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FPL December 22

The FPL half-term report: Southampton

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Our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) restart coverage continues with a review of all 20 Premier League clubs’ seasons so far.

In this Half-Term Report series, we look at which FPL players and teams have been top of the class in 2022/23 to date and who should be consigned to the Fantasy naughty step.

FPL bosses get unlimited transfers before Gameweek 17, so these articles will hopefully help you pinpoint some key targets for the Boxing Day resumption.

Next up is Southampton, about to start a new era under manager Nathan Jones after almost four years with Ralph Hasenhuttl.

As is the case with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are also under new management, any underlying data we’ve witnessed so far will be of limited use for Gameweek 17 due to the change in head coach.

But it at least helps us pinpoint the existing strengths and weaknesses of the Saints, as well as speculate on which FPL assets could prosper under the new regime.

ATTACK: SEASON SO FAR

TotalRank v other clubs (adjusted per game)
Goals scored1316th
Shots17312th
Shots in the box10913th
Shots on target5416th
Big chances2412th=
Expected goals (xG)14.7519th
Non-penalty expected goals (NPxG)14.7516th

The Saints are currently in 19th place, stuck in the relegation zone after ending the first chunk of the season with three consecutive defeats.

Their only player with over two goals is forward Che Adams (£6.4m), whose 1.1 per cent ownership is beaten solely by the 4.6 per cent of James Ward-Prowse (£6.2m) – likely inactive managers that have already ditched their FPL squads, considering the midfielder hasn’t scored since the opening day.

It’s easy to see why managers have little interest in Southampton attackers so far. They rank ok for goal attempts and big chances but have an awful expected goals (xG) tally.

Above: How Southampton compare to other Premier League sides for minutes per NPxG across 2022/23 (click to expand)

DEFENCE: SEASON SO FAR

Haaland Foden


FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

177 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    Salah vs KDB is tough.
    Lots think Salah outscores KDB in the next 3 but KDB face Leeds without Adams and Everton(the worst def before the break) so he may not be outscored by much and later I will surely want him for the DGW so he may be the one

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    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Robbo and KDB or Cancelo and Salah has been constantly on my mind this week.

      A scary amount

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      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        Im not convinced by Liverpool's defensive numbers tbh, Cancelo is the pick there ands people often mention that he doesnt get attacking returns but lets not forget he has 4 assists in 6 games in UCL this season so its about time he starts getting assists in the league too now that Grealish wont play every game due to fixture congestio so he can go up forward more

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        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          This has what has swayed it for me.

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    2. MBK 42
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      I’ve had KDB at times this season but he never scores big, ticks along with assists but for the price I’d want more. Salah can easily explode at any moment and net double digits.

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      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        By the time you aren't captaining him cause Haaland is there, you need to pick the one who gets more ppg and KDB has 13 returns in 13 starts this season

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    3. JELLYFISH
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      I've got both in my current draft with Cancello, Halland (and Kane)

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      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        So you went Salah over Nunez, their numbers are quite similar but Salah has pens so it can work

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        1. JELLYFISH
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Nope I've got Nunez too, Correction though, I've got Walker not Cancello (sorry, bad covid head!)

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          1. Shark Team
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 4 months ago

            Oh alright you ve got all the guns up front then

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  2. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    Final draft (until LC games are over).

    Really happy with this. Some thoughts underneath also…

    DDG
    Cancelo Trippier James
    Salah Kulu Rashford Martinelli
    Haaland Darwin Mitro

    Ward White Andreas Bueno

    Thoughts:
    1) DDG can become Kepa for the double if his place is secure
    2) Kulu to Mount possibly for the double
    3) No third City yet as I’m unsure if I’ll want Walker, Foden, KDB or even Alvarez
    4) Almiron will not continue his scores
    5) Can’t quite decide on Bueno or Patterson. Can afford either.

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    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      I prefer Ramsdale cause I trust Arsenal def more than Utd's, rest is great

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      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        I don’t fancy double of either right now so it’s DDG and White over Ramsdale and Martinez for example.

        DDG will get more save points

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        1. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Or get a bench fodder instead of White sitting on your bench

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          1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 4 months ago

            One fodder is plenty for me. I like the balance.

            I’m not sure what I would do with the 0.5 saving going Patterson for White.

            Might be a future move to enable Ederson.

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    2. MBK 42
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Sound reasoning other than 4, I don’t see why Almiron doesn’t carry on - bet people said same about Michu / Ramsey / Mahrez halfway through their epic seasons.

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      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        They had better stats to back it up I think.
        I may be wrong, but I can’t fit him in regardless anyway

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  3. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    Is it madness to go for this?

    Kepa ward
    Trippier Dalot White Walker Bueno
    Salah KDB Rashford Martinelli Almiron
    Haaland Martial Mitrovic

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    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Not a fan

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    2. MBK 42
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      I think Martial will let you down

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      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        So take out martial to someone lower? And then upgrade defence?

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        1. MBK 42
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          You could punt on Nketiah, or there’s Wilson and Toney who look better bets than Martial (esp as you have Rashford - I don’t see United being free-scoring under ETH)

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  4. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    Is Summerville a decent alternative to Andreas?

    Positives:
    Saves me that vital 0.1m
    Decent fixtures coming up
    Was in form pre WC

    Negatives:
    Flagged
    Unsure on Leeds generally
    No double

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    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Ridiculous.

      Just keep Andreas

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    2. Vovhund
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      That's beeing too clever for a 0.1m saving. Do Andreas to Summerville GW 20 maybe

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    3. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      I have had in my thoughts starting a cheap mid every week. You can do it by starting Andreas 17-19 and Summerville after that. This if you want 3 premiums

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    4. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Summerville injured anyway. Been in a protective boot was said to be back training but our short term injuries always tend to turn into long term ones.

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  5. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ramsdale ward
    Cancelo James Trippier TAA Shaw
    Saka Odegaard Foden Rashford Almiron
    Haaland Darwin Martial

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    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Like it

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    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Too much Arsenal and a bench headache every week

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      1. Totalfootball
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        Best team in the league..

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  6. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    pretty template but should I leave as is now?

    Kepa (Ward)
    Trip / Dalot / Gabriel (Castagne / Bueno)
    Ode / Rash / KDB / Almiron (Pereira)
    Darwin / Kane / Haaland

    thanks all, merry xmas indeed

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

      I would prefer Cancelo/Mitro over Gabriel/Kane. And Shaw over flagged Dalot.

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

        I understand your thoughts, I actually took Cancelo out as he's been a bit too inconsistent for me for the price. I've spread the funds out a bit. Kane has given good returns so far this season so am happy to keep and use him as my "bank" if he doesn't perform

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    2. Totalfootball
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      Might copy this team
      Great.

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

        thanks!

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  7. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    Any advice?

    Kepa
    Saliba-Cancelo-Tripp
    Martinelli-Maddison-KDB-Almiron
    Mitro-Haaland-Darwin

    Ward-Andreas-Patterson-Bueno
    0,8 itb

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  8. Tales of Bionic
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 4 months ago

    I’m surprised to see so many drafts with Rashford - Man Utd has not been stable enough for me to be convinced and he is inconsistent. Can score big but also be quiet for a few games, also with risk of rotation or early subs. Injuries makes him slightly more appealing but not convinced. What’s the rationale behind all Rash love?

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 4 months ago

      content creator

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      1. Mirror Man
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Who are all premium members. Surprise surprise hint hint wink wink.

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      2. MBK 42
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        Ronaldo going should mean he starts more and generally United should be better going forward without CR7 slowing everything down and generally poisoning the dressing room.

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      3. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 4 months ago

        Scored 3 in WC, scored 2 last night.

        Has form, has fixtures.

        Stop being silly just to be different.

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        1. Mirror Man
            1 year, 4 months ago

            Abrasion appreciated. Upvote locked in.

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          • Tales of Bionic
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 4 months ago

            Form is definitely something to consider and he def scores big when he scores. It’s the consistency that I’m doubting however. Could be worth a punt short-term.

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        2. The Mantis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          bargain

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        3. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          He is great for the first 3gws imo cause he is carrying the form over the World Cup, showed it yesterday. i dont expect anything massive from him but 2 goals in the next 3 will be great and then ditching him for another mid

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

        Thoughts on this squad?
        No Salah/kdb and have spread the funds instead.

        Ward, Kepa
        Cancelo, Trippier, Robbo, James, Gabriel
        Rashford, Zaha, Foden, Martinelli, Almiron
        Haaland, Mitro, Darwin

        Benchboost in gw17 or wait until a dgw?

        Foden could be Kulu instead, and maybe change Kepa to someone else.
        Benching headache the obvious downside..

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        1. MBK 42
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Why do this to yourself? That defence will be a nightmare to pick from each week and you’ll invariably end up with points on the bench most weeks.

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        2. Mirror Man
            1 year, 4 months ago

            A wonderfully even spread, like marzipan enveloping a lovely sponge cake held together with gooey jammy goodness.

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          • The Mantis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 4 months ago

            you know from the last 5 years or so of FPL you need KDB or Salah

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        3. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Forgetting XGI and the like. Saka Martinelli Odegaard. same points, same minutes. Martinelli 6.8 or 6 when he was bought. Odegaard 6.4 and Saka 8. What is complicated about the pick? If you want one go for Martinelli if you had from the start or him or Odegarad if buying now.
          Why Saka?

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          1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 4 months ago

            I don't disagree but if Arsenal get 3 pens in the next 3 games, you will have your answer.

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            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 4 months ago

              live in hope for penalties at a 2 mil premium. Penalties no helped his points so far.

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          2. Shark Team
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 4 months ago

            Saka has pens but yes Martinelli is the pick. Odegaard not so much because there's no Jesus to convert his chances now and i want to see how Nketiah will work into the game

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            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 4 months ago

              I agree with this

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        4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Hi, A or B?
          A. Kane, Ben White
          B. Nunez, Reece James

          Cheers.

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

            I like B

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

          which is the better option

          Current team
          Kepa (ward)
          Trippier, Cancelo, White (dalot, Bueno)
          Martinelli, Rashford, Almiron, Salah, (Andreas)
          Mitrovic, Haaland, Darwin

          A - Rashford, Darwin, Mitrovic (2.6 itb to upgrade defence)
          B - KDB, Salanke, Martial (0 itb)

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

            or C) Rashford, Mitrovic , Kane with 0 itb

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        6. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Just for a laugh really...

          GK Kepa, Ward
          DEF Trippier, Walker, Shaw, White, Patterson
          MID Salah, Rashford, Martenilli, KDB, Andreas.
          FWD Haaland, Darwin, Martial

          0 left in the bank. It's ballsy for sure. No James in defence though

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        7. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          For those avoiding Mitro, let me tell you something:
          Mitro vs CRY(A) SOU(H) DGW
          scores more than any other fwd except Haaland
          IF he gets a YC then you have Andreas in the bench to cover so why do you mind

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        8. Lionac
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 4 months ago

          Walker or Shaw? Don't own Cancelo

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