Pro Pundits

Iheanacho replacements, Man City players and the ‘keep or sell’ United poser

Let’s Talk FPL’s Andy, who is closing in on a top 1k finish, gives his thoughts on three key issues ahead of Gameweek 36.


Iheanacho Replacements

With a Blank Gameweek 36 followed by Chelsea (a) and Tottenham Hotspur (h) to end the season, it may be the time to drop Leicester City players. A lot of FPL managers are looking to sell Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.3m) despite his purple patch, while there’ll be plenty more intent on offloading Jamie Vardy (£10.3m) after an underwhelming period of form.

The main contenders to replace the Foxes’ strike duo are Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m), Patrick Bamford (£6.3m) and Michail Antonio (£6.4m).

For me, this comes down to how many transfers you want to use on this spot in your squad between now and the end of the season. Calvert-Lewin has the standout fixture in Gameweek 36 with Sheffield United but that’s followed up by Wolves and Manchester City. For that reason, I prefer both Antonio and Bamford as a short-term transfer that can be held until the end of the campaign. With Leeds and West Ham both playing Southampton and West Brom in their last two Gameweeks, it comes down to the Gameweek 36 fixture – and Leeds just about edge it, with Burnley instead of Brighton.

Some other considerations are Antonio’s injury record, which may mean another transfer before the season’s end, and Bamford being on penalties.

Pro Pundits 15
225 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A nice start which I hope will be useful is that Everton have kept 5 out of 6 away clean sheets and the one game was versus Chelsea. So we should not make any negative deductions about Antonio not scoring.

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      *stat

  2. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Decided Bale is too good as a flat-track bully to ignore. Power 5 mid with double Spurs/double United to return from GW37.

    GTG?

    Martinez
    TAA Phillips Keane Llorente
    Salah Son Bale(C)
    DCL Benteke Vydra
    (Areola Bruno Greenwood Shaw)

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How many games do you reckon Bale will even play over the next three. I’d say 2 if he’s lucky

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I think he'll play all of them, Jose isn't in charge anymore.

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm worried he can't play two matches in 3 days but need him to play against Wolves. The AVL match would be the only chance for fans to see him at home

  3. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Experts, any tips on this free hit appreciated

    Pickford (4.4)

    TAA Dallas Digne (Phillips Mitchell)

    Salah Son Mahrez Bale Raphina

    DCL Watkins Ings

    Who to bench...

    1. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      After comments on Raphina not sure if he will start..... Potentially Foden as a great replacement?

      Also prefer Ings > Antonio & bench watkins this GW

      1. Pabster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Agree that Raph is the one to bench.

        I'm also on an FH and going Bam. He's much more of a differential in my ML. Lots of my rivals have Watkins, who's not a priority for them to transfer out compared to Leicester and United assets.

        I like the Foden pick. He's not so expensive that if he doesn't play, I'll still be able to have an adequate sub.

  4. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    heavy in rain in manchester - will hopefully put the so called fans (thugs) off protesting

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Protests today will be good.

  5. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Need a differential (C) thinking Mahrez or Foden. Big man’s article suggests Foden as a better option but Mahrez rested and on penalties is so tempting. Mahrez (c) a risky but decent shout?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Foden is also well rested. 20 minute sub appearance one week before the previous game is hradly anything for him. I can see both starting. Go with who you think will do well. There's no clear data helping us as to who will be a better pick and who can haul.

    2. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      As you said yourself Dazz, Risky but a decent shout.

      When he starts, he hauls

    3. justaguy9
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I am going with bale probably

    4. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sticking with Salah, I think, but will have Bale, Mahrez and Foden - would be happy with non-captain hauls from all of them

  6. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Toying between 2 different WC draft's, help me choose one?

    First:
    Pickford (Forster)
    TAA / Digne / Dallas (Struijk / Mitchell)
    Bale / Mane / Salah / Raph (Willock)
    Kane / DCL / Antonio

    Second:
    Pickford (Meslier)
    TAA / Digne / Dallas (Stones / Coufal)
    Bale / Son / Raph / Salah (Greenwood)
    Ings / DCL / Antonio

    Thanks...

    1. jimmyharte
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why have you still your wc left wtf

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I know lol been trying to use it for weeks but my team's been doing well!

    2. Salah_Fingers
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I like bits of both, which isn't much help. I too am on WC. Rumours of Raph not starting.

      Your second one has a better bench so I'd say that one for the run in

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Oh really on Raph? that changes everything as I'll need Bamford

  7. space
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best defender (not including Liverpool, Leeds or Everton players) for game weeks 36-38?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The options aren't great. I'd only be looking at Coufal & Dias (or a teammate of theirs.)

      37-38 give you some risky yet we'll-fixtures cheapies in NEW /although defensive start bad) & ARS (Holding).

      Should Rudiger be back and fit, he might be decent for the final two. But of a risk in GW38 but 6 days till the UCL Final.

    2. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dias if nailed.
      Coufal

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Lol. Nice picks!

    3. Big Mac 24
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Stones needs game time

    4. space
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks chaps

  8. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Meslier
    TAA, Coufal, Coleman
    Salah, Son, Zaha, Lingard
    Wood, Kane

    Non-players: Holding, Rüdiger, Bruno, Iheanacho

    A. Holding to Philips
    B. Play with 10 men, save ft

  9. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy/Forster crew, what are we doing? Taking a hit or praying for Forster?

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Considering taking the hit as it will allow Nacho > Bamford/Antonio also

      I don't think Forster is predicted as starting unless someone know different

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Think I'll just ride out the blank and make my moves elsewhere.

  10. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    3 Everton players.
    Shaw. Bruno.
    Zaha.
    Watkins

    My final gw is turning bad.

    I hope Shaw Bruno still play tho. Even if its 3days before Europa final.

  11. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any reason why people think McCarthy is going to play this week?

    1. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      hes rotating his keepers every 2 games he said

    2. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think he is in predicted line ups.. I'll try and find a source

        1. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks - they predict 2-1 🙁 - have Forster/McCarthy as my FH goalies

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Every bit of news you are seeing is basing it on this interview right before the DGW (until he says something newer on the topic):

      https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/southampton-goalkeeper-liverpool-ralph-hasenhuttl-5366361

      "I want to give both keepers a chance to play," he explained. "Each 'keeper will get two games so Fraser Forster will play the next two games, because I want to give him a chance to play."

      ... he kept to his word, so we assume he will again.

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers everyone

  12. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Going to have to take a -4 to field 11 given the Veltman injury.

    Best transfer options for this lot?:

    Emi
    Trent - Phillips - Regs - Veltman (Shaw)
    Salah - Lingard - Raphinha (Greenwood, Bruno)
    Kane - Wood (Nacho)

    Got exact funds to do either:
    A) Greenwood + Nacho -> Mahrez + DCL
    B) Greenwood + Nacho -> Bale + Antonio/Bamford

  13. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Does sruijk start this week? Need a 4.0 less player to start ONLY for this week

    Have guita TAA Coleman and Coufal

    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      had same dilemma last week - went Mitchell as PVA days are numbered. If philips isnt ready to start I'd go Struijk

  14. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How many mins will Bale play over the next 3?

    16th - Wolves
    19th - Villa
    23rd - Leicester

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      60
      60
      70

  15. justaguy9
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Need a digne cs and assist today.

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes please!

    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Plus a goal would be great!

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      and a penalty save

  16. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I suppose Mendy is now likely to start the last two matches as a CL place is on the line - that makes it even more difficult to drop him for a hit.

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Leicester home and Villa away aren't too attractive though

  17. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Evening all!What would you do here?
    Forster
    Taa/Rudiger/Coleman
    Salah/Siggy/Fernandes/Siggy/Zaha
    Kane/Dcl

    Mendy/Davis/Holding/Veltman
    1ft 0.2itb

    a)Fernandes+Rudiger+Davis->Mahrez+Dallas+Antonio
    b)Fernandes+Rudiger+Mendy->Son+Dallas+Meslier
    c)Salah+Rudiger+Davis->Mahrez+Dallas+Ings
    d)Rudiger+Mendy->Dallas+Meslier
    e)Fernandes+Rudiger->Son+Dallas

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      E

    3. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      cheers

  18. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Let me set the scene

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      What? Where's the rest of the post?

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Crocodile tags or emoticons involved?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Emotions

  19. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Need an Ollie Watkins go...oh bugger.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I know the feeling.

  20. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Let me set the scene.

    On FH.
    37 points behind mini league leader.
    Rival has Son, Lingard, Salah, TAA, DCL and Kane.
    Doesn't matter if I finish 2k or 10k. Need to do something drastic to beat him.

    Fabianski
    TAA Digne Keane
    Salah Bale Mahrez Foden
    Kane DCL Ings
    ---------------------------------------------
    Fabri Raphinha Coufal Mitchell

    Nothing in the bank.

    Overall thoughts?

    Punt on Aguero or Mendy perhaps?

    Thanks.

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Like it. Ings, Mahrez and Foden strong differentials.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I probably try to squeeze most budget to my 11 and get one of City DF or GK.

      Inga & Bale look like good differentials to your rival, but I'm afraid of going without Son.

      Aguero is too pricey for what he displayed in last game. But he's class. A bit too risky for me but, who know, you might have luck to pick him at the right time.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks.
        The only reason I went for a bench potential because I'm never sure about Pep's rotation.

  21. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi. Trying to max potential on my FH team.

    Martinez (3.9)
    TAA - Digne - Dallas (Mitchell, 3.8)
    Salah - Mane - Son - Mahrez - Foden
    Kane - DCL (4.3)

    What do you think about these options : Bamford or Foden?

    A: Foden + 4.3 FWD
    B: Bamford + 4.1 MID

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A.
      Thoughts on my FH team above?

      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thank you. I like your differentials. Just share my thoughts above.

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

  22. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chasing, cut my ML rival's lead down to 10 from 30 past two weeks. Still need to be aggressive.

    I'm pretty sure I need to take a hit this week, just not quite sure how.

    A) Nacho + Greenwood > DCL + Foden/Raphinha (-4)
    B) Nacho + Bruno > DCL + Mahrez (-4)

    My ML rival has Bruno and Son, so not point in me bringing Son back in. I'd like to keep Bruno for Fulham, whereas the A move above would allow me to do Jota to Greenwood in 37.

    1FT 0.5ITB
    Forster*
    TAA Digne Coady Masuaku*
    Salah Jota Lingard
    Kane Watkins

    Mendy, Holding, Bruno, Greenwood, Nacho

    Thanks!

    1. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A with foden

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A. Foden is my choice.

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers

    3. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I guess you will not be able to get Bruno back on GW37 if you sold him. That made A a preferred option.

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yes, that's the main problem with B. Mahrez is more attractive than Foden but, as much as I want to differentiate from my ML, I'll want Bruno against Fulham.

        Thanks!

  23. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pickford or Meslier?

    1. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Got Digne*

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Meslier

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Meslier. Irrespective.

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Meslier. I'm not sure Pickford is 100% nailed.

      1. justaguy9
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Why not?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          He has showed a lot of improvement in recent weeks. And he wants to be first choice for the Euros. But Olsen does get games sometimes.

  24. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Grealish is back.. So elghazi place in doubt??

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Have they never played together? Plus does Grealish get 90 the first game he is back?

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably. Or maybe Barkley

    3. Gleys11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Both starting tonight

      1. Gleys11
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry, grealish on bench. My wrong

  25. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone got more than seven players playing tonight?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Any news on United protests?

      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Are they coming out again?

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          That's what the plan has been. But I think even if they come out, the authorities will be better prepared.

    2. Big Mac 24
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      7, with Greenwood TC = 9 scores

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Jealous!

        Greenwood owner but still stewing over Watkins' red!

        1. Big Mac 24
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Guess I’m hoping for a 2-3 pool win, Greenwood and Jota only scorers, Shaw and TAA only assisters - can deal with Mo & Bruno blanks even as owner. DCL brace in early game too

          1. PascalCygan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            I was so close to getting DCL this week, so it's painful watching him haul.

            I'm also hoping for a high-scoring Utd-Liverpool match, with Bruno, Salah, Jota, Greenwood and TAA all involved in the goals!

    3. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Eight for me.

      Everton def + attack
      Villa def + attack
      Man U def + attack
      Liv def + attack

      What could possibly go wrong? 😀

      1. popey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I hate games like this! terrified of something awful like;

        1-1 Iwobi and Keinan Davis
        1-1 Bailly and Thiago

        Have Pickford and DCL but a Villa fan, which isn;t ideal for watching

    4. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      11 with bruno captain

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Oh yeah 9 if we're counting captain twice.

    5. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      8 potentially. Jota unlikely to start though.

      1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        am expecting non starters

  26. SAINTS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    In Sky Sports, who would you captain tonight?

    Salah or Fernandes?

  27. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    England under-23 squad poses some serious talent

    ------ Greenwood -------

    Foden Mount Sancho

    ----- Rice Bellingham -----

    Justin White Godfrey TAA

    --------- -Henderson -------------

    Bench: Saka Smith-Rowe Eze Lamptey Reece

    Favourites to wins 2026 and 2030 World Cup?

    Id say could easily dominate international football for next decade with the right management.

    Agree? Thoughts are welcomed

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How does it compare to U23 talent in France, Brazil, Germany, Italy etc.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        England got the best youngsters out of all those countries.

        Prove me wrong?

        1. Boss Hogg
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I think France have better youngsters.
          Germany and Spain are not bad too.
          And I bet Brazil have one or two.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Been here before. Never gonna win anything.

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The problem with England was never lack of footballing talent

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        And before it gets to "dominate International football for next decade" let's see if they can actually win something... I mean a Legue of Nations would be a good place to start.

    4. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not as good as the '98 to 2006 generation.
      And they won nowt.

    5. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes. More exciting that some overrated strikers who can't dribble and get a golden boot because of penalties.

    6. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not really. Most players develop into top players well in their 20s

    7. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Some noteworthy talent there. Hard to believe Trent is only 22. With him and Henderson in goal, could be a very formidable def.

      Who's the current coach?

    8. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Also England need to find a way to get through knockout matches when they don't play well.
      The only one I can remember England being the worse team yet finding a way to win was Colombia in 2018. Before that maybe against Spain in Euro 96?
      Need to get through matches like that if you are to win anything. Think how many times have you seen Germany or Italy pull a game out of the bag that they should have lost on their way to winning something?

  28. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    which option:
    a. Mahrez + Antonio
    b. Raph + Kane

  29. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bamford or Antonio?

    Own Dallas from Leeds & Lingard from WHU

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bam

  30. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez
    Coufal Phillips Digne
    Salah Jota Lingard Son
    Iheanacho* Kane Vydra
    (Ryan* Bruno* Shaw* Rudiger*)

    A) Iheanacho > Antonio, hope everyone plays
    B) Iheanacho & Rudiger > Antonio & Llorente (-4), bench Vydra
    C) Antonio to Rudiger this week, then Lingard/Rudiger > Raphinha/Dallas next week for -4