Scout Notes

‘Form versus fixtures’ poser for Son and Kane’s owners after late Spurs win

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

  • Goals: Harry Kane (£11.0m)
  • Assists: Matt Doherty (£5.8m)
  • Bonus: Kane, Doherty x3, Sergio Reguilon (£5.6m) x1

Harry Kane’s (£11.0m) owners will remember his late header that briefly sent Tottenham Hotspur top of the table but it was an otherwise forgettable match at the Hawthorns that had looked destined for 0-0 mediocrity.

Spurs were unconvincing in this Sunday lunchtime clash – a combination of tiredness from their midweek Europa League trip to Bulgaria and a resilient West Brom who were unlucky to have a point cruelly snatched away.

Reflecting on the game, Jose Mourinho said:

It was one of those matches with all the ingredients to lose a couple of points – difficult opponents, they want to stop you, they analyse you, they see where you are strong, they try to close every possible door, and they did it.

Kane was quiet but all he needed was an 88th-minute cross by Matt Doherty (£5.8m), rising to head the Irishman’s delivery home.

That was the England striker’s eighth goal from as many matches against the Baggies and his 150th Premier League strike overall, maintaining Spurs’ 100% away record.

KANE IS ABLE

Over two million FPL managers captained Kane this week, no doubt expecting another haul after Spurs’ previous three away wins produced a combined 12-3 score. But things were much tougher here against a side fighting to escape the relegation zone.

For all the comments about Kane essentially playing as a midfielder, he still provides the goals to go alongside his new-found creativity. The two assists of last season have already been eclipsed by eight this time and he entered the weekend with a number of chances created (14) and big chances created (9) far higher than the next best from a forward.

Similar to how Roberto Firmino (£9.2m) acts like a false nine for Mohamed Salah (£12.4m) and Sadio Mane (£12.0m) to play as two forwards, Kane was seemingly sitting deep for a Son Heung-min (£9.6m) and Gareth Bale (£9.5m) strike force. Yet it is the England captain who takes home the points, while Son disappointed many by not continuing his streak of double-digit away hauls.

SON STOPS SHINING

Clearly, it isn’t maintainable to get 24, 18 or 11 points every time but Son missed a huge chance in the first half. Put through by Tanguy Ndombele (£5.9m), Son seemed hesitant to pull the trigger as West Brom defenders sprinted back to catch up. He eventually dug out a shot but it missed.

A second successive blank will concern his 60% ownership, especially considering the fixture swing that now awaits Jose Mourinho’s side.

Their first six games after the international break include meetings with Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester City. In a classic FPL debate about form versus fixtures, what will the many who have doubled up on both Kane and Son do about this difficult run? Particularly when premium assets at Manchester City and Manchester United are about to begin a kind run.

Neither player is at fault, as they sit atop the FPL game as highest scorers so far. They have accumulated 15 goals and 10 assists between them from only eight matches – truly phenomenal numbers. In a crazy season which has produced huge shocks, great comebacks, many goals and little sense, perhaps it is too logical to assume that Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m), Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) or Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) are the way forward.

The team news was headlined by Bale starting his first league match since returning to Spurs on loan from Real Madrid. Against Brighton, he came off the bench to score a late winner – such drama is becoming a habit in recent weeks, replacing the heavy wins of before – and was deemed ready to form a fearsome front three alongside Kane and Son. In truth, he was ineffective, almost reaching a cross early in the second half but producing nothing else.

REGUILON CONTINUES TO ATTACK

Only left-back Sergio Reguilon (£5.6m) was providing any attacking threat as the match dragged on. Long-range shots in the 59th minute were saved and then blazed over, with a later effort being blocked into the path of Giovani Lo Celso (£6.9m). Had the substitute scored, it would have been Reguilon’s third assist from five league appearances.

In addition to a clean sheet, Reguilon certainly passed the eye test – crossing for Carlos Vinicius’ (£7.0m) low left-footed shot that produced a wonderful save from Sam Johnstone (£4.5m). And yet it was Doherty on the other flank who provided Kane’s assist.

The £15m signing from Wolves was initially heavily-backed by the FPL community but has gradually been abandoned, dropping twice in price because he had registered no attacking returns and was rotated twice with Serge Aurier (£5.2m).

WINLESS BAGGIES

In his programme notes, the under-pressure Slaven Bilic demanded that his players be “more streetwise, more mature and dirty in the game”. He got what he asked for, with West Brom arguably the better side for most of the match.

The Baggies boss said after full-time:

My message to the players was that this has to be our standard now. We have to perform like this in every minute of every game as a minimum. It’s really difficult to take confidence from a defeat because the best way to get confidence is to win games and climb up the league. But you can also get confidence from performances and today was an example of that.

Bilic was forced into making changes to his side after Matheus Pereira (£5.9m) and Branislav Ivanovic (£4.5m) tested positive for coronavirus. He used this opportunity to switch systems, going for a 5-4-1 wing-back formation with the returning Kyle Bartley (£4.5m) and Dara O’Shea (£4.3m) featuring at centre-half.

Karlan Grant (£5.9m) somehow missed a free header from six yards after a brilliant Darnell Furlong (£4.5m) cross, before a teasing Callum Robinson (£5.5m) delivery dropped over Hugo Lloris (£5.5m) and was headed off the line by Eric Dier (£4.9m). The second half saw Conor Gallagher (£5.5m) hit the post from distance and Furlong’s header force an acrobatic save from Lloris.

However, they are still without a win. Apart from back-up goalkeeper David Button (£4.0m), no West Brom player has ownership above 2%. Their players are relatively untouched but, if looking for a differential, it might be worth considering that their next home games are against Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Leeds.

The Baggies have been better at the back of late than they have going forward and Johnstone is one of the cheapest starting goalkeepers out there, sitting third for saves among top-flight shot-stoppers.

Given Aston Villa’s favourable schedule, Emiliano Martinez (£4.8m) will, however, remain the go-to option for many.


West Bromwich Albion XI (5-4-1): Johnstone; Furlong, Bartley, Ajayi, O’Shea, Townsend; Krovinovic, Livermore (Edwards 89′), Gallagher, Robinson (Diangana 67′); Grant (Phillips 84′).

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-3): Lloris; Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Ndombele (Lo Celso 64′), Sissoko (Carlos Vinicius 79′); Bale (Lucas Moura 78′), Son, Kane.

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 8

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

1,357 Comments Post a Comment
  1. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    *Long Post Alert*

    Struggling badly this season, stuck at 3m. WC used.
    Never been below 200k in more than a decade of playing this game.

    Appreciate any ideas on how to fix this team.

    Martinez Steer
    Robbo Chilwell Konsa Kilman Mitchell
    Salah Sterling Son JRod Anguissa
    DCL Bamford Maupay

    1 FT 0.5itb

    Issues I see:
    1. No Kane has killed me but not sure it makes sense to get him now with the fixtures Spurs have.
    2. Sterling has flopped badly but City have good run of games coming up. Unsure whether to keep or sell for Bruno.
    3. Cant get in Grealish or Watkins as I'm stuck with Martinez Steer & Konsa!

    Appreciate feedback

    1. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Get Vardy and someone else in for Maupay and Son.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.
        Bruno Ziyech are more important to get in I feel.

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you didn't get Kane yet, don't get him now. Better to bank against him and the fixtures.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That's where I'm at as well.
        What changes would you do in that team?

        Considering Bruno Ziyech for Sterling Son but not sure.

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I would rather have sterling than Bruno mate

          1. King Kohli
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Despite the form shown by both?
            Bruno is the talisman at United and everything goes through him. He looks like a set and forget option imo.
            Too reliant on fixtures for Sterling and hoping City play like they used to, which has not happened so far this season.

          2. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Madness

    3. KneejerkJoe
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good team. Maupay and no Villa attacker the weak links.

      Im keeping Sterling now that fixture turns.

      You can Save this week then do Konsa out for Cancelo. Maybe get Jesus or Werner by downgrading Son.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good suggestion.

        The way I see it, these are my issues in the team, not necessarily in that order:
        Robertson
        Maupay
        Sterling
        Lack of a Villa spot

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

          if you've kept robertson this far you may aswell stick, the CS will come (even if lower levels than previous) and robertson still looks a threat going forwards - next 4 arent bad fixtures and Pool defence now a differential

          Maupay has to go - obvious transfer to Watkins if you can't easil get grealish

          That said - grealish is one of the best value picks in the game, chance to haul agaianst anyone and so involved in everything we do

          I'd prefer villa attacking double up over defensive.

          If you need to climb ranks obvious way is to go no Spurs attack from this gw and hope that the struggle in this run of fixtures with ownership of 45% & 58%. obvious risks to this if better chances on the counter

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

      Know that there are 31 gameweeks to come and without looking at any stats, many of the top 100k will probably have used one or more chips by now.

      Bide your time and keep making decisions based on what you see, don't take a load of hits and I bet you finish within the top 200,000. Loads of people stop caring by December as well.

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Robbo to Cresswell
      Son to Bruno / KDB
      Leave JRod
      Maupay to Antonio
      Sterling to KDB if not performing
      If City not good I'd go Mane
      Konsa to Coufal
      JRod to Grealish

  2. KneejerkJoe
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Both KDB and Bruno lost their last pen, do we think Rashford and Jesus/Sterling/Kun might take the next ones?

    Bruno has earlier said he dont mind to give Rash a pen if he wants it. KDB didnt want pens back in the days.

    1. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      The problem is Rashford also missed a few penalties before.

    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dont think Bruno will be off them as Rashford misses quite a few as well.
      KDB might give them up as he never seemed to want them as you have said.

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

      Bruno will take it unless game is won comfortably and Rashford/Tony haven't scored in that game

    4. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno scored his last pen. Vs PSG.

    5. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jesus and Kun have missed a fair few. Can't see Jesus taking them after one KDB miss, Kun could take them though when fit. Who knows at this point.

  3. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I can get away with this lot for another week, right?

    Martinez
    Robbo, Chilwell, Lamptey
    Salah, Son, Ziyech, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    Steer, Dallas, Kilman, Bissouma

    1FT + 0.4m ITB, if needed to fix anything.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Easily - very nice team

    2. DAVESAVES
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I have exact same team but TAA instead of Robbo. Thinking Kane to Martial as a punt, before moving on to City assets. Have 2 FT tho

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

    Won’t be moving until end of IB but what is the priority here? Moving on Jimenez to DCL (boring) or Watkins and try and push up ranks a little quicker?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Coufal Kilman
    Salah Son Rodríguez Grealish
    Kane Werner Jimenez

    Button Bissouma Justin Ferguson 1FT 0.0ITB

    1. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Watkins is the cool thing now. DCL slowed down a bit too much

    2. Lev Yashin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don't fancy Richa?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Been there, actually that is an interesting thought

        1. Lev Yashin
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He'll be fresh and ready to prove a point. Plus DCL seems to be flattening his curve as well.

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Nice idea, will keep an eye on his minutes for Brazil

            1. Supernintendo Chalmers
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              @Miguel Sanchez are you keen to keep hold of Son + Kane despite fixture turn or going with the tide to change them out?

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

    Which of these sounds like the better upgrade?
    A) son > Fernandes*
    B) Brewster > Watkins**

    *leaves me starting Soucek every week - not likely to start Brewster.
    **can alternate Soucek with Watkins depending on Fixtures/circumstances.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  6. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    xG taking its revenge on Auba

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      And Son?

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He's a consistent overperformer, excellent finisher. Though even his rate was astronomical this season

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Playing for a defense first team as a winger
      Had he got chances Laca got yesterday could have been a different game.

      Think Laca needs to go

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

    WC time 🙂

    Martinez 4.0
    Chilwell Bellerin Coufal Taylor Struijk
    Salah KdB Bruno Ziyech Grealish
    DCL Watkins Brewster

    How's it looking? Any point in picking a specific 4m bench keeper?

    Could downgrade Struijk to 3.9, and switch DCL to Richarlison too

    1. Lev Yashin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Agreed. That team looks bang average.

      What's your WC team?

      1. Lev Yashin
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Seriously though, I still think TOT will score goals so Kane would be in there. Not sure who you'd drop though.
        Maybe go with Bruno for now and look to bring in some MCI in a couple of weeks. Also depends if KdB keeps penalty duty.

    2. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bellerin? Taylor?

      1. Lev Yashin
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bellerin has got some good fixtures coming up and he always good for assist or maybe even a goal.

  8. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Lamptey+Martinez worth 0.5 over Targett and McCarthy?
    I don't think so personally

  9. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Idk why but I just think the United fixtures won't be favourable matchups like they look on paper, maybe I just don't trust United..

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think the opposite tbh, West Brom, Southampton, Leeds and Sheffield United in the next 6 is very good imo.

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        They are definitely very good fixtures, but idk why just feels like just the type of game where united might struggle 😛

      2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Southampton do have 3 CS in 4 home games.

        Sheffield and West Brom will park the bus mostly as well..

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Sheff Utd tried to park the bus against Chelsea, didn't work out great. West Brom are poor overall. Southampton kept CS against a Rich-less Everton, West Brom and Newcastle. They also conceded 3 to Villa. Rashford and Martial's pace should exploit the high line.

  10. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On a WC

    A) Fernandes - Watkins - Berge
    B) Rashford - Grealish - Brewster

    Which option seems better for the run in?

    1. Sam Robinson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  11. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Surely Kane & Son are just as likely to score against better teams that won’t just park the bus ?

    Are fixtures really that important when the top teams play each other that we need to sell the likes of Kane as part of a hit ?

    1. Lev Yashin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fixtures haven't meant much so far and home advantage doesn't exist anymore either.
      I'll be keeping Kane for the long term. Unless Kun suddenly explodes.

    2. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane & Son are somewhat fixture-proof, but Son is streaky and Kane has had injuries.

      Keeping Kane because he’s fit, but Son’s last few matches have me looking to move him on.

    3. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I guess they could both score against anyone, hence why you want them in your team. I’m planning on selling Kane to get KDB into my team knowing that I still have the Spurs coverage, not because Kane has tricky fixtures.

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

      Yeah
      I'm keeping Son

  12. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez / 4.0
    Robbo / Zouma / Lamptey / Targett / Kilman
    Salah / Son / Jrod / Barkley / Soucek
    Kane / DCL / Adams

    A) roll transfer, then Kane/Barkley to Watkins/KDB next week
    B) Kane/Barkley to Watkins/KDB now (-4)
    C) Jrod to Ziyech now, then Kane/Barkley to Watkins/KDB next week (-4)

  13. Lukakus Unit
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son to Bruno for my FT?

    Yay or nay?

    1. Lev Yashin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, why not?

  14. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on going Richarlison over DCL on WC?
    Would cost the same as I haven't owned DCL

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm doing the same

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Go for it

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Fulham are dreadful, his pace should destroy Leeds, Sheff Utd conceding the most amount of chances in the league from that flank. Excellent differential to me.

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Great points

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

      Am considering it now

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

      DCL more regular scorer, Richarlison better ceilling ?

    5. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m having both for their next 3

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Would you rather captain DCL or Rich next week if you had to pick one let's say?

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Rich easy

        2. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Probably Rich. Will have a point to prove

    6. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Everton perform far better with him in the team hence poor performances past three, both could be awesome?

  15. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Already planning on doing Son > Bruno (very common move I know).

    Would you use the second FT to do Wilson > Watkins though ?

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, him or Antonio

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

        Antonio is a good idea yes.

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

      Keep Wilson if he's fit imo.

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

        A bit worried about Chelsea next + Newcastle lack of creativity compared to Villas though. But could backfire ofc.

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

          Prefer Antonio/Bamford to Watkins honestly. Grealish is the one you want from Villa and a double up on their attack is not worth it as they will leave disappointed in some weeks surely.

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

            Bamford fixtues are very tough. But his stats & returns are really good.

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

              Leeds are capable of scoring against every team in the league imo and their fixtures actually improve from GW12 onwards.

  16. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Son to Grealish today before the price rise?

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

      Considering Son cost £2m more surely you can wait until after the games no ?

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes probably I should 🙂

  17. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best C Salah, DCL or Grealish?

    Martinez
    Coufal, Chilwell, Robbo
    Grealish, Salah C, Zaha, Son
    DCL, Kane, Bamford

    Forster, Zouma, Lamptey, Podence

    1FT .5

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure Brighton are poor enough to justify captaining against. Fulham certainly are though. Salah always a good (C) at Anfield.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Just the three stand out C on first inspection.
        Anything gets to be better than my last four or five choices!

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          You never know 😛

  18. Help Me!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Posting again, wanted some early insight to make a decision for the coming couple of GWs.

    McCarthy-Nyland
    TAA*-Chilwell-Doherty*-Mitchell*-Justin
    Son*-Zaha-Grealish-Salah-Bissouma
    Mitrovic*-Adams-Werner

    2 FTs, 2.2m ITB
    There are many changes I want to make, but what should I prioritize?
    Should I use 1 FT and have 2 in GW10 where there's a swing in fixtures.

  19. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What is wrong with Jimenez and/or Wolves? Think I need to sell him...

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Annoying habit of starting games slowly so only usually a 45 minute window in second half to get points

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure there’s tons wrong with them necessarily. Folks have forgotten how long their season was last time, and no proper pre season really. I think NES is trying to get enough points at 3/4 pace until after Christmas.
      But yes I would be binning Raul pronto

  20. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Need to get Vardy. For who?

    1) Bamford (Bamford + Foden to Vardy and Soucek)
    2) Martial (no other United, can do Martial + Son to Vardy + Bruno)
    3) DCL (no other Everton)
    4) Go without

    Thanks a lot!

    1. Sam (Team Sam)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      4

  21. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    RMWCT

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Cancelo Lamptey
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish
    DCL Richarlison Watkins

    Forster Soucek Justin Kilman

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Pretty good

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not amazing?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          As long as Spurs and Chelsea keep quiet in the next three then yeah it could do very well.

          1. Shatner's Bassoon
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Would be surprised if Spurs do anything harmful over the next three

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah strong. I’d probably choose Martinez over McC but i get why you haven’t done that.

      Cash for Bruno -> Sterling ?

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

      Strong !
      Like Everton double up for next 3

  22. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What do people think of reverting back to 5 subs as players getting more injuries?

    It be good as players in your team who don’t start can get 1pt if they come in and also stop jammy bench fodder within 6pts on your mates teams?

  23. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    DCL at 57% ownership, damn.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You got?

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, just disappointed his second hat-trick against relegation fodder won't do much.

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I haven’t got him and really should but they are just such non points for his owners I think I need to look elsewhere.

          1. Flair
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I like Rich more for the next 3

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Rodriguez-DCL-Rich triple up for those fixtures, hmm. They were free scoring when he was playing!

  24. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking of wildcarding here, TAA, MItchell, Hamez about to drop and my back line needs a reshuffle plus can't avoid a -4 to get KDB in next week.

    Would you wildcard this lot?

    1 FT 1.9 ITB

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Ayling Justin Mitchell Chilwell
    Salah Son Hamez Podence Bissouma
    DCL Kane Bamford

  25. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell Lamptey Taylor
    Salah Son Grealish Foden*
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Steer Saiss* Mitchell* Alzate*
    1ft 0.5m

    Now have 4 non starters,

    A) son and foden to fernandes and soucek
    B) son and Saiss to rashford and Coufal

    Either one means I need to take another hit to get city the week after (probably just gamble without)

  26. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Favourite combo a or b?

    A) Bruno, Vardy and Watkins
    B) Rashford, Werner and DCL

  27. luke25
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Spurs fixtures really are horrible, anyone tempted to take Son out?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are they though? Can spurs score vs all those teams? Yes I say, and I think spurs can beat City and Arsenal and probably a draw away to Chelsea.
      City v spurs since 2018 averaged 2.85 goals a game so there will be goals on that, and we’ll Arsenal have not been any kind of force at all.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      They're not horrible. Their chances of wins in all are reduced but they're more than capable of scoring in each one. They should have a fixture difficulty rating per players chances of FPL points, not team's chance of a result.

  28. NB 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On a wildcard

    Martinez (Button)
    Coufal, zouma, cancelo, Kilman, any 3.9 mil
    Bruno, ziyech, grealish, kdb, soucek
    Watkins , Werner, Vardy

    I’m concerned about not owning Salah and maybe Kane.

    Could do;
    Soucek, Werner, vardy to salah, Abraham, Brewster (0.5 itb)

    Help please!

  29. Joe_Carman
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1FT, 1.2ITB

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Cresswell, Lamptey
    Son, Sterling, Salah, Grealish
    Jimenez, Bamford, DCL

    Steer, Dallas, Bissouma, Mitchell,

    A) Son > Ziyech (this GW), Jimi to Vardy (GW10)
    B) Son > Fernandes (this GW), Jimi to Antonio, if he's fit (GW10)
    C) Hold

    Any help with this one lads?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B... I've been thinking it through.

      But Son and Kane capable against the better teams too, seeking positive results.

  30. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Test:

    Tried to do a comparison of Watkins v Bamford.

    First of all, this season (Watkins v Bamford):
    Goals: 6 v 7
    Assists: 1 v 2
    xG+xA/90: 0.78 v 0.66
    shots/90: 2.57 v 3.86
    Games with xG below 0.2: 2 v 3
    Games with xG above 0.2, below 0.7: 2 v 3
    Games with xG above 0.7: 3 v 2

    Looking at this and also the xG of all their chances (https://understat.com/player/822), the story so far this season seems to be that the two players have scored almost the same number of goals and assists, but Watkins from fewer but bigger chances, and Bamford from a greater number of smaller chances. They've both had similar numbers of games with low, medium and high xG's. They've both scored a hat-trick, but Bamford has scored points in 5 games, whereas Watkins has hauled in 3 games (but has played one fewer).

    Looking at which teams each payer has scored points against, there seems to be a slight pattern, although not conclusive. As we all know, Bamford has been faring better in the 'away' games. His higher xG games have come against Leicester, Villa, Sheffield and City, having scored in the Villa and Sheffield games - he's also scored against Palace, Fulham and Liverpool, in all of which his xG was < 0.5. Missed a couple of chances against Leicester. His goals suggest he might prefer the smaller teams and 'away' games, but his xG against Leicester and City was good.

    Watkins' 3 scoring games have come in his 3 highest xG games, against Liverpool, Arsenal, Saints. Perhaps a clearer pattern of getting big chances on the break against teams who like to play up the pitch.

    So what does their history say? Bamford is 27 with a mixed history. After a full season at Championship club Middlesbrough in 14/15, scoring 17 and assisting 2, he had 2 seasons on the bench in the top flight, before scoring 11 goals for 'borough in 17/18. He then joined Leeds, scoring 9 and 16 before promotion.

    Watkins is 24 and his story is more one of steady improvement in his formative years. In 2 years at Exeter and 3 years at Brentford, he scored 8, 15, 10, 10 and 26 goals respectively. Assists varied from 3-8 per season, except for 11 at Exeter in 16/17.

    The final column below shows their Goals+Assists per minute (x1000 for ease). I've only included seasons in which they've played over 1000 minutes, meaning Bamford's 15/16 and 16/17 seasons are excluded.

    Bamford:
    Leeds (20/21) Mins: 672 Goals: 7 Assists: 1 GA/m: 11.90
    Leeds (19/20) Mins: 3464 Goals: 16 Assists: 2 GA/m: 5.20
    Leeds (18/19) Mins: 1450 Goals: 9 Assists: 2 GA/m: 7.59
    Borough (17/18) Mins: 2119 Goals: 11 Assists: 0 GA/m: 5.19
    Borough (14/15) Mins: 3005 Goals: 17 Assists: 2 GA/m: 6.32
    Derby (13/14) Mins: 1270 Goals: 8 Assists: 3 GA/m: 8.66

    Watkins:

    Villa 20/21 Mins: 630 Goals: 6 Assists: 1 G+A/m: 11.11
    Brentford 19/20 Mins: 4430 Goals: 26 Assists: 3 G+A/m: 6.55
    Brentford 18/19 Mins: 3127 Goals: 10 Assists: 8 G+A/m: 5.76
    Brentford 17/18 Mins: 3531 Goals: 10 Assists: 5 G+A/m: 4.25
    Exeter 16/17 Mins: 3732 Goals: 15 Assists: 11 G+A/m: 6.97
    Exeter 15/16 Mins: 1397 Goals: 8 Assists: 4 G+A/m: 8.59

    They both seem to have started this season very well, so expect both to revert to the mean to some extent. Their track records per minute are also remarkably similar, with Bamford performing slightly better in the last 3 seasons while they've both been playing in the Championship. However the similarity is perhaps impressive for Watkins given he is 3 years younger. What stands out is that 19/20 was a real step up for Watkins, during Brentford's excellent 80-goal season. The question for Watkins seems to be whether it was a one-off or a breakout season - his age suggests it is the latter as he is developing and finding his feet at a higher level, and he has hit the ground running this season. His numbers were impressive at Exeter and dropped off slightly in his first 2 seasons in the championship before that 19/20 season. Bamford has a slightly more proven track record at a higher level. Bear in mind though, only 2 of the seasons shown above involved 3000+ minutes. Might he be the one slightly more prone to rotation when GWs 13-16 come thick and fast? Bielsa only seems to remove him once he has scored, but Leeds fans may be able to help.

    What about fixtures?

    Bamford: ARS, eve, che, WHU, NEW, mun
    Watkins: BRI, whu, NEW, wol, BUR, wba

    Bamford's fixtures are mixed, but so are his numbers from different difficulties of games so far. Personally, I can see him scoring against Arsenal and Everton - Chelsea and West Ham may be tough, but I'd fancy him against Newcastle and away at United. Hard to tell form game to game so as long as Leeds continue to create chances, owners will feel confident. Watkins' fixtures are good on paper, so it depends how strongly you interpret the indication that he performs better against better teams. Brighton, West Ham, Wolves and Burnley might be very tricky to break down. However, Watkins has penalties which Bamford does not and that could be a deciding factor.

    Finally, having watched the games, Bamford certainly passes the eye test with the chances he gets, even though his finishing can be either world class or a bit erratic. For Watkins, the eye test and his stats suggest he is becoming quite a clinical finisher. Overall, I think it's a very tight decision and it may come down to each fantasy manager's style and how they interpret the more+small/fewer+big chance frequencies. The worry with Watkins might be that if the chances dry up just a little bit, he may not produce returns, however good his finishing might be. Is he another Jamie Vardy? The concern with Bamford might be that his finishing ability could be a bit erratic and not sustainable. Someone suggested to me that missing chances can affect a striker's confidence - although Bamford seems like a pretty resilient guy. Personally, I think the bottom line is they're both very good picks, and why not get both if team structure allows? They certainly beat any £6.0m options in midfield and I would be confident that there returns don't dry up at least in the mid-term. If I had to choose, I might suggest Bamford simply because of Leeds' style of play, and not wanting to triple up on Villa just in case their form as a team starts to drop. Having said that though, I do prefer to treat players individually, plus Grealish and Martinez seem like season keepers. However, penalties might just persuade me to Watkins.

    What do you think?

    Note: my season so far has been pants so don't take my advice.

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Watkins has pens, debate over.

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Oh lmao