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Pro Pundits August 9

FPL team reveal: Five-time top 1k finisher’s Gameweek 2 plans

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With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2022/23 underway, we’ll be welcoming back our stellar team of Pro Pundits and Hall of Famers for the new campaign.

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

Here, five-time top 1k finisher and Deputy Editor Tom Freeman shares his thoughts and transfer plans ahead of Gameweek 2.

... 2

The new FPL season is underway and if you owned Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) and Erling Haaland (£11.6m) in Gameweek 1, chances are you probably got off to a good start.

Fortunately, I was on the right side of the Haaland/Harry Kane (£11.4m) swing, ending the round on 73 points.

However, as focus now turns to Gameweek 2, here are some observations from the opening weekend that I found interesting, plus my own team and transfer plans.

SALIBA’S IMPRESSIVE DEBUT

Arsenal recorded a clean sheet in their 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Friday night, with the impressive William Saliba (£4.5m) named man of the match on his first competitive Gunners start.

“You don’t really see that. At 21 years old, debut in the Premier League, against this opponent, against physical players – and resolve that situation the way he has done it. With that composure, with that calmness and with that presence. So big credit to the boy.” – Mikel Arteta on William Saliba

Notably, there is now more depth in Arsenal’s backline, with Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.1m) also joining last season’s main four: Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m), Ben White (£4.5m), Gabriel (£5.0m) and Kieran Tierney (£5.0m).

Now manager Mikel Arteta has options, I think their defensive assets will offer real value in 2022/23, especially given their fixture run between Gameweeks 2 and 8.

The full-backs inverted roles mean when the team loses possession, there is space for opposition wingers to exploit, but this new system should at least hand Arsenal more control, something they lacked towards the end of last season.

ANOTHER £4.5M MIDFIELD ENABLER?

Haaland Foden

870 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mizzzza
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Mount to Foden?

    For the next six or longer

    Not impressed with the Chelsea attack/chances

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    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Wait a week

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

      Pondering the same thing. Not sure about Foden but am considering Gundo

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

        Waiting is more sensible though

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    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yup do it

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      • FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Which City mid will start?

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

          Only the lord and Pep knows....

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          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Then I would rather have Mount plus his fixtures are not bad from GW3.

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      • Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Not for me, Foden didn't look great against West Ham, can't guarantee when he'll play either. Mount should play the majority of games and could have scored against Everton and has Leeds in GW3

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      • Its a funny old game
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        No, wait. Chelsea have good fixtures, plus pep's penchant for rotation always a headache

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      • The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I'm holding Mount but if I were to bring in a City mid I would be looking at Gundogan

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

          Agree with this, asked a similar question yesterday regarding Gundo, hopefully he plays a more advanced role now?

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

      Kane to Darwin? Unfortunately the price drop stops me from going Neto to an 8.0 next week so wouldn't know what to do with the money. I have Bailey too. Could use it to upgrade Neco to James

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      1. Budweiser
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I'm not confident Kane scores at Chelsea and Darwin has a plum home fixture..

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        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          There are alot of what ifs.

          Like Kane could drop again.

          Like Darwin could blank.

          Brining in Darwin makes funds available.

          Go with your gut.

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

        I would keep the Faith. Kane will come good

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        1. Budweiser
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          in September probably

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      3. European Bob
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Missed the boat there fella, need to cut down on those buds. Say you had been quicker, which 8.0 would you have got and would it have been for a hit?

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        1. Budweiser
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I like Saka if he's still 8, missed out on Kulu. I'm one of those managers that doesn't like rushing decisions so it is what it is. Think I'm gonna do it, upgrade Williams and play 523

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    5. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Which combo is better?

      1. Sanchez + Saliba + Patterson [bench]
      2. Ward + Sess + Saliba [bench]

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

        1 - wouldn't be confident in predicting the Spurs wing backs each week

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        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          yeah but I have Saliba as a cover on the bench for that

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          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Saliba is going to get clean sheets and bonus points. This is the kind of player you want to be starting and is only 4.5. Why would you want him on your bench?

            Just take that into account.

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            1. R.C
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Going to rotate with Sess. Sess has too much upside I feel for just 4.5

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              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Will Sess start every game?

                If you are on WC, maximise value on your starting 11 and avoid traps 🙂

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                1. R.C
                  • 6 Years
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  Fair enough. What are your thoughts on Royal and Ward as players in starting XI?

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                  1. FOO FIGHTER
                    • 4 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    I am not having any Spurs defence. People have already been burned by Perisic.

                    Dier if anything but there are better assets from Arsenal.

                    GK's are a hassle to own. I have Ward on my bench though.

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                    1. R.C
                      • 6 Years
                      1 year, 8 months ago

                      Would you get Ward as starting GK on WC?

                      Always feel we need money up front..

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                      1. FOO FIGHTER
                        • 4 Years
                        1 year, 8 months ago

                        If the 0.5 saving from not going a 4.5 GK gave me a chance of not having to start Bailey in midfield then yes I would go with Ward.

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                        1. R.C
                          • 6 Years
                          1 year, 8 months ago

                          Basically I want to be able to get to one of the Spurs wing backs when they seem settled so will upgrade Saliba or Walker to one of them

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

            I think the Spurs wing backs will come off the bench most weeks when not starting with the new 5 subs rule so there will be a few 1 pointers blocking Saliba

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      2. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        2

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

        1

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    6. Bishopool
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Bench order?

      a) N. Williams
      b) Andreas
      c) Greenwood

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      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        BCA

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      2. Retired
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        B
        A
        C

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      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I would have Neco 1st bench.

        He is at home so there is a chance he could get a clean sheet.

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      4. Bishopool
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        As Forest play with 5 defenders, is Neco in attacking position? Did anyone see the game with Newcastle?

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        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Wingback

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    7. Bishopool
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Trying to figure out which one will be capitano - Haaland or Salah.

      Both 100% on penalties? Or ManC can surprise with Mahrez etc.?

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      1. Budweiser
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Haalands til he misses surely

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      2. Retired
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Judging by the comments so far this week, I’ll say it’s about 60/40 % Haaland.

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

        I'm currently on Haaland but the heat factor has made me less confident. It could well lead to early substitutions.

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        1. Bishopool
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Same here. 3 misses and off he goes. Especially in simple game like the next one.

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    8. Retired
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Quick question guys

      If I join a Mini league in GW2, will my score from GW1 be added or start with 0 points?

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

        Former I believe

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        1. Retired
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Cheers, much appreciated.

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    9. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Which do you prefer?

      A) TAA and Saliba
      B) Robertson and Zinchenko

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      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        A please

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    10. You Must Be Jokin Ere
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Given the EXTRA wildcard available during the World Cup, i think it's a No-Brainer to use WC1 before GW 6 or thereabouts, regardless of how well you are doing?

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      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yep otherwise it's a waste

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      2. Ninja Škrtel
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        better to do it after GW8..international break.

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      3. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Not much point holding it too late unless trying to set up a BB just before World Cup, but I think splitting this block in 2 halves & WCing around GW8/9 looks good to me

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      4. Studs Up
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Why would u change anything "regardless of how well you are doing?"

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      5. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        "No-brainer" only makes sense to a no-thinker.
        How can you possibly determine the right time to play a WC with so little data to go on?
        If I'm doing great with my squad and never need to change more than I can with a 1FT, I'll play my WC as a FH in GW16. I mean, it's an unlikely scenario, but I wouldn't rule it out at this stage when I have no info to decide otherwise.

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        1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          First of all - Impressive opening line Jargon there. Hope you don't use it in "real" life!!
          My point is aimed at the 90% or so Managers who will invariably, come GW 5 or 6, see a WC opportunity to change circa between 5 - 8 players. This can even be partly based on good upcoming fixtures. There is the comforting fallback of the World Cup WC to re-set.

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          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            The off-topic bit first: I certainly do use it in 'real life'. My job used to be to train students to think critically, so I loath the phrase.

            Relevant point: it was heavily discussed before GW1 and the consensus is that all things being equal, the Inty Break between GWs 8 and 9 is probably the optimal time to play the wildcard. I don't see any great need to go over well-trodden ground again, but that's the more thoughtful way to arrive at a likely scenario rather than reduce a complex situation to the phrase 'no-brainer'.

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            1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Well i did say "before GW6 or thereabouts". I hadn't scanned the fixtures for International breaks etc. I suppose my point was that the EXTRA WC is a bit of a ....wait for it....Game Changer (do you like that one!!). Will definitely get Managers who were loathe to use it early thinking about an early one to fix obvious flaws in their Squads.

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      6. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        We more or less know the players which will be moved to from GW2 so being proactive is not the worst case scenario.

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        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          We don't know about incoming transfers though. United and Chelsea will almost certainly bring people in by GW5 - i.e. possibly after GW4. I can see TDD surprising us with an 80M defender we can get for 4.5 at Chelsea, and maybe a forward we'd lie rocking up at United. Plus other unexpected surprises. Would be madness to WC before TDD.

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          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            I do not think Tuchel will sign another left sided defender. Cucurrela may just become a plessure to own after GW2 onwards.

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            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              I'm talking about Fofana.

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              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Azpi signed a new deal. I reckon the Fofana deal is dead in the water.

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        2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          No you don't. The transfer window is open for close to 3 weeks after GW2's deadline. You know what players everyone wants to move to from 1 week's worth of information, and surprise surprise, they're all players that picked up points in GW1. You don't know what players are in manager's plans but didn't start in the first week due to being a little unfit or slightly rusty after preseason. You won't be able to jump on fixture swings and you can't make any wholesale changes if you're stuck with a lot of issues / unavailable players. You're leaving yourself 15 weeks to manage from the foundation of a GW2 WC.

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          1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Come GW 5 though, you should have ample information.

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            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              I'd say GW5 is the earliest point that we can analyse data with any degree of confidence. Even then there will be later data that casts doubts. But earlier than GW5, WC-ing is a cr4pshoot.

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              1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
                • 11 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Unless you have 4 or 5 obvious duds in your squad. "Speed Trumps Perfection" - we are flying it with Jargon now!!

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        3. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Disagree completely . Fixture swings , injuries , transfers all have to be considered. GW2 is way too early

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          1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Who said GW 2?

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    11. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      did kane to haaland before the rise.. the wise move would be to leave as is for GW2?

      Sanchez
      Taa robbo cancelo gabriel
      salah rash mount bailey
      haaland(c) Jesus

      Ward Andreas Neco Archer

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

        Yeah no hits required, but pay attention to how Rash & Mount play this week.

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

        Yep, save. Then figure out what to do with Rashy and Bailey in a couple of GW's perhaps.

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    12. Who let Udogie out?
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Will Darwin's price increase until next gameweek? He is very close to price change(90%-fplstatistics.com).

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      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I'd expect him to rise tonight.

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

        Should do - he's close

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      3. Fabreghastly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        He'll be 9.1 before deadline

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    13. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      If you were to bring in a City defender now, would you prefer Walker, or Aké for a bit of set piece threat?

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

        Walker

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        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Neither. Could be benched by Pep in a week or two. Dias or Ederson would be my choices - if you can't afford now, wait.

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

        Yeah, Walker

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      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Walker. You can switch him to another 5.0 if things go tits up.

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      4. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I went Walker, don't plan on holding him too long though.

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

      Kane to Darwin or hold? (have Halaand)

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      1. Retired
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        After the Chelsea game, spurs play wolves, forest & West Ham. Holding ain’t a bad option tbh.

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    15. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Salah playing wide is not good for him as a FPL asset right?

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      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Unproven there imho

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          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Yeah so that's a worry right? He's going to play wide in some matches

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            1. George Sillett
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              How do you know this - are you Klopp?

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            2. The Mentaculus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Irony radar needs tuning Mr King

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        • Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Makes no difference. He never stays wide.

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          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Never? lol

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            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Okay. No point debating with a poster that doesn't watch football.

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              1. R.C
                • 6 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Tell me why he 'never' stays wide?

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                1. George Sillett
                  • 8 Years
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  Precisely this , never STAYS wide

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                2. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  He moves. TAA goes outside, he moves inside. Hendo goes outside, Elliot goes outside. Klopp has set up the tactics thus all the years Salah has been hauling the most points in an FPL season. But sure, this season he tells his best and most highly-paid player to stay where he'll be less effective 🙄

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            2. George Sillett
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Correct me never STAYS wide

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              1. Sheffield Wednesday
                • 3 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                * he (you did ask to be corrected)

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                1. George Sillett
                  • 8 Years
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  Should have been a comma after me .

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        • Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Don't think playing wide is the issue...more like if Nunez is on the pitch then it becomes an issue

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          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            They'll have a no.9 playing a lot this season

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        • Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Not ideal.. but he was scoring points from wide in the past. There was an interesting Athletics piece the other day about how TAA will be hogging Salah's half spaces with Darwin's arrival forcing Salah wide to drill in crosses into the box for Darwin, Diaz an Robertson.

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        • FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I may go without Salah later during the season but right now he is not leaving my team.

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        • Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Yeah haven't seen him playing there before. I think we should all sell him, you go first I'll be right behind you

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          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            It's a long term thinking tbh. He had an xG of 0.38 last game. Signs are there

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            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Liverpool got off to a sluggish start. One poor game. You think they're heading for a 38-point season?

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            2. The Mentaculus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Yeah to be fair, he hasn't quite looked at his most threatening yet & I'm still backing Son over him. I think its a perfectly valid strategy to try go without him, especially with Haaland looking like a potential permacap option

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

              goal and assist vs city last week too

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      2. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Play 2:

        A Cash vs everton
        B Dalot vs Brendford
        C Andreas vs Wolves
        D Rodrigo vs Saints
        E Maddison vs Arsenal

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

          Saints are poor. Rodrigo

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

            And Madds of course.

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      3. Matr1xOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Help...

        Johnson (nott f) / mount to Darwin/ 5.0 m ( Dewsbury Hall?)

        To avoid the Darwin price hike? 0 itb qnd would cost -4

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