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The FPL line-up lessons we learned from Gameweek 3

We take our regular look back at the Premier League line-ups from the weekend just gone, analysing the systems and personnel used by the 20 top-flight clubs in Gameweek 3 and seeing what lessons could be learned for the weekend to come.

Arsenal

Arsenal XI (4-4-2 diamond): Leno; Monreal, D Luiz, Sokratis, Maitland-Niles; Willock (Lacazette 81′), Xhaka, Guendouzi (Mkhitaryan 86′); Ceballos (Torreira 61′); Aubameyang, Pépé.


Starting XI changes made: 2 (both unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 5
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Maitland-Niles, Willock, Guendouzi, Aubameyang.


Nicolas Pepe made his first start of the season, while Granit Xhaka returned from injury in central midfield.

Alexandre Lacazette and Reiss Nelson both dropped to the bench.

Those alterations led to the first Arsenal formation change of the season, with Unai Emery switching from a 4-2-3-1 to a more defensive 4-3-1-2/4-4-2 diamond.

Xhaka was at the base of the midfield four, with Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock either side of him and Dani Ceballos at the tip of the diamond.

Pepe, therefore, was deployed up front with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The back four was unchanged from Gameweek 2.

The 4-3-1-2/4-4-2 diamond was a system Emery sporadically used in matches against the ‘big six’ last season, so it could be that we see that system again in the north London derby – although the fact that the Gunners are on home soil could see the Arsenal boss show more ambition and reinstate Lacazette.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa XI (4-1-4-1): Heaton; Taylor, Mings, Engels, Guilbert; Luiz; Jota (El Ghazi 77′), McGinn, Grealish, Trezeguet (El Mohamady 86′); Wesley.


Starting XI changes made: 2 (both unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 3
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Heaton, Taylor, Mings, Engels, McGinn, Grealish, Trezeguet, Wesley.


Aston Villa manager Dean Smith made two changes from the side that lost to Bournemouth in Gameweek 2, with Frederic Guilbert replacing Ahmed El Mohamady at right-back and Jota brought into the side further up the flank.

Anwar El Ghazi dropped to the bench, with Trezeguet moving over to the left wing.

The spine of Villa’s side looks relatively settled, with goalkeeper Tom Heaton, centre-backs Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels, midfielders John McGinn and Jack Grealish, and striker Wesley having started all three games so far.

Conor Hourihane seems to be the fall-guy from Douglas Luiz‘s arrival, with the former Manchester City man having started the last two league matches at the base of the midfield.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth XI (5-4-1): Ramsdale; Daniels (H Wilson 37′), Aké, S Cook, Mepham, A Smith (Ibe 68′); Fraser, Billing, Lerma, King; C Wilson (Solanke 69′).


Starting XI changes made: 1 (unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 3
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Ramsdale, Aké, S Cook, A Smith, Fraser, Billing, Lerma, King, C Wilson.


As anticipated and indeed as they had done last season, Bournemouth reverted to a five-man backline for the visit of the champions.

Chris Mepham was brought in as the extra centre-half, with Harry Wilson the man to make way.

An injury to Charlie Daniels prompted a reshuffle of personnel but not system: Harry Wilson was brought on and deployed on the right wing, with Joshua King switching flanks and Ryan Fraser dropping back to left wing-back.

It was interesting that substitute Diego Rico was overlooked, despite being an obvious replacement for Daniels off the bench.

The Cherries may well switch back to a 4-4-2 this weekend, however, which could be to Rico’s advantage – although one of Ake or Adam Smith could just as easily shift over to left-back.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton XI (3-4-3): Ryan; Burn, Dunk, Duffy; March (Locadia 68′), Stephens (Groß 78′), Pröpper, Montoya; Trossard, Andone, Maupay (Murray 74′).


Starting XI changes made: 2 (both unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 3
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Ryan, Burn, Dunk, Duffy, March, Stephens, Pröpper, Montoya.


Rotation continued in the front three for Brighton, with Graham Potter’s two changes seeing Florin Andone and Neal Maupay start over Glenn Murray and Pascal Gross.

Not one of the Seagulls’ forwards has started all three Premier League games this season.

The eight men behind the attacking trident are all ever-presents, by contrast.

Maupay was stationed on the right of the front three, with Leandro Trossard resuming his left-wing role and Andone leading the line.

A red card for Andone didn’t change a great deal, with Trossard and Maupay playing closer together in a 3-4-2.

Potter rotated all 11 starters in the EFL Cup in midweek.

Burnley

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope, Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters, Gudmundsson (Lennon 75), Cork, Westwood, McNeil (Hendrick 86′), Barnes (Rodriguez 78′), Wood.


Starting XI changes made: 0
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 0
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 2/2
Ever-present starters: Pope, Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters, Gudmundsson, Cork, Westwood, McNeil, Barnes, Wood.


Sean Dyche’s starting XIs have been among the most predictable over the years, especially when things are going well, and that has indeed transpired this season, too.

Burnley were unchanged for the third game running, with Dyche again resisting the urge to crowbar an extra central midfielder into his side for added protection against tough opposition and instead deciding to line up with his tried-and-tested 4-4-2.

Dyche may be forced into a change against Liverpool this weekend, however, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson having limped off with a calf problem – the Icelandic winger only has an “outside chance” of featuring in Gameweek 4.

Chelsea

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Zouma, Emerson; Jorginho, Kovacic; Pulisic (Willian 84′), Barkley, Mount (Alonso 90′); Abraham (Giroud 75).


Starting XI changes made: 3 (1 unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 6
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Zouma, Emerson, Jorginho, Mount


Frank Lampard had originally made two changes to his Chelsea side for the trip to Norwich, with Tammy Abraham and Mateo Kovacic in for Olivier Giroud and the injured N’Golo Kante, but an injury sustained by Pedro in the warm-up meant that Ross Barkley was promoted to the first team.

Barkley’s inclusion in ‘the hole’ saw Mount move over to the left flank, with Pulisic deputising for Pedro on the right of a 4-2-3-1 – the same system Lampard used in Gameweeks 1 and 2 (although a 4-3-3 was rolled out in the Super Cup).

Lampard’s back four was unchanged for the third match in a row with Antonio Rudiger still not fit.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita; Ward, Cahill, Kelly, van Aanholt; Milivojevic, Kouyate (McCarthy 83′), McArthur; Zaha, Ayew (Benteke 75′), Schlupp (Townsend 80′).


Starting XI changes made: 4 (all unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 5
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Guaita, Ward, Kelly, van Aanholt, Milivojevic, McArthur.


Roy Hodgson abandoned the 4-4-2 of Gameweeks 1 and 2 in favour of a 4-3-3, which became a 4-5-1 out of possession.

Wilfried Zaha – on the right wing – and Jeffrey Schlupp were chosen to flank Jordan Ayew in attack.

Ayew and Schlupp were two of four players brought into the team, with debutant Gary Cahill and Cheikhou Kouyate also starting.

Andros Townsend, Christian Benteke, Max Meyer and Scott Dann all dropped to the bench and subsequently started in the EFL Cup in midweek.

Budget FPL defender Martin Kelly kept his place alongside Cahill at centre-half.

Everton

Everton XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Digne, Mina, Keane, Coleman; Gomes, Schneiderlin; Bernard (Kean 62′), Sigurdsson (Iwobi 61′), Richarlison (Walcott 78′); Calvert-Lewin.


Starting XI changes made: 1 (enforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 2
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Pickford, Digne, Mina, Keane, Coleman, Gomes, Bernard, Sigurdsson, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.


Marco Silva’s only alteration saw Morgan Schneiderlin return from a ban in place of Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who it later transpired would be out for two months with a thigh injury – although the change may have been made anyway.

Silva has been patient with his other new signings so far and there was again no start for Moise Kean, Alex Iwobi or Djibril Sidibe, although Kean and Iwobi are building match-fitness by the week and both had half-hour run-outs at Villa Park – so Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Everton’s three attacking midfielders behind him will soon be at risk of possible rotation.

The Schneiderlin-Gbamin hokey-cokey is the only change Silva has made this season but Friday’s result may be a test of his loyalty.

Everton’s back four looks relatively settled, with Sidibe not yet tasting a single minute of Premier League football.

Leicester City

Leicester City XI (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Pereira, Soyuncu, Evans, Fuchs; Tielemans (Mendy 89′), Choudhury, Praet (Barnes 64′); Perez (Morgan 77′), Vardy, Maddison.


Starting XI changes made: 1 (enforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 2
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Schmeichel, Pereira, Soyuncu, Evans, Tielemans, Choudhury, Perez, Vardy, Maddison.


Brendan Rodgers made just one change to the Leicester side that drew 1-1 at Chelsea, with Dennis Praet replacing the injured Wilfred Ndidi.

Both of Rodgers’ changes so far this season have been enforced, with Christian Fuchs having replaced the injured Ben Chilwell at Stamford Bridge.

Fuchs again deputised at left-back at Bramall Lane.

Harvey Barnes‘ introduction for Praet midway through the second half saw the substitute take up a left-wing role, with James Maddison moving infield.

Maddison and Ayoze Perez had again started the game either side of Jamie Vardy in a 4-3-3.

Liverpool

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Adrian; Robertson, van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold; Wijnaldum (Milner 69′), Fabinho, Henderson; Mané (Oxlade-Chamberlain 77′), Firmino (Lallana 86′), Salah.


Starting XI changes made: 2 (both unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 7
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, van Dijk, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Salah.


Fabinho and Jordan Henderson came into the Liverpool midfield, with James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain making way.

Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum flanked Fabinho in central midfield, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane stationed, as usual, either side of Roberto Firmino in attack.

Joel Matip got the nod over Joe Gomez at centre-half for the second Gameweek in a row, having also lined up alongside Virgil van Dijk in the Super Cup.

The 4-3-3 system looks as settled as ever, with the brief 4-2-3-1 experiment of last season not seen in 2019/20 so far.

Manchester City

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Zinchenko, Laporte, Otamendi, Walker (Cancelo 90′); D Silva, Gündogan (Rodri 58′), De Bruyne; Sterling, Aguero, B Silva (Mahrez 79′).


Starting XI changes made: 1 (unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 5
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Ederson, Zinchenko, Laporte, Walker, De Bruyne, Sterling.


Pep Guardiola made just one change to his starting XI, with David Silva replacing summer signing Rodri.

Ilkay Gundogan shifted to the base of the City midfield in Rodri’s absence – a tactic we may see on occasion this season when Guardiola anticipates coming up against a side that is content to sit deep and defend.

Guardiola’s three substitutions were all effectively like for like, with Sergio Aguero completing his first 90 minutes of the campaign with Gabriel Jesus injured.

Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling are the only ever-present midfielders or forwards after three Gameweeks, although there were fitness issues behind Aguero and Bernardo Silva’s benchings on the opening weekend.

Manchester United

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw (Young 34′); Pogba, McTominay (Mata 85′); James, Lingard (Greenwood 56′), Rashford; Martial.


Starting XI changes made: 0
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 1
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 1/2
Ever-present starters: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Pogba, McTominay, Lingard, Rashford; Martial.


Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named the same side that drew 1-1 at Wolves in Gameweek 2.

That meant another start for Anthony Martial up front, with Daniel James on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left of a 4-2-3-1.

Jesse Lingard was again preferred in the hole.

Mason Greenwood‘s second-half introduction on the right wing saw James switch over to the left flank, with Rashford moving more centrally alongside Martial.

Martial picked up an injury late in the game, so should he be ruled out this weekend, we may see a repeat of Rashford up top and James on the left.

Greenwood or Andreas Pereira could then get a look-in on the opposite wing.

Ashley Young may have to deputise again if Luke Shaw is ruled out, with the left-back having sustained a hamstring injury.

Newcastle United

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dúbravka; Ritchie, Dummett, Lascelles (Fernandez 82′), Schär, Krafth; Saint-Maximin (Atsu 17′), S Longstaff, Hayden, Almirón; Joelinton (Muto 88′).


Starting XI changes made: 2 (both unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 4
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Dúbravka, Ritchie, Dummett, Lascelles, Schär, Hayden, Almirón, Joelinton.


Steve Bruce made two changes to the team beaten at Norwich, with Allan Saint-Maximin and Sean Longstaff replacing Ki Sung-yueng and Jonjo Shelvey.

The 3-5-2 that Bruce had favoured since his appointment was tweaked to the 5-4-1 that brought Rafael Benitez relative success in 2018/19, with Saint-Maximin (replaced by Christian Atsu early on) and Miguel Almiron on the left and right flanks respectively and Joelinton leading the line himself.

United’s back five look relatively settled for the time being (barring injuries), with Emil Krafth having ousted Javier Manquillo at right wing-back.

Norwich City

Norwich City XI (4-2-3-1): Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Godfrey, Lewis; Leitner (McLean 81′), Trybull (Vrancic 81′); Cantwell, Stiepermann (Srbeny 81′), Buendia; Pukki.


Starting XI changes made: 0
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 1
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 1/2
Ever-present starters: Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Godfrey, Lewis, Trybull, Cantwell, Stiepermann, Buendia, Pukki.


Daniel Farke unsurprisingly kept faith with the same 4-2-3-1 shape and starting XI that helped the Canaries beat Newcastle United in Gameweek 2.

With Onel Hernandez and Timm Klose now out long-term, there is less competition on the left-wing and at centre-half – although Christoph Zimmermann returned to action in the Carabao Cup in midweek and may threaten Grant Hanley‘s place soon.

Moritz Leitner was again preferred to Kenny McLean in the double-pivot having displaced the Scot – who has suffered with a back problem – against the Magpies.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Henderson; Basham (Morrison 78′), Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Freeman, Stevens; Robinson (Sharp 54′), McGoldrick (McBurnie 54′).


Starting XI changes made: 1 (enforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 1
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 1/2
Ever-present starters: Henderson, Basham, Egan, O’Connell, Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Stevens, Robinson, McGoldrick.


Chris Wilder made just one change to the United team that beat Crystal Palace in Gameweek 2, with Luke Freeman replacing the injured John Fleck in central midfield.

Callum Robinson was fit to start alongside David McGoldrick in the two-man Blades’ attack but both strikers were hooked just after half-time, with substitute Oli McBurnie going on to score.

FPL defender John Lundstram again lined in his usual central midfield role, with Wilder sticking with a 3-5-2.

Southampton

Southampton XI (4-3-3): Gunn; Valery (Djenepo 53′), Vestergaard, Bednarek, Danso; Ward-Prowse, Højbjerg, Romeu; Adams (Boufal 80′), Ings (Armstrong 84′), Redmond.


Starting XI changes made: 2 (1 unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 4
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Gunn, Valery, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Adams, Redmond.


Ralph Hasenhuttl made two changes to the Saints team that lost at home to Liverpool, with Danny Ings and debutant Kevin Danso promoted to the starting XI.

Maya Yoshida dropped to the bench, with the injured Ryan Bertrand missing out altogether.

Hasenhuttl ditched the wing-back system for the first time this season, opting for a 4-3-3 on the south coast.

A centre-half by trade, Danso was used as a makeshift left-back in that four-man defence with Bertrand injured.

James Ward-Prowse, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Oriel Romeu were all starters in midfield, with Che Adams and Nathan Redmond flanking central striker Danny Ings in attack – a tactic Hasenhuttl had experimented with in pre-season.

With Brighton down to ten men early on, Moussa Djenepo was thrown on for Valery in the second half as Hasenhuttl chased a win.

An injury to Redmond in midweek may prompt a rethink against Manchester United, with Hasenhuttl not ruling out a return to a five-man defence.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Rose (Davies 88′), Sánchez, Alderweireld, Walker-Peters (Eriksen 62′); Winks, Sissoko; Son, Lamela (Lo Celso 62′), Moura; Kane.


Starting XI changes made: 2 (1 enforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 3
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Lloris, Rose, Sánchez, Alderweireld, Walker-Peters, Winks, Sissoko, Lamela, Kane.


Son Heung-min returned from suspension and was one of two changes to Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI, with Lucas Moura also promoted from the bench.

Christian Eriksen and the injured Tanguy Ndombele were the men to make way as Pochettino deployed an attacking 4-2-3-1 for the visit of Newcastle.

Harry Kane led the line in front of Erik Lamela, with Son and Lucas on the left and right respectively.

Spurs’ back four was unchanged for the third successive match but a second-half injury to Kyle Walker-Peters saw Moussa Sissoko fill in at right-back, with Giovani Lo Celso brought on in central midfield.

Dele Alli wasn’t quite ready to feature but his imminent return will only add to the competition for places in the more offensive midfield positions, with the Spurs attack – bar Kane – looking like a rotation minefield.

Watford

Watford XI (4-4-2 diamond): Foster; Holebas, Cathcart, Dawson, Femenia; Capoue, Hughes (Sarr 74′), Doucouré, Cleverley (Quina 86′); Deulofeu (Welbeck 74′), Gray.


Starting XI changes made: 2 (both enforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 3
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Foster, Holebas, Cathcart, Dawson, Femenia, Capoue, Hughes, Doucouré, Deulofeu.


Watford manager Javi Gracia made two changes to the side that lost at Everton, both of which were enforced: Tom Cleverley and Andre Gray replacing the injured Troy Deeney and Roberto Pereyra.

With Ismaila Sarr and Danny Welbeck not quite ready for a start, the lack of natural width available to Gracia prompted a formation rethink.

The 4-4-2 was replaced by a diamond shape, with midfield anchor Etienne Capoue and ‘number ten’ Tom Cleverley at the tips.

Will Hughes and Abdoulaye Doucoure were on the right and left of that midfield diamond respectively, with Gerard Deulofeu joining Andre Gray up front.

Pereyra returned in the EFL Cup in midweek and should be ready to start at Newcastle, while Sarr and Welbeck also made the starting line-up for the first time in that 3-0 win over Coventry on Tuesday and could come into contention.

The Hornets’ back four has remained unaltered in the three league matches played so far this season.

West Ham United

West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Masuaku, Ogbonna, Diop, Fredericks; Noble, Rice; Anderson (Fornals 78′), Lanzini (C Sánchez 88′), Yarmolenko (Antonio 55′); Haller.


Starting XI changes made: 4 (3 unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 9
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 0/2
Ever-present starters: Fabianski, Diop, Fredericks, Rice, Lanzini.


Sebastien Haller, Mark Noble and Felipe Anderson all returned from injury in the 3-1 win over Watford, with Andriy Yarmolenko starting on the right flank.

Robert Snodgrass, Pablo Fornals and Jack Wilshere dropped out, while Javier Hernandez reportedly had a minor knee injury.

Noble was the link between midfield anchor Declan Rice and the Hammers’ front four, which featured Yarmolenko and left-winger Anderson on the flanks.

Manuel Lanzini supported Haller in attack but drifted left from his ‘number ten’ role.

The back four was unchanged from Gameweek 2, with Fabian Balbuena again watching on from the bench.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves XI (3-5-2): Patricio, Bennett, Coady, Boly, Doherty (Traore 77′), Neves, Moutinho (Dendoncker 59′), Gibbs-White (Neto 65′), Jonny, Jota, Jimenez.


Starting XI changes made: 1 (unenforced)
Total starting XI changes in 2019/20: 1
Unchanged starting XIs in 2019/20: 1/2
Ever-present starters: Patricio, Bennett, Coady, Boly, Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Jonny, Jota, Jimenez


The first signs that Europa League involvement may disrupt Fantasy assets from Wolves was felt in Gameweek 3, as Leander Dendoncker – who played the full 90 minutes against Torino on Thursday – was benched for only the second time in the league since Gameweek 21 of last season.

Morgan Gibbs-White took his place in central midfield but Wolves’ starting XI was otherwise familiar-looking, with Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota again leading the line in a 3-5-2.

All eyes will be on the teamsheet against Torino tomorrow, then, for clues as to how Santo may line up his troops against Everton on Sunday.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 3

2,212 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I can’t wait to see all the “I took Kane out for a -4, he’s ab ultimate troll” posts

    1. Queens of the South Age
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Hahahaha. I'll be one of those. Getting Aguero in to replace him for a -4.

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

      Here’s every post:

      Should I do -4 to take out a player that blanked last week for a player that hauled last week?????

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Every reply:

        No 🙂

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

          ‘I’ve already done the transfer!!!’

          1. Respect My Authoritah
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Should I wildcard?

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      And then the reverse after Kun is benched for Jesus in GW6

    4. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      This

  2. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Perez still 6.4
    Arghhhh

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Tonight he's dropping again 😉

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Lie every other night!

        I did it yesterday so I don't care much anymore

  3. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Heaton / Pope
    VVD / Zinchenko / Digne / (KWP / Montoya)
    Sterling / Salah / Trossard / Mount / Dendoncker
    Kane / Pukki / (Wickham)

    Got 1 FT, 0.1 ITB...

    A. Kane + Trossard > Haller + kdb -4
    B. Kane + kwp > Aguero + Kelly -4
    C. Kwp > ??
    D. Kane > Haller
    E. Save

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A will work out nicely this gw

    2. Cheezeweasel
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Makes no sense to take a hit. If haller or KDB scores, you only break even. Worse if Kane does anything. Split the transfers across 2 weeks.

  4. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    On WC,which one?
    a) Digne & Barnes
    or
    b) Mina & Haller

    Thanx.

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Queens of the South Age
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I like Haller but got to be A for me. Digne potential too good to ignore.

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A

  5. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Those going with Haller Pukki Barnes frontline do you think the trio can continue scoring points regularly ?

    And if one of Aguero/Auba/Kane gets a couple of big hauls on the trott are you flexible enough to bring one of the premiums in?

    In that case if you got salah sterling kdb who will be your cash cow to sacrifice?

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I would say Kdb is season keeper, just like sterlo and salah

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        so your saying you'll not own any premium forward this season?

        1. Jebiga
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I own all 3 from the start 🙂

        2. Jebiga
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          From time to time one from the Kane, aguero or auba

        3. OFord
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          You don't need a premium forward if you've got Salah and Sterling. They are forwards anyway

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I think 2 cheap forwards is enough

      I’d rather have a boring premium defender instead

    3. antis0cial
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I’m just on Pukki/Haller. The three won’t sustain how they have started but I expect them all to be great value. I can’t see myself switching to a premium forward, Salah, Sterling, Kdb is my core of premiums set and forget unless they get injured.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        im surely your knees will jerk when kun auba or kane gets a hatty outta nowhere 😉

        1. antis0cial
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Kane may well do that vs Arsenal, but unless the three aforementioned form drops off a cliff I will “try” to stick. I’m thinking 200+ season for all three, maybe wishful thinking!

        2. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          You can’t have everyone.

          Premium Strikers probably get 1or 2 hattys a season, so if you miss one you’re probably going to be lucky to get another one from them even if you rip your team up to get them in.

          If I go without a premium striker I accept the fact that there are going to be days when he hauls and I won’t get his points.

          I also have enough faith that the premium mids I have instead are, over the course of the season as a whole, going to compensate for those missed premium striker hauls.

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

      They probably just took a hit to get Haller in and Kane out. Another hit to chase the previous week’s points to remove whichever mid blanked won’t be a problem.

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I doubt all 3 of them will be better than a few of the premium defenders. And you ideally want a few exit options for every slot.

    6. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      2 or 3 premiums required, it doesn’t matter if they are mids or forwards

      Salah/Mane
      Sterling/KdB/Aguero
      Kane/Auba or A.N Other if you go with 3 premiums

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

      Seen a reasonable amount of teams with this frontline here. I like it because you can play 343 and still keep decent money for the rest of the team. Definitely viable.

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

      hallers an expensive punt at 7.5. the other 2 look good value. very hard to make the case for any premium striker really

  6. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on Harry Wilson vs Mount?

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Mount. But Wilson is sooooo classy !

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Interesting one. Mount probably, but Harry Wilson looks a good budget option..what's his price? I'd pay max 5.0 for him

      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Came in at 6. Got a few goals (although long range) and seems to be favoured by the BPS

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Ah, ok then that's a pass from me. Too many better alternatives

  7. Stoyan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Sitting pretty on 113OR but cant decide what to do here

    Pope/Henderson
    TAA VVD Digne Dunk Rico
    Salah Sterling(c) KDB Martial Dendockner
    Pukki Ings Greenwood

    1FT

    Can do Ings+Martial --> Haller+ Mount(-4) and have a similar team to most WCers. Really want Haller but the hit is meh and Ings has done alright. What would you guys do?

    1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Ride the tranny.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Save

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Just do the martial > mount

  8. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Would you have Rashford or Barnes on WC?

    Pope, McGovern
    TAA, Zinchenko, Digne (Lundstram, Kelly)
    KDB, Mount, Salah, Sterling, Cantwell
    Rashford, Pukki, (Greenwood)

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Barnes. Nice side. I'd probably get Lanzini over Mount.

    2. AicilaXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Barnes.

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Barnes with money in the bank

  9. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    So apparently sakho had a injury set back. Hodgson confirmed that due to long term injuries they only have 3 CBs ie Kelly, Cahill and dann. And then he played kelly/cahill for 45 mins each in the efl since he wanted them to be as sharp and fit as possible. All signs point to Kelly being a good medium term option in a soyuncu, Lundstram, Kelly rotation.

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Interesting. Rico to Kelly looks likely for me at some point then

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        His fixtures are dog shite post gw 7 though. I just want him till then so I can play him gw 6 when soy and lunds have a bad fixture and maybe 7 when Digne plays city

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Ah ok, I have looked into it tbh.

          My plan at the moment is to get Söyüncü and rotate him with Cantwell - it's an absolute dream, and works a lot better than Lundstram/Cantwell

          1. Respect My Authoritah
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            *haven't

          2. Valar(Keith)
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Ooh nice. I could be tempted to make soyuncu my 4th defender instead of my 3rd and Do that too

          3. barracuda
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Soyuncu has Man Utd away and Cantwell has Man City in GW5. What am I missing?

            1. Respect My Authoritah
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I'm looking at this from GW7 🙂 that's what your missing! (Entirely my fault)

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Link to sakho set back: https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2019/august/roy-hodgson-provides-update-before-manchester-united-v-crystal-palace/
      And the post efl press conference is the source for his cahill/Kelly and long term comments.

  10. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    KDB 16/17 6 goals
    KDB 17/18 8 goals
    KDB 18/19 2 goals

    The guy will score goals too, those combined with relentless assists and being a bap magnet make him a better option than Aguero imo

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      its all about timing though. we not picking someone for 38 weeks

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Very true, when Kun is on fire hard to ignore

        This year I’m trying to get LT players to save on FTs

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      He'll score around 10 imo. Maybe less. If both played every minute, undoubtedly Kun is a better option. Jesus threat is real for me

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        3 PL games in next 3 weeks. Might be worth the risk

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Possibly. Can see Jesus getting GW6. It does also depend on your team structure too I guess. Perfect for those that have Kane. Not so much for others. Will be interesting to see how it pans out...

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah...just think Kun wont be nailed to the pine for many games. He needs limited time to cause damage so lets see.

        2. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          FWIW, I think the true premium striker option this season is Auba. Wouldn't be surprised to see him match Aguero

    3. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      may not score enough to justify demented bangwagoning on here. he has to share out assists and gametime with quite a lot of other very capable attacking players

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        a reminder laporte (6.5) finished season on 177, etc

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Might not. So far everything points to that he will. As Christina mentioned, an easy transfer out. Nice fixture run for consistent returns. Maybe Pépé becomes an option in GW8

      3. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Hasn’t that always been the case, season before last the squad was still awesome

        I think he’s a bargain because of the injuries - hopefully stays fit

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          not to the same degree imo

          1. Eat my goal!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Not a player you’re moving for then?

            1. EMBOLOFAN
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              would likely have him if was WCing, and its too early to make bold predictions, but last season best value city triple up was double def and suspect same may be true this year

              1. EMBOLOFAN
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                not for this short term run of early season fixtures, granted

              2. Eat my goal!
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I’m definitely keeping faith in defence on my WC

                Upgrading zinc to Laporte for all the CS’s pending and that rotation free spot

                But there lies the issue with double city defence - whom to you trust

                A couple of bargains to be had in city and pool backlines if day zinc and Matip are unmoved from their spots

        2. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Not sure he's a bargain. Sits somewhere between being decent value and great for total point output. He'll never fall into the essential category, but equally could win mini-leagues for people through sheer consistency

    4. AicilaXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      He doesn't have the same captain potential that Aggy does, which is what the extra price is for I'd say. KDB will hit a lot of 7-9 scores but he isn't going to hit many 15-17s etc.

      If you have Sterling though it's a bit moot because you can just captain him anyway.

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Maybe a few 11’s and the odd 13

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, the Sterling captain option does cloud Aguero that little bit more

  11. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Which is better:

    A: TAA, Mings, Barnes

    B: VVD, Kelly, Haller

    1. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 9 months ago

        A

      • barracuda
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Not even close

      • RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        A

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      who'd you start out of:
      a. kelly
      b. lund
      c. soy

      1. limbu21
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        C

      2. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        C

    3. limbu21
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Pope
      TAA,DIgne,VVD,Laporte,Zinc
      Salah,Sterling,Martial,Hayden
      Haller
      Subs: Mcgovern,Barnes,Greenwood,Dendonker (0.5 atb)

      Is 5 at the back old fashioned? does this need a wildcard to get Mount, Cantwell Pukki etc?

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Best Combo ?
      A- KDB + Haller
      B- KBD + Barnes
      C- Lanzini + Kün
      D- Mount + Kün

      1. limbu21
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        D for the moment

      2. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        A

      3. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        D

      4. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        D for next week or two, A long term

      5. OptimusBlack
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers

    5. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Which combo?

      A) Matip, Mount
      B) TAA, Cantwell

      1. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        B

    6. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      What do people think of Daniel James? Could potentially be a cheap differential option.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I think he isn't first choice

    7. Kaiser123
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Does his team need a WC or wait after IB. Everybody in my league just did the template team

      Heaton Pope
      VVD Maguire Coleman Diop RICO
      Salah Sterling Martial Mount Dendocker
      Kane King Greenwood

    8. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      VVD & Mount (-4)

      Outscores

      Cantwell Lundstram

      For this week, right?

    9. Cueboy88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Despite having Salah, Sterling, Pukki, Vardy and Barnes I've still got that fear because I don't own Aguero haha. I don't want to burn my wildcard yet, thinking about taking a hit to get Digne in for Coleman