Selection

Watchlist Update – Abundance of cheaper forward options

As the first international break of the season nearly at an end, we have wrapped up our analysis of the FFS Watchlist.

Having looked at goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders in detail since the conclusion of Gameweek 4, we finish with the all-important forward options.

What we found was that the so-called ‘third striker’ is not dead, as we thought it was. In fact, there are plenty of assets worth considering for this role with premium players the ones that are proving more disappointing.

Sergio Aguero (£11.3m) currently sits at the summit for the forwards’ section of our Watchlist. The Manchester City striker currently tops the charts for shots on goal in the whole league and faces four very favourable fixtures over the next five Gameweeks. They include home meetings with Fulham, Brighton and Burnley, as well as a trip to Cardiff. Returns in three of the first four weeks of the campaign give him an ‘A’ for form although we have to point out his Rotation Risk factor with Champions League football creeping back into the equation in the very near future.

Up next is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) on account of Arsenal’s continuing run of appealing fixtures. The Gunners top our Season Ticker for attack over the next six Gameweeks, and we still believe that Aubameyang is the way to go. Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) may have nearly matched his shot count in 158 fewer minutes, but Aubameyang remains the more assured starter. Fresh from a first goal of the campaign in Gameweek 4 we think the former Borussia Dortmund man will make the most of Newcastle (away), Everton (home), Watford (home) and Fulham (away) in the next four weeks.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.7m) has earned more new owners ahead of Gameweek 5 than any other player so far, and with good reason. Only Aguero has had more shots than him among forwards, the two are level for efforts in the box but the Serbian is ahead on shots on target. Mitrovic’s form and price tag are hard to argue with. He has four goals and an assist in the first four Gameweeks of 2018/19 and has found the net 23 times in his last 30 matches for club and country.

Callum Wilson (£6.2m) is another one of many arguments against the so-called ‘death of the third striker’ in FPL. No forward has had more shots in the box since the start of the campaign than the Bournemouth man and he’s currently level with Aguero for efforts on target. Wilson looks to have a level of consistency above what he has produced in the past, which is why he sits so high on our Watchlist. With Leicester (home), Burnley (away), Crystal Palace (home), Watford (away), Southampton (home) and Fulham (away) it’s hard to find a reason not to include him in our squads.

Even though he has gone under the radar early on, Romelu Lukaku (£11.0m) is still very much at the heart of our thinking ahead of Gameweek 5. The Manchester United striker is currently second both for shots in the box and efforts on target thus far. With fixtures against Watford (away), Wolves (home), West Ham (away) and Newcastle (home) coming up between Gameweeks 5 and 8, there is plenty of reason to believe Lukaku can be a useful asset.

Harry Kane (£12.5m) remains the primary Tottenham striker as he continues to be the unchallenged number one in that position for Spurs. However, the England captain sits lower in the Watchlist than he has historically. Kane’s form isn’t too bad as he goes into Gameweek 5 with two goals and an assist to his name. However, Tottenham’s are neither here nor there with Liverpool and Man City book-ending a run of more favourable matches. It also has to be said that Kane is also currently operating at a lower level than last season as far as underlying statistics are concerned.

Danny Ings (£5.6m) is currently the cheapest forward entry on our Watchlist and he gets a mention with good reason. The Southampton man has matched Aguero and Mitrovic for shots in the penalty box and has registered just one fewer accurate shot than Man City’s leading attacker. The Saints fixtures are a little sticky between Gameweek 6 and 8 but things look good for a Gameweek 5 home meeting with Brighton.

Jamie Vardy (£8.9m) comes back into the equation for Gameweek 5 after returning from a suspension picked up against Wolves last month. There isn’t much data on him thus far, with just 93 minutes and no starts to his name in 2018/19. However, the Leicester City man has some appealing fixtures in which he could perform well. Only Arsenal and Bournemouth rank higher than the Foxes for Attack on our Season Ticker, with a Gameweek 6 hosting of out-of-form Huddersfield looking particularly tasty for Vardy.

Troy Deeney‘s (£6.1m) unexpected strike against Spurs, his second of the season, has put him in the thoughts of Fantasy managers. The fixtures still look tough for Watford, but Deeney actually has a goal in each of his last three home matches against Manchester United.

Glenn Murray (£6.5m) has three goals to his name thus far in 2018/19 which means we have to include him too. Brighton’s fixtures over the next three are a mixed bag with a trip to Southampton preceding back-to-back matches with Tottenham (home) and Man City (away). However, over six weeks they don’t look too bad with West Ham and Wolves both set to visit the Amex Stadium too.

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520 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    I can't find part two of the set piece takers and targets article? It's my favourite one of the week. Has it not been published yet?

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

    What to do with this lot? 1FT 0.1ITB..

    Ederson
    VVD Alonso PVA
    Salah Hazard Mkhitaryan Fraser
    Kun Ings Zaha

    Button AWB Kabasele Gunnarson

    Thanks in advance!

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

      Depends on length of injuries (zaha and fraser). I'd roll the ft for now

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

      I think Mendy is essential. Perhaps Mkhi + VVD -> Pedro + Mendy

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

    From GW8, Murray will be nice differential since he's back on penalties.He doesn't have a real competition in Andone and Locadia.

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

      Pretty sure Locadia dropped him a few times last season, but yeah.

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

      He's not back on penalties though. Houghton said after the Palace game Gross is still the first choice penalty taker.

  4. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Those who own both Kun and Haz, who is your armband going to be on?

    1. child of God
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Kun

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

      About to take a hit to get Haz in for Alli and I'm tempted to go with Haz. I'm just wary of Kun's ownership

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

      Kun

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

        Kun.

    4. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Haz because I'm sure I'm the only one with him in my mini league

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

    Could do with some advice! What to do?

    A) Play Zaha in hope he plays, if not it’s a 2 pointer from Westwood
    B) Take a hit and swap him for Wilson?

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

      I don't think its worth a hit

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

      A

  6. Team Bobcat
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks for voting thus far. Cinally for the next 5. Pick one from both combos paired with the other.

    a) King Mitrovic
    b) Schurle Fraser Pereyra Maddison

    Cheers

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

      Mitro, Maddison

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

    I am worried about being too 'template' as all bar my 4.0 GK of my squad have been mentioned in these articles... should I change?

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

      As long as they bring points, all good...

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

    Is Lucas Moura looking more attractive now that Dele will be out this weekend?

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

    Current team : 0.5 itb, 1 ft
    Henessey/McCarthy
    Alonso Mendy PVA AWB Peltier
    Hazard Mane Bilva Mkhi Hughes
    Kun Tosun King

    a) Mkhi to Ramsey
    b) Bilva to Pogba
    b) WC
    c) save ft

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

      Second b to be honest

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

        Who you reckon has better chance to play this gw, mkhi or bilva? Already burned me gw4

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

    Narrowed it down to 2 WC teams...
    A) Pat (Foster)
    Alonso Mendy Pereira DOHERTY (WanB)
    Salah Hazard DILVA Maddison (Hojbjerg)
    Aguero Wilson (QUANER)

    B) Pat (Foster)
    Alonso Mendy Pereira BENNET (WanB)
    Salah Hazard Maddison (RICHARLISON Hojbjerg)
    Aguero Wilson MITROVIC

    Leaning towards B just because of the improved bench, though I would like Dilva. Thoughts?

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

      I think B

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

      B

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

      B. Silva costs nearly 2M more than Richarlison and the latter is not a rotation issue. Oh and he scored 3 goals in the two complete games he played. Plus you get Mitrovich thrown in for Quaner. B all day.

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

        Thanks

  11. UshFPL
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Do I need to WC? Or should I just let AWB come in for Alli and leave it for another week?

    Foster
    Robbo Alonso Mendy AWB
    Salah Madisson Walcott
    Aguero(c) Mitro Arnie
    (Hamer Hughes Alli Peltier)

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

      Is Walcott fit?

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

        I'm not sure. If not, Hughes comes in

    2. Kizza_10
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Personally I’d leave it another week mate

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

    Repost as im really struggling lol. How's this for a wildcard? Bench too weak?
    Patricio Hamer
    Alonso Mendy Holebas Bennett AWB
    Mane Hazard Dilva Hoiberg Ward
    Aguero Lukaku Mitrovic
    Thoughts appreciated.

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

      It’s lovely

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

      Yes, I think so. You might struggle to field 4 at back every week, so 7th attacking players has to be upgraded

      You can drop one of the midfielders for a mid-price player and upgrade Hojberg/Ward

  13. vardys party
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Ederson (foster)
    Robertson Alonso Mendy (AWB Cook)
    Salah Mkhitryan Lucas Fraser (Stephens)
    Aguero Tosun Zaha

    0.7itb 1 Ft
    What to do? I'd rather get hazard in, but it means losing salah. Need some help.

    A. Get hazard
    B keep as it is

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

      Out of those two B. But honestly you could change Tos/Zaha to Vardy&....

  14. Kizza_10
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Think I’ve finally settled on a wildcard team I’m happy with.

    Is their any changes you’d make other than “it needs Salah” ?

    De Gea
    Alonso Robertson Mendy
    Lucas Mane Hazard Maddison
    Wilson Aguero Mitrovic

    Subs: Hamer, Wan B, Bennett, Billing

    0.1 in the bank

    1. dbuk87
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Kepa for de gea

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

      Pat for deGea and Lucas to dilva

  15. fridge
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Struggling with this one. Fancy Hazard and one Pool mid over 2 pool but how?

    Patricio
    Mendy. Alonso. VVD
    Salah. Mane. Bilva. Fraser
    Ings. Aguero. Zaha

    Foster. AWB. Cairney. Peltier

    A) Mane + Bilva > Hazard + Maddison (-4)
    B) Salah > Hazard
    C) Save

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

      A

  16. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Best defender for sub 5.3m?

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

      Pereira maybe?

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

      Pereira or Chilwell? Maybe Luke Shaw?

  17. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Who scores more?

    A) Salah, Zaha, Maddison
    B) Mane, Lukaku, Fraser

    Cheere

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

      A

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

      B

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

      tough one. over the course of the whole season, I'd say A, but I'd be worried Lukaku will score a bunch in the next few weeks.

  18. Bielsa's Bucket
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    a) Mane, BSilva > Hazard, Maddison
    Or
    b) BSilva, Zaha > Maddison, Mitro

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

      A

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

      A

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

      A

  19. Merlinho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Draft team
    Need to start 2 defenders from Robbo (tot), Young (wat), AWB (hud)

    Going on CS odds alone gives Young and AWB, but I’m not convinced. Any thoughts?

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

      Why do you have to bench one? who else do you have?

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

        Mustafi and Azpilicueta are my others, starting Azpilicueta and benching Mustafi, so leaves 2 to play.

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

          I think I would play Mustafi over AWB. They're bound to keep a clean sheet eventually. Maybe Azpi, Mustafi, and Young?

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

            Not convinced that Arsenal will keep a CS this side of Huddersfield at home!

      2. Merlinho
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Iwobi is my only other bench option realistically.

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    WC team

    Patricio (Hamer)
    Alonso, Mendy, Pereira (Wan Bissaka, Bennett)
    D.Silva, Hazard, Mané, Kante (Hojberg)
    Aguero, Lukaku, Ings

    Too unbalanced?

    1. SirT83
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good! Nice differential with Lukaku.

    2. SirT83
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Not loving Kante though.

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

        Yeah, any better 5 million fodder?

        1. SirT83
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          That's the problem. Which would make me think twice on Lukaku. He would have to outscore the someone like Wilson and the upgraded mid you would get from choosing Wilson instead. Cause Kante will not get too many points imo. You have 0 itb?

        2. SirT83
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Could also downgrade to Vardy/Firmino and get a midfielder that will provide better chances of good games.

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

            There are a couple of more attacking midfielders in the 4.5 range aren't there? Even if you don't like them, you could play 4-3-3

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

      Get rid of Kanté

    4. dbuk87
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Best I have seen

  21. SirT83
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    3rd rotation defender.
    A- Ake
    B- TAA
    C- Pereira
    D- Cook
    E- Chilwell
    F- Cook

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

      Trent

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

      4.5 if rotating

  22. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Mkhi owners keeping him this week or getting rid? I ideally want to keep one more week and bank the transfer but I'm getting itchy fingers!

    1. SirT83
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Left him behind! But I'm on WC.

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

      Just going to bench him and look to sell next week.

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

      Might be getting rid

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

      Last chance saloon

  23. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Is vardy and madisson to much ?

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

      Just get Vardy

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

      Not if you think Madisson will outscore Pereyra, Richarlison, Walcott etc

  24. Sherlocko
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    WILDCARD!!

    Ryan- Hamer
    Alonso- Mendy- Bennet- WanB- 3,9
    Dsilva- Salah- Hazard- Richa- Højbj
    Wilson- Aguero- Mitro

  25. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Mitrovic looks like he's visited the dark side in that pic.

    Orcish.

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

      He looks a bit like Andy there 4 me.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        😆 I'm sure he'll take that in the spirit intended.

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

      Not the most flattering photo is it?

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        You don't want to meet it in a dark alley, for sure.

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Hes looking down with right eye and up with left eye,good skill to trick GKs.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        He won't scare Ederson.

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

    Firmino Mkhitaryan to Hazard Wilson -4

    Y or N

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

      Yes

  27. Blackbird235
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Patricio - Hamer
    Mendy - Robertson - Wan-Bissaka - Peltier - Mee
    Salah - Mkhitaryan - B. Silva - Kante - Richarlison
    Auba - Aguero - Ings

    i have 2 free transfers, I am thinking of replacing Mkhi, Bilva and Mee to get Alonso, Maddison and Fraser but now I'm thinking about wildcard to also put Kane instead of Aguero. Any suggestons?

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

      Why ditch Kun when he has a better fixture than Kane?

    2. Don Rogers FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I don’t see a wildcard in this.

      1. Don Rogers FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Not with 2ft

        1. Blackbird235
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I am getting impatient about getting Kane because eventually he will be indispensable but you are right, 2 FT is not worth a wildcard. But I do have to replace Mkhi and Bilva, do you have any other suggestions beside Fraser and Maddison? I have 12.8 for both

          1. Don Rogers FC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            I’d be tempted to use just one transfer. Either Mkhitaryan or Bilva to someone you think might play and score well over the next 3, then give it a spin. You’ll have Richarlison back next week And can take a view.

            You could even find that Mkhitaryan, Bilva and Kanté all get returns this week. I certainly would n’t panic to get Kane in, his ownership must be lowiah among those still playing.

          2. Don Rogers FC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            But not Fraser, he is injured.

  28. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Who to start
    A) Holebas
    B) Wan B
    C) Bennett

  29. Rash
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    1st time ever I've held out on making a transfer over the september international break! Only because I can't decide on keeping Mané or getting hazard.

  30. Henning
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Hmmm 2.6m in The bank what to do?

    Hennessey Hamer

    Robertson Alonso Mendy Cook Wan-Bissaka

    Salah Moura Mkhitaryan Wallcot Neves

    Aguero Mitrovic Ings

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

      Walcott to DSilva maybe