Scout Notes

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders

We round up the main Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from Wednesday’s two Gameweek 20 fixtures, with the results of both matches further consolidating Manchester City’s position at the top of the Premier League table.

GOALS, ASSISTS AND BONUS

KEY FPL TALKING POINTS

JAMES INJURY

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders 2

Reece James (£6.4m) didn’t even last half an hour of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, with FPL’s third-most-owned defender barely able to walk off the field when being withdrawn with a muscle problem and later sighted on crutches.

A still-seething Thomas Tuchel was taciturn in his post-match interview and offered very little on his wing-back but the fact that it’s a muscle injury suggests that his involvement against Liverpool is in serious doubt.

“No prognosis. Hamstring injury.” – Thomas Tuchel on Reece James

Andreas Christensen (£4.6m) was also withdrawn at the interval with a back injury, while Tuchel revealed in his post-match press conference that Timo Werner (£8.6m) wasn’t even back in training yet after his recent Covid diagnosis.

“It’s too early but it looks not good.” – Thomas Tuchel on Reece James and Andreas Christensen

Brighton boss Graham Potter meanwhile offered an update on Leandro Trossard (£6.2m), who missed out on Wednesday night.

“Hopefully he’s back at the weekend. We’ll hopefully get one or two players back.” – Graham Potter on Leandro Trossard

CHELSEA DEFENCE SIGNS OFF WITH A WHIMPER

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders 3

For a lot of Fantasy managers, Gameweek 21 will be a jumping-off point for Chelsea defenders – and that’s before we even consider the injury to James.

A late, late Danny Welbeck (£5.9m) header ruined a clean sheet for the Blues but had they held on for a shut-out it would have been wholly undeserved, with Brighton the better team for large periods and registering 18 shots to their hosts’ 11. The fact that Edouard Mendy (£6.2m) was on course for maximum bonus points before Welbeck’s leveller said much about the course of the game and Chelsea’s patchy form at the back.

“Our players are injured. I told you what would happen weeks ago. Same thoughts, I told you. Sure we are tired, if you had been in bed for 10 days and played Premier League matches after that, you would be tired.” – Thomas Tuchel

It’s now just one clean sheet in eight league matches for Tuchel’s weary-looking side and the upcoming fixtures, plus a couple of medium-term blanks, will make the likes of Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) an easy sell in early 2022.

One thing to mention is that the Blues could well end up getting a Double Gameweek 22 but, with one of a potential two fixtures being away at the Etihad, there is limited appeal.

PREMIUM DIFFERENTIALS HIT FORM… BUT AT THE WRONG TIME?

The James injury latest as Chelsea get set for FPL exodus 2

Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) have low ownerships among ‘active’ FPL managers: in the top 10,000, for instance, they are selected by 0.5% and 2.2% respectively.

The pair had unremarkable autumns, struggling to recapture former glories, but have caught the eye recently, with Lukaku looking sharp on his return from Covid-19 and De Bruyne now starting to purr.

“Surprised what he’s doing. Actually very surprised, but I don’t know how long he can do it. We will try it and then we will see because nobody knows. I’m surprised because he was six weeks, eight weeks out, then when was trying to come back caught Covid and after that one training and let’s go. This is what we do at the moment.” – Thomas Tuchel on Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku nodded in Chelsea’s only goal of the match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, while De Bruyne – described as “exceptional” by his manager after full-time – produced a superb assist for Phil Foden’s (£8.1m) match-winner across west London and would have had a second attacking return to his name had Aymeric Laporte (£5.6m) not strayed fractionally offside when nodding home the Belgian’s free-kick.

Such a return to form would ordinarily see them re-enter the premium radar but their purple patches perhaps come at an inopportune time, FPL wise.

Chelsea’s aforementioned run of tricky games and blanks count against Lukaku, while City are the only Premier League club who haven’t had a match postponed so far this season and so won’t ‘double’ in Gameweeks 21 or 22. The champions elect play Arsenal and Chelsea in those two Gameweeks.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE XG

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders 1

Foden and Jack Grealish (£7.6m) were brought back out of detention for a start at Brentford and had contrasting evenings. Foden excelled out wide and then as a false nine, earning Guardiola’s praise after the match, but Grealish had another poor evening and did little to suggest he’ll keep his place on New Year’s Day.

Bernardo Silva (£7.6m), meanwhile, blanked for the fourth straight Gameweek. His expected goals (xG) ‘overachievement’ in the autumn was well discussed in FPL circles and, unsurprisingly, there has been some regression to the mean in the last fortnight. The Portugal international didn’t have a single shot for the second successive match and has had only two efforts in total during his recent four-game drought.

This midfield trio, and the rest of City’s starting XI, lasted 90 minutes at Brentford, so with little more than 60 hours separating their Gameweek 20 and 21 fixtures, Guardiola may well be calling on the benched and unused Raheem Sterling (£8.7m) and Riyad Mahrez (£10.7m) at the Emirates in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

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1,094 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Who to replace James with?
    Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who's everyone looking to replace James with? Wolves defence doesn't seem to be mentioned much. They have 2 games to catch up on so potential doubles as well

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Problem with them atm is the one I'd want (Ait Nouri) is injured. One to revisit.

      Think I'm leaning towards Laporte or Davies as my James replacement.

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I did like the look of Davies when I watched the Southampton game, does seem to be very advanced and on the end of set pieces. Great value as well

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yea or Burnley for double double

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Burnley def a good shout

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

      Probably Lowton

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Interesting, I hadn't looked at Burnley...they have 4 games to catch up on as well. Good shout. I have Alonso and James so one Burnley and one Wolves might be an option

      2. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        My early thoughts are Burnley defender as well. Too bad Lowtons next goal is due in 2029

    4. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Was originally (before DGWs became likely) planning on bringing in Ait Nouri around now, but not too sure right with his injury & Covid at Wolves. I like him much better than Dalot, Lowton, Leicester defenders

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Coady is bit of a dull pick but he's as nailed as can be and does seem to pick up bonus given Wolves don't score many

    5. Jones Kusi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Im looking at Emerson. What do you think?

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        After watching the Southampton game I think I'd prefer Davies from Spurs.

        1. Jones Kusi
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Wasn't he good?
          I'm comparing him vs Reguilon and he is superior. But the eye test might say something else.

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Davies was quite advanced and on the end of set pieces. Had a goal disallowed as well. Reguilon sub at half time was a concern to me but if you think he'll always play then I'd go for him

    6. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I wonder about Newcastle, how quickly can they bolster that defence? I'm expecting few CSs for a while so will just go cheap. Maybe Villa

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Think it's not just all about the players, but also who's organising them. You could put Dias and VVD in a Howe defence and I still wouldn't trust them to keep clean sheets.

      2. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Newcastle did look better against Man U but hard to tell if that was them being good or Man U being awful...probably a combination. One to watch for now. Matty Cash is def a good shout

    7. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      The James injury has scuppered my James > Robbo move for gw22.

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Can you bench James for a week? Think Robbo is the best replacement if you have the cash to burn

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

      Lamptey? Brighton fixtures really good and they are sitting in 10th now

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Lamptey is such a good player as well, plus they have a couple of games to catch up on so good option

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

      I went Lowton. Don't love it, but DGWs 'n' that, plus it frees up some funds

    10. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Cucurella maybe. He's class.

    11. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      What about Robertson?

    12. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers everyone - loads of good options available. To summarise (presume you have Cancelo and TAA):

      Robbo - if you have the cash/free pool spot
      Lowton - 4 games to catch up on
      Wolves - strong defence and 2 extra games
      Spurs - Davies or Reguilon look best options to me
      Lamptey/Cucurella - very attacking and Brighton solid
      Matty Cash - Doubles and decent fixtures combo

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        To be clear, there is currently no indication that wolves have a double in gw21

      2. Alan The Llama
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Nice summary

      3. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thought it was obvious but guess I should've made clear that this comes with the caveat of waiting for any doubles to be announced

      4. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Appreciate that Pat. Helpful

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

        I've been mulling over this choice -- cheers for the helpful summary here.

    13. LarryDuff
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I've had coady and he's been a blessing off the bench a lot

    14. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Coady, Cash or Davies.

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

      Davies probably.

    16. MissouriMarten
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'd love to bring Lamptey in long-term - such a lively player, at a good price point, with decent fixtures. But with all the uncertainty around postponements and already having James, Gallagher & Livramento flagged, introducing someone so injury-prone is a risk I'm not willing to take.

  2. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Just saw that new GWs graphic from Ben:
    https://www.reddit.com/r/FantasyPL/comments/rrmfmq/latest_blanksingledoubletriple_gameweek_graphic/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
    And it is totally different to the earlier predicted one. Really no point in planning anything right now lol. At least all these postponements make my stupid hits break even.

    1. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Let's hope we actually get some clarity before the deadline

      1. Dreaming of glory
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        A Friday update would be great. Ben said he thought they would make announcements for 21 yday so hopefully get something by end of week

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Bonus fixtures not confirmed for next week

          Clubs selling tickets:
          Watford vs Palace
          Villa vs Burnley

          Manager leaking it:
          Southampton vs Brentford

          Hard to see not happening:
          Everton vs Leicester

          1. Dreaming of glory
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Wonder if Dennis will stay for Palace!

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Well if the likely yellow scenario happens it looks like gw22 with Manchester United and Liverpool players is best.

      Arguably all the others are bonus games and you can FH into it but I wouldn't go mad on transfers otherwise, if it's going to mess up your squad.

      Unless dead ending the team into an early second Wild Card.

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe fixtures out tomorrow and poor Ben can spend his new years eve running up some spreadsheets for us 🙂

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Should get 21 fixtures today given the leaks yesterday

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Ben might get a beer on new years eve now!

        2. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Sounded like clubs know issuing e-tickets etc.

          People also need negative lateral flow tests to get in. Is there a shortage of all testing equipment at the moment too?

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            * for dgw21

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I reckon the only way that FPL would impact on EPL and premier league scheduling is to embargo the press release until the gw deadline.

        Can you imagine the uproar on these boards and others if it were say a few hours beforehand?

        Saying that, with the standard Saturday 11am deadline they could reasonably do so on Friday.

        Clubs need to sort out their ticketing, stewards, policing and hospitality etc too.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          * for dgw22

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

      It's not totally different.

  3. Dreaming of glory
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Managed to double my rank to 500k in the last 5 weeks so thinking about early WC with the 2nd free hit able to cover later doubles. Thoughts?

    Sa*-Bachmann*
    Taa-cancelo-coady*-lowton*-thomas*
    Son-jota-maddison*-raphina*-bowen*
    Dennis-kane*-broja*

    Out
    Ramsdale,Foster, James, regiulon, liva
    Gallagher, esr, Mount
    Fodder,Ronaldo

  4. SkyCell
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    This freaking season man... All these injuries, covid absentees and mediocre gameweek after gameweek are really smacking a man down. How about one hattrick for my captain for a morale boost!

    1. TKC07
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Is DDG your captain?

      1. SkyCell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Hah! CR7 one time! Last gameweek didn't go as planned with him

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I want to know who's rising the ranks atm. I'm normally decent at picking through times like this & dgw planning etc but having a mare atm!!!

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I've risen 200k in the last few weeks. I have not been using chips and only making one hit in that time. All my transfers are still for the long term

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

        I've gone from 1.1 million in game week 16 (don't ask - terrible start) to 338k as of today - took some punts and got lucky with captain choices - last 3 weeks Cancelo, Son and Foden

        1. SkyCell
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Nice going! I've taken the wrong City players at the wrong time. Missed some trains and a few bad captaincies. Maybe the second half of the season will be better! All the chips still in play at least

      3. Michelle Davin
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I managed to riske to top 550 over the last few weeks,but cost me a bit of time planning and got lucky with my free hit rotation with the pep roulette

        1. The Ilfordian
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Wow that’s amazing

        2. Yozzer
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          How much of your gain is at the expense of others falling victim to the covid lottery though? I am not sure ' planning ' comes into it at the moment. There has to be some that benefit from others downfall but nothing to say you shouldn't enjoy it 🙂

          1. Michelle Davin
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Well,its part of the game,pep roulette has nothing to do with covid,partly luck and research.

            Last season I took the same approach and ended nr 250,obviously says for nothing going into the 2nd half of this season.

      4. _Freddo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I've risen from 790k to 230k & used the FHC last week.

        Not going to lie, I've enjoyed the carnage, had some good luck, no shows, double CS last min blow outs, a Salah C pen miss but it's much better than a dull locked in template week that was beginning to become the norm.

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

          * in the last 4 weeks, haven't done that rise in 1 week.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      My last three captains:
      Foden 0
      Foden 2
      Salah 0

    4. BIGREDDOG
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Well needed. I’m having a shocking time

      1. SkyCell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Better luck to you too mate

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

      I'll allow it as long as it's Salah in GW21

    6. The Bad Seed
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I've been hovering around the 2-5 k rank for many weeks now.
      Pretty brutal down there.
      1 hit and you're up/down by 15% rank !!!!! (why i chickened of getting Bowen for Bilva 🙁 )

      Ronaldo Captain did NOTTTTTT help.

      Ill take a few hits for the weeks to come, being in the top ranks kills your instinct to be honest......

      1. The Bad Seed
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        And Salah Captain too.

        Basically the combo or CR7 Salah Captains got me hefty 4 points in 2 weeks.

        Duffy could have easily done better.

        1. Ian J
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          5 straight red arrows down from 9.5k to 132k
          Too many hits & a lot of those ended up as late postponements
          I’m bullish about the rest of the season - I made it in the top 10k, so I can do it again.. need to stop taking hits..and for Ron to pull his finger out!

          1. The Bad Seed
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Feel for you mate - hope you make it back up. You definitely can.

            The way i see it. the top 200k are i really lose quarters. Maybe play safe and allow others to make mistakes and lose ground?

  5. Andrew Garfield
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    To save my squad i need to activate WC and below are those players to be selected. Please advice.
    Sanchez/Ramsdale
    Cancelo/TAA/Tierney/Amartey/Tsimikas
    Son/KDB/Saka/Jota/Raphinha
    CR7/Dennis/Gelhardt

    Will buy Salah back when he's come back from national duty.

    1. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thought Dennis was away too

      1. Andrew Garfield
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        So i might keep him bench for a while..

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

          you'll want coverage for Watford's DGWs. Most will be swapping out for King.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Rumours were pretty strong that Raphinha heading to Germany for around £50 million in January.

      1. Andrew Garfield
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Oh thanks. So which one should replace him? Bowen, Benrahma or other?

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I'd pick Bowen ahead of Raphinha anyhow.

          Maddison if fit is the other form pick in that slot.

          1. Andrew Garfield
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            I'm thinking of Maddison fitness too

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

      Dont like 3 x arsenal - poor fixtures and few confirmed doubles
      Dennis going to ACON
      Gelhardt?!
      Little/no coverage for the upcoming doubles in 21 and 22

      C- see me after class

      1. Andrew Garfield
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Then will select King in stead of Dennis.. Should i replace Antonio or Kane for CR7?

    4. Return of the FF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Is Ron worth it?

    5. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Amartey at AFCON. Tsimikas got one more (guaranteed) game before Robertson back

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

      Go early on DCL, unreal fixs & Everton will be better with him back.

      If you're chasing, that's the sort of pick to gamble on.

      1. Andrew Garfield
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Great.. and any idea with Watkins ?

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

          Watkins, DCL & Broja is the front 3 I'm aiming for if it all drops right.

          I can't believe Ranieri will play any Watford player 4 or 5 times in 2 GWs, the double double seems nice on paper but not in reality.

          1. Andrew Garfield
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            I'd love King over Broja...

    7. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’d wait to see what United can muster tonight but I’m very likely to ditch Ronnie for Kane for GW21. I can’t see United going on a scoring rampage and they were truest awful vs Newcastle. Spurs and Kane starting to find form at the right moment whereas United still seem very much work in progress

      1. Andrew Garfield
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yes agreed. Thanks

    8. The Bad Seed
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Dont like it to be honest. for all the reasons mentioned above.

      If i WC, and i might, it would be massively different.

    9. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry, have you not checked the fixtures & who is going to AFCON - please check & redraft- your WC should be long term, or at least 4/5 weeks

  6. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    My friend who is a MUN supporter told me that Ronaldo might be benched tonight.
    What do think or have you heard something?

    1. Jones Kusi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      What do you think?*

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Everyone knows it should happen but it wont

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

      Reliable source? It seems there are another 10 million ManU opinions out there. I would kick him out of the club. I am no lover of ManU but he is poison and disrupting all the youngsters instead of helping them. I like the fact Greenwood avoids passing to him.

      1. The Bad Seed
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Agree with every letter written. Especially after captaining his arse

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

      Sound like your "friend" just made it up unless he's got an legit connections.

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

      He won’t be benched for sure.
      Rangnick said in his presser that Cavani told him he isn’t fit enough to start.
      So which 2 are going to start upfront if CR7 isn’t starting?
      Greenwood & Rashford? Pull the other one!

      1. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I hadn’t heard that about Cavani. That’s a shame. I think him and Ronaldo work well as a strike force.

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

        Maybe Sancho and Ronaldo? Sancho was decent when he came on as I heard?

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

      TBF they were so bad that if he doesn't make changes, he will be seen as weak.

      Could see Shaw & AWB getting a game but Ronaldo missing out when Bruno is out would be bold.

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

      Some talk of Cavani starting but whether that’s with/out CR7 who knows

  7. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best James Chelase replacement long term?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      See above. Presume you have TAA & Cancelo then I'm looking at downgrade to Wolves or Burnley defence

      1. Jarnathan
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Burnley look better than Wolves given the unlikely event that Wolves be be given double game weeks. I think Lowton is my likely James replacement.

        Just wondering whether to bring a midfielder in for Bilva (Maddison too risky I think) or King in for Gelhardt

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Dias/Reguillon imho. I'm a fan of Dias but you may want somebody with double fixtures

    3. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’d say lownton for Burnley’s 2 DGW’s and upgrade to Dias for GW23 when City’s fixtures turn green

      1. mrelpea
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That’s my plan anyways. Got Lowton in last night as soon as James was off, waiting on other transfers

    4. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Amazing ideas. Lowton ahem it is

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Coady

  8. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How does the team look with the options mentioned below:

    A. Salah >> Son
    B. Salah + James >> Son + Targett (-4 and only if AVL DGW is announced)

    DDG | Foster
    TAA Cancelo Emerson | James Mitchell
    Salah Jota Foden Bowen Saka
    Antonio Watkins | Davis

    1FT and 1.8itb

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn't sell Salah before he faced a depleted Chelsea (I know Leicester were depleted too but still), might as well keep him for one more week if you stuck with him thus far.

  9. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris
    TAA, Dias, Cancelo, James
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Bowen, Martinelli
    Watkins, Antonio, Broja

    What to do with this lot, lads? Thought of James to Amartey to free up cash — though Tierney and Coady seem to be good shouts as well. What do you suggest? Cheers?

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Amartey off to AFCON soon I think

  10. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Do Chelsea have enough players to face Liverpool?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      They must have, surely they have a loan recall option too?

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

        They probably have a 100 available loan return options. (smile)

      2. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That reminds me of the time Chelsea recalled Ake from Bournemouth and folk on here transferred out Alonso fearing Ake was back to replace him - Alonso then got a 21 pointer away at Leicester 🙂

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

      16 senior outfielders atm. No major Covid outbreak (by GW20)

      I think they do, yeah

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thats getting very low, wouldnt take much

  11. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Maddison or should we wait for the next presser?

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      wait for presser

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

      Wait. He's already had his rise. Rodgers will very likely talk about him and Vardy, or the journalists will ask

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

      Wait probs. I'm guessing the presser will be tomorrow if Lei playing on Sat,

  12. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Didn't realise Kilman has played every single minute of the season so far.. How times have changed since last year.

    Wolves seem the standout replacement for James given their fixtures, defensive form and 2 extra games.

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

    Ronaldo owners are you also thinking of making the little hop over to Kane?

    It feels like a bit of a luxury move but United just looked so god awful against Newcastle and wolves/villa aren’t the best fixtures coming up, spurs will likely have a better double and Kane is nailed every game

    I think a lot depends how they look tonight, if he gets a brace it will be hard to sell

    1. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Was thinking of swapping him for King. A few forwards have some good doubles over the next couple of weeks and, despite good fixtures, if Ronaldo doesn’t look good again tonight, he’s too much of a luxury

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      From what I've seen Manchester United and Liverpool have the more attractive dgw22.

  14. @FPL__Engineer
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling 8.7m hey?

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      eh, 10.7

  15. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    G2G for the next GW? Will use my FT to do Maddison > Moura if he's ruled out for more than one game

    DDG
    TAA - Cancelo - Dier
    Son (c) - Salah - Jota - Bowen - Maddison
    Antonio - Broja

    Bachman - King - Lamptey - Coady

    1. Return of the FF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      G2g

  16. Return of the FF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What to prioritise here? My rank has been rising but some fires to put out now:

    DDG, Foster
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Rudi, Livra
    Son, Jota, Bowen, Gundog, Raph
    Antonio, Dennis, Watkins

    1 ft, 1.5 itb.

    Doubles aside, focus on James and maybe a hit for Gundog first and foremost?

  17. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Run of four green arrows comes crashing to a red!

    No hits, three Pool inc C, James & Rudi, Gallagher no show.

    27 with Dave to play 🙁

    1. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      it's the variance.
      Same side that killed me last week with 28pts has got me 50 this week with Ron (c) and DDG to go. And I thought it would be the other way round

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        2FT & a couple of hits for a mini WC freshen up needed

  18. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Matty Cash still flying under the radar. Perfect Reece James replacement.

    Unfortunately I always own him, so I’m looking for another one!

    1. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Already*

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

      also needs to a YC in next 2 GWs - on 4 already

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        He just needs to avoid a yc in his next game

        1. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          my bad - thought we were GW19 for some reason. Xmas GWs blur 🙂

  19. Claudio555
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Need to get rid of James, Wilson and maybe Livra because of injuries. Mendy off to AFCON, Mount and Martinelli tough fixtures. Possible dgw incoming.

    Would you say I should use my second wc already gw21?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Close call

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      5 players and 3 bench spots. Nope

    3. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't use it now.
      hold Mendy this gameweek.

      James has to go. James > Castagne/Reguilion is probably a good move

    4. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      not for me.
      Livra a bench player.
      Mount and Martinelli in form and can still contribute pts in tougher fixtures
      Can address James and Wilson with transfers.
      DGW 22 can still be addressed with a FH.
      The way COVID postponements are going I'd be wary of setting up a WC team for DGWs this far out.

    5. Claudio555
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ok thanks. Or maybe FH gw21 is an option if there are some juicy dgw?

  20. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all,

    Think I'm done with B.Silva.

    Shall I just move him to Madison? And bench, James, Mount, Saka?

    Ramsdale
    Trent/Cancelo/Cash/Dalot
    Son/Jota/Madison
    Dennis/Watkins/Broja?

    1. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I am doing the same move but after the presser and closer to the deadline

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

      wait for injury update

  21. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Oh, no new/eve match. I didn't see that get posted here. I was going to get DCL in for Wilson but was worried it could get postponed, so I took a -4 hit for james+Wilson > dalot+kane. One of those rare last minute calls that may actually pay off

  22. Will Kane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I keep getting half way through writing questions to post on here but then realising the answer to all of them is 'wait and see what happens in the next couple of days'

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      What’s this rash?

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Wait and see

  23. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with Foden now, that's the question. It's difficult to get rid of such a great player, but looks like there are better alternatives with a double gameweek. Not completely sure on his nailedness, especially that Sterling has been playing well recently. There's also Grealish who can play both on the left and as a no.9. Thoughts?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Got rid last week. Ahead of the curve.

    2. Drumandbaines123
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'm probably keeping after last night now. When he plays, he hauls. Just gotta live with the odd benching and cameo I'm afraid. After the possible DWs they have Soton, Brentford, Norwich and Everton as well so surely some more hauls on the horizon.

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I've also defected to team Fodenfreude

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

      You know the consequences it just comes down to you wanting a piece of the (city attack) pie
      I’ve got Bilva Foden and will sell the former first

  24. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If on Wildcard, do you go for KDB or not? Him and Cancelo my two likely non dgwers

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Like him

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

      Yes he’s flying at the moment. Would you be holding him as a marker for Salah? May be difficult to swap of course if he hauling

  25. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ddg foster*
    Cancelo taa james* reguilon livra
    Son foden jota gallagher* maddison*
    Ronaldo watkins davis*

    1ft 1.3 itb

    What to do here? Probably will not have 11 starters and don’t have any bench.

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

    DDG Guaita
    TAA cancelo james* alonso* livra
    Son Jota gundo* raphinha ESR*
    Ronaldo broja dennis*

    Would you lose gundo or ESR for bowen?

  27. Bollard
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    As a Salah seller last week I am more worried about what he will do against Chelsea than I was against Leicester. Think Chelsea could get drubbed.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I also reckon Salah could do well at Chelsea.

      That was prior to the Leicester result, where Liverpool may now benefit from that bit of extra determination that motivates players in the next game.

      Football is played in the head as well as on the pitch. Sometimes Klopp and Pep to a lesser extent talking about fixture congestion may impact on their players negatively.

      Then again, Tuchel can rightly say that following Covid-19 cases etc and injuries.

      Undoubtedly Man City with such a large and talented squad who can rotate easily are the big winners in all of this disruption. They've changed the model where a world class 25 goals + striker wins you the Premier League.

      But perhaps you need that player for Champions League glory!

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

      Chelsea conceding often but not many.
      Would expect both teams to score again

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nope Salah is going to blank.

  28. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Foden(c) proved ok. Who should be captain this GW?

    1. Bollard
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It would be Salah if I still had him . However I don’t and will C Son I think

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

        How about DGW player captain?

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

      For me:

      1) Salah
      2) KDB
      3) Son/Kane
      4) Foden

    3. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      One of the DGW players. Probably Maddison if declared fit.

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Kane most likely for me.

  29. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Should I WC this team in GW21 or FH it in GW22 instead

    Ramsdale De Gea

    Rudiger Cancelo James Mitchell Tsimikas

    Salah Bernardo Saka Bowen Mbeumo

    Lacazette Jesus Dennis

    1.5 ITB 1 FT

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  30. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed: Hi guys, what would you do here? 1.5m in the bank & 1FT. Thinking of a -4 to do James & Bilva > Ben Davies & Bowen. Would leave me enough ITB to then do ESR > Maddison if fit next week?

    Lloris
    TAA - Rudiger - Jame - Cancelo
    Son - KDB - Jota - Bilva
    Antonio - Dennis

    Bachman - Broja - Lamptey - ESR

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Your moves seem sound to me mate

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Buzzing, thanks mate.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Silva may come good again and reward the patient players.