Pro Pundits - Sam

No room for the heart when playing FPL

Some Fantasy Premier League selections are made based on form, some on fixtures, some on a gut feeling and some come from the heart. 

This season I am learning that the heart should not be trusted where FPL is concerned.

This is something that I have always known and I have tried historically to base my choices on tangible evidence but this season one man crept in.

This was, in part, due to the price reduction he had at the start of the season but also due to a need for a talisman, someone I really trusted alongside my maverick John Lundstram (£5.1m), John McGinn (£5.8m), Dean Henderson (£4.7m) and Diego Rico (£4.3m) picks.

Harry Kane (£10.9m), should have been the perfect striker – playing in a team who made it all the way to the Champions League final and at the low price point of just £11.0m at the time.

However, Spurs have been far from their best this season and Kane far from his, playing more as a defensive midfielder under Mauricio Pochetino than a striker.

Fast forward to Gameweek 14, Kane nearly left my team but the arrival of Jose Mourinho changed things. Would Spurs improve? Would Kane play as an out and out striker again?

Would the Fantasy hauls return?

Suddenly it was the wrong time to get rid, especially as he had a price rise with other managers bringing him in.

However, my gut feeling (which should always be followed) was to switch him for Dele Alli (£8.6m) who I spoke at length about on every FPL show and podcast that week.

Nonetheless, I held Kane who failed to return when Dele did. This has been repeated in both Gameweeks 14 and 15.

The stay of execution is over, this week Kane will go.

Having watched Kane against Manchester United revert back to playing deeper when Spurs fell behind, whilst Dele was in and around the box making all the right runs, it was apparent which Spurs asset is the one to own and it’s the one playing as the number 10 not the meant to be playing as the number 9.

Having two transfers going into Gameweek 16 means that I am able to make a change in my strike force and midfield without taking a points hit. McGinn is the unfortunate casualty in order for me to bring in Dele.  

Whilst the Aston Villa man was fantastic in the early Gameweeks of the season the points have dried up of late and with a Kane downgrade up-top, I have plenty of budget to afford the upgrade to Dele. This leaves me with £8.2m for a third striker alongside Vardy and Abraham.

There are a few decent options in this price bracket. 

Raúl Jimenez (£7.7m), Danny Ings (£6.2m) and Lys Mousset (£5.1m) are the three in contention for the spot.

Having used the Members Area to compare the players the results are interesting.  

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

3,982 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Got 2 ft, which

    A) keep laca this gw ? Y or N
    B) mount to puli ? Y or N
    C) if both no, instead of losing 1 ft then lowton to whom? Lovren wilems aurier sheffield def. (My def. Soy lund taa kely)

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Y
      N
      Aurier

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Aurier gonna be dropped quicker than a hookers knickers on a friday night

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Laca to rash or tammy

  2. PMz
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Kane, Jimenez > Vardy + Abraham for free? Team:

    Gazz

    Lundstram Soyuncu TAA

    KDB Mount Mane Maddison

    Kane Rashford Jimenez

    Subs: Saiss Rico Nakamba

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Just Kane to Vardy

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Yo fam! GTG?

    Schmeichel
    TAA Robbo Lundy
    Mane Son Zaha Barnes
    Vardy(C) Jesus Jiminez

    Button Kelly Dendo Rico

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

      captain Jesus

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Really nice team! Leave as is IMO

  4. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Salah is going to cause havoc on this site tomorrow

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

      doesn't he always, though?

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I have kept him purely in that hope. Its been fading though

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

        Don't own, wish I did. Think Mane could be benched tomorrow.

  5. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    heres me hoping for a mane benching so the mane captains get whacked, while I have Moutinho coming on for Mane and Alli cap

  6. Richd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Kane (c).

    I realise writing it on this article is a little strange.

    Good luck all!

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Son (c)

      Good luck

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Like it beric! Thinking of doubling up with Alli and son

      2. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I love it.

        Really can see Spurs destroying Burnley

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Your team isn't linked. Why? Good luck for you too 🙂

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        624 mate

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

      This article is an opinion, not a fact. Having a feeling in your heart about a player doing well and going against it, then that player hauls is the worst feeling playing FPL imo.

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I know. It’s crazy how much opinion differs. I wonder what Joe will do after listening to Scoutcast!

    4. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Not been on here much? Good luck with kane, hoping spurs win big but going Alli and son do the damage!

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Not been here as much, but reading all the articles and tables etc

        I do wish I’d gone Alli. But I’ve made my bed now so gonna lie in it! Always had the guy earmarked for GW16 captain based on fixtures

        Let’s hope spurs win big and good luck mate !

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Good luck to you as well

  7. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Should we own AlliSon 😉

    I do now 🙂

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Hahaha

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Every year there are some "players" like Allison and Jiminez... Two seasons ago I listed five. And I am not native speaker or writer. Yet, these are foreign names though...

  8. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1 FT

    Pope
    TAA - Soy - Lundy
    Mane - Son - KDB - Pulisic
    Vardy - Jimmy - Ings

    Button - Azpi - Cantwell - Rico

    A) Azpi > Aurier/Kelly and play over Söyüncü
    B) Pope > Gazza/Guaita/Hendo
    C) Save FT

    If I do Azpi > Aurier I can still do Jimmy > Tammy next GW. If I do Azpi to Kelly, I can do Jimmy > Rashford next GW.

    Thoughts?

  9. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Mount —> Maddison (FT) the best move?

    Henderson
    VVD | Tomori | Lundstram
    Mané | KDB | Son | Mount | Cantwell
    Vardy | Jimenez

    Button | Rico | Willems | Greenwood (1FT + 2.6m ITB)

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Alli over Maddison?

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Why not?

  10. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Yarmolenko to who?
    A) Zaha
    B) Mount
    C) Grealish

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

      Grealish

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

    Sorry....bottomed....2.7mitb. Any views on best move here please?

    A.....save ft

    B....Pope to guaita

    C....zaha to alli (v v tempted by this)

    Pope
    Taa lunds aurier (soy rico)
    Mane kdb maddison zaha (nakamba)
    Vardy abraham jiminez

    Thanks

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C because i think Zaha is a duff pick
      But you probably only bought him last week, for a reason, so it seems silly not to give him a few games

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Weirdly C

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

      C

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

        Yup. I only bought him midweek - but can't help but feel I should upgrade to alli ....

  12. Bobadoba
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Play Mount or Cantwell?

    Already have Pulesic.

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

    How does this look as WC squad? Or wait ?
    Out would go Henderson McGovern Diop Rico KDB Zaha Cantwell Jiménez Lacazette

    Button Ryan
    TAA Aurier Lundstram Kelly Clark
    Mané DSilva Alli Pulisic Grealish
    Tammy Rashford Vardy

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Not keen on the Dilva thing. Before long we will want KDB or sterling back
      Rest looks good according to current form

  14. thewhitepele
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Got 2ft and 3.4m itb, what's the move here? KDB and Mount --> Alli + Pulisic?

    Gazza
    TAA Soyuncu Lunds
    Mane KDB Maddison Mount
    Vardy Jimenez Ings

    Button, Cantwell, Rico, Lascelles*

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mount to Alli and roll

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

        Solid plan, thanks

  15. Noregretz
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope (button)
    Kelly, Soy, Aurier (Lund, Simpson)
    Mane, Son, KDB, Mount, (Dedonck)
    Vardy(c), Jimi, Ings

    2FT 4.7Itb

    For Tammy:
    A. Jimi > Tammy
    B. Ings > Tammy
    C: save

    For Pope:
    1. Guita
    2. Save

    Alternatives?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B and 1.

      As an alternative to Guaita, you could consider Gazza / Henderson. Not sure who I prefer the most tbf

  16. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope - Button
    Robertson - Lundstram - Dunk - Rico - Soy
    Mane - KdB - Alli - Yarmolenko - Dendoncker
    Rashford - Vardy - Jimenez

    1.4 ITB

    Worth taking a hit to get rid of Yarmolenko?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      No, just play 4-3-3 (play all def except Rico) and bench Yarmo, then get him out for free next week

  17. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Do we expect Pulisic to start?

  18. BigPointDipper
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bruyne/Trossard to dilva/Alli ? Worth it ? For -4

  19. FPL Xylophone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Im debating to sell Willian. Yes or no and for who?
    (7.8m itb. Mane, sterling, alli and hayden my other mfs. Laca vardy and ings my strikers)

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes
      Anyone who gets actual points

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Ditch imo. Laca has only one decent fixture. Can you get Tammy and Son?

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Son easily now since you got the money, didn't notice at first.

  20. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Last time I ask: Is it worth taking a hit for Martial to Son?

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

      I think not... especially now is confirmed martial is available

    2. Bada Bing
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't, if you have decent options coming from the bench if needed.

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

      Sound long term move imo.

  21. Bada Bing
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Henderson or Ryan for Pope for this month or so? I can't make up my mind. I have Lord Lundstram, of course, so is it better to double up on SHU backline or hedge my bets with the Brighton keeper? Cheers!

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

      Ryan if you can't afford Guaita

      1. Bada Bing
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks, no I can't afford Guaita, so it's one of those two.

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Ryan best keeper in the game for value.
      Bones magnet

      1. Bada Bing
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers!

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

      Guaita?

      1. Bada Bing
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Nope, can't afford him unfortunately...

        1. Bada Bing
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          And I have Kelly already to cover Palace's kind fixtures.

      2. FPL Xylophone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Ryan then

        1. Bada Bing
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers, appreciate it, Ryan it is then. 🙂

  22. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best option?
    A. Pope to Ryan
    B. Robbo to Aurier (or cheaper defender).
    C. Nothing doing

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Lundstram
    Puli Mane KDB Alli
    Jimenez Vardy Abra
    Button - Soy-Rico-Dendo (0.2itb 1ft)

    B allows Jimi to Rashford next week. A means save FT next week. C means probably burning a transfer next week (can't do Jimi to Rash; Robbo and Pope have good fixs)

  23. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which combo do you prefer?

    A) Jim + Alli (3-4-3)
    B) Rash + Pulisic (3-4-3)
    C) Alli + Pulisic (3-5-2)
    D) Jim + Pulisic (3-4-3)

    Already got Tammy + Son

    It feels like all options are incredibly even. Wolves' fixtures makes me lean towards B or C, even though Jimenez has done well for me since I brought him in.

    (team linked in profile)

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B or C now imo

  24. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Alli, Mane and Sterling all getting hyped up for this gameweek...

    Conclusion, all blanks...

  25. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Two free transfers but 0itb any ideas? I dont want to take pope out lol

    Pope
    Taa, lundstram, Pereira
    Kdb, maddison, mane, Pulisic,
    Ings, vardy, abraham

    Bench, mcgovern, O'Connell
    Cathcart, cantwell

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Is Periera getting you £2million worth more points than Soy? If not then downgrade and strengthen bench
      Nice team though

  26. Ed
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Those still with the WC, when are you using it?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      19/20

  27. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    (have kely soy), Lowton to

    A) aurier
    B) dunk (have ryan)
    C) lovren (have taa)
    D) sheffield def. (have lund)
    E) wilems/clark

  28. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pat Bonner

    Thanks for reply the other day re Nick Tanner, missed it at the time. Any idea how he’s doing now?

  29. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Evening All

    So i am thinking of doing Robbo and dendo to Aurier and Alli. Both for free would give me this lot. GTG?

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Kelly
    Mane Alli KDB Maddison Pulisic
    Vardy Ings

    Button Jimmi Lundy Soyun. 0 ITB

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nice

  30. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best mid under 7.5 to own from GW18? Except Zaha.

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nobody would seriously suggest him anyway

    2. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish