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The data-led optimal FPL squad structure

Community writer ritzyd discusses Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squad structure ahead of Gameweek 1 – and argues why ‘big at the back’ may not be the optimum approach.


With lots of talk about ‘big at the back’ and 5-2-3 drafts flying around, I wanted to look at what was the optimal FPL squad structure based on previous seasons’ data.

So I set about building the best FPL squad structure using statistical analysis for the 2022/23 season.

I looked at points gained by different player positions at different price points over the previous three seasons to work out the best team structure to maximise potential points based on this season’s starting prices.

To analyse this, firstly I excluded the lowest price point in each bracket (£4.0m goalkeeper, £4.0m defender, £4.5m midfielder, £4.5m forward) assigning this as the base cost of a player. To be included players also needed 500+ mins played.

I split defenders into ‘defending’ defenders and ‘attacking’ defenders based on less than/more than 40% of their touches being in the opposition half. Midfielders/forwards also needed minimum expected goal involvement (xGI) to qualify.

Using starting prices, I then split player positions/prices into the following categories:

Goalkeepers:

  • bargain (4.5m)
  • mid-price (5m)
  • premium (5.5m+)

Defending defenders:

  • bargain (4.5m)
  • mid-price (5m, 5.5m)
  • premium (6m+)

Attacking defenders:

  • bargain (4.5m)
  • mid-price (5m, 5.5m)
  • premium (6m+)

Midfielders:

  • bargain (5m, 5.5m, 6m)
  • mid-price (6.5m, 7m, 7.5m, 8m, 8.5m)
  • premium (9m+)

Forwards:

  • bargain (5m, 5.5m, 6m)
  • mid-price (6.5m, 7m, 7.5m, 8m, 8.5m)
  • premium (9m+)

From here I then ran an analysis to find out which Opta stats most closely correlated to FPL returns. For defenders, this included things like touches in the opposition half, attempts from set plays, goals conceded and shots on target, while for attacking players it included touches in the penalty area, shots on target, touches in the final third and others.

Using these stats plus expected goals (xG), I worked out an expected points set (excluding appearance points) and from this, an expected points per million (ppm) spent over and above the base cost in each position.

The sample used data from the past three seasons and contained over 500 individual player data sets.

Here are the results:

  • Bargain GK: 90 ppm
  • Mid price GK: 59 ppm
  • Premium GK: 69 ppm
  • Bargain Def Def: 50 ppm
  • Mid price Def Def: 54 ppm
  • Premium Def Def: 60 ppm
  • Bargain Att Def: 96 ppm
  • Mid price Att Def: 83 ppm
  • Premium Att Def: 61 ppm
  • Bargain Mid: 74 ppm
  • Mid price Mid: 51 ppm
  • Premium Mid: 33 ppm
  • Bargain Fwd: 71 ppm
  • Mid price Fwd: 34 ppm
  • Premium Fwd: 23 ppm

So how do we extrapolate this data to look at building our squad? Firstly we need to understand how to use it.

As an example, a £4.5m bargain ‘keeper would be expected to get 90 ppm above the base price (£4.0m) so from previous seasons would be expected to get 45 expected points (90 ppm*0.5m (0.5m being 4.5m cost less 4m base price)) above any appearance points. A premium GK at £5.5m would be expected to get 104 expected points (69ppm*1.5m) above any appearance points.

What are the takeaways from this data?

  • Premium forwards offer the least value per million spent of any position (excluding captaincy),
  • Forwards generally offer the worst points per million spent of any categories above.
  • Defending defenders all have a reasonably close points per million output regardless of price bracket so there is little point in spending budget on a premium defending defender. For example, you may as well choose Lewis Dunk (£4.5m) over Virgil van Dijk (6.5m) and use the money elsewhere.
  • Choosing a budget goalkeeper is only marginally detrimental to your side’s output. Don’t waste money in this position.
  • Premium midfielders offer the greatest overall points potential, followed by mid-priced midfielders with premium attacking defenders close behind that. These three areas are where you should focus most of your budget.
  • Bargain forwards compete surprisingly well with mid-priced and premium forwards.
  • Mid-price attacking defenders are generally overlooked but offer some great value and FPL points potential.
  • There is very little value in attacking (MID/FWD) premiums generally; it would be interesting to try a single premium strategy and transfer in/out for captaincy but not sure I’m personally brave enough.
  • Bargain attacking defenders don’t offer much. Choose mid-price or premium attacking defenders only.
  • Bargain midfielders offer good value, especially at the higher end (£5.5m/£6.0m)
  • There is a lot of talk about big at the back but mid-price and premium midfielders should not be overlooked. Throw away those 5-2-3 drafts! 
  • When looking for attacking premiums, 2x midfielders is better than 1x midfielder and 1x forward.
  • Returns on ppm are not linear as price increases every 0.5m step.

So what does this mean for squad structure? Based on the data above (and my own elements not included in this article), the most efficient squad structure if data from previous seasons holds reasonably consistent is as follows:

  • 1x Bargain GK (£4.5m), 1x Fodder (£4.0m)
  • 3x Premium Attacking Defenders (£6.0m+/£6.0m+/£6.0m+), 1x Mid Price Attacking Defender (£5.0m-5.5m), 1x Fodder (£4.0m)
  • 1x Premium Midfielder (£9m+), 2x Mid Price Midfielder (£6.5m-£8.5m), 2x Bargain Midfielder (£5.0m-£6.0m)
  • 1x Mid Price Forward (£6.5m-£8.5m), 1x Bargain Forward (£5.0m-£6.0m), 1x Fodder (£4.5m)

That comes out at a base cost of £94.0m at the higher end of the brackets. In reality, this might look something like the following (players chosen to highlight the point rather than because I think they are a good pick!):

  • Jordan Pickford (£4.5m), fodder (£4.0m)
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Joao Cancelo (£7.0m), Reece James (£6.0m), Lucas Digne (£5.0m), fodder (£4.0m)
  • Mohamed Salah (£13.0m), James Maddison (£8.0m), Phil Foden (£8.0m), Pedro Neto (£5.5m), Andreas Pereira (£4.5m)
  • Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m), Dominic Solanke (£6.0m), fodder (£4.5m)

This comes out at £96.5m, giving you £3.5m to upgrade elsewhere (likely to get a second premium in midfield or attack, ideally upgrading one of the mid-price midfielders to a premium one) but you can play around within those brackets to find what works for your own squad and the players you want to have.

As an aside, I ran a small sample size analysis on the effect of fixture strength on the numbers above (all Premier League games from 1st Jan 2022) but not in enough detail to warrant full discussion here.

However, a few things that stood out fairly clearly were that forwards’ points tend to be least affected by fixture difficulty as their points tend to be scored fairly randomly, premiums across all positions benefit most from easier fixtures, and bargain defenders tend to be generally poor no matter the fixtures.

The data was clear enough to lead to the thinking that rotating your premiums to target easier fixture runs is a very valuable tactic while buying lower-priced assets to sit and tick along. Focus transfers where they can be most effective (premium assets).

Hopefully, you found that helpful – and good luck for the season ahead.

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

ritzyd <p>Long time FPL player who mainly plays for fun, enjoys a differential punt and loves a good data dive now and then.</p> Follow them on Twitter

820 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sumatera
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Best alternative to Neto? Don't rate Wolves or him TBH
    Aaranson worth a punt?

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Bailey?

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Going Aaronson myself. Think KDH is my choice if I was going 5.0 mid over Bailey, not fully convinced on Bailey minutes

    3. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Bailey

  2. Who let Udogie out?
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    96% of experts will play with 2 premium players. I always picked only 1 or 2 premium players but I am considering going with 3 this season. Is it too risky to bet against 96% of experts? (I just watched Veritasium's video about experts and I might be oveconfident).

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      There’s no such thing as an FPL expert they are just football fans like the rest of us.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I beg to differ. I don't pay any attention to the 'expertise' of the myriad muppets on this forum; it's the 'experts' that I respect that I listen to. Still go my own way though.

        1. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Fair enough. I think there are people with spare time and knowledge, I just think “expert” is a marketing tool.

          I definitely do not think they know a lot about football.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            As I wrote, I listen to the ones I respect. That means there are plenty self-appointed 'experts' I don't respect at all. But there are few YouTube channels where people realyy do deep research and do know what they're on about - such as Blackbox, the Wire, Inspected Goals, Haul the Goal and others. They're very very different from the some of the flashy video gobsh1tes who are no different from posters here shouting 'Choose A not B!'

        2. FPL Brains
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I'd classify the author of this article an expert too. I love analysis like this which helps shapes structure and a philosophy to play from. Feel like there are valuable snippets here and there. I totally agree with still going my way, but there are a handful of people on the forum (you incl) that I do like getting perspective from.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            I'd classify him as an expert too. Hence, I read his article. I haven't changed my draft though.

    2. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      You’ve been watching that annoying immature chip on shoulder brat

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        1 year, 7 months ago

        FPL expert here, don't go against me or your rank will be terrible

      • Marcin the Pole
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I have heavily toyed with the three premium idea and may still go with it. But just feel the money being spread probably gains you more points, especially as you cannot captain all of them. Go with your gut though, if you have regularly played fantasy and watch football, you too could class as an expert.

        1. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Well put. Just need a YouTube channel to qualify even if you think a midfielder playing at centre forward is automatically a “false nine” like most of them do.

        2. Who let Udogie out?
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I have a team for first 2GW then I plan to use double substitution.

      • LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I once captained Gary Cahill and he went on to be the star of the week.
        B me an xprurt?

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Very interesting - thank you.

      2. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        “ The optimal structure of an FPL squad

        Top Level Summary

        The greater value for money per £m spent is in the Defender and Midfielder positions, whereas the Forwards and Goalkeeper positions offer greater relative value in the cheaper categories of player. Therefore, the ideal squad structure features heavy investment in Premium Midfielders and Defenders, whereas there is little justification for an expensive Goalkeeper or more than one Premium Forward.”

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Yeah, and interesting it's 4 years old.
          "Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose"

      3. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Worth noting that the recommendations are for 2019/20 season (published July 2019)

    4. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Who do people think is the best 8.0 mid? I'm tearing my hair out on it but currently on Mount.

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Mount

      2. Alcapaul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Saka or Diaz

      3. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Kulu

      4. cassanata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I'm going with Mount

      5. Netters2018
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        A week ago i would have said maddison (i am still on him) but now feels like mount,foden or saka...i may switch to mount myself.

      6. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Kulusevski week 1 with a view to moving to Foden week 2 if he gets decent minutes and starts season well.

    5. klopp2567
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      RMT:-

      Ward

      TAA Cancelo Dias Perisic
      Salah Martinelli Bailey
      Vardy Kane Martial

      Bench:- Iversen , N williams, Andreas , Neto

      Good to go or too weak?

      1. aapoman
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        It's a bit different but solid

        1. klopp2567
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Bit worried about the MIDS thou looks rather weak

      2. Marcin the Pole
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I actually like it. Very brave to go against Jesus's army of owners though.

        1. klopp2567
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          So true..Counting on vardy to be frank.. too many people on Jesus bandwagon for now

      3. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Missing Jesus

    6. jaywills
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Chances of Zinchenko starting for Gooners?
      A) 25%
      b) 50%
      c) 75%
      D) 100% nailed.

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        First game D

    7. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Last pieces of puzzle in the team, which to go?

      A) Trippier+Perisic+Saka (5-3-2)
      B) Perisic+Martinelli+Wilson (4-3-3)
      C) Trippier+Foden+Martinelli (4-4-2)
      D) Perisic+Saka+Aaronson (4-4-2)

      1. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I’d just point at the screen with my eyes closed then select the one my finger was nearest to.

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        BACD

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

      Which pair?

      A) Robertson & Bamford
      B) Perišić & Darwin

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        B if you've a spare Liverpool slot

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

          Nope

    9. jia you
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Final decision (just for GW1)?

      A. Lloris Robertson Cash
      B. Martinez Trent Doherty

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

        Close. B short term, A long term

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Yeah was on A but thinking of changing to B since it's a one GW punt

    10. monte
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Article says no to 5-2-3 but struggling to see where to improve midfield. I see Darwin with more points than Diaz so essentially changed from a 5-3-2…

      Ward
      TAA Cancelo Walker James Perisic
      Martinelli Salah
      Darwin Haaland Jesus

      Don’t see Bailey or Neto out scoring these defenders, do you?

    11. Devil's Own
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I need Salah, Halland n Son/Kane. Rest I had to manage, RMT please.

      Sanchez
      TAA, Cash, Trippier, Walker, (Neco)
      Salah, Son, Rashford, Bailey, (Andreas)
      Halland, Jesus, (Taylor)

      Any obvious miss exept Cancelo/James? I believe if City doesn't sign another LB, Walker presents good value and covers Cancelo's ppm.

      1. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I like it but your only way out of the 4.5 attacker is to wildcard, if you are happy with an early wildcard then this team looks good

        1. Devil's Own
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          This season we will rarely need the 3rd sub I feel.

          1. FlamingMoe
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            You don’t need a third fwd, one of the main points of the article was that’s where you get the least value.

    12. NielsvanDelft
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Four premium draft!

      Ward - (Iversen)
      Cash - Gabriel - Doherty - Walker - (Jonny)
      Salah - Son - Bailey - Aaronson - (Andreas)
      Haaland - Kane (Archer)

      1. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I’m not sure you’ll get the points spreading too thin in places but certainly solves the Haaland or Kane question

      2. Azzastaan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Looks good until taa bags 15 points first week and you are scrambling to get him in when hes 7.6.

      3. cassanata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Goes against the information in the article, the wisdom of the crowd and the defense looks weak. I'd personally lose one of Son or Kane and spend on defense. You can't win FPL or your mini leagues in GW1 but you can lose them.

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          ...certainly can't lose them either with 37 GWs to play, some silly stuff being peddled

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            sorry opened my phone and this was the first comment that I read (thought it was current, not 5 hours ago lol)...but the reason I commented was with 13 years experience I was surprised by your comment or is that what very experience managers truly believe?

    13. Captain Hindsight
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      This might be the most tinkering I’ve ever done with my team preseason

      Thoughts?


      TAA, Perišić, Cancelo, Trippier
      Salah, Neto, Grealish
      Haaland, Jesus, Martial

      Ward, Bailey, Andreas, N.Williams

    14. MysticMac17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Alisson and Dalot

      OR

      Ward and James

      1. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        A but Ederson

      2. Azzastaan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        W and J. Dont waste a liverpool spot on allison. 4m too good to miss out on and James will be the 3rd highest scoring defender this season.

        1. Captain Hindsight
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          James is looking a RCB which will reduce his points. I’m waiting to see before making the call

    15. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Who's going big at the back?

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Me

      2. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Nope

    16. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Any thoughts?

      Ward
      TAA Robbo Cancelo Trippier
      Salah(c) Mount Rashford Bailey
      Kane Jesus

      Sanchez Archer N.Williams Andreas

      1. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Not sold on mount or Chelsea in general.

        Looks good otherwise

        1. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Cheers captain!

      2. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        How about grealish and sancho over mount and rashford?

        1. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Actually a good idea!

    17. FPLMACKEM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Which draft?

      A)
      Ramsdale
      TAA, Robertson, James, Cancelo, Peresic
      Salah (c), Martinelli, Bailey
      Haaland, Jesus

      Ward, Neto, Pereira, Greenwood

      B)

      Ramsdale
      TAA, James, Cancelo, Peresic
      Salah (c), Martinelli, Neto, Diaz
      Haaland, Jesus

      Ward, N Williams, Pereira, Greenwood

      1. Azzastaan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        B

      2. Neevesy
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        So basically who scores more?

        Robbo plus Bailey

        Or

        Diaz plus Neto

        Probably prefer B.

        1. FPLMACKEM
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Yeah put the whole squad on for context.

          Cheers. Why do you prefer B?

          1. Neevesy
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Because I think Diaz and Neto will get more points over first 4 or so weeks.

            Could be wrong though!

      3. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        A is what I am on as like Robertson who is tried and tested PL player we know will score points

        1. FPLMACKEM
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Robertson is definitely the safer option. The only thing putting me off that draft is no 8m midfielder who I could easily switch to.

          1. dunas_dog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            That’s the thing-only 2 moves so can see how they all start season

            1. FPLMACKEM
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              You would probably have to drop Robertson to fund an 8m midfielder. Think I am tempted to start with the Robertson draft though.

              I always say at the end of a season that next season I'm going to go big at the back as defenders always show the best value.

              1. dunas_dog
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                Actually might drop Cancelo to 5 m defender and Martinelli to Foden if looks good- but getting ahead of myself ….

      4. FredrikH
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        A

    18. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Anyone know how to change your password on here cause I can’t work out how? Someone’s popped up in one of my Leagues called ‘fantasyfootballscoutdatabreach’ so I’m playing safe… Keep an eye out on your leagues folks

      1. Tomerick
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        If you don’t use the same password for FPL that you use for this site you’ll be fine.

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I don’t but I’ve changed it again on both accounts just in case thanks. It wasn’t easy to work out how on here, but I’ve managed it cheers.

    19. rberry
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      1. Mount & Kane
      or
      2. Sterling & Vardy

      Thoughts?

      1. Azzastaan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        1 to start. Need to see which sterling and vardy turn up this season

        1. rberry
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Cheers man. Yeah that is true!

    20. Ruinenlust
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Who else is going with 3 premiums?

      1. Neevesy
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I'd love Kane, KDB and Salah

        Or Son, Salah and Haaland.

        Just can't seem to make it work.

    21. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Last season's Projected Liverpool player points per game; game weeks 19-38

      Salah 7.81
      Diaz 5.66
      Matip 5.07
      Robbo 5.05
      TAA 4.94
      VVD 4.78
      Alison 4.36

      Taking into account players over performing / under performing, I reckon the points totals are a lot closer than the general 'big at the back' strategy suggests. Perhaps 'mid-price at the back' might allow for a stronger squad?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Needs a pinch of salt. Doesn't account for Salah's post-AFCON slump, Diaz bedding in, Mane's presence, the goalkeeper's sex change and Nunez's arrival.

        Besides, any big-at-the-back squad worthy of the name has TAA and Robbo.

        1. space mercenary
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Agreed, but those type of factors will apply to any statistics with any given player. The statistics relate to the positions the players took-up, crossed from, shot at goal from, created chances etc. When you compare previous season's totals for VVD, TAA and Robbo for example there is a lot less separating them than their price tag suggests. I haven't included Alison there but I'm sure she'll have another good season.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Players' positions: with Mane going and Nunez arriving - who isn't a like-for-like replacement, Klopp will tweak the tactics. So we still have to be careful with data re past positions. That also applies to the wingbacks, whom I think will be more prolific, therefore possibly widening the gap between them and VVD.

    22. Azzastaan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A james and patterson
      B trippier and zinkchenko

      1. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        B

      2. Neevesy
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Playing both then B.

    23. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Best early differentials?

      For me Sterling and Rashford could be gold at the respective price points.

      1. Captain Hindsight
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Martial
        Bailey
        Grealish
        Robbo

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        The template is so condensed, there are only about 20 players who AREN'T differentials!

        1. Neevesy
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Haha this is true. I'm trying not to go completely template.

      3. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Wilson
        Aaronson
        Digne

    24. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      6 million players now!

    25. BobB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Looks like Ronaldo has burned his bridges. Martial a real possibility.

    26. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      What’s everyone’s choice of 4.5 defenders?

      1. cassanata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Not too many 4.5s being picked with so many good options at 5.0. I personally wouldn't pick any 4.5 at the start

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Dunk Justin/Castagne ( good rotation) Dalot Jonny

      3. space mercenary
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Dalot or Malacia. The former more nailed for me though.

    27. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Trippier or cash?

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Trip

    28. Tim2012
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Rate my team

      Ward
      TAA Cancelo Trippier Cash
      Salah Neto Bailey
      Haaland Kane Jesus

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Like it, who’s your subs?

      2. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Looks god but prefer Doherty, gab or Walker to cash

    29. Ruinenlust
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A) Dalot and Martinelli

      B) Walker and Neto

      Which?

    30. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Is there anywhere on this site (or elsewhere) which shows how many points Kane got after the half way mark of the season vs prior last season?

      I've read alot about the lack of value in forwards but Kane's form post-Conte needs to be factored in.

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        https://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/player-stats/outfield-players/

        Don't think the link retains all my settings, but Conte joined GW11 so basically I've set it to GW range: 11-38.

        Kane 167pts from 28 starts, 6.0 PPG

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          From GW19 153pts @ 6.7 PPG
          Doesn't have FPL pts from 20/21 but 2nd half of that season he got 12G 3A

          1. FPL Brains
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            You sir, are an absolute legend. Thank you.

          2. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Oh you meant 21/22 pre-Conte actually.. that's all there
            GW1-10 24pts @ 3.4 PPG (way behind Hojbjerg even!)
            GW1-18 34pts @ 3.4 PPG

            1. FPL Brains
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              That's incredible, I think it also breaks the "Premium forward isn't worth it" argument too actually.

              1. The Mentaculus
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 2 Years
                1 year, 7 months ago

                I was all for 451 last year but I do think there's potential for forwards to make a big comeback this time & Ive ended up on 343 with 28.5m up top

                1. FPL Brains
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  1 year, 7 months ago

                  Kane x Darwin x Jesus?

                  You going to wait for Klopp's presser to see if he'll start?

                  1. The Mentaculus
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 2 Years
                    1 year, 7 months ago

                    Actually Haaland, Darwin, Jesus (+ Son). Darwin is my fun punt - I know may only get 30mins GW1 but I think he could start GW2 & at this point I cant see myself selling Haaland/Jesus for him & don't like booking transfer so I'm just going for it.

                    P.S. check out Son's stats under Conte too - not quite as dire pre-Conte of course, but extraordinary since he joined.