Scout Notes

Lukaku back on the FPL radar as Holebas proves excellent value

The final set of Scout Notes from Gameweek 4 analyses the matches at Turf Moor and Vicarage Road from yesterday afternoon.

Romelu Lukaku reminded us of his somewhat overlooked Fantasy appeal with two goals in Manchester United’s victory over Burnley, while Jose Holebas delivered two more assists as Watford kept up their 100% record with a 2-1 win over Spurs.

Burnley 0-2 Manchester United

  • Goals: Romelu Lukaku x2 (£11.0m)
  • Assists: Alexis Sanchez (£10.2m)

As ignored in the early part of this season as he was backed at the beginning of 2017/18, Romelu Lukaku (£11.0m) delivered his first Premier League brace in over a year as Manchester United ran out 2-0 winners at Turf Moor.

Lukaku was an all-round menace in the United attack and could quite easily have added to his two-goal tally, being denied by Joe Hart (£4.5m) from point-blank range in the first half before poking wide after dribbling past the Burnley goalkeeper in the latter stages of the match.

The Belgian’s two goals were Lukaku at his best, creating space behind Ben Mee (£5.0m) to nod in Alexis Sanchez‘s (£10.2m) superb cross before pouncing on Jesse Lingard‘s (£6.8m) twice-deflected shot to double United’s lead.

No Premier League forward had more shots on target or penalty box touches than Lukaku this weekend and the former Everton striker trails only Callum Wilson (£6.2m) in “big chances” over the course of the season.

The caveat has to be that United and Lukaku caught Burnley at the best possible time, less than 72 hours after the Clarets’ Europa League play-off match with Olympiakos and with Sean Dyche’s backline in something of a dip in form: Burnley have conceded as many goals (nine) in the first four league fixtures of this season than they did after 12 matches of 2017/18.

Owned by almost the same number of Fantasy Premier League managers before kick-off as Marcus Rashford (£6.8m) – both players sitting in 6.8% of FPL squads – only Gabriel Jesus (£10.4m) was a less popular premium forward pick than Lukaku at the Gameweek 4 deadline.

While it’s a little early to exaggerate Lukaku’s Fantasy appeal, his situation is one to monitor. With Sergio Aguero (£11.3m) perhaps a mild, medium-term rotation risk when the UEFA Champions League gets into full swing and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) posting some so-so underlying attacking statistics, Lukaku is a viable attacking alternative (or addition) in the £11.0m price bracket – particularly as he is one of the more “nailed” picks up front.

Whether many Fantasy budgets will stretch to Lukaku’s inclusion, given the appealing premium options available in other positions, is another matter.

Elsewhere, Jesse Lingard (£6.8m) caught the eye alongside Lukaku and Sanchez in the three-man United attack. Starting wide-right but often drifting into central positions to feed off Lukaku, Lingard twice curled wide from the edge of the box and was a tad unfortunate not to claim an assist for the Belgian’s second goal. Lingard was also denied by a James Tarkowski (£5.0m) block from close range in the first half as United’s front three caused the Clarets’ defence a plethora of problems.

Given the current mid-price midfielder “crisis” (Richarlison suspended, Theo Walcott possibly injured, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pedro now clear rotation risks), Lingard’s name can perhaps be added to the conversation despite the England man failing to record an attacking return this season.

That Rashford will now be suspended for two league matches after his second-half dismissal diminishes Lingard’s competition on the right flank, too.

Luke Shaw (£5.1m) was involved in both United goals, meanwhile, and continued to impress in attack as the Red Devils recorded their first clean sheet of the season. The United left-back had another three attempts on goal yesterday and now trails only Marcos Alonso (£6.8m) in terms of shots recorded by defenders in 2018/19.

Paul Pogba’s (£8.2m) miss from the penalty spot could dent the Frenchman’s future Fantasy appeal, with plenty of takers – Lukaku and Sanchez the obvious candidates – in line to oust the United midfielder from spot-kick duties. Pogba, indeed, had previously said that he didn’t have the monopoly on penalties in Gameweek 1.

Victor Lindelof (£4.9m) came back into the side at the expense of the injured Phil Jones (£5.2m) and Mourinho was full of praise for the cut-price Swede, among others:

The pace with the ball and the organisation without the ball [was very good]. Also the tactical approach, the concentration of a crucial triangle – Fellaini, Lindelof and Smalling – the creativity in midfield and then the intensity moving the ball.

And in the last 10/15 minutes even when we played at less speed and at less intensity for the counter-attack I thought the performance was very good.

Mourinho’s words after the match suggested he might be loath to change the personnel and system for the trip to Watford in Gameweek 5:

Everything [pleased me]. The first 10 minutes were the mirror of the game. So fast, so creative, even I can say so beautiful, but we lost three chances in the first 10 minutes and I think that was the mirror of the game.

We managed to score two goals which was enough to win, but it shouldn’t just be two, it should be three, four, five, six. We should have scored before we scored the goals and we should have scored the penalty that would kill the game and also the best chances after the penalty.

Even with 10 men, the team was really strong in every aspect of the game.

Mourinho also had praise for his players that didn’t feature, dousing any inevitable media speculation about fallings-out with his omitted squad members – one of which was Fred (£5.8m):

This was one of the weeks as a manager where it felt most heartbreaking with the decisions that I made, to leave Andreas Pereira and Matteo Darmian at home, to leave [Juan] Mata and Scott [McTominay] in the stands and also to leave on the bench with not one minute on the pitch [Anthony] Martial, Ashley Young, the goalkeeper and everyone that didn’t play. It was really heartbreaking because the week was fantastic and every player was part of this game.

For Burnley, Sean Dyche changed his Premier League starting XI for the first time this season, with rotation in the full-back department: Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) and Phil Bardsley (£4.4m) replacing Stephen Ward (£4.9m) and Matthew Lowton (£4.9m).

An injury to Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.9m) also forced Dyche’s hand, with teenager Dwight McNeil getting a start on the left flank.

That Hart was the Clarets’ best player said much about the hosts’ performance, with Burnley’s previously impressive defence a cause for concern going into four enticing-looking fixtures after the international break: no Premier League side has conceded as many attempts on goal or shots on target as Dyche’s side this season.

Not one of Burnley’s forwards has delivered an attacking return in 2018/19 either, with substitute Sam Vokes‘ (£5.4m) aerial threat the only real problem that David de Gea (£5.9m) faced all match.

Having played two matches a week for the last month, the international break at least gives Dyche the opportunity to regroup with his side ahead of those aforementioned fixtures against Wolves, Bournemouth, Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town.

Speaking after the match, Dyche said:

We’re at game 10 already, with 16 or 17 outfield players for most of that period. That’s been a challenge – albeit a good one, and generally we haven’t gone too far away from, what we are about.

Now we’ll reboot and restart. We have a couple of weeks, when a few of the players will go away on international duty, but for the rest they can, at last, take a breather and work out what’s been going on.

The players are close to something, but we have to tidy up at both ends.

Burnley XI (4-5-1): Hart; Bardsley, Mee, Tarkowski, Taylor; Lennon, Cork, Westwood, McNeil (Barnes 80′), Hendrick (Vokes 57′); Wood (Vydra 83′)

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Fellaini, Matic, Pogba (Bailly 90′); Sanchez (Rashford 61′), Lingard (Herrera 75′); Lukaku

Watford 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goals: Craig Cathcart (£4.5m), Troy Deeney (£6.0m) | Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m) own-goal
  • Assists: Jose Holebas x2 (£4.7m) | Lucas Moura (£7.2m)

It’s four wins from four for Watford, as Jose Holebas (£4.7m) registered another two assists for the Hornets in a hard-fought victory over Spurs on Sunday.

No FPL defender has delivered more successful crosses or created more chances this season than Holebas, who is not without form: the Greek left-back also attempted more crosses than anyone in his position in 2017/18.

Holebas has now been involved in five of Watford’s nine goals this season and is currently providing better value than any other player in FPL, returning 7.2 points per million spent.

Troy Deeney (£6.0m) grabbed his second goal of the season to win the match for Watford and the Hornets’ captain currently has the edge over strike partner Andre Gray (£6.0m) in terms of Fantasy appeal: no player on show at Vicarage Road yesterday had more penalty box touches than Deeney, who has had more goal attempts, shots on target and big chances than Gray during this campaign.

Watford were unchanged for the fourth league match running and Deeney’s starting spot seems safe in this 4-4-2 (having shared pitch-time with Gray last season), with Gracia generous in his praise of the 29-year-old forward:

He is the captain, he is the spirit. You can see he is always trying to be the example and trying to help everybody. Today he has been very important, not only scoring a goal but working hard for a lot of minutes. I arrived in January and from the first day he is the same, he doesn’t change. He wants to win, he works a lot and he tries to be a good example for the rest of the players.

Craig Cathcart (£4.5m) was the other beneficiary of Holebas’ pinpoint crosses, nodding in his first Premier League goal since the 2015/16 season.

Nathaniel Chalobah (£4.5m) returned from injury as a second-half substitute, meanwhile.

Spurs can perhaps consider themselves unfortunate not to leave Vicarage Road with a point, having carved out a couple of good opportunities: Dele Alli (£9.1m) looping a header just wide of goal and Harry Kane (£12.5m) nodding over from six yards out.

Lucas Moura (£7.2m) was lively in attack alongside Kane as Mauricio Pochettino rolled out a 3-5-2, and it was the Brazilian whose cross it was that Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m) turned past his own goalkeeper for the game’s opening goal.

Moura now trails only Sadio Mane (£9.9m) for FPL points among midfielders and his appeal is further increased in the wing-back system that Pochettino has deployed twice already this season: Moura’s average position yesterday was the furthest forward of any Spurs player, with Kane yet again frustrating his FPL owners by dropping deep.

Whether a three-man defence is something Pochettino continues with going forward is another matter, given the defeat yesterday and the fact that he abandoned the system in the win over Fulham with the score at 1-1.

Son Heung-min (£8.3m) will also return to the club after the international break, while Eric Lamela (£6.5m) adds competition to the attacking midfield places when fit. On current form, of course, Moura’s starting spot is his to lose.

Back-to-back goals in Gameweeks 2 and 3 increased interest in Kane, meanwhile, but it should be noted that the England striker has only had half the amount of shots on goal that Sergio Aguero has attempted this season. In mitigation, though, Kane has played fewer home matches this season (one) than any of his premium forward rivals.

After successive double-digit returns, Kieran Trippier (£6.1m) blanked at Vicarage Road but his underlying statistics hint at further attacking joy in the future: no player in this match yesterday delivered as many crosses as Trippier, who has now sent over more deliveries than any other FPL defender this season. Trippier also created the game’s only “big chance” for Kane.

Pochettino was fairly condemning of his troops immediately after the match:

OK, we play football. But be aggressive. In the second half, we score then many things happen.

It’s about energy and communication. It’s about being strong and showing character and mentality.

So painful. Often you play like this and win. It’s a very good wake-up call for everyone to say, ‘Come on, we need to compete’.

We need to show we are contenders by winning. The only way to win is to give your best.

Michel Vorm (£4.9m) came in for the injured Hugo Lloris (£5.5m) in this match, but the French goalkeeper’s injury is not thought to be too serious and Pochettino is hopeful of his return for the visit of Liverpool in Gameweek 5.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Hughes (Chalobah 85′), Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra (Mariappa 90′); Gray (Success 70′), Deeney

Tottenham XI (3-5-2): Vorm; Alderweireld (Llorente 81′), Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Eriksen, Dembele (Winks 86′), Alli, Davies (Rose 89′); Moura, Kane

707 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Would you wildcard this team?

    I’m really struggling with this mess. 1FT, 1.0m in the bank but considering wildcarding...any thoughts?

    Fabianski Foster
    Alonso Mendy Robertson Wan-Bissaka Peltier
    Salah BSilva Mkhitaryan Walcott Stephens
    Aguero Arnie King

    1. FPLGeezer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      No I wouldnt. Maybe take a hit if need but all round still a solid squad.

    2. ajones1608
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Think about the players you feel you will keep even with wildcard, for me your defence is more than fine.

      BSilva plays fulham at home so no rush to get rid. I would look to swapping Mkhi or Arnie for somebody cheaper? Then see what you've got?

    3. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I'd take out BSilva for Fraser and swap King for Mitrovic -4

    4. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I see you have 5 attacking prob that most people want to get rid Zaha, Arnie, Walolcott, Mkhi, Bilva

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

      Border line. Probably not.
      You have the key defenders apart from Peltier.

      Maybe find a way to get Hazard in for a -4

    6. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      That team is good. Defo not WC!
      Only mid is worth changing probably as def and attackers are more than fine!
      Silva > Moura or Wally > Maddison and you're G2G.

    7. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I would WC.

    8. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      yes

    9. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Rating out of 4;
      1,3
      4, 4, 3, 3, 0
      3, 2, 2, 2, 3
      3, 1, 2

      Defence is grand but there's a whole lot of suboptimal picks in mid and attack.

      I'd be tempted by a -8.

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Arnie is "1"? Cmon, Kun and Mo "only" 3 ??
        But agree that 1 or 2 hits would defo do the business. Dont waste your WC.

    10. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      50/50 but I think I would. You will even make money back when buying Salah back after his upcoming drop

  2. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Is selling Mkhi worth a hit?
    Maybe most attacking players from good teams will get bench in some odd game and its normal? Do you think he will start next game?

    1. FPLGeezer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I've got him and won't remove for a hit especially as have bench that are playing.

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        This

      2. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        bench doesnt help with cameos

        1. FPLGeezer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          True but Im waiting as long into the international break as there could be injuries whilst monitoring his price.

          Also depends on who's on your bench if they have a good fixture you could play them and do Mkhi to Richarlison for example.

          I've made £0.1 on Mkhi so want to try keep that value but also in top 10k and don't want to take hits unless absolutely necessary.

          1. StoichkovFPL
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Hmmm actually you're right! I will keep him now and then will sell to Richa! Man, that was so obvious but didnt think about that, cheers bro!

            1. FPLGeezer
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Thanks too I was in two minds myself and didn't bring Walcott in went for Moura instead. So thinking about it now waiting for Richarlison makes sense and if can save FT could be handy as I want to save wildcard for a few weeks ago.

              1. StoichkovFPL
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                I was short to get Moura as it was the best replacement imo (and still is great pick).
                Now I'm 0.1 short to make Mkhi > Moura but even if I could I'm not sure is it worth it with Liverpool next and Son back soon.

                1. FPLGeezer
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Yep i think Moura can hold his place if he remains in form but with the Champions League starting so rotation is one inevitable. That'sat's why I want to try save a FT and roll over incase I'm forced to try change up a couple of players. Richarlison will hopefully drop
                  back down to £6.5m

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Can't think of anyone in that sort of price bracket that would be worth a hit.

      Possibly as part of a rejig to bring in Alonso or similar, but still think he could be a decent option - but that game time is a huge concern

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers for reply. I have all the big guns like Salah, Alonso, Hazard, Mendy, Aguero so think I would keep as like you said there is no good player to change Mkhi for and think there is a big chance he will start next one as he served bench and Ozil didnt look good.

  3. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this wc team folks?

    Patricio Hamer
    Alonso Mendy holebas wan biss Bennett
    Hazard mane sterling Maddison billing
    Kun mitro Ings

    1. ajones1608
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Really strong, especially the midfield. Like the variant of teams also, think a lot of the big hitters will be rotating even more soon

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. Might change sterling and Ings to laca and Moura but not sure.

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          This offers better balance imo

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Sound good tbh

    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Looking good.

    4. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Exact same as my team except I have Lucas Moura instead of Maddison

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Your tv must be way higher than mine

        1. Babit1967
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          101.3 mate but 0 itb so only just made it

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Good team man. I’m 0.3m short of getting moura so settled for Maddison

            1. Babit1967
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Still a good shout hope your team does well

  4. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    I'm finding it tricky to settle on a frontline on my WC.

    With plenty of us WCing in the IB, I think it would be beneficial to look at what strikeforce managers are getting in.

    Plenty of premium options fired this past GW. We have the likes of Aguero, Lukaku, Auba and Laca staking their claims.

    Then we have the cheaper options like Mitrovic, Wilson, Murray etc and of course the returning Vardy who has juicy upcoming fixtures.

    With the defense and midfield fairly settled for most WCers, It would be interesting to know how they are spending their funds up front to accommodate/sacrifice that one extra heavy hitter elsewhere.

    Would also like to hear from non WCers about how they are reshaping their frontlines if at all.

    FWIW I'm currently on Aguero - Lukaku - Wilson.

    1. Punty
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Depends if you want Salah or not I guess..

      For now I keep Salah and have Aguero + budgetstrikers..

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, sacrificing Salah opens up a lot of avenues. He's not 9m like last season and Mane is delivering. That 3m comes in handy elsewhere.

    2. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not wildcarding, but I can see the appeal. I'm sticking with 3 up front and 3 at the back. Downside is I have Stephens, Cook and AWB as my bench players.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Those fixtures for Arsenal,United and Leicester though.

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

      Depends on overall strategy - I went with Mitro & Ings along side Aguero so I can get a premium back four (could even be a back five but a few cheap defenders looking better than the cheap mids)

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Aguero + 2 cheapies are favourite atm yeah..

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

      I Wild carded in GW 3.

      My front line is Agueo,Zaha,Ings.

      Happy with those 3 as long as Zaha is fit otherwise he will go for Mitrovic.
      Ings is a great low budget option which makes him benchable and able to play the likes of Periera in a 4-4-2 some weeks.

      Your front 3 is nice. Lukaku could really shoot you up the rankings. Who are you sacrificing in midfield to have two premium Strikers?

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Same strategy with Jimenez (who looks like getting more consistent opportunities than ings imo) and Mitro.

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

          Yeh if I was choosing between Ings and Jimenez now I would go with the Wolves man. Not worth a transfer though.

      2. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I have ditched Salah. may also get Vardy over Wilson sacrificing Trippier but lets see. Shall get Salah back in GW 9.

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

          Good plan.
          I want some Spurs from wk 6 and feel one of Trippier or Moura are the best value bets.

    5. Pinturicchio10
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Aguero, Aubemayang, Vardy. I would go with those three and leave cash aside for Kane in GWK6.

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Auba over Laca?

          Laca looked better on the eye test yesterday.

          1. Pinturicchio10
              5 years, 6 months ago

              I'm not one to base picks off one game. Aubemayang is the better pick long term.

              1. @ocprodigy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Aubameyang won't be if he keeps playing wide.

        2. XabiAlonso
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Have gone for aguero Wilson Ings non WC
          to allow Salah mane hazard in the middle

        3. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Currently on Aguero - Arnie - King.

          Looking to shift to 3 from this five on a WC I'm plotting for GW6.

          Aguero - Lacazette - Wilson - Zaha - Mitrovic.

          Lacazette a great option if he keeps his place in GW5 - but if he starts in Europa then I'll avoid, and probably go with Mitro + one of Wilson / Zaha (if fit).

          Don't think Kane looks worth 12.5 whatsoever at this point. Lukaku tempting due to fixtures though - and is fairly rotation-proof, so he's a definite threat to the Aguero spot if he can keep form up. (One caveat is that I think he only scored one brace last year in the PL... so is he likely to haul again...?)

          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            I think Laca is nailed for now.

        4. Krafty Werks
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Currently on Aguero, Vardy, Mitrovic on WC which i just prefer to my alternative of Aguero, Lukaku, Jimenez (0.2 more).

      • Punty
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Better to save FT than doing Walcott -> Maddison right? Got some bench but not superstrong

        Maybe Walcott -> Richarlison next week instead?

        Hennesey

        Alonso Mendy TAA Wan-Bis

        Hazard Salah Mane Walcott

        Aguero Ings

        Hamer Kante Cook Kamara

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Yes definetely stick and do Walolcott > Rich next week

      • Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        As previous article stated Warnock isn’t confident in parking the bus and want to attack chelsea making hazard a great captain option. However would a defensively shaky and attacking Fulham want to park one against city? I think Fulham are less experienced defensively and Aguero could be on for a lot of goals this week.

      • Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Patricio (Hamer)
        Alonso Mendy Robertson PVA (AWB)
        Salah Walcott Jota (Hughes Stephens)
        Firmino Kun Tosun

        £0m 1FT

        a) Jota > Pereyra
        b) Walcott > Pereyra
        c) Walcott + Firmino > Hazard + Ings (-4)

        1. Joggers Nipple
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          c

        2. ajones1608
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          A for me. Walcott is playing WH at home so not worth the transfer yet.

          Hazard at home to Cardiff does look good, but have you got weaker players to trade for him?

        3. The Wise Owl
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I like C the most.

        4. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          C

        5. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks all. C is the consensus. I'll keep an eye on the price changes, as I've got exact money.

          1. Pegboy
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Jota can wait one more, damn, week.

      • Salahlulijah
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Zaha gone to 50% chance of playing. Anyone know why? Any new quotes from Palace? Thanks

        1. The Wise Owl
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Late injury before the game, there's an international break of 2 weeks so it's likely he could be OK for the next game.

      • Four Hit Wonder
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        RMT please. No FTs, 0.9m ITB.

        Hart (Hamer)
        Alonso, Mendy, TAA, Shaw (Wan-B)
        Sterling, Mane, Lucas, Mkhi (Guend)
        Aguero, Firmino (Success)

        The plan is to gradually move Mkhi, Firmino and Sterling out - in that order.

        Any obvious moves I should make and may have missed?

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Some people said Maddison, Pedro, Hazard is the obvious transfer.

      • Francescoli
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Zaha, Walcott and Mhiki. 1FT. Who goes first and for whom?

        1. The Wise Owl
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I think Zaha personally. I'd wait for now though unless you're worried about price rising.

          1. Francescoli
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Not too bothered about price changes

        2. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Zaha, Mkhi, Walolcott in that order

        3. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          all 3 for a -8

          1. Francescoli
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            For who?

      • ajones1608
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        What's the jist with the price changes during international break?

        1. Podge
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          They’ll be slow after today and pick up again on Friday week

      • Gamst
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        A. Aubameyang+Pedro
        B. Mitrovic + Hazard

        Fab - McCarthy
        Robertson - Holebas - Alonso - WanBissaka - Bennett
        Mane - L.Moura - Pedro/Hazard - Maddison - Stephens
        Auba/Mitrovic - Aguero - Arni

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          A for gw5 B for long term

      • Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        How did Pereyra look yesterday anyone ? Will probably shift Walcott if he is set to fall was a terrible choice

        1. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          One of Watfords better players. Will score well - but be warned he can get injured a lot like Walcott

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers mate

            1. KingOllie
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Id look at Fraser or Maddison tbh mate. Both got good stats and a nice run of fixtures

              1. Ask Yourself
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Got Fraser Maddison is probably the best pick. Pereyra just gives me more budget to work with but may not be needed

      • AFC49
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Fabianski (Foster)
        Robertson, Mendy, AWB (Tomkins*, Bednarek)
        Salah, Dilva, Pedro, Walcott*, Fraser
        Aguero, Auba (Kamara)

        1FT, 0.1 ITB

        Crazy to do Tomkins > Alonso, Auba > Ings and slowly switch to a 343?

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          3-5-2 you mean? I do that yes. Alonso most essential atm

          1. AFC49
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Well I currently play 352, was thinking Mitrovic for Kamara the GW after.

      • Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I don't feel things are bad enough to warrant a WC yet for this team - do you agree?

        1FT £0itb
        Foster, Fabianski
        Alonso, Robbo, Mendy, PVA, Wan-B
        Salah, Mané, Mkhi*, Walcott, Hughes
        Aguero, Wilson, Kamara

        Would you:
        A) Save FT
        B) Mkhi > Pedro (FT) - leaving £0.4 itb
        C) Mkhi > Fraser (FT) - leaving £1.5itb for Kamara > Deeney GW6
        D) Something else

        I don't think any of the above are a rush - the only advantage of today would be to get a price rise from Pedro .etc

        Thought appreciated
        Cheers!

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Most sensible move? A. You in rush for price change? B.

          Depend what kind of manager you are 🙂

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            I've always believed Int'l break is a great time to gain TV so it may be worth it if Pedro will gain 0.1 or even 0.2.

            Arsenal are proving very poor FPL picks at the moment Auba/ Laca notwithstanding.

            The only reason not to ship Mkhi with my FT is to provide a buffer in case of injuries during IB and avoid taking hits for now

            1. XabiAlonso
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              I’ve found it difficult to gain tv in the first international break over the last few years as there seems to be hardly any price changes for 2 weeks and not many double risers

              1. Don Kloppeone
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                I’d agree double risers are unlikely unless they were hugely underpriced

                What do you reckon re my question above - sit tight or Mkhi > Pedro now?

                1. XabiAlonso
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  I was in a similar position and got hazard for mkhy.
                  Salah mane hazard midfield. Would get rid of pva Walcott mkhy if it was my team

                  1. Don Kloppeone
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Thing is I already took a -8 last week and don’t want to fall into the constant hits trap

                    Why would you take out PVA? Walcott and Mkhi I understand

                    1. XabiAlonso
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 6 months ago

                      To afford it the only reason and play wanB.
                      I know what you mean with the hits I took -8 yday which is not like me but have a WC incase of injuries.
                      Your not likely to need to change much with Alonso Mendy robbo Salah mane haz aguero for the next few weeks

                      1. Don Kloppeone
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 6 months ago

                        I know what you mean but to get in Hazard without taking out a big hitter leaves you with dross as well as the points hit. The best I’d be able to do is:
                        Mkhi, Walcott, PVA > Hazard, Billing, Bennett
                        Which feels like a massive loss of value

                        1. XabiAlonso
                          • 8 Years
                          5 years, 6 months ago

                          Would leave you with robbo Mendy Alonso wanB
                          Salah mane haz Hughes
                          Aguero Wilson
                          Not too shabby to me

            2. Thinkering like a Boss
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Then, Pedro is your answer

      • KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        The chaos that happens in FPL. People get burnt time n time again with their kneejerks

        Examples:
        Walcott - highly injury prone and not reliable
        Mhki - wasnt nailed and now could lose more gametime to Laca who had a great game

        Future examples:
        Moura - Son return very soon and he could be sharing minutes

        1. ajones1608
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Salah comes to mind on this too.

          Haven't had him all year so I do kind of love this now

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Salah is not a good example of this at all.

            He is generally an excellent FPL pick and is a long term investment that (unless injured) is very likely to come good

            The others I completely agree are bandwagon picks that people get swept along with (myself included ... sore Mkhi and Walcott owner)

        2. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Agree with this. Moura is fine for 3-4 weeks, after that he is likely to be rotated heavily when Son and Lamela are back.

          Bear in mind that Son is off to South America for two friendlies, and may be given a couple of weeks off afterwards to recover, as he hasn't had a break all summer.

      • Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Give me a heads up if you can:
        Ederson Hamer
        Mendy Trippier Alonso Bennet WB
        Hazard Mane Pareyra Fraser Guendouzi
        Auba Kun Ings

        1. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          pretty good none salah team

          1. Thinkering like a Boss
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            I agree

      • Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Would you WC this team?

        Fabianski - Foster
        Alonso-Van Dijk-Mendy-Van Aanholt (Peltier)
        Salah-Mkhitarian-Walcott (Jota-Cairney)
        Arnautovic-Aguero-King

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          No

        2. XabiAlonso
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          No but I’d probably do a -8

          1. Bavarian
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            what do you suggest as transfers?

      • boc610
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Salah sellers..he hauls against spurs, which is a distinct possibility considering how flimsy their defence is...are you brave enough not to knee-jerk him back in 5 mins after the game has ended?I don't think you are.

        1. XabiAlonso
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          People with a WC won’t have a problem

          1. Thinkering like a Boss
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            this lol

        2. SPorting
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          It's a choice.

          Some people play from week to week so if they do Salah -> Haz for GW5 and and Haz -> Salah the week after, who's to say they're wrong?

          We like to think we plan for the future but it's all about scoring the most points every week.

        3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Salah sellers..he blanks against spurs, which is a distinct possibility considering how wasteful he's been...

          Fyi I'm keeping Salah but the question is how likely the outcomes are - all kinds of scenarios are possible.

          1. boc610
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            50 +percent ownership..a haul will destroy you , a blank wont.

            1. J T
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              A haul will only hurt if some of the alternatives also blank otherwise it’s no biggy

            2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Ownership works both ways.

        4. Robin Cook
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          not if your cheaper replacement hauls as well (a distinct possibility as well).

      • shearer9
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I'm 0.1 off this team, where can I find it?? Thanks:

        Patricio (4.0)
        Mendy Alonso Robertson AWB (4.0)
        Salah Hazard Mane (4.4; 4.4)
        Wilson Aguero Ings

        Had Mane and Alonso since before their first price rise, which is how I can afford them.

        1. SPorting
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          AWB -.> Bennett?

        2. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Mane to the mid priced mid of your choice, then use MITB to upgarde Wilson or Ings to Mitro, to get a keeper that rotates well with Patricio (i've gone Foster) and to upgrade the bench (you need more than two 4.0's and two 4.4m's with the CL looming.

        3. The Ozil at Delphi
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Peltier is 3.9 now.

      • Teomi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Is mikhi to Ramsey an crazy idea or can it be a good value? thinking now that Ramsey pålay in arsenal no 10 role?

        1. ajones1608
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I would hold fire as Emery is clearly shifting a lot till he finds his best team. I think Auba is the only player that nailed, although he may find himself on the wing

        2. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          If he nailed then yes. Are you sure he nailed?

        3. Dyballer
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I think so. Personally tempted to get Ramsey before everyone else jumps on him after he hauls soon

      • Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Is 352 dead?

        1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          No, just awkward.

          1. Thinkering like a Boss
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Why? many legend FPL still apply it

            1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Because of the increase in spending in premium defending.

        2. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          No formation is dead, especially not after 4 weeks.

          It was the overall best formation for the last 2 seasons, but it didn't start off as the best.

        3. J T
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Nope, I swear by it. Although benching Rich has forced me to play 442 for the time being

        4. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          im running 3-5-2 for the first time and enjoying it

      • TheTwelfthMan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        This article reminds me how "essential" Lukaku was this time last season, had 60% ownership and was scoring virtually every game.

      • Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Not sure I like your team even though you have many big hitters. Not balance imo.

        1. Thinkering like a Boss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Lol replied failed to thewelftham

      • Champions united
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        What to do with
        Lucas mikhi zaha bsilva

        1. SPorting
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Keep, keep, sell, sell or keep

        2. ajones1608
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          depends who else you've got. Bsilva can wait another week as they are playing Fulham at home, same goes for Lucas as I doubt son with go straight back in

      • Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Should we talk about Watford yet?
        Not sure if there's a hot topic, but lots of terrific value and they have seen off a top side now at home.

        Holebas the best value defender, Deeney and Pereya offering goals, Foster a solid 4.5gk. Why are we ignoring them? (most of us)

        1. ajones1608
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Holebas - AWB is cheaper & I am pretty happy with my current defence

          Deeney - Have Ings as a budget striker & not looking to totally change my team for him instead

          Pereyra - Fair point, I've just put in Maddison just because he looked good against Liverpool & he seems to be there main man

          Got Foster

      • Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I'd like to hear posters thoughts about the psychology and decision making behind arriving at the conclusion that you've 'missed the boat' on a player. Are there any players about which you feel you have missed the boat and why?

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I think you can only say that if a player has had great fixtures and you havent brought him on and there is a negative fixture swing coming.

      • Lukakwho
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Hi guys,

        Am I crazy for not wildcarding when I have all
        these players:

        Zaha, Kamara, Masuaku, Bilva, Peltier, Eriksen, Mkhi

        NO (Hazard, Mane, Fulham assets)

      • mental
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        danny ward caught my eye yesterday.He is 4.5 mid and he plays as a striker also wears no.9 and he scored yesterday. could be a bargain if cardiff started finding the net.

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Big if though, they've looked like a championship team at times to me

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Is there better 4.5 mid?

        2. Dyballer
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Ok, so only 2 years ago, Danny Ward was playing for Rotherham... Only reason he got to Cardiff in the Championship was coz Neil Warnock managed him at Rotherham before leaving for Cardiff. He is as cheap as you’ll find, but I’d still worry about nailedness if he flunks the next game and best of luck if you indeed plan on playing him ever. Get him in on your WC but otherwise a waste of a transfer. I’m ok with Guendouzi

        3. Jarnathan
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          What's with his minutes? Is he standing in for someone?

      • MITRAKADABRA
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Hello dear people, can you please take a look at my team and see where should i improve it. Thank you! Here it is:
        Hennesey (Hammer)
        Mendy Alonso Bertrand (Holebas Bennett)
        Mane Hazard Lucas Fraser (Walcott)
        Aguero Lacazette Ings
        0ITB 1FT

        1. LD
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Save