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7 September 2018 800 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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Romelu Lukaku has the potential to complicate the plans of Fantasy Premier League managers in the coming weeks.

That’s because the Manchester United forward appears to be back to his best ahead of a run of favourable fixtures.

The Belgian’s underlying numbers have yielded three goals in as many matches so far in 2018/19, and five bonus points to boot.

When he was in form at the start of last season his ownership peaked at 60.2 percent in October, with his price at the time £0.8m higher than it is now.

So we’ve had a look at whether he’s worth including in our Fantasy squads again, especially considering he is backed by just 7.5 percent ahead of Gameweek 5.

Fantasy Football Scout members can read ahead, and also pour over Lukaku’s data in the Members Area.

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800 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. chilli con kone
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Last pieces of my wildcard puzzle:

    A. D.Silva, TAA, Bennett (Wolves)

    B. Maddison, Robinson, Shaw

    ................................................................

    Hamer / Patricio

    Alonso / Mendy / xxxx / xxxx / AWB

    Salah / Hazard / xxxx / Fraser / Hojberg

    Kun / Mitro / Ings

    1. luke25
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Assuming that's Robertson, if so I'd go B. That way you get three players you're likely to play most weeks, especially with Leicesters fixtures

      1. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yep sorry B is Robertson. I was just drawn by the extra premium MID but B definitely gives more options

    2. Dananz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah I think it has to be B.

      1. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Only concern with B is that A makes it easier to get another premium midfielder in the long term by only having to sell one premium defender?

        1. Dananz
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Fair point, but you already have three excellent captain options so maybe not so important.

          1. chilli con kone
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Much appreciated

    3. Ashers74
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B for me ..

      1. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

    4. Dammed Utd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A

      1. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        What makes you go for A my friend?

    5. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B

  2. Firmino
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Rate my UCL-fantasy team:

    Oblak
    Kimmich Walker Shaw Akanji
    Salah Sterling Coutinho
    Messi (C) Mbappe Chalov

    Olsen, Nagatomo, Stepanenko, Diawara

    1. chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't be surprised if Young is used ahead of Shaw in UCL

      1. Firmino
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Do you think Cancelo or Vrsaljko are better options at 5.0?

    2. joeydelucchi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      nagatomo wont play

      1. Firmino
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Has started all the league games until now

        1. joeydelucchi
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          my bad, i thought he was still rotting on our bench lol (Inter Milan)

    3. Dananz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Looks like fun! Don't know much about Cholov though.

      1. Firmino
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        5 goals in 6 league matches

        1. Dananz
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Oooh nice punt. Bit of a difference in the level of opposition though.

  3. Regin
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    nobody considering sterling with those fixtures? Planning to have him. On a WC.

    1. luke25
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Difficult when most have Hazard and/or Salah, Hazard playing too well to drop and Salah's Salah

    2. chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Too much to pay when Kun is essential at the moment b

    3. Portsmouth Bubblejet
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      "Planning to have him. On a WC."

      You erm... might want to rephrase that perhaps.

    4. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      i have. just a little worried about that injury news

    5. Dananz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Just waiting for his price to drop by about 1.5... Maybe next year.

  4. KingOllie
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Iv not owned a striker over 7m this season and currently sitting at 30k OR.

    This is the last GWK where Kun terrifies me, after that il be able to sleep easy again.

    Anyone else on here gone without Kun? And how you feeling.

    1. chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Fair play thats a great start without him. I imagine you have a nice premium defence but I'd still want Kun for the long term

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      4 gws without kun. not having him is too scary and wced an got him

      1. KingOllie
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Weak hands!

        Tbf this Fulham fixture scares me a lot more than the Newcastle one. Il be captaining Hazard again and hoping he can stay within touching distance of Kuns points

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          brighton may be worse
          and next is cardiff where arsenal scored 3!

          1. KingOllie
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Kun doesnt really score as much away from home. And thats where i also think he will be rotated more with champ league starting. Jesus will take the 9 role

            1. Emiliano Sala
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              The only reason I did not get him on gw 1 was because I doubted if he will start most games
              Now I see he id really nailed. And a starting kun is even more dangerous than salah.
              Now he is a no brainer for me

        2. Emiliano Sala
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          newcastle has played well. and we were lucky when kun missed last minute one by one and dropped in bps instead of getting 3 with goal and assist

    3. joeydelucchi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      ive gone without Kun, it was between him and Salah and i went for him and brought Silva in, i believe that goals will come from throughout the time instead of just Kun. ...of course im a little scared but my team looks much better now without him.

    4. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Brave call initially mate. Looks like the gamble has paid off so far.

      1. APN
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I don't think the gamble paid off. Checked his team out and it's OR is 340,569 which is definitely not 30k OR.

        1. DJDave1979
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          That bloke isn't called Ollie and has Aguero, so it's almost certain he's not updated his ID. People are always so suspicious of motive on here.

          1. APN
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            First, I just came to know the IDs change each year.
            Second, I always check teams of players who take punts as I feel these players are the ones which make FPL interesting.

            So, was actually disappointed (before knowing he has not updated his ID) that his team contained Aguero. Peace out, bro !

      2. APN
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        And i suspect he is playing two or more teams. Coz the team in his FFS profile shows a rank of 340k and has Aguero from the start !!!

    5. jtreble
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      “This is the last GWK where Kun terrifies me ...”. Ummm, if Pep manages his players’ minutes - like he did last year - you have a wee bit of a problem. Not for me, sorry.

    6. APN
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Just checked your team and your rank is nearer to 350k OR. How is it 30k OR ??

      1. Ramboros
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        His link goes to a team with Agüero. It's probably his old ID.

        1. APN
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          How do team IDs work....is it same ID every year or it changes each year according to when you renew your account each year ?

          1. DJDave1979
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Changes based on when you sign.

  5. konrad.sygula95
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys

    Fabianski/Patricio
    Robertson/Mendy/Pereira/Wan-Bis/Bednarek
    Salah/Eriksen/Costa/Walcott/B.Silva
    Aguero/Zaha/King
    2ft - 0.0itb

    Would you do Zaha & Eriksen & Walcott -----> Mitrovic Hazard Fraser ? for -4
    Any other ideas ?

    1. chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah I'd say that hit would probably pay off in the long term. Guessing you can afford to wait a week for the Zaha to Mitro bit?

    2. Dananz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah looks pretty solid. I'm a big Eriksen fan but not delivering at the mo.

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

      Would consider keeping Walcott & Zaha and doing Bilva -> Fraser to free up funds instead.

      Then you could do King -> Mitrovic, which means you won't double up on Bmouth attack.

      Walcott might do alright if he's fit for WHU so keep an eye on it. Likewise Zaha vs hud / NEW in the next two games if fit.

  6. Dananz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hey Peeps

    So I'm set on my starting 11 (on WC), but still weighing up my bench.

    At the moment I'm on:

    A) 4.0 GK, Mitrovic, Camarasa, 4.5 FWD (0.1 ITB)

    Would it be better to spread the funds a bit wider? Maybe something like

    B) 4.5 GK, Jimenez, Neves, 4.5 FWD?

    The rest of the team is:

    Patricio
    Trippier, Alonso, Mendy, Robertson, Shaw
    Moura, Hazard, Mane, Pogba
    Aguero

    I guess it's quite likely my first sub will be seeing a lot of action...

    Thoughts?

    1. chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nope I'd still go A and get Mitrovic. Lose a premium defender though!

      Otherwise one of your midfielders and Mitro can't play each week

      1. Dananz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers. Nah I'm set on that starting 11. (I've already benched double digit scores from both Mendy and Trippier, for example). I quite like the idea of Mitrovic as a supersub.

    2. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      My concern for you would be that once CL/EL start all five of your defender will be under huge rotation threat....possible Alonso would be the safest, but all the other four.

      1. Dananz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah that's a fair point. Hopefully it doesn't all happen in the same game-week. If it does I'll just have to suck it up.

  7. NUFCAndrew
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Ramsey as a pick?

    1. Sotamendi84
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Rotation risk

      1. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Don't think he is tbh. Emery wants to use the press. Ramsey better than Ozil, MKhi, Iwobi, Auba in this respect.

    2. chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm monitoring. Worried of the inevitable injury but think he is airlh nailed

    3. Aftermath
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Played in the hole against Cardiff but no guaranteed starter.

      One to watch for now

    4. Deulofail
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Worth a punt on a WC. Perhaps less worth a FT to get in. But I think he'll start most games, as he can take Ozil's position or Xhaka's.

    5. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Considering myself. At that price not an easy upgrade if he fails but certainly fair few players around that price for lateral / downgrade move
      Fixture wise he’s a good differential

  8. Sotamendi84
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Start one:
    A) TAA (tot)
    B) bisaka (hud)
    C) cook (LEI)?

    1. Aftermath
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Tough one.
      Taa for me as he is on most of the free kicks and puts in a ton of crosses

    2. RiskyBusiness
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I’m starting AWB over TAA

  9. Bavarian
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bring for Mkhi guys???
    and aiming to do VVD >>> Trippier...

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

    1 FT & 0.4 ITB

    Your thoughts are appreciated mates...

    1. Sotamendi84
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Madisson should be a good pick. Why dropping mkhi? Rotation risk?

      1. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        yes, rotation risk , worth keeping another week?

    2. Sotamendi84
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I am waiting one more week and re asesse

  10. as33
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is Bilva starting or will get only 20min?

    1. KingOllie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      who knows, if i had to guess he will start this one

    2. Lemongrab
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nobody knows

      1. Dananz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Maybe his mum?

  11. NUFCAndrew
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Please RMWCT, 1.0 ITB

    Patricio Hamer

    Alonso Mendy Shaw Doherty WB

    Salah Hazard Madders Fraser Billing

    Aguero Mitrovic Wilson

    1. jon.terry.tfh
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not tempted to use that 1.0 ITB? Maybe you can consider upgrading Hamer to a 4.5 for rotation?
      Don't really under the hype on Maddison. Maybe you can upgrade to Moura?

      Great team none the less

      1. NUFCAndrew
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I don't know where to use the 1.0 ITB, that's the problem. Madders has Vardy infront of him, good fixtures and started brightly. Was excellent for Norwich last season too.

        1. jon.terry.tfh
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Make sense too. Good luck!

          1. NUFCAndrew
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks! You too.

  12. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with Diogo Jota? I have him in a draft league game and not sure if it's wise to get rid. Any signs he may come good?

    1. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      He passed the eye test for me in the City game.
      But he's not returning points.
      He's on the watch list as his price has dropped dramatically and if he/wolves find some form he'll be a great 4th midfield enabler.

  13. Colek Pauh
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hi Lads,

    I'm begging if you all could RMWCT please.

    Please help me all my friends here FFS.

    My current squad:

    Kepa - McCarthy
    Robertson - Mendy - Alonso - Shaw - Holebas
    Mane - Hazard - Moura - Neves - Schurrle
    Aguero - Mitrovic - Ings

    Need everyone opinion to improve my team.

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Swear there was a separate thread for RMTs...

    2. jon.terry.tfh
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Downgrade Mccarthy to Hamer. You don't need both a 5.5 and 4.5 keeper imo since you're prolly starting Kepa every match anyways. Not a big fan of Robbo during these fixtures but I might be outnumbered here. Like the MF pick though. Double up with Fulham not too much for you? Maybe go with Ryan Fraser instead of Schurrle?

  14. Deulofail
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Site improvement request: When clicking on "Sign in to reply", you are taken to the sign in page. It would be good if, once you sign in, you are actually taken back to the post you signed in to reply to.

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Or one further: Pop up the sign-in widget from the top right account button?

      1. Eden Wizard
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Meaning you don't actually leave that post (Agreed it's an annoyance).

        1. Deulofail
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, certainly would be better 🙂

  15. Pia06rc
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Would you start Wan Bissaka (hud) or Mitro (man city) this week. I have Ederson and Mendy. Not sure if worth gambling on a City clean sheet or offsetting some risk?

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      AWB

    2. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for team news. If Tomkins is back go for AWB; if not Mitro.

  16. Ten Season Wonder
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Robertson > Alonso worth a -4...?

    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Bit difficult to examine without seeing your team.

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        -----------------------------------------
        Foster
        Mendy - *Robertson - AWB
        Salah - Mane - Mkhi - Theo(i)
        Kun - Zaha(i) - King
        --------------------------------------
        Subs: Fab; Neves, Bennett, A.Smith.

    2. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I doubt it.

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Not this week

    3. Eden Wizard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not when you've got fires like A.Smith & Walcott

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        third sub and Theo may well be back next GW.

        funny how opinons change so quickly... last week Theo was everyone's saviour, now hes deemed to be scrap haha

        1. Eden Wizard
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Absolutely hence, i refuse to play WC yet!
          I want Alonso eventually but stuck between -4 or looking for value elsewhere then bringing him in on WC later.

    4. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not for me. You'd need a CS just to get the points back, and then you're banking on attacking returns.

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Alonso has Cardiff at home
        Robertson away to spurs

        1. HamezMace
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          It's a good fixture don't get me wrong, but as I say you're counting on we we'd expect to happen just to make up the -4, then you'd need attacking returns to make it worth while.

          We all thought Arsenal would keep a CS against Cardiff, and City would keep a CS at home to Huddersfield, and against Wolves, but it doesn't always work out.

  17. ColdRainyNIght
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Guys, is Ramsey a good option? Any possible attacking returns? Havent really watched Arsenal games, was he any good going forward? Or he sits deep into holding mid?

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      He certainly doesn't sit in the holding mid position

    2. NUFCAndrew
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Too much of a rotation risk.

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No. Only laca may be good from arsenal

    4. Dyballer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, very attacking. Could have scored and assisted in each of his previous games. Think of him as a cheaper Dele Alli; always drifting into the box

  18. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Had mitro since gw1. But now on WC and I feel wilson will do better with those fixtures
    Mitro going to rise to 6.8. Hate losing values but points are more important 🙁

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Don't ditch Mitro. Who are your other strikers? find a way of getting both?

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Can't
        Aguero vardy wilson
        Leicester and bou's fixtures look decent

        1. Ten Season Wonder
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Up to you then.

  19. Ten Season Wonder
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Robertson v Alonso
    -Spurs (a) v Cardiff (H)-

    just on this fixture alone I think this is worth a hit.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Robertson 12 pointer incoming

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Alonso 16 pointer incoming.

        1. Holmes
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          = no profit and almost 0.5 wasted

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I want to take a hit too.... Losing Robertson though, seems to be a bonus magnet

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

      Not for me but find another way to get Alonso

  20. Firmino
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Three players that I want:

    Mitrovic
    Moura
    Maddison

    Unfortunately money is an issue. Which one of these is the best solution:

    A) Wilson, Moura, Maddison
    B) Mitrovic, Moura, Fraser
    C) Mitrovic, Maddison, Fraser

    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hmm...Moura may lose out to Son; Mitro is likely to be found out at this level sooner or later and Madison isn't quite heavy enough...yet.

      A

    2. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Any of those with Mitrovic.

      C for me

  21. Eden Wizard
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Team news suggests Pereira back to right midfield, struggling to see what this is based on when Ghezzal has played the last two there...

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      🙄

  22. built_this_city
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Does Bennett from Wolves look nailed?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Many worrying that Dendoncker might take his place,but Im not too worried. He has played well there, even kept Sterling reasonably quite in GW3. I don't think Santo will want to fix a system which isn't broken, so I'd say he's nailed for now.

    2. NUFCAndrew
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Short term yes

    3. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      He's been excellent, and the only Wolves player with any previous PL experience, so that should stand him in good stead to keep his place. Coady more likely to drop out for Dendocker I guess.

  23. Premium midfielder analysis
    Rossi3254
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Was just thinking about how many of the premium mids (8M plus) are actually worth getting right now with upcoming fixtures in mind so here is my analysis on them starting off with a look at all the city options with the help of some stats regarding how city have performed in the league games when KdB hasnt been in the squad since he joined. Small sample size admittidly but still worthy of note I think.

    Man City in PL since start of 15/16:
    Win Percentage: 65%
    Average GS per game: 2.27
    Average GC per game: 0.93

    Without KdB in squad
    Matches: 12
    Win Percentage:33%
    Average GS per game: 1.5
    Average GC per game: 1.5

    Admittidly they were fine against Huddersfield without him but in the subsequent two games they have not been at their best in fixtures where many were expecting them to pick up comfortable victories. Equally I think it is important that KDB is the one midfield player that Pep never rotated in the league last season and shows how important he is to their system and no other player can fill his role with the same output. This said I think all of the City midfield options should be avoided at the current time as without KDB I dont expect them to run riot in games in the same frequent way they did last season. It could be argued that his absence decreases the risk of rotation but I dont think this is the case as the addition of Mahrez plus the emergence of Bilva as a more regular option means that there are 6 Midfielders: Sterling, Sane, Mahrez, Bilva, Dilva and Gundogan competing for 4 places in the team. This could become 3 places is Jesus plays in a wide role or 2 if Pep plays 3 atb with Mendy and Walker as wing backs and Aguero and Jesus upfront assuming that Fernandinho's place in the team is not threatened. Now a quick run through of the other options.

    Salah: His baseline attacking numbers already appear to be extremely similar to last season besides a slight improvement in his chance creation numbers. However I made the decision at the start of the season to go without as I felt I could do better spreading the money around my squad and his performances havent worried me so far and he still misses big chances as against Leicester. Appreciate at some point in the season he will put in a big haul and will probably end the season with 250 plus points but I still stick by the decision to go without. Equally if you do own Salah you would be happy right now as so far he has provided consistent returns in 3 out of 4 matches and there is no reason to suddenly drop him now after one blank and due to tough fixtures coming up. Due to his high value if you have gone with him you cannot drop him when his baseline numbers are showing no signs of declining and he is a player who has a great chance of returns against any opposition. Also I think to get Salah in and out of teams will always require multiple transfers maybe 4 or 5 as the budget freed up in downgrading him needs to be spread around in building a balanced squad so this needs to be considered by managers transferring out Salah and making only one upgrade to their teams and then saving the wildcard to get him back at a later date.

    Hazard: In my opinion the best premium midfield option at the moment especially if you are a manager going without Salah. Looks to be thriving under Sarri given the freedom to roam in attack and dictate play around the box while still making runs in and getting chances. He is on penalties which cannot be said for many other premium midfield options and is averaging more touches in the box, shots, and big chances created per game than last season. Sarri himself keeps saying that he only expects his team to continue to improve as they adapt to his system, a frightening prospect considering how well they have done so far. Also the potential for him to play as the central attacking focal point of the side as Mertens did under sarri at Napoli if Morata continues to fail to find the net. Great fixtures coming up as well.

    Sanchez: Not much needs to be said here really Man United havent been inspiring at the start of the season and despite good fixtures he is a huge gamble even if he will be starting most games. Much better options out there

    Mane: Certainly the form player on this list and has to be considered especially by managers going without Salah. However he got off to an extremely fast start last season also before tailing off in subsequent gameweeks and a look at his baseline numbers for this season show that he is outperforming his expected goals and the form probably isnt maintainable. Add to this the Liverpools tough upcoming fixtures and Klopp's comments on rotation, I would say now could be a good time to get rid of Mane which could mean the extremely risky option of no Liverpool attacking cover for non Salah owners.

    Eriksen: Always a consistent performer and by the end of the season you can guarantee that he will almost certainly be up there among top scoring midfielders. However his loss of set pieces to Trippier is a huge blow to his assist potential and at the current time other Spurs midfielders are most definately better options.

    Alli: Coming to another one of the Spurs midfielders and I think Alli is a very good option. He is averaging more touches and nearly double the amount of shots in the area as last season so far and has been perhaps unlucky to not have more FPL returns after 4 games. With the return of Son from the Asian Games, Alli's starting place is certainly more secure than that of Lucas Moura and if you dont have the funds to afford Harry Kane upfront Alli could be a good Spurs alternative especially with the fixtures they have in the gameweeks after the Liverpool game

    Ozil: Not secured of a start, too inconsistent when he does play, avoid

    Son: Has the potential to emerge as a great option however not just yet as it is difficult to know how quickly he will be able to nail down a spot in the starting XI and could rotate a lot with Moura

    Pogba: Same as with Sanchez, United have not been convincing and while Pogba is a significantly cheaper option he does play in a deeper role. Also may not maintain his role as penalty taker following his miss against Burnley so I would avoid for now.

    To conclude if you own Salah then him and Hazard are the best two options but if going without Salah and you are bold enough to also not go with Mane then there are not many other great premium midfield options out there at the moment and with a wealth of performing mid priced and budget midfielders with good form and great fixtures such as Maddison, Fraser, Pereyra, Seri and Richarlison when he returns plus others that can emerge, perhaps a midfield of Hazard with a selection of these players that would give you massive spending power elsewhere in your team could be the way to go...
    What do people think of this?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Agree with a lot of your points. Hazard is the most essential premium mid at the moment, every WC team should have him in.
      Alli and Son, its a bit uncertain how this will turn out. The fact that Moura is on a roll suggests that Son will not be a definit shoe in to the XI. One to monitor.

      1. Rossi3254
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yh I agree but perhaps one more performance from Moura and Son could be straight back in, imo he was one of spurs most important players last season

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        'Re Hazard

        Why is he essential? If Mane is overachieving then Hazard certainly is

      3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        A last minute goal and a penalty that shouldn't have been and he's essential. Wow. His stats are not even that great. Mane a much better option

        1. Deulofail
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Talisman theory. Mane is a cog in the system and will get goals when they fall in front of him. Hazard makes goals happen and I'd guess will have a higher goal involvement than Mane now that Chelsea are getting up to speed and should start scoring freely. Besides, he looks good and likely to influence Chelsea's attack when using your eyes to view stats in real-time. At least, this is a legitimate angle to take. I wouldn't be so judgemental of it 😉

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            4 or 5 seasons of hazard trolling me does that. I just think Mane is more dangerous myself

          2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            And that's with the eye test as I very rarely use stats. Like to watch the players. Hazard usually has 3 players round him and doesn't shoot a lot

    2. jtreble
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      IMHO, Sterling is the great unknown here.

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      not sure why there's a need for 'massive spending power elsewhere in your team' when the premium strikers are barely outscoring cheaper alternatives, if at all, and players like Mitro, Arnie, Deeney, Wilson could easily carry on that scoring.

      on Salah Mane Hazard Pedro* (*Richarlison soon probably) at the moment - the only way I downgrade any of them is if TWO premium strikers start firing and the cheaper strikers become too unpredictable.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        good post though - could look even better if Kane/Laca/Vardy/Lukaku start bracing

      2. Rossi3254
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I agree with your point, however players often get off to good starts such as Mounie, Vokes and Wood last season and Defoe and Stuani the season before who all scored 2 plus goals in the opening 4 games. However the premium strikers will always come good across the course of a season and we will likely end up wanting at least two of Kane, Aguero, Lukaku, Auba and Firmino in our teams, so for people on a wildcard it may be best to make the move to two of these options now as well as having some premium defenders considering how well they are performing and to do this less must be spent in midfield. Out of the players mentioned I would have Mitro as my third striker for sure

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          obviously it depends on team form, but Fulham and Bournemouth look to be decent attacking teams, Watford are much improved under the new manager and Arnautovic is a very good player that most team goals will go through (although West Ham aren't looking good so far) - I think all 4 are capable of consistent returns and actually have brace-potential. I don't think Mounie (Hudd are turd), Vokes/Wood (Burnley rotation) are in any way similar to those 4 players, but we'll see.

      3. Ajith James
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        You can consider a big 4 or big 5 defense. It's never been done before on a large scale, bcos of the lack of multiple high-scoring defenders and budget attackers doing well at the same time. Might be the dawn of a new phase in FPL.

        1. Euro Raiders
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          See no one has agreed with you yet! I do. And reformatting to 1-5-4-1 with wildcard right now.

          1. joeydelucchi
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            im with you....im considering a 4-4-2 actually now too....just unsure if holebas will outscore a 5th mid?

            would be:
            hen (hamer)
            r-a-m holebas (wb)
            haz sal mane Moura (hojberg)
            arnie mitro (ings)

            1. Euro Raiders
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Got in defence: Holebas, Mendy, Alonso and going to add from.... Robertson, Luiz, Trippier and Shaw.

              Mids same as you except Walcott/Richarlison in lieu.

              Upfront is Firmino, Ings and Joselu... Ings 1st sub

              1. WesMantooth
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                The problem with your idea is that your happy to spend 2+ million more on your bench than the people opting for a threeman-defence. I'm not sure thats the way to go. If you wanna play 5 at the back, you dont need Ings as a first sub. You'd actually be better of swapping him for Succes, and having him as third sub.

                The opportunity cost of playing 5 at the back is greater than ever now that we have serious 4.0 options in defence. I'd consider the pro's and con's carefully.

                1. Amsterhammer
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  You could easily argue the oppurtunity cost is less though. Because in the 5 man defence you have 5 players on the pitch that have a higher PPG average than the forwards and midfielders you would otherwise have. Plus you have a bench with a higher PPG for when the enevitable rotation kicks in for your City or Liv premium assets and CL fixtures. I would argue the oppurtunity cost across a season could easily be lower with 5 at the back playing.

                  1. WesMantooth
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 3 months ago

                    Anyone can argue anything.

                    You're correct in thense that thus far a lot of defenders have had higher PPG's than mids and attackers. This wont be the case come end of season though. A really good season by a defender would be approximately 5ppg, or 190pts, (lescott-196 is the highest in history).

                    Mids and attackers are able to beat that by up to 100 points (Suarez and Salah). This makes what you said really silly.

                    I believe your point was that defenders offer more value for money?
                    This is true. The average points pr million for defenders are quite a lot higher than for mids and attackers. But when your banking this idea to the extent that you have a bench worth 2-3million more than others, you're not gonna benefit from it.

                    If you disagree, I think you should make a better case than you just did.

                2. Euro Raiders
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  Just seen your reply. The reason for Ings rather than a cheapie is to cover ration or late injury risk. Same as Joselu as a 2nd sub.

                  1. Euro Raiders
                    • 7 Years
                    7 years, 3 months ago

                    Ration ha ha *rotation

                  2. WesMantooth
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 3 months ago

                    Well. Joselu and Ings are 2.5 million more expensive than WAN and Bennet. To me, the benefit of having Ings and joselu coming off the bench when rotation hits, is not greater than having that 2.5m in your XI.

                    Also, i would not trust Rafa to play joselu every week. At least wan is more nailed.

                    1. Euro Raiders
                      • 7 Years
                      7 years, 3 months ago

                      Tell you what, here is full team planning, then maybe you can follow better:

                      Ederson - (Hamer)
                      Alonso - Holebas - Mendy - Walker - Trippier
                      Salah - Mane - Walcott/Richarlison - Moura - (Hojbjerg)
                      Firmino - (Ings) - (Joselu)

                      Maybe you get a clearer picture now!

                      1. WesMantooth
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Good players, not debating that. But this doesnt change the fact that your hiding 2 million more on the bench than those that have hojbjerg-WAN-Bennet as a bench.

                        That 2 million could be used to Get Aguero over Firmino. They have huge differences in their ppg, and it also gives you a better canptaincyoption than mane/Salah over the next couple of fixtures.

                        Maybe you Get the clearer picture now?

                      2. Euro Raiders
                        • 7 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Look, I get your point, but your point reverts my team away from 5-4-1 which is the way I have decided to play. Many defenders are outscoring both similar priced mids and forwards. Aguero is a rotation and injury risk. As for some value sitting on the bench I again agree but disagree this round, formation needs a decent 1st sub.

            2. Euro Raiders
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              In lieu of Hazard.

              Obviously if Robertson in then Firmino goes maybe for Vardy.

      4. joeydelucchi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        totally agree with this, im taking the 'risk' of no prem striker and going for arnie and Mitro but still deciding on my 3rd Budget striker.

        my theme this year is going for dependable consistent talismen, and after this article thinking of dropping Silva for Mane so will have a similar mid to you.

        R-A-M
        sal haz mane moura
        mitro arnie ?

        out of curiosity out of all these budget strikers , who would you go for?
        im considering wilson or zaha tbh

        (as you say, im happy with this as long as the budgets keep up , but that could easily change)

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          great midfield - D.Silva & Sterling are the two others I'm keeping an eye on, could be great options too obviously.

          Wilson or Deeney I think - all of them on pens too I think? just need a bit of luck. Yep, think I'll be WC'ing if/when these players fail to deliver for a couple/few weeks or if/when Kane/Kaku/Laca start firing braces consistently

    4. Jealous Viper
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Great work. This should be hulked

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        When you see posts you think should be hulked, click the flag button and send it through - that will be sent to the mods, and we can get it up faster 🙂

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Didn't know this, cheers.

        2. jtreble
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Who knew? Not me. Geoff, I’m flagging your post.

    5. Eden Wizard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Excellent review, defenders are still going too crazy to force our money in to mid. IMO.

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

      Sublime post. Very informative.

    7. Nanoelektronicar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      David Silva with those numbers, relative nailedonness, at least comparing him to others bar Fernandinho, and 8.5 should be considered?

      Mane vs Hazard debate, maybe I am biased as a Liverpool fan, but I think Mane is somehow underestimated. His form might be unsustainable, in terms he won't get 10+ each and every week, but I prefer him to Hazard as a more genuine goal threat.

      Mane matching Hazard last week I saw like a small victory, let's see what happens next.

    8. WesMantooth
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Disregarding all cityoptions seems a bit dratic imo. Both Sterling and Silva deserves consideration. Both have passed the eyetest for me, and imo, both are less likely to be rotated then the other attacking midfielders City's got.

      Sterling looks just as good as last season. If he's gonna average 7 points pr game (like he did last season), 11 million seems fair.

      David Silva's attacking number are even more promising than last season. With KDB out, he looks set to play more than what Pep intially thought? Would'nt be surprised at all if he was to average better numbers than last season (5,83-third best amongst mids) while KDB is missing.

      1. Rossi3254
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I certainly agree that Sterling and Silva are the best two city midfield options and there should be some consideration for them but I just feel that while KDB is out they are less likely to run away with games and score 4/5 goals as they did so regularly last season. When teams sit back against them as Newcastle did KDB is a crucial player not necessilary to create chances directly but to provide a second assist if you like, for example by playing a winger in down the side who then squares it for a tap in. Admittidly Dilva can do this also but it is far easier for teams to negate the threat of one creative player than two. Also when you look at their goals in the past two games, one was a set piece, one came from a defensive error and the other was a 30 yard screamer. I know the sample size is extremely small here but its just a feeling I have that if teams continue to set up defensively against them and are well drilled they may struggle to break them down in the absence of KDB.

        1. WesMantooth
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I fully understand your logic. Its simple really, as any team would feel missing a player as good and integral to style of play as KDB. But as you've just said, the sample size is too small to make really good assesments on how this will affect them. You've highlighted "lack of batterings" as a potential concern, but one can also look at the potential upsides, lik the ones I chose to highlight.

    9. beefo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nice analysis. I also went Salah-less to start the season and plan to stay that way at least until Liverpool’s rougher run of fixtures passes.

      I have Mane and have been impressed so far. That said, the player I really want is Hazard and I haven’t figured out yet how to bring him in without sacrificing Mane. I may have to give up on one/ both of Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan.

    10. firetog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      4 mid priced Mids has been my strategy from the start of the season.
      Started with Salah, Ramsey, Maddison, Richarlison and Fraser.
      Currently on Salah, Sessegnon, Maddison, Walcott and Fraser.

      Savings were allocated to premium defenders

    11. HNI
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Your article supports power 2 mid of salah+ hazard + mid priced mids. Surprised reading the article you avoiding salah then. More out of stubborness than big picture I presume?

      1. Rossi3254
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Not really stubborness it was something I considered alot at the start of the season and I came to the conclusion that I felt I was better off without Salah. The struggles of other premium mids havent changed this view just means i can go with just Hazard and spend big in both attack and defence. The reason I spoke about Salah is that I know many managers own him and I appreciate that if you do he is a good option its just not the way I decided to go

  24. Konstaapeli
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Alonso (C) anyone?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Baines for me.

    2. Shineonme
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No not if you have hazard as well.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Nope. Don't have him. It's between him, Kun and Salah

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Tempted. Aguero(c) seems too good to pass up, though.

  25. Eden Wizard
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    C'mon Robbo keep that rise coming, looks like you're my makeweight this week (sadly).

  26. mike09
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC Team?

    McCharty - Hennessey
    Alonso - Mendy - Robbo - AWB - Bennett
    Mane - Hazard - Moura - Maddison - Mkhi
    Aguero - Wilson - Ings

    1.0 ITB

    Any important players missing?

    1. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good if you’re sure to go without Salah. Cheers

      1. mike09
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yes, decided to go without Salah but have a way to get him back if I have to.

    2. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Salah obviously

      Mitrovic

      But this is a v good team

      1. Pieterke30
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Dunno who youd be benching though with that front 8.

        Starting next GW.
        Maddison?

        1. mike09
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Benching Maddison or Ings.

          1. Pieterke30
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Ings? At home vs BHA?
            Dont think so.

            1. HamezMace
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              I mean honestly I'd rather Mitrovic, Vardy, Zaha or Arnie over Ings...and have a 5th midfielder I can always bench...you could probably even get someone like Fraser/Cairney/Neves and still make this upgrade

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldnt take Mkhi. Arsenal assets not looking too hot right now, despite kind fixtures. Would rather get someone like Schurlle or Fraser in. Pereyra one to consider.
      Rest looks good.

    4. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If you dropped Mkhi to a 4.5 bench midfielder, who could you upgrade Ings to?

      1. mike09
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Vardy?
        Feels like a bit overkill to have both Maddison and Vardy.

        1. Pieterke30
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Does it?

    5. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm trying to get rid of Mkhi
      Downgrade and upgrade Ings

    6. jtreble
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      FYI: the RMT Tool has picked Salah as captain for 90% of the games between now and Christmas. Just thought you might want to know. :).

      1. jtreble
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        ... and the RMT Tooln has been freakishly accurate so far this season ...

  27. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Which to do?

    A) Mhki > Maddison
    B) Arnie > Mitro

    Current team
    Lloris
    Alonso, TAA, Shaw, Mendy
    Salah, Mane, Mhki
    Aguero, Arnie, Wilson

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A

  28. chilli con kone
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any potential double risers over the internationals?

    1. Rossi3254
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Unlikely I would say unless an injury to a highly owned player results in lots of managers moving to the same replacement option. Out of risers already Mitro is most likely to go up again

    2. Azurri
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Potentially Holebas, Moura, Pedro and Alonso

  29. arndff_
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Would you keep Ings after GW5?

    Other forwards are Aguero and Kamara.

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'd say keep. Stats suggest he'll perform bettter than his price tag implies.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Although, with him unavailable for the Liverpool clash, do you have enough players to put in a decent XI? Kamara is hardly playable.

    2. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I would. But I would get rid of Kamara.

    3. Firmino
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm switching to Mitrovic

    4. jtreble
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No, too fragile for me.

  30. luckyflames1897
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    How does this look as a W/C. Comments/Abuse welcomed.

    Begovic

    Mendy Alonso Pereira

    Salah Hazard Moura Pedro

    Aguero Wilson Mitrovic

    0.0 Bank

    Bench
    Hamer
    Wan Bissaka
    Bennett
    Billing

    1. luckyflames1897
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Possibly
      Pedro- Fraser Wilson-Zaha/Arnau

    2. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah pretty sound that

    3. Rossi3254
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Probably wouldnt double up on Hazard and Pedro especially if Pedro isnt certain of starting every week. Also I prefer Chilwell to Pereira, think the stats suggest if they are both playing as fullbacks Chilwell is more likely to get attacking returns

    4. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Goodness me, the word abuse just horrifies me.
      IMO Haz and Alonso is enough Chelsea players. Pedro to Fraser, perhaps? And upgrade your backup GK? I'm not a huge fan of a set-and-forget keeper who isn't a top-club keeper, you'll end up getting frustrated with your lack of options there.

    5. jtreble
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not crazy about the 0.0 Bank part ...