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Which defenders can combine clean sheets with DefCon points?

22 January 2026 114 comments
Tom Hadley Tom Hadley
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Tom Hadley – a one-time world number one in FPL – is the newest addition to our ever-growing team of contributors.

He’s providing data-driven articles regularly this season, chiefly around defensive contribution points (DefCon).

In this piece, he picks out the players who have a good chance of combining clean sheets with DefCon points over the coming weeks. He also points out some lesser-known players and budget gems to consider.

reliable defenders Tom Hadley

We are comfortably past the halfway mark this season and all of the information is there to fully utilise DefCon and consistently gain those extra points.

DefCon Leaders

The obvious place to start is to take a broad look at the current overall DefCon leaders, both in defence and midfield. 

FPL pre-season: Malen + Watkins again, Xhaka debut, secretive Man City 2
114 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Coupes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Start Dubravkan or Roefs

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    1. BR510
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Tough, Dub purely for home vs away

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Spurs are better away so I'm on Roefs

      But are WHU improving too?

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  2. BR510
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Priority?
    1. Keep Tavernier ( Start Thiaw) and bench until back/wait
    2. Tavernier to Ndiaye
    3. Tavernier Foden Ekitike to Thiago Mbeumo Bruno -4
    4. Bruno to Foden
    5. 4 but next week (keeps Tav)
    Cheers!

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    1. BR510
      6 months, 4 days ago

      4 and 5 are Foden to Bruno whoops

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      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        2. That advice is free of charge!

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      1

      Do 3 next week

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  3. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    ‘Industry-leading’ - by God that made me laugh!

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    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Knight's industry
      Is bread and butter
      Led by monarchy
      Not by Opta

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  4. Chrisaa87
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Saka to wirtz? Or Rogers? And give Watkins more time or swap him for Thiago?

    Already have rice, and just swapped Foden to Fernandes.

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Save the trade and have more fun next week. Ditching Fodenfreude was the move this week. Let him troll others!

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  5. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Bruno G owners jostling and giggling? Plans?

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    1. Tony Soprano
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Probably sell for Enzo

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    2. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Hi mate. Fixtures not great, so was was probably moving him on soon anyway, so I think he's gone for me.

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    3. Amartey Partey
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Holding. His injury might not be serious and he’s a brilliant player who can haul against any side.

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      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Did you see the swelling on his ankle?

        He could easily miss a couple of matches.

        If you don't have Guiu you could bench him, otherwise you're relying on your defenders.

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        1. Amartey Partey
          • 6 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          I didn’t. I’ve got a stacked bench because I wildcarded in 21 so I can handle holding him for now. I will reevaluate next week with more information.

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    4. Drizzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Selling but probably not until gw24. Happy to bench him til then.

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    5. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Season keeper

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  6. CYN
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    A. Bruno G -> Bruno F
    B. Tavernier -> Enzo
    C. Both for -4
    D. Roll and hope one plays

    Flagged Stach is on the bench btw

    Thanks in advance

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    1. BR510
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A but who would start over Tav as wont play this one

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      1. CYN
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Alderete, then Stach if anyone else is missing u expectedly

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        1. CYN
          • 8 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          *unexpectedly

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          1. BR510
            6 months, 4 days ago

            A for sure then I think. Alderete 4-10 pts

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      I would suggest posting your full team to see how Bruno/Tav/Stach injuries impact your overall team this GW

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      1. CYN
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Raya
        Gab Virgil Tark Mukiele Alderete
        Saka Foden Bruno G
        Haaland Ekitike

        Dubravka Stach Tav Guiu

        1FT, 2.2ITB

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        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          Stach could be back this weekend - Farke presser today 1:30.

          Enzo v Bruno F is a tough decision one. Long term Bruno is the better pick but Enzo has a better entry point this GW. Is it a case of one over the other or which one to bring in first?

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          1. CYN
            • 8 Years
            6 months, 4 days ago

            Yeah I could make both moves over GW23-24 by moving Foden to Enzo in 24 and holding Tavernier on the bench.

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            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 7 Years
              6 months, 4 days ago

              I would probably want both players but ideally not take a hit.

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    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A

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    4. Amartey Partey
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Isn’t Stach expected back this week?

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      1. CYN
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        That would be good news

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  7. BR510
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Tavernier replacement up to 7.2? Own Enzo Foden Saka Rice
    1. Schade - skyhigh xGI, good fixture, don't have Thiago, will want in 27, nailed
    2. Ndiaye - pens, decent fixtures, talisman, nailed (Lack of attacking support with Kdh Grealish out)
    3. Other?

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    1. CYN
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Ndiaye seems good long term. Occasional defcon, penalties.

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Schade is great, but I'm not sure that the fixtures are.

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  8. barton fc
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Raya (dub)
    Gab andersen rodon (VDB dorgu)
    Saka Foden bruno cherki soboz
    Igor jesus haaland 1FT 1.3ITB

    A) soboz > enzo
    B) bank

    Enzo this weeks makings getting the likes of Watkins and palmer a bit tricker next week

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    1. BR510
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      If you want to leave the Watkins/Palmer option open then surely roll this GW

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    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Probably roll and do it next week tbh

      You'd think that Liverpool have enough to win at Bournemouth, albeit they can turn them over too.

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  9. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    1 FT, £1.6m to spend.

    Roefs Dúbravka
    Gabriel Chalabah Van Hecke Mukiele Heaven
    Saka Semenyo Rice Rogers BrunoG
    Haaland Ekitiké Guiu

    I was going to roll, but is BrunoG to Mbeumo the move to make here?

    With Heaven and Guiu I've only got 1 bench cover so it looks like moving early for the Manchester United man makes sense now.

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  10. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    How am I looking? 0 FT 0.3 ITB

    Sanchez (Dubravka)
    Chalobah Gabriel O'Brien
    BrunoF Rice Foden Semenyo Wirtz
    Thiago Haaland(c)

    Subs: Dorgu Dalot Guiu

    Planning on shifting Foden next week, not sure to who.

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    1. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Guiu blocking what would have been an easy decision

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      1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        @Fitzy - which is? Foden > Enzo?

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        1. Fitzy.
          • 14 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          Yep, that's the one that stands out given Chelsea's nice fixtures

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  11. jcr1997
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Verbruggen
    Gabriel Alderete Hall
    Palmer Cherki Gordon Bruno F Rogers
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dubravka Konsa Dorgu Obi

    a) Roll FT
    b) Gordon > Semenyo
    c) Gordon > Rice

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  12. RedLightning
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    New Community Article:
    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2026/01/22/ffs-mini-leagues-and-community-competitions-gameweek-22-2
    The latest news from Last Man Standing, the Head-to-Head Leagues, the Live Hall of Fame and many FFS community mini-leagues.

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  13. MJF
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Chalobah should have a chance of an attacking return too, given Palace are vulnerable at set pieces.

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  14. Maddamotha
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Would you start Verbuggen or Dubravka?

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    1. jcr1997
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Verbruggen slightly better clean sheet odds but Dub may get more saves, not much in it

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      1. Maddamotha
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Indeed

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    2. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Similar problem, I have HWilson so partially thinking about Dub who plays at home and usually gets more save points.

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  15. Sfowl123
    • 3 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Sanchez
    Guehi, Timber, Frimpong
    Wilson, Saka, Rogers, Foden, Bruno G
    Haaland, Watkins

    Dubravka, Hall, Kroupi, Rodon

    1FT, any advice? Think it'll probably have to be Bruno G out?

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    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Yeah I agree, though you could prob roll if you wanted to do more surgery next week.

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  16. The Road to Turfdom
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Tarkowski image: I think there's been a def con up there!

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    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Sometimes the DefCon numbers that Opta supply *will* be false

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      1. The Road to Turfdom
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        I'll give you three clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles... then another seven if you need them

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  17. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Is van den Berg straight back in and nailed? Collins worth the extra 0.5?

    Thinking of getting one to play this week, then benching for a couple of gameweeks. Probably sensible to wait for vdB, but if Collins is significantly better, I could commit to him now.

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    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      I mean, bench for a few gameweeks (3!). Gives me better cover than O'Reilly, and sets up some good fixtures when other players in my team could do with a well-earned rest!

      But there's also Mukiele as an option. His fixtures don't rotate quite as well with my players as Brentford's, and Sunderland's defence doesn't look as good, but he has got more points than the Brentford defenders on average this season, quite significantly. Brentford been a bit 'unlucky' to have so many pens against though.

      Or there's Guehi? Somehow seems more boring than even Collins.

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    2. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      No, Ajer playing well

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  18. Essem
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    What a mess. I have Foden, Saka and Gruno with two frees and 0.5 in the bank. Might as well do Gruno and Saka to Rice and Fruno?

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    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Nice

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  19. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Thoughts on Ndiaye?

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    1. FPL Equilibrium
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Great option

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    2. FPLCEO
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Very good value

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  20. Ronnies
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Play one;

    A) Thiaw - home to Villa
    B) Mukiele - away to West Ham

    Cheers.

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    1. FPL Equilibrium
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      B

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    2. FPLCEO
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      B

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    3. The Road to Turfdom
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A

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  21. Sid07
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Start
    1) Lefee
    2) Andersen
    3) Dorgu

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    1. FPL Equilibrium
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      1

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    2. FPLCEO
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      LeFee

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  22. FPL Equilibrium
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Hello All

    For this week only choose 1 from each please

    A) Enzo - Palace Away
    B) Gordon - Villa Home

    1) Chalobah - Palace Away
    2) Hall - Villa Home

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    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      B1

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    2. FPLCEO
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A1

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    3. The Road to Turfdom
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      B2

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    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A1

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  23. The Road to Turfdom
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Priority midfielder out? Bit of a mess, can afford anything

    Gordon (AVL), Cunha (ars), Saka (MUN), Cherki (WOL), Wirtz (bou)

    Cheers!

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    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Cunha out

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Cunha and Cherki out.

      Cunha first.

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      1. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Cunha to Mbuemo/Bruno F

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    3. The Road to Turfdom
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Thanks guys

      Im not sure Man U in this week?

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  24. Miguel Sanchez
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Play one:

    A) Rogers (new)
    B) Guehi (WOL)

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    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      possibly B but ideally both

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    2. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      B for me

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    3. Ray85
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A

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    4. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      A

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  25. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Bench two (can't be 2 defenders):

    A) Chalobah (cpl)
    B) O'Reilly
    C) Tarkowski (LEE)
    D) Virgil (bou)
    E) Fernandes (ars)
    F) Rogers (new)
    G) Welbeck (ful)
    H) Bowen (SUN)

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    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      O'Reilly (WOL)*

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    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      D, G (A, F close)

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      1. The Road to Turfdom
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        your squad is a lot better than mine

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        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          Mbuemo 3rd bench as well. No Haaland, though

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    3. Ray85
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      B and G

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    4. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Tempted to go 5 at the back. Either with O'Reilly or by selling him for Collins (NFO). Liverpool's defensive numbers are good and Bournemouth struggling in attack when at home. Liverpool with a good away defence. Simplistic way of looking at it, but better than no way.

      Bench Welbeck and Rogers (Fernandes only just makes the XI). Newcastle defence too good for Rogers, and Fulham home defence seems solid except against the top teams, while Welbeck is struggling for goals and minutes.

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  26. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Looks like Enzo goes up tonight.

    BrunoG a long way from dropping, would you...

    Play it safe and bring in Enzo?

    Live a little and go for Mbeumo?

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    1. theplayer
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      I lived a little and went Mbeumo instead of Bruno for about a month before AFCON. It wasn't fun.

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    2. Ray85
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Do you have Bruno F? If not I'd go Mbuemo.

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      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        I've got £1.6m banked so can't afford BrunoF without a hit

        Just 1 FT

        Have Saka, Rice, Semenyo, Rogers too.

        Unless I upgrade Guiu or Heaven instead?

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        1. Ray85
          • 8 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          Wouldn't bother upgrading Guiu as there isn't much value in the strikers this season. Heaven to Senesi or even Maguire (if he holds down a first team place) might be decent.

          I'd probably save the FT and try and find the money for Bruno F. Otherwise Mbuemo would be decent.

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    3. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Do not live a little

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      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Misunderstood because I read the top reply before your post. Live a little! I bought Mbuemo and put him third on the bench!

        Also bought Fernandes and considering benching him 😀

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        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          That said, I kind of regret it already. I'm not sure how long I'll want Mbuemo. Might be getting rid of him again in GW28 already, and FTs are going to be precious with blanks and doubles coming up. Still, points are points, and hopefully he'll have some monster hauls

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  27. Ray85
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Already done Foden to Wirtz and have one more free transfer up to 6.5m. Thinking if Szoboslai to Enzo before price increases?

    Seems to be playing slightly deeper under Rosensior though. Any other suggestions?

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      He's been advanced enough if you look at the last two heat maps.

      He also had a better starting position in the Champions League game.

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      1. Ray85
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        True, I'll go Enzo

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  28. Il Capitano
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    1FT 0.3m ITB

    Raya
    Gabriel Chalobah Alderete
    Saka Foden Rogers Bruno G* Enzo
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dub - Andersen Senesi Guiu

    Probably roll, then something like Bruno G + Foden to Bruno F + Ndiaye next GW?

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    1. hazza44
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      Bruno G to Ndiaye

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      1. Il Capitano
        • 5 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Yeah, might be worth getting Ndiaye for (LEE) rather than relying on Andersen this week

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      If you roll

      You'll need to start a 4th defender

      Despite the hopes of Howe it looks like Bruno G will be out on Sunday

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      1. Il Capitano
        • 5 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        Would be looking at an Andersen 1-3 pointer coming in for Bruno so may be wise to go Ndiaye early, cheers!

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        1. Ray85
          • 8 Years
          6 months, 4 days ago

          Will he definitely start though? He only won AFCON last Sun.

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  29. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Who to play this week?
    A) Bowen (SUN)
    B) Gordon (avl)

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  30. Kane Train
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 4 days ago

    Was hoping to save my Wildcard till next week but with Bruno G now injured , Gordon getting subbed early. Foden in doubt to start and O’Reilly aswell

    Thoughts please?

    Verbruggen
    VvD / Gabriel / O’Reilly*
    Foden* / Bruno F / Bruno G / Gordon
    DCL / Haaland / Thiago

    Bench: Dubruvka, Wilson, Mukiele, Anderson

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 4 days ago

      How many FTs?

      I wouldn't wildcard

      You've also got decent options on the bench

      Sell Bruno G, O"R or Foden then.

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      1. Kane Train
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 4 days ago

        0 free transfers

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