Pro Pundits - Ash

Who I’m considering as my FPL replacement for out-of-form Danny Ings

With some big Gameweeks on the horizon, I’ve got some big decisions to make about chips and my budget forwards.

Hopefully, they will prove less stressful than the ones I had to consider over the weekend.

It’s Saturday morning, minutes before the Gameweek 29 deadline, and I’ve yet to make my transfers. Clearly the Double Gameweek was a big draw for me.

I wanted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.1m) due to his goal-scoring pedigree but to get him I had to take some hits.

With questions over Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) starting I was prepared to take a risk and sell him.

I decided to take out the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.4m) for Aubameyang but justified the move by still having Richarlison (£8.3m) as my Everton attacker.

I wanted some type of City cover, so Phil Foden (£5.1m) came to the fore as my plucky differential, with talk of him starting the Manchester City derby. That’s where I should have stopped.

But for some reason, I convinced myself that Nicolas Pépé (£9.2m) was going to roll over West Ham and Manchester City, so signed him in place of Anthony Martial (£7.9m).

Alas, none of those transfers paid off over the weekend and I scored under the average which always guarantees a red arrow. I now need to hope that Manchester City v Arsenal turns out to be a festival of goals with De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero (£11.9m) having an off-day. Not asking for much, am I?

After recording four green arrows in a row, my FPL team seemed to be making the right kind of progress but Liverpool’s undoing against Watford was an unwanted fork in the road.

Ominous comments from Guardiola after City flop in Double Gameweek opener

Unfortunately, I tried to remedy that by investing in Double Gameweek 29 but that hasn’t gone to plan so far. I’m down 100,000+ places and really need a slice of luck to get some traction back.

On the plus side, I still have three chips in hand, the Wildcard, Free Hit and Bench Boost.

With another Blank Gameweek and at least one more Double Gameweek this season, I’m still hopeful for a much-needed lift.

As tempting as it may be, my initial thoughts on Blank Gameweek 31 is to refrain from using the Free Hit.

With my current squad, I have seven potential players who have a fixture that week and using my upcoming transfers I can get up to nine potential starters. After that, I can use my moves for Blank Gameweek 31 itself to bump my numbers up to 11 active players.

The only downside is that I would be following my -8 hit with two consecutive -4 hits. But once the final set of Double Gameweeks are announced I will be better placed to use my remaining chips.

After some blistering form between Gameweek 12 and Gameweek 22, Danny Ings (£7.1m) has recently struggled in front of goal. In fact, he’s only netted one league in his last seven Premier League appearances which is unacceptable, even for a so-called budget striker.

I also find it concerning that Ings has failed to register attacking returns against the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham and Newcastle United.

It might seem foolish selling him before Southampton’s trip to Norwich, but that’s what I intend to do. If I do sell Ings (and with Blank Gameweek 31 also in mind), my options are fairly limited, but in that price range, three players are on my shortlist – Jordan Ayew (£5.1m), Diogo Jota (£6.4m) and Troy Deeney (£6.2m).

All three have a similar number of attacking returns and minutes per point despite their total playing time since Gameweek 1 being significantly different.

Of note, Jota has scored 30 of his points in the past three Gameweeks, despite his poor conversion rate as a whole throughout the season.

Ayew has also been an inconsistent performer but has come back on the radar with two goals and an assist since Gameweek 27.

As for Deeney, with the exception of the match against Liverpool, his form of late hasn’t been great but he’s worth considering as Watford are fighting for survival and he is their main attacking output.

I already have Raul Jiménez (£8.0m) but I’m tempted to double and get Jota purely on Wolves’ generous fixture run, in comparison to Crystal Palace and Watford over the next two Gameweeks.

Metrics

With it still being mathematically possible for Liverpool to wrap up the Premier League in Gameweek 30, Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) seems like a no-nonsense captain pick.

The fact they are playing Everton in the Merseyside derby also gives the occasion an extra edge. If I also had Sadio Mané (£12.4m), I probably would have considered captaining him too.

Having said that, one of the hang-ups of Double Gameweek 29 is that I will have Aubameyang still at hand and he could be a good armband shout against Brighton.

612 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kushal
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    A. Vvd & Sterling > Alonso & Mane (-4)
    B. Vvd & Sterling > Taylor & Mane (-4)
    C. Save FT for blank week

    1. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      a

    2. onceuponatyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      c

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      A looks really good to me

  2. FPL Emu
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Thoughts on this free hit team?

    Pope

    Aurier / Doherty / TAA (Tarkowski, Kiko)

    Alli / Salah / Mane / Sarr (Mcneill)

    Wood / Jota / Jimenez

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      like it, this is very similar to what i'll go with! I'd just target home teams, Play 3x LFC 3x Wolves 3xBurnley and 2xSpurs

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      I think that's pretty much the gw31 FH template. Just not sure on Aurier though.

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      You’ve listed 4 Burnley players
      Also no interest in Aurier myself

  3. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    1FT £0.7ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA,Doherty,Saiss
    Salah,KDB,Perez,Sarr
    Auba,Ings,Jiminez

    Dubravka,Stevens,Lascelles,Fleck

    Am I good to save transfer?

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Stephens* not Stevens

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Yep, let it roll, you're gtg.

  4. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    KDB or Fernandes?

    I already have Bruno and shipped KDB GW28.

    Would just be interested to hear everyones thoughts at this current moment.

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Very tough to comment on this situation, Bruno is obviously on fire, and looks a superb asset, i'd love to own him, and KDB is carrying a knock. mixed with the champions league, and tough fixtures, he's not looking an enticing prospect at the moment. But i've had him since day 1, I got him at 9.5 so i have 0.5 tied up. I'd struggle to get him back in at 10.6 if i sold him now

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        I'm in exactly the same boat with him, not entirely sure what to do. Had him all season but his time might be coming to the end if hes not looking to start against Burnley.. see how the ars game goes I suppose

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Guess that is the problem for most. The value tied up in KDB.

        Many/most have had him from GW1. You are not that bad off.

        TV is one thing. You do not need the highest TV to win FPL or have the best squad.

        Holding onto a player for too long is another thing. I have had Vardy and KDB in and out of my team. It sort of resolves the issue of what do I do with them eating into my TV when I get rid.

        Salah, TAA and *Dunk for whatever reason I do not know* are the only player I have held onto since GW1.

        Salah and TAA are the ultimate FPL beasts 🙂

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      I'm keeping Bruno & Selling KDB.
      Think will double up on United attack after GW 34

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      I would like to ship KDB and get Bruno in.
      But I need to see what happens tonight first.

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        But it’s also difficult due to the value I have in him. I bought at 9.5

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        What is the significant thing Tonight ?

        1. Whats the Huth
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 19 days ago

          Tomorrow i meant. Sorry

    4. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      If you bought at 9.5 or thereabouts and sell him now I’d say just move on and don’t look to bring him back. Too much value wasted
      They will have a few cups to play and league position is locked so even more random lineups could happen

  5. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    I'm going to use FH in GW 37
    Planning to roll with this in GW 31 (-4)
    Good enough ??

    Taa Saiss Taylor
    Salah Mane Sarr
    Jimenez Jota

    McCarthy Henderson Stephens Lascells Bruno Vardy Grealish on the bench.

    Is it worth to take a hit to get a GK ??

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      No need for GK IMO. You already need to worry about Sarr taking away points from Taylor.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Attacking returns for both 😉
        You can hope

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 19 days ago

          Problem is Taylor has 0 attacking returns all season. Sarr has 😉

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 19 days ago

            Yep
            There is first time for everything 😀

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 19 days ago

              Yes, so do not get Pope for a hit 😀

    2. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Yeh looks good enough. Do you have a WC and BB left?

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Nope
        Only FH

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      It looks good for 31 of course, but i'd hate to take that team forward without a WC bro.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Thanks bro
        What are the possible weaknesses in the team in your opinion ??

    4. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      You’re fine mate.
      Salah and Mane. Jiminez. Liverpool, Wolves and Burnley defence covered.
      Won’t be much difference to most FH teams.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Thanks mate
        Think you're in the same boat too (no FH )

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 19 days ago

          I am.

          I’m between fielding ten, or taking a -4 for an 11.

          -4 would be,

          Fabianski
          Trent Doherty Taylor Ogbonna
          Salah mane Zaha lucas
          Jiminez deeney

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 19 days ago

            That's pretty different team.
            Probably WC in hand makes you assured about Zaha Lucas Deeney Fabianski Ogbonna ...

            Fair enough.

            Liverpool have done us a favour 😉
            Hopefully by losing UCL game they'll do it again. Mane Salah double up with Taa & No UCL games would mean goal fest every GW 😀

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 19 days ago

              I like to go a little maverick sometimes.

              Yes I still have WC, and it’ll be coming out soon.

              Fabianski and Ogbonna have been perma-benched since the Liverpool DGWs earlier this season.

              1. Amey
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 19 days ago

                DGW/BGW specialist then 😉

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 19 days ago

                  Ha, time will tell!

    5. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      It will be similar to mine. I'll have 7 without hits but that would include Pope. Assuming that any additional player scores 2 points in gw31 then each transfer only costs a net 2 points. I'd probably go for any GW31 player that you wanted on a long term basis - otherwise stick as you are.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Thanks OLD MAN !

        Only one I'd look at is Pope/Foster. But already Taylor in the team. So not sure. Henderson to Pope (-4) is a move looking obvious. Especially as Henderson will have a United game in the Dgw so only one dgw for him at max

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 19 days ago

          Presumably you'll play McCarthy in any DGW?

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 19 days ago

            I think i will
            In 34
            In 37 I'll be on FH so god knows

    6. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Looks good enough. I would bring in pope over Taylor if you have the option. Else this is good enough.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Not an option sadly
        Thanks mate

    7. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      why not FH in 34 and use your feee transfers to plan for 37? more time, more knowledge ...

  6. yanky
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    is it crazy to have all chips left (including TC) and NOT FH31? Im thinking of rolling out 10 players for -4 and saving...??

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      FH better in a double, if you’ve got 10, save FH

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Not crazy at all. In fact it's good sense if you can get 10 out.

    3. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Is this a way of just trying to rub it in everyone's face?!? O_O

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      what are you waiting for ? Christmas ? 😉

  7. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    How do you block people on here?

    I’ve heard it’s possible, but can’t see how?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      You cant

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Sure? I have definitely seen posters on here say they’ve blocked people.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 19 days ago

          No official way, but there are unofficial means.

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 19 days ago

            Explain how?

            Just sticking gaffa tape over the screen?

  8. Don Van Vliet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Is it enough to go into GW31 with 9 starters? Will be taking a -4 as it is and don't want to load my squad with deadwood just to field a full 11.

    1. MidTableFantasy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      More than most non FHers, I'd be happy with 9

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      9 is plenty, especially if you have the core players Salah, Mane, Jimi, TAA, etc.

      1. Don Van Vliet
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Cheers, troops.

  9. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Little lost here, help appreciated! 2 FT, 1.8 ITB. Should I get 3 more BGW31 assets (Wolves/Burnley/Watford) to have 8 starters or FH 31? Just have FH and BB left.

    McCarthy,
    TAA, VVD, Lascelles
    Salah, Fernandes, Barnes, KDB*
    Aubameyang, Jimenez, Ings

    (Button, Traore*, O'Connell, Williams)

    Unsure what to do with Traore now. Considering:

    A) McCarthy, Williams and Lascelles -> Pope, CTaylor and Saiss
    B) Aubameyang, Traore and TAA (!) -> Jota, Mane and Doherty
    C) FH BGW31 and work on strengthening Team
    D) Something Else

    Cheers

  10. MidTableFantasy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    KDB + Robertson > Mane + Saiss?

    Have TAA and Salah. Thanks.

  11. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Bench 1

    A) Söyuncu wat
    B) Stevens new
    C) Boly whu

    Thanks

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      A

    2. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      A

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Bird in hand (10) v Aubameyang(c), winner?

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Odds would be close. Probably bird, but I have a sneaking (guessing) suspicion that Auba might do something tomorrow.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      10 points

  13. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    To field 9 players in 31 would need a -8 so a -8 to then get rid of the dead wood would I not be better free hitting and then building with hits towards dgw's and more favourable season keepers?

    1. theo19
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Depends on your mini-league situation. I would say if you are chasing the game, attack GW31 with a FH as the DGW could end up being template teams (or not), and by then not enough games to recover, plus rotational uncertainty to deal with.

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 19 days ago

        Also thought this I'm second 15 behind top and he can only field 3 players and I have them as well and he's used all his chips! The lad in 3rd is 19 points behind me and has wc and fh left!

  14. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Just seen Ederson's throw to Mctom with an open goal again.

    It cannot be unseen.

    Was it staged?

  15. theo19
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    My first post on team advise...

    In preparing for GW31, I have 6 starters.

    Options are:
    1) FH for 11 starters, and likely WC in GW32 or GW33
    2) Take -4 for 9 starters
    3) Take -8 for 10 starters

    I also have all my chips available

    Thanks!

  16. KingKanu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Calumn Wilson's the one. He has every incentive to play hard and score A LOT of goals right to the last game, as it's the only way he can get that Euro 2020 squad place. Could get cancelled after, but he's going to play hard to get a chance.

  17. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 19 days ago

    Messed up my GW31 planning - already have 3 Wolves but no Jiménez - what a casual lol 🙂

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 19 days ago

      Best 3 forwards for GW31 - Firmino, Jota and ???

      (not Jiménez because already have 3 Wolves - casual-like error)