FPL

The best FPL defenders for a Gameweek 4 Wildcard

Having already assessed the best goalkeepers on offer, our position-by-position analysis of the stand-out Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options for a Gameweek 4 Wildcard continues as we take a look at the defenders.

All stats taken from this article are from our Premium Members Area.

BEST PREMIUM DEFENDERS 

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) has already claimed 22 FPL points in the opening three Gameweeks, via two clean sheets, an assist and five bonus points. His 15 chances created is at least five more than any other defender on offer, while his 1.73 expected assists (xA) ranks top amongst all players in 2021/22.

With Leeds United (a), Crystal Palace (h) and Brentford (a) up next, there seems little reason to go without him on a Wildcard, despite the temptation to move funds further forward. 

Jurgen Klopp’s adjustment to his positioning, along with Harvey Elliot’s (£5.5m) movement into wider areas, is another intriguing factor to monitor in the coming weeks, as it allows Alexander-Arnold to invert more in the final-third.

Trent Alexander Arnold’s touch heatmap Gameweek 1 (left) v Gameweeks 2 and 3 (right)

Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) and Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) offer cheaper routes into the Reds backline, while at champions Manchester City, Ruben Dias (£6.0m) and Joao Cancelo (£6.0m) have completed 90 minutes in all three Premier League matches so far. 

The duo have helped Pep Guardiola’s side keep back-to-back clean sheets against Norwich City and Arsenal, and despite some trickier immediate fixtures, take on Southampton (h), Burnley (h), Brighton and Hove Albion (a) and Crystal Palace (h) before the end of October.

Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) also deserves a mention, having performed as both a wing-back and centre-half under Thomas Tuchel this season. However, with cheaper alternatives currently on offer in the Blues backline, his ownership still sits at just 4.1%.

BEST MID-PRICE DEFENDERS 

Manchester United’s first-choice backline – Aaron Wan-BissakaRaphael VaraneHarry Maguire and Luke Shaw – are all available at £5.5m, though it is surely the latter who carries the most FPL potential.

Despite seeing just under 300k transfers out this round, Shaw is still the most widely held defender in the game with 47% ownership. Though he hasn’t quite hit his 2020/21 heights so far, he still ranks amongst the top five defenders for chances created and with his crossing ability, paired with corner-taking duties, can surely benefit from the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m). It’s also worth noting that three of United’s next four matches are at Old Trafford. Perhaps a little patience is required here, then?

Chelsea undoubtedly boast one of the meanest defences in Europe, with several mid-price options on offer. Antonio Rudiger (£5.5m) is perhaps the most secure, though the explosive nature of Reece James (£5.6m) once back from suspension may swing it for some. The England international returned 18 FPL points in Gameweek 2 alone and ranks second amongst all defenders for xA per 90 minutes this season. 

Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) and Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) are other options, but with Thiago Silva (£5.4m) and Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) lurking, none are immune to rotation. Gameweek 7 has been touted as the ideal time to find space for a Chelsea asset as the fixtures turn significantly for the better, though regardless of opposition, they seem capable of shutting teams out.

Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers are rightly gaining plenty of Fantasy attention ahead of their fixture swing, which sees them take on Watford (a), Brentford (h), Southampton (a) and Newcastle United (h) in the coming weeks. Despite losing 1-0 in each of their opening three matches, Bruno Lage’s side have faced tough opponents in Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd. During that time, they have conceded just 27 shots, which is second only to the 15 of Man City, while according to expected goals (xG), only three teams have been better defensively:

Nelson Semedo (£4.9m) is a naturally more conservative wing-back, but in the current back-three set-up, is finding himself in plenty of good attacking positions, while team-mate Romain Saiss (£5.0m) was perhaps a little unfortunate not to score against Man Utd in Gameweek 3.

At Liverpool, Joel Matip (£5.0m) offers a cheap route into Jurgen Klopp’s backline, having re-established himself in the starting XI. It’s also worth noting that he’s amassed seven goal attempts in the box already this season. Amongst all defenders, only Shane Duffy (£4.2m) has more.

Meanwhile, Lucas Digne (£5.4m) could thrive in the coming weeks with Burnley (h), Aston Villa (a) and Norwich City (h) up next. Everton have made a promising start under Rafael Benitez and have conceded just 17 shots in the box so far – only the Manchester clubs have given up fewer. Paired with Digne’s crossing ability, he looks like the stand-out option in the Toffees defence, though Michael Keane (£5.0m) and Seamus Coleman (£5.0m) are also available at cheaper prices.

Arsenal added another defender to the ranks on transfer deadline day, with the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m). The Gunners have been really poor so far this campaign, but the new arrivals ability to perform as a defensive minded right-back is interesting. That could mean Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) on the opposite flank is given more license to push up, safe in the knowledge that the Japanese defender can tuck in to form a back-three. It’s also worth noting that Mikel Arteta’s side have good fixtures right through until Gameweek 11 (see below), and as Pro Pundit Lateriser said in his recent column, FPL is not about what has happened but rather anticipating what will happen in the future. Maybe a punt on the Arsenal man isn’t such a bad idea, then?

Staying in London, Tottenham Hotspur are the only team yet to concede a goal this season, with Sergio Reguilon (£5.2m) picking up bonus in two of Spurs’ three matches so far, while at West Ham, Aaron Cresswell (£5.5m), Vladimir Coufal (£5.0m) and new signing Kurt Zouma (£5.4m) all have the potential to do well. The latter’s impact was discussed in our Moving Target article, but with the Hammers UEFA Europa League campaign kicking off soon, many will be happy to look elsewhere.

At Man City, Aymeric Laporte (£5.5m), John Stones (£5.3m) and Kyle Walker (£5.5m) are cheaper alternatives to Dias and Cancelo, though in the case of the centre-halves, we may need a few more weeks before we know exactly who Guardiola sees as his first-choice pairing.

Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) and new signing Marc Cucurella (£5.0m) at Brighton can provide value with trips to Brentford, Crystal Palace and Norwich City coming up, though there are perhaps better options for those building Wildcard teams this week, especially with cheaper alternatives available at Albion.

BEST BUDGET DEFENDERS

The hunt for cheaper defenders is always a big part of building a Wildcard squad, such is their importance to free up cash for the premium picks. And fortunately for FPL managers, there are an interesting batch of options worth exploring.

At Spurs, Eric Dier (£4.6m) is perhaps the best budget option, with Davinson Sanchez (£4.5m) out of Gameweek 4 and new signing Emerson Royal (£5.0m) possibly impacting Japhet Tanganga’s (£4.5m) minutes further down the line.

Conor Coady (£4.5m) and Marcal (£4.5m) offer cheaper alternatives at Wolves, while it’s also worth noting that Luke Ayling (£4.5m), who has already scored this season, and Diego Llorente (£4.5m) have promising schedules from Gameweek 5 onwards. Ben White (£4.4m) and Joel Veltman (£4.4m) could also be worth a look.

Brentford have started well, with Pontus Jansson (£4.6m), Ethan Pinnock (£4.6m) and Rico Henry (£4.5m) all impressing, though the fact David Raya (£4.6m) is available at the same price suggests he is probably the best route into Thomas Frank’s defensive set-up. Another newly promoted side, Watford, certainly have the fixtures in place to kick on, with centre-back’s William Troost-Ekong (£4.5m) and Francisco Sierralta (£4.4m) making their first starts together as a defensive pairing in Gameweek 3.

That leaves us with the bargain-bin enablers.

With Kostas Tsimikas (£4.2m) losing his place to Robertson in Gameweek 3, Tino Livramento (£4.1m) looks like an excellent alternative at Southampton. He ranks in the top 10 defenders for xA so far this season, while Man Utd loanee Brandon Williams (£4.0m) is another nice option who may benefit from the arrival of Ozan Kabak (£4.5m).

There is also Duffy, who we touched on earlier, and Daniel Amartey (£4.1m), though it is worth noting that both players have benefitted from injuries to team-mates at their respective clubs and may be on borrowed time. However, Duffy has certainly impressed, which suggests he is perhaps the more likely of the two retain his place.

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754 Comments Post a Comment
  1. nevermind
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    This is like at work when you change the date on your annual paperwork. Best defenders for GW1, best def etc.

  2. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A lot of mid priced good striker options for GW4-7. Going without both Ronaldo and a lukaku for next 4.

    My rank will plummet 🙂

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

    Had a dream of cr7 going wild against Newcastle.

    1. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      please don't post the explicit details

    2. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Watch defenders outscore him

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

      He didn't bite someone did he?

    4. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      were you in this dream?

    5. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I can see an upset, personally.

    6. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I had a dream I was playing in a team with Lukaku and Kante, the teams name was Leicester and the game was played indoors.

    7. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A sending off in his first home match?

  4. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Leaning towards C at the moment and it has the highest projected points.

    a) Shaw, Coady, Traore/Sarr and Torres

    b) Shaw, Tierney/Semedo, Gray and Torres

    c) Shaw, Tierney/Semedo, Benrahma and Traore/Sarr

    d) Tierney, Semedo, Benrahma and Torres

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Unpopular opinion, but Fornals over Benrahma is better IMO.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm toying with that idea tbh

    2. Wivanee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D but with Sarr for Benny

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Don't think Shaw is worth it?

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

          I think the others are more likely to get CS over the next few GWs

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not much difference tbh, I'm sure all those combos will deliver more or less the same in the next 3/4 GWs...

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        So right! Need to step away from the keyboard!

  5. Wivanee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Sanchez / Steele

    TAA/ White / Marcal / Ayling / Williams

    Salah / Jota / Raphina / Gilmour / Sissoko

    CR7 / Luk / Jimi

    This is providing White drops to 4.3 and Bobby is out for a while...

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Obviously a lot of money up top, but I quite like it.

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

        Still got TAA and am happy to go 4 3 3

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      excellent

  6. f18
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Grealish + Duffy
    or
    Zaha + Dier

    Any help will be much much appreciated.

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Surely some better options than Zaha

  7. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sarr or Traore for a draft game?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go Sarr in draft.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers Tom!

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          No worries! How's things?

  8. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to Get in WC ??
    A- Sanchez - TAA - Coady - White
    B- Sanchez -Dias - Reguilón - Shaw
    C- Sà - Rüdiger - Reguilón - Shaw

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

      A - TAA is a must IMO

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Agree

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  9. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    This article basically just lists a shed load of defenders. Doesn't offer much insight or analysis... bit pointless really.

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's meant to be an overview of the best options, from which you can then delve deeper.

      If I just listed my top three in each category, for example, I'm not sure how useful that would be?

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

    Is Marcal nailed on Wolves?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you read the fans firuns they'd rather he wasn't and prefer RAN.

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Makes sense - just trying to avoid Coady as he offers no attacking potential

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Not ideal, but Im going with Coady until that battle has resolved.
          Hope its RAN , he got a good cross on him.

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

        Echo this. Had a read of the forums and some feel they want RAN for certain games, or subbing one of the two off early.

        Will probably avoid both of them as a result, even if I feel Marcal is good value.

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Started the first three, but Ait-Nouri is lurking, so I wouldn't say completely nailed.

  11. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    *forums

  12. Flair
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Seen a lot of Christensen love, I'd rather make that call GW8 after I've seen CL group stage come into play. Silva is a very strong player and can easily rotate in and out, and it's not like Christensen has the upside of James/Chilwell to make up for it either.

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      That's how I feel, feels risky, Silva is surely going to play a few.

      It's Rudiger or perhaps James for me.

  13. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Walking a midfield tightrope with my WC
    Sa/4.0
    TAA Rudiger Shaw Semedo Livramento
    Salah Greenwood Jota Torres Gray
    Antonio Lukaku 4.8

    Not so sure about swapping Torres to Jiminez and swapping fodder

  14. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard? I know I'm going very cheap at the back but it enables a lot.

    Sanchez
    TAA White Livramento (Williams) (Duffy)
    Salah Greenwood Sarr Traore (Sissoko)
    Ronaldo Lukaku Antonio

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looks strong. Two issues;
      - need more on defense
      - Traore looks great but no end product. How about Fornals or Sarr?

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade Sarr and/or Traore and upgrade defence IMO

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      3 premiums means sacrifice somewhere. I'd play Duffy v Bre over Livra v WH for his attacking potential & chance of cs

  15. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Please rank:
    1) Torres
    2) Greenwood
    3) Jota

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      In order of rotation risk?

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Really close, not sure yet. Probably 1-3-2 assuming Greenwoods minutes are impacted and Firmino is out for a bit.

  16. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    Taa-Shaw-Reguillon
    Bruno-Raphinha-ESR-Benrahma-salah
    Antonio-Ings

    4m-perica-White-Tsimikas

    1FT

    Can’t decide which move. What would you do?

    A) ings > Dcl
    B) Bruno + Ings > Traore/Gray + Ronaldo (-4).
    C) Wildcard

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Probably just B (Gray)

  17. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Help appreciated, chaps!

    A) DCL, Torres, Jota (-4) (Ayling)
    B) Lukaku, Gray, Raphinha (Williams)

    Rest of Team:

    Sanchez
    TAA, Coady, Shaw
    Salah, Benrahma, X, X
    Ronaldo, Antonio, X

    (Foster, X, Sissoko, Livramento)

    Option A starts with Lukaku and Greenwood and swaps them for DCL and Salah (-4) in GW5.

    Cheers

  18. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is this GTG?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Livramento
    Salah Jota Greenwood Raphinha
    Wilson CR7 Antonio

    Steele Amartey Ayling Brownhill

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good assuming no WC?

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No WC. Just 2fts.

  19. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which option:

    A. Bruno Ings to Torres and Ronaldo
    B. Mahrez Ings to Greenwood and DCL (wait 2 weeks to bring in Ronaldo)

    Team
    Sanchez (Begovic)
    TAA Shaw White (Livramento Tsmikas)
    Bruno Salah Mahrez Raphinha Benrahma
    Antonio Ings (Scarlett)

    Thanks

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you do B, Ronaldo probably won't make your team.

  20. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Shaw or Digne for the next three GWs?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Love them both, but if I had to choose, Shaw.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Shaw

  21. afsr
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    RMWCTpls

    Sanchez, Steele
    TAA, Shaw, Marcal, Williams, Livramento
    Salah, Trincao, Sarr, Doucoure, Allan
    CR7, Antonio, Lukaku

    0.0 ITB

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hmm, don't like that midfield.

      1. afsr
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        any ideas on where best to compromise? I would ideally keep the front 3, but if i would sell one it would be Antonio.
        Another option would be to downgrade Doucoure to Sissoko and upgrade Trincao to Torres. But that would require playing a 4.5 mid or a 4.0 def every week

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Like it, v similar draft (below)

  22. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    England XI v Andorra:

    .................Johnstone.........................
    .........James Coady Mings.................
    TAA Henderson Bellingham Trippier
    .........Saka Bamford Lingard.............

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      As expected. When there were no subs for 85 mins v Hungary, it was obvious there'd be 1 changes. Be good to see them in an England shirt.

      Meanwhile, a comedy winner by Bale.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        * 11

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      That was my initial thought, just not quite sure why we need to play a back three against Andorra?

      Would love to see Trent in midfield instead.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I would guess that the right flank will be quite fluid, with James overlapping at times and Trent coning inside, depending on the situation.

        It'll be interesting to see what happens.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Southgate wasn't lying when he said he would take more RBs for the Euros if he could. Three in that team (James, TAA, Trippier) + Saka who could also fill in if required.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        4-3-3?

        Johnstone
        TAA Coady Mings Trippier
        Bellingham Henderson Saka
        James Bamford Lingard

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I'd prefer this...

          Johnstone
          James, Coady, Mings, Trippier
          Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Bellingham
          Saka, Bamford, Lingard

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

      Could also be Tripper LB, James RB and TAA in a midfield three (so 4-3-3).

      Heard rumours that Southgate was going to trial Trent in midfield.

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, I think this. Doesn't make much sense to go 3 at back.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          A back 3 isn't always defensive.

          There might be different shapes in different phases, formations aren't always rigid.

          1. Eddie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            But that is how Southgate has previously deployed it. If he was going three at back I think he'd be experimenting with a different three. The personnel pick suggests that he's trying TAA out in midfield. Won't be long to find out thoug

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              I'd love to see Trent in midfield, to see what he can do, so hope you're right!

    5. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      4 at back with James LB and Trent in midfield no?

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        James RB*

  23. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bale hattie

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Just watched the highlights. He's still got it.

  24. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team, chaps? Cheap midfield but no rotation risks, 3 premiums with no hokey-cokey, great fixtures next 3/4 for Wolves/Everton/Watford and may be a good time to cash in on Benrahma before West Ham Europa league rotation?

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Coady
    Salah, Traore, Sarr, Gray
    Ronaldo, Lukaku, Antonio

    (Foster, Ayling, Allan, Livramento)

    Cheers!

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Midfield is light but if you want Ronaldo, Salah, Lukaku and Trent, something's gotta give! Can always go 4-3-3 if Gray does drop out, too.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, been quite impressed with Gray so far, he looks decent value. Will probably downgrade Shaw and get Raphinha in GW7 as fixtures swing.

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, was chatting to some Everton fans yesterday and they were all raving about him.

          1. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Interesting to know, thanks. I'm glad they didnt sign another winger.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Traore, Sarr & Gray are poor picks as 2nd & 3rd choice mids

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not terribly exciting but they have some great fixtures coming up. My previous draft had Torres, Jota and Greenwood and whilst they are superior players in superior teams we know they could end up a disappointment too.

        But I agree, doesn't look very good on paper!!

    3. afsr
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team value, if you can afford two 4.5 defs and Gray and Traore compared to my Doucoure and Trincao 🙂

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I must confess I am currently 0.2m short but I'm fairly confident I'll be able to scrape that with price changes before the deadline 🙂 if not I'll probably go White over Ayling.

    4. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty good team you have there, with the big 3! Not sure about the flexibility to upgrade your midfielders since they are all around the same price range.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, it's a little tricky. Probably just downgrade of Shaw and Raphinha in GW7.

  25. woodles
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On wildcard…

    A) DCL, Christensen, Semedo

    B) Torres, Rudiger, Shaw

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Close, probably B

  26. Get up ya bum
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    This will probably get me yelled at. Hear me out. I think Ronaldo is a bad buy for utd and will make them a worse team.

    Yes he is the second best player of this generation, one of the greatest of all time. He's isn't that anymore but he is still world class. Individually he is still able to score a lot of goals in any team in any league.

    He's an awful fit for this utd team. He doesn't possess any of the attributes you'd want to play as a striker in oles setup. To play with Ronaldo as striker you need a midfield that's balanced and quality enough to dominate and control games without any help from the striker. United's midfield is highly unbalanced and disorganised. You need to focus attacks on going wide and crossing, and have midfielders that do their best work outside the box. United play strikers on the wings and are set up to have their 3 attacking midfielders all dribbling into the box and take loads of shots rather than feed a poacher.

    The most effective thing about this United team was their attack. Bruno the key playing with complete freedom and responsibility was complimented perfectly by rashford/Greenwood/Pogba out wide. Cavani or Greenwood exactly what they needed up front. That attack is as good as Liverpool's front three and scores so many goals

    . The key traits for the striker in this system are movement, teamwork, holdup play and clinical finishing. The opposite of Ronaldo. Cavani however is perfect and Greenwood is fast becoming perfect too. I think they are a better team if they binned Ronaldo and play Cavani or Greenwood every game with martial and rashford providing depth.

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's bizarre, can't read past the first paragraph, no offence. The man is world class and has a proven record of being the driving force of his team, just what United need.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        😀 none taken. I knew this was coming.

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          😀

          Time will tell, I guess. I hope you're wrong 😀

          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I get that he is a legend of the club so naturally utd fans will love the nostalgia and romance of having him back. Doesn't mean he is good for the team

            1. Catastrophe
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              There's definitely nostalgia there. He's a serial winner and the joint best player in the world though!

              1. Get up ya bum
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                *was

                He is many years past his peak and a very different player these days. Still world class

                1. Catastrophe
                  • 13 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Was to which? 🙂 agree he is past his peak, but he is far from 'past it'

                  1. Get up ya bum
                    • 14 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Was the 2nd best player in the world

                    1. Catastrophe
                      • 13 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Who do you feel is better than him, out of interest? Haaland of course right up there.

                      1. Get up ya bum
                        • 14 Years
                        2 years, 6 months ago

                        off the top of my head Haaland, kdb, Lukaku, Lewandowski, Messi, mbappe, Fernandes, Kane.
                        And as we saw at euros the torch is passing now. Next generation like Pellegrini, Torres, havertz and many others about to eclipse these old legends

      2. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        You should try reading past the first paragraph.

        I dont think anyone is actually suggesting that Ronaldo is exactly what united needed, what United were and still are missing is a defensive midfield pairing to protect their back line and enable their already strong attack the freedom to do what they do.

        Ronaldo is surely mostly a great marketing pick and a two fingers to City, while also depriving them of a striker who they really wanted and could use.

        He's not a long term solution to any of Man U problems, and ultimately could be harmful in the development of other attacking options, but to say he makes United worse, I don't think that's possible. He's too good

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          This is a completely different point. We did not need a striker, agreed, but that certainly doesn't mean he is "an awful fit". A world class holding mid has always been the priority for me, joint with centre back. And will stick out further now as the weakness in the team.

          Personally fully disagree he is mostly a marketing pick. Anyway, let's see 🙂

      3. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A simple comment to a pretty elaborate post

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yes...

    2. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      i agree.

      Although he is undoubtedly still a World Class player I too feel he won't suit Man Utd. As you've stated Greenwood could and should be played through the middle - I think this signing could unfortunately hinder his (Greenwood's) progression and not help it

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        This I think is the point.

      2. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I think so too. I think it weakens them on the pitch and hurts greenwoods development. I think it's a signing done on the basis of financial and populism factors rather than footballing.

      3. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Surely in that case would you not say Sancho's arrival is a greater detriment to Greenwood? Greenwoods home is on the right of the three. I do like him as a front man too but he is not the complete number 9. I'm a huge Greenwood fan, for what it's worth.

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Not at all. They are both kids.
          Greenwoods future is undeniably as striker and his development so far has been as good as anyone could hope. This season sharing Gametime with Cavani as striker and with Sancho on the wing would have been ideal

          1. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            It would have been yes given Cavanis minutes would need to be managed, and he has also been exceptional himself. Ronaldo's arrival will mean less minutes for Greenwood, as will Sancho's. Greenwood can also learn a lot from Ronaldo on and off the pitch, no doubt. I still don't see that any of this means that Ronaldo is not the right fit for United, but perhaps there's different ways of interpreting that statement.

            It's a good debate regardless, and ultimately only time will tell how it pans out for Ronaldo, Greenwood and United.

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

      I kinda agree about Cavani. Man's work rate is astonishingly good for his age. United really need a proper DM with Ronaldo in the team.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        The upside of Ronaldo is everyone will want to work even harder for him. He's a huge morale raiser and this will be crucial to actually win something. They always lose in the final or semifinal. He could make the difference.

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          True he is a winner and a leader.

      2. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cavani was so unbelievable last season. Literally the perfect striker for that team. Shame he isn't 5 years younger but mind you his age seemed kind of perfect for greenwoods development.

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think it's a completely unique viewpoint, I've heard it from a few people (although they were mostly Liverpool fans with a bit of a stick up their butt about the move). There's something to be said for the development of Greenwood as a CF and how this will impact that over the next two years, and the impact on Fernandes who has become more than integral to ManUtd and any success they've had. This will also of course have an effect on the likes of Cavani and his gametime even though it was already fairly limited.

      But I'm in the camp that says that developing players playing with great players is a good thing. I can't remember who it was said about (Greenwood or Rashford presumably) but I think Solskjaer spoke a bit about how good it was to have a striker as good and intelligent at the club as Cavani and how he saw others learn from him, his movement, positioning and knowing when to attack a ball or run. I think it's the same with Ronaldo. Those two and Sancho playing with him surely has to be beneficial for them. Funny thinking about it now actually, when the City rumours seemed set I said that, although a two year deal for a natural goalscorer was perfect for City, I thought it would go against everything Pep set up there, a completely fluid team with players that can move in and out of position on the fly and throughout the season. Ronaldo would have done great but it could have ruined their entire style. But Solskjaer doesn't exactly have a specific style and isn't exactly tactically adept so I don't see such a big risk there. Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time and is going to a club that hasn't won anything for a while. Whether he can do enough to nullify Ole's errors especially in big games / finals remains to be seen but I think this is a good move for all parties.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cavani is the perfect role model to learn from for sure. Ronaldo doesn't have any of that stuff to his game though.

        It's not about Liverpool. Had this discussion with my friend that's a utd fan of over 40 years and he completely agrees. He's also happy to have Ronaldo back and excited for the show but thinks it's not a move that gets them any closer to silverware.

        Man Ronaldo would have done peps head in haha. Surprised they were interested. I do wonder how much of the reason for this move is purely to stop him going to city?

        Yeah I think Ole isn't the one to get utd winning stuff again

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Cavani is definitely more of a role model for sure but Ronaldo has played on both wings and as a CF before, and I can't see him doing anything but loving other players wanting to emulate him and learn from him. I saw Rashford saying how happy he was to have a hero of his like Ronaldo there to play with, I honestly doubt many other teams would have that reception for him since he first left ManUtd!

          Sorry if my comment seemed like it was calling you a sore Liverpool fan too, I just meant I work with a few people that seem to have blocked out any sense that they normally have and completely convinced themselves that he's going to be useless at ManUtd.

          Definitely seemed to be a case of City's interest sparking ManUtd's but I'd say they just didn't think he was legitimately on the market but when they saw City were negotiating that they knew they could do it.

          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah anyone that says he's crap or useless aren't talking sense. Ronaldo will score a lot of goals I'm sure of that.

      2. Sputnikboy
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Just to challenge the whole it's LFC fans having that view point, I've heard it on multiple podcasts where the same opinion was voiced by journalists and ex pro's.

        The truth of the matter is that no one knows but I have enough of my own doubts not to be bringing him in. I suspect i'll get kicked against Fulham but faced with an 8 point hit or a WC to get him in, i'm "ok" passing for now.

        No where is that sofa....

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          As I said above it's definitely not just that (and I'm not tarring all LFC fans like that either), but that's where I've mostly heard it but with fairly limited reasoning. I can see reasoning for why he may not suit ManUtd so well (namely because realistically this will be the first time in about maybe 13/14 years where he'll be in a team that is quite far away from looking like being among the top favourites for their domestic title and the quality of players in certain positions reflects that, particularly in CM), but I don't think Solskjaer really is tactically adept that he has set up a system where he'll struggle to fit him in, the issues for me will arise when he has a fully fit squad and he's trying to fit Sancho, Rashford, Pogba, Fernandes and Greenwood around him. It can be done effectively I'm sure but I don't think he can do it.

          1. Sputnikboy
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            The reasoning is that he doesn't press and is not a team player. Given United are a counter attacking team (primarily) the view seems to be that he may slow down United attacks and wont help them defensively.

            His quality is undeniable and he will score many goals, the question is, will United score more goals than they would have done without his arrival.

            Personally, United are far more scary proposition with him than without and i can totally get the excitement and the panic to get him in. I had him in the Euro's fantasy (hiumble brag, I got around 250th place), so I know how influential he can be.

            Time will tell whether in hindsight, people have been prophets or doom mongers'.

    5. afsr
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You are right, with a caveat. His arrival does negate everything Ole has built in attack, so far. But I'm sure Ole knows that and will think of other options to accommodate CR7 into the team.

      Just think of how much more of Shaw's crosses can now be fruitful. And Pogba's passes as well

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        True

      2. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah they will have to adapt and adjust. But why get in the way when you have a world class attack with players that all compliment each other?

    6. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      As a utd fan, I'm slightly nervous about this.
      Bruno got dropped in the euros because he doesn't really work in a team with cr7 right? So, how is that going to work?
      Plus the rumours about haaland next summer...Will we be able to afford him with his wage bill?
      I'm still getting him in fpl though!

      1. Sputnikboy
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        It happened in the last international match too.....maybe Fernandes just isn't very good playing for Portugal rather than it being a Ronaldo and Fernandes issue. How's that for positivity from an LFC fan 🙂

  27. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which option:

    A. Bruno Ings to Torres and Ronaldo
    B. Mahrez Ings to Greenwood and DCL (wait 2 weeks to bring in Ronaldo)
    C. Mahrez, Bruno and Scarlett to Ronaldo, Greenwood and Sissoko for -4. Ings to DCL the week after

    Team
    Sanchez (Begovic)
    TAA Shaw White (Livramento Tsmikas)
    Bruno Salah Mahrez Raphinha Benrahma
    Antonio Ings (Scarlett)

    Thanks

  28. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who scores more in the next 3?

    a) Torres (lei, SOU, che)
    b) Sarr (WOL, nor, NEW)
    c) Traore (wat, BRE, sou)
    d) Gray (BUR, avl, NOR)

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Who knows, should be close. Perhaps D-B-C-A. Im likely going with B, C and D!!

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm leaning towards B and D. Fingers crossed!

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A B C D

  29. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ings Bruno Tsimikas to Ronaldo Jota Livramento for -8 and team below. Would you do it? Assuming Firmino misses some games.

    A Yes
    B No take -4 with Torres over Jota
    C Play Ings and Bruno and take 2 transfers into next week



    Sanchez
    TAA Coufal Shaw
    Salah Greenwood Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Foster Livramento Ayling Scarlett

  30. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What do you all think of this wildcard ? Best I can do with Ronaldo + Lukaku

    Bachmann
    James Semedo Matip (Livramento) (Duffy)
    Salah Torres Raphinha Benrahma
    Ronaldo Antonio Lukaku