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. Merlinho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    So here's my final WC choices:

    Option A
    Hennessey / Patricio
    Alonso/Mendy/AWB/ Robbo/Bennett
    Hazard/Mane/Dilva/Maddison/Billings
    Aguero/Mitro/Ings

    Option B
    Hennessey / Patricio
    Alonso/Mendy/AWB/TAA/Holebas
    Hazard/Salah/Richarlson/Maddison/Billings
    Aguero/Mitro/Ings

    Option C
    Hennessey / Hamer (£4m enabler)
    Alonso/Mendy/AWB/Robbo/Holebas
    Hazard/Salah/Richarlson/Maddison/Billings
    Aguero/Mitro/Ings

    Any thoughts, need to settle tonight if possible?

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

      I like Haz + Salah teams.

      C for me.

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

        Hmm realised a mistake in option C in that I need TAA, not Robbo, to enable it, unless I bring in Bennett for Holebas.

        So that leaves a question of Bennett and Robbo vs Holebas and TAA. Hmmm....

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

          Could you go Holebas and Pereira through Pool's tricky run?

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

    WC team nr. 162

    Patricio (Hamer)
    Alonso, Mendy, Doherty (Bennett, Wan Bissaka)
    D.Silva, Hazard, Mané, Hughes (Hojberg)
    Aguero, Lukaku, Wilson

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

      Like it. But I'd prefer Pedro and Moura to Dilva and Hughes, but not sure if you would have enough cash.

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

        Don’t agree, would rather have the certainty that my players will play

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

      Nice to see Lukaku around here.

  3. YouReds
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone benching Robertson?

    1. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Yup. Me

    2. Lh909
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Would you bench Mendy or Alonso?

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

        No

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I am

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      why would I bench a premium defender who can come up with attacking returns in any game ?
      Its not like Spurs where super solid against Watford.

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

    Patricio (Hamer)
    Alonso, Mendy, Chilwell (Wan-Bis, Bennett)
    Salah, Haz, Dilva, Maddison (Billing)
    Aguero, Wilson, Ings

    0.3 ITB. Any thoughts lads?

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

      Pereira over Chilwell for me.

      But gtg. gl

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

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

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

      b

    2. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      c

  6. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Do I sub out mhki for pedro for 2 weeks and then go pedro to mhki or wait a week and just go mhki to rich. Feel mhki wont start against Newcastle but will against Everton(no facts to back this mind you, just a feeling) and Pedro will outscore Maddison and co over next 2 weeks

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

      Too much hokey cokey that.. if you have the squad depth id save and go richarlison next week. Or if you want Pedro get him and stick.

      1. Jealous Viper
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Would have robbo or lowton come on but worried Mhki gives me another 1 pointer. Aware that same scenario exists with Pedro which is why I want him for just 2 games as I think he definitely starts Saturday

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

          I have Robbo and have no intention of benching. His attacking potential worth the risk imo

          1. Jealous Viper
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Aren't you worried about the fact most likely he won't get the CS and doesn't seem to be as much of a threat as Mendy going forward

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

              No I'm not tbh I've learnt the hard way not to bench premium defenders.

  7. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Am I G2G, do I need to take any more hits? Currently on a -4.

    Patricio
    Mendy, Alonso, Robertson
    Salah, Hazard, Mkhi, Hojbjerg
    Aguero, Arnie, Ings

    Fabianski, AWB, Kabasele, Cairney

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

      GTG, imo.

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

      I'd play AWB over Hojberg

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      All good! Mkhi might give another 1 point :s

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

    VVD + Mkhitaryan -> Mendy + Pedro for -4?

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

      I like it.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Me2

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Good moves

  9. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Evening everyone, just seen Fraser is flagged.

    Got 1FT, should I swap out for 5.6 or less mid, say Fernandinho? Or save FT?

    Bought Fraser at 5.6.

    Thanks

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

      Im keeping

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

      save

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks both

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Save mate

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

    When your hear "troll" who is the 1st player that springs to mind?

    Until recently for me it was Alonso. Never owned him at the right times

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Has to be Kaku for me

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

      Alonso was hardly ever a troll

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

        I'm speaking from personal experience.

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

        Alonso has always been a troll for me. Bought him too late and then sold him too early last season for example.

    3. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Hazard, over the years he's blanked or gone missing in easy fixtures.

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

      Exactly alonso
      Previous season had him or half of season he did not do anything
      And this season...

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

        For*

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

      Theo James Walcott esq.

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

      Walcott

    7. el polako
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Kane - beacause of my stubborness to captain him at the start of last season.

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

        Kane was a massive troll last season for me.

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

    Best combo here thanks

    A) Vardy + Moura
    B) Lukaku + Maddison

    B allows the possibility to upgrade maddi to Richarlison when back

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

      B

  12. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Ederson/Boruc
    Alonso/Robertson/Mendy/AWB/Bednarek
    Salah/Mane/Fraser/Wallcott/Stephens
    Aguero/King/Zaha

    0.4ITB 1 FT

    Salah Theo
    To
    Hazard Pedro? (-4)
    Or something else?
    TA!

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

      Wait for Theo news, if he's out I'd just do him to Maddison.

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Why maddison? No hazard then?

  13. Delhidynamo
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    1)Pogba
    Wilson
    Mane

    2)Lukaku
    Richarlison
    Billing

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

      Where Billing is actually Mitrovic

    2. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      2 for me once rich is back

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

      2

  14. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Sterling (C)

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

      Do you not have Kun?

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah have Kun

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

          there you go

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

      To many better options with far less risk

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

      A good punt but not with flag.

  15. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Tough one here for me.

    2 Free transfers and I'm set on getting Alonso with one of them.

    Also very keen on getting more Chelsea cover.

    Which of these combinations do you prefer and why?

    A: Mane, Pedro, Deeney

    B: Hazard, Kante, Zaha*

    Both would be for a 4 point hit

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

      A, because it's more attacking.

      Is that not an 8 point hit for 4 transfers?

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Its only 4, I own Mane and Zaha currently.

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

          Sound. Not sure how nailed on Pedro is under Sarri but he's on form and will get more points than Kante. I'd love to see Chelsea front 3 of Pedro, Giroud and Hazard but wishful thinking.

          1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            I'm not sure on Pedro either, he's clearly better than Kante I can agree on that. Not sure if its worth getting hazard if Kante is the best I can do elsewhere...

  16. Sir_Durs8
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Patricio (Hamer)
    Robertson, Mendy, Alonso, AWB (Peltier)
    Hazard Pedro Mhki Salah (Fraser)
    Aguero(c) Zaha (Kamara)

    1 FT 0.1m ITB.

    G2G? Bench is not great but think I can hopefully get by this week and get 2 FTs for next week.

  17. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Rank in order of pref

    A: Maddison
    B: Moira
    C: Dilva
    D: Pogba
    E: Ramsey

    Getting rid of Wally and mkhi and have 15.1m to burn

  18. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    What to do... have Mkhi and Walcott and don't think either will start. Also have Peltier so I can't have any matchday surprises or I won't get a full XI this week.

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

      You should be sound with Ings and Nerves to come in.

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

        Champions league midweek, wouldn't be shocked if one of the Liverpool boys gets rested before PSG

  19. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Walcott & Mkhi our for who with 0.4 ITB - would be a -4? Alternatively could double up and play AWB as well as PVA?

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    What you reckon the chances of Zaha starting are as a percentage? Is it still 50:50?

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

      I'd be very surprised if he didn't start. He's back in training, and there's no Benteke.

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

      With tekkers out I think there is a high probability of him starting.

  21. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    This has probably been asked a million times before but what FPL podcasts/shows do you recommend? I'm stuck in Boston airport and have a few hours to kill before my flight. Already listen to FML FPL, The FPL General, Who got the Assist, FF Surgery. Any others worth listening to?

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

      Always Cheating is worth a listen.

  22. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Those with WC still intact , when are you planning to use it ?

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      After GW8 ITB and before GW9

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

      Hoping to keep it for at least another 5 game weeks.. but injuries and suspensions could force my hand.

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

      As late as possible

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

        As soon as needed

  23. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Hoping Zaha and Tomkins play this GW, would mean I can save FT

    Patricio
    Robertson Azpilicueta Mendy Wan-Bissaka
    Hazard (C) Mane B.Silva
    Zaha King Aguero (VC)

    1FT 0 ITB

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      SUBS: Foster Mkhitaryan Hughes Tomkins

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

    So Newcastle sold Mitrovic and replaced him with signing Rondon on loan for a year. Why exactly does he not fit into Rafa's system?

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

      Hard to explain alright.

      Maybe it was the club looking to cash in?

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

      Cashley sold him.

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

      Newcastle & Fulham playstyles are very different. I beleive Mitro had an interview recently and had mentioned that a lot of his play wihh Newcastle was helping out with the defense, being the line man up top etc.

      Didn't suit him as well. Fulham are a lot more of an attacking team who can supply him with these chances. Less defensive obligations.

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

    Would you keep Van Dijk or transfer to Chilwell or Pereira to release funds for Mané to Hazard ( got Salah)

    A Keep VVD and Mané
    B Mané to Hazard and VVD to Chilwell or Pereira (-4)

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

      Save, then:
      Vvd > Shaw
      Mane > Hazard

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

      B. P for me.

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

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

    Tomkins > Alonso
    Auba > Mitrovic
    Kamara > Wilson (-8)?

  27. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Slightly tempted to go with Leno as one of my goallies.
    I think a game after IB is the perfect one to introduce him into the starting XI, and he should keep the place for a while since then IMHO

    I wish I had the balls...

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

      Not a case of having the balls. Just doesn't look like it will happen.

  28. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Re-Post
    On Wildcard
    Vorm || Hamer
    Mendy || Trippier* || Alonso || WB || Bennet
    Hazard || Mane || Moura || Pedro || Hojbjerg
    Aguero || Mitro || Vardy*

    1. Now should I go for Trippier over Robertson as Trippier has the better fixtures but Trippier has a greater rotation risk than Robo.

    2. Vardy/Wilson/Zaha which is worth the price
    thanks

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

      I wouldn't fancy spurs double defence though.

    2. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      1. Trippier
      2. They all are

      Nice team. Think longer term with your keepers me thinks as Saves your October/November transfers for outfield selections.

  29. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Robertson won’t rise before the deadline, will he..?

  30. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering Jesus as an option?

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

      Atheists ?

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

        Too easy c'mon 😀

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

      As real as Spider-Man

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

      Should be a goalie.

      Backpage headline :

      Jesus saves!

      I'll get the tumbleweeds.....