FPL

The best budget FPL defenders for 2022/23

We pick out the best £4.0m and £4.5m defenders as we continue to analyse the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) price list.

This group of budget assets is a bit of a harder sell in 2022/23, with a ‘big at the back’ strategy proving popular thanks to the attacking threat and clean potential boasted by many of the £6.0m+ options.

But, for those managers opting for perhaps a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 in Gameweek 1, it’s worth looking at which cut-price players could deliver the goods.

With unlimited transfers allowed during the World Cup downtime and a Wildcard to use before then, we’re focusing mostly on Gameweeks 1-8 for these articles.

Opta stats on the players featured in these articles are available in our Premium Members Area, where you can now get a full year’s subscription for just £2.49 a month.

NECO WILLIAMS

There’s nothing quite like a £4.0m bandwagon to set the Fantasy community’s pulses racing and every year, it seems, one crawls out of the woodwork in pre-season.

That man this time could be Neco Williams (£4.0m), who has swapped Liverpool bench duty for a possible first-team spot with newly promoted Nottingham Forest.

Steve Cooper seems to be sticking with a wing-back system in pre-season so far, which will hand more attacking license to Williams, while the Forest boss quietly oversaw a big improvement in his side’s defensive displays when taking over last season: only 28 goals were conceded in the 38 Championship games with Cooper at the helm.

Wales international Williams himself was on loan in the English second tier last season with Fulham, registering a decent two goals and two assists in just 14 appearances after joining in January. There were some encouraging underlying stats posted by the £4.0m defender, too.

There remains a little bit of caution about Williams at present, with Giulian Biancone (£4.5m) impressing at right wing-back in the early pre-season friendlies. Williams can play on either side, handily, but Bayern Munich’s Omar Richards (£4.5m) has arrived to further cloud proceedings.

By the time Forest’s good run of fixtures starts in Gameweek 6, we should at least have an answer to the concern above.

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU/BEN WHITE

A poor run of 10 matches without an Arsenal clean sheet at the end of last season has helped keep the starting prices of Ben White (£4.5m) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m) down but despite that drought, only four clubs kept more shut-outs than the Gunners (13) in 2021/22.

Keeping together the first-choice defence was the key to Arsenal’s purple patch: Tomiyasu, White and Gabriel Magalhaes (£5.0m) started every fixture from Gameweeks 4-18 and helped the north Londoners record eight clean sheets in 15 matches. It was no coincidence that Arsenal’s defensive numbers worsened when Tomiyasu’s fitness issues began in January.

It was clean sheets or little else for White and Tomiyasu, however, who registered only one attacking return between them and posed relatively little threat for goals or assists.

Above: £4.5m-and-under defenders sorted by minutes per expected goal involvement (xGI) in 2021/22

Vague-sounding injuries to White and Tomiyasu will also have to be monitored in the remaining pre-season games. William Saliba (£4.5m) and the corner-taking Cedric Soares (£4.5m) are the similarly priced deputies who will be poised to fill in for White and Tomiyasu should fitness still be a concern come Gameweek 1.

The schedule is very decent indeed should all be well on the injury front, with Arsenal top of our Season Ticker for fixture difficulty in the first eight Gameweeks.

DIOGO DALOT

Only four clubs kept fewer clean sheets than Manchester United (eight) last season; anyone watching Harry Maguire (£5.0m) and co. floundering at the back for the Red Devils under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick won’t be too surprised by that.

Defensive concerns remain even during a positive start to pre-season under Erik ten Hag but the capture of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax was an acknowledgment that things need to improve.

Where does Diogo Dalot (£4.5m) fit in, you might ask?

While work continues on solidifying the defence, there are most positive signs that United’s full-backs could be more threatening than they were in 2021/22.

Dalot has been ten Hag’s preferred option at right-back so far, and while it certainly can’t be ruled out that United will add to their squad depth in this position, he has impressed and struck up a good relationship with Jadon Sancho (£7.5m) down the right flank. Ten Hag seems to be encouraging ‘underlapping runs’ from his full-backs, with Dalot rattling the woodwork against Liverpool before supplying the cross that Anthony Martial (£7.0m) eventually converted in the win over Melbourne.

It’s still very early days with a new-look United but Dalot is certainly one for the watchlist in the budget pool.

LEWIS DUNK

Last season was a bit of a lean one for Lewis Dunk (£4.5m), who scored just one goal after delivering 11 attacking returns in the previous two campaigns combined.

The early-season presence of Shane Duffy (£4.5m) might have been a contributing factor, with the giant Irishman instead the primary target for most set plays in his run in the side from Gameweeks 1-15. Thereafter, with Duffy out of the starting XI, Dunk’s rate of chances improved considerably towards where it was in the preceding two seasons:

Mins per chance (GW1-15 of 2021/22)Mins per chance (GW16-38 of 2021/22)Mins per chance (2020/21)Mins per chance (2019/20)
Dunk21010191.7104.2

Duffy is expected to be a bench-warmer at best in the upcoming campaign, so might we see more chances for Dunk at dead-ball situations once again?

From a defensive perspective, Brighton were one of the better clubs in the division last year.

Only six teams could better the Seagulls for clean sheets (11) and fewest big chances conceded (58), while they were sixth for expected goals conceded (xGC, 50.74), too.

Even if Marc Cucurella (£5.0m) does depart for pastures new, Albion have proven in the past with their savvy recruitment and system-first mindset that they have more about them than one star player – note their impressive statistics despite the loss of Ben White last summer.

As for fixtures, Graham Potter’s troops avoid any of last season’s top five before the post-Gameweek 8 international break.

JONNY

Wing-back proved to be a bit of a rotation risk area for Wolves last season.

An injury to Nelson Semedo (£5.0m) should ensure that Jonny (£4.5m) starts 2022/23 at right-back/wing-back, at least, with the latter’s versatility meaning that he may simply switch flanks when Semedo returns to fitness.

Jonny had the best rate of shots and chances created of any Wolves defender last season, even if his reduced minutes made it a relatively small sample size.

Bruno Lage – who favoured a 3-4-3/3-5-2 for the bulk of 2021/22 – has been trialling a back four in pre-season, a move that would seem to dent Jonny’s appeal on paper as we usually associate wing-backs with added goal threat. But the Express and Star’s Liam Keen reported that Jonny was “exceptionally far forward” at their Benidorm training camp, something to watch out for when the friendlies get underway on Wednesday.

Wolves had boasted one of the best-performing defences from Gameweeks 1-29, with only three teams conceding fewer goals. They massively overachieved when it came to ‘expected goals conceded’ (xGC), however, regressing to the mean in a final nine Gameweeks in which they failed to keep any clean sheets.

Still, the fixtures are one of the best in the division in the opening six Gameweeks, after which a bail-out plan may be needed.

RICO HENRY/PONTUS JANSSON/ETHAN PINNOCK

It remains to be seen if new Brentford signing Thomas Strakosha (£4.5m) is to play anything other than understudy to David Raya (£4.5m) but it’s worth stressing that most of their defenders are also available for the same price.

Pontus Jansson (£4.5m) had more ‘big chances’ than any other FPL defender last season and was joint-sixth among players in his Fantasy position for attacking returns (seven). The issue with Jansson is that he might not quite be as nailed as he was in 2021/22, thanks to Thomas Frank’s springtime change to a 4-3-3 system. Centre-half Kristoffer Ajer (£4.5m) was accommodated at right-back in that new formation but summer signing Aaron Hickey (£5.0m) is earmarked for that role now, leaving Ajer and Jansson to potentially tussle for one right-sided centre-back spot. Ajer, as it happens, is injured right now, so it’s a medium-term problem.

Jansson trumped Ethan Pinnock (£4.5m) and Rico Henry (£4.5m) for many of the key underlying attacking stats last year, although Henry did better his two teammates for minutes-per-xGI.

The best budget FPL defenders for 2022/23 9

(averages per game)

Returning to the fixtures and Brentford don’t meet one of last season’s top four until Gameweek 12, with Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool not faced until Gameweek 16 onwards. All five matches from Gameweeks 3-7 are against clubs who finished in the bottom half of the Premier League or came up from the Championship last season.

SVEN BOTMAN

The best mid-price FPL defenders for 2022/23 4

Newcastle’s two set-piece-taking full-backs and Nick Pope will each set Fantasy managers back £5.0m this season, so we turn to another summer recruit for a cheaper route into the Magpies’ improving defence.

Newcastle’s 2021/22 season began to really transform in Gameweek 23, when Eddie Howe had splashed the cash on some winter reinforcements.

Seven clean sheets arrived in the Magpies’ final 18 matches, a period in which they had the sixth-best record for fewest shots, goals and expected goals conceded.

Sven Botman (£4.5m) looks set to be the mainstay at centre-half this season and has earned very positive reviews in his pre-season showings so far, suggesting he will only further improve the Magpies’ fortunes at the back.

Gameweeks 3 and 5 are off-putting from a fixture perspective but pairing Botman with, say, a Brentford defender through to Gameweek 15 avoids any meeting with a side that finished in the top seven last season:

OTHER £4.5m FPL DEFENDERS

Vardy scores at both ends, Tielemans’ advanced role, Sarr and Saint-Maximin return again: FPL notes 4

The best of the rest arguably comes from Leicester City, who only don’t feature in the sections above due to their fixture difficulty: the Foxes face Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs in the opening eight Gameweeks.

They’ll be key targets for Gameweek 9 Wildcarders, however, and by that point we will have hopefully sussed out which pairing of Ricardo Pereira, James Justin and Timothy Castagne (all £4.5m) Brendan Rodgers favours.

The admittedly injury-prone Pereira features in the xGI table towards the top of this piece and, on his day, will be one of the most attack-minded £4.5m options in the game.

READ MORE: Pereira and Castagne among the biggest price falls

A cut-price Vladimir Coufal (£4.5m) is one for the Gameweek 7 shopping list after matches against Man City, Chelsea and Spurs are out of the way, while Palace’s assortment of £4.5m options are probably best avoided until Gameweek 10.

OTHER £4.0m FPL DEFENDERS

FPL Daily: Lukaku latest, more Covid cases at Liverpool, Everton sign Patterson 2

The emergence of another playing £4.0m defender relies on either transfers, a la Neco Williams, or injuries.

Nathan Patterson (£4.0m) is a possible Gameweek 1 starter at wing-back for Everton due to a Seamus Coleman (£4.5m) injury, with the onus on the young Scot to impress Frank Lampard in the remaining warm-up matches.

Leo Hjelde (£4.0m) is one of Jesse Marsch’s options at left-back in the absence of the sidelined Junior Firpo (£4.5m), meanwhile, should Leeds not dip into the transfer market.

Brandon Williams and Japhet Tanganga are the only current £4.0m defenders who made 10 or more Premier League starts in 2021/22 but game-time prospects now look extremely unlikely at Man Utd and Spurs respectively so again, we’re relying on moves elsewhere in the Premier League for those two to see any meaningful minutes.

FPL POINTS PROJECTIONS

Our algorithm-generated FPL points projections for the 2022/23 campaign have been refreshed again in the last few days.

These will be further updated as pre-season continues and more team news information becomes apparent.

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

866 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Diaz or Foden?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Diaz

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Either could be fantastic ….. think Diaz has a more nailed spot and higher ceiling. Has been said alot but the 8m mids plus Jesus represent potentially great value like a premium

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Thanks buddy

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      D

  2. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Why has Neto got such ownership, no one think Gray, Olzie, Gordon, Fornals, Eze can match him?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I think Olise is a better bet than Neto. But, (1) Olise may be injured, and (2) Zaha may be on his way out

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Prefer fornals but I am going budget Bailey

    3. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Over hyped

    4. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I’m going Fraser instead. Nifty little route into Newcastle early doors.

  3. 15th Time Lucky
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Who else is going for the BBGW1 plan? I've not been keeping up with all the comments but I think I've seen SadioSane and LangerzNMash talking about it.

    I really like the idea after committing too many transfers to it last year. While form is unpredictable at the start, GW1 line ups are usually predictable, providing they're haven't been any last minute transfers. There is the downside of less budget going for it now, but the flip side is that come the double game weeks, I'll be able to put all of my additional team value into my first 11.

    For anyone going for it, what are your thoughts? Here's mine:

    WC out:
    I'm thinking after GW 2 or 3. Given I'm at a wedding the Friday before GW3 deadline, fate has decided I'm doing it after GW3. So I'm looking at who's good for the first 3 GWs.

    Teams To Target:
    These either need to be good all 3 weeks or be cheap and have a good GW1 (although I can afford a couple who have a bad week 3 as I can use FTs for them) . Also, I need to trust them. These are my ideas, but others may disagree
    Attackers:
    Liverpool, Wolves, Villa, Leicester, Spurs, Leeds, Newcastle
    Defenders:
    Leicester, Villa, Spurs, Liverpool, Newcastle

    Chelsea have some good matches, but with a new backline and Sterling causing a big shift in how they'll attack, I'm happy to wait and maybe jump in on the WC.

    Premiums:
    Given the need to spread the funds, I'm planning on only 1.
    I really rate Conte and think Spurs will get off to a flyer, so leaning Kane or Son. Could still be Mo, but there are other good Liverpool options too that I think are better than Spurs' other options.

    Locks (pre-season dependant)
    TAA, Trippier, Wilson
    I really think Newcastle are going to be a force the way they finished last season. 2 great fixtures then City. Can transfer out for the City game, almost certainly will take Trippier out, might keep Wilson

    Current Shortlist:

    Lloris, Schmeichel, Martinez

    Robbo, Cash, Digne, Romero (I think? I get Romero and Emerson Royal mixed up. The nailed CB is the one I'm looking at), Targett, Botman, Leicester FBs that look like nailed, Sessegnon (if Perisic is definitely out)

    Diaz, Kulu, Maddison, Barnes, Harrison, Neto, Bailey, ASM, Willock, Almiron

    Bamford, Watkins, Vardy, maybe Jesus (despite Arsenal not being on my shortlist, I think that the confidence from Arteta making him the main man might help him get off to a flyer. )

    The lack of forward options is why I'm leaning mostly towards Kane as my premium captain choice.

    I know some of you probably think it's foolish to BBGW1, I've thought the same when seeing people discussing it previous years. But I thought it could be a good idea around the time I played BB in the doubles last year and thought I might give it a go. The extra WC this year seals it for me. Definitely high risk, but one that I'm happy to take. Let's roll the dice and see how it goes!

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      My eyes 😮

      1. 15th Time Lucky
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Sorry, didn't realise how long it was!

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          😛

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I think BBGW1 is viable but no salah is very dangerous…

      You could do it with salah and booking in a double transfer to get Haaland GW2.

      Issue is the third forward who probably needs to be 6.0m

      1. 15th Time Lucky
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        It is dangerous, but can't have all of them and I'd probably still only go with one premium anyway.

        Getting three forwards at 7.5+ isn't too bad, but my drafts do tend to have only 2 defenders above 5 and 3 mids in the 5-6.5 region.

    3. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      love the way you laid it all out.
      hope it goes great for ya!

      1. 15th Time Lucky
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Thanks. I find it easier when I try to organise my thoughts... just didn't realise how many thoughts I had!

  4. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Alisson
    TAA Cancelo James
    Sterling Diaz Mount Rashford Neto
    Haaland Jesus

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I like the Sterlo pick but doubling up with Mount? Chelsea fan?

      Not sure about Rashford and your goalie and at least you ain’t template

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Arsenal fan.
        If both mount and sterling are good picks why not both?
        May replace rashford with chilwell. And mount with foden
        Assessing preseason

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I like the moves on latter tbh. But at this rate it’s all a bit guess work, starts are a bit lottery tbh

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Don’t you think rashford is so cheap and may regain his confidence this season?

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              It’s a punt a start with. I think he may be great pick at some stage though.

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        And whats not to love about alisson? Very cheap and points machine! Great value

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Not disputing that. I just don’t like to spend anything more than 5m (ideally 4.5m) for goalies tbh. But that’s just me.

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            I would agree with you if there was a standout 4.5
            Mendy is good but takes chelsea spot which I need

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              How about double up with Chilwell then? That is what I’m leaning towards at the moment.

              1. Emiliano Sala
                • 7 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                I want 3 from ster, chilwell, mount and james
                No spot for mendy sadly

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Great apart from the obvious omission

  5. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Are you planning your WC this season?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      No

    2. DelPiero10
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yes

      • Sameobi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yes. But I’ll panic and play it early same as always.

      • Boberella
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Loosely pencilled in for GW8 but could easily be GW3!

      • Holy Boly
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Does Prince Andrew sweat?

    3. adstomko
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Thoughts on this differential draft?

      Lloris
      Trent, Robertson, Cancelo
      Diaz, Mount, Maddison, Bruno G, Aaronson
      Kane, Jesus
      (Gazzaniga, Gabriel, Neco, Plange)

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        You are betting on both salah and Haaland flopping. Dangerous

      2. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I feel you need one of Son, KDB or Salah tbh

        1. adstomko
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Don't see the point in having them if I'm not captaining them, with the exception of Kane to Haaland for GW2 only

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Same. Perma cap haaland

          2. Holding Matip
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            This logic has never made sense to me? Those players are highly priced because they're expected to score a lot of points, which incidentally is what this game is about... Who cares if you're not going to captain them, they're going to score points regardless?

            1. Emiliano Sala
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              If salah for example gets 10 points, you may get more points by spreading the funds.
              If you are not captaining him

              1. Holding Matip
                • 6 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Yep but isn't that the same logic as:
                13m + 7m
                vs
                10m + 10m

                The expected points per million of budget is roughly the same, that's how the players are priced surely?

          3. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            You don’t see the point of having 2 top scorers of last season?

            1. adstomko
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Spreading 5m from Salah to Diaz is worth it in my opinion. I can now afford updgrades to Robertson & an 8m midfielder

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Yeah I would agree with you but then we both would be wrong 😛

              2. Meechoo115
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                If Diaz is nailed then maybe. Otherwise could be brutal with the captaincy ….

    4. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      How’s this for a slightly different team? No Haaland but treating Sterling as second premium

      Raya
      Trent. Cancelo. James. Zinch
      Sterling. Foden. Diaz. Salah
      Jesus. Johnson

      4.0. Neco. Andreas. Greenwood

      1. Guba
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        It's nice but I think Chilwell outscores Johnson if you can stomach the bench.

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Can’t get a 4.0 striker though

          1. Guba
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Ah, true. Maybe g2g then if you think Sterling hits the ground running. I do like Sterling as a punt but I'd say its a large gamble considering that Kane is only 1.5 more.

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I would change zinch and johnson
        Unknown and not proven

    5. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Chilwell in 442 or Rashford in 352?

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        If he seems nailed Rashford. Not sure on Chelsea sheet potential yet.

      2. Guba
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        A for me on current info (in that Rash is a doubt)

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Why doubt?

          1. Guba
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            A doubt on whether he's actually nailed. I'd only want to start with players considered nailed.

      3. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Has to be Chilwell imo. Rashford has been gash and without seeing any evidence, I’d avoid at the beginning

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Thanks. first 2 games are tasty though

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            If it’s Manu player you’re after as a punt then Martial or Sancho better picks imo

            1. Meechoo115
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Martial wait and see what happens with Ronaldo. Can’t see united selling ronaldo and not buying a striker

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                I think martial nailed on to start the season. I can’t see Ronaldo starting first few weeks even if he stays

                1. Meechoo115
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 2 Years
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  Fair punt for first two good fixtures

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    That’s it

    6. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Plan is to rotate (c) between Kane & Haaland over the opening 6GW’s: SOT, BOU, WOL, CRY, NFO, FUL

      Meslier
      TAA Cancelo James
      Diaz Sancho Barnes Bailey
      Kane Haaland Jesus

      4.0m Williams Patterson Pereira

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        You are betting Kane outscores Salah In the spurs weeks. Could work. Spurs are still less reliable than Liverpool. Of course could do Diaz sometimes

      2. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Based on last 2 seasons, your heavy investment up top is way too risky. I’d downgrade Kane or Haaland for Son/salah

        1. Boberella
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          This. Don’t understand why Son not more popular. Will comfortably outscore Kane again this season.

    7. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Friendly advice:

      Haaland is too cheap to ignore. Don’t think about going without.
      Should have been 12.5 or 13
      Other premiums prices are totally right

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I’m not starting with Haaland. I just have a gut feeling that he’ll take his time to adapt to premiership. I’m starting with KDB instead.

        1. ritzyd
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Same, feels like it's a small proportion of us though!

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Make no mistake, not starting with him means we have balls of steal 😎

      2. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Agree defo getting

    8. bv57
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Neco & Diaz
      Or
      Trippier & Coutinho?

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        B if you have to play both. But only just

    9. Denis Tueart on the wing
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      How much is the FFS subscription this year and when was it taken. I have had a standing order taken from my account and not sure what it is!

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        So past 12 years you just paid and don’t remember how much is it? Mark loves this type of customers 😛

        1. Denis Tueart on the wing
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          probably and probably

    10. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      How does this look?

      Ramsdale
      Trent Robbo Cancelo James Perisic
      Diaz Neto
      Kane Haaland Jesus

      Gaziniga Andreas Dasilva Colback

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Perisic to Zinchenko. Ramsdale to 4.5. Then get Salah for Kane!

        1. Boberella
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          This.

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

        Maybe Jesus Colback to Saka 4.5 for a bit more balance and the ability to jump between the 8.0 mids

    11. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      First or second option?

      Alisson,
      Chilwell, Cash, Cancelo, TAA
      Salah, Mahrez, Sterling, BrunoG,
      Jesus, Johnson

      4m, Neco, Neto, Greenwood

      Hendo,
      Chilwell, Cash, Cancelo, TAA
      Salah, Mahrez, Sterling, Diaz,
      Jesus, Johnson

      4, Neco, Andreas, Greenwood

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Diaz v Alison basically

      2. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        First

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Cheers that’s where I am.

    12. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Mount or Sancho to start with?

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Hmmm Sancho actually. Fixtures better. More upside. And cheaper.

      2. CYN
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Mase

      3. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Mount

      4. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Sancho

    13. Denis Tueart on the wing
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Can anyone answer this question?
      How much is the FFS subscription this year and when was it taken. I have had a standing order taken from my account and not sure what it is!

      1. MIGHTY JOE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        £35.88/29.88 if billed annually I think. When I dont know

    14. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Zinchenko gone. City are really cutting down their squad. I'm guessing it means...
      A. They will ramp up their efforts to sign Cucurella now, and B. Alvarez is likely to feature quite a lot (unless they replace Sterling last minute)?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I honestly think selling Jesus and Sterlo was insane and expecting them to struggle this season

        They’ll likely go wage as with Cucurella though. Not entirely sure about replacing Sterlo

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          They are putting a lot of eggs in the Haaland basket

          1. yousunkmybattleship
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            It’s a big basket

        2. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I agree, I think it's Liverpools year, just like last time they came agonisingly close, it motivated them to a level no-one else could rival. Plus with Diaz and Nunez, they have real talent, also expecting Eliot to have a breakout season, all while Haaland could be a bit of a disappointment, players tale a year to bed-in under Pep

          1. Meechoo115
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Agree with this …. Liverpool squad looks well primed.

      2. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Surely A. But I think Alvarez replaces Sterling. They will have same size squad. And gives more opportunity to quality players like Mahrez and Grealish and Gundogan as well as their youngsters

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Alvarez is a striker though, he hasn’t played on flanks if I’m not mistaken.

          1. Meechoo115
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Isn’t he a deep lying forward like Jesus / Firmino. Not as if Pep sticks to the formation rules anyway. Could see him at right back !

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              lol

          2. Lovren an elevator
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            He played RWF a few times, and also for Argentina too. I think he will cover Mahrez AND Haaland. Probably see him off the bench most gameweeks

            1. Meechoo115
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              So basically the Nolito replacement the city fans have been crying out for!

              1. Lovren an elevator
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Haha great reference. The forgotten flop

      3. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        First choice…

        Ederson. Walker. Cancelo. Dias. Laporte. Rodri. Kdb. Silva. Mahrez. Foden. Haaland

        Still leaves

        Cucurella. Stones. Ake. Gundo. Philips. Grealish. Alvarez and the youngsters

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Yes but have u actually seen Sterlo and Jesus conversion rates? I think selling them both is super risky business for Pep

        2. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Agreed. Shame for Grealish. I guess with the 5 subs rule, this team could start more frequently? With the likes of Kevin, Kyle, Mahrez, Haaland getting subbed off early-ish when the game is won, to manage their minutes

          1. Meechoo115
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            I think city don’t have the deepest squad any more though. That’s Liverpool and Chelsea. Though Chelsea light in defence atm. And not sure they trust many of their forwards

            1. Lovren an elevator
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Yeah not sure how deep Chelsea are tbh. Certainly pool yes. What with Jota, Firmino, Konate and Tsimikas all good enough to be first team, but won't be.
              Maybe Spurs have the 2nd deepest squad now?

              1. Meechoo115
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                That is a good balance for Liverpool. Not too many players screaming for first team. Good balance in reserves of experience (including Ox and keita) and youth like Elliott jones Fabio

                1. Meechoo115
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 2 Years
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  Btw I’m a Liverpool fan and expecting an Indian summer from Bobby this year

                  1. Lovren an elevator
                    • 8 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    Hmm interesting, I feel the same. This being his last season he'll do well, maybe move on next year and Carvalho takes over. Not sure if Carvalho will feature too much this season?

                    Some people on here are suggesting Firmino plays at no.10 behind Nunez to help him link up, what you think?

                    1. Meechoo115
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 2 Years
                      1 year, 8 months ago

                      I think all options are open especially as Hendo minutes will be managed. Depends on how well Keita or Elliott do

                      1. Lovren an elevator
                        • 8 Years
                        1 year, 8 months ago

                        True, and I think a fit Firmino, coming off the bench, does well. Jota more likely to come on and cover Diaz or Salah now?

                        Maybe the Bobby thing is wishful thinking cos I'm a pool fan AND Brazilian!

                        1. Meechoo115
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 2 Years
                          1 year, 8 months ago

                          I’m English and love Bobby too. Much less pressure on him now too. He can just do his stuff when he plays.

                        2. Meechoo115
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 2 Years
                          1 year, 8 months ago

                          Main reason he won’t play that much is they need to keep Nunez and Jota content. But he will be able to play in a few positions.

                        3. Lovren an elevator
                          • 8 Years
                          1 year, 8 months ago

                          What you predict for Carvalho this season?

                        4. TheBiffas
                          • 3 Years
                          1 year, 8 months ago

                          Can't see him featuring much in the league. May get similar minutes to what Minamino got ie. Cup games

    15. mdm
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Mendy or Rams?

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Mendy

    16. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sub questions… a) Forster best 4m keeper? B) cafu, colback or reed? Thanks

    17. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      What’s your prediction on Top 6?

      Liverpool
      Spurs
      City
      Chelsea
      Arsenal
      Manu

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Wow bold!

        City
        Spurs
        Liverpool
        Chelsea
        United
        Newcastle

        1. Fletch69
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Man City
          Liverpool
          Spurs
          Chelsea
          Man Utd
          Arsenal

        2. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Yours is bolder tbh.

        3. TheBiffas
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          That's far bolder

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Man City
        Liverpool
        Spurs
        Chelsea
        Arsenal
        Man United

      3. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Spurs
        City
        Liverpool
        Man United
        Arsenal
        West Ham

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Spurs fan by any chance? 😛

          1. Fletch69
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Can't be, he's got Arsenal in 5th....

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Yeah, out of CL spot 😛

      4. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Top 5 should be straightforward imo, 6th could be anyone from Man U, West Ham or Leicester pretty realistically

        City
        Liverpool
        Arsenal
        Spurs
        Chelsea

        Is my prediction for next season. Both north London clubs look in good shape to me. A lot of turnover at Chelsea makes them hard to predict.

        1. The Tinkerman
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Even Newcastle maybe an outside bet for 6th if they sign a top quality forward player who will get goals and assists.

      5. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Spurs
        City
        Pool
        Newcastle
        Arsenal
        Leicester

      6. One Man
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        City
        Liverpool
        Spurs
        Che
        Man United
        Arsenal

      7. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        City
        Liverpool
        Spurs
        Arsenal
        Chelsea
        Man Utd

        1. TheBiffas
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Same except for top 2, but u am a lpool fan lol

      8. TheBiffas
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Liverpool
        City
        Spurs
        Arsenal
        Chelsea
        UTD

      9. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        City
        Spurs
        Pool
        Chelsea
        United
        Arsenal

    18. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Admittedly, there are other concerns about Haaland, but one of them for me is how Pep might work Haaland in his initial adaption phase.

      Critically, Aguero in Pep’s first season scored 5G in the opening 6 Games. Two were braces. I am not sure on assists (including “Fantasy”). Although 3 were penalties which I don’t think Haaland will be taking…

      I think Haaland will be just fine. He looks a beast in training aswell. In my mind, definitely not one to omit.

      Notably, he is stylistically different to Aguero. You’d imagine Haaland will be able to press with more intensity.

      But it could take longer than we think.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Aguero was a top top player in Atletico, in La liga when City transferred him.

        Haaland played in Germany and Norway on his career so far.

        I have a feeling he will take his time to adapt. Not starting with him. Prefer KDB instead

        1. Fletch69
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I think he'll be excellent, but I still believe Son and Salah will outscore him in FPL

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            I’m not suggesting he’ll be a failure. All I’m saying is I won’t start with him.

            1. Fletch69
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Me neither, I'm sure we'll both regret it though....

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Then p*ssy out and get him in lad 😛

                1. Fletch69
                  • 2 Years
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  Nope, Salah and Son all the way

        2. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          And what a PL debut that legend had, off the bench 2 goals and an assist and 3 BAPs

        3. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I think you’re slightly harsh. Haaland has been proven in Champions League.

          I’m doing Son > KdB GW 2 and having both.

    19. bv57
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Quite happy with this.....

      Ederson
      TAA Cancelo James Chilwell
      Salah Diaz Saka Bruno G Dasilva
      Kane

      1. TheBiffas
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Personally would downgrade a defender and upgrade DaSilva

        1. bv57
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          DaSilva rotates perfectly with Neco at Forest. None of last years top 6 in first 15 gameweeks.

          1. TheBiffas
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Yep he's a good option, just gave a suggestion

        2. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Spent 10 mins on Brentford forums. Da Silva now a lock in my team.

          1. David Parkinson
            • 1 Year
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Dasilva.

          2. bv57
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Same here a few days ago. Could be a gem

          3. Old Bull
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            What do they say about him. I know he was injured for much of last season.

            1. bv57
              • 10 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Links the midfield and attack really well. Forward thinking player who scores goals. Expected to be first choice.

              1. David Parkinson
                • 1 Year
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Looked okay v Stuttgart, progressive type.

          4. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Played 250 mins last season:

            0 G
            0 A
            1 RC

            27 total BPS

            1. bv57
              • 10 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Was eased back in after long injury. Brentford fans expect him to step up without Eriksen. Who knows but for a 4.5 mid that rotates perfectly with a 4.0 defender it has to be worth a punt.

            2. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Pretty difficult to play with an injury

              1. Big boy Bowen
                • 7 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                It’s the fact he still managed a red card!

    20. Fletch69
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Any Arsenal fans think Odegaard is worth a punt at £6.5m??

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Someone like that needs a team that can score 2-4 regular. Like Eriksen when spurs were potent. Otherwise goals will be spread too much like last year. Saka and Jesus worth the extra imo

        1. Fletch69
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I have Jesus, looking for someone at £5.5. to £6.5 in mid

          1. Meechoo115
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Obvious answer is Neto.

            1. Meechoo115
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Or I fancy Eze. But fixtures are rough. He is a very talented player

            2. Fletch69
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Not for me, lovely player but not got enough goals in him at a team who don't boss a game. He'd be amazing at City

              1. Fletch69
                • 2 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                And agree on fixtures for Eze, maybe after a few weeks

      2. Goooo Rickie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yup

      3. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        better options at that price so no from me

      4. TheBiffas
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Martinelli may start less games but far bigger upside

    21. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      La Roja asked top 6 predictions, what about bottom 3? I'm saying:

      Everton
      Bournemouth
      Forest

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Southampton to go down I think

      2. bv57
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Everton will be ok. Leeds gonna go I think.

        1. Fletch69
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I'm not sure Frank has enough about him, and player for player they're pretty average.

          Leeds will struggle with Raphinha gone I think.

          But Forest lost a load of quality loan players and are my favourites for the drop

      3. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Southampton
        Bournemouth
        Forest

      4. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Leeds
        Fulham
        Bournemouth

      5. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Everton
        Southampton
        Fulham

      6. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Leeds
        Southampton
        Forest

        In that order

    22. One Man
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Salah & Coutinho

      Or

      Son & Diaz ?

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        S&C

    23. Oscar Slater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Koulibaly a Rudi downgrade?

      1. Oscar Slater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        ...like when Arteta went to Arsenal (as a player) and they called him Fabregas Light.

        1. Oscar Slater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          James & Chilwell now totally non-essential?

          1. Fletch69
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Why would that be?

      2. David Parkinson
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        No.

      3. CYN
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Tuchel improves his defenders - no one considered Rudiger elite in 2020. I expect Koulibaly to be a great replacement.

      4. nolard
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I think so.

    24. Supersonic_
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Any thoughts?

      Feel like I'm mindlessly rotate the same players in and out of my team.

      Raya
      TAA Cancelo Cash Trippy James
      Martinelli Salah (C) Rashford
      Jesus Kane

      Forster Bruno Undav Andreas

      1. bv57
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Too much money on the bench

    25. TheAdmiral
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Does anyone else have slow loading FPL pages on the browser?

    26. King Prawn
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      What would you chose?
      1. Tierney + Trippier
      2. James + Tomiyasu

      1. David Parkinson
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        James and 4.5, decide later.

      2. King Prawn
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Tierney + Trippier + £0.5

      3. CYN
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        2

    27. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      What combo would you prefer?

      a. Salah Haaland Kulu

      b. Salah Son Watkins

      c. Salah Kane Kulu

      d. One of a or c replacing Kulu with Saka. (Already have Jesus)

      1. bv57
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        C but prefer Saka/Diaz/Maddison instead of Kulu

      2. David Parkinson
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        a with an 8, decided later.