Selection

Watchlist Update – Left-backs dominate among defensive options

We are taking the opportunity of the international break to do a more in-depth update of our Watchlist.

Each option is ranked according to different factors to help managers work out their appeal for Fantasy Premier League.

We started off with the goalkeepers earlier this week, and now we’ve moved onto defenders.

Marcos Alonso (£6.8m) currently tops the defensive section of our Watchlist, which is no surprise given his form and fixtures. No player in the whole of FPL has more points than the Chelsea man thus far, who has registered a goal and five assists in the first four Gameweeks. Fantasy Football Scout members who read our analysis of Alonso earlier in the week will know that certain aspects of his form have the potential to be sustainable too. That is encouraging for the Spaniard as he prepares for favourable matches against Cardiff (home) and West Ham (away) up next.

Just behind Alonso is another of the triumvirate of premium left-backs in Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy (£6.4m). The Frenchman also has five assists to his name thus far, as well as returning points in every match of 2018/19. His presence in the final third is what has underpinned his distribution in the early part of the campaign, no defender receiving more passes in that area of the pitch than Mendy so far. Where he falls just below Alonso is potential for clean sheets. While City’s fixtures are a little kinder than Chelsea’s, the champions have conceded the same number of goals from half as many big chances.

Completing the trio of left-side full-backs is Andrew Robertson (£6.1m) who goes into Gameweek 5 also in top form. The Scottish international has collected three clean sheets, two assists and six bonus, the only defender with more additional points is Alonso. Robertson’s key strength is the amount of time he is spending in opposition penalty boxes; no defender has more than his 17 touches. His only detrimental factor is that of Unfavourable Fixtures, given that he faces Tottenham (away), Chelsea (away) and Manchester City (home) in the next four Gameweeks. Those three sides have combined for 30 goals scored since the start of the campaign.

Also carrying the Unfavourable Fixtures tag is Jose Holebas (£4.8m), but that doesn’t stop him from holding onto fourth place in our Watchlist. The Watford man has a goal and four assists in as many Gameweeks and is also the designated indirect free-kick and corner taker. The fact that he sits second for total score among defenders (34) despite keeping one clean sheet shows that he can continue to impress throughout a run of games that sees him face Manchester United (home) and Arsenal (away) between now and Gameweek 7. Crucially, an advantage he has over many of the in-vogue premium options is his price, although it is steadily on the rise.

Currently averaging 7.67 points per game, Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier (£6.0m) is also worthy of a high place on our Watchlist. Despite missing out on the opening match of the campaign, only four defenders have scored more FPL points than him so far. Trippier’s appeal in 2018/19 has improved considerably since being handed some of Christian Eriksen’s (£9.4m) set-piece duties, including direct free-kicks. His corners have placed him joint-top of the list for chances created when we filter the numbers to just Gameweeks 2, 3 and 4 – the ones in which he has played. The former Burnley man is also top of the pile for crosses into the box during that time as well. However, we have to warn potential suitors that Trippier does carry the Rotation Risk factor with a busy schedule coming up for Spurs and Mauricio Pochettino’s propensity to swap him in and out of the starting line-up with Serge Aurier (£5.9m).

One of the few promising defensive assets at Manchester United in the first four Gameweeks has been Luke Shaw (£5.1m). He has a goal, an assist and a clean sheet to his name and has been the only member of the Red Devils’ back-four to start every match. Crucially, only Alonso has had more efforts on goal than Shaw at this point, suggesting that if he can hold onto his place in the team (with Ashley Young also available) Shaw can become the best route into the Man United defence. After all, a first clean sheet in Gameweek 4 suggests some promise for upcoming home meetings with Wolves (Gameweek 6) and Newcastle (Gameweek 8). Considering the addition of goal threat to his shutout potential, he could soon provide better value than De Gea, who is currently £0.8m more expensive.

Shkodran Mustafi (£5.4m) has emerged as the primary route into Arsenal’s defence for their favourable run of fixtures. The German international delivered on his brewing goal threat in Gameweek 4 by netting in the Gunners’ 3-2 win at Cardiff. It’s a trip to Newcastle next before Everton and Watford come to the Emirates Stadium in Gameweeks 6 and 7 respectively. However, while we’ve handed a Favourable Fixtures factor to Mustafi, we can’t give him higher than a B for form as Unai Emery’s side are yet to keep a clean sheet in 2018/19.

Next up is Bournemouth’s Steve Cook (£4.6m). The centre-back has already earned one price rise this season after his 14-point haul in Gameweek 2 but has the potential to continue his form. Bournemouth have favourable fixtures from a defensive perspective with Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Southampton all set to visit the Vitality Stadium between now and Gameweek 9. Furthermore, a trip to out-of-form Burnley in Gameweek 6 also looks kind for the Cherries too. Cook also carries some goal threat a well as his Potential Bargain factor.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.1m) has fallen down the Watchlist somewhat in recent weeks but still deserves to remain in the conversation. Firstly, the Crystal Palace defender has held onto his Potential Bargain tag given that he has earned just one price rise in 2018/19. Secondly, the Eagles still have a kind run of fixtures which sees them travel to Huddersfield in Gameweek 5 and host Newcastle in Gameweek 6.

We have changed our chosen Leicester defender from Ricardo Pereira (£5.1m) to Ben Chilwell (£5.0m). While the former is currently ahead on assists (two to zero) and total score (19 to 12), we believe that Chilwell has the potential to outperform his new colleague in the coming weeks. Analysis in the Members Area shows that Chilwell has played more successful passes in the final third than Pereira and his heat map shows he is spending more time in there too. All that despite the fact that right-back Pereira has been deployed in midfield twice this season. In either case, there is potential for clean sheets for Leicester assets with a factor of Favourable Fixtures attached to them.

Completing the list is budget man Ryan Bennett (£4.0m). Fantasy managers may wish to incorporate Wolves cover into their defensive rotation over the next six Gameweeks and he looks the most appropriate. The reigning Championship winners have home matches against Burnley and Southampton coming up as well as trips to Crystal Palace and Brighton. Crucially, they have allowed the same number of big chances as Manchester City so far in 2018/19; only Liverpool and Bournemouth have conceded fewer.

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1,057 Comments Post a Comment
  1. A.T
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Hi David. Is it you who does the watchlist?

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

      It's a group effort.

      What's up?

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Nothing is up. I just wondered who does the watchlist. Who's in the group?

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

          Me, David, Neale, Paul, and Mark for the most part.

          1. A.T
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Ok thanks. Who is Neale?

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

              Lolz

              1. A.T
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                What's so funny?

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

                  Nevermind. Not funny anymore.

                  1. A.T
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Thought you were lolling at Neale then for a minute.

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

                      You shouldn't be so sensitive. I could see the joke, obviously you couldn't 😉

                      1. A.T
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 6 months ago

                        I'm not being sensitive, I just didn't get the joke.

  2. Members Area improvement suggestions
  3. Netley Lucas
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Digne & Rico posted some good creativity numbers, mid-40's

    1. athreya
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      What’s the status of Digne vs Baines? Rico seems like he could keep Daniels out.

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

      Yeah, Rico could be nice differential.

  4. white heart pain
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Foster
    Mendy Alonso Robbo Shaw
    Salah Mane Pedro Mhki
    Kun Zaha

    Fab AWB Billings Kamara

    GTG? Pedro/Mhki big worries

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

      GTG no need to rush with either this week

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

      Wouldn't say GTG necessarily. Zaha a bigger worry than Pedro - even if he's fit they won't risk him vs Huddersfield unless he's definitely OK. Keep an eye on it, maybe move to Wilson if he's out.

      Pedro should start this weekend I think.

      Mkhi...hard to say really. I have to keep him but would love to move him to Dilva/Fraser/Maddison if I had the luxury.

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

    How are the expected goals stats calculated?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Position & % (success rate)

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

      Regression models using variables such as shot location, type of finish etc etc

  6. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Who's the biggest liability out of these? One you would use a transfer on. 4.3M ITB so money not an issue.

    A. Hudson-Odoi
    B. Zaha
    C. Walcott

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

      A to Dilva

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

      A isnt a good pick at all, but with C, you can upgrade to Hazard. So depends on bench and current team

  7. mm0507
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Best team for goalkeeper combo 4.5/4.0? As I can see there are two possibilities Brighton and Bournemouth.

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

      Spend the .5 and go Patricio/Hatt

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Hud are the 3rd, I've gone bri but all look ok

  8. Wheato182
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go chaps?

    Patrico
    Alonso - Bennett - Mendy
    Mane - Fraser - D.Silva - Hazard
    Aguero - Mitro - Laca

    Foster - AWB - Cook - Ward

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

      Yeah nice team.

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

      Gorgeous. Is that on a WC, yea?

      1. Wheato182
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah it is.

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

      Nice, i wildcarded yesterday and have exactly the same team exept: Foster -> Hamer and Cook -> Shaw.

  9. athreya
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    It’s time to have a RMWCT article and shepherd all those queries there. Even if it’s intenrationals week the WC team posts are becoming repetitive and boring. My two bits.

    1. athreya
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Duh. Pardon the spelling error. Internationals.

    2. Wheato182
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Ok

  10. Gianfranco Zola
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    How is this wildcard team?

    Patricio (Hamer)
    Alonso Mendy Shaw (Bennett W-B)
    Salah Mane D.Silva Ramsey Pedro
    Aguero Ings (Quaner)

    1. Wheato182
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Looking a little light up top, i'd prob downgrade Shaw/Ramsey and upgrade Ings

      1. Gianfranco Zola
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Ings > Wilson, Ramsey > Walcott if fit maybe

    2. ROLLING THE DICE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      If on WC I’d look to include Hazard. Ings ok as 3rd striker by not second. Consider dropping Salah???

      1. Gianfranco Zola
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Keeping Salah. Might get Hazard for Mane

  11. Unimaginative
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    So, how many points is a wild card worth. I see plenty of people saying if your taking a minus 8, then you should probably be using the WC. I am currently looking at using my 2 FTs and taking a minus 12 for a 5 player overhaul.
    While -12 donsnt feel great, it is pretty much the team I would make if I was going to use my WC now. With that in mind, I really feel like this is a great option and holding the WC for a good while longer will only make it more valuable. The fact that I will deploy the 2nd WC in the last few weeks of the season leads me to believe that getting as close to Xmas as possible with the WC intact is a fantastic option. Would love others thoughts on this and if you have read this far and don't feel up to writing a long reply, just post the hits you feel would justify pulling the trigger on a WC. -8, -12, -16 ect
    Thanks

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

      If you want to replace 5 players the WC could become an option. If you want to keep the WC, then do 3 transfers at the most this week.

      The chances of all 5 delivering right away are probably quite slim, so there would be little point in punishing your team with a whopping 12 point disadvantage in one week!

    2. Licious Lizard
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I think both the tactic of using it early and saving it for later on can be viable strategies depending on your current squad and your tactic in using it around GW 15-19.
      Personally I have had great success in saving it and using it later on. You will probably lose a few points and a bit of value (and time utilizing this value) by saving it for later, but having the ability to react to injuries, fixture changes etc. and preparing your team for the busy Christmas schedule (and potentially an early DGW) can also really give you a massive boost later on.

      That being said, I think it’s difficult exactly measuring how many points a wildcard is worth. Many people are saying that they are wildcarding now because they would make X number of transfers - but we need to look at how many of these are luxury transfers and how many are really needed. You would have to actually play out each team and calculate the exact scenarios of potential points gained, which is quite a big task.
      A case for using it now could be that rotation is starting soon, so people are looking to improve their bench now as well - although as we have seen many rotated players will get 1-30 minutes sub appearances.
      Again, I think it depends mostly on the state of your current squad, but many on here are wildcarding too hastily in my personal opinion.

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Holding it on got longer does not necessarily make it valuable.
      It really depends on when you use it, did you catch players on a peak before the dip?
      Did you catch price rises?
      Is your bench stronger in the long term after the wildcard.
      What state was your team in previously?
      Mine was in bits gw2 no bench player drops for about 6 players.
      I wildcard before gw3 got rid of lacazette got Hazard in etc.
      Much happier with the team I have now.
      To the extent that many current wildcarders are only getting a team similar to mine now.
      I had a three week head start on them.
      If you do not take any more major hits throughout the year I can see the value in your strategy.
      But I took a -12 early last year with your thinking and it was a disaster.
      If I left it alone I would have been way better off with some patience.
      You have to remember the player you transfer out has to under-perform the player you take out -4 points.
      That does not happen with all of them so you generally loose out with major -12 points, unless those players are non-playing ones.

    4. Paul
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I'm all for it...in all my years playing I've never used wc this early.. always been december mostly

    5. Old Man Willow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I've taken -8 and have considered the wildcard. But like you I'm thinking it would be valuable to play towards the end of the year when there's lots of shorter gameweeks, then I can save my second wildcard until after week 30.

      Is there no way you can stagger your transfers a bit, -8 this gameweek then do the final transfer next gameweek?

    6. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      20 points is a rough guide but probably not even that. It all depends on your team really.

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

      I don't think it is EVER worth taking a -12 hit, that's just the way I have played Fantasy.
      Do you realize how many places you will lose by taking the hit?
      Not worth IMO

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

        I took last year -16 (or was it -20) before bgw and it worked out fine 😉 I was able to beat the average over 10 pts after point deductions that gw and got playing 11.Offloading deadwood and getting in Arnie and Lanzini was fun until injuries. Everything is possible.

    8. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think a WC can or should be evaluated in points terms. Its real value is being played when your team is too far removed from the ideal team to be able fix with a few FT and hits alone. There is no best time to play it as if you get off to a cracking start then the best time to play it is likely different to someone with a much lower rank.

      I would not play my WC just because I wanted to make a -16. Moves can be spread out over 1 or 2 weeks, if you had 2 FT one week you could make 3 changes that week for 4pts and another change the next week for free - thats four changes in 2 weeks for just 4pts.

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

        Agree with this.

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

      Generally, I'd also expect that someone's score to immediately improve after using a WC.
      Probably to a tune of +20pts.
      Then to slide back to 0pts in subsequent weeks.

    10. Ghost Ship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I like to play my wild card when I go on holiday so I can spend all week tinkering.

  12. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Play bennett or mitro?
    BUR - mnc

    1. ROLLING THE DICE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Both.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        😐

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

      Mitro of course

  13. Krionos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Having looked at the games, Alonso just gets more and more forward as the match edges towards 90 minutes. He looks like scoring/assistng almost every game.

    His stats are also outstanding. If he continues like this, I wonder if he could become the most valuable player ever in fantasy, in terms of points per million.

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

      Exactly this. Every week, the first 45 I'm thinking gah, he's been reigned in. Then by the 70mins has playing no10

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

      Do you have him?

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

        yes.

    3. Wheato182
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Yup, Hazards comments about looking up and Alonso being in front of him most of the time meant i had to sacrifice elsewhere and get him in at 6.8 million.

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

      First legit captain option as a defender????

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

        Not sure if I have the balls to do it, but he is the only defender I can think of that has the potential to score 20 points in a game...

    5. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Fear factor made me take a hit to get him in. I keep thinking he won't sustain it (a bit like last season) but he is collating some ridiculous scores.

    6. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      The reason he is allowed to get forward because it is a tactic of sarris he used at Napoli.
      One full back bombs on while the other tucks in.
      Azpilecueta is ideal for the donkey work as he is a centre back playing full back.
      So it is not strictly a 4-3-3.

  14. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Which sounds more sensible?

    A. Robertson , Kamara or;
    B. Bennett, Mitro

    Imo id actually get more use out of B, but dropping robbo...agh

    [repost in more recent article]

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

      B

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

    The biggest stupidity i hear on a various podcasts and here is that you need to rip your team apart to bring Salah back if you sold him.
    All you need is 2 ft.

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      It's more the fact that people try to plan the 2FT for a future GW to get him back in, but it never works like that. Injuries, suspension, form can all change within a week

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

        It still isn't " ripping your team apart".
        That what ft is for.

        1. BIG TONES
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          To get a 13m player in you will probably have to sacrifice one, maybe two important players. I would consider that ripping the team apart, especially when people are taking hits as well.

          1. Licious Lizard
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            But the people selling Salah is betting on their players outperforming Salah, so they are betting on it being worth it.
            Yes if you are already planning on getting him back for -4 as soon as he scores it is irrational, but over the next 4-5 weeks, I can see why some people opt for it.

    2. Licious Lizard
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed.
      Mane + Hazard can easily become Salah + Rich for example. Or Lukaku + Mane —> Zaha + Salah or something.
      Not in favour of shipping him, but I agree that this arguments isn’t really a valid one. Not even if you wilcarded him out and spread the funds can I see it being a real issue

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

      Unless you have Kane, you most likely have to rip the team apart. Funds are spread.

      Unless you do Mane+Hazard to Salah + whats left. Still, you are ripping your backbone.

  16. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling or dilva?
    Have extra 2.6 itb don't know what to do
    Only for 4 matches, then will get salah instead

    Front 7:
    Hazard maddison fraser sterling/dilva
    Aguero vardy mitro

    1. Wheato182
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Silva seems slightly more bolted at the moment i'd go for him.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for reply. Anything to upgrade?

  17. SoShy
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Imagine a world where after all this wildcard tinkering.. and the average gameweek score for the wildcards is 38.

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Playing your WC would mean you are looking at long-term improvement. Would be frustrating to go backwards on the first week though

  18. mcrayeps
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Which one better :
    A) Mane + Hojberg(5th mid) + 4.0 GK
    B) Pedro + Maddision (5th mid) + Hennesey

    WC Plan :
    Patricio / 4.0
    Alonso / Robertson / Mendy / AWB / 3.9 (Peltier current)
    Salah / Mane / DSilva / Pereyra / Hojberg
    Aguero / Mitro / Ings

    Will Keep Salah

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

      A

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

      I don't like maddison

    3. Wheato182
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A) wouldnt have Maddison as a 5th midfielder and Pedro aint bolted.

  19. Dr Mulholland
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Would appreciate advice, please. Which to play/keep and in what order:

    A Sakho
    B Cédric
    C Kanté
    D Schürlle
    E Mitrovic
    F Ings

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

      Would help if you put the teams they are facing beside their name. So we dont have to do so much checking.

      Without fixtures:

      Mitro
      Ings
      Schurlle
      Cedric
      Sakho
      Kante

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

        Thanks you.

        play/keep and in what order:

        A Sakho (hud)
        B Cédric (bri)
        C Kanté (car)
        D Schürlle (mci)
        E Mitrovic (mci)
        F Ings (bri)

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

          Hmm, I would prob go like this then

          Ings
          Mitro
          Cedri
          Sakho
          Kante
          Schurlle

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

            Ta.

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

    reports of Benteke out with injury till october. Zaha might be out aswell. Time for 5.0 Sorloth to shine?

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

      Benteke out with "notbeinganygoodanymoreitis".

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

        Some players never recover from that one.

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

        Lots of villa players head off and do feck all.

        Should have stayed at villa.

    2. Dr Mulholland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Ayew there as well to complicate the matter.

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

      Zaha is the main factor, if he isn't playing would avoid their attacking platers

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

        true this

  21. Totti
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    foster fabianski
    mendy alonso arnold boly bissaka
    salah mane bernardo mkhitaryan gray
    aguero tosun kamara

    1 free transfer 0 itb

    A) mkhitarya tosun kamara -> pedro wilson ings (-8)
    B) fabianski tosun kamara -> hamer wilson ings (-8)
    C) tosun -> wilson/ings
    D) other suggestion

  22. PrincePogba
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Can anybody answer this please? I’ve got 2FT but planning on wildcarding this GW. Will the 2 transfers be available in GW6 or will it just be 1? TIA

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 6 months ago

        1

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

        From the rules :

        Please note that when playing either a Wildcard or your Free Hit chip, any saved free transfers will be lost. You will be back to the usual 1 free transfer the following Gameweek.

    2. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Hi all. I'm another one toying with the wildcard... International break madness... Time to drop Salah! For me, Hazard and the money are a bargain exchange especially with Mane and Robertson Liverpool cover.
      Any thoughts anyone? Have I spread myself too thin? Should I put Milner in as further pool cover? Has the Perreyra boat sailed do we think? Holebas over Cook?
      Any thoughts at all much appreciated as I'm slowly going mad looking at my screen 🙂
      (0.4 itb)

      Patricio
      Mendy Alonso Robertson
      Dilva Hazard Mane Pereyra Schurrle
      Aguero Ings

      (Hamer/Steve Cook/AWB/Mitrovic)

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Not a fan of losing WC + Salah now, but go for it if you feel like it.
        Personally I’m not convinced that Dilva is worth his outlay compared to Rich/Maddison etc.
        Is Schurrle nailed?
        Ings -> Jiminez
        Cook -> another as I don’t like Bournemouth def.
        Pereyra could keep on going, but very tough fixtues and more away matches upcoming

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

          Thank you so much. Much to mull over.

          1. Licious Lizard
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Can’t believe you are getting away with that grav 😉

            Good luck.

      2. Typo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Would downgrade Schurrle to fraser and Dilva to Pedro and see if you could get in Vardy for Ings. maybe Cook to Bennett, Pat to ryan if you dont want to double up.

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

      Who is the best captain for gw5 ?
      A) Alonso
      B) Hazard
      C) Aguero

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

        As long as there's no shocking developments, C.

      2. Hughes the Daddy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Has to be Kun really

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

        Can’t see past Kun

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

      Do you prefer Moura or Mkhitaryan?
      7.3 budget

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Mkhi

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

        Moura

      3. Hughes the Daddy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I wouldn't get Mickey given his rotation risk. I own him but will punt him soon. Don't mind the type of rotation that Pedro got, coming on for 30 mins, but 1 minute cameos suck big style. Moura better option although he will likely get rotated in a few weeks too I think.

      4. The Beer Baron
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Pedro

        then Richarlison once he is available

    5. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on five strong defenders with a trio of attacking mid price mids.
      Then alternate them depending on fixtures.
      You might bench points one way or another, but unless you are really unlucky you should come out ahead?

      Example:

      Ederson (hamer)
      (Trippier Robertson) Mendy Alonso Pereira
      (Frazer) Hazard Mane Pedro Maddison
      Wilson Ings Aguero

      The common perception is that there is too much price on the bench.
      But surely this gives you options to rotate the team with injuries/ etc in real life
      I think the beauty of having a very strong defence that unlike midfielders/attackers a defender normally starts or he does not - unless there is a defensive injury.
      The defenders are always the last choice to be subbed.
      So although the likes of Trippier will be rotated the strength of the bench will negate that in your fpl team.

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

        Could work out well, would probably come down to captaincy success.

        Is trippier more likely to be subbed on i.e. Aurier picking up a yellow and needing to be brought off before a red? Just a thought, not looked at stats on this.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I did not consider Aurier being a bit of eejit as a factor.
          That would be very annoying alright.

      2. Hughes the Daddy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I think its a perfectly viable strategy. We are entering a new era for FPL both in terms of the attacking value of defenders and in terms of ever-increasing rotation. Was very close to going 5 at the back on my WC.

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

        It's all sound in theory - you switch the defenders out in games where you think the oppo are likely to score, and set up the rest of the side with folks like Ings / Fraser / Wilson to switch in when you don't think they'll return, or to come in when Trippier gets 0 minutes in an 'easy' game.

        Main issue is that clean sheets / 'tough' fixtures for those attacking defenders are getting harder to predict. Nature of football generally seems more attacking as well, so they can get returns in almost any game.

        For eg:
        Who would have thought that City's only CS in those first 4 games would be vs Arsenal away (Mendy 2 assists)

        Likewise Spurs' only CS coming against United away (with Trippier getting 1 assist).

        As I say, theory is sound as long as you're happy to run the risk of bench-pain. But I personally still think more money in a settled XI (+ 1 sub) is more optimal.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah regarding the bench thing.
          I think you just have to make the decision for that week right/wrong and try again next week.
          If you do have a player on the bench who scored points like I did with Ings last week, you at least have the consolation of a possible rise in value which should help in the long term.

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

            Of course. I think I'd just prefer not to have that decision on top of everything else in FPL!

            You've got 13 very good outfield options in that side and I think it'll be headaches most weeks trying to figure out how exactly to set up.

    6. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Thoughts on this WC team?

      Foster/Patricio
      Alonso, Shaw, Cedric (Holebas/Bennett)
      Hazard (c), Mane, Pogba, Moura (Billing)
      Lacazette, Aguero, Wilson

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Everything looks good except no Mendy

    7. Am sorry to say again it�…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Please help! Am I mad leaving Mitro & Robertson on the bench for GM5?

      This is my team...

      Ederson
      Mendy, Holebas, AWB, Doherty
      Mane, Salah, Pedro, Fraser
      Aguero, King

      Stek, Mitrovic, Robertson, Mkhi

      1. Hughes the Daddy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I'd play either of Mitrovic or Robertson ahead of Wanny B

        1. Am sorry to say again it�…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks

      2. Rossi3254
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Considering that you have no spurs attackers and you are backing salah and mane to perform i think you should defo start robbo or he could punish you like mendy did to many managers (myself included) in gw 1

        1. Am sorry to say again it�…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks

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

        There's even an argument to play Mitro over Holebas. City liable to give up one good chance, would back United to score at Watford.

        Not sure why Mkhi's benched unless you're convinced he will be benched vs Newcastle?

        1. Am sorry to say again it�…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I thought about dropping Holebas but I did that last week and he ended up with 2 assists whilst I had AWB starting (a tear was shed), I don’t have the balls to drop him again.

          At this stage I’m convinced that Mkhi will be benched which sucks , anything can change between now or then of course but at the moment I’d rather not risk starting him

    8. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Chilwell or shaw?

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        chilwell fixtures

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

      Pick 1:

      A) Pedro and Wilson (& bank 2.9)
      B) Fraser and Lacazette (& bank 0.9)

      It I’ll be for a -4

      1. GOTHAM City F.C.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        B