Team News

FPL Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 4 – Part One

Part one of our Line-up Lessons assesses the teamsheets and formations of ten Premier League clubs’ Gameweek 4 matches, with the second instalment to follow tomorrow.

Alexandre Lacazette made his first Arsenal start of the season as Henrikh Mkhitaryan dropped to the bench, while Willian got the nod over Pedro – who emerged as a second-half substitute to score – in Chelsea’s only change.

Injuries kept Wilfried Zaha and Tom Cairney out of their respective sides, while Theo Walcott succumbed to a rib problem and was substituted before the hour mark on Saturday afternoon.

Elsewhere, there were notable formation changes for Bournemouth, Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town.

Arsenal

Starting XI (4-2-3-1):  Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal; Guendouzi (Torreira 70′), Xhaka; Ozil (Welbeck 84′), Ramsey, Aubameyang (Mkhitaryan 89′); Lacazette

  • What we saw: Alexandre Lacazette was given his first start of the season as the spearhead of the Arsenal attack, which meant a shift to the left flank for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; the previous incumbent of that role, Alex Iwobi, missed out through illness. Mesut Ozil returned from his own ailment to take Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s place on the right of midfield, with Aaron Ramsey once again stationed in “the hole”. The seven players behind the front four were all unchanged, with Lucas Torreira having to make do with another substitute appearance.
  • What we learned: This could be a season of frustration for owners of Arsenal’s attacking assets, given how frequently Unai Emery has altered his starting XI so far – whether this is because he is still unsure of his best side, or if he plans to rotate regardless, remains to be seen. A goal-and-assist return from Lacazette furthers his case for continued inclusion, while Emery’s positive post-match words about Ozil – not for the first time this season – suggests Mkhitaryan might be hard-pressed to reclaim his midfield spot for the trip to Newcastle in Gameweek 5. With Iwobi and Danny Welbeck alternative options on the flank, the picture is muddied further. Emery seems to have settled on his back seven, though the Gunners’ continued fragility in defence is cause for concern and Torreira must be wondering what he has to do get a start in the double-pivot. Petr Cech’s distribution continues to be an Achilles’ heel and with a ball-playing goalkeeper in Bernd Leno waiting in the wings, Cech is perhaps only a handling error or two away from his position being under serious threat.

Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Wingers, forward

Bournemouth

Starting XI (3-4-3):  Begovic; S Cook, Ake, Francis; Rico, Lerma (L Cook 88’), Gosling, A Smith (Ibe 80’); Fraser, Wilson, King (Mousset 80’).

  • What we saw: Having named an unchanged starting XI for the first three matches this season, Eddie Howe tweaked system and personnel for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Simon Francis came into a back three alongside Nathan Ake and Steve Cook, while Diego Rico replaced Charlie Daniels and lined up at left wing-back on the opposite flank to Adam Smith. Jefferson Lerma ousted Andrew Surman in the central midfield two, while Ryan Fraser and Josh King flanked Callum Wilson in attack. David Brooks was the third Bournemouth player to miss out on Saturday.
  • What we learned: A positive performance in defeat gives Howe plenty to think about for the visit of Leicester City in Gameweek 5, as do the displays of new-boys Lerma and Rico. While the Cherries were unbeaten in a 4-4-2 before last weekend, the south coast side could consider themselves unfortunate not to leave London with a point after not allowing the Blues a single “big chance” and carving out two of their own. Daniels was missing from the match-day squad at the weekend and news is awaited on any injury the long-serving full-back may have been carrying, but Rico may now have the upper hand in whatever formation Howe rolls out against the Foxes in Gameweek 5. If the Cherries revert back to a 4-4-2, Brooks would come back into contention possibly at the expense of extra centre-back Simon Francis. Lerma, Dan Gosling, Surman and Lewis Cook will compete for the two central midfield spots going forward, with Howe perhaps handling the personnel choice on a game-by-game basis depending on the opposition. Given the amount of money spent on Lerma, however, the Colombian defensive midfielder is perhaps the favourite out of this quartet to be granted more pitch-time.

Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-back, centre-back, central midfield, right-wing

Brighton and Hove Albion

Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Bong, Dunk, Duffy, Montoya; March, Propper (Locadia 74’), Stephens, Knockaert (Jahanbakhsh 74’); Gross (Bissouma 60’); Murray.

  • What we saw: Lewis Dunk returned from injury to replace Leon Balogun at centre-back, while Pascal Gross was in for Yves Bissouma as the support for Glenn Murray in attack. The Seagulls once again adopted a 4-4-1-1, with Solly March and Anthony Knockaert continuing on the flanks. Gross was replaced on the hour-mark by Bissouma, who then dropped back into central midfield alongside Dale Stephens when Davy Propper was hauled off with a quarter of an hour remaining. Propper’s replacement, Jurgen Locadia, joined Murray in attack as Chris Hughton switched to a 4-4-2 with his side pushing for an equaliser against Fulham.
  • What we learned: With Brighton away from home in Gameweek 5, Bissouma could once again replace Gross to shore up the Seagulls’ midfield – as he had done in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool. Even if Jose Izquierdo recovers from injury to come into contention for the trip to Southampton, he – along with Alireza Jahanbakhsh – might struggle to oust the form wingers ahead of them in the queue. Hughton’s faith in the “old guard” was demonstrated by Dunk returning straight into the starting XI, despite Balogun’s decent displays in the previous two matches. Bruno, then, could threaten Martin Montoya’s start at right-back when the veteran likely returns from injury in Gameweek 5, despite his replacement barely putting a foot wrong in his three starts for the Seagulls.

Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Attacking midfield, right-back

Burnley

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

  • What we saw: Sean Dyche changed his Premier League starting XI for the first time this season, replacing full-backs Stephen Ward and Matthew Lowton with Charlie Taylor and Phil Bardsley. Johann Berg Gudmundsson missed out through injury, so teenager Dwight McNeil was handed a start on the left flank. Jeff Hendrick was sacrificed in midfield just before the hour to allow Dyche to go 4-4-2, with Sam Vokes joining Chris Wood in attack. Matej Vydra and Ashley Barnes were also thrown on late in the match as Burnley attempted to claw their way back into the game against their ten-man opposition.
  • What we learned: Historically one of the more settled Premier League teams, the Burnley side is in something of a flux at the moment, be it through injury or loss of form. Dyche had rotated his troops in Europe this season but had resisted the urge to do so domestically until Sunday, when he made three alterations to his starting XI. While the McNeil-for-Gudmundsson change was enforced, the full-back rotation was perhaps the first sign that Dyche has lost patience with his leaky defence – neither Lowton nor Ward were involved in the match against Olympiakos on Thursday either, so this was not a tactical decision based on fatigue. Ben Mee’s wobbly performance at centre-back suggests Ben Gibson or Kevin Long can’t be far away from challenging for a starting spot, meanwhile. The injured Gudmundsson, Robbie Brady and Steven Defour could well return after the international break to give Dyche some much-needed alternatives in midfield, though McNeil impressed again on the left flank. Wood’s struggles to lead the line himself may force Dyche into rethinking his 4-5-1, with Vokes’ introduction alongside the former Leeds man giving the Clarets more of a potent goal threat in the second half.

Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, left midfield, forwards

Cardiff City

Starting XI (4-4-2):  Etheridge; Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett; Camarasa (Madine 89′), Ralls, Arter, Hoilett; Reid, Ward (Zohore 84′)

  • What we saw: Neil Warnock switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 as the high-pressing Bluebirds took the game to Arsenal, with Junior Hoilett fit to return on the left of midfield and Victor Camarasa pushed out to the right flank. FPL midfielder Danny Ward joined Bobby Reid in the two-man attack, with Kenneth Zohore dropping to the bench. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing joined Aron Gunnarsson in the treatment room, while news is awaited on the reason for Josh Murphy’s absence from the match-day squad.
  • What we learned: Neil Warnock’s comments after the match suggests that Cardiff may be intent on taking the game to their opposition in the coming weeks and, given that the Bluebirds broke their duck in front of goal against Arsenal, the City manager could decide to persist with this new system for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Ward has furthered his case for inclusion with a goal against the Gunners, while the excellent Camarasa drew praise from his manager after the match. Reid impressed alongside Ward, too, and with the back five and central midfield pairing of Joe Ralls and Harry Arter having played three successive league matches, changes could be at a minimum for the daunting Gameweek 5 fixture in west London. If fit, Gunnarsson offers more steel in the engine room, while Murphy and Zohore could come back into the reckoning with a switch back to a 4-3-3.

Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Wingers, forwards

Chelsea

Starting XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, Rudiger, David Luiz, Azpilicueta; Kovacic (Loftus-Cheek 79’), Kante, Jorginho; Hazard, Willian (Pedro 65’), Morata (Giroud 61’).

  • What we saw: Willian was preferred to Pedro on the right flank in Maurizio Sarri’s only change to his starting XI, as the Blues once again lined up in that familiar 4-3-3 shape. After making their first league starts of the season last weekend, Eden Hazard and Mateo Kovacic were back in the side for the visit of Bournemouth and impressed in their respective positions. Pedro replaced Willian midway through the second half and opened the scoring for the Blues, while Sarri’s other two changes – Olivier Giroud for Alvaro Morata and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Kovacic – were also like-for-like. Cesc Fabregas remained out with a knee problem.
  • What we learned: Little changes in Sarri’s system week on week, with no evidence – or need – for a Plan B as yet. The Willian/Pedro conundrum rolls on, as it has done for several seasons now: that seems to be the only real selection dilemma Sarri faces for the visit of Cardiff, with his side appearing settled elsewhere. The Chelsea head coach could incorporate both Willian and Pedro alongside Hazard, of course, with one of that trio playing as a false nine at the expense of the toiling Morata. David Luiz still fails to convince at centre-back, but Sarri is averse to making too many changes to a settled side and indeed the same back four have played every league match this campaign.

Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Right-wing

Crystal Palace

Starting XI (4-4-2):  Hennessey; Van Aanholt, Sakho, Kelly, Wan-Bissaka; Schlupp (Meyer 76’), McArthur, Milivojevic, Townsend (Kouyate 72’); Ayew (Sorloth 76’), Benteke.

  • What we saw: The only change to Roy Hodgson’s starting XI from the side that lost to Watford came up front, with the injured Wilfried Zaha replaced by Jordan Ayew. James Tomkins wasn’t fit to feature either, so Martin Kelly retained his position at centre-back. Max Meyer replaced Jeffrey Schlupp in the final quarter of an hour, with Alexander Sorloth also introduced at Ayew’s expense to give Christian Benteke some heavyweight support in attack.
  • What we learned: News is awaited on the severity of Zaha’s groin problem, which could determine how Hodgson approaches the Gameweek 5 match against Huddersfield Town. If fit, Zaha could come straight back into the team at Ayew’s expense, but after three straight defeats, Hodgson might be re-thinking his 4-4-2 set-up. Schlupp looks most at risk for what surely is an imminent start for Meyer, which could see James McArthur move out to the left flank (if Zaha is ruled out) to accommodate the German international centrally. Cheikhou Kouyate is an option to replace the below-par Luka Milivojevic in the engine room, meanwhile. If Tomkins recovers over the international break, then he will surely oust Kelly at centre-back. Sorloth is another option up front, either instead of or alongside the struggling Benteke.

Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Centre-back, left-midfield, centre-midfield, forwards

Everton

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Digne (Baines 76’), Zouma, Holgate, Coleman; Davies, Schneiderlin; Calvert-Lewin, Sigurdsson (Niasse 76’), Walcott (Lookman 57’); Tosun.

  • What we saw: Injury and suspension forced Marco Silva’s hand as he made three changes to his starting XI, though one of those alterations was Lucas Digne in at left-back for the dropped Leighton Baines. Richarlison (ban) and Idrissa Gueye (knee) missed out, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the fit-again Morgan Schneiderlin taking their places. Silva’s 4-2-3-1 set-up was otherwise unchanged, though a rib injury to Theo Walcott in the second half led to the Everton winger’s substitution.
  • What we learned: Silva has been dealt a bad hand in recent weeks with the number of players unavailable to him, though his system has remained the same for the four league matches the Toffees have contested. Bernard (muscle injury) and Walcott have a fortnight to get fit before the visit of West Ham, with Silva struggling for numbers on the flanks. Calvert-Lewin, playing on the left wing, did his cause no harm with Everton’s equalising goal but will surely be ousted by Richarlison when the Brazilian returns from suspension in Gameweek 6. Should Walcott and Bernard fail to win their fitness races, then Ademola Lookman would seem set to start on the right flank. Tom Davies’ place in the double-pivot will very likely be taken by one of Gueye or Andre Gomes, meanwhile, should either central midfielder recover from their respective issues during the international break. Kurt Zouma impressed at centre-back at the weekend, so Mason Holgate would appear most at risk when Yerry Mina and Michael Keane are given a clean bill of health. Baines and Digne continue to tussle for the left-back role, with the Frenchman given his first league start of the season at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-back, central defence, central midfield, wingers

Fulham

Starting XI (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Le Marchand, Odoi, Mawson, Fosu-Mensah; Zambo Anguissa (Johansen 74’), McDonald, Seri; Vietto (R Sessegnon 74’), Mitrovic, Schurrle (Chambers 87’)

  • What we saw: Tom Cairney (ankle) missed Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Brighton, with Slavisa Jokanovic opting for the steel of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa over the creativity of Stefan Johansen in his stead. Alfie Mawson was handed his first league start for the Cottagers at centre-half, with Maxime Le Marchard moving over to left-back in place of the benched Joe Bryan. The front three were unchanged as expected, though Luciano Vietto and Andre Schurrle did swap flanks to play as “inverted wingers” – a tactic Jokanovic had also employed in Fulham’s previous away match at Spurs.
  • What we learned: While the 4-3-3 has remained a constant throughout August and into September, Jokanovic has made changes to his starting XI in each Premier League match this season and it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see further alterations for the trip to the Etihad in a fortnight’s time. Bryan could earn a reprieve at left-back to contend with the pace on City’s right flank, with Le Marchand and Denis Odoi perhaps competing for a spot alongside the fit-again Mawson. Jokanovic may consider playing both of Anguissa and Kevin McDonald again to stem the City tide, while Ryan Sessegnon will hope to get a reprieve at the expense of Vietto on the flank. Given the goalscoring exploits of both Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, these two in-form attackers would seem likely to be secure in their respective roles.

Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-back, centre-back, central midfield, wingers

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI (5-4-1):  Lossl; Lowe, Schindler, Zanka, Kongolo, Hadergjonaj (Durm 76’); Mooy, Billing, Diakhaby (Kachunga 60’), van La Parra; Mounie (Depoitre 92’).

  • What we saw: David Wagner employed a Newcastle-esque 5-4-1 for the trip to Goodison Park, with the Terriers happy to soak up the pressure and allow Everton time on the ball. Terence Kongolo moved to centre-half alongside Zanka and Christopher Schindler, with Chris Lowe coming into the side at left-back. Aaron Mooy and Philip Billing were the midfield pair in the absence of the suspended Jonathan Hogg, with Rajiv van La Parra and Adam Diakhaby continuing on the flanks in support of lone striker Steve Mounie. Jonas Lossl replaced the injured Ben Hamer in goal.
  • What we learned: While the defensive set-up suited an away match at Goodison Park, Wagner may decide to revert back to a 4-2-3-1 for the visit of Crystal Palace in Gameweek 4. Alex Pritchard could get a reprieve in the hole with such a system change, with Lowe perhaps dropping out again and Kongolo moving over to left-back. Mounie has started every league match this season at the expense of Laurent Depoitre and seems secure in the short-term, though van La Parra and Diakhaby could be at risk from Isaac Mbenza, Elias Kachunga and – if fit – Ramadan Sobhi on the flanks. The goalkeeper situation is one to monitor when Hamer returns to fitness, with it being far from certain that the £4.0m-rated custodian automatically returns in place of Lossl.

Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, left-back, wingers, attacking midfield, forwards

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4,155 Comments Post a Comment
  1. tricpic
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Mikhi to Maddison? Y or N

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

      If you need money Y

      1. tricpic
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t....but don’t want to keep Mikhi. Alternatives? Pedro, Moura, both rotation risks. And the money might prove handy.

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

          go for it than or maybe pereyra

    2. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, great fixtures coming up for Leicester and Mkhi isn't nailed as we could see. Maddison looking good.

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

    I am planning on saving my WC, probably even save a transfer. 280 points so far and heading my ML, would you save it or make a 1 change?

    Fabianski
    Alonso | Robertson | Mendy | Bissaka
    Salah | Mane | Mhki* | Walcott*
    Kun (C) | Ings |

    Foster - Stephens - Zaha* - Peltier*

    1. FC nelo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go for probably Mhki-Zaha -> Hazard+X if possible for a -4. To get rid of two injured players to be sure to have a good starting 11.

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

        I cant get Hazar with those 2 changes, maybe Wilson for Zaha.

      2. Stevie B
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Hazar is too expensive (10.6), Mhki is only 7.2 and Zaha only 7.1. Maybe Zaha to Mitrovic.

  3. Captain choices and heavy hitters
    Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    For those on WC’s, here’s an idea to help build your team.

    Excluding punty captains (Alonso, Mendy, Mane, Eriksen etc), how many genuine grade A week in week out captain choices are there in the game?

    I’d suggest currently four - Aguero, Salah, Kane & Hazard. That is it. Maybe, just maybe Lukaku if he hits serious form and has a run of great fixtures.

    So select two, to give yourself a little bit of choice and then build the rest of your team around that. Having three or all four, I don’t believe makes a whole lot of sense.

    Of course I could be wrong, and often am......

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

      You'll never get a hot topic no matter how hard you try 😉

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

        Already have three printed, framed and on the wall above my bed 😎

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

          And a duvet, pillow and sheet set made out of the bans? 😉

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

            Nah, they printed and wound on a roll in the bog 😉

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

              😀

        2. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          And now a fourth - that's almost one a year 😉

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

        Please mods, give Jaf green and give Badgerboy egg on his face 😛

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

          😀

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

          😎

        3. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Done 😀

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

            Consider my face egged!

    2. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      makes sense to me, I got Kun, Salah, Haz

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

        So you haven’t followed my suggestion then 😀

    3. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Wrong account

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

        😛 😉

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        At least he didnt use the Chucky account

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

      Having 3 or 4 of them makes the rest of the team useless. Can't have bench or premium def. I went with Kun and Haz(even tho I know he is troll) out of those.

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

        Any other Grade A captains? I reckon it’s just those four (five at a push)....

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

          Only if you can count Mane as one. Rest of the team are players under 7m, with strong bench.

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

      Sage advice

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

        Onion stuffing more like.....

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

      I went with all except Kane and 4 premium defenders, loving the look of my team!

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

        Fair one...

    7. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Currently with Kun and Hazard but I disagree with Mane not being a captain option, probably captain him for the Southampton game if I go without Salah

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

        Mane as captain for 10 games or more this season?

        1. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          My bad I didn’t read that bit properly. I apologise and i’ll crawl back under the rock I came from

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

            😛

            I’ll also struggling a bit with this ‘having a sensible conversation’ lark

            Probably just go back to aaarsing about in a bit....

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

      Sterling says hello

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

        Oh yeah, and him....

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

          KdB

    9. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      At this stage, not sure I agree entirely with this. 4 is definitely too many, but 3 is perfectly possible without compromising the average value of the team. There seem to be a lot of excellent value budget forwards and mids this season, and not that much in the 7-8 range so far. For example, I already have kun and salah, and I'm probably gonna get Haz in this week, but I'll still have Mendy, Robertson, Alonso, Shaw, Wilson, Richarlison, Maddison, Jimenez etc

    10. FlockofSeagulls
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I'd add Vardy to the list of genuine captain options over the next few gws given the fixtures.

      In an attacking team, on pens, no more internationals and a proven goal scorer.

    11. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I think if I was on my WC I'd have 2.5.. 3 maybe.

      Aguero, Hazard, one of Salah and Mane. I also looked at a draft with Lukaku.

      Luckily I probably won't have to decide, as I think I'm holding my WC for later

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

      I'd add Auba to the list of serious captaincy choices. Ended last season in blistering fashion and should start to deliver regularly now he's got off the mark.

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

      i wouldn't put Mane in the Punty category at the moment, as it stands he is as Much a Grade A as other 4. attacking strong and over the 4 games is scoring and looking good. Kun has had one good game, Kane is bobbing along. Hazard looks good and Salah is slightly off the boil.

      owning 2 is generally good with a few of your punty to get points

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

        Bobbing along, bobbing along, on the bottom of the beautiful briney sea!

    14. AllGonePozzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I have Salah Aguero Hazard and 3 premium defenders. More than happy with my team right now apart from Mkhi and Fab

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

      On a related note, i was wondering which players are 'essential' right now; based on form, fixtures, ceiling and value? Who would shock you, if they were absent from someone's WC this week?

      Alonso? Mendy? Hazard? Aguero?

      Im really not sure. Strange times.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I'm without Aguero and intend to continue to be. I missed his massive GW2 haul but I honestly don't think he's worth the hassle.

        Owners got a little lucky that Salah couldn't capitalise on his low scoring display, though I do accept that he has rotated very well with Salah for the last four. Still, two blanks out of four is hardly essential form and I can see his security of starts being undermined in the long run.

    16. WesMantooth
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Theres really only one Grade A "week in - week out"-captain:
      Salah. Kane is week in - week out captain, but lost his grade A status last season. If he rediscovers his 14/15 and 16/17 form, he's back to being grade A.

      The others you are mentioning are situational captains. Aguero will be your captain in most of his homegames, and the odd awaygame if youre sure he starts and the game looks good on paper. Hazard is a player you'd captain the the times when other captaincyoptions have really difficult fixtures. Lukaku, Mane, Sterling and Aubameyang have similar status as Hazard.

      One, can get it right and wrong in any given week, but this is my view on who "the real" captaincyoptions are.

    17. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      If I was certain he would start I think David Silva is a nice differential but my arm band will be on Aguero or Hazard I think.

    18. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Raheem Sterling, the forgotten man

  4. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    I've had 49 points on the bench which i've missed out on after 4 gameweeks. Anyone have higher than that?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      You can't add the 49 to your score so missed out on much less.

      1. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        correct, i'd say between 35-40 points i've missed out on.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          A lot less. Having GK bench points means you got the keeper wrong and didn't deserve the difference in points. Having bench points means you played the wrong players in hindsight.

    2. FC nelo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, I have had a total of 43 on my bench so far. 3 goals and one assist. But I had Aguero VC with Sanchez C when he got benched, so I have no right to complain about naming the wrong starting eleven.

    3. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Bloke in my ML was on 49 after 2 gw's. Now up to 72 if that makes you feel any better

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

      29 in GW1 🙂

  5. NestorC
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    What looks better

    A) Pereyra and Wilson
    or
    B) Deeney and Fraser

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      a

    2. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A.)

  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Would you WC this bunch or go to -8 max?

    Fabianski Foster
    Alonso Mendy Robertson Tomkins* AWB
    Salah Mane Mkhi* Walcott* Gunnarsson*
    Aguero Zaha* Ings

    1 FT, 0 in bank.

    Cheers in advance.

    1. Red Wasabi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      -8, I would hold on to the WC as long as possible

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

      I think you can get away with a -8 tbh mate

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Nice start TM. I'd just get Hazard in for Salah.

    4. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Think I wouldn't.
      Walcott might be back and then you would only need maybe 2 transfers

    5. toystory2wasok
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      it's tricky, i think walcott and zaha could very well be fit, and if so it's a decent starting 11, and beyond that i would only do salah to hazard.. maybe mkhi out (to moura?) also.

      but if the injuries last, it could be time.

    6. NestorC
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I WCed even tho my team was in better shape than yours. Now I regret, but at least I will set up nice 15 players with little or no worries about rotation(Bilva, Mkhi, etc OUT).

    7. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to take care of the issues and getting Hazard without WC, right? That’s if you even want Hazard?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Hazard would need a Pooler to go.

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

          Mikhi/Wally/Pedro to Fraser or such and Mané (not Salah) to Hazard maybe. Rest looks good enough to save WC. Worst case another -4 for a total of -8. Save the WC.

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

            Sorry, no Pedro.

    8. The Artist
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I think the doubt over Mkhi's spot is misplaced. Will take more than 1GW to convince me he's not a fantastic option. The rest of them, let the international break run its course and take a look again on the other side. It's a good squad. No major surgery required at this point.

    9. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't WC and you might not even need a -8 if one or more of your injured players recovers.

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

      WC and live a little!

    11. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      WC, perfect timing for it.

    12. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I've got the exact same team as you except Peltier for Tomkins.

      Don't think WC is the answer to this team because it could backfire massively.

      Just Zaha to Wilson if he's out and maybe Wally to Pedro/Maddisson(-4).

      I'd be tempted to start Mkhi as well.

      But yes, no WC for me. Gw9 looks prime for WC imo.

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Our fodders vary though 😛
        Stephens vs Gunnarsson and Patricio vs Fabianski.

    13. Zizoulicious
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe do the transfers you want now (if you’re concerned with price rises) and then see if injured players are ok closer to next gw. If not wc

    14. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I would Wildcard personally, I don’t see the point in taking hits and patching up your team when you have a wildcard in hand. That’s just my opinion though

    15. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers all, might be a late WC if needed.

    16. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      The only way i wouldn't WC is If Zaha and wally are fit...

    17. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't wildcard that.

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

    Would you WC from Team A to Team B?

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

    B.) Hennessey (McCarthy)
    Robertson, Mendy, Alonso (AWB, Bennett)
    Salah, Hazard, Pereyra, Maddison (Billing)
    Aguero, Mitrovic, Ings

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

      No, 2 transfers will be enough to get Alonso in

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

    Don't understand why Mane is close to a rise...

    Some strange moves these casuals make

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

      They literally just look at top scorers at different price points. Mane is the top scoring midfielder by far.

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Like seriously, you have no idea why Mane, the highest midfield points player, is rising in price?

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

        Not unless they're chasing points, no. With their upcoming schedule.

        I know casuals do that, but a rise means a very large number of people buying him, so that's surprising

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

          Casuals are the market force incarnate. You ever see a player rise before he hits form because he looks like a great option and many hardcore managers buy him? No, because casuals rule the market.

        2. FPL price manipulators are …
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          😉 just a bit of banter geeza

        3. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Yip 'casuals'. Unlike the elite brotherhood.

    3. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I don't own him and am ignoring atm but I really don't see much off a slowdown in his productivity over the next few weeks.
      Pool look fixture proof to me.

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

        Form over fixtures, people forget this year after year. Not saying Salah has great form, but he could haul anytime. 3 goals vs against Spurs last season...

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

          I wasn't saying people should be selling Mane. I mean they could, but they could keep as well.

          I meant a rise means a very large number of people buying him, and with the upcoming schedule and possibly his minutes being managed, it seems excessive and surprising.

          It's because he just scored really. I bet if he had blanked like Salah, he would've been heading down

    4. Chockky
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Mane is looking back to what he was like a couple of seasons ago, yeah he may have his minutes managed but when a play is looking sharp then can score in them minutes as Hazard did off the bench.

      IMO Salah is off the boil at the moment and is playing a bit like Mane did last season when it wasn't working, silly greedy shots instead of easy pass for Mane/Firm( that example is from end of Lei game). Salah will find his form and become explosive.

      if you look at Mane points last season that was on an off-season with 10 games missing and still got a decent score.

      I can see him being up there with the likes of sterling this season

  9. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    I’ve also decided to only play my WC when the team is in absolute shiiit state (five flags or more), otherwise there’s a good chance I’ll just make it worse if trying to make an average team just more average.

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I told you above, wrong account

  10. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mkhi likely to drop in price tonight?

    1. toystory2wasok
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      -42% so no chance.

  11. BON
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Question for the mangers on a Wildcard...

    Holebas vs Bennett

    Most of us will already have these 4 defenders:
    Alonso - Mendy - Robertson - AWB

    Which leaves the 5th defender still to choose.

    Holebas and Bennett may both rise in price tonight so a decision has to be made now on who to go with.

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

      Holebas is my choice

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

      Bennet. Creates cash.

    3. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I would go Bennett as your not gonna play them that often an you can invest 0.7 elsewhere

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

      I would go Bennett.

    5. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I would go Doherty at 4.4 m

  12. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Don't understand why Mkhi is close to a fall...

    Some strange moves these casuals make

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Can’t see him starting if Auba and Laca keep playing together tbh

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

        Ozil looked woeful...

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

      He isn't close to a fall, genius

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        🙄

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

          😀

          How’d ya do that emoji, I think I need that one....

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      This was censored. PC rubbish.

  13. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    A Laca and Ings
    Or
    B Arnie and Mitrovic

    1. The Baby-faced Assassin
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A

  14. Starvaiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Fab/Hennessey
    Mendy/Robbo/Cook/WB/Peltier
    DSilva/Eriksen/Richarlison/Fraser/Odoi
    Kane/Firmino/Arnie
    (1FT)

    A) Odoi -> Maddison (Keep Arnie) – no hit
    B) Odoi and Arnie > Ramsey + Ings/King - (-4)
    C) Arnie > Vardy – no hit
    D) Hold

    Thanks!

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A

  15. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering Lingard as a Mkhi replacement? Looked threatening yesterday and united looking much more attacking last 2 games...

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      yes he looked great

  16. gilean
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Mikky to Moura? Yes or no?

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Not for me, son will be taking minutes from him.

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

        Then to who? Also have Bilva to get rid of and only 1 FT

        1. Prison Mike
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I’m looking at Madison or maybe even Lingard.

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Maddison

  17. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Holebas will be this season's Ward. Will just steadily rise to 5.0 and maybe even beyond as long as hes the top scoring cheap defender.

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      If he can curb the yellows then he will be a no brainer.

  18. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Moura and Ings or Pedro and Wilson?

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Yes for me

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Lol what?

    2. The Baby-faced Assassin
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      P & W

  19. FC nelo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Would you take a -4 or just hold for at least over the international break?

    A) Tosun+Kabasele -> Joselu+Alonso (-4)
    B) Save FT

    Ederson / 4.0
    Mendy / Doherty / AWB / Cook / Kabasele
    Mané / Salah / Hazard / Kante / Ralls
    Aguero / Ings / Tosun

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Id save for time being.
      Wait an see next 10 days

      1. FC nelo
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you. Will probably go for that and do three changes after this GW as a mini-WC. Or the week after depending on how Salah looks.

    2. The Jackal
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Had Tosun from start. Giving him 1 more chance against a dodgy Hammers defence. To be fair Everton going down to 10 men hasn't helped his cause.

  20. Sid1891
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    60pts ouf of this lot last weekend
    Anything in mind?
    Thinking of Taa to Shaw

    Suggestions welcome
    0.2itb

    Fab
    Taa Alonso Mendy
    Mane Hazard Dilva Milivojevic
    Aguero Tosun Arnie

    Awb Fraser Bennett

    1. FC nelo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I don't trust Mourinho enough to get Shaw in just yet. You never know. One wrong pass and Young can come back in. However, Shaw been great and Mourinho has praised him, so could be a nice pick. I got rid of him before Spurs to get Mendy in, but might consider him in a few weeks again though. I'd probably hold to be able to do a mini-WC after the IB.

  21. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Bellerin at -96%, owners tempted to sell?

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Gonna give him 1 more week.

  22. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Walcott and Zaha chances of featuring in gw5?

    1. The Baby-faced Assassin
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      75% and 50% 😉

    2. toystory2wasok
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      walcott i think yes, but zaha we have to wait on news.

  23. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering Matip after the International break? Will be well rested.....

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

      Sane is also well rested

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      There he is.

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

        😆 😎

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

      I always use Matip the most during IBs...

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

        Naughty Pun....

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

          Not with Gomez's form and Lovren on his way back.

  24. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Auba + Pedro -> Hazard + Mitro

    Yay or Nay?

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      free or hit?

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

        Sorry, should have said. -4

        1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          hmmm the players you own could easily outscore those you are bringing in. i’d hold

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

            Ok thanks for that! Will hold fire then!

  25. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    would you WC?

    Rui Hamer
    Robbo alonso mendy tomkins* AWB
    chalobah salah mane bilva* Wally*
    ings kun zaha*

    probably going to save the WC as the only player I really want is haz, the rest would be filler really

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

      I wouldn’t WC unless you get late news that those three are still injured?

  26. Zizoulicious
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    On WC, if you really wanted to squeeze an extra 1 mil from somewhere, is Robertson > T.A.A a bad move?

    Is Robertson worth that extra 1 mil?

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      slightly more secure and slightly more of a bap monster, i’m keeping for nkw

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

        Yeah that slight risk of rotation is off putting, but he takes more shots and some set pieces on the other hand.

        I’m l among towards keeping Robertson still...

  27. HNI
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Has Salah gone on international duty?
    Klopp subbed him early so just wanted to know he doesnt get burnout

  28. Please Help I Don't Kn…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Which one of these would y'all start?

    A) Cedric
    B) PVA

    Thanks

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

      Always PvA for me - very attacking

  29. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Foster Fab
    Alonso Mendy Robertson Tomkins AWB
    Salah Mane Bilva Walcott Stephens
    Aguero Arnie Kamara
    1ft. 0.3 itb
    Almost wanna WC but think not that bad. Wait a week and maybe even save if Walcott fit and no internatiinal trouble. What do you think?

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      No need to WC. If Walcott is fit only player I would be looking to lose is Bilva. An obvious rotation risk, and when he does play could be used as a wingback. Loads of choice in that price range. Personally I would go for Moura. Form over fixtures. He has been Spurs best player recently for me, can't see him being dropped even when Son comes back.

  30. _____JR_____
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Updated WC team after feedback

    Hennessey. Foster

    Alonso Robertson Mendy Holabas Wan-Biss

    Mane Hazard Jorginho Neves Moura

    Kun Zaha Mitro

    Obv Zaha gone f out for a while.

    Really thinking of downgrading Moura and upgrading others.

    All thoughts are welcome and appreciated

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

      I would downgrade Zaha and improve one of the cheap mids personally

    2. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Don't like the two cheap mids. Unless you intend playing 433 every week. I'd downgrade Zaha to Ings, or Jimenez. Then upgrade one of your cheap mids to a 6.5/7 mid. Plenty choice in that price bracket.