KDB and Vardy is in my team ahead of Sterling and 6.5. As long as he's fit he is gold for 9.5 imo.

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

        Yeah if he can regain his form injury free it’s a no brainer but I’m in two minds since mo & raz burn the budget - that said putting in the price point allows for son or others

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

          If KDB if injured early on - easy swap to Son

    3. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yep.

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

    Which option is better:

    A. Trippier and Wilson
    B. TAA and Deul

    Have Robertson and King too..

    Thanks!

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

      B

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably B but would also consider VVD & Giroud. Emphasis on 'consider'; may not be what you're looking for.

    3. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  6. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What 5.5 DEF would you pick to fit into this back line?

    Ederson
    TAA Robbo Digne ?

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

      Trippier

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Is he nailed?

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

          Aurier is injured. But dont really know, have to monitor. But if he is, real steel at 5.5.

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

      Zinky/Stones/Gomez - decide after Community Shield.

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

      I guess there is zinchenko and maguire if he moves to city

      But in that case I wouldn’t have Ederson

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

      Trippier is worth the risk imo

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

      Matip or Stones maybe? Monitor in pre season.

    6. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Trippier but keep an eye on Chelsea - Christensen could be a bargain at 5.0 with Rudiger out.

    7. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Coleman

  7. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is there a pairing of 4.5 DEF's that rotate well?

    1. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Taylor (Burnley) and Targett (AV)

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

        I'm not sure about Targett me like. Aston Villa's defensive record last season was atrocious.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Quite a few, use that ticker.

    3. LSK
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I've not looked into it massively, but with Diop and either Dunk or A Smith, you won't have any difficult fixtures for the first 8-10 weeks by which point you will have probably wildcarded. Always thought that it's foolish looking at full season rotations as you won't be keeping them all season.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That's very true actually. Thanks.

      2. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yup Fredericks and A Smith is an attractive one

    4. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’d go Taylor and Targett, I think Joe’s on that too.

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

      Apart from the fact that they both play City and Liverpool in GW4, Dunk and Taylor are a good rotating pair for the first 10 weeks or so that have the added benefit of actually being able to return clean sheets.

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

    RMT? Playing 4-4-2

    Ryan Button
    TAA Laporte Digne Ake Kelly
    Sterling Salah BSilva Sigurdsson Dendoncker
    DCL Jota Surridge

    1 ITB

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd use that money to upgrade Aké.

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

        Thanks! Any 6.0 def you’d recommend?

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Azpilicueta, proven fpl defender

        2. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'd be tempted to go for Kyle Walker, and also swapping Laporte for VVD to ensure you don't have 4 City players.

  9. Rigid Digit
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ross Barkley?

    Not a regular starter last year, but good returns. Could be a great buy at 6.0 (especially if the myth is true about Lampard seeing Barkley as a potential Hazard gap-filler, and a younger version of himself)

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      One to watch but I think I’d be pessimistic on that one.

  10. Teror
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    One of my big dilemmas right now is Alonso + Jorginho or 4.5 def + 7.0 mid. The first one pushes me into a 5-3-2 most weeks (Jorginho first sub) when really I want to play 4-4-2, but considering Alonso outscored every 7.0 mid last season I can't bring myself to drop him.

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

      Alonso scored most of his points in the first 4 gw's or so. We dont even know if he's the first choise or if its Emerson.

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

        I'm clearly going to pay attention to preseason. But Alonso is one of the most consistent players in FPL (over the course of a season) and he's started with a flurry of goals for two years running. I'm going to back historical precedent with this one.

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

          Could be worth a punt. But for me there are better options in the lower price bracket. Good luck though really. Hope he is gonna perform! /Chelsea fan

    2. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jorginho is awful

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

        I know he is. But he's as good as it gets for 5.0

        1. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I've gone for Norwood.

          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I like him but concerned Freeman will take points off him.

            1. Eytexi
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              That's a good point I hadn't considered. Still reckon he's a better pick than Jorginho though (for now at least).

    3. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Who are your other defenders?

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

        Ederson + 4.0, Robbo, TAA, Coleman, Dunk.

        1. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Digne or Trippier maybe?

          1. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Or laporte if you haven't got double City attack?

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

    Thoughts on this updated team- Moura in until Son return (.5 to update to best 8 m after 2 games)

    Heaton (or Pope)
    TAA Laporte VVD Digne
    Salah Sterling Moura Pérez
    King Deulofeu

    Woodman Dendoncker Diop Wickham

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very solid. Not the biggest fan of Perez (initially) or Diop (doubt you'll play him at all?) though. Otherwise very nice indeed.

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

        Thanks- if Tielemans signs up at Leicester and is 6.5/7 m might select him over Pérez

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

      Very close to mine, which currently is...

      Ederson
      TAA VVD Digne Coleman Trippier Salah Sterling Sigurdsson Zaha King

      Dendoncker 4.5 4.5

  12. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Digne _ 2 of VVD,TAA,Robbo _ Trippier
    Where to get a city defender? Other defenders look better than city's
    Ederson only option ? Prefer heaton/pope !

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

      Ignore city defenders for now is an option

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

      I think Ederson is the City defender to go with. He was their highest scoring defender two seasons ago and only came in a few points behind Laporte last season. It'll be the same this season I bet, so I'd rather have 0.5 to spend elsewhere.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I prefer cheap gk

  13. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Willian? Tempting with Chelsea's fixtures.

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

      Think he can be a good option. Could be worth a punt but its a wait and see for me.

  14. The Sociologist
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What's the general feeling so far...

    A) Sterling + Deulofeu
    B) KDB + Vardy

    For context, rest of the team looks like this:

    Ryan / Button
    Robertson / TAA / Digne / Walker / 4.0
    Siggy / Zaha / Salah / 4.5
    King / 4.5

    I'm feeling that Sterling might be a must from the off, but just feel the team looks more balanced with Vardy...

    Thoughts?

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

      Like your team very much. Similiar to mine. B it is for me!

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very nice team. I've gone for both those midfielders and gone one upfront, also downgrading Zaha & Robbo to make the money.

    3. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I want Vardy, but I don't think I'm going to be going with him. I think you were right when you said Sterling might be a must. Imo he is a must. Can easily see him being this season's top FPL scorer.

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

      KDB will be a 200 pointer if he can stay fit. Him and Vardy are a much better shout IMO

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        But he doesn’t score a lot of goals though, mainly assists.

        If he gets 200 points Sterling, as the likely major beneficiary of those assists is surely going to score even more than he did last season, no?

        1. Hedge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Possible. Don't see Deulofeu scoring very highly at all as a fwd now either

        2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          ^^^.

  15. Loftus cheeky nandos
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who will get more points Robertson or TAA

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      TAA

    2. Halftime
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably TAA, i think Robertson is a better all round player but TAA is better going forward

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

      TAA

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      TAA will.

    5. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      TAA with VVD then Robbo is my prediction

      VVD should be miles ahead in reality though

  16. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Could Giroud, Willian or Pedro be player's who shines this season under Lampard, now with Haz and Morata away ?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Chelsea's fixtures are actually not that bad either. They're going completely under the radar and I think Lampard will have the same factor Ole had to start with.

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, the points are gonna have to come from somewhere, so there will definitely be bargains to be found. Chelsea might not be a top top team, but could make a mockery of their prices.

          1. The Royal Robin
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Do you know much about Pulisic? He seems very generously priced but I literally know nada about him.

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

      One of the Chelsea mids could be a bargain but could be any from four or five.

  17. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else finding it nigh-on-impossible to field a premium GK? Fed up to the eyeballs of Ryan/Button but at the same time I can't see anything beyond it if you want the players we're all gunning for in defence.

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

      I've gone ederson

      Ederson
      TAA Robertson Digne Smith
      Salah KDB Sigurdsson Jorginho
      Kane King

      A lot won't like Smith and Jorginho, but you can downgrade kane or Sigurdsson and boost them.

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

      The premium gks are not worth it if you count ppm. Just get heaton or pope and use those funds elsewhere.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Just get Heaton or Pope you say, and then end up with the one that doesn't even ruddy play... 😀

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

          Just get a 4.5 that you like* =)

    3. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson
      Robertson / TAA / Laporte / Digne
      Salah / KDB / Siggy / Fraser
      King / Jota

      Pretty happy with it tbh. Ederson will outscore a 4.5/5 goalkeeper more than a 1-1.5m upgrade will be worth elsewhere IMO

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

        For keepers have a look at an excellent thread on Twitter by fpleditor

        A bit too much for me to take in but he figures you are better with a cheap 4.5m that ederson or premium.

        My issue with that is I'd have to get laporte who is 0.5m more than ederson. ....

        1. Hedge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I've replied to that further down. Floored thinking IMO. I did some analysis on the best places to upgrade across the pitch and premium keepers always came out as worth the upgrade

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

      Premium goalkeepers are a luxury imo. The 1.5m over Ryan is better spent upgrading a defender or midfielder. If you're lucky enough to make a good squad with money to spare, only then is a premium goalkeeper a real option for me.

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

    Will be looking at preseason for a cheap mid to downgrade Zaha and upgrade goalies for now what do you think:

    Ryan 4.0

    VVD zinchenko Coleman Kelly/O’Connell

    KDB Salah Zaha 4.5 4.5

    Aguero vardy king

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Where is TAA and Robbo? 🙁 🙁 🙁

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looking decent but would like to see TAA, Walker and Digne at the back at the expense of Zaha.

  19. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson
    TAA/Roberson/VVD/Alonso/Coleman
    Stirling/Pedro or Willian/
    Kane/Giroud/Deulof

    Button/Dendoc/Oriol/Hayden ??

    Anychanges needed

    Pedro or Willian ?

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      While I agree with your comments re: Chelsea above - I think doubling up is a bit OTT. I'd certainly consider Willian though. He's surely got to be their creative flair now.

      That defence is 😮 It's very well balanced, I just think you could downgrade Giroud.

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

        He's gone triple Chelsea

      2. One Man
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud is so tempting given he is their only notable striker ? No ?

        Thanks I think you're right I will go with Willian.

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Willian is a decent shout for the first 4 or 5 games.

          Pedro and Giroud probably won't play and Alonso is definitely at risk from Emerson, given how Lampard set his team up to defend at Derby.

          Other than that it's a decent 523 - Just thinking that Salah could absolutely obliterate your OR first week, especially since you don't have the likes of Mane.

  20. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any good?

    Ederson,
    Laporte, Virgil, Robbo/Trent, Digne, Mr 58 mins Christensen
    Salah, Sterling, Siggy,
    Deulofeu, King

    Button, Dendoncker, Choudhury, Nketiah

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

    The big question - that is going to determine the makeup of my squad.....what is better?

    A.....sterling and 6.5m striker

    B.....bilva and kane

    Anyone else stuck with this?

    Thanks

    1. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Def A for me

      King/Jota > B Silva

      1. Hedge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        And I think sterling will score more points than Kane

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

        Thanks

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

      Never been that convinced by BSilva's returns in terms of FPL and I really want to see some old Kane form before I buy him, as tempting as that price is. Sterling and a forward like King look excellent picks, albeit (quite rightly) template

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

        Nothing wrong with template

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

      A

    4. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Needs more Kun

    5. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m going B and it’s with a 6.5 forward in King also

      Toss up between Sterling and Liverpool mid for me

  22. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Prospects for Giroud this season. Will he lead the line at Chelsea ?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably not.

      Abraham or Bats the most likely candidate, would guess Abraham right now.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Really? That would surprise me to be honest. Despite Giroud's weaknesses, he's a proven goalscorer at a high level when given the game time, especially in comparison to his competition.

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think so. Am looking to bring in a Chelsea forward after a few weeks after, hopefully, one emerges as nailed. I reckon this will be Giroud (as explained in my reply above) but that may not be the case.

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good, I'll do the same and if Giroud emerges in the first few weeks or has a solid pre-season I'll get him in.

  23. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone genuinely planning on going 5 at the back?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Plenty.

      You can build a nice 11 with it, as many have done, but the flexibility and the fact that it feels so boring puts me off - I prefer to load with players that are likely to score!

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Same here.

    2. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Lots.
      I can’t bring myself to do it personally.
      It’s wrenching me having a 4-4-2 formation as it is... 🙂

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Look up the page 😉

    4. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If it's clear who is most preferred out of Mendy and Zenchenko, then yeah.

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

      Lots, some of which will back down. Personally going 451 at the moment with a stacked midfield. May end up with 541 though if any of my midfielders begin to look like weaker options.

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

    Think I've stumbled across a fairly well balanced team (positionally), with eleven definite starters and a bench that should have at least two of them getting regular minutes. Thoughts?

    Obviously the weak link is the fourth defender, but they rotate over the first eight fixtures to give: BHA (H), WHU (H), SOU (H), new (A), BUR (H), new (A), wol (A), SHU (H) which isn't awful. They rotate well through the rest of the season too, but I'm only thinking about the first eight weeks for now.

    Ederson (Button)
    TAA, VvD, Digne, Dunk (Cathcart)
    Salah, Sigurdsson, B. Silva, Perez (Dendoncker)
    Kane King (Wickham)

    1. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very rare that a 4.5 defender outperforms their price tag significantly. Surely the point of 4 or 5 at the back is to get more of the big hitter (180+) defenders?

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

        My thought process is that most teams are going to have at least one weak link in their starting XI, and I'd rather mine be at the back for the exact reason you proposed. Allows to me to feel comfortable/excited about each of the other 10 players I'll be fielding.

        1. Hedge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          You not think Vardy and Laporte will outscore Kane and Dunk for example?

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

      No Sterling, Aguero or Laporte.

      This is a rank killer and early WC waiting to happen.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not even KDB either.

        Not good at all.

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

          Impossible to have a balanced team with Kane, Salah, Aguero/Sterling and double Liverpool defence.

          You can only have it if you’re going to skimp everywhere else. I chose to go for guaranteed minutes in B. Silva and include Salah, Kane and double Liverpool defence from the off. Still got double City which is plenty to start with, for my money.

          Your negativity won’t put me off 🙂

          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            It’s not negativity.

            It’s about fielding the right players from the top teams. Yes you have two Man City players, but one is a GK who won’t carry any potential attacking threat at all and the other is a mid who will score considerably less than KDB, Salah and Sterling.

            We all want balance but I can’t help thinking you’re neglecting at least one citizen whose going to score big and the players you have on his place won’t make that difference up.

            But, it’s your team, so do as you will.

  25. FPL Joker
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hello, gents.

    I want to double up on City defense. Walker is in. Who is likely to play left back?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Zinchenko initially I believe, but looks like it might be a roulette later on

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

      Couldn't double up without an absolutely nailed option

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Zinchenko. Ignore the naysayers! 🙂

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

      Just go Ederson and Laporte then , safest options at City.

    5. FPL Joker
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks to all, but is Zinchenko really gonna play over Mendy? Is Mendy not fit or something?

      1. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Reportedly slated for late return to training. Zinchenko probably good first couple of weeks, +.

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

          Link?

          1. Boxwoods
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Just this from twitter that was posted here a day or so ago. Guess it's hardly gospel.
            https://twitter.com/SamLee/status/1146506810234429440?s=19

    6. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you're feeling especially reckless, I think Stones is more nailed than any City left back. This may not remain true over pre-season, but i reckon it'll be easier to predict the second centre-back than the left-back come gameweek one.

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

    Interesting thread on the premium v 4.5 keeper debate.

    https://twitter.com/FPLEditor/status/1147208740363546625?s=19

    1. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Interesting, but don't agree with the approach. You can't just compare the 1.5m upgrade of a GK to ANY other 1.5m upgrade of a 4.5 player. If you start with a base of 4.5 players you have lots of 1.5m upgrades you can make all across the pitch.

      I agree defenders represent the best value for the upgrades from a baseline, but GK are a better place to upgrade than strikers past about 6 and mids about 8 generally

  27. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Villa.

    Ahmed El Mohamady no. 4 price 4.5

    A ... Pos ......... H ... W ... App(Sub) mins ..... G ... A
    31, D(R),M(R) 183 75 35(6) 3239 2 8

    Only 3 other Villa players passed 3000 mins.

    AVL : tot -388 BOU 127 EVE -101 cry -58 WHU -14 ars -447 BUR 109 nor -145

    Just saying'. 🙂

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      In danger of being second choice now apparently. Getting old and all that.

      https://twitter.com/ahopcroft13/status/1145339862725406721?s=19

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I call bollocks. 😀

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Also, Ahmed is as fit as a butcher's dog! 😉

        2. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Blind faith is all an FPL manager needs 🙂

          Or an early wildcard, both work 😉

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            As I have just demonstrated, I prefer to work off evidence based data. 😉

  28. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Looks like an Australia vs England semi final in the cricket.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      How depressing. 🙂

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

      Well atleast SA is doing well today but why wait until the last game!

  29. fattfattygavgav
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Evening all. First draft thoughts much appreciated;

    Kepa
    Laporte, VVD, Robbo, Digne
    Salah, Sterling, Zaha, Maddison
    King, Jota

    Button, Dendonka, Kelly, Janssen

    Thanks

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

      Nice and standard.

      I'd want 2 reliable subs so would downgrade kepa and upgrade kelly

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

        Thanks for the advice. Might do that but I do like to have money on the pitch early in the season.

    2. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Really like it. Was struggling to get a team I liked with both Salah and Sterling but your setup looks nice.

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

        Cheers

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

      Similar to mine but I have Ryan and Coleman and DCL to allow me to upgrade zaha and maddison to Siggy and Bilva

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

        Nice! Might try and squeeze Bilva in

    4. twoplustwo
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ha see below! Nice

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

      Very strong. Kepa & Maddison are the only two I'm not sure are worth their price tag, but overall a very solid team. I'd want Ryan & Siggy instead of them two, otherwise a very nice first draft.

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

        Thanks dude

  30. twoplustwo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    It’s back!!! Hi everyone. Fresh off of a top 10k finish 🙂 How’s the below looking? I think the 4 at the back are fantastic value. Sterling could become Mane or Salah. Ryan and JWP are weak admittedly. Any views?

    Ryan

    TAA Trent Digne Laporte

    Sterling Zaha JWP Maddison

    Agueroooo King

    Subs 4.0 Murray Dendonny 4.0

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

      Do you mean VVD and Trent? Nice team but risky without any Liverpool attack