Scout Squad

The Scout Squad for FPL Gameweek 26

The Scout Squad panel return to offer their long-list of players to be considered for our regular Scout Picks feature, which will be published on Friday ahead of the weekend’s Premier League matches.

The 72 nominations listed will be narrowed down to a squad of 14 (with the starting XI not exceeding a total cost of £83.5m) ahead of the Gameweek 26 deadline at 11:30 GMT on Saturday.

Joe, Peter, Paul and Neale (in for the unavailable Az) expand on their notable selections and omissions in the article below.

 PaulJoeNealePeter
GKHugo LlorisMathew RyanBen FosterTom Heaton
 Vicente GuaitaVicente GuaitaVicente GuaitaAlex McCarthy
 Alex McCarthyBen FosterMathew RyanMathew Ryan
DFAndrew RobertsonAndrew RobertsonAndrew RobertsonMatt Doherty
 Matt DohertySead KolasinacSead KolasinacSead Kolasinac
 Jose HolebasMatt DohertyMatt DohertyAndrew Robertson
 Patrick van AanholtShane DuffyAaron Wan-BissakaShane Duffy
 Sead KolasinacJan BednarekMatt TargettPatrick van Aanholt
MFMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed SalahPaul Pogba
 Son Heung-minSon Heung-minPaul PogbaMohamed Salah
 Paul PogbaPaul PogbaSon Heung-minSon Heung-min
 Diogo JotaPascal GrossPascal GrossSadio Mane
 James Ward-ProwseDiogo JotaSadio ManeJoao Moutinho
FWMarcus RashfordMarcus RashfordMarcus RashfordMarcus Rashford
 Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang
Sergio AgueroAlexandre LacazettePierre-Emerick
Aubameyang
 Glenn MurrayPierre-Emerick
Aubameyang
Raul JimenezAlexandre
Lacazette
 Raul JimenezRoberto FirminoWilfried ZahaAshley Barnes
 Fernando LlorenteRaul JimenezFernando LlorenteRaul Jimenez

Most popular picks:  Andrew Robertson, Sead Kolasinac, Matt Doherty, Paul Pogba, Son Heung-min, Mohamed Salah, Marcus Rashford, Raul Jimenez (four), Vicente Guaita, Mathew Ryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (three)

Paul said…

Manchester City’s home match with Chelsea is perhaps best avoided in this week’s Scout Picks, as a number of their rivals appear to offer far more favourable fixtures.

Aside from the usual list of in-form FPL favourites, there are a handful of options I reckon are worth covering in this article.

Jose Holebas has now been involved in ten goals this season, at least two more than any other FPL defender.

The Watford left-back has upped his form at both ends of the pitch of late, with two assists and two clean sheets in the last four Gameweeks.

His delivery from dead-ball situations looks likely to trouble Everton at Vicarage Road on Saturday. Indeed, Holebas is ranked second overall for chances created from set-pieces this season – his total of 24 is bettered only by the 29 of Leicester’s James Maddison.

James Ward-Prowse is seeking his third successive double-figure haul at St Mary’s this weekend.

The Southampton midfielder has scored in three of the last four Gameweeks ahead of a visit from Cardiff.

Since securing a regular role under new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, Ward-Prowse has created 12 chances in the last six Gameweeks – at least twice the total of any other Saints’ player.

Glenn Murray’s output at the Amex could prove the difference for Brighton at home to Burnley.

The veteran has struck seven goals in front of his own fans – that’s level with Raul Jimenez, for example, and places fourth among FPL forwards.

Encouragingly for Murray, the Seagulls’ playmaker Pascal Gross looks back to his best.

The German has created 20 chances in the last six Gameweeks, more than any other player. That raises Brighton’s prospects of getting the better of Tom Heaton in the visitors’ goal.

Joe said…

Brighton look a good team for bargain hunting this week, with Pascal Gross looking particularly enticing when Burnley drop by. Over the last four Gameweeks no other player can beat his 17 chances created. The German playmaker has also registered a goal, assist and six bonus points since Gameweek 23.

I’ve also included his team-mates Mathew Ryan and Shane Duffy as value options, especially as the Clarets’ attack has been lacklustre on the road recently, with only Newcastle shooting less often over their last six away days.

Wolves offer cheap options across a number of positions, with Fantasy managers who have tripled-up on my picks of Matt Doherty, Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez prospering of late. Between them they have amassed six goals and four assists over the last three Gameweeks.

Such savings will be needed given premium options including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have favourable matches.

The Egyptian winger takes on a Bournemouth side he scored a hat-trick against in the reverse fixture and which has shipped a record 18 goals over their last half-dozen away games. I’m not put off by Salah’s lack of goals in his last two fixtures, having notched six double-digit Fantasy Premier League points hauls in his previous eight league encounters.

Arsenal’s talisman also looks primed to add to his 15-goal tally this season against a Terriers’ side with only four clean sheets in 2018/19 and seemingly preparing for life in the Championship next term.

Neale said…

It doesn’t sit right to go without any Manchester City representation this weekend, even though the visit of Chelsea could prove a stern test and second-guessing Pep Guardiola’s line-up is an impossible task.

Having been benched against Everton, I’d fully expect Raheem Sterling to start against the Blues and, if deployed on the right (which is far from assured), wreak havoc on the brittle Marcos Alonso.

With premium options such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Paul Pogba and Son Heung-min soaking up much of the budget in midfield, however, I’ve reluctantly omitted Sterling from my picks.

I actually don’t think Son’s fixture is all that good – Leicester have massively impressed against Manchester United and especially Liverpool in the last week, conceding just two goals and as many big chances against the free-scoring pair combined.

Only the current top four have shipped fewer goals than the Foxes in 2018/19 but Son’s amazingly consistent returns over the last three months have come against defences of all abilities and he bagged a 14-point haul in the reverse fixture.

I’ve gone with the more budget-friendly Alexandre Lacazette over Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang this week as I wonder if Arsenal’s capture of Denis Suarez – who Unai Emery said was brought in to bolster his options on either flank – will lead to the deployment of a system with more width against Huddersfield, perhaps meaning a role out wide for the Gabonese forward (not that he’s incapable of doing damage from there).

Since Gameweek 14, Lacazette hasn’t gone more than one match without an attacking return.

I picked out Pascal Gross in my Spot the Differential piece last week and the German midfielder delivered everything but an attacking return in the 0-0 draw with Watford, being rewarded for his ten key passes with maximum bonus.

Burnley rank third-bottom for chances conceded from set plays over the last six Gameweeks so this could be the week for Gross to deliver.

Matt Targett is my leftfield pick this week: the budget Southampton defender, who is playing in an advanced role at wing-back, sits joint-second for chances created over the last two Gameweeks, having supplied five key passes (two of which were “big chances”).

The Saints are up against a Cardiff side that have scored fewer away goals than any other Premier League side in 2018/19.

Wilfried Zaha has been far from prolific this season but has looked better – and delivered attacking returns – when he has a bona fide centre-forward to play off.

Zaha had a semi-decent opening seven Gameweeks of the season alongside Christian Benteke or Jordan Ayew and registered three attacking returns in four Gameweeks alongside the latter after Ayew’s return to the starting XI in Gameweek 21.

With Benteke fit again and Michy Batshuayi added to the striker ranks, Zaha might well start delivering on that largely untapped Fantasy potential on a more consistent basis.

Peter said…

Despite the success of several (but not all!) key Manchester City and Chelsea assets last week, their meeting at the Etihad is a game which I am avoiding in my usual “pragmatic” fashion.

Instead, I’m investing heavily in four of the top six attacks over the last six matches, three of which face up against the most porous defences over the same period.

Like Laurel and Hardy, Morecambe and Wise and, er, Ant and Dec, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford have become an easy go-to double act offering budget, form and fixtures, particularly as they visit a Fulham team who continue to “top” the charts for goals conceded, big chances and a host of other defensive frailties.

I’m also pairing Sadio Mane and a slightly frustrating Mohamed Salah against a Cherries side which has conceded more goals in the last six (11) than any side except Fulham and Huddersfield (12 each). Despite their slight wobble recently, Liverpool are outscoring every other side except Manchester City and Wolves, and Salah’s hat-trick and 21-point haul in the reverse fixture may also be playing on my mind.

Wolves arguably face the most obdurate defence of my fabulous foursome, with Newcastle mid-table for goals conceded over their last six away fixtures. During those games, though, they have allowed 18 big chances, behind only the aforementioned Cherries and Lillywhites, which gives me hope that Raul Jimenez can profit and that Matt Doherty has saved some goals for the league. Diogo Jota would be an obvious candidate to join them, but subject to any updates on Jota’s fitness, Joao Moutinho is an in-form alternative.

Having backed Arsenal heavily in my last selections – partly because I had the pleasure of enjoying their match against Cardiff live – I go for the same trio of Sead Kolasinac, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. In truth, they didn’t really pass the eye test, particularly in the first half, and even less so in last week’s match against the champions.

Yet, who can overlook a fixture against a Terriers team which has allowed 21 big chances at home over their last six fixtures, particularly if Aubameyang can convert a few more of his table-topping 25 big chances for the season. I will, however, be keeping an eye on Kolasinac’s selection and positioning with Nacho Monreal releasing the Bosnian to virtually play alongside Aubameyang against City – a scenario which would bring as many dangers as opportunities were it to continue.

Finally, a quick mention for Ashley Barnes, who could and should have recorded a double-figure haul against Southampton (Anthony Taylor owes my FPL team for that, although I probably should be grateful that the man in black didn’t send Barnes off for his protests). A trip to Brighton isn’t the easiest but Barnes has recorded ten big chances and 21 attempts (12 on target) over his last six matches and is locked into my own team again.

The Community Champion

This week’s contender is Pep Pig, who had some success with a triple captaincy of Raheem Sterling in Gameweek 25.

The Community Champion who has the best lead over the Scouts during 2018/19 will win a £100 Amazon voucher (currently we can only offer Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com vouchers).

Last weekend, Joax2, thrashed our Scout Picks 86-56 with a 3-4-3 line-up of Alisson (2); van Aanholt (6), Laporte (20), Duffy (6), Trippier (8); Sané (1), Hazard (15), Sigurdsson (3), Sterling (11); Higuain (13), Ayew (1).

fclackless’s Gameweek 10 victory over the Scout Squad crew by a score of 77-44 remains the deficit to beat, however.

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617 Comments Post a Comment
  1. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Help is needed on this please

    Bearing in mind the fixtures between GWs 26 to 31 which 2 of the following MFs should I sell first

    Hazard
    Sigurdsson
    B Sliva

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Think I'd sell Siggy

      • thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I've sold Haz already for Son, and Siggy is next on chopping block.

        Siggy would have gone first if I could have afforded a straight swap to Son

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Last Man Standing GW25 🏆 (686 teams)

      Safety score = 49
      Top score = 129
      LMS average = 68.02

      70 eliminated, 616 through to GW26.
      Up to 12% out next GW.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        How many used TC? ffs

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          97

          9 of those got eliminated.

          https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

      2. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Not using FH in the first proper blank is probably going to dump me out of this but I've enjoyed it, thanks for running it.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers and good luck 🙂

      3. KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Somehow still in this - we go again!

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      One quick question for this week:

      A) Deeney
      B) Aubameyang (-4)

      1. Cojones of Destiny
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        b still

    4. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Anything here worth a hit or a different bench order (in parens)?

      Speroni (Etheridge)
      Robbo - Bedna - WB (Doherty (1), Danilo (2))
      Pogba - Salah - KdB - Son (Puncheon (3))
      Auba (c) - Rashford - Rondon

      1. jimmyabs1987
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        You have to play Doherty over both Bed and WB but I would play over WB. Also captain Salah

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

        ye surely play doherty

    5. MrFootieIsHere
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      (BOTTOMED):

      I have 2FT's and want to ship a few - what do you think for -8:

      Current team: £0.3ITB
      Fab (Speroni)
      Holebas Robbo Doherty (WB Digne)
      Salah Haz Pogba Richarlison* Sane*
      Rashford Jimi (Kamara*)

      New team: £1.7ITB
      Fab
      Holebas Robbo Doherty
      Salah Son Pogba Jota
      Rash Jimi Auba

    6. merin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Who to bench in defence?

      Patricio Hamer
      Robertson Doherty Dunk
      Salah(c) Son Pogba(v) Richarlison
      Auba Rashford Jimenez

      (Hamer AWB Laporte Stephens)

      2.7 ITB, 0 FT

    7. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sane & Richarlison > Mane & Jota - 4?

      110 points behind so need some differentials and rival won't have either

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

        just sane to mane this week

    8. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      how does -8 for aguero, eriksen > auba, salah look?
      or should i just go -4 aguero >auba, and bring salah for eriksen in gw28?

      full team:
      ryan
      doherty - lindelof - bednarek
      mane - son - eriksen - anderson
      aguero - rashford - jimenez
      (boruc - bennet - hayden - pereira)
      4.9 itb

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

        the -4 sounds bad the -8 awful

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          a this

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

        Aguero to Aub sounds good

    9. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Auba's been ill according to James Olley of the Standard...

      Could be a plan-scupperer.

      https://twitter.com/JamesOlley/status/1093503665250463744

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Should add it says:

        "Should be fine for Saturday"

        Not sure I love it though, given I'll be using -4 to get him in.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks. Something to think about. And Kun should score one vs che. Yet Auba would be nice to have rather sooner than later.

      2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Wavering on captaining him now...

      3. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Says he’s fine for Saturday though.

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yep - added that after the fact (I should have put in main post, admittedly).

      4. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Why is that tweet from 5:36 AM?

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          That's your time zone. Says 1.36pm for me.

          1. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            That's really weird, because my time zone is GMT.

            1. Pierce34
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I guess the default twitter time zone is Pacific? I'm not signed in so that must be why.

              1. Shatner's Bassoon
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Ah right - yeah that'll be it then

    10. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Would you prefer

      A) Sane to Mane (have Son)
      or
      B) Aguero to Auba?

      Leaning against A as I think Pool will strike back and most of all want to bring in players with no blank going forward

      1. Nutsmuts
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Same situation. I did A

    11. stuzig
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A) Ings & Alonso to Auba and Jonny

      B) Ings, Alonso & Sane to Auba, Doherty and Anderson + £1.6m ITB (-4)

      Thanks

      1. CROCosta
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        b

    12. Sane replacements and midfield options
      Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Many had planned Sterling or Sane out for GW26 anyway but Sane's disappointing GW25 score looks to have made many even more sure of that plan. He already has nearly 170,000 transfers out ahead of GW26.

      Transfers out aren't always a sign of a good plan however as Aubameyang, with hud, SOU, BOU in the next 3, is the 2nd most transferred out forward.

      Son looks like the replacement most have been going to, with nearly 300,000 transfers in already this GW.

      The Scout Squad highlighted Salah and Pogba, but also Son, Mane, and Jota. Ward-Prowse, Groß, and Moutinho are all picks that could do well this week.

      Are you looking at anyone other than Son or is he clearly the best pick? Is Mane on your radar? Are you considering Anderson?
      Who else could be a smart move as we continue to move towards blanks and doubles?

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Never had a City mid so ahead of the curve there 😎

        I did do Hazard to Son though. Other moves by GW27 will be Richarlison to Felipe Anderson and maybe Aguero to Lacazette.

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Hazard > Sane was one of my moves, with Sane > Son planned this week

          1. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Unlucky - could've gone either way. Personally I was 50/50 between getting Aguero and Jota, or Sane and Jimenez. I made the right choice but can't take the credit - it was just pure luck.

            1. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              well said

            2. MMN
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I ended up wit Sané and Jiménez ... fine lines

          2. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I did Hazard to Sane for -4 and captained Sane over Aguero. Mini league opponent had Aguero triple captain and Laporte... So DGW bit me really hard.

            1. Geoff
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              It created a huge split - but luckily the next GW comes quickly so we can forget it 🙂

              1. RamaJama
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Yes, you're right!

            2. Yellin' in my Ear
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Did exactly the same, with Anderson to Son the other transfer. Net down around 30-35 points which is fitting having held Hazard and anderson so long. Feel your pain!

        2. Swanremainsthesame
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Arnie possibly back should boost Anderson, Nasri,Lanzini shortly after - will be another boost - now if they could only play against 'lesser' teams like they did against L'pool, ......

          1. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Their inconsistency is annoying, that's for sure. But since Everton are so consistently disappointing I think Richarlison to Anderson is a solid move regardless.

            1. Geoff
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I think.. think.. so too. I don't know though, Richarlison has decent enough games on either side of the blank possibly for me to keep.

              West Ham are forever going to be frustrating, just like Everton, Watford, and most of the teams from about 7-12. Leicester, Bournemouth, and Wolves to some extent as well. Those teams have players that can be great for a game or a stretch but usually won't always be great, which is what's keeping those teams out of a real top 6 race.

              We don't have huge expectations for the teams from 13-20 and they're usually priced cheaply, so for me they seem less 'disappointing' even though really, of course, it's just about our expectations for those players

              1. Pierce34
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Well said. But I think Richarlison's time in my team is up. I've had him for most of his goals and thank him for his contribution, but based on last year as well he seems to be a summer player only! I will only reconsider if he shows amazing form vs. Watford.

              2. Pierce34
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                By the way, the only exception to these teams from 7-12 seems to be Jimenez, who has been amazingly consistent. Of course he's never been in my team!

                Wilson too, it's only the injuries that have slowed him down.

      2. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Leicester defenders, especially if you can get away with benching them this week.

      3. MTPockets
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Unoriginal but Sane to Mane

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I think it's a nice move. He has fewer than 50,000 transfers in this GW and I know people will say that it's a higher % in the top bunch of players but he's still a massive differential

            1. MTPockets
                5 years, 1 month ago

                You think Son with che/ARS in next 5 then potential blank in 31 is worth it over Mane?

                1. Geoff
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  I'm not sure. I don't know what to think about Spurs with Kane coming back. I'm also pretty locked into a GW32 FH so I want players who play 31 and 33. Mane fits that bill for sure, so just for that little bit of long term planning I could go him.

                  Why are you going Mane?

                  1. MTPockets
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      His stats look good last 4 matches, although so do Son's tbf.
                      Have same FH plan so need more players (+TAA/Salah so far)
                      Guaranteed no-blanks and almost guaranteed starts for Mane
                      Prefer Liverpool's fixtures from now to 31, except 27. But that's still 4/5 + no worrying about 31/33

            2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Declan Rice, Lascelles, and Chilwell all look useful in defence for the coming weeks

              Fraser, Wilson, Brooks, King could be all be hot property with bourenmouth’s Fixtures from GW30

              The template front 7 looks like:

              Salah, Pogba, Son, _____
              Auba, Rash, Jiminez

              That blank spot could be any of Haz, Sterling, Sané, Mané, Jota, Groß depending on team structure

              1. Geoff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Nicely put. I agree with most of that and and I'd add that Rondon could be a nice differential.

                I sold Pogba (which I acknowledge is a huge risk) but my differential will be going without him. I know all the reasons not to sell him but I decided that with some away games and not the easiest fixtures, and likely blanks in 31 and 33, I'm going to use that spot to look at others players.

                It could well go wrong but Salah, Son, and two free spots to chop and change a bit will be at least more fun, if not more successful

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

                  Geoff i have to say, i think you're mad selling Pogba 🙂 He should really be 9.5 or 10.0, at the 8.0-ish he was available for he is such a bargain.

                  But i totally get the 'more fun' argument - i look at that template & there's very little room to maneuver... Jiminez is the one I'd be most comfortable going without, and even he is so productive its a bit of a rank killer not to have him.

                  That being said, if Wilson comes back, Batshuyai starts firing, and Gross etc hit form then things do open up a bit.

                  1. Geoff
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 11 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    I know I know, it was a bit of a last minute thing as I realized I didn't trust Sane with the captaincy.

                    I agree he should be - and I got him in before any of his price rises! I had lots of value in him but decided that I had enough to suck up the loss if I need him back in.

                    The 'more fun' argument never used to influence me but I have to admit this year it's swaying me; I'm a little bored, almost. And I like having my differential be a lack of a player instead of a player, if that makes sense. Now if Pogba blanks I can be happy and I can look to that spot for shorter term players, punty players, and I have the flexibility to not have to bench Pogba for the blanks.

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

                      It might actually be worth investigating a path to bring him back though!

                      I was thinking back to when was the last time we had a central midfielder be this good for FPL & all i could think of were Lampard & Gerrard.

                      It might seem excessive to put him in that bracket already, but when you look at their returns, he is actually far exceeding both Lampard & Gerrard's FPL output - i was suprised to see their minutes per Goal/Assist to be so heavily weighted in favour of Pogba, even including his first season when he wasn't so attacking:

                      - Lamps 176G, 109A, 48909 mins, 172 mins per GA
                      - Gerrard 121G, 96A, 41159 mins,190 mins per GA
                      - Pogba 20G, 26A, 6678 mins, 145 mins per GA

                      He does look to be the closest we've got to a new Lamps or Stevie G for FPL, or possibly even better

                      1. Geoff
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 11 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Yeah he's close to that. His stats look amazing.

                        It's easy enough, with Sterling > Pogba doing it. But again if I look at the fixtures I think I could potentially wait until his first DGW, whenever that falls.

                        Would I want him for a hit this week for Sterling? Probably not.
                        Would I want him over Mane for GW27? Maybe, but long term it might not make sense with blanks coming.
                        GW28 and GW29 fair enough, maybe then. By then I'll know the layout of the blanks as well.

                        Basically, I think I can afford to wait until GW28.

                      2. harvard
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Toure?

                2. Pierce34
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  In terms of going template-less, I've never had Jimenez in my team and will probably go ahead without Aubameyang.

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

                    I looked at GW27 & without Auba it looks fairly bleak given Mo's record against the other members of the big 6 this year. Then working back from that he has huddersfield (!) and southampton so with City & Haz having blanks he looked a great bet for the next 3-4 weeks.

                    Not many teams will likely have all 6 of those template attackers, but equally not many teams will have less than 5, or 4 in some cases.

            3. Rostah
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Considering Sane -> Mane or else Sane/Mitro -> Anderson/Laca for a -4

              1. seaside
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I'm considering exactly this: Mitro/sane to Laca/Anderson

                1. seaside
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  even with 1 mil ITB after transfers

                2. Rostah
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Yup it's pretty tempting. Feel that Laca & Anderson will outperform Mane & Mitro over the coming weeks.

            4. Gregor
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I’ve got Son in but keeping Sané. Anderson looks good from GW27 though as he plays Fulham at home and then Huddersfield at home in blank GW31.

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

                Also Lanzini back soon will improve West Ham in general

                1. Fpl Richie
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Yup. He will have it off with Anderson.

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

              Considering Son is already in my team, Mane has become the front runner for me. Little bit more of a differential, good fixtures and some decent form.

              Still got a lot of concerns around him, I think most FPL managers have be burnt by Mane at some point over the years, but I'm optimistic that he'll be a worthwhile investment as I hear my team up towards the blanks.

              Anderson is my second choice and a very tempting one. Issue I find with him is I worry how Arnie will effect him and his returns, plus it would leave 3.4m itb with no plan for it, something that I'm not a fan of.

              1. Pierce34
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                In my four years of playing FPL I've only had Mane once - the first few weeks of this year, so I have nothing but great memories. Even captained him for two out of three hauls. I don't want to spoil the memories so staying away for now 😀

              2. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                The problem with Mané is that there are only 3 Liverpool spots. Every man and his dog has Salah and most have Robertson (I have Alisson). TAA coming to fitness with Mane in would mean not getting him in. Mane has 5.7 ppm and TAA 5.5. Yet price difference is huge. Even if Mane is in form, I prefer TAA with decent bench. Salah to Mane is a different story though.

                1. Geoff
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Yeah.. TAA vs Mane another good point. Swings me back to Son 😛

            6. Bird Raymond
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Already done Sterling to Son to beat the price rise. Will do Rich to Mane with the change to tomorrow. Not overly confident about double Liverpool attack at the moment but seems inevitable really.

            7. FPLGeezer
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Considering Sane, Sterling & Ings > Son, Mane & Aubameyang -8. Anyone think it's worth it?

              Would save FT in gw27 to help prepare for the blank in 31.

            8. Bury94
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Still think Sane is a great option, no way I'm getting rid

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

              Sane to Mane - gives me 6 players for teams definitely playing GW31 with 5 FTs left. Was going to save FT, but this last few days has prompted more immediate action!

            10. tisza
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              what have i missed why are people selling Auba?

              1. Geoff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                No idea! This from Emery: "Today is sick, but I think is good for Saturday, Aubameyang"

                But that's not a worry for me really it's a weird one

            11. FPL Bielsa
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Already got Son so for me its a simple Sane to Mane move, Mane plays the blanks, is the most in form of Liverpool's front three and they really need a performance on Saturday or City are going to steam past them.

              Got badly burned by Hazard out Sane Captain in this week, 13k to 29k thanks very much Pep.

              Lesson learned will steer clear of City thanks and go with the likes of Son, Mane, Hazard from 29 and Pogba who you can be reasonably sure of starting each week.

            12. Demel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Sane is simply the next player that the masses will lose chasing points and will come back to bite them. Sometimes maintaining this good rank is so easy when you look at other people's stupidity.

            13. Rover
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I've gone all in on the Wolves' pack with my 2FTs.
              Sane + Kamara > Jota + Jimenez to go with Doherty in defence

            14. XabiAlonso
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Have already done sane out to son.

          2. Foyth Club
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I’ve gone with Salah (C), Mane and Firmino this week...

            Get them out while you can, lads. 0-0 incoming.

            1. altan8797
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I'll take the 2 clean sheets

          3. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Can you sell all your players and just not replace them?

            I’d prefer the fictional cash rather than be hassled with yet more dross.

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

              9.7m ITB does sound nice

            2. TRIPOS TOPPER
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I would like that for Michael Keane. in fact I think i would take 0.2m cash for him

            3. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Is that how bitcoin works?

            4. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              You almost can 🙂 The cost of selling is 4pts each or wc though 😉

          4. Vasshin
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            1. Use a FT on Aguero to Auba
            2. Use a FT on Sterling to Son
            3. Save a FT and use it next week to bring son and Auba for sterling and Aguero for their Blank week

            I think Aguero always shows up on big games and sterling is probably for smaller games. So against chelsea, aguero should probably do something but Auba has Huddersfield, who are almost a championship team now. So Auba might do better than Aguero. And sterling probably won’t do huge against chelsea and son might be little better against Leicester. But the difference might be the same.

            So which one to do?

            1. MTPockets
                5 years, 1 month ago

                3

              • Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                1 or 3, coin toss.

            2. seaside
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Fab Hamer
              Robertson Digne Holebas Kola AWB
              Salah Son Sane Pogba Neves
              Rashford Jimenez Mitro

              I have 2 FT, 1.4 ITB and I'm thinking to do

              Mitrovic & Sane -> Laca & Anderson

              Thoughts? Never find the time to do Neves -> Kante and Hamer -> Boruc though...

              1. CROCosta
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                if you ditch neves to 4.2 for -4 as well, can you afford auba over laca? if yes i would do that

            3. Pointless
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Sané or Richarlison... which to sell this week for Son?!

              1. thegaffer82
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Rich for sure

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

              Son Up, Sane down tonight?

              1. TRIPOS TOPPER
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Son up

                not sure about Sane. already dropped last night

              2. Celt Abroad
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Probably both.

            5. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Sterling & Richarlison to Pogba & Mane for -4?

              1. Big boy Bowen
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Already own Salah and Son

              2. CROCosta
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                would keep sterling, if missing cash for upgrade richy>pog then just go for anderson

                1. Big boy Bowen
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Thanks, can't afford Anderson either! Literally 0ITB

            6. The Left Duke #3
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Just did Sane -->> Son and hoping to get back on track this week after a dismal 47 pt GW and lowest GW rank of the season (5.2m)

              Patricio (Fabianksi)
              Robbo Doherty AWB (Danilo Digne)
              Salah (C) Richarlison Pogba Son (Gudmundsson)
              Aubameyang Rashford Jimenez

              Team look G2G?

              1. Pointless
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I’m about to make identical move. And have almost identical team except for Rashers for Jimmy and Kola for Doc. Looks good! Good luck!

              2. Pointless
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Sorry meant Firmino for Jimmy!

            7. #FPLBhuna
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              ouch ings out for 2-3 weeks.

              ings > long (-4) worth it?

              1. #FPLBhuna
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                or rondon?

              2. Holmes
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                niasse

              3. Bunk Moreland
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Long hardly ever scores. Rondon could be decent I guess if you can't find the extra 2million for Rashford or Jimenez.

                1. #FPLBhuna
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  already own both mate

            8. thegaffer82
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Why is everybody getting rid of Sane all of a sudden?

              To be honest I kind of know the answer to the question; because many people captained him [me included] for the DGW and he was a massive letdown.

              But I'm keeping him for Chelsea and maybe beyond that too. Pretty sure he'll start against Chelsea as he was rested then only played 59mins the last game, so should be pretty fresh. He's a massive threat every time he plays. Gets assists, goals and BAP's almost every game and is massively under-priced compared to Sterling and Aguero. Plus Chelsea DF are not all that great right now, especially away from home.

              Transfers like Sane > Mane are a downgrade imo.

              I wouldn't let rage control your transfer decisions. Sane is perhaps somebody who should be kept but not captained due to Pep's infuriating rotation policy [same can be said for any City attacking asset as well].

              That's my two cents on it anyway.

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Because they blank following week and can't carry him + Aguero + Hazard.

                • Pierce34
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Not a Sane owner so I'm not influenced by captain fails - but Pep doesn't seem to trust him that much in big games. Last time vs. Chelsea he only played 52 minutes before he was subbed for example. Regardless of how disappointing he was this week, I wouldn't expect big things vs. Chelsea.

                • 1314
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  the blank plays a role and chelsea-city game can go either way imo..

                • HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  I think it's a little of that (captain/dgw disappointment) but for quite a few I assume it was always planned with the blank coming up.
                  Most own Richarlison or Digne, and got two/three city players ahead of the DGW too.
                  Throw in some players like Ings (injured) Kamara/Quaner (sold) and getting a starting 11 for the blank is tricky.

                  Aguero to Auba
                  or Sane to Son/Pogba/Mane was probably the most popular transfers for those forward planning, and it's hard to lose Aguero after a hat trick.

                • Bird Raymond
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Non-owner so don't have a horse in the race. But he seems to either not be trusted for big games and start on the bench, or go missing when he does start. Not a big game player.

                  1. Baps hunter
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    He wasn't rested, he was dropped again. He will not start vs Chelsea and has blank after that. Too much value and price dropping for pretty certain two no shows. After that Mendy coming back and even bigger rotation risk.

                • altan8797
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  don't own him but I would sell him to if I had him. He is all about morale imo. One or two bad touches or decisions and he's out of the picture for the rest of the game. One early sub for him or a bench performance and he is affected emotionally (e.g. missing the world cup). He now has chelsea and a blank week ahead of him so many people consider mane, son or even pogba are better options than him atm. Especially if they got ster or kun as city cover.

                • kalmoffit
                  • 10 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Had eighty pts from Sane and he got nineteen the week before I bought. Sell away

                • The Left Duke #3
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  It's blatantly obvious really.....1 pt double GW followed by Che at home followed by a blank GW.

                  Sold him for Son already who has LEI bur in the next too which is an upgrade to Sane v CHE

              2. simong1
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Gtg for this GW??

                Fabianski
                Robertson - TAA - Doherty
                Salah (C) – Hazard – Richarlison – Pogba (VC) – Son
                Jimenez – Rashford

                Bench: Button, AWB, Digne, Crouch

              3. 1314
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                any news about Jota ? his price is close to rising..

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

                  Not a Jot

                2. Old Gregg
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  in training. Wolves at a warm weather training camp. Unless this isn't Jota!

                  https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/first-team/20190207-warm-weather-training-gallery/

              4. Gearoid
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Lloris
                AWB Lindelof Doherty
                Salah Hazard Pogba Richarlison
                Jiminez Rashford Aguero

                Steele Bednarek Camarasa Balbuena

                GW 26 Hazard to Son
                GW 27 Aguero and Richarlison to Auba and Mane (-4)

                GTG or any better suggestions?

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

                  If you're taking a -4 to do Aguero to Auba, you might as well do it this week.

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

                I have 3 Liverpool. Robertson,TAA and Salah.

                So to do Sane > Mane this week it would take a hit.
                1.Worth doing TAA,Sane > 5.7m, Mane -4?
                2. Which defender? Maybe Lindelof or Cook?

                Would give me
                Fabianski
                Robertson,AWB,Doherty
                Salah,Mane,Son,Pogba,Jota
                Aubamayang,Rashford

                Hamer,Periera,5.7m,Kamara

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

                  Kola?

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

                    Yes a nice option. Not considered him.
                    Would you do TAA,Sane > Kolasinac,Mane -4 this week ?

                    Or just save it and consider that move next week dependant on TAA fitness.

              6. how now brown cow
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                With all the likely few rotation for city, and Liverpool not having dgws - could a plum sgw fixture like kane v hudderfield in aprilbe the best case for TC?

                1. Pierce34
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Maybe. Would be a good shout for sure. But if Liverpool don't completely bottle it and City are in a tight title race, I would expect Aguero to start most matches and be a good TC choice again.

                  I'm also not ruling out Aubameyang (if he gets a double) or Hazard.

                  1. how now brown cow
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Seems to be a lot of people holding out for a 3rd Chelsea dgw.

                    If that happens though it'll be because they are in UEFA and FA cups and who knows what the top 4 may look like.

                    If UEFA becomes best chance of getting in champions league then dgw would be rotation city.

                    All a long way off of course.

                2. bitm2007
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  I'm thinking Salah v HUD in GW36, but was glad to see Brighton progress last night as keeps the possibility of a 4th DGW open even if Chelsea loss to United in the FA Cup.

              7. #FPLBhuna
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                would you bench boost if you were on a -4 or even a -8?

                1. MTPockets
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Hits wouldn't come into it if already taken them

                  • fr3d
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    I don't see how that's relevant?

                    1. how now brown cow
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Me neither

                    2. #FPLBhuna
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      just the fact that I'm considering a BB this week but would already be on a negative, so feel as if my bench would only be used to cover the deficit i'd be starting with

                      1. how now brown cow
                        • 9 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Bench boost on the week your bench looks like getting most points is the Captain Obvious answer.

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

                        Depends on the condition of your bench and who your bench players are up against.
                        In my case I wouldn’t with Hamer,Periera,TAA and Kamara.
                        One non starter, one with a bad fixture,one injury doubt and one loaned out in Turkey.

                        Of course you may have a healthier bench .

                        1. #FPLBhuna
                          • 7 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          My bench currently is:

                          fab, ings, bednarek, awb

                          considering ings > rondon / long (-4) and bench boosting but unsure if it's worth it - the bench has some decent fixtures though

                          any thoughts pal?

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

                            Yeh that bench could return some points. Question is how many extra points would you be happy with?

                            Would you get more points using BB on a DGW?
                            As we saw with Sane this week a DGW isn’t necessarily going to bring home more points.

                            At the end of the day it’s your call. If you feel your bench is good enough this week then go for it. It’s all guess work at the end of the day.

                      3. Swanremainsthesame
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Unless it for last-man-standing worries I'd want more than 8 points expected from my Bench boost

                2. Atters
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  I'm still somehow without Rashford, do I bring him in for Ings on a - 4 or wait till after Liverpool game?

                  1. #FPLBhuna
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    bring him in mate.

                  2. claretparrot
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Yeah get him!

                  3. The Left Duke #3
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    ya defo get him in straight away

                3. bitm2007
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  What's happen to the frisking the strong and weak fixtures articles ? I can't recall seeing any on here for weeks, may not even this year.

                  1. claretparrot
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Yeah I used to enjoy these. Season ticker is a decent substitute though

                    1. bitm2007
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      True, but there were lot of useful stats in those articles which can't be gleaned solely from the fixture ticker.

                  2. MTPockets
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      And Say What? Lack of humour these days