Opinion

Time for FPL managers to consider the world’s greatest defender?

When the Bournemouth team was announced at 11.30am on Saturday morning with no Callum Wilson (£7.0m) to be seen, I knew it was going to be a good Gameweek. The striker has caused me more pain than any other player this season and he almost came back in for Marko Arnautovic (£7.0m) before the deadline. That would have been the final straw.

Trusting Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) with the captain’s armband proved to be the right call. Forty-two points from the Egyptian plus another 50 from the rest of my starting XI fired me up the rankings from 339k to 142k. It was a good week to have a good week. Before his hat-trick, the plan was to move Salah out for Raheem Sterling (£11.6m) this week…

All hail Matt Doherty

The Wolves wing-back is fast becoming an FPL legend. Managers who snapped him up at £4.4m earlier in the season have got themselves an absolute bargain.

Despite the Wanderers failing to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches, the Irishman has registered two goals and one assist, racking up 19 points for his owners.

He’s the gift that keeps on giving. If you don’t have him, sit down and ask yourself: why?

Who ate all the bonus points? Andrew Robertson did.

The Liverpool left-back has made 14 appearances in the league this season and has been awarded bonus points in eight of those matches. The Scot has more bonus points (15) than Arsenal’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£5.1m) has FPL points (14). If you own him, you keep him. Simple.

With Liverpool conceding just six goals in their opening 16 games, a defensive double-up looks the way to go. Joel Matip (£4.9m) has joined Joe Gomez (£5.0m) in the treatment room which could see the world’s greatest defender, Dejan Lovren (£4.9m), become a budget-friendly option for the festive period.

The half-time tinkerman

Arsenal manager Unai Emery is proving to be a frustrating character for Fantasy managers. He often makes half-time substitutions which result in the dreaded one-pointer in FPL.

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.6m) was the fall guy in Gameweek 16, being replaced at the break against Huddersfield. His minutes in the last three Gameweeks read 45, 25 and 45. He’s a player we can’t depend on because of his manager’s unpredictable ways.

It could be the turn of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.5m) owners to be left frustrated this weekend.

Time to invest in Watford assets?

The Hornets were impressive against Everton and should have picked up all three points, but Lucas Digne‘s (£4.9m) owners were delighted they didn’t. In the next seven Gameweeks, Javi Gracia’s side face just one of the top six (Chelsea at home in Gameweek 19).

Roberto Pereyra (£6.2m) is back on the radar after his two assists and five goal attempts against the Toffees. Kiko Femenia (£4.2m) could be a nice differential if he keeps his place in the team ahead of Daryl Janmaat (£4.9m), who has recently returned from injury. Up front, Isaac Success (£4.6m) continues to get game-time (starting seven of the last eight), offering managers a route to 3-5-2.

Transfer plans

Having decided against the Arnautovic-to-Wilson move last week, I’ve got two free transfers for the weekend. Owning no Spurs or Man City assets is a worry, so Salah to Sterling is something I’ll be mulling over for the next two days.

Son Heung-min (£8.5m) is another target, but as he played 70 minutes against Barcelona, we could see him on the bench for the Burnley fixture.

Most likely, I’ll just do Arnie to Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.7m) or Javier Hernandez (£6.4m) and roll the other transfer.

Good luck to all in Gameweek 17.

 

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822 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ould Onion Bagger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Laca to Auba (-4) for this week

    Then Mahrez and Wilson to Aguero*/4.3 Mid (-4) next week?

    *Assuming it looks like Aguero is back from injury?

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      those hits will be adding up but it looks ok to me on paper

      1. Ould Onion Bagger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, I was trying to roll with Laca one more week, and just go straight to Aguero, but I don't know that I have that luxury.

  2. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Is Luiz really a good pick?

    Prior to last week his track record of attacking returns was awful.

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think he'll get many attacking returns. The question in my opinion is whether Alonso will continue in his current trend of not getting attacking returns either, in which case Luiz is a good option.

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      poor mans Alonso

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

      He's doing nicely for his price though. Same returns/value for money as Doherty and TAA.

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      bellerin better id say

  3. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Lacazette to:

    a) Mitro
    b) Chicarito (already got Anderson)

    1. skihouse78
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Similar dilemma
      Probably would go for Mitro as you have Anderson. Not keen on Jimmy or even going down to Success/kamara & load up in midfield?

  4. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Anderson and Snodgrass over kill?

    Thinking of bringing Snodgrass in but may go with Schurrle, could stick with Brooks but his returns haven’t been great and I know the fixture have been tough

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

      Keep Brooks for next 2 imo

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Probably right, can’t see anything else worth doing in my team

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

          If you have 2 FTs, then I guess Snoddy is better for now. I'd love to be in a situation where that's your biggest worry for your team.

          1. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            Only have the 1ft but i’ll see what’s said in the pressers tomorrow.

            Just looked at your team, not in bad shape at all, maybe Arnie and Dilva > Jiminez and Sane?

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

              Yea, saving this time of year would be really valuable. I guess you're right. It just looks worse than it is after a bad gameweek. Those are actually the exact transfers I'm looking at 🙂 (see below)

  5. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    There is no sporting competition on earth worse for betting money on than the Europa League. It would be easier to just set fire to cash.

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      salty because Chelsea losing?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        And the rest

    2. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Disagree completely..in fact it's the opposite.. major rotations plus lack of knowledge about some clubs leads to spectacular value in some markets.. place a bet after the lineups however and I think it is one of the key prospective areas for punters

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

        Agreed, similar to last round of Champions League there are good EV to be made if you work all the motivational factors and bet right after seeing lineups (usually odds drop when bookies react)

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

    Not feeling very confident as a Sane and Son owner after reading thru the last two articles.

    Will they play do you think??

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I don’t think anyone has any idea tbh just going to have to wait and see

  7. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Is Same a must? Who are people missing with having him in their squad?

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I don't have Hazard or Ars fwd.

    2. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Fabianski
      Alonso, Doherty, AWB
      Anderson, Sane, Fraser, Son, Richarlison
      Kane, Lacazette

      Hamer, Chilwell, Vokes, TAA

      Really worried this week, TAA injured, Chilwell 50/50, Vokes hasn't been playing, Lacazette is playing tonight, Sane and Son might get rotated. AAARRRGGHHH. Just made my transfer, D Silva to Anderson, wondering if I should do a -4 or risk it?

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        hmmm it could pay off, what transfer you had in mind?

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

      What would you prefer for next couple of GWs:

      1) Bernardo, Anderson
      2) Sane, Snoddy

      Cheers!

      1. MTPockets
          5 years, 3 months ago

          2

          1. EgyptianKing
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks. I am considering Anderson and Rich out // Snoddy and Hazard in

            Patricio
            Alonso, Robertson, Kolasinac
            Son, Sane, Sterling, Snoddy, Hazard
            Kane, Jimenez

            Hamer, Kamara, Bissaka, Balbuena

            Seem good mate?

      2. Pringle
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Kamara to start this weekend you think?

      3. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Best captain choice out of this lot?
        A Sterling
        B Sane
        C Haza
        D Auba

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 3 months ago

            Probably D - guess a fixture like this is what you got him for?

            1. lilmessipran
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 3 months ago

              Pretty happy to have him mate, city playing home makes me lean towards Sane/Sterling, however both playing 90 midweek makes me think otherwise ..hence the question

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Agree. If either of the city mids were nailed to start I'd pick them.

            2. caldracula
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 3 months ago

              C

          • MTPockets
              5 years, 3 months ago

              I'm definitely really interested in fplgeneral's team and transfer plans

            • Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 3 months ago

              Laca to giroud to troll myself further ? Morata injury bad ?

            • Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 3 months ago

              A) Hazard(c) may be the way I go with Sane Kane Aubameyang in my team, who would you (c)?

              B) Brooks to Pereyra, yay or nay?

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

                A) Kane or Auba

                B) rather save

              2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 3 months ago

                Is anything other than Kane trying to be too clever?

                1. Dynamic Duos
                  • 10 Years
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Maybe to be fair Kane/Aubameyang was the plan wasn't it

                  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                    • 14 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Yep, go with Kane , trust the plan 🙂

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

                  Spurs had an intense game vs Barca. They usually struggle a bit after CL. But yea, still captaining Kane because it's Burnley

            • Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 3 months ago

              With Morata injured and Giroud playing the second half tonight, it looks like Hazard could be in the false 9 again on the weekend ... classic Captain material after a week’s rest in comparison to a leggy and mentally drained Kane after the Barce game ?

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Maybe but said himself in interview that he gets less of the ball playing there, so not necessarily ideal for fpl.

                  1. Hotdogs for Tea
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    For sure he gets on the ball less, but he is in a much more forward and threatening position as a false 9 and doesn’t have to track back so much ... seeing Hazard break from deeper positions skipping over tackles is great but it doesn’t get FPL points - Hazard in the box more as a false 9 is penalty assist heaven 🙂

                    1. Pieterke30
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 3 months ago

                      Hazard has never done well re-FPL when he played as a false 9. Trust me I had him for that run when he played there several games in a row and did nth.

                      Hazard does well when he plays with Giroud. Giroud playing 45 tonight certainly does not mean he wont start at the weekend

              2. wulfrunian
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 3 months ago

                Score predictions for Hud-New,Ful-Wham?

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

                  0-0, 1-1

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

                  1-1
                  2-3

                3. MTPockets
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    1-1
                    1-2

                  • wulfrunian
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    thanks all

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

                  I'd love some comments on this. Taking D. Silva and Arnie out for a hit.

                  A) Jimenez + Sane
                  B) Jimenez/Mitro + Son
                  C) Jimenez + F. Anderson (funds for Bennett -> anyone next GW)
                  D) Hazard + Kamara (play both, not ideal)

                  Currently on A, even with his rotation risk. Felipe has looked good though but stats don't really back it up and I have Snodgrass already. A still leaves .3 itb to do Bennett to Schindler next GW (and bench Doherty)

                  1. Jimmy Floyd
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    A looks good although do think Sané is due a rest

                5. BON
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Patrício
                  Alonso, Robertson, Doherty
                  Salah, Sterling, Anderson, Richarlison, Fraser
                  Kane, Wilson

                  (Hamer, Kamara, Wan-Bissaka, Bennett)

                  A. Slug
                  B. Snail

                6. Who Am I?
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Laca -> Giroud. Yay or Nay?

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

                    I wouldn't go there personally but could work 😎

                7. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Personally feel this game is to boost Lacazette’s confidence & get him back to full-fitness, same happened with Auba earlier on in the Season, he scored twice in the game then scored on the weekend, hope it’s the same case with Lacazette!

                  1. Jack Burton
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    I have both auba and laca hopefully laca gets half hour on Sun

                    1. TAT
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 3 months ago

                      Same. Wouldn't worry unless Laca gets injured.

                    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 3 months ago

                      If he impresses tonight he could well start

                  2. TAT
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Exactly. Surprising to see him start, but not necessarily a bad thing at all. Worked fine for Aubameyang.

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

                    Yeah I’m not so sure this is the case

                  4. yakirh
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Wishful thinking
                    This gurantees limited minutes

                8. YUGO
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Would you:
                  A) salah & richarlisson to sterling & eriksen (-4)
                  B) Stones to Kolasinac

                  Still have my wildcard to use.
                  Thanks guys

                9. Dynamic Duos
                  • 10 Years
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  So glad I wait on my transfers , injuries force transfers for some , but also create opportunities for others

                10. good biashara
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 3 months ago

                  Sorry if it's been mentioned before, but what are the latest news on Wilson's injury? Thanks

                  1. MTPockets
                      5 years, 3 months ago

                      Nothing official but mention here earlier about seeing him in training pics. Haven't seen them myself

                  2. Botman and Robben
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Right, transfer done, bench order right?

                    Ederson
                    Robbo Alonso Doherty
                    Anderson Sane Hazard(V) Eriksen
                    Auba(C) Wilson Jimenez

                    Boruc AWB Højbjerg Digne

                  3. FPL Mentor
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Hmm what to do with Laca now.. Already on a -4 🙁

                    Hart
                    Robertson Bellerin Laporte Doherty
                    Salah Son Anderson
                    Kane Lacazette Jiménez

                    Hamer / Brooks / Bennett / Højbjerg

                    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 3 months ago

                      Save, if he is benched it’s annoying but he got returns off the bench vs Spurs/United and this is a better Fixture

                      1. FPL Mentor
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 3 months ago

                        True. Didnt know if it was worth playing brooks ahead of him. Think il leave it though

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

                    is there no keyword feature on here? Like if i want to do a search for all comments with the words "Richarlison" and "son" - can I not do that????

                  5. manu4life99
                    • 14 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    What to do with this lot?
                    1 FT & 1.5m itb

                    Fab
                    Robbo Doherty Laporte
                    Rich Anderson Salah Haz
                    Wilson* Rondon Aub

                    Duffy* Digne Bacuna*

                    1. skihouse78
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 3 months ago

                      Save? Or get rid of bacuna/Duffy to strengthen bench?

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

                    Who do you think will bring most points in FPL Draft in following weeks out of these players?
                    1) Jota
                    2) Lingard
                    3) Snodgrass
                    4) Mcarthur
                    Thanks!

                  7. The Pesci challenge
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Is Richarlison to son a good move?

                    1. skihouse78
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 3 months ago

                      Not keen on getting rid of Rich unless you’re team is so well set that you can do Hokey Cokey and bring him back when fixtures turn

                  8. BOATIES FC
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 3 months ago

                    Pat
                    Alonso Laporte Doherty Lovren
                    Sterling (c) Hazard (v) Sane Rich
                    Auba Mitro
                    Hamer AWB Billing Wilson
                    0.1 ITB 1FT

                    If Wilson is fit bring him in for Rich? Captain and vice seems tricky. I can't see a way to get Kane in without wrecking the rest of the team..