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The Technical Area – Willian’s Progress

Much like the broader picture of his career at Stamford Bridge, Willian’s 2017/18 FPL campaign has been something of a tumultuous one.

Heavily touted in the pre-season as an underpriced route into the Chelsea attack (after an Eden Hazard injury opening up space within the Chelsea XI), the Brazilian’s early returns proved bitterly underwhelming: no goals and a solitary assist over the opening eight Gameweeks served as disappointing returns for a player of his calibre.

A spell on the sidelines followed, with Willian most frequently utilised as an impact substitute towards the end of matches.

The winds of change, however, seem once again to be blowing in Southwest London.

Willian, who had started just one of Chelsea’s previous eight fixtures, returned to the lineup in Gameweek 17 and has since proved a revelation.

From this date, he has returned three goals and five assists over eight Gameweeks, alongside a heady seven bonus points. In so doing, the winger has also begun his return to fantasy prominence – acquiring over 100,000 new owners during this span.

Do the underlying numbers support the idea of a Brazilian resurgence? And how do Willian’s numbers compare to other mid-priced competitors? With popular mid-priced picks now falling by the wayside, could Willian yet prove to be a powerful Fantasy differential?

2,112 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Which move?
    (A) Arnautovic to Shaqiri
    (B) Arnautovic to Pogba
    (C) Arnautovic and DCL to Mahrez and McBurnie/Quaner (-4)

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A

      B if Martial

  2. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Pick one

    A Willian VVD Jones
    B Gross VVD Jones
    C Martial Tarkowski Smalling
    D Martial Gomez Smalling

    Have DDG Already.

    1. Marv25
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. Marv25
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Meant A

  3. fridge
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Adrian, Ryan
    Christensen, Otamendi, Schindler, Ogbonna, Kenny
    Salah, Mahrez, Sterling, Lingard, Arnie
    Kane, Quaner, Firmino

    I have 2 FT and 0.8 ITB

    A)Firmino & Arnie > Aguero and Milivojevic
    B) Arnie > Miki
    C) Arnie > Shaqiri and bank some cash

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Mhki has a blank right in 28?

      Might not start games straight away

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Only blanks if City are taken to a replay in the cup providing they get through this round

  4. Vlad Tepes
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Worth taking any hit to get rid of:

    Masuaku
    Zanka

    0 ITB

  5. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Arnie, Masuaka & D.Gray > D.Silva, Chilwell & Milivojevic (-4)?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Silva ?
      He has played 3 in the last 7 games for six points since his personal issues, why would you buy him now as we approach huge fixture congestion for City ?

      1. Lilac Breasted Roller
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Although we haven't heard any updates regarding his baby; IF he plays 100% again he could prove to be great value again like at start of season

        I'm considering it because it leaves me with an option to invest 0.7 into upgrading another midfielder, but it's risky as you mentioned

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          I agree, owned him earlier, but it is a big ‘if’ to have 8 mill on the bench when there are other options

  6. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Best value stoke player to get in
    Allen
    Chu
    Shaq

    Thoughts lads.

    1. Midlands Saint73
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Everyone is talking about Stoke mids but we are spoilt for choice in that area so I am seriously thinking about Diouf now that he is playing as a striker because the striker area is a barren wasteland. Could he be the elusive 3rd striker we are searching for?
      To answer your question I think Allen will be a more steady and supplier of points. If he is going to mostly be on your bench that is better than high and low scoring on alternate weeks. Frustrating when someone is on bench with 6 or 9 and in your team with 2 or 3.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Diouf has started 2 in the last 7 games?
        Jesé back too?

        1. Midlands Saint73
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          1 in 1 with new manager though 😉

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Go for it then 🙂

    2. Hillbilly
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I'm tossing up the same thing and leaning towards Allen.

  7. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone tempted by a short term palace punt? Mili/Sako good value and Zaha vs an injury hit West Ham....

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Yip, all good value and 3 great fixtures

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Which one would you punt on?

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Milivojevic - to open up funds for other moves

    2. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Townsend for me. 🙂

  8. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    A) Son + Arnie -> Mahrez + Choupo
    B) RLC + Arnie -> Albrighton + Choupo

    B) means I play Dunk this GW , BRI are away to SOU

  9. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you rather have?

    A) Gross and KDB

    B) Sane and Walcott / Mkhy

  10. CasuallyOverthinking
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    So why are so many people bringing in Niasse? Am I missing something? Is he supposed to play? Or is it just his price that makes people buy him despite his uncertain minutes?

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Price, but Ulloa to Brighton should end that

      1. CasuallyOverthinking
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        yep, just read about that 2 mins ago! =)

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Hughton only plays with one striker. Uncertain if Ulloa is nailed.

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          ...apart from the fact that he is a class above Murray and Hemed. 🙄

          1. Oven Glover
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Locadia?

            1. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Wide left I imagine.

              1. FPL Virgin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                So they break their transfer record to play their star striker OOP? 🙄

                1. Ruth_NZ
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  He's a winger as much as a striker.

  11. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Are you guys really make Sanchez’s price rise before Tuesday’s deadline?

    That’s one GW too early, lads

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      They better not

  12. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Changed Sanchez > Hazard
    Mkhitarian > Pogba
    Ayew > Wilson

    WC team now looks like this

    Schmiechel,Adrian
    Alonso,Jones, Tarkowski,Bauer,Kelly
    Salah,Sterling, Mahrez,Hazard,Pogba
    Aguero,Rodriguez,Wilson

    Pogba or Martial?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Delicious.

    2. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Planning to get Sanchez for 26?

      I would.

      Very good team this btw

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        unsure.
        If I do I may as well have him in now. Not worth planning a transfer.
        Thanks

  13. Paulie Walnuts
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    How nailed is this Cillwell fella?

    1. Paulie Walnuts
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Chillwell

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Never heard of him

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      He isn't

  14. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    FT used - any further transfers needed or GTG?

    Elliot
    Alonso - Dunk - Maguire
    Salah(c) - Sterling - Son - Zaha - Richarlison
    Kane - Firmino

    Bench: Lloris - Kenny - Quaner - Masuaku

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kane > Kun(C)

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Not for a hit besides feel its points chasing this week

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Kane will blank, Kun will haul....

      2. LÖrKingMuch
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Aren't you worried that that was last week's missed opportunity? Salah (c) this week, regardless of insanely high ownership and because of it really.

  15. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    #KaneExit

    -8
    Kane > Kun
    Arnie > Mahrez
    Son > Walcott

    DDG
    Jones Alonso Otamendi
    Salah Sterling Mahrez Walcott Lin
    Aguero(C) Firmino
    ———————————————
    Elliot Ayew Ogbonna Holgate

    Thoughts?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Terrible

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        can you elaborate ?

        1. #FPLBhuna
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Feel kane to kun is point chasing. Kane has just as good chance of scoring. Son has been decent at wembley. Arnie needs to go but not for a hit imo. And -8 is a disaster waiting to happen here. I contemplated kane son and lanzini to aguero hazard and shaqiri but opted against. Just a hunch it wouldnt be worth it.

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            I think it would for next GW. But for next GW only.

          2. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks for the feedback.

            Kane just as much chance of scoring v Utd as Aguero has against West brom is a stretch though IMO

            1. Pieterke30
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah that’s just plain BS.

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I like that move but for 1 hit max. Kun next 3 looks very good. Mahrez also a good pick.

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        iv taken like virtually no hits all season... I think not having Aguero for the next 3 is just stupid. Cheers for th feedback guys... I think im going with this tonight before aguero rises

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Not having Aguero is just stupid for the next one.

          Burnley away, not a real issue. Rather have Kane vs Pool tbh. And then wont Jesus be back in contention for Leicester game?

          Im actually considering getting rid of Kun after West Brom game and bring San(C)hez vs HUD in 26 instead.

          1. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            very good advice... reconsidering now tbh

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Arnie > Milivojevic
      Firmino > Kun

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        not enough cash... but I want Firmino v huddersfield anyway

        1. LÖrKingMuch
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          If you think Kun will haul, then holding Firmino wouldn't seem essential? You have Salah still to cover Huddersfield.

    4. LÖrKingMuch
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Find another way to get Aguero in and keep Kane is what I'd do.

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        I can go all 3 but have to lose Alonso to do it..... tough one this week... i just dont see kane scoring much in the next 3 .... but who knows... 3 hattricks incoming probably...

  16. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Newcastle - Burnley in 25.

    Would you start
    A - Dummett
    B - Bardsley
    ?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Dummett

      1. Top 210 Club
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Under threat from Kennedy now no

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

  17. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Who will profit most from Sanchez' Utd switch?

    A) Sanchez
    B) Lukaku
    C) Pogba
    D) Lingard

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Lukaku

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sanchez
      Then Lukaku.

  18. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    So I desperately needed a wc last gw so I did and it worked. This gw I did son to Willian (who got injured) then days later arnie had an injury confirmed and now I have masuaku and no ft left.

    1. No Luck
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      The best way to learn is to get rekt a few times

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        🙂

      2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        true, been rekt a fir few times.....

        now i only rarely do an early transfer if im being priced out and have decent cover on my bench

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      always leave transfers as late as possible, especially on cup weekends or champ league midweekers

  19. Lilac Breasted Roller
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    A) Eriksen -> Mahrez, keep Lingard / RLC
    B) Eriksen, Lingard, RLC -> D Silva, Martial/Pogba, T Carroll (for a -4, spread over 2 GW)

    0.1 short for a Lingard/Eriksen -> Pogba/D Silva

  20. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Should I get rid of arnie and masuaku desperately for a hit? Arnie will be back in 3 weeks but so much value in midfield

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Arnie will come back just as West Ham's nice run finishes

    2. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Lingard is also out for longer than 3w which may affect Arnie's output

      1. Lilac Breasted Roller
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        edit: Lanzini of course

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Had a little panic then!

  21. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Would you do Lingard to Shaqiri or hold? No other pressing issues at the moment

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Hold

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Both could work out well. I want to give Lingard 3 more games before selling, hoping he hauls v Huddersfield... then want to upgrade to Mkhi for GW29

  22. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    What to do here? I have 1Ft and £0.4 in the bank:

    Pickford // Elliot
    Azpil, Otamendi, Ogbonna // Shaw, Kenny
    Son, Lingard, Salah, Sterling, Arnie*
    Firmino, Kane // Niasse

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Hit Arnie/Firmino to benchfodder/Aguero?

    2. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Downgrade Arnie to bench (Choupo M)
      Shaw to Jones
      Money left over in the bank

      Or perhaps straight swap arnie for Willian / Ramsey / Walcott / ..

  23. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Current team:

    De Gea
    Vert Ota Ogbona Alonso
    Sterling Arnie* Salah Lindgard
    Kane Aguero

    Subs: Elliot, Crouch, Obiang, Mbemba

    I was planning Vert to VVD but now its better to do Arnie to Shaquiri?
    ( no money ITB)

    A) Arnie to Shaqiri and play Vert
    B) Vert to VVD and play Obiang
    C) both transfers for -4

  24. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Hi, any thought about Jrod?
    Will he can become realible 3rd striker?
    Thanks.

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      * Reliable

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      He's always been a good player with horrible injuries. If he stays fit, he's well capable of scoring goals, 5.5 looks good. I'd put him in the same bracket as Wilson. Definitely playable.

      However Ibe at 4.8 & Milivojevic at 4.6 will likely get similar points.

  25. KranjcarSolCampbell
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Arnoutovic and Alli to Hazard and Oxlade-Chamberlain?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      the ox is an interesting on in that price bracket, you could go choupo too.......jurys out for me

  26. HVT
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    How bad is Arnie injury?
    Have we any real news?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      dont know but heel be out long enough to drop in price so you could get back later with profit saved............

    2. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Nothing specific in terms of timeframe. But he already had hamstring issues this season. West Ham can't risk rushing him back.

  27. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Will Niasse get some minutes from the bench now regularly? I have mcburnie 3rd on my bench who will likely never play so could do with someone who has an outside chance of minutes as 3rd sub

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No idea.

      But the 6 league goals Niasse scored has gained Everton 8 points, without them they'd be joint 19th.

      The ultimate cameo man.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Hopefully big Sam sits up & takes note

  28. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    As a Sane owner i'd hope he doesn't start tonight.

  29. MartialMatas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure what to do this week
    Thinking Mahrez in for Son but need to free up some money.

    DDG Adrian
    Otamendi Jones Christensen Ogbonna Kenny
    Salah Sterling Son Lingard RLC
    Kane Kun DCL

    2ft 0.1m itb

  30. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Wow... there isn't actually that much of the season left all of a sudden.only 14 games 🙁