Selection

Increasingly reliable Mahrez can exploit weakness on Leeds’ left in FPL Gameweek 4

Last week we highlighted a weakness down Chelsea’s left flank, which as expected, was exposed by one of our differential picks Matheus Pereira (£6.0m). 

The Brazilian playmaker ended the Gameweek with an assist, while one of our other selections Chris Wood (£6.5m) found the back of the net, only for assistant referee Scott Ledger to have already flagged for offside.

This time, we’ve selected three differentials from Manchester City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur who we think have the potential to make a big impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Riyad Mahrez

  • FPL ownership: 4.0%
  • Price: £8.4m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: lee | ARS | whu | shu | LIV

After his pre-season preparations were affected by a positive COVID-19 test, Riyad Mahrez (£8.4m) has now completed 90 minutes in three successive matches.

The Manchester City winger made his first appearance of the season in last Thursday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth, and followed it up with a 12-point haul against Leicester City in Gameweek 3. He only needed four minutes to open the scoring and also supplied an assist for Nathan Aké’s (£5.5m) second-half goal.  

Interestingly, against Burnley in midweek, Mahrez took up positions on both flanks, and grew into the game showing quality to lay the ball on for Ferran Torres’ (£6.9m) goal.

When selected last season, Mahrez delivered. He ended the campaign with 11 goals and 14 fantasy assists, which highlights his points potential as both a goalscorer and creator.

Up next for Man City is a trip to Leeds United, in what is sure to be an intriguing tactical battle between Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa. Both coaches’ positive approaches tend to be non-negotiable, which suggests we could see an entertaining, open spectacle. That should leave plenty of space for both teams to exploit, and in particular Mahrez, who is excellent in transition.

It’s also worth noting Leeds have conceded 15 chances from their left flank this season, the highest total in the division from that side of the pitch, which was highlighted by Neale in this week’s Big Numbers article. That vulnerability in their system further heightens Mahrez’s appeal, who could be an explosive differential in Gameweek 4.

Leandro Trossard

  • FPL ownership: 1.7%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: eve | cry | WBA | tot | BUR

Leandro Trossard (£6.0m) has started the season strongly, providing returns in each of the first two Gameweeks.

He should have had more too, having been denied by the woodwork on three separate occasions against Manchester United last weekend.

The statistics also suggest there is more to come. Amongst midfielders, only James Rodríguez (£7.7m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.1m) rank higher for expected assists (xA), while his eight shots and seven created chances highlight his growing importance to Albion’s attack.

Tactically, he is starting to take a more central role, linking with Neal Maupay (£6.5m) up front, which is a key reason behind those improving numbers.

Despite picking up just three points, the Seagulls have played some superb football so far this season and can consider themselves unlucky not to have come away with anything against Chelsea and Manchester United. However, those performances will give them confidence ahead of a testing trip to Goodison Park in Gameweek 4, with enticing games against Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley to follow.

Last season, Trossard struggled with consistency both in terms of form and selection, but now he’s settled in at Brighton, is a key man there and you would expect him to improve. The early signs are certainly positive, with Albion boss Graham Potter, somewhat surprisingly, making minimal changes to his line-up so far in 2020/21. That’s great news for Trossard, who was hard to predict starts for last season.

All things considered, that makes the Belgian one of the most appealing options in the budget midfielder category, and an exciting differential for those willing to roll the dice. 

Sergio Reguilón

  • FPL ownership: 0.4%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: mun | WHU | bur | BHA | wba

Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing Sergio Reguilón (£5.5m) is a player very much on the rise.

In the 2019/20 campaign, he caught the eye in La Liga and the Europa League, which he went on to win with Sevilla. Starting 29 league games, he established himself as the primary left-back ahead of Sergio Escudero, and performed well in metrics like expected assists (xA) and crosses. 

Spurs’ midweek penalty win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup saw Reguilón make his debut, and despite an error which led to the Blues opener, he looked lively, helping himself to an assist to set up Erik Lamela (£5.9m).

Going forward, you’d expect Jose Mourinho to settle on a 4-3-3 formation, but seeing as both Reguilón and Matt Doherty (£5.9m) are also comfortable playing as wing-backs, it opens up the possibility of moving to a 3-4-3, which would further heighten his appeal.

While some will suggest his selection in this column comes a week too early, Man Utd’s weakness down their right-flank comes into our thinking. Against Brighton, time and again Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m) was left exposed due to a lack of protection offered by teammate Mason Greenwood (7.4m). It resulted in the Red Devils giving up five chances and numerous shots from that zone, which is surely something Moutinho and his staff will look to exploit on Sunday.

Following Ben Davies’ (£5.0m) runout against Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League last night, we expect Reguilón to start at Old Trafford, where he will look to take advantage of those United weaknesses.

868 Comments Post a Comment
  1. cuppatea78
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who do you suggest as my captain?
    A) KDB (Leeds A)
    B) Jiminez (Fulham H)
    C) Ings (West Brom A)
    D) Salah ( Villa A)

    Have Jiminez as Captain at the moment with KDB as VC.

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

      Prefer Ings to Jim this GW but both good

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going KDB atm.. Been changing between him and Salah.

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Have all those but on KDB at mo.

      Think Jimi and Ings probably better picks but dont have the balls.

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I fancy the ManC Leeds game as a goal-fest, so I'm on KDB. If I had Sterling I'd prob cap him. Also have Jimi & Salah as VC. Feels a bit too safe tbh

  2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Guys where I can view the summary of all pressers?

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      FFScout youtube channel

  3. We ain't got no histor…
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Leeds fans

    Is Meslier the preferred GK or will he lose his place once Casilla is back?

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not a Leeds fan but Casilla isn't injured or unfit, he played in the cup last week.

  4. Clueless24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts? Wildcard still intact planning on either GW5 or GW10
    McCarthy
    TAA Justin KWP Semedo
    KDB Rodriguez Salah
    DCL Jimenez Werner

    Steer Ferguson Bissouma Stephens

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

    Quick poll please:
    I have James Rodriguez and Neal Maupay and 3.0 in the bank, should I:
    A) Take a -4 for Phil Foden & Harry Kane or
    B) just swap Rodriguez for Bruno Fernandez?

    Any thoughts welcome!
    Thanks!

    1. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A)

    2. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Def A

  6. Dutchboy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If I'm getting rid of Son and might get him back after IB, would you get:

    A) Mahrez
    B) Foden

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. Dutchboy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Isn't he unlikely to start next game though?

        1. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Most city fans seen to think mahrez will be benched.

          1. F_Ivanovic
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            He won't be.

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Foden of the two

    3. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Foden

  7. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah (C) ty

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

      If in doubt

  8. Sulley
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    My current team:

    Mccarthy
    Robbo James Saiss Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah KDB Foden Podence Son
    Werner DCL Brewster

    I have a few players who risk limited game time. Wondering whether to take a hit to change Son and Werner (to Jimi and Barnes) or just transfer one of them. Keen to get Jimi in but thinking subbing Son just gives me slightly more comfort of fielding a full 11.

    Thoughts?

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah i would maybe do it especially as you may end up 5-3-2 if Podence misses out

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

        yeah that would be terrible

  9. Deer-in-headlights
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    On WC. Which pair is better? Thanks.

    A. Trossard + Anguissa
    B. March + Podence

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably A this week

  10. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do Adams to Ings for a hit?

    1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

  11. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Guys already used my ft on Martial to dcl now I have podence and son to sort out.Need suggestions.

    Ryan
    Taa kwp Justin
    Salah kdb soucek son * podence *
    Werner dcl

    4.0 Taylor Ferguson Brewster

    2.0m itb

    A) son to Bruno -4
    B) son to Barnes -4
    C) son and podence to Barnes and rashford -8
    D) son and podence to Barnes and mahrez -8.

    TIA guys..

    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just keep Son he'll be back gw5.

  12. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench is v weak so is a 4pt hit worth it?

    A) Mitro > Jimi
    B) Werner,Bissouma > Jimi,Barnes(-4)

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin KWP
    Salah KDB Rodriguez Podence*
    Werner DCL Mitro

    steer mitchell bissouma dallas

  13. POZZY
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Do you guys reckon Mahrez starts this week? I know we'd never know with Pep and his unpredictability... what do you guys think?

    1. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. Given he scored both goals at the weekend I can't see him not playing given how both their strikers are out. My problem with picking Mahrez though is subsequent weeks. Maybe one of Aguero/Jesus is back post international and then Mahrez is suddenly a rotation risk again.

  14. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best mid for a one-week punt up to 9.0m?

    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz

    2. AppleDunk
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      To replace Son. Rest of mids are KDB, Bruno, Hamers, Bis.

    3. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez?

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        yes

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

      Mahrez

  15. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    For one game week:

    A. Mitrovic to DCL
    B. Podence to Foden

  16. Etonmessi
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bench out of this 3...Klich(pens),Zaha or Foden? Cheers!

  17. Slurpy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Guess I'll keep son then, patience has got me to 500k so I can't complain

    1. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ^this - I am at 200k and have taken things slowly so far without knee jerking

  18. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    People who bringing in Mahrez/thinking of bringing him in/have brought him in - what makes you think he will play? Bilva is back now and he has played the last 3 games. KDB was subbed at 60 mins and Bilva brought on for the last 30 midweek. The starting front four will be: KDB, Foden, Bilva and Sterling.

  19. Leeds23
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcard squad.
    McCarthy (Ryan)
    Saiss, Robertson, R.James, Justin (Lamptey)
    De Bruyne, Salah, Maddison, Podence (Stephens)
    Jimenez, Ings (Brewster)

    1.6 million in bank to potentially play any tips to improve, currently using my WC too?

  20. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    rashford or havertz?

  21. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Probably a no but Werner to Ings and Podence to Foden worth a -8? Assuming Ings and Foden both score, Werner blanks, Podence doesn't play, and a 1or 2 point Lampty or Taylor would come in from my bench. I know, I'm assuming a lot. Crazy?