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Pro Pundits October 30

The case for a cheap FPL defence as premium assets continue to disappoint

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Fantasy Premier League managers could find value in spending as little money on defenders as possible in the coming weeks.

With Liverpool conceding for the fourth consecutive match in Gameweek 7, and the injury to Fabinho (£5.5m) exacerbating the loss of Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m), Trent Alexander Arnold (£7.4m) and Andrew Robertson’s (£7.1m) certainly offer less Fantasy value than before.

It’s not just Liverpool who are letting the premium defenders union down though. Last season’s top six have kept just seven clean sheets combined over the first six Gameweeks (Liverpool 1, Manchester City 1, Manchester United 1, Chelsea 2, Spurs 1, Arsenal 1) so justifying ownership of their expensive defenders is proving harder and harder each week.

Using some underlying statistics in the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, I want to analyse if teams with defenders at the more budget end of the spectrum (say, up to £5.0m) can possibly provide similar returns to their more expensive counterparts at the bigger clubs. 

For the purpose of this analysis, I have used data from the last four Gameweeks:

The Complete Guide to FPL Gameweek 7
1,790 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tubayyeb
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Help! Who do I start this week...

    A) Dallas (H) vs. LEI
    B) KWP (A) vs. AVL

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    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      B

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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  2. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz >

    A) Fernandes
    B) Rashford

    I'm doing one of them today unless there's an unexpected injury.

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    1. Lev Yashin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A for me

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    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    3. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bruno

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    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      Which one are you most comfortable captaining?

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

        I don't mind captaining either in truth. I like Rashford quite a lot. He passed the eye test with flying color midweek and had the best chance saved vs Chelsea.

        But Bruno's underlying stats are much stronger and Martial's imminent return also threatens to push Rashford out wide again.

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

          Bruno then but both great options

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    6. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      Tough one, Id go Rashford for goal threat

      Havertz has good games coming up though

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

      Rash

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    9. Deep Sea Amphipod
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same question. I favour Fernandes but he requires a hit for me (thinking Pod > Soucek).

      Miguel's captaincy question is a good one... I will captain one or the other in GW9.

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    10. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Expect Bruno to get more points, but think Rashford is better value

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    11. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A, as Rashford will be on the wing again soon.

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    12. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A. Rashford tends to play more as a winger with Martial in the team, especially against teams sitting at the back, to provide width. Telles might change that but we can't know for sure right now.

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

    Captain and why if possible:

    A) Salah (WHU)
    B) Son (BHA)

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    1. Lev Yashin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah. not been bad the last few games, just unlucky.

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

      B.

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    3. HVT
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah NR

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    4. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    5. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son vs a high line

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    6. cheese XL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son

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    7. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B since WHU better defense

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  4. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Comes down to who the captain now?

    A. Salah
    B. Kane.

    Help pls

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

      Kane

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    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah at Anfield.. don’t overthink it.

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

      A - Kane seems to now be actively playing a KDB role with Son as the striker

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    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Currently on Salah

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      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I have Son too. If that makes any difference??

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    5. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah for me.
      Got both players.

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

    Podence >>>
    A) Foden
    B) Bowen
    C) Soucek
    D) keep

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    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      a

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    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Give him this week I reckon and then Soucek next week

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    4. HVT
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A or D

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  6. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?

    McCarthy
    TAA Saiss Kilman
    Salah (C) Son Rodriguez Foden
    Kane DCL Jimenez

    Nyland Bissouma Justin Mitchell

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep I'd captain Kane though

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      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks but no thanks

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    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

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  7. Fozzyb34r
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rodriguez to:

    A) Foden
    B) Pulisic
    C) Any other option

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    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why get rid?

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      1. Fozzyb34r
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I’ve read somewhere he’s got an injury to his nuts plus I’ve got DCL as Everton cover.

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        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Coverage is not a thing. You pick the best assets at the best price. Wait for Ancelotti’s press conference as I fancy him to do exceptionally well against a Newcastle defence who concede a lot from set pieces

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      2. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not fully fit.

        Everton depleted.

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        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Might be 100% fit

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  8. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How would you use 2FTs? Maupay to Bamford?

    Also waiting for any Hamez news.

    Martinez
    Robo/Reguilon/Chilwell
    Salah/Son/Grealish/Hamez
    Kane/DCL/Maupay

    Martin/Lamptey/Mitchell/Stephens

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That or hamez to bowen. Seriously

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  9. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    for Aston Villa--better to have Martinez or one of the DFs?; currently have McCarthy as GK

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  10. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play Soucek liv or Dallas LEI?

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  11. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Want to do

    auba > Zaha
    Ings > Kane

    waste of -8 or worth a go?

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    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn’t for the hits

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  12. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Alright to save FT? 1FT 1.2 ITB. Fairly comfortable, can reassess after

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robbo Saiss Lamptey (Taylor Mitchell)
    Salah Son(c) Havertz JRodriguez Podence
    Kane DCL (Davis)

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mitchell over Lamptey, just in case

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  13. cheese XL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts please.
    2ft and 1.7 itb

    Martinez
    Robertson Saiss Ayling
    Salah Son Grealish Pulisic Trossard
    Kane DCL

    Button KWP Mitchell Brewster

    A) Mitchell > Chilwell (442)
    B) Trossard > Zaha
    C) Trossard > Foden
    D) Other

    Thanks in advance

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  14. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Captain one
    A) Salah
    B) Kane
    C) Son

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    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think your username decided it for ya fam

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  15. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do?

    Thinking of sideways moves like Sterling to KdB or Burke to Bissouma. But all thoughts and ideas appreciated.

    Martinez (Forster)
    Saiss KWP Justin (Mitchell Lamptey)
    Salah Sterling Son Podence (Burke)
    Kane DCL Jimi

    0,1m in bank 2 FT

    Thanks

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  16. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FTs and current defence of:

    Chilwell, Saiss, Konsa (Lamptey, Justin)

    Who to sell for Coufal?

    a) Lamptey
    b) Justin
    c) another

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    2. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      McCarthy (xxx)
      Saiss-Chilwell-Mitchell (Lamptey+Bernardo)
      Son-Salah-(JRod?-Zaha?-Grealish?)
      DCL-Kane-(Bamford?)

      One needs to be benched:
      1. J Rod
      2. Zaha
      3. Grealish
      4. Banmford

      I also have 1FT and 0ITB if any other suggestions

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  17. Q
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1.Kilman + chilwell
    2.Saiss + lamptey

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1

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    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1

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    3. Q
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Or keep saiss and lamptey and do robbo to chilwell and swap hamez to rashford.

      2 frees

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  18. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    City fixtures from 10-22 are ridiculous.

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    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

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    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      But we are currently awaiting GW7

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    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Those with WC to prosper hugely

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      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Or cry as Pep benches the guys they’ve picked. New season; same issues

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    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Image going without KDB

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  19. Jack Burton
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning all is Robbo to Chilwell then Podence to Foden worth it for minus 4 or just Podence to Bowen much appreciated

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  20. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1) pulisic to Zaha
    2) James to Zaha
    3) hold

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    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hold.

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    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wait for pressers. I’m looking at James to Zaha next week, or this week if he’s ruled out

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      3

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      1. Sid07
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks everyone

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  21. nolard
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Replacement for injured Castagne:

    a) Saiss
    b) Chilwell

    Saiss cheaper, Chilwell better fixtures.

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    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    3. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks.

      I could also play KWP and upgrade Maupay or Wilson.

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  22. SM001
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Auba, Jimenez & TAA to Fernandes/Rashford, Kane & Chilwell (-4) ???

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

      Yep

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  23. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have already done 2FT

    Aubameyang to KDB or Sterling or Penandes? for -4?

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  24. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What do we think of Digne and James Rodriguez to Cresswell and Grealish?

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    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not this week for Cresswell

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  25. gryffsonofarthur
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start?

    A) ST Maximin home to Everton

    B) Ward Prowse away to Villa

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    1. kinghenry14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      asm imo

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

      That's tough, but I'd go for ASM.

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  26. giroudsgirlfriend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play Kilman (CRY) or Dallas (LEI)?

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    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kilman easily

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  27. Indio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi all, would you hold on this lot and re-assess next week? (1 FT, £0.5M itb)

    Martinez
    Chillwell, Robbo, Saiss
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Pulisic, Trossard
    Kane, DCL
    (Forster, Mitchell, KWP, Brewster)

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    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No rush here. Solid.

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

        Thanks - and good luck to you this week!

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        1. nolard
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Likewise!

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  28. kinghenry14
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    what to do with this lot? 2FT 0.1ITB

    martinez
    saiss dallas kwp
    salah mane son grealish trossard
    kane dcl

    forster lamptey brewster ferguson

    A) burn FT
    B) dallas -> coufal
    C) lamptey trossard -> coufal bowen
    D) trossard brewster -> bissouma bamford
    E) other

    cheers!

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

      I like C and D most. wouldn't do B. C looks tasty, but if you want Bamford then maybe D but with Soucek? Good luck.

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  29. Johnny too hotty
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    FPL Draft:

    i have VVD and it seems stupid to keep him in my squad. But if i sell someone else will snap him up and ill be jealous! shall i just keep?

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    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No, there are a lot of good defenders I am sure you can pick up for free. He is probably out for the season.

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  30. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning Birds,

    Any you fancy chipping in with Antonio update? Do we know he is defo out?

    I wanted him this week for sure.....

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    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep out from what was being said early fam

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      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        fam?

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    2. kinghenry14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      https://twitter.com/talksport/status/1321934873091821568?s=21

      here it says he is out for 4 weeks

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    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He's out for about a month or so with a hammy. That is confirmed and on all the sport pages today

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      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Talk Sport will be reliable I guess. I don't roll with the Tweets, the FB, or the Instas.... not cool and trendy me at all.....

        Back to the drawing board on using one of my 2FT then..... need to stop overthinking it!

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