855
Pro Pundits September 7

FPL Q&A: Time to sell Salah and ditch ‘big at the back’?

855 Comments
Share

Throughout the 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, our team of Pro Pundits, Hall of Famers and guest contributors will be appearing regularly on these pages to share their thoughts.

Only Premium Members are able to read every single one of these pieces, so sign up today to get full access not just to the editorial content but all of the other benefits, from hundreds of Opta stats to a transfer planner.

Here, four-time top 5k finisher Az takes some FPL questions ahead of Gameweek 7.

Gameweek 7 Pro Pundit Article

Hello, hello, everyone! I thought I’d take a look at some of the pressing questions from the Fantasy community today. Anything that takes my mind off Graham Potter’s seemingly imminent departure to Chelsea…

Q. Should we sell Mohamed Salah? (Mozumbus, @FPL_Edmund, @SamFox885)

FPL Gameweek 7 hot topics: Salah's form, Leicester's defence, three up top

There’s no doubt that since Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) came back from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), his FPL output has been on the decline. From Gameweeks 1-21 last season, Salah was averaging 8.8 points a game with an average non-penalty xG (NPxG) of 0.6 and an expected assist (xA) tally of 0.2.

Upon his return, there were minor changes to both his NPxG (which fell to 0.5) and xA (which increased to 0.3). However, the points were harder to come by – dropping to an average of 6.2 points a game.

This season, despite a shake-up in the attack for Liverpool, we expected Salah to get back to the heights of the start of last season. Things got off to a good start, with 14 points against Fulham in Gameweek 1. However, since then, things just haven’t been dropping for the Egyptian King.

An average NPxG of 0.4 is the lowest it’s ever been, and while his xA is up to 0.3, Salah is only averaging 5.2 points a game – a far cry from his highs of 7.8 points a match in 2020/21 or 7.3 in 2019/20.

The biggest worry is perhaps his decline from being a reliable captain option to someone who has blanked more times than returned in the last five games.

 

1

The rest of this article is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

1

Haaland Foden


Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

855 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    How do I digest the fact that I took a hit last week to buy Zaha, Estupinan and Gross?

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

      just rough luck. dang.

      Open Controls
    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Drown the sorrow with booze

      Open Controls
    3. LC1
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      digest it with alcohol because that is rough

      Open Controls
    4. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      For every blank there's double gameweek...

      Open Controls
      1. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        thought of that, but we don't know when that would be and at the moment I wouldn't have 11 players for that gameweek

        Open Controls
        1. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Well Estupinian is benchable, Gross might be a sell with more difficult fixtures and Potter leaving(?) for Chelsea, you might keep and bench Zaha as well, maybe?

          Not sure about dates but it might be possible to squeeze that game somewhere midweek GW9/10. Decide after GW7, there might be some kind of decision when BRI-CRY takes place.

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

            Ben Crellin said GW19 is the earliest it's likely to go IIRC

            Open Controls
            1. Pipermaru
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Dunk TC anyone? 😀

              Open Controls
    5. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Bad management. Never take a hit unless you can’t field 11

      Open Controls
    6. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Is there and clue as to when it will be played … educated guess?

      Open Controls
  2. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    343 is the way

    Open Controls
    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Did so recently upgrading Archer.

      Open Controls
      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Doing that this week myself

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

      Being able to switch between 343 and 433 is also nice.

      Open Controls
      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Agreed

        Open Controls
      2. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        this is where I'm at too.

        Open Controls
  3. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    After messing up captain yesterday, hoping Lewandowski (c) does the business today, maybe we can break 100 pts.

    Open Controls
    1. PartyTime
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Hat trick

      Open Controls
      1. nerd_is_the_werd
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Let's hope so.
        2/9 to score anytime and 11/10 for 2+ goals.
        Expecting at least 4 goal difference here, not being greedy.

        Open Controls
    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      i forgot to sub in Lewa and Kounde (for 2x 2pts)
      so i'm stuck with Chilwell (c) and I'm all out on 59 pts.

      I'M AN IDIOT!

      Open Controls
      1. nerd_is_the_werd
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        That's a disaster.
        As long as your best players are in the XI, in case stuff goes wrong.
        I'd be fuming if Lewandowski was on the bench...

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

          i only had 4 players today including a gk i didn't want.
          i totally stuffed up.

          Open Controls
  4. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    So Kulu was rested at the weekend.. and now rested for the game he was supposedly rested for. Maybe .. and IL whisper it.. Richarlison is ahead in the pecking order at the moment and the term is dropped instead of rested?

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

      Conte certainly sounded quite impressed by his recent performances (especially his start against Fulham). It might be a specific tactical choice though, Kulusevski tends to slow the ball down while Richarlison like Son has the pace to cause damage on the break, so it may just be that Conte wants to utilise that tonight. Either way I'd expect Kulu will start at the weekend against City, he was excellent against them last season and then Richarlison provides the alternative from the bench if chasing the game

      Open Controls
      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yup. Kulu should start. I think we could see them sharing that spot for a while though. Making both of them non options.

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

    Cap is going to end up in either a good or bad week again. You just cannot bet against Haaland even though Conte's plan will be to pull the rabbit out of the hat.

    I think Pep will play both Alvarez and Haaland again to open up space for Haaland to run into.

    Open Controls
  6. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Here I was thinking that Mac Allister for a -4 was a bad move after BRI - CRY was postponed.

    Turns out that's GW8 instead of this coming GW7, still not good though.....

    Open Controls
  7. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Diaz + Stansfield > Rash + Mitro for free?

    If he is fit to play of course.

    Thanks

    Open Controls
    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Good moves imo

      Open Controls
    2. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sounds ok

      Open Controls
    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Let's see how many minutes will Diaz play tonight first. Otherwise these transfers make sense.

      Open Controls
      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Thanks
        Yeah that makes sense

        Open Controls
  8. Scalper
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Repost.

    I’ve found a way to get salah Kane and haaland without destroying the rest of the team

    Pope (ward)
    TAA Walker James Trippier (Tomkins)
    Salah martinelli gros (andreas) (Iqbal)
    Haaland Mitro Kane

    Salah or Kane can easily be downgraded with use of 2ft and spread funds elsewhere if need be.

    Open Controls
  9. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    The last time Begovic faced Arsenal, they lost 5:1. I think I may go with Jesus (c) after all and hope for the best.

    Open Controls
  10. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    The only question is who will run the show on Sunday - Jesus, Saka, Martinelli or Odegaard?

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

      If Everton defend like they did vs LFC 100 busses parked, it is going to be difficult scoring against them.

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

        Exactly my thinking.

        Open Controls
      2. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Want game were you watching? 100 buses parked? Everton’s Xg from open play was almost identical to the sh*te’s.

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

          Counter attack from Everton.

          Liverpool had like 24 shots at goal. Everton were lucky not to concede.

          I watched the match.

          Open Controls
          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            That was really naive of Everton to sit against one of the best attacking teams in the league. They should have just thrown caution to the wind and used their prolific attack to make it an attacking spectacle for the television audience.

            Open Controls
          2. Third Eye Vision
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            People talk about luck. ‘Luck’ is having a goal overturned by VAR for a marginal call. Luck is not being down to 10 men when your defender rakes the shin of an opposition player.

            The sh*te were lucky, not Everton. Our players played a blinder.

            Open Controls
            1. AC/DC AFC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              https://twitter.com/City_Xtra/status/1567561573283119104?t=uYKPM9Yy9esbeftjWyrR3A&s=19

              Klopp reckons Liverpool were only lucky once last season and it didn't matter.

              Open Controls
              1. Third Eye Vision
                • 11 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Ha. My mother, who is now 78 and has been going to Goodison all her life, refers to them as ‘the jammy reds’.

                Open Controls
        2. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I actually read a good breakdown of how Everton tactically nullified Liverpool (as best as they could). It was a level of tactics I hadn’t seen us execute as well previously under Frank.

          I think that Arsenal is going to be a much bigger ask though.

          Open Controls
      3. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Everton will be without Pickford who is a decent goalkeeper, leader and their captain. This is a massive blow and I'm sure they will miss him.

        Open Controls
        1. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Wait, what happened to Pickford?

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

            Thigh injury, out for about a month

            https://mobile.twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1567572736964182018

            Open Controls
            1. Pipermaru
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Thanks!

              Open Controls
    2. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Maupay

      Open Controls
      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Oh no you didn't! 😡

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

      Gordon 2-1 Toffees

      Open Controls
      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        He may score one, but not two.

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

          But of your original question I think the value is in the mids long term if the scary Jesus ownership can be jumped off

          Open Controls
    4. F4L
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Saka has been the one the last 2 weeks, suddenly decided to start coming in from the wing

      Open Controls
      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yes, Bukayo woke up at last. We still don't know who's on pens and it's slowly starting to annoy me.

        Open Controls
  11. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A) Play Cucurella
    B) Alvarez>Armstrong and play Armstrong…this would also free up cash for Gross>Rashford next GW

    Open Controls
  12. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Should I sell Cucurella to White or Gabriel this week?

    Moving to White allows me to do Salah + Diaz -> Son + Bruno with 2 FT’s in GW8.

    If I go Gabriel route I’d have to get Rashford instead of Bruno in GW8.

    Plan is to dead-end into GW8 before WCing in GW9.

    Ederson (Iversen)
    Trent - Cucurella - James - Cancelo - Trippier
    Salah - Diaz - Martinelli (Andreas, Reed)
    Jesus - Haaland (Archer)

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

    Were Chelsea to get Potter would that changes things with regards to Cucurella:

    A) keep Cucurella
    B) use FT and get Trippier

    Open Controls
    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Been mulling this over myself. Leaning towards Trippier. He may rise tonight.

      Open Controls
  14. RWB_1991
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Best time to wildcard? Gw 8 or 9?

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

      8 if you have Sanchez and Groß

      Open Controls
      1. RWB_1991
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I only have Gross. You think it’s better or not to play it during the international break?

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

          I have Gross and Sanchez and will have 2FTs next week.
          Very likely not WCing in gw8. Going to try avoid gw9 even and wait for gw12 if I can.

          Open Controls
          1. RWB_1991
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Cool, any reason why gw12 especially?

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

              Liv v City in gw11 - then they have great fixtures after.
              Brighton's great run ends in gw12.

              4 weeks of fun before WC seem short enough to punt/be agressive.

              Just the current vibe - my team is fine enough now to not need a WC so it seems like there might be more upside later.

              Open Controls
              1. RWB_1991
                • 3 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Fair play. Sounds like a good plan

                Open Controls
  15. F4L
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Such an easy CL group for Spurs, should pay dividends for owners of their players in the last 4-5 GWs before World Cup

    Open Controls
  16. PartyTime
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    So Nuñez & Jota to start this weekend. Looks like Díaz would leave my team.

    Open Controls
    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Diaz to play salah to rest

      Open Controls
      1. PartyTime
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Scenes but who will play on the right?

        Open Controls
  17. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Hope Liverpool get battered tonight

    Open Controls
    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      booo

      Open Controls
    2. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I want Salah to score a few, ideally 3 or 4 or more so that most FPL managers captain Salah against Wolves.

      I want to have less EO on my captain Haaland.

      Open Controls
  18. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Dunk & Kulu > Trippier & Rashford -4
    Y/N

    Open Controls
  19. AD105
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which players would you most like to own/bring in for the next 2 GW only?

    Planning to WC after that, obviously have Haaland, Salah etc already

    Open Controls
    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'm in the same situation. Thinking of Trippier mainly for Bournemouth. Sinisterra or Rashford in midfield and Isak or Mitro up front.

      Open Controls
  20. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is that the same Totenham youth star Marcus Edwards that today totally destroyed Frankfurt??? Wow.

    Open Controls
  21. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Who are you all looking to transfer in for a GW 9 WC?

    Tinkering got me this.

    Ward ¦ Iversen
    James Trippier Cucurella Zouma ¦ Neco
    Salah Son Maddison ¦ Bailey Andreas
    Haaland Toney Mitrovic

    Open Controls
  22. Patrick Bateman
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Best one week punt for Kulu?
    A) Sinisterra
    B) Rashford
    C) Maddison

    Open Controls
    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Keep him

      Open Controls
      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        this

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

      A

      Open Controls
    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      All being well Kulusevski more likely to start next.

      Open Controls
  23. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Perisic playing alongside Kane upfront according to BT Sport lineup.
    What a field day if this is true, huge opportunity for +pts here - maybe a monster haul.

    Open Controls
  24. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A few of us said it would be great if the Community Shield game went one way but the other is the case.

    It's hard to play against the overwhelming tide on here though.

    Transfers tho are handy...

    Open Controls
  25. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    off the post Napoli

    should have crossed it tho

    Open Controls
  26. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    One last hurrah for sanchez, then a switch to Pope next week.

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

      Will be a popular move

      Open Controls
    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      VERY LIKELY for me. VERY.

      Open Controls
  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Liverpool are just awful

    Open Controls
    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      just unlucky really

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

      Look leggy these days

      Open Controls
  28. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Napoli 1 nil

    penalty

    unlucky Milner!

    keep your hand in...

    Open Controls
    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Unlucky? That's poor decision making from a player whose primary selling point is his experience

      Open Controls
      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        it was a little joke.

        Klopp might say so...

        Open Controls
  29. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Klopp out next?

    Open Controls
  30. putana
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    liverpool are finished. Shite squad

    Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.