Pro Pundits

Why the stats are becoming hard to ignore in the Pulisic v Mount debate

Let’s Talk FPL’s Andy looks ahead to Gameweek 15 in his latest Pro Pundits piece


I don’t like making late changes to my team – at that point, it all feels a bit rushed. Despite this I still found myself on Saturday morning chopping and changing between Jamie Vardy (£9.9m) and Sadio Mané (£12.2m) for captaincy, only to pick the wrong one.

It turned out to be a fairly average week, scoring 51 and seeing a 4,321 red arrow, down to 510,594.

Looking ahead to Gameweek 15 and I’m in that weird situation where I could transfer out one of three players or just make no transfer at all.

Nick Pope (£4.7m) has a bit of a fixture swing from this Gameweek, and not in a good way. Looking at the Season Ticker in the Members Area right up until Gameweek 30 (which is when I’ll start looking at using the second Wildcard), Burnley are second bottom in terms of fixture difficulty for defence.

I’m still reluctant to use a transfer on a goalkeeper however. The ceiling for points is fairly low and at just £4.7m he’s scored 55 points total, only five points behind current leaders Mathew Ryan (£4.8m) and Kasper Schmeichel (£5.3m). With the fixtures getting more difficult I would hope for an increase in save points to combat the likelihood of less clean sheets as well.

Mason Mount (£6.6m) is another player I’m looking at giving the boot to. He has just one assist to his name in the last six Gameweeks. There is a part of me that wants to give him the Aston Villa game, but that would definitely be the last-chance saloon.

If you compare Mount to Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) over the last six Gameweeks, there really is no competition: Pulisic has created more chances, registered more big chances and recorded more shots inside the box over the same period.

Despite all of this, it’s John Lundstram (£5.0m) that I’m looking to bring in (yes that’s correct, I still don’t own him).

It will be Harry Maguire (£5.3m) leaving my team to accommodate Lundstram. I have thought about keeping him, given that he’s nailed and has good goal threat, and instead transfer out Issa Diop (£4.5m), but that leaves a lot of money spread out over my defence, and would mean I don’t have enough flexibility for future transfers.

It’s been difficult to ignore Lundstram, and that is made even worse by their upcoming fixture run that includes Newcastle United, Norwich, Aston Villa, Brighton and Watford. Couple that with his 45.5% ownership and it’s hard to go any longer without him given the potential for clean sheets and attacking returns: he’s 12th for expected goals (xG) from open play in the last six Gameweeks for example.

As much as the fixtures look good for my team this week, I want to be more aggressive with my transfers in an attempt to get ahead of the curve. Lundstram doesn’t do that but he does provide a comfort blanket. That being said, after writing this article and looking at the stats for Pulisic, it’s difficult to ignore him with Villa up next. Maybe I’ll take my fourth hit in as many Gameweeks and just get it over with…

As for captaincy, that’s easy. I can’t look past Vardy at the moment and even though I bought Mané in under the guise of handing him the armband between Gameweeks 14-17, I think it’ll be the Englishman who becomes permanent captain now, at least for the next three weeks.


Andy is the face of Let’s Talk FPL, one of the leading Fantasy YouTube channels and has been a big part of the Scoutcast over a number of years. He has two top 10k finishes and an additional three inside the top 20k over nine years.

1,294 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    For those pondering whether to use a transfer to bring in Henderson or not, I think the answer is yes.

    With a keeper, we usually only change them 2 or 3 times a season, if that.

    Can he payback 4 points over the next dozen or so games? I think he can

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

      The irony of my post below yours! Haha!
      I'm not even considering a -4, just a straight swap this week. Pope > Henderson

      1. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I have powers. I see dead teams everywhere...

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

          My team isn't dead :'(

    2. aborg
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I was considering that too but not after I do my Mount to Zaha swap this GW. Next GW will do the Pope to Henderson move.
      What do you think? Would you reverse my order of transfers?

      1. Ziyech on the Bench
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Keep Mount this week I reckon he will be rotated at then weekend

      2. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I would give mount another week at least

    3. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I am tempted to take -4 to do this thinking it will make up for it too

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

      Yep, agreed. I'm taking the hit

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

    Any thoughts appreciated please;

    Pope > Henderson? I only have 1FT and 1.3M in the bank.

    Pope
    VVD, Tomori, Soyoncu, Lund
    Mane, KDB, Alli
    Auba, Vardy, Mousset

    Button, Cantwell, Lindelof, Saka

  3. Goat
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I presume Zaha has so many votes in the captain poll because he is the first choice?

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Amazing how quick bandwagons start here!

  4. zdrojo187
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    On Abraham:
    We will find out more today and tomorrow,’ reported Lampard.

    ‘He needs to get outside and move a little bit outside over the next two days.’

    So...,i think is 50/50

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hasn't been outside... that doesn't sound good

      1. zdrojo187
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Maybe tomorrow...
        They're playing on Wednesday evening...

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sounds like he won't start to me but back after that, hold if you have cover imo

      1. zdrojo187
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This

    3. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      "In order to be able to play in a match, player must leave his home." -Michael Owen

  5. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is Pope to Henderson worth it?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No, Henderson doesn't get saves not baps. Ryan or Guaita imo.

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        nor does guaita does he?

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

        Guita price swing is higher than Hendersons... Not after BAPs or saves, after CS with Hendo given his fixture list. Either way it's better than Pope's and a 0.1M swing

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, best keep for a little while now

      1. Arfaish
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        *keeper

  6. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Looking to move out Gazza and Martial would you all for -4:

    A) Gazza, Martial, Dendonker > Henderson, Pulisic, Hayden
    B) Gazza, Martial, Jimenez > Henderson, Son, Mousset
    C) Gazza, Martial, Tielemand > Henderson, Pulisic, Zaha

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A, but don't do Den to Hayden for a hit

      1. Arfaish
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I have to to afford the moves, Martial to Pulisic gives me .2m and I need .3m. He'd be last sub so I'd be fine with fodder even through Christmas with Rico and Tomori ahead

  7. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    1ft 0.0m itb, save, Gtg?

    Pope
    Taa, Soyuncu, Lundstram
    Son, Mane, Kdb, Pulisic
    Vardy, Jimenez, Abraham

    Kelly, Rico, Dendoker

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Id like to move Pope to Henderson with the FT but I take it you are comfortable not to

      1. Lignja
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        0.0 itb and need 0.1m for that so ill keep and hope for save points

        1. Arfaish
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Fair, g2g

          1. Lignja
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks

  8. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Guita over Henderson? Palace only play 2 top 6 teams in the next 15 GWs...

    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wondering between Hendo and Guiata. I would prefer Kelly from CRY and Hendo as a keeper. Any idea how long Cahill and Ward are out?

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cahill probably next week, Ward should be back in 3 weeks... not worth bringing in Kelly imo

    2. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      This is what i'm thinking, doesn't get a lot of saves tho the only worry

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would.

    4. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He does get more saves but less clean sheets than Sheff who are really good

  9. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Have no pressing issues atm...

    Team looks good to go.

    Is it better to save FT, or do Dendoncker to Cantwell to have a better 5th midfielder?

    Thanks.

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save FT

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hold for this week just incase, if you have nothing to do with 2 FTs then yes

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers.

    3. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Where does he sit on your bench? If worse then first sub then save

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Right now, its Willems, Rico and Dendoncker.

        Could be Cantwell, Willems and Rico.

        1. Arfaish
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Hold

  10. Fero1905
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I need help, i have no idea what can i do.

    Gazzaniga

    Lundsram TAA Söyüncü

    Mane KDB Mount Maddison

    Abraham jimenez Vardy

    Mcgovern/ guendozi otamendi rico

    I have 1 FT and 1.7 m left

    I could change mount to zaha or otamendi to another defender.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ota out for PVA.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ship out Ota, maybe to PVA or Tomori

  11. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Personally think Rodgers is talking crap about rotation at this point in the season. Leicester have not had many games. He should not be considering rotation until the League Cup QF.

  12. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Stirling & James > KDB & Pulisic -4??
    Y/N

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Y

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      why KDB?

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Why not?

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          why answer a ? with a ?

          1. Konstaapeli
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Because I'd like to know why you didn't think KDB would be a good choice.

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              He is, but there's more explosive options, City are meh and have been for a fair bit now, and they're not exactly leathering teams. Seems a good risk to go without to climb.

              1. Konstaapeli
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Actually agree with all of that. Still think KDB + Pulisic is better combo than Sterling + James and probably worth the hit. City are a bit meh atm but they have quality to hurt any team any day. And KDB is often on the points when they do.

    3. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Could work.

  13. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    1 FT, 1.7 ITB

    Gazza*
    TAA Lund Robbo
    Mane KDB Maddy Pulisic
    Ings Jimenez Vardy

    Subs: Button, Willems, Hayden, Rico

    Gazza to:
    A) Hendo (it will be a double with Lund for their nice fix)

    B) Schmeichel (as I havent got a Leicester defender)

    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would save. I think José will be set on not losing at United more so than winning

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        The anger of 11 United players against the man will outweigh that

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Not 11, just Pogba, Shaw, Lingard and Mata, and none of them is going to play probably.

          Mou is gonna set Old Trafford on fire!

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            He´s gonna run that place to the ground and afterwards piss on it.

  14. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Good moves?

    GW15: Pope and Martial to Henderson and Zaha (-4)
    GW16: Dendoncker and Ings to Alli and Greenwood (-4)

  15. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gtg?

    Pope
    Soyuncu TAA Lundstram
    Mane Kdb Son Alli Pulisic
    Vardy(c) Ings

    Heaton Kelly Connolly Montoya. .4itb

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, very nice team.

  16. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Score predictions for Arsenal-Brighton?

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      3-0. Pepe Hatrick.

    2. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      2-1

    3. JBG
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      2-2/1-1

    4. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      0-0

  17. clownbot2000
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    assuming Tammy is fit to play, any suggestions who to bench? can't decide...

    De Bruyne - Son - Mané - Pulisic - Cantwell
    BUR (A) - MUN (A) - EVE (H) - AVL (H) - SOU (A)

    Jiménez - Vardy - Abraham
    WHU (H) - WAT (H) - AVL (H)

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cantwell

      1. clownbot2000
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        cheers, probably will do

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He hasn't been outside so how can you "assume he's fit to play"?

      1. pablo discobar
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        That was Saturday. It's been 2 days since then

      2. clownbot2000
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        a good chess player assesses possible outcomes in advance

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cantwell, but would be flabbergasted if Abraham plays

  18. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I have had 4 green arrows in a row now, hoping to make it 5 for my longest streak this season. Gone from 2,198,189 > 2,082,732 > 1,066,557 > 680,429 > 579,051, ideally breaking into top 500K this week would be nice with the below team.

    Also have gone from 4th to 1st in my mini league, Was 53pts behind 1st 4 weeks ago. Choosing differential captains and getting it right has made the difference past 4 weeks for sure.

    Henderson,
    TAA, Robertson, Soy, Lund
    Son, Mane, KDB
    Tammy*, Rashford, Vardy (c)

    Button, Dendo, Rico, Hayden

    Took a -4 this week done Pope & Longstaff > Henderson & Hayden

    1. DF
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Weird hit?
      Is that a keeper and a 3rd sub for -4?

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ok.
      Wouldn't of said that was worth the hit.

      1. jb1985
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I had nothing in the bank, so had to move a 4.5 to a 4.4 to create the 0.1 i needed to upgrade Pope for Hendo.

  19. DF
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Getting Pulisic.
    Should I sell Salah and splash the cash at the weekend or sell Martial and have pennies?

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Martial. 100%

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Salah, can do more with money

    3. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Martial def

  20. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else trying to find a way to fit PVA in?

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No but would like Zaha

    2. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, fixtures are so so good. Most secure of starts in that defence after Guaita, and capable of attacking returns.
      Way more interested in him than Zaha.

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Likewise. Had Zaha a couple of seasons ago and he’s just annoying tbh.

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

    What moves would you make- 2 free transfers and .9 in bank

    A Martial and Mount to Alli and Zaha
    B As A but Martial to Pulisic
    C Just Martial to Alli and carry
    D Martial to Pulisic and carry
    E Pope to Henderson and sort out Mount/Martial/Lacazette next week
    F Any other inspired move/s welcome!

    Pope
    TAA Söyüncü Lundstram
    Mané KDB Martial Mount
    Vardy Lacazette Jiménez

    McGovern Cantwell Diop Rico

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I jave same quandry but in your case I would do A with Pulisic + Zaha..Really torn between getting Hendo.or going for.better midfielder. Can advice me.below.bro?

  22. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Henderson (McGovern)
    TAA, Soy, Tomori, Lund (Rico)
    Mane (VC), Maddison, KDB, Son(Dendo)
    Vardy (c), Jimmy (Tammy)

    Anything worth a hit (if so please advise)

  23. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    maddison and greenwood out for mousset and zaha.......... is that worth a hit

  24. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who is the best 4.5 gk partner along with Henderson
    A. Heaton
    B. Gazzaniga

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nobody, get a 4.0 and set and forget

    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would play him every week..Cant time a keeper anymore in nowadays mad epl

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Would rather have a 4.0, get Martin if on WC

      1. akhilrajau
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yes done

  25. HNI
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who will score more points in next 3?
    1)Pope + Pulisic or
    2) Henderson + Mount
    Just concerned that Pulisic may get his rest now

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      1
      We said that last time about Pulisic yet he still played, don't hink Lamps can afford to rest him against Villa

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        But he looks a benching waiting to happen. What about Zaha?

        1. HNI
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Is zaha better option as he is more nailed?

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

      I think 1 particularly if Tammy still out tomorrow

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Because he can play striker? He clearly had lot of oenaltt touched

        1. HNI
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          penalty touches*

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

          Yes exactly so

  26. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    i hit las week 2

  27. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Watching the Leicester game last night and I was concerned about Tielemand involvement. His deeper wider roll meant he was way less involved then Maddison.

    I'm not saying he played poorly but I got the feeling he will be the man to assist the assister which is reflected in him being involved in only one of Leicesters 8 goals.

    Bearing this in mind would you consider Tielemans > Zaha

  28. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Good transfer/Good to go:

    Pope*
    Lord, TAA, Soy
    KDB, Mads, Pulisic, Mane
    Vardy, Jim, Ings

    Button, Tomori, Ings, Diop

    1 FT, 3.2 ITB

    * plan was always in this GW pope to Henderson.

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Do it

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ageed. I'm doing Heaton > Henderson.

  29. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you prefer KDB or Alli (+1.8m)?

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

    Everyone keeps talking about Guita instead of Hendo because of the save points. To clarify are you thinking that Guita is going to get save points AND clean sheets (with bonus potential) whereas Hendo will only get clean sheets or are you just thinking Guita save points will out score Hendo potentially getting clean sheets?

    I've been tempted by Martin, guaranteed 4M starting 'keeper who could get your save points if that's all you're looking for? Granted WHU don't have the best fixtures but at least he'll have plenty of save points and if you ran Martin/Button that's even more money for your outfield players?

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nobody is saying about saves except you as Henderson has 37 saves to Guaita 31 plus he is cheaper plays for better team.

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      WH´s defensive capabilities are very weak, he had a good one last time around but there is a reason why he is making his debut in the PL at 33 yld....

    3. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Been running with Heaton for save points for a while. Hasn't really worked. The OG on Sunday was the icing on the cake. Going Henderson. Boring transfer but needs must.