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. Plymouth
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Any FPL-takeaways from the City game?

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

      Aguero didn’t play.

      1. Plymouth
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Obv

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

      Mendy started which worries me as an owner, despite them lacking options at LB I can see Sane starting against Tottenham given the instructions to track back. Sincerely hope I’m wrong

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

    Trippier to Chilwell or Robertson?

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

      Andrew

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

        Robbo

  3. Majestic Chanka
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Best time to sell Alonso : never

    I am considering selling Trippier though, there next run is real dodgy and he’s gonna get rotated as well.

    I thinking of bringing in Lovren as I reckon he is first choice (remember he is the best defender in the world! Lead teams to Champs League and World Cup finals!)

    1. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso has to return value or he gets dropped. He is overpriced.

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

        Alonso is no. 5 for value in the entire EPL.

      2. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        agree and i think Chelsea defence has been lucky so far. I'm looking to sell in few weeks.

        1. Plymouth
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Utter madness, look at the fixture list

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

            This ... but give it another 3 weeks and I'll be open to offers.

  4. ILOVEBAPS
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    How does this seem?

    A. Kane + £4.5 > Arnie + Mané
    Or
    B. Kane + £4.5 + AWB > Arnie + Salah + £4.1 -4

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

      A

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

      If you want to captain Salah it's probably worth the hit.

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. I would captain the Pool Mid in each option.

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

          I would go Salah.

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

    Doesn’t Kun perform well against Tottenham? Or is that only at home vs them?

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

      dont think hes even scored away to spurs

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

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

        Hmm

      3. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        He has they won there 1 0 with a kun goal couple seasons back

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Has a very good record overall, but I don't think he's scored in his last 5 against them.

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

        I now know what I’m thinking about—

        In the 14/15 P.L. season he scored 4 at home to spurs. Also 1 away that season.
        0 goals however the 2 following season’s home/away.

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

      That was before Pochetinno came to Spurs.

    4. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      not scored against them in last 3 seasons

  6. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    B Silva as an option? What are people's thoughts? He seems to play most games...

    1. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I don’t think anybody knows what the City mid landscape looks like with KDB back. Potentially everybody just plays less.

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Probably selling him this week

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

    Anyone moving Fraser out for Maddison this GW?

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

      Not this week

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Nope

    3. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Crazy to do considering opponent.

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

    Help please mates

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

    Hamer, Holebas, Bissaka, Kamara

    Thanks!

  9. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    They are pretty useless, but what Newcastle assets are you looking at guys for their good run of fixtures?

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

      Would you recommend Arnie? Tempted to downgrade Kane

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

        With Yarmolenko now injured,he may be shunted out wide to accommodate Chicharito. See how we line up against Leicester for clues.

    2. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yedlin or Lascelles if you have to. Would personally steer clear of all.

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

      Considering the cheap enablers - Yedlin and Kenedy. Not really anyone else who looks like a viable FPL option to me, even with their fixtures.

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

      I got Yedlin couple of weeks ago on my WC and now unfortunately stuck with him....but, yeah, he's probably the best bet for you if you want someone budget. Dont brink mid/frw, their def is bad, but attack is even worse

      1. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I think that's hash on their defense Brighton scored a fluke goal from one of two shots on target and you can't judge them defensively in the beginning of the season where they had shocking fixtures

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

    I assume Rose and Alli are nailed on for Spurs when back from injury?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Alli is, Rose and BDavies share game time

      1. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Rose is clearly first choice now

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

          He will still be a rotation risk..

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

    Any word from Jonty on the Scoutcast on why TAA didn't play against Huddersfield?

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

      Why would he know?

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

      Too many aliases apparently. Whatever the case, he's had enough.

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Love triggerlips on the FPL show videocast this evening. Makes some great FPL wise. Always great to hear from a great FPL manager like him.

    Shame as it looks like he will be potentially black listed from the scoutcast after his affiliations on the FPL show.

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

    Best pair of Defenders for up to 8.8mln, i am looking for the replacement for Awb & Bednarek and I have 0.8itb and 2 free transfers
    My current defence:
    Robbo/Doherty/Pereira/Awb/Bednarek

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Duffy, Holebas, Yedlin?

  14. UpAndAway
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Ryan or Fabianski to partner Patricio?

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

    Is knockaert going to play this week

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

      We don't know but he has a lot of competition with Jahanbakhsh, March & Izquierdo competing for wide spots. I don't think you can trust him on a weekly basis.

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

    2 FTs

    A) Shaw -> Dunk (0.1 off Duffy), Mitro -> Success, Rich -> KDB (-4)
    B) Shaw -> Dunk and use 2 next week

  17. AlleRed
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Presumably on the bench most weeks but do we think Murphy (CAR) is worth the 0.3m extra over Billing (HUD)? Both nice fixtures from GW11

  18. Outatime
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with this team?

    Ederson (Hamer)
    Alonso - Mendy - Robbo (AWB - Bennett)
    Haz - Salah - Fraser - Maddison (Stephens)
    Aguero - Wilson - Mitrovic

    0 ITB 2 FT

  19. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Rui patricio. Hamer.
    Alonso. Smith. AWB. Bennett. Peltier.
    Salah. Hazard. Maddison. Stephens.
    Aguero. Kane. Kamara.

    0.0 in bnk:

    Kane > Lacazette/Aubameyang + AWB > Gomez/Lovren / TAA for -4....????

    If yes then whome to get
    Lacazette or Aubameyang..??
    Gomez, Lovren or TAA...??

    Thanx in advance...

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

      I'd go laca and if u went him could you afford Robertson

      1. FPL FREAK
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yes but Robertson is expensive and I want to upgrade other players too... Other than him..??

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

    Mahrez becoming an option ?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      nah, city midfield a minefield, Sterling the only real one and then possibly KDB in a couple of weeks

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

        Bought Sterling last GW, following that exact thought.... 0 pointer

  21. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Bobby F the man to bring in for Kane?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      nope. Aguero if you have no other premium, maybe Laca for a punt.

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Have Aguero, not so interested in Laca, why no firmino love?

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

    You think Sterling starts next GW?

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      bet the house on it

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        thought this was aguero but yes i personally do think he will

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

          Hope you are right. Cheers!

    2. Jimmy Floyd
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, think this will be the team
      Ederson
      Walker stones Laporte Mendy
      Dilva Fernandinho kdb
      Bilva Aguero Sterling

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

    One week punt for FPL draft?
    a) Deulofeu (HUD)
    b) Cedric (NEW)

  24. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I really, really need a 3.9 GK to appear this week. What are the chances?

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

      Speroni is 4.0 and on -99.3 and double down arrows - looks promising for you!

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        yee-ha!

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

    How about
    TAA & Aguero >> Robertson & Lacazette

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

      Bench 1

      A Doherty
      B Trent
      C Mendy
      D Maddison
      E Mitrovic
      F Wilson

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

    Why are people considering selling Kun? I am currently a non owner but considering bringing him back very soon

  27. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Boly ➡️ Mendy for free
    Or
    Pickford ➡️ 4.5 keeper
    Richarlison ➡️ De Bruyne -4

    Thoughts appreciated cheers

  28. Scoutcast timestamps - EP 272
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Scoutcast Ep 272 Timestamps

    This week's team of Joe, David, Az and Luke are accompanied by some lovely graphics throughout. Top Scoutcast as always 🙂

    2:29 Gameweek 9 Review - Luke
    3:57 Gameweek 9 Review - David
    7:02 Gameweek 9 Review - Joe
    8:14 Gameweek 9 Review - Az
    9:51 Rough with the Smooth
    17:10 Bargain Basement Enablers
    32:08 Man City options
    46:56 Mythbusters ft Richarlison, Alonso and more
    1:04:36 Spot the Differential
    1:10:23 Weekly Clean Sheet Forecast
    1:14:55 Gameweek 10 Plans - Luke
    1:16:29 Gameweek 10 Plans - Az
    1:19:16 Gameweek 10 Plans - David
    1:22:22 Gameweek 10 Plans - Joe

    As always, all timestamps can be found under the video, in the comments 🙂

    For anyone that can't find the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2pmz3P3lUg

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Excellent new format (beaming slides) BUT:

      Please can we improve the the images showed, either by making the focal point larger or, clearer? I can't read who is in these teams therefore, it's not useful!

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Hi, it may be that you are watching on 480 or lower. Its optimised for 720....just checked again and full screened it on my computer as well as minimised and teams were very clear. Also tried it on 1080.... even clearer as you'd expect.

        Keep us updated though re tech issues like this.

        1. Eden Wizard
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Hi Joe, This is fullscreen iPhone X on Youtube web player (adverts within vids on the app)...You don't get a resolution option to my knowledge.
          I can see presenters clear enough and read their names but can't read the players.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            I use youtube via a browser on my iphone not the app, which I found to be a bit rubbish. Via the browser it offers me options on quality right up to 1080. Maybe try using youtube via browser instead?

  29. Balls of Steel
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Aubemeyang about to rise tonight... If I buy now before price rise and he was to rise by 0.2 this week and I sell again this week do I make 0.1 profit while on a WC?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes you would.

    2. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes you do

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys

  30. Monkey Hanger
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Pretty clear from tonights Scoutcast that a couple of the hosts watch football matches, and two of them bury their heads in stats. I know which two I am likely to take any notice of.