Pro Pundits

How formation changes got the best out of Salah and De Bruyne in Gameweek 17

One of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman, takes a closer look at advanced central roles for Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah in his latest Pro Pundits piece.


There are many ways to play Fantasy Premier League.

Some managers will be more aggressive in their approach, whilst others play a more patient game.

On Saturday, as Liverpool’s line-up leaked on social media ten minutes before the Gameweek 17 deadline, I saw an opportunity to make a gain.

The midfield was likely to be a two-man unit, with Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) starting alongside Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.4m), in an expected 4-2-3-1. 

Mohamed Salah’s (£12.2m) best goalscoring form has come when leading the line in a 4-2-3-1, with Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) positioned in the pocket just behind, and this trend continued against Watford, with the Egyptian not only scoring twice but also causing the Hornets defence problems all afternoon.

No player attempted more shots in the box than Salah’s seven this week.

The 2-0 win over Watford means Liverpool have scored two or more goals in 24 of their last 26 league outings. The 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and the 1-0 win at Sheffield United are the only games in which they failed to do that.

A Salah and Sadio Mané (12.2) attacking double-up, from Gameweek 19, is something I’m thinking about.

On Sunday, it was Pep Guardiola’s turn to shake things up. His favoured 4-3-3 surprisingly made way for a 4-2-3-1 (sounds familiar right?!), with two holding midfielders and Kevin De Bruyne (£10.3m) as a no. 10.

Unshackled, De Bruyne was on another level, and the most advanced Manchester City player:

De Bruyne’s 19-point haul, combined with Salah’s brace and a Sheffield United defensive double-up, contributed towards my Gameweek 17 score of 80 points, which has seen my overall rank rise to 50,107.

As I plan to activate my Wildcard soon, my next moves are essentially one or two-week punts, with Jack Grealish (£6.2m) and Adama Traoré (£5.2m) both under consideration.

Whilst there is a bit of worry amongst Aston Villa fans right now after several below-par team performances, Grealish still interests me, and I do think if Villa are going to score, he will be involved.

A slightly cheaper option is Traoré, who’s been playing on the right of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ front three in recent weeks. He’s a player who looks almost impossible to stop when he gets going and is also a bit of a differential, owned by only 5.4% of squads. 

Despite this, it’s worth noting that while an away trip to Norwich City sounds like a fixture to target, only Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have given up fewer big chances than the Canaries over the last five Gameweeks. That suggests it’ll be a tighter game than many think.

Going forward, I’m also keeping Michael Antonio (£6.9m) in mind. Against Southampton, Antonio and Sébastien Haller (£7.0m) made their debut as a strike duo, in a 4-4-2, and thrived. The 1-0 scoreline could have been even better for West Ham United, had Antonio’s goal in the second half stood. It was the second time he’s seen a goal disallowed for handball in three weeks, having also had one ruled out at Chelsea.

Now, the Hammers have a nice break to refine the system before their next match at Crystal Palace in Gameweek 19.

So, here is how I’m currently set up ahead of Gameweek 18, with one free transfer and £1.3m in the bank. 

Grealish, Traoré, Richarlison (£7.9m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.8m) are all on the Watchlist, with one or two likely to come in ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

Re captaincy, I’m currently on De Bruyne, but Grealish is another candidate having returned 25 points over his last three games at Villa Park.

I currently have the vice captaincy on Dele Alli (£8.7m) but that will likely be removed. 

Alli does have more goals against Chelsea than any other club but I do have concerns about Spurs and their ability to control games with their current midfield options. I’m just not sure they’ll get the balance right when selecting two of Eric Dier (£4.9m), Moussa Sissoko (£4.9m), Harry Winks (£5.2m) or Tanguy Ndombele (£5.8m), but captaincy decisions will likely go right to the wire.

Thanks for reading… until next time.


Tom Freeman – aka avfc82 – comes onto the team to make most of us feel wildly insecure about our overall rank history. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user, he has finished inside the top 1,000 a staggering five times since 2009.

1,206 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    KDB won’t play against Arsenal every week

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      🙂 be brilliant so far this season though mate

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      This

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

      Okay, so what's your point?

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No point as it would go straight over your head

      2. Mr Wizard
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Why tho

  2. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best move?

    A. Maddy >> Alli (play Greeny)
    B. Mané >> Alli (play Maddy)
    C. Save FT (play Greeny & Maddy)

    Pope
    Lundy • Aurier • Rico
    Son(C) • KDB • Maddy • Grealish
    Vardy • Tammy • Greeny
    (McGov. Soy. Mané. TAA)

    1. Giles G
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        See my question below. Most seem to think keep Mané especially for next GW so might just go A

  3. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Kdb, son or Grealish captain.

    OR 200K and looking to take a bit more of a punt this week.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Son. KDB tricky game and Grealish is a nice differential anyways

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kdb

      1. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        If I knew kdb would play no. 10 role again I'd be straight on him. I think Grealish is a real risky one but I'm tempted. I like having a captain playing late in the weekend to look forward to... Which is purely psychological

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

      KdB

    4. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Son on Sunday.

    5. Giles G
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Son

  4. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you rather own during the Leicester vs Pool game on Boxing Day? Maddy or Mané?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mane

    2. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mane

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

      Mane

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks. So probably A or C above then is sensible

      1. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I'd go A on that one.

    5. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mané for sure

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        So A or C above pal? Thank you

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

          A of the above. Fancy Alli for a few GW's, then downgrade either him on Son to Maddi if you like

  5. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Salah to who? Can get Salah or Mane back week after if needed.

    A) Sterling
    B) Son
    C) Save (play Kelly)

    Guaita
    Aurier Lundstram Kelly Rico
    Alli KDB Mount Cantwell
    Tammy Vardy

    Martin Greenwood Salah Trent

    Cheers

    1. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Son and give it more than 1gw before bringing Salah or mane back.

      I've made the mane to son move and will probs do the alli to Salah move gw21

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

  6. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Here we are. Always sit up and take notice of AVFC82.

  7. FCRS BGD
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys
    Do you think that Eriksen will get any minutes to play under Murinho?
    Thanks

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

      Yeah buy him

  8. George James
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Mane + Tammy >> Alli + Rash for free?

  9. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Henderson (Button)
    Soyuncu, Lundstram, Guilbert (Robbo, Diop)
    Son, Maddison, McGinn, Shelvey (Salah)
    Vardy, Rashford, Tammy

    What to do with this squad? Have one free transfer, 0.6 in the bank
    A) Diop to Kelly
    B) Diop to Fernandez
    C) Salah to KDB
    D) Maddison to Richarlison
    D) Other

  10. Giles G
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which defender gets the most points over the next 2 weeks? Money no object. AWB & Aurier are in my thoughts.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Targett

      1. Giles G
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        He has the best fixtures. Any chance of attacking returns?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah, he does get forward alot

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

    Janmaat pulisic to Willems son for free?

    Henderson
    Lundy rico Willems
    Kdb maddison grealish son
    Vardy tammy ings

    Button mane trent Soy

    Will wildcard gw 19/20

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nice

  12. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Are our fantasy cup opponents completely random?

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

      Yes

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I think I heard somewhere lowest and highest points range face each other

  13. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Think Traore could run wild this week.

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

      Cantwell to Traore worth it for FT?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I would. There’s going to be rotation over the next few game weeks and Traore can be benched when you have a better option for the week.
        He’s on my wish list. Just depends if I decide to go Richarlison instead.

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

      He always runs wildly.

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

      Nice punt

  14. drughi
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for boly ? Leaning towards targett, so attacking and up against 4 teams with very dodgy defences next.

    A. Targett
    B. Dunk
    C. Kelly

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

      Too bad Villas defence is just as dodgy

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A. Villa's defense isn't great but decent chance of attacking returns. Bit of a TAA lite.

  15. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I think im captaining Jimenez. Norwich will attack and get punished. Double figures incoming.

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jota looks good too

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

        Yeah, if you dont have jimmy

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

      Funny I thought they looked so well drilled and solid vs Leicester - the eye test really put me off betting against them!

      Most of their bad results came during the horrifically injured period they had, can see them surprising a few folks

      I think this is Wolves 32nd game of the season already too, and no Willy Boly

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

        Yeah, but Norwich don´t defend as disciplined home compared to away.

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

          I don’t see the attraction personally - they looked very much like a team on the up rather than whipping boys... and wolves looked jaded... like a team playing without their best defender in their 31st match of the season...

          Jimmy did look sharp though for sure and he is very consistent so it certainly could work, just wouldn’t be one I’d go for!

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

      Norwich defence revived a little it seemed last game no? Look more solid, Zimmerman etc

  16. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Spending 12pts to bring in KDB, Son, Kane and Targett.

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Either going to blow or reep rewards...

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Really?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah 1 step back, 2 steps forward, it takes me down to 978pts, but feel the rewards will come.

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Not many like Kane around these parts.
          You getting him over Rashford?

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            No Vardy Rashford Kane up top

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Just looked at a -8 myself.

              Robertson,Mane,Cantwell,Mousett
              >>
              4.4? Richarlison,Traore,Kane

              1. Dynamic Duos
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Targett. Let's see your team as of now.

                1. The 12th Man
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Ryan
                  Söyüncü,Rico, Lundstrum
                  Son,KDB,Maddison,Cantwell
                  Vardy, Jimenez,Mousett

                  Button,Mane,Robertson,TAA 2FT’s 0.0m itb

                  1. Dynamic Duos
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 3 months ago

                    Just do the -4

                    1. The 12th Man
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 3 months ago

                      Could afford Aurier if keeping Cantwell.

                      1. Dynamic Duos
                        • 10 Years
                        4 years, 3 months ago

                        Prefer Targett this week

              2. Dynamic Duos
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                You got 2fts?

                1. The 12th Man
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Yep

              3. Dynamic Duos
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Tbh the Cantwell to Traore doesn't warrant a -4

                1. The 12th Man
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Maybe that is a bit wild.

    3. andres
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why not, live a little

  17. andres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pieters nailed for this gw?

  18. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Maddison ->

    A) Martial
    B) Grealish
    C) Burn FT

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

      What's the rest of your team?

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

      Becks

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

      Or D) Richarlison?

    4. andres
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    5. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B or C
      Maddison might punish sellers (of which I'm one)

  19. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How likely is it that Pulisic goes down tonight? I have 0.0 in the bank with the transfers I want to make.

      1. Andrew
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Haha I know, checked few times today, near to -90 and in that region where I wouldn’t be surprised to see a fall.

  20. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Guaita
    Lundstram Soy Rico
    Son Madds Traore Grealish
    Vardy Rash Tammy

    Button Dunk TAA Salah

    Still deciding between Dunk and Soy...

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      to play ? 100% dunk ahead of soy for christ sake

    2. andres
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Dunk

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

      Dunk surely - really nice player to have this week

  21. MGD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bench 1:

    A) Rico (BUR)
    B) Montoya (SHE)
    C) Pereira (mci)
    D) Cantwell (WOL)

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

      I have cantwell on the bench but may change to Soy (similar to your Pereira)

  22. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who will get more points over the next 3 GW?
    A) Robbo
    B) Maguire

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maguire

      Robbo has a blank

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Is this even a serious question? Where is Maguire cough cough in the points table?

  23. andres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What would you do with this team?

    Hedno
    Kelly pieters Lund
    Cantwell Alli Son Madds
    Rash Vardy abraham

    TAA, mane, soy 0.6 ITB 1FT.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Delete it

      1. andres
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        ?

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          It was a joke

          It is very template so just stick with it this week

          1. andres
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I hate saving! What would you do if you had to make a move?

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

      Have the same unless pieters and Kelly/Aurier Rico.

      Considering Maddison to Richarlison or save.

      Maby Cantwell to Traore

      1. andres
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I am tempted by mane, grealish to grealis, kdb (-4)...

        Also considering something in defence

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

    RMT
    2FT
    0.8 ITB

    Ryan / Button
    Soyuncu, Rico, Lundstram, Montoya / TAA
    KDB DSilva Zaha / Cantwell Salah
    Vardy Ings Abraham

    Debating between
    A) Silva —> Martial
    B) Silva + Abraham —> Grealish + Rashford
    C) Other?

    Appreciate any input!

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

      b looks nice, not martial

    2. AbsolutelyNoIdea
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

    Satisfied with team (cue red arrow...), just one decision to be made:

    A) Grealish -4pts, and bench Jimenez GW19
    B) Keep Gunedozi, play Jimenez GW19

    WC'ing GW20, so which is best over the two upcoming GW's?

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

      Don't think you should bench Jimenez and not sure Grealish is worth a hit, so B.

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

        Txs. City not water tight for sure, but still Grealish two fixtures are so good. Note that I'dbe plyaing Jimenez this GW, but Grealish over him in GW19

    2. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why would you bench Jiminez vs norwich

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

        He meant next GW Vs City

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

          exactly, see above

    3. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      In option B does Guendouzi start gw18? If so take the hit

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

        Him or Söy, expect 1-2pts from either.

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

          In that case.. maybe the hit will be worth it. Just do it mate!

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

            Txs, think I'm leaning that way yeah

  26. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope
    Aurier-Kelly-Lunsdtram-Targett
    Son(C)-KDB-Alli-Maddison
    Vardy-Rashford

    Button-Soyuncu-Greenwood-Mane

    Does this look good to go for the weekend?

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

      Hard to fault, big green for yo sir!

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Let’s hope

  27. andres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Cant decide between grealish and richarlison...

    Who did you get?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish

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

      I’d favour Richarlison over dead skunk hair 🙂

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

      Grealish, £saved and still can't bring myself to trust Richarlison who's trolled on so many occasions

    4. AbsolutelyNoIdea
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish

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

      Leaning towards Grealish. Depends where Rich is played. In my experience he does not play well as a central striker, better from the left

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

      Considering Rich: 4 goals last 6 matches, Grealish 2.

      Also like his stats better in the comparison tool, recommend to check

    7. Connor Wickham
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rich

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

    How would the template look around GW19-GW25?

    Something like this maybr:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Aurier Kelly Rico/Dunk
    KDB Son Alli Salah/Mane
    Rashford Vardy

  29. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I already own Son but I’m more tempted to get Richarlison in rather than Alli.

    I do have WC to use in 19/20 in all fairness, but am I crazy?

    1. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Both a good shout, but I went Alli

    2. AbsolutelyNoIdea
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks guys

  30. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    G2G?

    Heaton
    Lund Aurier Kelly
    KDB Son Grealish Alli
    Vardy Jiminez Tammy

    Hend Maddison Soy TAA

    1. AbsolutelyNoIdea
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yep .. Nice