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FPL team reveal: Benching dilemmas ahead of Gameweek 11

Pro Pundits 29

I’m currently in nosebleed territory with an overall rank of 21,857 after ten Gameweeks.

Historically, I’ve been a late developer in a season, however in my best season (817th place in 2017/18), I got off to a similarly good start. I’m hoping to kick on from this position and move into the top 10k.

I played my Wildcard back in Gameweek 8, where picks of Reece James (£5.8m) and Phil Foden (£8.2m) have carried me up 150,000 places. This shows how just a couple of well-timed differentials can really make your season. Don’t give up hope if you haven’t got off to the best start!

Above: My pre-Wildcard team (Gameweek 7)

My major decisions this week don’t actually revolve around transfers. I’m in an enviable position of not having many fires to put out in my side; instead, I have decisions to make about who to put in my starting XI and who to bench.

The last few weeks have seen me bench hauls from the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe (£5.6m) and Aaron Ramsdale (£4.7m) and this is one of the frustrations of having decent picks across my entire 15, rather than any ‘fodder’ options.

While it is annoying to bench players who return points, having options in my team should allow me to take my time with transfers and perhaps be able to save a free transfer when others are scrambling around. Having picked up Smith-Rowe at just £5.3m, I’m very happy to own him over the likes of Josh Brownhill (£4.4m) and I already reaped benefits when I got his nine points off my bench for the benched Bryan Mbeumo (£5.6m).

However, with three very good options currently on my bench, I sense that this week could test my current calmness for this approach.

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

647 Comments Post a Comment
  1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Another week, another time Mourinho getting punished by a team north of the arctic circle.

  2. clarkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA Cancelo White Livramento
    Salah Raphinha Benrahma Sarr
    Kane Antonio

    Foster Dias Wood Luiz

    2FT 0.2 itb

    Really keen to try and make room for Son, but can't find a palatable way of doing it
    a) Wood -> Toney
    b) Wood & Sarr -> Wilson & ESR
    c) something else

    any advice?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  3. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Kane to Auba?
    Can then get Jota after IB

    Yay or nay

    1. Akeem
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      N

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No for me

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Firmino may even be ok after IB

  4. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed.. RMWCT:

    Sanchez
    TAA - James - Chilwell
    Salah (c) - Son - Foden - Raphinha - Saka
    Antonio - Toney

    Carson - Livramento - Duffy - Davis
    0.2ITB

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      6/10

    2. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      5

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Sorry have to go 4 actually

    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Only like Salah in that frontline. Maybe Son

    4. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Keep a big hitter up top?

      Ramsdale
      TAA Cancelo Chilwell James/Rudiger
      Salah Son Raphina ESR
      Ronaldo Toney
      4.0 Liv Siss Davis

  5. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have 2fts
    1) grealish to Foden
    2) grealish + antonio to Toney + son ( have (mbeumo)

  6. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Mbuemo definitely fit to start? Couldn’t find anything to confirm

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

      "

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

      "should be fit to start" Frank said.

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

      No, but OK ”if everything goes well tomorrow at training”

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        This has made me think that he is in don't buy (-4) don't sell territory.

    4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      positive comments, just has to get through last train ing session

    5. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He sounds better than last week, should start if he doesnt bust himself in training.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Even if he starts, how are these hamstring issues handled. Likely to have his minutes managed?

        1. Weak Become Heros
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He starts or he doesnt play at all (like last week).

    6. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys

    7. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He is fine I think, people reading far to much into this comment imo

      Same for all players, they are fine as long as they get through last session same for salah, chillwell and anyone really ?

  7. Akeem
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi all, play 1:

    A) A.Armstrong (AVL)
    B) Livramento (AVL)
    C) Cancelo (mun)

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  8. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Benrahma looked amazing tonight. Classy player.

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Got me 9 points in 4 gws, hate him

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Should have had him at the start of the season. 🙂

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Majestic

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Opponent made 2nd goal look so easy. Nothing wrong with the first one, but PL teams are better.

  9. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chances of Azpi starting against Burnley?

    1. Fantasy Football Friend!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      73%

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

    Lo Celso should be 4.5.

  11. McGazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Welcome to Tottenham Antonio. You get the idea ……

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

    Mount to Son this week for free or wait until IB is over?

    First sub is Hwang.

    Thanks

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would wait until the IB is over. I think Mount might be fit for Burnley.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A yes from me, Son much more exciting than Mount

    3. Snake Juice
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd do it. Don't think Mount even starts this week.

    4. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      wait for some updates, have a feeling mount won't start. If you knew he starts I think it's better to wait

  13. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy loses form and becomes Shi* every time i get him every season i do it to myself

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hear hear

      1. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thirded

    2. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Same for me

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

      THIS!!!!

      That striker spot in my team is cursed, Antonio red card to Lukaku who never scored again to Vardy 1, 1, pen miss!

  14. Mortal.Swinbat
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have exact funds to do Benrahma > Moura, smart or just hyperbole stupid?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hyperbole stupid

      First time I’ve ever used that phrase 🙂

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't.

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I checked Moura's stats this season. Hard to find worse player to get in.

      1. BeWater
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Check out Lo Celso's stats.

      2. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Could be bargain

    4. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      go home you drunk

    5. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      There are many cheaper and better options. Might get even Harrison before Moura 😉 Do you have Mbeumo and Gallagher for example?

  15. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you bench?
    A. Antonio
    B. White
    C. Livramento
    D. Raphina

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B or C

      Gun to my head C

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  16. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Spurs vs Vitesse

    One own goal, three red cards, and a pitch invasion by fans

    And the guy who scored the own goal also scored at the correct end

    Beautiful stuff

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Entertaining 🙂

  17. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger
    Grealish, Salah, Son, Raphinha
    Toney, Antonio, Jimenez

    Subs: Livra, Lowton, D. Luiz
    1 FT, 1m ITB

    GTG? Anything worth doing this week?

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Gtg

  18. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    With 2FT (have Chilwell and Mbeumo)

    1) Rudiger -> James
    2) Cancelo -> James
    3) Antonio -> Toney/Wilson/Hwang
    4) None, waste a FT

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

      1

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Easy 1 imho. I expect that James is going to be more regular starter than he used to be. I can't understand what more Tuchel might expect from him.

  19. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hello....am I good to save ft here please? With a view to getting son gw12? 0.5mitb

    Ramsdale
    Taa cancelo james (livra dias)
    Salah foden raphinha mbuemo (normann)
    Vardy Antonio toney

    Thanks

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

      Looks great.

      Can definitely save (or Dias -> Chilwell)

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheer......yes super tempted by dias to chilwell....May yet do it

        Just like idea of save ft

        With a view to vardy and mbuemo or raph to son and hwang / Wilson......thanks

  20. Diddi89
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA/Cancelo/Rudiger/White/Livramento
    Salah/Jota/Foden/ESR
    Kane
    Bench: Antonio, raphina, perica
    2 ft.
    A. Start Antonio or Livra
    B. Raphina/Antonio out Gallagher/hwang in ( fund for GW12 Jota to Son)
    C. Any other suggestions?

    Thanks for Any feedback

  21. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A) Antonio (LIV)
    B) Raphinia (LEI)
    C) Cancelo (mun)

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Chillwell
    Salah (C), Foden, Mbembo
    Vardy, Antonio, Toney

    Foster, Raphinia, Livramento, Brownhill

    1 FT 1.0M ITB

  22. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What did we learn from tonight? Spurs leaky so avoid defenders? Leicester can’t keep cleansheets ? Antonio 2 blanks ?

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes
      Play Raphinha
      Don't bench Antonio

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Currently Playing Antonio over livra and hwang

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Livra good first sub given early game and cover for no shows

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wow wish I had him

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Very interesting, looks like Christensen to James could well be worth it and then some.

  23. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 1 for this GW:
    1) Livra (AVL)
    2) White (WAT)

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1

    2. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have 2 benched and 1 starting at the moment but can see the case for the other way round

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2

  24. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench order g2g here?
    1ft was Gray to ESR

    Guiata
    Trent Dias Chilwell Livra
    Salah Foden Raph ESR
    Kane Antonio
    Steer White Armstrong Gilmour

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

  25. FeverPitch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Surprised by how much better James’ stats are vs Chilwell. And Burnley ship a ton of crosses from that side. Starting to change my mind and think he’s the slightly better pick, at least for this week

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I sold J for C last week...
      tempted by Dias back to James but I did it to avoid cameos. he'll start this week so i'm torn

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

        I think both is probably the answer; I’d ship Dias for James personally

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          you think united will score this weekend?

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I had a choice between Chilwell and James and got James. He has had mega returns in 3 games v a terrible Arsenal and then Norwich and Newcastle. However, I prefer him because he's got a fantastic cross on him and once Lukaku gets back that connection could be a consistent route to points.

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        we've been saying that for a while but chelsea striker is best to avoid. wingbacks can score on their own!

  26. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on the below moves?

    A: Gray > Son
    B: Semedo > Chilwell
    C: Semedo > James
    D: Save FT

    If I do A this week I'll likely do one of B or C next week and vice versa

    Sanchez
    Cancelo TAA Liv
    Salah Raph Gray Mbuemo
    Vardy Antonio Hwang

    Steele Semedo White McArthur

    1FT 5.9ITB

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      all good moves. if chelsea keep cs + wingbacks return then likely red arrow so you should jump on at least one.
      gray to son is more of a luxury move given you have playable guys
      maybe bench gray and grab chelsea defender first which is a long term move

      as for which one, flip a coin. I owned james and sold him for chilwell last week, missed the big haul. was weary of cameos

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, I am now leaning towards the Chelsea defender move. Son in next week could be the better time to jump on him and I'll still have plenty in the bank for him. I think I'm going to go James after reading into the underlying stats a bit I think he just edges it

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          hard to trust tuchel, but if james gets double digits again, he realistically could triple rise during IB

          1. School of Poch
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            It is, but he was fully rested midweek so there's no reason he shouldn't start against Burnley at least - locked in now anyways so red card probably incoming!

  27. Tricky90
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy and Raph to either

    Kane and mbeumo
    Son and Toney

    For minus 4 hit?

    Looks like son and Toney could rise tonight

    TYA

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      would hold off til IB unless there are injuries

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      That's a guaranteed backfire, hold for IB

      1. Tricky90
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Noted thanks or feedback

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

      Not for me. I'd like to see a bit more from Spurs assets, Vitesse aren't exactly great and they ran them close. I'd consider Vardy to Auba but Leeds defence is almost as shoddy as Watfords these days. Certainly wouldn't lose Raph.

  28. Bod
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Worth replacing Antonio or Benrahma this week?

    Was originally (and keep finding excuses not to) going to replace Alonso, but replacement options have poor fixtures…

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      if alonso keeps being benched for PL then even for a hit it's worth it in the long run

  29. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anything here for a hit?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Azpi Chilwell
    Salah Saka Mbuemo Havertz
    Vardy Antonio

    Livramento Armstrong Brownhill

    Will most likely be taking a hit next week to move a few on.