Opinion

FPL Question Time – Liverpool defenders and best time to sell Alonso

Fantasy Premier League Question Time is back following the return of top flight football in Gameweek 9.

As ever, the FPL community is brimming with questions, which we have put to our latest panel of pundits.

Read on to find out what they think about the best way to cover Liverpool’s defence, whether it’s time to sell Marcos Alonso and how to build the most effective forward line.

Who’s on the panel this week?

FPL General – aka Mark McGettigan, who has three finishes inside the top 400 in the last four seasons and who has a huge following on Twitter. Mark has also appeared on the official FPL Show this season.

Who Got the Assist? – Tom and Nick run one of Twitter’s most active Fantasy accounts and run their very own blog, also producing an excellent regular podcast.

Holly Shand – aka FPL Holly, founder of the popular Fantasy Football Community Twitter account and website and another who has appeared on the official FPL Show in recent months.

Question 1 – General

Is Robertson the only Liverpool defender worth investing in? Should we avoid all others?

“The Liverpool defence is a bit of a minefield right now. Alexander-Arnold, Gomez and Lovren are competing for two places, not to forget Joel Matip as well.

“That’s enough for me to avoid these players in FPL.

“I’ve got Robertson as he’s the safe bet. Van Dijk looks secure as well if you are willing to fork out £5.9m for a centre-back who has zero attacking returns this season.

“If I was going for a Liverpool defensive double-up, it would be the Scottish Roberto Carlos and goalkeeper Alisson.”

Question 2 – Who Got the Assist?

With Alonso’s points drying up and Mendy proving again threatening, should we make the switch now? Or because Chelsea have easier fixtures comparing to City in the next three should we wait after GW 12 to make the change?

“I can see why a lot of people are eyeing the price of Alonso and thinking he could function as a cash cow.

“As we got a hint of with his headed goal this week, you’ve now also got his team mate Rudiger second for goal attempts, just three behind the Spaniard.

“To his credit, Alonso is still getting in the right positions to register attacking returns.

“But the crucial element for me is his ownership. Nearly 50% of managers have him in their squads.

“Chelsea have Burnley Crystal Palace and Everton before the next international break, which on paper is better than what City have.

“Anything in those winnable games and it’s a bona fide rank killer. Other managers may be braver, but I’m not selling until injury forces my hand.”

Question 3 – Holly

Is it too risky to go with three cheaper strikers with none of the big strikers in good form (aside from Aguero) or should team structure still take priority?

“Aguero, Aubameyang and Lacazette are leading the way for premium strikers, and I expect that trend to continue.

“For this reason, I’d say you need at least one expensive striker or maybe even two, with Aguero and Lacazette the pick of the options.

“Bournemouth have provided great value in the cheap striker slot, but as their schedule stiffens, a move for Arnautovic might be wise.

“Mitrovic, Jimenez and Ings are all lacking consistency right now.”

Question 4 – General

While I’m looking to protect my overall rank somewhat. I’m also looking for a differential or two. Who does the panel see making a difference, away from the norm over the next three Gameweeks?

“I’ve had a look at my Watchlist and picked out three differentials who I think could score well over the next three Gameweeks.

“Ben Chilwell (0.8% ownership) impressed me on Monday night against Arsenal. He picked up his first assist of the season, bombing forward from left back for Leicester. He faces West Ham (h), Cardiff (a) and Burnley (h) next.

“Newcastle need to turn things around quickly after a very poor start to the season. Their fixtures are great between now and Boxing Day (they don’t face any of the ‘Big Six’ until then) which could see an upturn in form. Kenedy (1.2% ownership) is the one I’m interested in.

“Jamie Vardy (4.9%) was very quiet against Arsenal, possibly due to illness. Interest in him will be low after two blanks but I can see him back amongst the goals over the next three Gameweeks.”

Question 5 – Holly

Do you view the Wolves defeat as a reality check or an anomaly against a Watford side with a point to prove? How should that affect our utilisation of our Wolves defensive assets over the tricky run of fixtures in the coming Gameweeks?

“Those managers who jumped on the Wolves defence have been fortunate so far, as defensive stability coincided with great fixtures.

“According to expected goals conceded, Wolves are third best in the league, behind Liverpool and Manchester City.

“We must remember that they are a promoted team though.

“Their defence still contains value options, with Rui Patricio a set and forget keeper option, who should do well for save points over the difficult period.

“Doherty is still a great third or fourth defender and Bennett a great bench filler with his 4.2m price.

“It might be time to abandon a starting double or triple up, but still worth carrying one or two in your squad long-term.

“It’s these players that can enable us to afford the popular premium options of Mendy, Robertson and Alonso.”

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1,171 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Jesus with another poor performance. Pep will strengthen in the summer and he will be out in the cold if he doesnt get it together for the remainder of the season.

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

      A bit harsh. 21 years old and first start of the season

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

        Its his first start because he keeps playing poorly. Theres no way Pep doesnt buy another striker if Jesus doesnt improve, with how he has to manage Aguero's minutes constantly.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          More city rotation...that’ll be fun

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

      Discounting Oxford

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

      I've lost faith in Jesus

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Good one!

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

    Hi all!

    Anyone interested in joining a WhatsApp group where we live and breathe FPL? Limited spots available.

    Anyone keen to join can feel free to show interest at bigmanbakar@gmail.com

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Showed interest got rejected so no thank you 😀

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Once bitten, twice shy eh 😉

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

        It's not easy getting in when there's 50+ applicants! More available slots than last time though which helps 🙂

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

          Many more, in fact. 😉

          Keep them emails coming!

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

      You need to get rid of Wally, AWB and TAA

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

        On it!

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

          Good man and just send all those emails to our usual hub account

          I will then start selling the emails and phone numbers etc to our third party mailing list, I will cut you in 50% as discussed behind the bike sheds

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            😆

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

            ...

            Hahaha

    3. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Do i qualify?

  3. Ludde
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    What do we think about Brighton vs Wolves? Double up on Wolves or no? Have Ryan, Patricio, Doherty. Who should I put on the bench?

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

      I like to spread the risk - go Doherty and Ryan

      1. Ludde
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        RMT tool is also taking Ryan over Patricio.

    2. Superflymonk
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Have a feeling Brighton to keep a clean sheet

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

      Wolves seem pretty toothless. Their results have come on the back of good defensive displays.

  4. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    This Man City team is a bit decent innit.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah but the opposition tonight is very average

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Good for a quarter maybe semis this season

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

    Have had BSilva since week 1. Keep thinking will transfer out but he keeps doing well.....

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

      Same here but I've been reworking my team to raise the extra cash to get KDB in 3 gws

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

    Pogpost

  7. Kristobal
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Stick to Sterling or go for KDB?

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

      Stick, he's had his rest now

      1. Kristobal
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks for input. I’m just thinking Sterling is more of a rotation risk with Sané, Mahrez and Bilva (even Gabriel Jesus) competing for the wings while KDB seems more nailed on.
        Ideas?

      2. ChristoBisto
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        But played 90 mins tonight...

  8. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Salah has to show his value in next games. If not then a City mid between Sterling, KDB and Dilva will be the ideal replacement.

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

      if you've got him now, you've gotta keep him until after the Fulham game at least.

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Need at least one brace for me to keep after Fulham

  9. Hardly Athletic
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Scoutcast tonight?

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Got over already..

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

      There's meant to be

    3. Nice1Cyrille
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Not looking good, normally a link open by now

      1. Nice1Cyrille
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Ah, just opened

  10. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Pep should have just let Kun run free all day on Saturday 🙁

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

      Is he carrying an ankle injury?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Was before the international break, them two weeks off was for him to heal, mightn't have fully.

  11. AlissonBecker fell alone
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    What tha hell! Why would Viktoria plzen score los blancos. What is football turning into

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Have you watched Real Madrid lately?

      1. AlissonBecker fell alone
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yes once. They were poor, however me being the stupid me,made a bet with a mate today on madrid keeping a cleanie. Now my money just sailed away.

  12. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Patricio
    Robertson Luiz Mendy
    Hazard Dilva Fraser Richarlison
    Aguero Kane King

    Hamer AWB Tomkins Obiang

    0 ITB, 2 FT

    What to do here please?

    Kane Dilva >> Salah Arnie ??

    Thanks

  13. Front 442
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bench GW 10
    A) Mendy
    B) Doherty
    C) Duffy

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Not Mendy.

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. Front 442
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Patricio in goal might I add

    3. Cheese Crunch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B

  14. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku is one of my favorite memes

  15. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Bench Richarlison or Doherty?

    1. Cheese Crunch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      tough call. I'd lean to benching Doherty.

  16. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Foden on for Jesus.

    No minutes for Kun or Sane.

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

      Good?

  17. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    D.Silva. So good, but is he rotation free?!

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      90 minutes doesn't help but they don't play till Monday, I'd expect him to start at Wembley.

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      No one in that squad is imo.

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

        Ederson?

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

      I own him and have no plans of removing him, but no, hes not. Not even close.

  18. Cheese Crunch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    waiting until after mid-week games, but what do you think of Aguero/Lacazette + Bilva ==> Salah (c) + Wilson, for a -4 point hit?

    No other city cover if I transfer Aguero and Bilva, but also no Liverpool cover atm

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

      Bilva and Aguero could destroy Spurs and then Southampton at home do not a fan of these moves.

  19. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    1) Gud
    2) Fraser
    >
    a) Maddison
    b) Richarlison
    c) Bilva

  20. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I have a pretty difficult equation after GW10 to solve so I really need your help.

    Have in my team but don’t want:
    TAA
    Hughes
    Ings
    Wilson

    Players I want:
    Arnautovic
    Robertson

    By that time I will have 2 FTs and 0.3 ITB if I don’t lose TAA tomorrow.

  21. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hoff goal

    3-3

  22. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Good result for United.

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

    So Fiat is better than the bus

  24. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo celebrates. Hate for Man Utd confirmed.

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Nah fairly reserved

  25. Patch
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I hate to say it but I have Linda gone off Jiminez...

    Glad to have received his constant assists, but think I need a change of scene...

    Aside from Arnie who else is good?

    I have Aguero and Mitro...thinking Ings

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Ksut catching up, Kun rested or injured?

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

      Unused sub

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Rested so he can play 63 minutes next Monday

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

      Shisha bong

    4. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I bet he plays 65 again?

      No I think against Spurs he'll play close to 90mins

  27. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Rio Ferdinand ‘men against boys to be honest’ - he hates Mourinho.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      No, he's just right.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Oh, I’m not saying he’s wrong.

    2. ChristoBisto
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Rio is funny. Speaks his mind with confidence, says it how it is.

  28. Bushman
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Utd were poor but Lindelof was very good tonight

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Agreed.
      Shaw and Young also...and even DdG, did well.
      Everyone else. Terrible.

    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      He did ok. Inconsistent tho in a poor team

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

    Why isn't Andy on scoutcast?

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

      He was caught recycling the exact same opinions from Let's Talk FPL.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Lol

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

        Or reserving his opinions for his show?

      3. ChristoBisto
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I think his show gets tons more views than the FFS scoutcast, if I'm not mistaken.

      4. ChristoBisto
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        To be fair he only has one mind so he will have to use the same opinions for both shows.

    2. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      resigned to spend more time with the family

  30. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts guys? Pretty sure I don't need to WC. Want to get Kane out, and Neves is a tad annoying! 2FT and 0.9ITB

    Ryan Button
    Robbo Alonso Boly Bennett AWB
    Hazard Mane Maddy Neves Stephens
    Kane Kun Ings

    Cheers