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Pro Pundits October 21

FPL Gameweek 13 player comparison: Saka or Martinelli?

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Throughout the 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, our stellar team of Pro Pundits, Hall of Famers and guest contributors will be sharing their thoughts and own transfer plans.

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, seven-time top 10k finisher Zophar compares the FPL appeal of two Arsenal midfielders and reveals his team plans for Gameweek 13.

It’s the last Gameweek of a hectic period, following a fairly low-scoring midweek where the two most prolific sides didn’t play. With only four Gameweeks left until the unlimited transfers of a World Cup break, surely the priority for FPL managers is to now get as many players from Manchester City and Arsenal as possible.

READ MORE: FPL Gameweek 13 team news: Live updates

Gabriel Martinelli vs Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka (£7.9m) has outscored Gabriel Martinelli (£6.9m) over the last four rounds, after a slow start to the season. As pointed out by my friend @UnderstandingF8, a lot of this has to do with Ben White (£4.5m) growing into his right-back role, allowing Saka to take up more central positions while Martinelli has to stay wider due to currently having Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.2m) on his side rather than Kieran Tierney (£4.8m) or Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.0m).

Let’s have a look at the underlying numbers.

Above: Gameweeks 1-7, Saka left + Martinelli right

Over the first seven Gameweeks, Saka (above left) and Martinelli (above right) posted similar numbers, with 1.65 and 1.64 non-penalty expected goals (NPxG) tallies. The expected assists (xA) numbers were fairly similar too – 1.05 vs 1.24, slightly in Martinelli’s favour.

We discussed Arsenal, Man City, Darwin Nunez (£8.8m) and Wildcard picks in this week’s shorter episode of The FPL Wire. Check it out here.

See you next week!

VIDEO LATEST

Haaland Foden


625 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Top! Narrowed it down. Decided against taking a hit for Foden. I can get him WC in GW15, so I'm only thinking of the next two gameweeks. Which gets the most points?

    A) Mount (MUN) + Saka (NFO) + Ward (MCI) + 4pts
    B) Saka (sou) + Saka (NFO) + Ramsdale (NFO)
    C) Martinelli (sou) + Martinelli (NFO) + Ramsdale (NFO)

    I think I would go for B without the Saka doubt, but now it's unclear!

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Not sure WC 15 is worth it if you're having to take hits etc now.

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

        I'm not having to do anything 😀 WC is worth more than 4 points though

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        1. fploutcast
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 6 months ago

          WC is worth more than 4 points (of course) but the value in the WC is the ability to shift players with the changing fixtures. Not sure WC'ing 1 week before another 'wc' is avaliable is the best use of it.

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

            I'll be getting up to 20 changes to my XI over the course of two weeks by WC in GW15, and significant ones based on fixtures. Whereas I would definitely get fewer changes to my XI over the course of 4 weeks by WCing now, and many of them would be sideways moves (like-for-like in terms of fixtures).

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

            Although I don't see how your educational post here is related to my team/situation. I'm just trying to eek out a marginal gain over a couple of weeks. Saving the 4 points might be the better play.

            WCing to avoid playing Mount when some people are WCing him in isn't exactly going to have the impact I would like from a WC.

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      2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        this

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    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      One thing that might be worth pointing out, especially if unsure about Saka, is that Martinelli may well get a very favourable matchup v Southampton - KWP is out, Livramento still out. I don't even know if they have another RB

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

        Thanks Mentaculus

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  2. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Will we be able to get any further information on Darwin before the game tomorrow?

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Early kick off so there may be some team news. But it's not guaranteed.

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  3. luk46
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    start Kepa or Ward?

    chances of Firmino starting?

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Both will concede

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      1. luk46
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        I reckon Ward has higher cs odds, but then Kepa could turn up again and pull out a few great saves

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    2. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I would definitely stick with Kepa

      Chances of Firmino starting have to be high

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      1. luk46
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        thanks, Im currently starting him

        Ye, I just hope he plays and gets his rest in cl or vs Leeds, especially with Darwin being a doubt for tomorrow

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  4. confused01
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    I'm ready to take 1 hit this week (no FT left)... which of these for -4.... or no? (4m itb)

    Mitro > Darwin
    Mitro > Firmino
    Perisic > Trent

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Mitro out for a hit....username checks out 🙂

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      1. fploutcast
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 6 months ago

        lol

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    2. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Sideways for a hit

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      1. artvandelay316
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        I'd be doing the same, but this is Forest. Potential points much higher and it's a risk that could pay off.

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    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      C

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    4. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Assuming you have no WC left, I would say Trent is worth it. But maybe you'll want the money for Darwin when it's clear he's fit and firing (next week?). Also depends on bench cover for Perisic. Basically can't answer your question without more info sorry

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    5. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Hard to say. Currently weighing Firm vs Darwin up myself. Which do you think more likey to start?

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      1. confused01
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        No pool players and feel could be worth it for a hit and to strengthen squad for next few weeks... any hit worth taking ? 4m itb, no FT

        Current team:
        ward (pope)
        trippier cancelo andersen (peri, neco)
        foden rashford marti billing (andreas)
        Kane haaland mitro

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        1. confused01
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          And no WC

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  5. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Firmino likelihood of starting now Darwin is flagged?
    Firm has played last 4 matches without rest but in terms of minutes has had around 100 minutes rest in that time due to being subbed on or off. Darwin could still play but Klopp likely to be cautious? Leaning towards Firmino at the mo.

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      It's a tough one as Klopp also has to be careful with Firmino has he is injury prone.

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    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Think Forest is a game where no risks are needed. Darwin on bench and only coming on if things going wrong, they will want him for Ajax.

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      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Who would be Pools' front 3 then?

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        1. artvandelay316
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          If Firmino doesn't play, with Jota and Diaz injured who would take third place? It has to just be 4-4-2 with Salah and Darwin in that case, or am I missing a forward option?

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          1. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            Maybe Elliott RW, Jones LW, Carvalho 10, Salah 9?

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  6. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Advice appreciated - 1 FT, 0.3 ITB.

    Pope
    Cancelo, Gabriel, Cucurella, Dier
    Salah, Andreas, Gordon
    Haaland, Kane, Solanke

    (Ward, Trippier, Trossard, Dasilva)

    A) Trossard -> Martinelli
    B) Kane & Dasilva -> Toney & Foden (-4)
    C) Something else.

    Thinking A is most sensible?

    Cheers

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    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A

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      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Ta

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  7. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Start:

    A: Guaita
    B: Ward

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    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A

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  8. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Now I’m really confused. 2.7 ITB, 1 FT, I have zero Liverpool coverage, Haaland Foden and Martinelli. Main priority for the transfer this GW?

    A) Liverpool attacking coverage
    B) Arsenal double attack
    C) Cancelo

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    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A.

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    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A or C.

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      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Cheers, I’ll wait until tomorrow morning but which of these is better in your opinion?

        A) Wilson>Darwin/Firmino for free based on hopefully more news
        B) Kane>Firmino/Jesus, Trossard>Salah (potentially captain Salah and bench Wilson)

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    3. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      C

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  9. Bruisers FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Is FISO crack the code broken? Is there a better resource for checking likely price changes?

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      FPL statistics

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  10. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Tempted to roll the FT and get Foden next week... Would do Robbo > Ars def + Tross > Foden in 14:

    Ward
    Cancelo, Doherty, Robbo, Trippier
    Zaha, Bowen, Martinelli
    (H)aaland, Kane, Wilson

    (Pope, Pereira, Trossard, Neco)

    0.1 ITB

    Not too happy with it this week, but just roll the transfer and hope no Foden or Saka doesn't punish me too much?

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    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Keep Robbo, he got his rotation out of the way now.

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    2. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Probably roll. Bowen to Saka or Foden but he has a nice game this week.

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    3. mcginnntonic
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I'm doing the same

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  11. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, is this WC team g2g? Cheers.
    Ward (Guaita)
    Gomez Trippier Cancelo (White Toti)
    Salah Foden Zaha Martinelli (Andreas)
    Haaland Jesus Mitro

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  12. JohannaAdams10
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    How would you play this week out the below:

    A) Solanke to Foden (minus 4)
    B) play Solanke
    C) play Castange
    D) play Ait-nouri

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    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      B

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  13. southernpacific
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Bench trippier for guehi/ Jonny or play him?

    Have guita in goal

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    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Play Trippier

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    2. Sterling Malory
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Play him

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  14. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Any news on Saka? Will he start?

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    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Sounds like only a kick so no problem.

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      1. Bennerman
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        You can't declare 'no problem' just like that!

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    2. Big Mike
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Arteta has said that he's ok and is confident that he will start Sunday.

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  15. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Would you start

    A) Solanke (whu)
    B) Edouard (eve)

    Will be starting Cresswell, which makes me lean towards B, but Palace away have looked off it and have Zaha as well.

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    1. fploutcast
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I'm not sure I would want to double up on CPL away but it isn't exactly an easy fixture for Solanke either.

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    2. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Tough choice. I’d go A.

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  16. Black Knights
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    New article:
    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2022/10/21/fpl-gameweek-13-team-news-live-updates/

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  17. Bucket Man
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Decided to use FT on Neco to Gabriel. Didn’t like double Palace defence this GW. Can still go Bowen to Saka next GW hopefully

    Guiata
    Cancelo, Trippier, Gabriel
    Salah, Foden, Bowen, Martinelli
    Haaland, Mitrovic, Toney
    Ward, Andreas, Guehi, Webster

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  18. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Foden or Saka?

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    1. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Foden

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    2. Big Mike
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I have both but if I had to choose it would be Foden.

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  19. Crystal Alice
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    my current wc draft has White as my arsenal def with Dalot my 5th def.. is Gabriel worth the extra over White? Would mean sacrificing Dalot for Patterson but it’s only 3rd bench spot anyway

    Guaita Ward
    Trippier Trent Cancelo White Dalot
    Bowen Martinelli Foden Saka Andreas
    Nunez Haaland Mitrovic

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    1. elpiratacordobes
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I like White+ Dalot more than Gabriel+Patterson

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      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        But will you actually need to play patterson?

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  20. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Start two:

    A) Cucurella (MUN)
    B) Gordon (CRY)
    C) Solanke (whu)
    D) Trippier (tot)

    Cheers

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    1. Big Mike
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 6 months ago

      CD

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  21. Murder On Zidane's Flo…
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Which one to start?

    A) Kepa (MUN) (H)
    B) Ward (WOL) (A)

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  22. sarnshawn
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Best defender to get?

    Guaita
    Cancelo, Trippier, Saliba
    Salah, Martinelli, Andrea, Foden
    Jesus, Haaland, Toney

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    1. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Trent

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    2. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Trent

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  23. Jude Rooney
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    On WC, basically it comes down to;

    A Salah Rashford Edouarde or
    B Saka Bowen Darwin

    What do you think?

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    1. Big Mike
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A

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  24. Big Mike
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Guys can anyone explain why Mitrovic didn't get awarded with an assist for winning the penalty which he converted? I thought whoever won a penalty which was then scored gets awarded with an assist.

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

      Not if the scorer and the assister are the same person.

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      1. Big Mike
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 6 months ago

        It should do, I've noticed it happen before a few seasons ago with Jamie Vardy.

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        1. Big Mike
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Winning a penalty which is then scored should be classed as an assist, irrespective of who wins it.

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  25. getaroundhim90
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    GW14 Advice (keeping all the way through to GW16):

    Saka, Martinelli or Antony? Looking at members stats, Saka topping most departments and playing Forest a huge plus next week, but facing Chelsea GW15 which could be a worry before Wolves. Man Utd have West Ham, Villa (A) then Fulham (A). Feel like Antony has solidified himself in ETH's system at right inside fwd and gets alot of touches and chances to do his thing in attack. Am I crazy for considering him? Salary not an issue, but Martinelli the value play to get Kane into my team GW15

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