Opinion

Golden rules of FPL to be broken this weekend

Never captain a defender in Fantasy Premier League they say, yet Shane Duffy (£4.7m) is the talk of the town this week ahead of Brighton’s Double Gameweek against Bournemouth (home) and Cardiff (home).

Following Harry Kane’s (£12.6m) injury midweek, Son Heung-min (£8.6m) is the new leader of the captaincy poll, followed closely in second by the Irishman who has found the back of the net five times already this season.

The Seagulls have conceded just 16 goals at home in 15 matches in 2018/19. Two clean sheets in Gameweek 34 is a distinct possibility. Even if Duffy only managed one clean sheet out of two and a few bonus points, it would be a healthy return of points from your captain.

Let’s hope we don’t see a repeat of his 2016 performance playing for Blackburn when he scored two own goals and got sent off in a game against Cardiff! Maybe they are his bogey team?

After the impressive win over Manchester City in the Champions League, Mauricio Pochettino may use the Huddersfield fixture this weekend as an opportunity to rest some of his key men ahead of the return leg next week.

Let’s face it, Spurs could field their under-23s against the Terriers and still pick up the three points. Son looked exhausted towards the end of that City game which puts me off him for the captaincy.

Duffy, who will play twice vs Son who may get a rest is an easy decision in my eyes, although I haven’t ruled out giving the armband to the in-form Jamie Vardy (£9.2m) at home to Newcastle on Friday night. The Englishman is flying under Brendan Rodgers, scoring eight in his last eight. He’s going nowhere on my Wildcard.

A big question this week for those going for the Wildcard 34/Bench Boost 35 strategy is whether to go all in on the Brighton triple up or not. It looks great on paper for Gameweek 34 with the two home games but not so good in Gameweek 35 with two away ties against Wolves and Spurs.

In contrast to their solid defensive record at home, Chris Hughton’s side have shipped 30 goals on their travels. Ideally, you don’t want to have to use any more than one Brighton asset in Double Gameweek 35. For this reason, I’m unlikely to opt for the triple up as it means booking in transfers for next week when there is likely to be other fires to put out ahead of the Bench Boost.

The Kane injury is a spanner in the works for those managers who had him earmarked for the triple captain chip. If he does miss the rest of the season (yet to be confirmed) we need to look for alternatives for that chip.

Liverpool at home to Huddersfield in Gameweek 36 springs to mind with Mohamed Salah (£13.2m) and Sadio Mané (£10.1m) the likely candidates. The final day of the season is often a goal fest and it may be worth holding on to the chip until then. Son could be an exciting prospect against Everton, Manchester United face Cardiff at home and if the title goes down to the wire, the Liverpool and Manchester City assets will be options as well.

Good luck for the Gameweek and enjoy your weekend folks.

All aboard the Duffy Express.

1,028 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Viper
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A. Robertson, Sterling & Doherty

    B. TAA, Salah & Boly

    Looking at it typed out A is the obvious one but I can't help but feel Salah will have a huge say in the last few weeks

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

      a

    2. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A but get Salah back from 36 onwards (at least that’s my plan)

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

    Is Kane most deg out vis Hudd?

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

      Def*

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

        i'd say wait on tomorrow's pressers (guessing spurs have 1?)

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

      Yeah pretty much, even if he was passed fit (he won’t be) I don’t think they’d risk it anyway

  3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Kun or Vardy only for 34,35,36?
    Vardy also allows Jota instead of Hojbjerg as 8th attacker on BB

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kun

  4. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Option A:
    Leno, Gunn
    TAA, Duffy, Dunk, Cathcart, Bednarek
    Hazard, Mane, Eriksen, Son, Hojbjerg
    Aguero, Jimenez, Murray

    Option B:
    Ederson, Gunn
    VVD, Trippier, Doherty, Duffy, Bednarek
    Mane, Eriksen, Son, Jota, Hojbjerg
    Aguero, Jimenez, Murray

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

      b

    2. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Potential Option C:
      Leno, Gunn
      VVD, Trippier, Cathcart, Dunk, Bednarek
      Mane, Eriksen, Son, Deulofeu, Hojbjerg
      Aguero, Vardy, Jimenez

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

    rp
    ryan foster
    holebas boly duffy tripp laporte
    jota mane eriksen doucoure son
    kun murray jimmy

    murray to deeney or laca in 35
    laporte too risky with fixtures in 35?

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

    Random chat. Anyone looking forward End Game more than GW35?

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

      Random chat or random words?

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

    @MarkOgden_

    Liverpool in advanced talks with Nike over Premier League's biggest-ever kit deal

    http://www.espn.co.uk/football/liverpool/story/3823211/liverpool-in-talks-over-nike-deal-that-would-eclipse-man-united-kit-earnings-sources

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      That would be too weird

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

      Kind of a shame if true, I've loved the NB home kits over the last 2 seasons.

    3. 2hotty
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Adidas kits or nothing

  8. niloh1
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone think sterling might get rested this week?

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

      Yes

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

      Quite high chance. That’s why KDB is my team now

    3. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I’d say he will but I’m getting him anyway

    4. TheDragon
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A wildcard is for life not just one gameweek

    5. Kub3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I do. I’m staying away from him. In fact I’m only going with Aguero as a City asset. Their fixtures are ugly and they are under a lot of pressure in both the CL and league now.

    6. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Probably but I’m gonna have him.

      This is exactly why I’ve had sterling hauls and the cautious managers have not had him and been in floods of tears every other week.

      Harsh? Yes

      True? Yes

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Brutal truth.

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

        i just love the truth

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

    My final decision on my WC, would you believe is Lukaku vs Vardy

    Differential vs Safe?

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

      Vardy is a differential

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

      Only took 78 questions as well.

  10. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Why everyone put off by Rashford these days?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      His performances.

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

        The burn.....MEDIC!

      2. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        haha fair comment

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

    Bench one...

    A) Mane (CHE)
    B) Jota (sou)
    C) Deeney (ARS)

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

    Hello guys, A. Martial Deeney or B. Doucoure Rashford?

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

      I prefer B.

  13. Magumbo
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A) Taa and Sterling

    B) Robbo and KDB

  14. niloh1
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is jwp really worth 0.7 more than hojberg?

  15. SPorting
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Trying to crack the top 10k again for a decent finish:

    Lloris, Foster
    Robbo, Laporte, Doherty, Duffy,Valery
    Haz, Mané, Son, JWP, Camarasa
    Kun, Laca, Jimenez.

    Give it to me straight, Doc....

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

      That's what she said

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

        To be taken orally.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Top team that mate. Prefer it over the template for sure.

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

        Makes me nervous looking at it but that's a good thing, right?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Just enjoy it mate, whatever happens happens. 🙂

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not a fan of the Camarasa pick for the remaining fixtures, lets say that. Hojbjerg better value on the long-term.
      Arsenal's away form troubling me. Initially was LacaIn, but went Vardy evetually.
      Everything else looks very good.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cama not the worst fixtures, I guess, but Cardiff are hardly a team to be relying on imo.

  16. KINGS
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A) Laca till end of season
    Or
    B) Vardy for 1 to 2 GWs ?

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not A

  17. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan, Foster
    Robbo, Doh, ------, Duffy, Valery
    ------, ------, Son, Jota, JWP
    Aguero, Jim, ------

    1) Tripper, Sterling, Mané, Deeney (FT as/if needed)
    2) Laporte, Salah, Doucoure, Vardy (> Deeney in 35)
    3) Laporte, Salah, Eriksen, Wood (> Deeney in 35)

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You defo need Sterling in there.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        You think? I don't have numbers, but it seems there are a decent amount of folks opting for just Kun in attack, probably for no other reason than possible rotation.

    2. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

  18. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Will play Hojbjerg over Jota, thinking we can nick a win over heartbroken Wolves who played 120mins vs Watford last weekend.

    Team:-

    Ryan
    Robertson Vertonghen Montoya
    Sterling Mane Son Hojbjerg
    Aguero Vardy(c) Jimenez

    Foster Jota Bednarek Jonny

    0.0m ITB, WC active.

    Good luck, think this is it, unless something big comes up.

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

      That's what I said....

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        🙂
        Pie still intact, Sporting?

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

          Is it arse.

          Look up there and make a happy man very old ^^

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

      Yeah, Hojbj is great value.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Its quite close between Sterling+Hojbjerg or KdB+JWP. Think the former just edges it.

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

      I didn't think to check if there was an even cheaper BHA defender.

      The things WCs make you do.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Montoya looks pretty nailed, was rotated last game to save him for the Semi vs City.

  19. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is any City midfielder worth it?

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

      KDB is a good punt.

  20. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is Murray actually any good?

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

      He's OK.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Decent at tennis like.

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

        Mint.

  21. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is Mane/Salah essential in 34/35 ?.
    I am chasing 56 points
    Opponent has Mane.i have both Eriksen and Kdb.

    Will get Salah in 36 via FT.

    Thoughts??

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

      I think so. Cardiff W35 could also be a massacre.

  22. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    to Salah or not to Salah? thoughts?
    A - Robbo Mane Jota
    B - TAA Salah Redmond/JWP/Deluf?

  23. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Shall I leave or shall I tinker?

    De Gea
    Pereira Robertson Azpilicueta
    Fraser Maddison Mane Hazard
    Jiminez Vardy Firmino

    Fabianski Rice F.Anderson AWB

    0.8m itb

  24. Richd
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    My WC is all down to the GK who pairs Ryan and my 5th midfielder.

    Foster/Jota
    Lloris/ JWP

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

      Lloris and JWP

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I’m leaning the other way but it’s really tricky !!

        This changes minute by minute

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Depends how Wolvesy you are going? if you have Jimi & Doh, then that could be enough cover

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I’m very Wolves. Jim and Doh are nailed.

        I kind of like it ? They seem nailed at least?

        My brain hurts

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          lol, mine too, I've now ended up completely template.

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            What you on at the moment ?

            Mines

            Xxx/Ryan
            Dunk Duffy TAA Laporte Doherty
            Sterling Mane Son Erik XXX
            Kun Jimi Deeney

            Dunk to Valery next week (lose my 0.2 value but gotta do it?

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

              You happy with TAA over Robbo?

              I’d go the JWP route, Jota is too expensive as 5th mid and so it should mane it easier to restructure / release value in fewer transfers post GW35

            2. The Ejiptian King
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Lloris Foster
              TAA Doherty Duffy Dunk Valery
              Sterling Mane Son Eriksen Jota
              Kun Jimi Deeney

              Leaves me with 0 ITB, wish I had more money but think it looks pretty solid if a bit boring. Might switch Dunk for 35 but no idea who for at that price and under, maybe double Saints.

              1. Richd
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I like it !

                I’ll have triple Brighton and move Dunk on. The double is something I also considered but I wanna go for it !

                1. The Ejiptian King
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  I also really like Doh, Jota and Jimi btw, obviously if Wolves have an off day like against Hudds then I'm screwed but those three are all capable of hauls. Loving the look of them at home to Arsenal in 35.

                  1. Richd
                    • 11 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Yeah none of them would be a shock to get 15-20 in the DGW and great fixture surrounding that.

                    I wish I could get Lloris and Jota but I’d have to make a sacrifice elsewhere. Mane for example.

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

        Lol.

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          ?

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

            No such thing as cover.

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Ah gotcha. Yeah I do like wolves and those three specific players.

              I guess it’s just risky if wolves flop.. like Bournemouth did in the blanks. Still leaning to the triple up

    3. Viper
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Foster & Jota I think

    4. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Foster and Jota for me

  25. Hayeshaun
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Help! I am trying to think why arent people using wildcard this week and planning for next week double game weeks then use bench boost next week so you have 15 players playing twice next week?

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Most are doing exactly that

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

      Thats what they are doing?

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

      Isn't that what people are doing?

  26. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Obviously Kane is out, but is anyone going Kun-less as well?

    Feel that Sterling is enough MCY cover...

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

      I think Kun will get more minutes in the league than Sterling. But its all a guessing game.

  27. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    KDB a good differential or too risky/not nailed?

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

      I'm going for him. Reckon he'll definitely play against Palace anyway

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

      He could get 2 pints every game for the rest of season. That's not worth 9.7mil.

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

        That's very expensive beer, not worth it!

      2. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        sterling could be rested and get 2 points in a game at any point like the last double. City have goals from everywhere

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

      I've decided I'm taking the plunge on him over Sterling. Use the cash to upgrade

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

    Bench Jota or Deeney?

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Jota this week.

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

        this

  29. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Option a- 4.1itb to get salah for eriksen for TC in 36

    Foster Ryan
    Taa Doherty kola bednarek Peltier
    sterling eriksen son Jota jwp
    Aguero jiminez Deeney

    Option B- 0.3itb

    Foster Ryan
    Laporte taa Doherty kola valery
    Salah sterling eriksen son Jota
    Jiminez Deeney Llorente

    Or option C- 4.2 itb to get salah for TC

    Foster Ryan
    Laporte taa Doherty Duffy bednarek
    Sterling eriksen son Jota Deulofeu
    Vardy jiminez Deeney

    Thanks guys!!

  30. ASAP Rocky
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Does this -4 make sense? 2 FTs. 1.8 ITB

    Salah > Sterling (FT)

    Hazard > Eriksen (FT)

    King > Aguero (-4)

    Lloris - Boruc

    Bednarek - TAA - Pereira - Robertson - Bennett

    Salah - Hazard - Son - Brooks - Almiron

    Vardy - King - Rondon