Pro Pundits
21 July 2022 594 comments
Simon March Simon March
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The 2014/15 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) overall winner, Simon March, talked to our very own Joe in midweek about his Gameweek 1 plans and first team draft.

With FPL live for 2022/23, we’re welcoming back our stellar team of Pro Pundits and Hall of Famers for the new campaign.

We’ll be hearing from our panel of writers in the lead-up to August, to get their thoughts on the pricing and to see their initial picks.

Our contributors will be providing regular articles and team reveals throughout the new season, with only Premium Members able to access every single one.

With some of us Fantasy managers wondering whether we can adopt a successful ‘threemium’ strategy with a trio of heavy hitters, Simon’s team contains only one £10.0m+ player.

The former champ has instead packed his midfield and attack with four players in the £8.0m-£8.5m bracket, including lone forward Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m).

There are the obligatory premium names in defence, too, along with a surprise choice between the posts.

You can watch the embedded video below.


Other top FPL managers such as Lateriser, Zophar, Tom Freeman and Luke Williams have already been speaking to Az about their first drafts, and you can watch their videos – along with lots of other pre-season content – over on our YouTube channel.



594 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. marcos11
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 21 days ago

    Walker or Stones as a second City defender?

    1. TheTinman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Walker

    2. linkafu
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Walker

      1. Andy_Social
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        News is Laporte is unfit to start the season - if true Stones for GW1. Longer term Walker but even then not for long if they get Cucurella.

        tl;dr - Ederson

        1. Sgt Frank Drebin
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Stones also not with City team in the pre season tour, if I remember right. To be honest, I think I will be avoiding City's defence for the start of the season, too many unknowns and have a feeling they are set for another slow start.

  2. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 21 days ago

    Constructive criticism welcomed:

    Ederson
    Trent Cancelo James Gabriel
    Salah Neto Diaz Martinelli
    Haaland Jesus

    4.0 N.Williams Andreas Archer

    1. BoleynWin
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Potentially Gabriel to Tomi, then upgrading Martinelli to Rashford with that extra .5m.

      If Ronaldo leaves I think Rashford could be a real gem FPL wise, whereas Martinelli is a bit of a rotation risk and will rarely feature for a full game consistently.

      1. xHaTr
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Agreed, but also agree that Rashford is only really viable if Ronaldo leaves and right now that is not looking too likely

  3. linkafu
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 21 days ago

    Rate and comment please

    1. linkafu
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Mendy
      Tomiyasu Chilwell TAA Dalot
      Salah Rashford Mahrez Harrison
      Kane Vardy

      Caballero Walker Andreas Stansfield

      1. LangerznMash
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 21 days ago

        There is a chance that Harrison plays leftback

        1. linkafu
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          .. thanks for the info.. I saw he wants to take more shots but from leftback it could be a bit complicated..

          1. Left wing back
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            I think Struijk is more likely to play LB, but would still consider Aaronson over Harrison for 0.5 less

    2. TheTinman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      7/10, banging body, butter face

      1. circusmonkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Bobfoc

    3. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Rating = N/A
      Comment = lacks depth.

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        team sucks

  4. The Legend Squad
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 21 days ago

    I like the Son to KDB GW2 strategy.

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robbo Cancelo James N.Williams
    Salah Rashford Odegaard Son
    Jesus

    Gazzaniga Plange Colback Taylor

    1. linkafu
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Poor bench but hot XI

    2. TheTinman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Don't like booking in transfers. How you going to hop onto a value wagon?

    3. BoleynWin
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Admittedly KDB could be gold this season if Philips/Rodri hold & let him roam forward.

      The friendly last night was slightly different to how I see City setting up in the league mind, Alvarez was used to run into channels to free up space for KDB whereas Haaland will be the focal point in the attack when starting.

      In FPL terms when you’re checking the score on your phone & see KDB with an assist you’ll be buzzing with the differential, until you realise he’s assured Haaland who every man & his dog owns putting you further behind the pack.

      1. BoleynWin
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        He’s assisted Haaland*

        Autocorrect

      2. The Legend Squad
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I think people are criminally underestimating the goal scoring prowess of KDB.

        Haaland is a cracking player, but want to wait to see that he’s injury free and can do it in the prem.

        I think KDB will score more points than Haaland this year.

        Saying that - if Haaland starts GW1 hot, and City really do look to be setting up around him, I will bring him in. Happy to be proven wrong.

        1. TheTinman
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          KDB is made of glass, he is just as likely to have minutes managed and be rotated as Haaland imo.

          Agree though, KDB is being underestimated here.

  5. EgyptianKing
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 21 days ago

    Thoughts on this?

    Ederson
    Walker TAA Chilwell Dalot
    Salah Diaz KDB Martinelli
    Martial Jesus

    X, Neco Andreas Greenwood

    0.5 itb

    1. SkyHigh
      • 17 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      It's different!
      Martial looks good in preseason but rotation risk in GWs. Get Watkins/Wilson using .5

  6. adstomko
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 21 days ago

    Ladies & gents, which draft would you choose between A & B? Cannot decide between them.

    A)
    Lloris
    Trent, Robertson, Cancelo, Chilwell, Gabriel
    Luis Diaz, Mount, Saka, Maddison
    Kane (C)
    (Bazunu, Andreas, Lavia, Plange) (0.5m ITB)

    B)
    Meslier
    Trent, Robertson, Cancelo, Chilwell, Gabriel
    Salah, Diaz, Mount, Saka, Maddison
    Jesus
    (Klaesson, Andreas, Lavia, Plange) (0.5m ITB)

    1. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      *Take out Diaz in B)

      1. TheTinman
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        So effectively:
        Lloris, Diaz, Kane +0.5m
        Meslier, Salah, Jesus

        I'd go for A personally.

        1. adstomko
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Yeah thinking the same. Only issue is Haaland's minutes when I rotate him with Kane

          1. TheTinman
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Think Haalands minutes concerns are being blown out of proportion here massively.

            1. adstomko
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Just worries me that Pep will start Alvarez / Foden in a false 9 come the fixture congestion. He did that with Iheanacho

    2. linkafu
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Always the one with Mo

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      No Mo, not better.

  7. Our Tiny Windows
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 21 days ago

    I’m being dumb. I can’t find that feature where you can look at players who rotate well. I want to consider two 4.5 Gks.

    1. Our Tiny Windows
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 21 days ago

      Would some kindly point me in the right direction.

    2. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Perhaps Meslier & Henderson

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        thank you. I was wondering where that new tool is, on the website? Where you can look at rotation pairs.

        1. adstomko
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          No idea tbh. Think there was an article on rotation about 2-3 weeks ago though

        2. TheTinman
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          I'm not sure if it does it or not, but the season ticker with additional features is located in the new-members area.

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Folks planning to start with Gabriel then switching to Trippier after gw5?

    1. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Nope. Keep Gabriel. Underpriced imo for a good scoring DEF

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Could be good - works on paper. By GW5 you'll have a better idea.

  9. MamboNumberOne
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Ouch just saw Everton's result from last night. I know Minnesota are in the middle of their season so are sharper but damn that's not promising for them at all.

    1. BoleynWin
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Lampard mentioning another relegation battle during a pre season game isn’t ideal reading for Evertonians, nor those like me that had Gordon on their watchlist.

      I think financially if they go down they’ll be in huge trouble, wage bill, stadium plans etc.

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Sherlock in da house

      2. TheTinman
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Sounds like they're not going to be reinvesting much of the Richarlison cash... 10-15 goals taken away and nobody really exciting brought in.

        They'll be relying on DCL heavily to not get injured.

  10. No_Mo_Salah?
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Thoughts on Robertson vs Diaz? 8m mid is a valuable spot and debating how best to use it...

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I am starting with Diaz, then see how it goes...

    2. Bring back Rafa
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I’ve gone both as much as it pains me not to start Salah. I think Diaz or Saka would be the best way to start the season with a $8m mid based on fixtures….Maddison definitely one to watch when Foxes fixtures turn

    3. BoleynWin
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Would Diaz be your only 8mill spot or is he a second player in that bracket?

      It’s important to have one 8mill player that you can chop and change when the wagons are rolling, I personally think Liverpools value lies in defence barring Salah. Robertson comfortably out scores Diaz in my books, just an opinion mind.

    4. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Robertson if you have Salah.
      Diaz if you don't have Salah

      1. No_Mo_Salah?
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Thanks all. Yes should have said I have Salah and Trent.

  11. Back of the Garnett
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Thoughts on this draft...

    Sanchez
    TAA - Cancelo - Zinchenko - James - Alonso
    Salah - Diaz - Bowen - Neto
    Kane

    Foster - Andreas - Taylor - Greenwood

    Bit weak in goal and or bench is playing on my mind.

    TIA

    1. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Alonso won't start

      1. Back of the Garnett
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Sorry I'm an idiot - I meant Chilwell

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Nice team but not a fan of the 541 formation.

  12. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Straw poll:

    A) Mount & Jesus

    B) Saka & Havertz

    1. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      A. Been toying with this myself

  13. Moxon
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Who is your pick of the 5m defenders and why?

    1. Back of the Garnett
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I'm liking Zinchenko with his probable midfield posiition... could blow up in my face if he's CDM though

      1. Andy_Social
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Would be better if he's CDM. He'll get City's collective clean sheet points and has a good chance for assists.

        1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Is he not going to Arsenal?

          1. Andy_Social
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Doh! Senior moment. Yeah, he's already signed. I mean Arsenal's CS points!

            Talking of which, if not Zinkers, Gabriel would be my 5m pick.

            1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Yah I'm torn between Zinc and Gabriel.

        2. TheTinman
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          I would argue CDM has less chance of assists than full backs these days and compared to wing backs its not even close

          1. Andy_Social
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Depends on the player/manager/system. If he plays like he does for Ukraine, he should be able to set up Martinelli and Jesus (hope so - I'm on all 3)

    2. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Trippier on set pieces and nice attacking threats

      1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Absolutely agree. Decent fixtures in the first 6, also.

      2. The Mentaculus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        +1

    3. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Rasmus Kristensen.
      - 11 attack returns in 29 matches
      - improved Leeds defence
      - Leeds are #7 on fixture ticker

      1. TheTinman
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Meslier covering me for points 2 and 3. Not brave enough to risk an outfield player though.

      2. The Mentaculus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I would love to be proven wrong but I think he's overpriced tbh

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Gabriel- good fixtures to start, nailed and some attacking potential

  14. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Pick 2:

    A) Bowen
    B) Coutinho
    C) Jesus
    D) Rashford

    Thanks

    1. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      CD

    2. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      CA

    3. MamboNumberOne
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      AC

    4. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      AB

  15. LangerznMash
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    FPL_Harry's best FPL strikers video.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9rhTuFDU-4&ab_channel=FantasyFootballScout

    Anyone a little confused with how he ended up with some of his ratings? Also why doesn't he comment on Vardy?!
    Using his data table (which is very nice to compare them all), Vardy looks the standout option, 15 goals and the top bonus point scorer in only 20 starts. Also the best points per start (Jota doesn't count).

    Rating Jesus as only 8/10 value is bizarre when he also ranks him as the best forward option. Jesus is 10/10 value at only £8.0m in my opinion.

    My conclusion is #1 Jesus, #2 Kane, #3 Vardy (factoring in the fixture ticker).

    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Just watched it. Vardy omission is bizarre.
      But I agree with his value rating - Jesus is better value than Haaland and Kane - PROVIDING you don't captain any of them. Now I'll be sharing band duties between Salah and KDB in my current iteration, but if you plan to captain a striker, you'll want one of the big boys.
      I'd still rate Haaland over Vardy, but he ought to have a least mentioned him. I mean, Vardy worse than Wilson and Havertz??

      1. adstomko
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I'm starting to believe Kulusevski could be a really good option in the short term to cover non-Kane owners. He needs to prove himself he wants a first 11 place cemented.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          You don't want an uncertain starter for 8m though.

          1. adstomko
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Thinking of transferring him out in GW3 for a Saka/Jesus double-up

      2. LangerznMash
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I pencilled out this squad after watching that video, but don't like the captaincy option for GW2 (punt on Mahrez).
        Meslier
        TAA, Cancelo, Robertson, Dias, Kristensen
        Diaz, Mahrez
        Kane(c), Vardy, Jesus
        (Klaesson, Bailey, Dasilva, Andreas)

        I think I want KdB + Kane for my captaincy rotation so will stick with my 532 (until the Community Shield throws a curveball).

  16. GoonerByron
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Which of these…

    A - Mendy + Botman

    B - Ramsdale + Botman

    C - Meslier + Trippier

  17. ASHO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Alisson
    TAA Zinchenko Cash
    Mount BrunoG Maddison Son
    Havertz Kane Undav

    Bench - Forster Gabriel Neco Andreas

    I have £5m left in the bank and thinking to drop Mount and buy Bowen GW2.

  18. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Best option

    A Kane Rashford Neto 442
    B Mount Saka Madders 451

    1. MamboNumberOne
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Who's your striker in the 451?

  19. boombaba
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Does anyone know how many times Kane assisted Son and Son assisted Kane last season?

  20. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Why all of sudden so many people have Botman in their teams? What did I miss?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      His price?
      Should be a nailed 4.5 in a defensively decent side.

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Would rather have Jonny for that price to be honest. Or Arsenal defender. From what he barely had any attacking output in Lille.

    2. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Agreed. I think Forest will score on the counter attack and Brighton could too

    3. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      If Newcastle's defence can keep up the form of 2nd half of the season, even CBs are on the table, especially at 4.5. Got rave reviews for his debut. Not too sure about attacking threat / bonus potential yet but he's certainly got height in his favour

  21. davebeah
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Torn between 2 teams at the moment, would love feedback on both.

    A
    Raya
    Trent, Chili, James, Cancelo
    Diaz, Salah, Saka, Neto
    Daka, Haaland

    (I'm stupidly getting sucked into friendly hype with Daka)

    4m GK, Neco, Andreas, Lyle Tayor

    B.

    Raya
    Trent, Chili, James, Cancelo, Robbo
    Rashford, Salah, Saka, Neto
    Haaland

    4m GK, Andreas, Lyle Tayor, Greenwood

    So out of those two it comes down to Robbo and Rashford vs Diaz and Daka

    1. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      If Daka, starts in the rest of the pre-season games, Daka.
      Could explode if Maddison is playing like he is come GW1

    2. ebb2sparky
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I prefer Robbo to Diaz so out of those B but not sure about Raya or the Chelsea defensive double up or Rashford! Also I think there’s better value than Saka at 8.0!

      1. davebeah
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I've gone Saka purely because I'm scared of the Jesus gap, but easy enough to switch to one of the other 8m

        Cheers!

  22. ebb2sparky
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Who is the best 4.5 starting defender? Currently on Tomiyasu.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      For the early fixtures, providing he's fit, him.

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Cheers. Not taken in by all the Dalot hype?

    2. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Dalot / Aït-Nouri / Pereira (if he starts)

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Thanks. Will have to keep an eye on Dalot. Currently sceptical he’ll start. Agree 4.5 Leicester defenders could be a good shout if we knew which ones would feature!

    3. MJF
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I think Dalot looks interesting. Dunk at 4.5 also tickles my fancy slightly.

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Yeah Dunk seems a safe pick for 4.5

  23. Gunners in Haaland
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    A) VVD + Rashford
    B) Robbo + Bruno G

    1. Rohirrims
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      b

  24. MJF
    4 years, 20 days ago

    More team reveals get in.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      None of them are as good as my 237 drafts.

  25. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Ive seen many drafts with 3 premiums but none of them have been balanced. 2 premiums is the way to go.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Raya 4
      TAA James Botman Dalot Neco
      Salah KdB Son Bailey Andreas
      Jesus Johnson Archer

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Yep. Unbalanced. Too many duds.

  26. The Tinkerman
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Trippier
    Salah (C), Diaz, Rashford, Neto
    Haaland (V), Jesus

    Pretty happy with this and the price points covered, I might end up with a 4.5 keeper and Barnes instead of Rash and Ramsdale, but like the general structure.

    Any criticisms? Lack of spuds is the most obvious one, but cant have them all and I prefer the City attack, quite a lot of change at Tottenham so want to see how they settle.

  27. Nuka Girl
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Zinchenko's minutes going to be OK? Or Gabriel still the safe bet?
    I have a very bare bench, so trying to avoid risk of players that get rotated.

  28. Tomerick
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Starting to get a little nervous about Perisic gw1. Worth considering someone else?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Leave it until the last presser before deadline.

    2. adstomko
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Lloris in goal behind overlooked imo, just because he's 5.5m

  29. Maddi Son
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Can somebody explain why you would choose a 6m midfielder over a 6m defender? For example Chilwell & James are both easily better FPL assets than the likes of Martinelli & Bruno G. (Maybe I'm wrong but I feel like most of us can agree with that) - yet 9/10 teams on here include a 6m midfielder when they could swap for a 6m defender. Why?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      'Cos I've already got 5 6m+ defenders.

    2. Tomerick
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I don’t have any specific examples as I can’t see last season’s prices but potentially it could be that

      6m Def + 4.5m mid scores less than 4.5m Def + 6m mid.

      You have to remember that it is much more likely to find a value defender that scores well than it is a mid at the same price. It’s two sides of the same coin.

    3. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Too simplistic a comparison, e.g. there's a lot of value in 4.5-5m defenders while midfielders at that same price are basically fodder. So you need to assess, e.g. whether you gain more by upgrading that defender from 4.5 to 6m, or by upgrading a mid from 4.5 to 6m (at various price points obviously, not just this one which comes out obviously in favour of mids)