Pre-Season

The best mid-price FPL forwards for 2020/21

While there was little to cheer among the budget forwards, there is a bit more to interest Fantasy Premier League managers when we step up a tier.

Our trawl through the mid-price FPL forwards covers the 25 assets who currently find themselves in the £6.0m-£7.5m bracket, with our look at the premium options to follow.

You can read our run-through of the best goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders via the links below.

‘BIG SIX’ BACK-UPS AND POSSIBLE STARTERS

We have opted to include the sole £7.5m-rated forward in this mid-price analysis as much of what we write of Tammy Abraham will also be true of Olivier Giroud (£7.0m).

Both players might be playing understudy to Timo Werner (£9.5m) for much of 2020/21 following the German attacker’s arrival in west London, although an injury to Christian Pulisic (£8.5m) could see Werner reprise the inside-left role he often played for RB Leipzig and open up a central spot for Abraham or Giroud in the early stages of the new season.

The final third of Abraham’s previous campaign was something of a non-event, with the Chelsea striker making only two starts in the final 13 Gameweeks as injury and Giroud’s form saw him reduced to bit-part player status.

Thirteen goals, five assists and 20 bonus points had arrived from Gameweeks 3 to 25, however, with Abraham starting all but one of Chelsea’s league fixtures over that run.

In total, the pair plundered 23 goals and seven assists between them in the Premier League in 2019/20 – which is a testimony to the Blues’ creativity, especially as Abraham was quite profligate following his early-season purple patch.

Pre-season will hopefully tell us whether Pulisic will be fit for Gameweek 1, whether Werner will initially be operating wide-left as a result and, finally, which – if any – of Giroud or Abraham could be leading the line on the opening weekend.

Whoever gets the nod could consequently be a decent differential for the appealing early fixtures but rotation and bench duty would appear to loom large beyond that point.

Michy Batshuayi (£6.0m) will be a mere FPL footnote if he stays at Stamford Bridge but a loan move could renew interest, as happened in 2018/19.

Odion Ighalo (£6.5m) has extended his loan deal at Manchester United until January 2021 but the Nigerian will likely be reliant on an injury crisis hitting the Red Devils to gain meaningful game-time, as Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) or Mason Greenwood (£7.5m) could just as easily deputise as the spearhead of the United attack if Anthony Martial (£9.0m) ever faced a period on the sidelines.

Ighalo, indeed, is still waiting for his first Premier League start since moving from China.

Pitch-time may also be an issue for Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m), with Willian‘s (£8.0m) arrival handing Mikel Arteta the chance to use Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) centrally if ever the Arsenal boss opted against fielding Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m) or indeed moves the Frenchman on.

Arteta clearly rates Nketiah, as the youngster was handed seven Premier League starts after returning from a loan spell with Leeds United in January.

While FPL managers could have stomached semi-regular benchings at Nketiah’s 2019/20 cost of £4.5m, the same might not apply after his price hike given the more ‘nailed’ starters elsewhere in this bracket.

As is the case with so many players, pre-season minutes will be a good way of gauging just how involved Nketiah might be in the Gunners’ appealing double-header against Fulham and West Ham United in Gameweeks 1 and 2.

The 21-year-old striker was given the nod to lead the line in the Community Shield on Saturday, which is a good start.

TOP-HALF OPTIONS

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 7

One of the joys of picking a Burnley asset is that, providing the team is in relatively good form, there is little danger of Sean Dyche rotating.

Chris Wood (£6.5m) is a bit of an unheralded mid-price forward and he delivered more goals (14) and registered more big chances (31) than all bar Abraham of the 25 strikers profiled in this article, despite starting just 29 games in an injury-disrupted season.

He has also registered more shots from inside the six-yard box than any other Premier League player in each of the last two campaigns, which is a great indicator of how often he gets into dangerous positions.

Few managers will be interested initially thanks to a Blank Gameweek 1 and a trip to Leicester City thereafter but he is one for the watchlist when the fixtures improve from Gameweek 3 onwards.

It remains to be see which of Ashley Barnes (£6.0m) or Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m) is Dyche’s preferred option alongside Wood next season, meanwhile, with Barnes starting 2019/20 as first-choice before injury curtailed his season in January.

The pair are more than capable of grabbing a goal or two themselves but Wood did outperform them on most ‘per 90’ metrics and he may well warrant the extra half a million outlay.

Sheffield United offered a lot of FPL value last season but not so much in attack.

The fact that none of their strikers started more than 24 matches or scored more than six league goals is a worry, with Chris Wilder fond of rotating his front two in an otherwise very settled side.

Only four clubs scored fewer Premier League goals than the Blades last season, meanwhile.

Oliver McBurnie (£6.0m) seems to be the pick of the three Bladesmen at this price, having belatedly established himself as a regular up top and having started 16 of Sheffield United’s final 17 fixtures – more than Billy Sharp (£6.0m) or Lys Mousset (£6.0m) managed in the whole of 2019/20.

Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m) looks good for a goal whenever he features for Leicester City but game-time is the main issue with the Nigerian, who hasn’t played more than 1,000 minutes of league football in any of the last five seasons.

Unless we get wind of a Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) injury in pre-season or Brendan Rodgers hints at starting two strikers up front, then there seems little value in a player who started just 12 matches in 2019/20 and who was described as an “impact player” by his manager as recently as July.

THE BEST – AND WORST – OF THE REST

What impact has David Moyes had on West Ham? 5

There’s only one place to start our ‘rest of the league’ round-up.

Many of us would have anticipated a positional reclassification for Michail Antonio (£6.5m) but, given what occurred after lockdown ended, few would have thought the West Ham United striker would be available at his cheapest price since 2015/16.

Granted, he’ll lose a handful of points for goals and clean sheets (not that the Hammers kept many) after his move from ‘midfielder’ to ‘forward’.

But the price drop and increased chance of bonus points will partly offset that and, comparing his credentials with other mid-price FPL forwards, he still stands out.

Ten goals and four assists from just 19 starts and five substitute appearances was impressive, with nine of those attacking returns arriving in West Ham’s post-restart fixtures.

Antonio’s season-long minutes-per-xGI (expected goal involvement) figure was also better than any other mid-price forward in this piece bar the peripheral Batshuayi and superior to the likes of Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m).

As with most players, there are caveats.

His injury record has long been a cause for concern but he largely assuaged those fears with 14 successive starts at the end of 2019/20, even when the fixtures piled up.

Then there are questions over whether Sebastien Haller (£6.5m) will be reintegrated into the side and whether Antonio will be moved wide as a result or, as happened before coronavirus stopped play, whether they will be paired as a front two.

Perhaps the biggest downside is the tricky early-season fixture schedule but, that aside, he could represent excellent value in 2020/21 based on what we saw at the back-end of last season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.0m) was a popular FPL purchase immediately after Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival but ten successive blanks in the run-in blotted his copybook.

The Everton striker scored eight goals and set up another in the ten Gameweeks following the Italian’s arrival and he was a reliable starter, with his only benching under Ancelotti coming in Gameweek 38+ when the Italian allowed Moise Kean (£6.0m) a rare run-out up front.

Barring any new arrivals, Calvert-Lewin will still be expected to begin 2020/21 as one of Ancelotti’s go-to picks in attack ahead of Kean and the injured Cenk Tosun (£6.0m).

No other forward now in the £6.0m-£7.5m bracket registered more attempts on goal or shots in the box than Calvert-Lewin from Gameweek 19 onwards, so the underlying stats (and opening fixures) bode well if he can rediscover his finishing touch.

Our sole mid-price representative from the newly promoted sides is Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.0m).

The Serb is priced up cheaper than he was in 2018/19 and Werner is the only FPL forward who has a higher ownership figure than him at the time of writing.

With 26 goals and two assists last season, it’s not hard to see why: Mitrovic played a part in 49.1% of the goals that Fulham scored when he was on the pitch, a similar involvement figure (46%) that he posted in the Premier League in 2018/19.

Mitrovic also impressed on the underlying stats front last season, as he did the last time he was in the Premier League.

He isn’t particularly clinical, with a goal conversion rate of 17.2% in 2019/20 not too eye-catching considering the inferior standard of goalkeeping and defending in the second tier.

Indeed, Mitrovic only converted 8.4% of his chances when he was last in the top flight.

Despite the wastefulness, the sheer volume of opportunities that came his way in the Premier League meant that, even with a poor conversion rate, he still managed to find the net on 11 occasions.

Mitrovic also has penalties on his side, while none of his teammates had more direct free-kick attempts last season, either (six).

Security of starts is another string to his bow, if we ignore his fitness-related benching in the play-off final.

The ex-Newcastle striker started all 40 Championship games that he was available for, with his one and only substitution being enforced by injury.

Dwight Gayle (£6.0m) had hit a purple patch of form after lockdown ended, scoring on four occasions and assisting another goal, but the Newcastle United striker looks set to be ruled out for several months after picking up an injury in pre-season.

We won’t waste too much of your time talking up Joelinton’s (£6.0m) credentials in Gayle’s absence as, even if he had been half a million cheaper, there would still have been precious few takers in FPL.

The Brazilian didn’t miss a single Premier League match last season but two goals in 32 starts and six substitute appearances tells its own story.

Jordan Ayew (£6.0m) was prolific in comparison to Joelinton, scoring nine goals and assisting another three as a value-for-money £5.0m forward in 2019/20.

Security of starts was a big plus regarding Ayew, with the Ghanaian starting 37 of Palace’s 38 games, but that rise of one million does dent his appeal considering that he has not hit double figures for goals in a single season since moving to England in 2015.

The Eagles were the division’s second-lowest scorers last season, too, with the capture of attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze (£6.0m) from QPR no doubt an attempt to address that issue – and there were promising signs in the pre-season win over an admittedly limited Charlton Athletic side.

Like Calvert-Lewin, there was very little wrong with Neal Maupay‘s (£6.5m) underlying statistics last season.

No forward previewed in this piece registered more penalty box touches or attempts on goal and, while not rotation risk-free, he is still probably the safest route into an improving Brighton and Hove Albion attack after starting 30 of the Seagulls’ 38 league fixtures.

Too often his finishing let him down, however, and a price rise after a modest ten-goal haul when the likes of Wood and Antonio are available for the same money does raise questions over his value.

Similar concerns can be expressed over Aston Villa duo Wesley (£6.0m) and Mbwana Samatta (£6.0m), too, despite them being half a million cheaper.

A combined six goals in 32 starts was a fair reflection of their indifferent debut seasons but they weren’t helped by the supply line or Dean Smith’s brand of play, with their remit as lone target-men as much to bring the midfielders into play as it was to find the back of the net themselves.

Villa, of course, blank in Gameweek 1.

Finally, a word on the man many FPL managers are hoping can partly emulate Danny Ings‘ (£8.5m) achievements of last season.

Che Adams (£6.0m) caught the eye after the summer restart, finding the back of the net on four occasions; Giroud and Antonio were the only two FPL forwards who could better his goals-per-90-minutes average after lockdown.

It’s still a bit early to say for sure whether Adams will become a regular starter alongside Ings as Shane Long (£5.5m) had been preferred before coronavirus stopped play, starting all but one of the matches he was available for between Gameweeks 15 and 29.

With little to play for after football resumed in June, Ralph Hasenhuttl brought Adams back into the fold and it may be that he impressed enough to be given more of an opportunity in his sophomore season.

Pre-season will hopefully give us an indicator, one way or another.


Best players by position:

1,060 Comments Post a Comment
  1. funkybuddha
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    On a scale from 1 to 10, how stupid is having both son and bergjwin till gw4 and then bringing in bruno/kdb after then

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      8

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Would rather Alli.

      1. funkybuddha
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        .5 too expensive for me sadly, maybe ill keep ASM and keep 2 in the bank for gw2/3 changes to utd and city players

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I had bergwijn in for a period post lockdown and he killed me

      1. Party time
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Lol

        • Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          me too 🙁

          he is on bench or plays exactly 59 mins

      2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not sure Bergwijn will be a consistent starter

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

        Kane or bust IMO if you want a Spurs attacker.

        1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          If Son is Oop up top I will probs have him, if he's at left wing back i will look elsewhere. Kane could be decent but other forward options are more tempting

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Mou is playing 4231.

            I don't see any reason how Son keeps playing up top.

            1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Think there is a spurs friendly later, will see how they line up for that one, would like Son as he's a nice placeholder for united lads

              1. Karan14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I'd rather have that position for a Chelsea mid in the short term. Saves about 0.5-1.0m too.
                Think they'll score similar to Son for less money.

      4. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It’ll only end in tears

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

        8.5

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

      Is Mitrovic even back for pre season?
      Have Fulham played any friendlies?

      I'm very tempted to switch to Che Adams.

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Don’t do it

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Anyone knows anything?

        Or are we just auto picking him?

        Feels like a BIG TRAP to me.

      3. stat sifter 888888
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        So many fulham sympathisers thinking that they're the same team that played great open football that allowed Mitro to score as many goals as he did in the Prem. Cairney is still there but no Schurrle, Sessegnon meant that last year Mitro was clinical for the Championship but is gonna majorly struggle when the quality steps up.

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

        Im expecting Mitro to score around 100 points, which is a decent return at his price..

    5. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Pretty much got the whole day free so reply any help or questions you may have for your team and I'll try to give my opinion 🙂

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Should Everton buy Rodrigez Allan and Dacoure all at once?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          That's probably going to be their entire budget?

          They should absolutely sign Allan from Napoli. But I'd be prioritising a GK and CB before James Rodriguez and Doucoure.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Big rumours about Romero going to Everton.

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            James played 10 games last year. Not seen him play a good game since 2016

          3. Third Eye Vision
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Everton have got 4 decent CB’s. Right back and right wing is what’s needed. Maybe another striker.

      2. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cool 🙂 I'm picking my GW2 team first then figuring out who to play for a 1 week punt in GW1. What dya think of my GW2 draft?

        Rams
        Robbo Dier Vinagre
        Salah Son Rash Greenwood
        Werner Ings Mitro

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I really like it. Very good picks there and no wild strategy to shoe horn in all the attackers.

          1. Von Lipwig
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks! Appreciate that. have a nice day replying to the barrage of information people want lol

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I don't mind. Did it a few times during project restart

      3. Party time
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Best 5.5 to start the season with in Midfield & Defence? Thanks buddy

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Enda Stevens and Armstrong in my opinion

            1. Party time
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Thanks buddy

            2. Champions League Varane
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Thanks mate! Which is better?

              McCarthy Steer
              Trent Lamptey KWP Vinagre C.Taylor
              Salah Auba ASM Periera Anguissa
              Kane Werner Mitrovic.

              McCarthy Steer
              Trent Lamptey KWP Vinagre C.Taylor
              Salah Auba ASM Son Soúcek
              Ings Werner Brewster

              1. Champions League Varane
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                And why?

                1. goriuanx
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Pereira Anguissa Kane Mitro vs Son Soucek Ings Brewster

                  Probably the latter.

              2. Party time
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  B. Danny Ings

            3. Greasy Grealish Gang
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              You reckon a Son Alli double is worth the gamble? Thanks!

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Not for me. I don't trust Spurs to the level I'd trust other players at the same price.

                If Son plays CF, he's a fantastic pick. I fear he'll be so wide left again, as he was during project restart.

                And the less said about Alli, the better.

                1. Greasy Grealish Gang
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Thanks for the quick reply!

            4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              As you have all day spare, maybe you could start a conversation with MBP on how you think Bruno is all about the penalties and not worth the cash without?

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I have the day spare, not the entire week 😉

                1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  😆

            5. RoysCallerAnne
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I'm pretty much set. And going by my FPL history, I wouldn't need any advice apart from how can I stay humble when I'm so far ahead of the common garden, template following, conservative non risk-taking FPL manager that posts on here?

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I'd be feeling the same if I had your track record too 😉 Good luck for the season 🙂

                1. RoysCallerAnne
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  haha cheers

              2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                😀

              3. Goonsquad245
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Great rank history - I noticed ours were quite similar

                If you add up the FPL points we've both scored over the last 6 seasons, there's a 38 point difference overall (won't say which way ;))

                You did beat me by a lot last season though - guess just like Salah I'm in decline....

                (And I'm aware my team isn't linked)

            6. Karan14
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Best 4.5m defenders? Need 2.

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Vinagre and KWP

                1. Karan14
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Got them two. Cheers!

            7. Chandler Bing
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Lascelles or KWP? Have McCarthy already.

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                KWP

                I often see my GK different to my defenders so don't really consider it a double up if that makes sense

            8. Reg Grapes
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Given that Arsenal looked knackered after 60 mins in their first game back, do you see any surprise performances from teams such as Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Newcastle in the opening few fixtures, who've all had some decent pre-season minutes, and possibly some rustiness from the Manchester teams conversely?

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yeah I wouldn't be surprised to be honest. Be interesting to see if Manchester clubs have any pre season games

                1. Reg Grapes
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Thanks. I can see Ayew scoring at Old Trafford again if they don't get some minutes under their belt.

            9. circusmonkey
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              OK Berbs, thank you.
              What do you think of this?

              McCarthy, Nyland
              TAA, VVD, Doherty, Vinagre, Mitchell
              Salah, Auba, Willian, Foden, Armstrong
              Jiminez, Adams, Davis

              Plan is to move Arsenal players to Greenwood and Sterling by week 3 and at some point, Adams to Wood or even to Brewster and play 1 up top and get Laporte.

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Not sure about going without Chelsea to be honest

            10. Blitzar
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Hi Berbs. I have been stuck on this draft since a few weeks now. I feel confident about heading in this direction ... Need your thoughts in detail please. Also kindly let me know the pros and cons on playing this strategy.
              Will Eventually want to have this team around GW4
              McCarthy
              Robertson VVD TAA Taylor
              Bruno KDB Son ASM
              Wood Werner

              SUBS: Steer. Vinagre, Stevens, Davis

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                No qualms with that but that's GW4 mate, a lot will happen between now and then and it's pretty impossible to see through a plan given injuries, form and transfers

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

                  Hmm

          2. reason17
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Was there anything in yesterday's game that suggested Ben davies is not the first choice LB?

            1. Vazza
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Not really, there were many B team players that started over A team players yesterday..

            2. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I think hes the only realistic option at LB.

              Expect no attacking returns though. He will stay back whilst Doherty attacks. Same as happened with aurier.

          3. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            For all you United fans. Buy an away shirt if you want the Glazers out and a home shirt if you want to keep them. Great PR IMO

            1. Karan14
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              And increase their profits?

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Killing profits is not the way to go. You still need to operate.

            2. Pukki Blinders
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Where’d that theory come from

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Sorry. Can you translate your comment pls.

          4. The Legend Squad
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Robbo looked very dangerous yesterday, confirming my thoughts on double Liverpool defence...

            Think I’m set here, though I am tempted to look at Mane vs Salah!

            McCarthy
            TAA Robbo KWP Vinagre
            Salah Auba Son ASM
            Werner Mitro

            Nyland Stephens Mitchell Davis

            1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Looks decent to me, mane over salah could bear fruit. Mane missed 2 big chances v arsenal and was more lively that salah overall.

            2. Party time
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Mané!!!

                1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Very nice looking. What's the plan for city and United players

                2. Vazza
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  How bad is your injury, Hakim? Are you going to return for the first game of the season?

            3. LangerznMash
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Saliba + C.Taylor rotation gives the following 1st quarter fixtures...
              ful, WHU, SOU, SHU, wba, LEI, che, AVL, CRY,

              Only really poor fixture is in GW7 with Burnley at home to Chelsea.
              You'd expect at least half a dozen clean sheets from them 9 matches.

              The 3 premium defenders + rotation pair tactic is the only thing taking me out of going 541.
              Tough to narrow it down just to 3 premiums from TAA, Robbo, VVD, Doherty, Laporte + Digne.

              1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Saliba didn't play yesterday though, unclear if he will be chosen to start the season.

                1. LangerznMash
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Wasn't he out due to self isolation? I'm not sure

                  1. Andy_Social
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    He was sat in the stands, not isolating! But you're not gonna rotate an Arsenal player, surely?

                    1. LangerznMash
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Certainly. GW3 away to Liverpool you don't want an Arsenal defender. C.Taylor at home to She Utd much better. The beauty of Saliba (if he plays) at £4.5m is i'm not bothered if he gets benched.

              2. Lucky Z
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yes, but rotation of Saliba himself is an issue

                1. LangerznMash
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  If not can always do the Vinagre rotation, although I've not looked into who rotates which him in terms of expected goals conceded.

                  1. Flair
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Just play Vinagre every match, can get attacking returns and CS any game.

                    1. LangerznMash
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      GW 2, 8, 10 + 11 would only expect 2 points. That said most will probably have sold him by GW10, so only GW 2 + 8 that are real concerns.
                      I guess Brighton could fill in them gaps (new, BUR).

                      1. Flair
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Leicester away isn't a concern, Wolves have the ability to CS that fixture. They did it last season too.

              3. jtreble
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Do you think Saliba will start for ARS?

              4. Loftus cheeky nandos
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                He didnt even get off the bench and with taylor not playing gw1, not worth it

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

              Actually, a 26M back four of TAA, Robertson, Doherty, Chilwell is very likely to outscore a 4 players 26M worth midfield

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I agree

              2. No Professionals
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                If it leaves you with 4.5m mids that will score nothing then it defeats the object

              3. Limbo
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Except you'd never pick a £26m midfield. Going to need to spend most of that on 2 of PEA, KDB, Bruno, Salah & Mane.

              4. Greenbackbøøg…
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Disagree to be honest

            5. nicksilver
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Anyone considering Brewster?
              I think their plan is to send him out to another PL side... apparently Shef Utd leading the chase

              1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                if he is out on loan he is a great pick at 4.5

              2. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                That's seemingly the plan.

                Yesterday was very telling. Liverpool need a goal to win a friendly and Brewster gets 30 seconds.

                1. Red Red Robins
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  My only concern is Brewster takes the ubs bench place of Origi for this season

                  1. Vazza
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    No Minamino is going to be this seasons Origi

                    1. Red Red Robins
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Its a good point mate. But kind of thinking youd want Minamino AND an Origi/Brewster type of player coming on.
                      Hoping Origi still the go to man off the bench as cant really be having Brewster and Origi on the bench

                2. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  He had one touch and that was to lose the trophy. Hopefully it persuades Klopp to send him to Blades.

                  1. nicksilver
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Haha gotta feel for him, his bottom lip was going and only few teammates consoling him

              3. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I have a slot for a 4.5 striker on the bench. One who plays a few minutes is preferable.

            6. Vazza
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Is Greenwood’s position in the starting XI now at a massive risk given that several midfielders are linked with Man U e.g. Sancho, Thiago, Van de Beek, Grealish etc..

              1. Lucky Z
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Sancho is finished IMO

                1. Vazza
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  The others are not really wingers so not really sure whose starting position is at risk..

                  1. Lucky Z
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    You answered your own question

              2. Booked4Dissent
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                There are always this many rumours. Even if we sign any of those (excluding Sancho), it will
                not significantly impact Greenwood’s minutes.

              3. Pacer.
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Last time I checked rumours don't displace you

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

              do you agree that ben davies will be a regular starter ?

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Looks like it, think Dier, Doherty and Davies would be pretty nailed in Spurs’ back line

            8. specc
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              First draft, thoughts?

              McCarthy - (Martin)

              TAA - Doh - Vinagre - Lamptey - (Branthwaite)

              Salah - Fernandes - Alli - Soucek - (Reed)

              Kane - Ings - Mitrovic

              Cheers!

            9. Hybrid.power
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              No more Jimi goal Doherty assist 🙁

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Will be Jimi goal vinagre assist going forward

                1. Baron Penguin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  If going Spurs defence I think Dier or Davies more attractive.

            10. Von Lipwig
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Hi everybody.

              I'm picking my GW2 team first, then figuring out who to play for a 1 week punt in GW1.

              Any opinions of my GW2 draft much appreciated.

              Rams
              Robbo Dier Vinagre
              Salah Son Rash Greenwood
              Werner Ings Mitro

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I’m a little sceptical over the Greenwood pick given how many midfielders are currently linked with Man U.

                1. Von Lipwig
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Would have a rethink if there were any transfers made, but United would be mad to shake up an attacking trio that is actually working. They haven't had that in a long while.

                  1. Vazza
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Totally agree mate. That’s why he is in my current draft.

            11. swervinho
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Thoughts on the CS just watched (1-1 but could easily have been 4-4):

              *Aubamayang - fantastic early goal then peripheral figure until late in the game when he moved into the middle.
              *Nketia - wasteful
              *Saka - best player on the pitch first half (played on right but was central and even popped up on the left at times). Took corners and free kicks. Could have had a goal and another couple of assists. Hard to see him missing out against Fulham.
              *Bellerin - rubbish, replaced by Soares earlyish
              Tierney - did get forward but often bombing from deep out of LCB. Be a great option as a LB or LWB.
              *AMN - Man of the Mattch (surely they can't sell him)
              *Robertson - constant threat (could have had a hatful of assists). Only bright spot in lacklustre Liverpool showing.

              1. nicksilver
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Thanks for good summary, only caught last part of it but have now opted for Saka. Was impressed with AMN too. Where might he go?

                1. swervinho
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Wolves

              2. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                To me, form is of little relevance in pre-season. More interesting is tactics. Robbo putting in an insane amount of crosses - will he still do so when TAA is back? Also little mentioned is VVD up for every set piece.

                1. swervinho
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Tactically, it was a fascinating game. A masterclass from Arteta given he was missing so many players and 'pool with most of their's on show.

              3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                if pool had a #9 they would score 25 more goals per season with the two boys whipping them in from the flanks

                1. swervinho
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Agree - for Robbo's crosses, Salah was always a yard behind the play, Firmino nowhere to be seen.

                2. nicksilver
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Agreed. Get Andy Carroll back for £15m

            12. Jusagoras
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Any interest in Harvey Barnes? His points per minutes played look very attractive considering his price. Tempted to start the season with him, especially as the move to Greenwood is fairly easy. I'm assuming he gets more minutes this time around too, being a bit older and all that.

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Could be a great differential with those enticing fixtures.

                1. Baron Penguin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Trolled me a fair bit, feast or famine type of player.

              2. stat sifter 888888
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I've watched him play a few times and although he does get big chances he has been struggling to convert as many as he should. However Vardy seems to like bringing him into the game unselfishly and I would probably gamble that he will get at least a goal and an assist from those first two fixtures.

                1. Jusagoras
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Good point. He's at the age though where you never know when it's gonna click for him and he starts finishing them more. Or that would be the hope in bringing him in at least.. Anyway I agree he likely gets something from the first two, as long as he gets the minutes.

            13. nicksilver
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Any Arsenal fans confirm Martinez is now first choice?

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                No. We still need to wait and see.

            14. Ci Siamo
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Does the Eze transfer make Zaha as a 7m midfielder that little bit more attractive?

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Zaha still wants away

              2. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Eze is likely to be Zaha’s replacement when he inevitably leaves..

              3. swervinho
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Zaha going in October? Eze (and if they get Fraser) increase Ayews appeal for me.

            15. Baron Penguin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              All a bit pointless at the moment given transfers that may/may not happen pre GW1 but I think I have a balance of teams and price points here. Will worry about Manchester later!

              McCarthy
              TAA Davies Vinagre
              Son Salah Auba Armstrong Soucek
              Werner Ings

              BPF Justin Brewster/Davis Johnson

              Thoughts?

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                What provisions have you made to bring in Messi when inevitably joins Man C?

                1. Baron Penguin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Just tinkering around prices and teams to see what’s possible. Think I’d probably get Messi at any price just for the fun and novelty of seeing him in the Premier League!

            16. Ci Siamo
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Thoughts on this team draft? Not touched it that much but just realised downgrading Redmond to Armstrong means I can get to this....

              3-5-2 team:

              Ryan - Button
              Trent - Robbo - Vinaigre - Lascelles - Mitchell
              Salah - Son -Auba - ASM - Armstrong
              Werner - Mitrovic - Vassilev

            17. Vazza
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Is Pulisic 0.5m better than Ziyech once he returns from injury.. ?

              1. swervinho
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Impossible to say. A wait and see one for me. Who knows how Ziyech will adapt. Has form but Pulisic is proven.

              2. Third Eye Vision
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Probably.

              3. stat sifter 888888
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Pulisic is probably more of a goal-threat and Ziyech looks to have much better crossing/assist ability. Depends on how the goal scoring dynamic of the team is this year.

            18. Chelsea91
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Mc Carthy
              Robbo,Vinagre,Dier,AMN
              Hendo,Auba,JWP,Traore
              Mitro,Werner

              Nyland Ferguson KDB Martial

              How the team looking?

              1. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                What provisions have you made to bring in Messi when he inevitably joins Man C?

                1. Chelsea91
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Kdb to messi

                  1. Vazza
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    So you are going to drop a guy who is a consistent scorer of a lot of FPL points?

                2. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  How many times are you going to troll us with the same boring, pointless question?

                  1. Vazza
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    That was the last time

            19. Stormbringer22
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Irrespective of price, is KWP or Saiss a better option? Have both Vinagre and McCarthy. Cheers

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Price matters. Saiss would be better than KWP.

              2. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Saiss is a far better option. Not really sure what the KWP hype is all about to be honest

              3. Stormbringer22
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Cheers both. On Saiss atm so I will stick with him

            20. Pacer.
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Anyone fancy the Ings/Adams double up?

              Adams can't he worse than Mitro, 78 points from just over 1000 minutes last year. Ings didn't really drop off either. Fighting for their lives of course, but still

              What'll be the formation. Will they start two up front regularly?

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                2 up front? Yes. Will one definitely be Adams - not certain, as this very article explains. Mitro, on the other hand is nailed as can be. It's not a terrible idea, imo.

            21. Ci Siamo
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Is Armstrong better value than Redmond?

              1. Champ
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                If he can keep his minutes, i think so

              2. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                They are both not really good options imo

              3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yeah I reckon so

            22. Flair
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Is Lamptey nailed? Veltman starting at RWB is a question mark.

            23. Champ
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Can see a lot of wildcards being used even earlier than normal this season. With 2 Manchester clubs blank, FPL postional changes, questions about pool still at the back, Dilva moving on, big changes at chelsea, could sterling kick on again, what will we see from greenwood, foden etc... If i still have my WC by gw7 I’ll be amazed

            24. Simpix
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              As the Manchester players (plus Burnley/Villa) are starting from GW2, will demand for those players after GW1 lead to immediate price rises for those players, and in addition lead to price falls for some of the players who are swapped out?
              eg. Could Salah's price drop by 0.1 or 0.2 and Fernandes' price increase by 0.1 or 0.2 by the start of GW2 if that becomes a popular transfer move?

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yes, if millions have the same idea of jumping off Auba and Salah to get Mancs, their prices will crash.

              2. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yes, indeed. So our teams need to be set up in such a way that would could jump on those players quickly without having to do too much surgery to our teams. That is the real challenge and makes FPL more fun this season.

              3. Ginkapo FPL
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Forget this microcosm for a second.

                Why would millions transfer out a player who has got points for someone who has zero?

                1. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  It's if they DON'T get points in GW1. If Salah blanks GW1, his price falls 0.3. You do a canny Friday night transfer, Auba to Salah and make a tidy profit.

                  1. Ginkapo FPL
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    By blank do you mean 2pts or 0pts? 2points isnt blank to most

                    1. Andy_Social
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      2 points, 3 points (or a disappointing double if they captained him). If people were planning to sell him for KDB or Bruno, a non-haul will cause them to stick to their plan. Those who are uncommitted about selling, will sell.

                    2. Mighty Banana
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      I'd say no cs/assist/goal is a blank.

              4. nicksilver
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Could definitely happen. 0.2 seems unlikely given the already relatively high %ownership of some Manchester players. Depends how many go for the wildcard. I’m seriously considering it... have done so prior to GW2 and GW3 last two seasons and had top 200k finish both times.

              5. Mighty Banana
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Price drops/rises wil be crazy.

                With Auba > KDB being such a popular pick, it's almost like you have to follow or risk the price rises/falls. But, could be an option to get Auba cheaply in a few weeks after if you want him back

            25. nolard
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Son versus Dell Alli

              1.0 million in it
              Son on the wing, Alli in the support striker role most likely.
              Son not so inconsistent

              Currently on Son.

              Who is your choice?

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I am on Alli at the moment. Think Mourinho will give him a couple of slap to up his game and show the form he did when he first joined Spurs.

                1. nolard
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Hmm. I am tempted to skip both now.

              2. Vazza
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Just go for Son as he is a safer pick

                1. nolard
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  He is, but I am not sure of the price/return.
                  Many good options in midfield.

              3. LangerznMash
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                If Alli plays support striker and hits his 2016 form then at £8m he is a steal!

                1. nolard
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Where do you reckon he will play?

                  1. LangerznMash
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    I think he plays support striker, playing off Kane (who himself comes deep often).
                    All differentials have risk attached.

                2. Mighty Banana
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Too big an if imo.

                  Although I may take it if I need the 1m elswhere.

                  1. nolard
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Yes, I also feel it is too risky right now.

            26. Mukarram
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Help in opinions please
              5 3 2
              Ragsdale
              Arnold justin kwp vingre Mitchell
              Salah auba son
              Kane mitro

              Sub
              nyland anguissa greenwood davis
              Gw3 auba to kdb and kane to virner

              1. LangerznMash
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                If you are going 5 at the back you need to pump at least £2.5m more into your defence.

                1. Mukarram
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Thanks I think I can downgrade kane to virner and upgrade Mitchell to daves

              2. The Knights Template
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Defence very weak. May as well wave a white flag.

                1. Mukarram
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  thanks any suggestions please ?