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. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Which one goes for Robertson?
    A) Alonso
    B) TAA
    C)Doherty
    D) Periera

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

      B

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

      TAA. Only because I like to spread the love and TAA is a rotation risk. More so than Robbo

    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      TAA

    4. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys.

    5. Stevie B
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B in my opinion because he is a rotation risk. But I will have two Liverpool defenders in my team (Robertsson and Lovren).

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yeh. Was considering keeping and having the 2 Liverpool defenders and if TAA is a no show then Doherty comes off the bench.
        Your probably right though, it might be time for Trent to go

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

    Bottomed...

    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

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Neves,Kane > KDB,Arnautovic maybe

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

        Reckon KDB will play?

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Don’t know. Personally I’m waiting until Southampton game then it could be Salah > KDB for me.

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

            Toughy. Cheers mate

  3. kime67
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    patricio -> ryan ?

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

      If you have nothing else too pressing then maybe.

      1. Stevie B
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        No becuase Wolverhampton has Huddersfield and Cardiff soon.

        1. Stevie B
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Sorry .. because … I should go to bed.

  4. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling --> Salah?

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

    Sell Kun or Dilva?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I’ve considered selling Sergio too

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

    Lindelof with a monster performanxe

  7. I drink and I know things
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Should I buy Wilson (replacing Ings) just for BOU vs FUL? Tough fixtures after that so it would be a hokey cokey transfer (but need to get rid of Ings soon anyway).

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      ful*

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

      Ings has NEW this week. Keep for this one then oust

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      No too short term.

      1. I drink and I know things
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks guys (and sorry re the FUL/ful mix up). I wondered if one strategy would be to buy anyone playing against Fulham in any given week...

  8. Stevie B
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Mourinho really has very white hair. Is it true that stress causes gray hair? Thank you!

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

      Check out pictures of Obama before and after presidency...

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

    Just for fun, predicted city line up for Spurs (A)

    Ederson
    Stones, Kompany, Laporte, Mendy
    KDB, Fernandinho, D. Silva
    B.Silva, Aguero, Sterling

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I would take that.

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

      Is walker not fit?

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

        He was left out the starting line up at weekend due to injury and left out of starting line up tonight

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

        He came on today as a sub today so Walker will probably start actually

  10. HD7
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I got Success on my WC. Seeing than in his last match he played 77mins. Maybe I should start him vs Huds instead of Richa away to Man United?

    1. white lightning
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      He started because Deeney was injured

  11. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Pat
    Mendy Robertson Alonso
    D Silva Mane Fraser Hazard
    Mitrovic Wilson Aguero

    Wan B Bennett Ward Bet
    2 frees and 1.5 to spend.
    Thinking Fraser to Madison
    Thoughts lads!

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

      Do it. Leicester fixtures look tasty

    2. Sizo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Would not to that this week.

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

        Maybe just change Ward to Murphy or Høibjerg.

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

    Looking at a -12,

    Kane, Mane, TAA, Holebas to Arnautovic, Salah, Mendy and Robertson?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Wow

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      This was me last season

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

        In what regard? Taking hits, or having a bad team!?

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Taking hits.
          I’ve only taken 2 -4’s this season which is good for me.

          -4,-8 and -12 was common for me last season. Result. My worst finish 500k

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

            I’ve not taken a single hit all season so far, so trying to justify it that way.
            I suppose I could hold Mane for the Cardiff game, and just do a -8.

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

              Do that. Mane could easily haul with Salah not.

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

                Makes it feel less dramatic, thanks

    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Ehhhh, no

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Kane pen and that becomes -20 at least

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

          I’ve held Kane through the whole season so far, and got plenty of stick for doing so. Tough Spurs fixtures coming up.

          1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            -12 isn't the answer to your problems though mate

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

              This cheap vodka isn’t working either

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

        Why so?
        TAA now a rotation risk.
        Kane is failing me terribly.
        Mane dropping like a stone.

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

      Holebas looks a decent prospect this week and you can wait a week for Mendy ... no need for so many hits

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

        Only have 0.1m to play with.
        Mane could drop again, Mendy will probably rise too.

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

      See how the CL games are tomorrow.

      Maybe just do either TAA to Lovren or Kane and TAA to Arnie and Robertson.

      Mane and Holebas are likely to play and have really good fixtures!

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

        That’s the sensible argument, thanks for the feedback.

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

      Please do not do this lol

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

    I'd like to put forward a strategy I'm considering on my Wildcard.

    Look at City's fixtures: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/scores-fixtures/2018-11

    Trying to predict a sure starter is impossible.

    So how about 3 £7m to £8m ish Man City midfielders and a strong bench.

    Most weeks you'll get 2 out of 3 out, maybe even all 3.

    It's only something I'd consider because Man City's attack is so vastly superior.

    1. Jules Rimet
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. I have sterling, bilva, aguero at the moment. Last week bilva and aguero scored, sterling benched. Ill take that any day.

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

      What does Jay suggest?

    3. Jules Rimet
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Mendy, KDB, Aguero probably ideal

    4. Parm
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      The "and a strong bench" part probably means this won't be worth it if you add that onto the £7m-£8m players.

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

      Its a waste not to own Mendy, but I could be down with 2 midfielders. Im considering D.Silva + KDB and dropping Kun for Aub/Laca once Arsenal start facing poor sides again.

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

      I've had Dilva and Sane for a few weeks now with a decent bench and it has worked well except when Sane was subbed on briefly against Pool. That said he would have had an assist if Mahrez scored the pen and a 20 min City sub appearance against tired opposition legs is dangerous so not that much of an issue. I think having players prone to rotation on occasion is fine with a strong bench.

    7. Assistant To The FPL Manage…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Tried this exact tactic last year Virg!
      Had Sterling/Sane/Dilva! Worked well for a while!
      More money required this year though?

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

        Thanks Dwight. Could work if you take advantage of the cheap forwards on offer.

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

      If you mean £7-9m that can only be the two Silvas and Mahrez.

    9. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Did this last year for a while and it worked really well. This year is a bit different though, we know Agüero gets 60mins and we've got Mendy.

    10. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      It’s what Joe basically suggested last season - get on or two attackers and accept you will get some bench time but win out over the season - could be tricky in any head to head type league though

  14. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    City's 2 teams are a real pain in the hoop

  15. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Really need your help here mates. Last GW was awfull.

    Patricio
    Alonso, Robertson, Trippier
    Mane, Hazard, Sterling, Maddison, Richarlison
    Wilson, Lacazette

    Hamer, Holebas, Bissaka, Kamara

    1 FT

    Thoughts, please?

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

      Save FT and start Holebas over Trippoer

  16. HD7
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    GW10: right team and bench order?

    Fab
    Mendy Robbo Duffy Alonso
    Hazard Maddy Salah (C)
    Aguero Arnie Success

    Subs: Hamer, Richa,Kenedy, WanB

    I saw Success played almost 80mins last match and next is Hudds at Home... Should he start in my team?

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

      could easily get dropped again for gray. or deeney when he's back

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      nope

  17. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Jesus is fraud. 3 goals from city and no assist or goal for striker. i dont get it how this guy can play for team like city and be competition to aguero

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

      He's no competition to Aguero.

  18. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    best attacking defenders apart from alonso, mendy, robbo?

    looking to downgrade alonso to upgrade a forward to laca in a few weeks

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Chilwell perhaps?

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

      AWB, Doherty, Bellerin

    3. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Holebas with good fixtures

    4. Parm
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Rüdiger, Maguire, Bellerín, Digne.

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

      Holebas

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

      and Doherty

  19. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hi.....I'm saving my ft this week....if you had 2ft and 0.3itb for next week, what would you be looking to do??.....wildcard also available

    Patricio hamer
    Alonso robbo mendy awb Peltier
    Salah hazard richi Madison stephens
    Kun mitro ings

    Thanks

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

      Focus on the fragile bench

      Peltier to Duffy and Richarlison to Murphy/ Kenedy

  20. james_lebron
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Not really sure what to do, Have 2FT and 1.3 ITB, here is what my team is looking like.

    Foster (Fabianski)

    TAA - Trippier - Alonso (Bennett - Bisakka)

    Salah - Hazard - Richarlison - Fraser (Neves)

    Aguero - Mitro - Ings

    Any thoughts on what I should do?

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

      Can you do Ings & Neves -> Arnautovic & 4.3?

  21. Ron_Swanson
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Trippier & Begovic > Chilwell & Allison (-4) ?

  22. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Thinking of moving on Tomkins before he falls again.

    Have up to 5.6, 1FT so thinking...

    A. Holebas
    B. Chilwell
    C. Bellerin
    D. Shaw

    Any thoughts welcome. Cheers!

  23. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Has Andy left the scout cast permanently or is it a one off?

    1. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Perm

  24. i am jose mourinho
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Salah is going to take his bonus points this week for sure

  25. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    What would you do with this team ? Should I use Wildcard?

    Patricio/Fabs
    Doherty/Pereira/Robbo/AWB/Bednarek
    Salah/Hazard/B. Silva/Maddison/Hojberg
    Aguero/Mitrovic/King

    2 FT 0.8 ITB

    1. i am jose mourinho
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      U just need a couple of defenders

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

      GW10: Doherty to Duffy

      GW11: Wilson to Arnautovic

      GW12: Mitro to Iheanacho

      GW13: Pereira to Doherty

      GW14: Dilva to Eriksen

      GW15: Kun to Kane

  26. Rust Cohle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    AWB & Richarlison > Mendy & Kenedy?

  27. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Tripps or Alonso out for one of Mendy and Robertson?

    1. i am jose mourinho
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I have a feeling that robbo will score this week

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Trips to Robbo

    3. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Kieran out

  28. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    1FT, 1.1m ITB:
    Fabianski.
    Doherty, Robbo, Alonso.
    Salah (C), Hazard (VC), Rich, Fraser.
    Arnie, Aguero, Mitrovic.

    Subs: Hamer, Bennett, Westwood, AWB.

    Intend to do Fraser to Maddison (or maybe Murphy) using the funds next week. GTG?

  29. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    This is decent idea or stupid?

    Sterling --> Salah?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Decent

  30. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone triple captaining Salah this week? Not that I'm suggesting it, but seems like a fixture people would use it on.

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      No