Opinion

FPL Question Time – Case for Sané as Christmas planning begins

Fantasy Premier League Question Time is here yet again to help solve your problems ahead of Gameweek 14.

Liverpool were unconvincing once again, even in a 3-0 win over Watford at the weekend, and some managers are still contemplating move their assets on.

The form of Leroy Sané has caught the eye, and could be a good alternative to the Reds’ midfielders.

We address that subject as well as how to approach the Christmas period and handle life in the top 10,000 Fantasy managers in this article.

Who’s on the panel this week?

FPL Holly – The founder and editor of Fantasy Football Community, as well as a contributor to the FPL Show this season. Holly was sitting just outside the top 1k going into Gameweek 13.

Who Got the Assist? – Nick and Tom are familiar names on social media as the two halves of Who Got the Assist?, the popular Twitter account and podcast. The WGTA boys have also featured on the FPL Show this month.

Chief FPL Manager – Another member of the Fantasy community with a huge Twitter following, “Chief” runs the FPL Hints website and has six top 1% finishes to his name.

Question 1 – Chief

Louis Stein: Is Sané looking like a good option with Mendy out and Pep’s post-match comments regarding Sterling and Mahrez fighting for the right wing spot?

“The more I think about it, the more Leroy Sané makes sense. With 33 points in his last two Premier League starts, he can no longer be ignored.

“Of course he won’t register double digit returns on a weekly basis but if last season’s performances are anything to go by, he’s more than capable of registering a Fantasy return for almost every 90 minutes played.

He was extremely unfortunate not to make the national squad at the summer’s World Cup and it’s fair to say that Die Mannschaft were a weaker unit without him.

“But for what it’s worth, this de facto ‘rest’ and the initial lack of game time up until early September could substantially benefit him in the form of being protected from mid-season burn out.

“Having said that, the spectre of Pep’s rotation will always be risky, especially with the upcoming annual fixture rush in December. Sané won’t be immune to it.

“However, as has been evident in the early stages of this season, Raheem Sterling has also missed out at times in the league too.

“But without Mendy’s presence until at least mid-January Sané may be an automatic starter, subject to on-going form.

“There’s no doubt that with ownership of less than half that of Sterling’s and a price tag costing £2m less that he’s effectively a rare Manchester City attacking differential.

“Best of all, because of his price, you can fit him in your team along with Laporte and Aguero, but this would be far more difficult if you were trying to shoehorn Sterling instead, alongside your other premiums.”

Question 2 – Who Got the Assist?

Fred W: Do you plan on holding Liverpool assets over the festive period? If not, when are you ditching?

“I plan on holding a defender (Robertson) for definite. Their defensive solidity is shown by the fact they’ve conceded the fewest shots on target over the last six Gameweeks.

“In terms of the attack, it’s harder to decide.

“Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are the key men there and are (especially in the case of Salah) returning points regularly.

“It’s up to you whether they are value for their price tag or if you think other emerging options are better targets.”

Question 3 – Holly

Doug: With a non-playing second goalkeeper, what are the best options for a set-and-forget keeper over the Christmas period?

“The premium goalkeepers look to be great options over the festive period, as they won’t get rotated, whereas the more expensive defenders are more likely to be.

“Take your pick from any other then Leno, with Ederson the standout.

“Personally, I prefer to have a cheap goalkeeper in my squad, where save points can bolster point totals, along with clean sheets.

I’m tempted by a move to Fabianski, given West Ham’s fixtures. He’s second for saves and joint top for bonus points.”

Question 4 – Who Got the Assist?

James: What are your key tips on climbing the ranks whilst in the top 10k? Template teams are rife with effective ownership considerations playing a part in keeping it that way.

“In the top 10k, it’s about biding your time.

The attraction would be to take risks to try to push on, but if you want to keep climbing it often comes down to one or two very small moves which makes the difference.

“When I (Tom) finished 2.3k in 2015/16, I was in the top 10k all season and, frankly, played a very safe game until the double Gameweeks when I went for it with a few bold picks and was richly rewarded.

So it’s about picking your moment and treading water by playing safely in the meantime. Good luck!”

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1,226 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling about to troll a lot of people

    1. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Non-owners you mean? 🙂

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      pull a mahrez from a few weeks back? (haul, bench)

  2. My Name Is Pepu
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Mendy and Mahrez involved in a collision of heads.

  3. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Mourinho said Martial can't play 3 games in a week.

    No Sanchez in the squad tonight...

    You know what that means for the weekend!

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Wind, rain and bloody cold?

      1. Scotty B
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        That's the one

    2. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      It means Maureen is a big, fat liar.

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

        🙂

  4. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    This Man City game is not going to plan

  5. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    So far city’s best players are Laporte and Silva the rest have looked average today especially the 3 wingers...Raheem has been a spectator, so he is going to score a hatty at the weekend, that’s my conclusion

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Or be benched?

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      people just underestimating Lyon

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I reckon part of the reason Sterling hasn't been as effective is the fact he is not playing on the wing.

    4. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      or benched, more hopefully.

  6. Plymouth
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Imagine if Sterling got injured today

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I'd transfer him out for Sane

    2. Orion
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Why’s that?

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      imagine the scenes bruv

      would serve anyone who kneejerked him in at the weekend right

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        hazard hatty will serve those fools well

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          😀

    4. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Imagine that he didn't but was just crap

  7. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Unless he's out, seems smart to keep Haz this week, surely?

    If he underperforms though, I think I'll move for Sane instead...

    Fab (Hamer)
    Alonso Robertson Doherty AWB (Digne)
    Salah Haz DSilva (Fraser Diangana)
    Aguero Arnie Jimenez

    0.2 ITB, 1FT

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      That’s my exact starting 11 but I have Sane over Dilva, looks good. Hopefully Hazard punishes the sellers this week

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        hope so!

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Lyon are very unlucky

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Poor finishing tbh themselves to blame

  9. Daft Bob
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Did Deli Alli get the assist for Son's goal at the weekend...? How many touches does a player need to make and how much ground does he need to cover for the last passer not to get the assist?!

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      this isn't Euros 2016 fantasy 😀

    2. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Doesn't matter in FPL. 🙂

      1. Daft Bob
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        It's more logical for Son to get the goal and assist

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      17

      1. Daft Bob
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I hope you didn't count his touches and add 1!

  10. My Name Is Pepu
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    0-0 HT

  11. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Dilva gonna rise tonight, will get him in after the game..

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Even if he's injured?

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Haha no xD

  12. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling red would be great

  13. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I'm selling Aguero if he doesn't sort that sh!t hair style

  14. F4L
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    who's playing further forward out of Mahrez and Silva tonight?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Have they passed the half way line?

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        not watching, but judging by the comments on here I guess not

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Mahrez

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      mahrez wing and dilva attacking mid.Sterling deepest of the lot loll

  15. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Live Scoutcast link

    Starts 9:30pm

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKxYKQ8pgJ7V8wwh4hLsSXQ/live

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      During a live game? Really?

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Gotta get it recorded before Joe's curfew.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Can't they just tag him?

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

          He pick up another ASBO?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            I've said too much already.

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

        Yeah, bit silly.

        Why not just make it 10pm?

  16. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Silva has been impressive, been in and around the box a lot even with city playing poor, he is a bargain at his price but too bad he isn’t as explosive as the other wingers

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      wouldnt draw conclusions from this game.Sterling playing deep.Roles could reverse

  17. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Under with a miss of the season.

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Worst miss I've seen for years.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      that Roma pitch does look shoddy thought tbf

  18. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Turkish lad for Roma just had miss of the century. A real Fernando Torres effort in front of goal

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      oooff

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

    Man Utd so exciting again I see.

    Dunno why you’d pay to watch Mourinho anti-football anymore.

    1. InTommyWeTrust
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Comedy factor

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Puke football. Sooner he’s gone the better

  20. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Baffling that Haz has dropped already and is now already on -30, dropping fast on FPLstats....

    1. He may have a flag but it's not like it's a red one
    2. Do you see his next game? FUL conceded 2 against Southampton. SOUTHAMPTON.

    By all means sell him if he blanks again though lol, I likely will.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Let them sell, the more the merrier

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I hope Haz hauls and it bites 'em in the arse

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

      It’s the risk of reduced minutes even if declared fit and he’s had a few blanks in a row now.

      For most, it’s only viable way of buying Sterling.

      I understand it.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Even in 60-70mins he could inflict some damage.

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Makes sense that he's dropping fast. Most people just look at recent scores. Sterling has killed it. Hazard did nothing. Similar prices.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I guess. Annoying if he double drops though. Absurd even, given fixture. Much easier than tot

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

      People want Sterling's and Sane points from last week

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I'll be happy with Hazard's from this week

      2. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        😆

        I'm only considering Haz to Sane this week if there's confirmation Haz won't play

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      It’s madness - bu trike the stock market, the DPL transfer market is definitely irrational.

      Haz could genuinely score 20 points

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I bloody hope he does. (C) on him right now. That with a Sterling blank would be sweet.

    6. EDUARDO DA SILVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      He won't play.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        and this is based on what exactly?

        1. EDUARDO DA SILVA
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Common sense

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Erm...

            Watch his post match. Look at flag colour. Wait til pressers. Til then you cannot possibly say with any degree of certainty whether he'll play

            1. EDUARDO DA SILVA
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Just watch, relax man.
              Your OR?

          2. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Lol you coming with this common sense based on any factual evidence whatsoever? (Nervous Haz owner)

            1. EDUARDO DA SILVA
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Sarri respects him to much, he won't start, and they don't need him for Fulham.
              Barkley will rise again.

    7. InTommyWeTrust
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      It’s not just the two they conceded, they shipped the second most attempts last Gameweek despite being at home to SOUTHAMPTON.

      Chelsea will bounce with Hazard their usual focal point

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        🙂

  21. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Given his injury doubts, if felipe Anderson a better wildcard option than arnie?

    Thanks

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      could be, but there are more mid options available than forward. that's one reason i went for arnie

  22. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Blimey that Roma player Under miss is worse than Ritchie’s

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Under wear?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        It certainly was a pants attempt

  23. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Jay Egersdorf having a mare of a season - will he pull it out of the fire in the next 8 GW’s?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Dunno

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      He'll charge others to stick their hands in the flames for him

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

        I heard he recommended Aaron Lennon on one of his patreon vids.

        Blimey.

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Team link?

      +, he could do. Not if he does this year's equivalent of Kanexit though

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

      8 GWs? When did the season get reduced?

      He’s an experienced dullard campaigner. I’m pretty sure he’ll still end up with a decent rank.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        We’ve got 8 GW’s in the next 4 weeks - a crucial time of the year - get things right & it’s all good, but get things wrong & a bad season could become irrecoverable

    5. Wetdream
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      257k is hardly a nightmare !

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        It’s all relative 🙂

    6. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      all the makings of Waco already

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Is it a question, really? 😆

  24. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling’s yellow might ensure he gets a rest as an earlier sub. Especially is City go in front.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Because he might get a ban for a game where they don't need him?

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Touché

  25. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Under’s miss gets worse every time you see it, he’ll not be happy with that

  26. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Ings>Mitrovic tonight? Have the exact money if I do Paterson>4.4m with 2 FTs?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Mitrovic plays vs Chelsea away from home this gw. Just saying.

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I know. But Ings could be out again and he’s already dropped to 5.4 and Mitro will doubtless start rising now. Seems a bargain at 6.6 the same price I paid for Richarlison. Nailed too over Xmas.

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      wth would u do that.Southampton are crap

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I know that’s why I’m moving him on!

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Xd
          Ironically I meant mitro braced vs Southampton that's what I said y the rush loll

  27. Fantastisk
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Hmm

  28. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    wow 3 of the worse misses ever in 2 days

  29. Fantastisk
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    RUN THEM INTO THE GROUND PEP!