Opinion

FPL Question Time – How to handle Man City players in second Wildcard squads

Fantasy Premier League managers are full of questions this week as the Double Gameweek 34 deadline fast approaches.

A large number are in the process of finalising Wildcard squads, which means there are big decisions to be made in the next 24 hours.

We’ve put together another panel of managers to answer those queries…

Who’s on the panel this week?

Simon March – Fantasy Premier League champion in 2014/15 and regular guest on the FPL Show.

Ben McNair – One of Australia’s finest Fantasy minds, with four finishes inside the top 5k.

Holly Shand – Founder of Fantasy Football Community and regular guest on the FPL Show.

Question 1 – Simon

How many City players would you have on a Wildcard?

Simon: “Decisions regarding Man City are complicated due to what I’ll call the ‘Pep Roulette Paradox’.

“Essentially; City’s players have arguably the highest points ceiling of any FPL players yet, due to squad depth and rotation, they simultaneously have the highest chance of blanking. It follows, therefore, that the higher the number City players an FPL manager includes in their Wildcard team, the higher their chances of snagging a haul yet, paradoxically, their chances of blanking completely also increase.

“You could argue that City create so many chances that it doesn’t matter if their players miss some minutes. There’s some logic to this though you’d have to question whether Spurs at home and United away offer a viable platform for huge potential points hauls. In fact, going without City altogether for the Double Gameweek is arguably a viable strategy given that Arsenal, United, Wolves and Spurs in particular all offer plenty of high-potential alternatives (albeit none that are entirely immune to rotation themselves) but City’s favourable wider list of remaining fixtures will make them difficult to ignore.

“With the excess budget, Kane’s injury affords FPL managers, it’s an equally viable option to triple up on City, the big question, of course, is who to get. Nobody is above rotation but the primary and underlying stats point to Aguero and Sterling as perhaps the most likely to deliver, assuming they get minutes. de Bruyne offers an appealing alternative, particularly having been rested once already, as do the Silvas and Laporte at the more ‘budget-friendly’ end of the options. Of course, this isn’t even mentioning Sane, Mahrez and Jesus, all of whom are capable of hauling, though appear to carry a greater chance of rotation.

“Ultimately, there’s no general answer that I can come up with to the question of how many Man City players is ideal. By now, we’re pretty familiar with their risk/reward potential, it really comes down to how big a risk you want or need to take at this point in the season.”

Question 2 – Ben

Should we replace Kane with another 10m+ big hitter or spread the money around our team?

Ben: “There are plenty of good midfield and forward options at different price points.

“As a result, there is a range of team structures that will do well.

“I would look at the best captaincy options for the remaining Gameweeks and get two big hitters that best cover the options.

“Getting three big hitters is too much of a stretch, at least at my team value.

“It tends to be better spreading the funds than having a player priced over £10m that you don’t captain.

“This is even more important if you are still to play the Bench Boost chip, as you will need to spread funds across 15 players.

“If you’re sufficiently concerned about rotation among the top six clubs due to European action, it might make sense to go with one or even no big hitters.

“I’m currently leaning towards Aguero and Sterling, but I will want to get Salah or Mane for Gameweek 36 when Liverpool host Huddersfield.”

Question 3 – Holly

Is captaining Duffy or Ryan a sensible choice this week?

Holly: “With Kane now injured, the temptation to go with Ryan or Duffy is certainly there and more justified.

“It’s a high-risk strategy with high reward.

“If you’re chasing then take the risk, defenders and goalkeepers are notorious for getting hauls in a Double Gameweek.

“A clean sheet in one of the games will secure a reasonable return, but the threat of own goals and cards are ever present.

“I’ll personally be looking to Son or Vardy, with the latter favoured as he’s guaranteed to play and has penalties too.”

Question 4 – Simon

Is a combination of Lloris and Foster too expensive for a goalkeeper pair? After all, no one wants to use a free transfer on a goalkeeper after a Wildcard…

Simon: “Foster and Lloris are both good options individually, the former offering high save point potential and the latter, arguably, offering better clean sheet potential. Both have decent fixtures for the run in. As a duo, however, I do think it’s probably more invested in goalkeepers than is ideal, especially with the current number of viable budget options such as Ryan, Gunn and Leno available for up to a million less.

“Lloris, in particular, is a bit of a headache in that, if I were to pick one goalkeeper for the rest of the season, he’d be very high on the list but, in the wider context of the run-in, he might not be as good a pick as he first appears. Firstly there’s the issue of GW34 when many of us will be starting Ryan, which would mean benching all 5.4 of Lloris against Huddersfield at home, arguably Spurs’ best-remaining fixture.

“Obviously, this also has the knock-on effect of less money invested elsewhere and, while he might look like a relatively cheap way into the Spurs defence, one of their comparably more expensive defenders might actually be a better investment in order to maximise the overall amount of budget invested in playing assets.

“That said, I’m not personally the biggest fan of premium goalkeepers at the best of times. They always seem like a good idea at first but, sooner or later, I tend to find that I can live with a cheaper option or that I want to use that third player spot on somebody more attacking. I think this could end up being the case even if you’re flush with cash on your Wildcard right now. For me, there’s so much potential value among the budget goalkeepers at the moment that I’d be tempted to push that opportunity as far as possible.”

Question 5 – Ben

On a Wildcard, who (if anyone) should we be looking to from Manchester United and Arsenal? Their form is a concern, but they are still fighting for top six.

Ben: “I’m on a Wildcard and there are no players from Manchester United or Arsenal nailed in my squad.

“The player most likely to make the cut is Marcus Rashford. He represents great value for money based on his impressive 2019 calendar year to date. The worry is whether his prospects are hampered by playing with Lukaku.

“Not long ago I would have expected Paul Pogba to be nailed in my team, but his well-publicised drop-off in stats (an xGI of just 1.7 over the past six matches) and more withdrawn role, along with the juicy fixtures in store for Spurs players at a similar price point, mean that he may miss out.

“Lacazette is one of several decent candidates for our three forward slots. There’s a lot to like. He has delivered consistent FPL returns throughout the season. His recent stats look good too, with 15 shots in the box and an xGI of 4.1 over his past six matches.

“The concerns are rotation, Arsenal’s away form heading into four away matches and the stiff competition from the likes of Aguero, Vardy and cheaper options like Jimenez, Rashford and Deeney.

“I can understand why people might look at Kolasinac. The chance of clean sheets looks slim, but he’s one of the most attacking defenders in the game and there’s always the possibility of a double-figure haul. It’s a risky one though, as his place in the side is at the mercy of changes in formation.”

Question 6 – Holly

Should I go for Deulofeu or Doucoure?

Holly: “If Deulofeu is passed fit, I’d be tempted to go for him over Doucoure. He will be a firm fans favourite after his FA Cup semi-final heroics and Watford have four home games in their next six.

“It is a tough coin flip decision, with Doucoure better for the underlying statistics and starts, but that 0.2 million saving may come in useful, particularly for managers on a Wildcard.

“Deulofeu plays a more advanced position but beware he may rotate with Gray though, particularly with the FA Cup final to come.”

2,571 Comments Post a Comment
  1. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Start Robbo home to chelsea or Laporte away to Palace?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure if serious

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Robbo got 8 pts home to spurs recently and 6 home to City. Palace seem to always get penalties.

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Only Fulham have scored less goals than CP at home this season. Laporte is also capable of both goals and assists.

          1. _Ninja_
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Cheers!

            1. Royal5
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              No worries. Not saying Robertson is a bad option, but between thos two Laporte makes sense.

    2. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Laporte

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      The guy that isn't sure himself if he is Spanish or French.

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Laporte!
      No way of starting both?

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Have Duffy and Dunk so gotta start them both really

    5. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Robbo

  2. hogree
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    any shouts on percentage chance that Rashford starts on the weekend?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I can see Lingard taking his place to keep him fresher for next Tuesday? Lukaku to start.

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure if serious

  3. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Tripple Brighton defense and then Dunk to TAA next week, solid plan?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Seems good to me

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Super risky imo but obv could pay off!

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I probably do Duffy + Knockaert and Knockaert to Jota or similar for 35. Can't buy into Brighton CS guarantee

  4. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed

    Here she is in all her glory. G2G?

    Btw I want Salah so pls don’t say: “Salah > Sterling”

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Can't see her - she must really be bottomed!

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Lol. See below. Post fail

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Defo Salah > Sterling

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Touché

        Full post below

  5. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Oops try again! Bottomed

    Here she is in all her glory. G2G?

    Btw I want Salah so pls don’t say: “Salah > Sterling” 😆

    0.4itb
    Lloris
    Robbo, Laporte, Duffy
    Salah, Eriksen (C), Son, Jota
    Aguero (v), Jimi, Deeney
    (Foster) (JWP, Doherty, Valery)

    GL to all!!

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Very nice. I like

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks mate. How r u looking?

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      sAlAH tO sTeRLiNg?

      In all seriousness that looks very good. Why Eriksen (C) over Son?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Just a punt really. I’m chasing, need a differential and think Son’s more likely to be benched/ managed mins than Eriksen. Also could be on Pens if Alli is out

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      G2G

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers!

    4. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Very close to mine if you look below

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yep! I replied :). I’m going without Sterling

        1. semiconductor
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          If i go without sterling I can get eriksen easily

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Yep. It’s a gut call. I just decided not to play roulette with both Kun and Sterling. Obv if both play you could win big

  6. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    People are seriously not considering Aguero(C) before Duffy who’s gonna have 4 points and Son?

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'd take 4 points and a son from my asset any day

  7. robt
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Ryan or Gunn for WC34 BB35 plus rest of season?? (Foster my other keeper)

    1. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Ryan for me

  8. FPL_Gyarados
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    That Man City analysis is kind of like that Swiss cheese paradox.
    The more cheese you have, the more holes you have.
    The more holes you have, the less cheese you have.

  9. semiconductor
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I'm tinkering between this

    Lloris-Foster
    Robertson-X-Duffy-Jonny/Dunk-Valery
    Salah-Sterling-Son-X-X
    Aguero-Jiminez-Deeney

    A. Laporte+Moura+WP
    B. Bednarek+Eriksen+Hojberg (too weak defense)?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I think B is ok tbh

      Moura is a risky pick and Eriksen obv far less so

      The double SOU def and Hoj is ok for DGW just for extra points and hope of more.

      Just basically because of Eriksen potential vs Moura

      1. semiconductor
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        You think moura is not a good shout?

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          It obv could be. He’s just a bit unknown in what he can deliver. Sometimes he’ll play and get a goal and an assist. Other times nothing.

  10. bennyp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    What to do here? Already on a -4 and brought Kane in pre-injury

    Schmeichel - (Foster)
    VVD - Pereira - Duffy - (Wan Bas - Lascelles)
    Salah(c) - Mane - Haz - Westwood - Fraser
    Rondon - Jimenez - (Kane)

    Do I take another hit to get rid of Kane?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Definitely, it's only a -2 this time technically as Kane would get a big fat 0.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        ^This

      2. bennyp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        True. To who? Kun? Kaku?

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Both good options, especially as you don't have City. Lukaku a nice punt with an awful WHM defence.

  11. Transferred Out
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    WC Gtg?

    Ryan
    Duffy Vertonghen Laporte
    Son Eriksen Mane Sterling
    Deeney Jiminez Aguero

    Foster Hojberg Valery Doherty

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Template. Id go Tripps over Vert though.

  12. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Gtg?

    Foster
    TAA Dunk Duffy
    Cama Salah Son(c) Eriksen
    Aguero Vardy Jimenez

    Gunn Jota Valery Doherty

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Yup, what will u do in gw35?

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Tbh bench Duffy Dunk and Cama and use TC then BB in 36

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good for this week. what’s your Cama plan?

  13. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    which
    a) vardy (or) laca
    b) aguero deulofeu (or) sterling deeney

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Lacazette, Sterling, and Deeney.

  14. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Eriksen on penos with kane and alli out?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I thought he would be but someone said earlier that Alli might be on it if he starts?

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I remember Trippier taking one (and missing) earlier in the season. Think it was a cup game.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Remember this as well. Terrible pen.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      If those two are out then I think he’s next in line yep

    4. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      cheers all.

    5. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Alli. Son. Eriksen/Tripp

  15. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Notepad and pen
    15 cigarettes
    9 cups of tea
    3 hrs later hit WC
    Go to my team

    Only 2 dgw players Ryan + Duffy.

    Was expecting more somehow.

    Suppose wk after BB is what I planned for..

  16. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A. Robbo and Jota
    or
    B.TAA and Martial

    1. LSK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A for sure

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    4. FleckyT
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

  17. Lukakwho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Haven’t been on here this week. Is this a pretty template WC with bench boost in mind?

    Ryan

    Kola, Laporte, TAA, Duffy

    Eriksen, Son, Salah, KDB

    Jimi, Murray

    (Foster, Deeney, Doherty, Deulofeu)

    Any changes you’d make?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Kola > Valery
      Ryan > Lloris?

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        i like these moves.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Then he could play Deeney this week. Deeney would love to destroy Arsenal

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Kola out

  18. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris
    Duffy Dunk Laporte
    Son Sterling Mane Deulofeu
    Jimenez Aguero Vardy

    Foster Doherty Valery Romeu

    0.0 ITB

    Would appreciate comments on what needs changing??

    Thanks!

  19. FPL_WILDCARD
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A) Sterling + Knockaert
    B) KDB + Ramsey

    Have Aguero and Laporte, Duffy and Ryan. No other Arsenal.

  20. 5os
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Anybody else considering Holebas? Rest of my team in the following WC draft is pretty much template
    Ryan Foster
    Robbo Trippier Duffy Holebas Valery
    Sterling Eriksen Son Mane Jota
    Kun Jimenez Deeny

    0.0 ITB

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Yes.

  21. FleckyT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A) Sterling / Boly
    B) KDB / Lap

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A. Two goals and one assist for KdB does not bode well.

  22. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Anything need changing or g2g? BB35 btw. Thanks all.

    Foster - Lloris
    Duffy - Laporte - Robbo - Dunk - Valery
    Mane - Eriksen - Son - Jota - KDB
    Aguero - Jimenez - Deeney

    1. FleckyT
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Solid team g2g

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Solid side BB

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Solid team

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks all

  23. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lack of city defender but cant have them all. Gtg??

    LLoris
    TAA, Duffy, Dunk,
    Mane, Son(C), Eriksen, Sterling,
    Aguero(vc), Jimenez, Deeney

    Foster, Jota, Doherty, Valery

  24. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Wonder what La Liga fantasy is like.

    Does Messi cost the equivalent of 18m, Suarez 13m and Oblak and co. 8m?

    Then up to you to find the gems like Sarabia, Charles and Jaime Mata?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Would've been even funnier when Ronaldo was there too, Messi and Ronaldo + fodder.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        They might have had separate captains - one for just between M + R for 1.5x points and a triple captain for the others!

  25. hogree
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Having a bit of a benching headache... any shouts on this - bench 1:
    Deeney (ARS)
    Doherty (sou)
    Laporte (cry)
    Rashford (WHU)

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Doh

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Doherty

    3. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Deeney imo

    4. bennyp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Doherty.... but it's a tough call.

      Reasoning is that Southampton is playing for survival. I think they'll score.

  26. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Hi, which is better options?
    A. Robbo (have TAA)
    B. Laporte

    1. Mane and Deeney
    2. Vardy and Jota

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B as you have TAA
      1

  27. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    thoughts on my team?

    Ryan
    TAA Duffy Laporte
    Knockaert Eriksen Mane Son
    Jimenez Aguero Deeney

    (Lloris Jota Dohetry Valery)

    will do Knock > JWP/Delufe GW35
    Eriksen>Salah GW 36

  28. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    On WC....
    Ryan, Foster
    Robbo, Doherty, Duffy, Laporte, Valery
    Sterling, ------, Son, Jota, JWP
    Aguero, Jimenez, ------

    1) Mane, Deeney
    2) Moura, Vardy (this would be gw34 only, then swap them out for #1 in dgw)

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Probably start with 1 then, unless you would captain Vardy.

  29. LSK
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lots of rotation risks, but I think it's worth it as there's always somebody decent on the bench.

    Ryan,
    Duffy, Trippier, Robertson
    Salah, Son, Eriksen, Ramsey
    Murray, Aguero, Jimenez

    Foster Jota Kolasinac Valery

    Murray to Deeney for gwk 35. Kola isn't a worry as he will rotate with Duffy and Valery.

  30. robt
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Ryan/Foster
    Tripp/Doherty/Robbo/Duffy/Valery
    Son/Eriksen/Mane/Jota/Doucoure
    Kun/Jimi/Murray
    Seemed to have tripled up on Wolves, Brighton and Spurs and doubled up on LPool single weekers! Risky? Could drop Murray and just go with Deeney from this weekend onwards. Also - Doherty - bang out of form and likely to be rested for one game of DGW? Perhaps an Arsenal player or another Southampton?