Pro Pundits - Darren

The Southampton players I’m considering for my ‘big-at-the-back’ FPL team

8 September 2020 1137 comments
Darren Wiles Darren Wiles
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A Fantasy Premier League veteran of 11 years, Darren Wiles has an incredible track record with three top 1k finishes in the last four seasons.

Unusually for me, I was a little late to the Fantasy Football party this season. All while most managers were busy planning their drafts since the launch, I was busy packing up boxes in the process of moving house. 

I have been desperate to get started and now that mission has been completed, I have finally been able to start planning for Gameweek 1.

It’s easy to see why moving house is widely regarded as a stressful time in our lives but let me tell you…it’s a walk in the park compared to working out how we’re going to get in the Manchester United and Manchester City assets into our teams for Gameweek 2.

So, after registering my team, assessing the fixtures and diving into some data in the Premium Members Area, I now feel ready and equipped to share my current draft along with a few ideas I have.

Best players by position:

The Complete Guide to FPL Pre-Season 2020/21
1,137 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. One Man
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I’m actually happy I’m working evenings until Saturday. As when off keep tinkering with my team and as of now I’m happy with my squad/team.

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    1. Peter Ouch
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I am not happy i am finishing work on Friday at 17:00
      Its going to be a long Saturday morning!

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      1. One Man
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Only good thing is, a few players risk factor will be clearer by then. Don’t get me wrong I love tinkering. But getting away from it for a few days is good too.

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  2. Jet5605
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hey all, first RMT. Thoughts appreciated...

    McCarthy - Nyland
    TAA - Robbo - Doherty - Egan - Mitchell
    Bruno - Son - Barnes - Soucek - ASM
    Werner - Ings - DCL

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    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sorry but Im not impressed how team looks when you use that Salah/Mane money. Not worth it imo.

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      1. QUEN
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Mane Douglas Brewster

        or

        Son KWP Adams/Mitro + 1 itb.

        No brainier for me really

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    2. Triple P
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No stand out captaincy options, I would get Auba / Salah in, at least one 12 mln mid is needed imo

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    3. Greative
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      You need at least one heavy hitter. KDB/Auba/Mane/Salah/Kane/Kun - too risky betting on Werner and Bruno doing that for you.

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    4. One Man
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I disagree Bruno, Werner and even TAA will emerge as good captain choices.

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  3. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Morning all, best combo here

    A: Salah + Son + Greenwood + ASM + KWP
    B: Salah + Martial + Barnes + ASM + Davies
    C: Bruno + Son + Barnes + Adams + Tierney

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    1. Otto8
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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    2. Greative
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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  4. Otto8
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What do you guys think about Reece James? Will Lampard use Azpi over him or play with 3 at the back so Reece can be a wing-back?

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    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Reece is a yes imho
      Great differential

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    2. Piggs Boson
      6 years, 1 month ago

      There's a lot of evidence to suggest he'll only use 3 at the back against the big sides, if at all. Played 4 at back against Norwich in GW36.

      4 at the back would mean Azpilcueta RB over James surely.

      James is but a dream.

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      1. Triple P
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Any chance he will play Azpi as LB in a 4 at the back, and keep James as RB?

        Would really love to have a Chelsea def from the start

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        1. Piggs Boson
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Not if Chilwell is fit.

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        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Possibly as LB, but doubtful with Alonso and Chilly

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      2. PrettyDick
        6 years, 1 month ago

        he really isn't? Chilwell seems to be out (let's see) and then Azpi could (Would) be LB and if not Azpi could play CB (thiago still hasn't joined the team). If I were WC early James would be nailed. He's still an option. With thiago and Chilwell back I'm guessing he'll use both James and Azpi at RB and if James proves himself he could hold down that spot

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  5. Lone Wolf FPL
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If you had to choose one of those:

    a) Having 2x4.0 defs on bench (Mitchell and Johnson)
    b) No MU player in GW2
    c) Ceballos instead ASM

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    1. Rogue Todd
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A bit like choosing between hanging, firing squad and lethal injection.

      Probably A if both look likely they will play regularly.

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      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        6 years, 1 month ago

        🙂
        You are right but cant pick team that I like and dont want to drop players who I really like

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        1. Rogue Todd
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yep, some tough decisions to be made. GL 🙂

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    2. kennethrhcp
      6 years, 1 month ago

      c

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    3. Triple P
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Please give me a D

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    4. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C or souchek

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    5. DaveZubie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Don't do A - with the current pandemic situation you never know when at least 1 of your defenders will be needed.
      I'd easily survive with b or c

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  6. olidooley
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys....Any feedback on this?

    Johnstone Button
    TAA Robertson KWP Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah Auba Havertz ASM Bissouma
    Werner Mitrovic Adams

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    1. ProjectZeus
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Very similar to mine, personally the only change I’d make is McCarthy in goals

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    2. Stimps
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not sold on Adams, one bad game, or tactical, and it's Long or Obafemi to partner Ings

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    3. One Man
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No Spurs would be my concern. Adams minutes will be eaten up by the Irish pair.

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  7. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would you prefer:

    A) TAA, VVD, Dier + 4.0def on bench

    B) TAA, Doherty, Dier + 4.5def on bench

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    1. Otto8
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B.

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    3. ProjectZeus
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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    4. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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    5. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Conclusive. Thanks guys!

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  8. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hmm look at this tasty draft...

    McCarthy 4.0m
    TAA Dier KWP Justin Buur
    Salah Auba Son Alli Havertz
    Mitro Adams Vassilev

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    1. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Looks decent, hate the double Spurs midfield and Mitro but you can swap that around fairly easily

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    2. Nightcrawler
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Fool me once shame on you fool me twice....

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    3. Salah_Fingers
      6 years, 1 month ago

      My work mate is a huge Villa fan and has said Vassilev won't get a look in

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        It doesn't matter. He's a 4.5m fodder. None will play. I'll pick the lowest owned.

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        1. Jullepuu
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Davis might play as he did last season

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          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Even worse. It's the guys that play sporadically that are awful for team value. Davis will be 4.4m by GW5 guaranteed.

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            1. Jullepuu
              6 years, 1 month ago

              He might start games though. Samatta is the only other fit striker I believe. You are probably right with the price drop

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    4. HuttonDressedasLahm
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Dump the double Spurs
      Alli to Ings
      Adams to Armstrong/ASM

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        My team would be bog standard if I did that.

        I like Alli + Adams over Ings + ASM.

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        1. HuttonDressedasLahm
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Don’t mind Alli, but not Son then. It is Mourinho after all

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    5. MEGPAL
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Suicide strikeforce, don't think that midfield is even wowing

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I think forwards are overrated slightly. Will Werner clearly outscore Havertz or Rashford? I don't know if he will. He gets fewer points for goals and no clean sheets.

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  9. Kyle2210
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A bit of a left field RMT!

    Mccarthy (Nyland)
    Van dijk Lascelles KWP Coady (Bardsley)
    ASM Son Auba (Soucek) (Bruno F)
    Jiminez Firmino Ayew

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    1. Rogue Todd
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Thou shall not put Firmino in a RMT

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    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Left field by picking inferior picks ain't good.

      Firmino, Ayew clearly worse options than Werner + Mitrovic/Adams.

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    3. The_Fish
      6 years, 1 month ago

      1/10

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    4. Lone Wolf FPL
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Funny but that team can be better in GW1 than most teams here.
      Good luck.

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  10. b91jh
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A) Kane+Adams+Bruno

    or

    B) Werner+Matial+Son?

    Currently got Ziyech too in my midfield unless he is confirmed out of GW1.

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  11. Fernando Torres
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best 4.5m defenders?

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    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      6 years, 1 month ago

      KWP, Lamptey, Taylor
      Justin short term

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      1. Vamos Los Celeste
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This + Lascelles

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        1. QUEN
          6 years, 1 month ago

          + Ayling/Dallas

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  12. lekalatch
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on my draft, think I’m pretty settled here:

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin Lascelles
    Salah Auba Son Barnes
    Firmino Adams Mitro

    Nylaand: Mitchell Pieters Stephens

    0.5itb

    What I’m considering is Barnes Mitro —> any 13.5 combo.
    Planning on Firmino —> Martial GW2.

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    1. Stimps
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Horrid front line imo

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    2. Hapless FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Like it in general, but not sure Firmino is worth the money... especially when you consider those who are cheaper and scored similarly or more for a fair bit less.

      Also not sure on Barnes being worth the money - I had him for a while but not sure that he is 1.5m better than ASM.

      Are you not keen on Werner, Ings or Jimenez?

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  13. FOO FIGHTER
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea apparently close to signing Edouard Mendy. Maybe their defence will be more diserable if confirmed.

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think it will be better anyway. An old head like Silva can only help Kepa too

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    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Can't be any worse than with Kepa.

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    3. Jullepuu
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Bit of a weird one. Has he been good in the ligue 1?

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  14. Bojan Horsemack
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Looking forward to the J-Rod / Fraser / Wilson pricings

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    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      8.5/7/7 ?

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      1. Bojan Horsemack
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Close. Would hope for 0.5 less for the first two

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    2. Andy_Social
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Josh King incoming - nice if 5.5 or less.

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      1. Eleven Hag
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Villa?

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        1. Andy_Social
          6 years, 1 month ago

          yeh

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      2. Jullepuu
        6 years, 1 month ago

        King will be at least 6.0

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      3. Rogue Todd
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Can't believe he would be 5.5

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  15. Jullepuu
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you punt on as a placeholder for Havertz or Greenwood? Max 8.0m

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    1. Andy_Social
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'd go with Mount, I think

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      1. Jullepuu
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Feels too risky for me

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    2. redsallstars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      alli

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      1. Jullepuu
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

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    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Delboy

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      1. Jullepuu
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Currently on him

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    4. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Alli for me

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      1. Jullepuu
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

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  16. Conners
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who do you feel is the best pick of the Wolves defence now Doherty is gone?

    Was on Vinagre as the value pick but concerns re him starting due to their new transfer means may have to upgrade to a 5.0m player.

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    1. Andy_Social
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think they're finished.

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    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Saiss, Boly if you have a spare 0.5

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    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Boly now. Coady doesn’t get up enough
      Even Saiss is at risk now

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    4. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Saiss

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  17. b91jh
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Those uncertainties in Wolves defense are just crazy, but it seems stupid to go without.

    Patricio, Boly - Looks 0.5 overpriced
    Coady - Boring and safe pick with no attacking threat
    Saiss, Marcal - Potential threat from each other
    Vinagre - Set to leave?
    Buur - Don't really think he's an option

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    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Decent summary, Saiss would be pretty unfortunate to lose his place

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  18. Hapless FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Bit late to the party... but would anyone be so kind as to RMT?

    McCarthy (Ryan)

    TAA James Justin (Lascelles, Bardsley)

    ASM Auba Salah Son Armstrong

    Werner DCL (Brewster?!)

    All subject to change, of course, and thanks in advance 🙂

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    1. Rogue Todd
      6 years, 1 month ago

      4 days until the party starts bub. Team looks fine.

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    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Decent. Thought you were a player short in defence on first reading.

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      1. Hapless FPL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, guys.

        I should maybe change the order of the names in future to avoid confusion! Haha.

        I also like having a defence where every single name is a male first name.... 😀

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  19. Mayor of Flair
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Please pick one of:

    A. VVD, Havertz & Son

    or

    B. TAA, Vinagre & Salah

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B, by a millimetre

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      1. Mayor of Flair
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Tough one isn't it?

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    2. Stimps
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

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      1. Mayor of Flair
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

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    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B with a different 4.5

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        6 years, 1 month ago

        There is that actually
        Lamptey (if you don’t have Ryan)

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        1. Silecro
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Veltman competition with Lamptey.
          Better go with Webster, Brighton is anyway "score from corners" team mostly

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          1. dbeck
            6 years, 1 month ago

            March also played RWB this pre-season. Lamptey too risky imo

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      2. Mayor of Flair
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, I'm warming to it

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  20. TheKeeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What do people think of Minamino? Good pre-season...

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Will get some minutes only

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    2. Andy_Social
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Don't get a Liverpool sub!

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    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Good player, waste of a spot - new Shaq

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  21. Flair
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Tentative Chelsea lineup for GW1

    Mount - Werner - CHO

    RLC - Kante - Havertz

    Kovacic suspended, Ziyech injury concern, Havertz late signing.

    Also RLC/Havertz could be dropped, move Mount to midfield and bring in Giroud/Abraham.

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    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Makes holding off to GW3 easier.

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    2. Mayor of Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think Havertz will start. Jorginho instead.

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    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Will be playing v Brighton’s 7 CBs

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      1. Siva Mohan
        6 years, 1 month ago

        ^ this

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    4. Triple P
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Would prefer seeing it like this:

      ----- Kante --- Mount --------
      ------- RLC / Havertz ---------
      CHO ----- Abraham -- Werner

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      1. Andy_Social
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Interesting. I'm persuaded by this analysis. Either Werner doesn't get quality supply and/or he's shunted out to the wing. Best until GW3-4 when Pulisic is back, Havertz is up to speed and the power attack is gelled.

        That means starting with Ings and his tasty opening fixtures. It also means 1m itb for GW3. Then in addition to losing Auba I can get Aguero (from Vardy) or Werner or Martial. I like these options.

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  22. sumatera
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Nketiah

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  23. anish10
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A) Kane & Saka

    or

    B) Calvert-Lewin & Son

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    1. dbeck
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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    2. Mayor of Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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  24. dbeck
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best options:

    A) Werner + 6m mid
    B) Ziyech/Kai + 6m striker plus 1/1.5mitb

    I was all set on Wenrer but i dont really like the 6m mid spot (I have Soucek and 5.5m slot) when comparing it to a 6m striker slot (Adams/Mitro). The change i get makes moving to players easier which is handy.
    Soucek down to a 4.5 gives me 6.5m for a mid slot which brings Foden into the equation but with the England news he might be a wait and see

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    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      6m striker spot is better.

      B.

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      1. dbeck
        6 years, 1 month ago

        cheers, leaning that way. I was dead set on Werner and nothing was going to talk me out of it. But here I am...

        Kai or Ziyech? Press conferences should help with that

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        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Kai.

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  25. Fernando Torres
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who is best Burnley 4.5m defender? Pieters?

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Rotation

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    2. dbeck
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Taylor

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    3. Siva Mohan
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Taylor

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  26. Letsgo!
    6 years, 1 month ago

    6.3 percent on havertz, hes gonnastart first game?

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  27. b91jh
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Wolves, Chelsea - Wait and see team
    United, City - No GW1 fixtures

    That really makes good initial drafts difficult.

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  28. FOO FIGHTER
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone thought of doubling up on Ings and Adams 🙂

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    1. b91jh
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not a bad idea but only when GW6 comes.

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  29. ludaslol
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone with a GW3 WC strategy? How is your team forming out?

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    1. Rogue Todd
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A load of Arsenal, Liverpool, Leicester and Spurs is probably the base.

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      1. ludaslol
        6 years, 1 month ago

        you think it's a fine strat? I'd really want the likes of kun, kdb, havertz, 3x united, wolves probably.. WC early is the only way I guess

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        1. Rogue Todd
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think it could work, sure.

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  30. Shark Team
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If you could start with only one 5.0m then who would you go for?
    I think Davies but I also noticed that I can start with Egan and around gw5-6 switch to Davies

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    1. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Saiss

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