Allsvenskan Fantasy

Fantasy Allsvenskan – Who can replace Witry?

Allsvenskan’s highest-scoring defender, Aslak Fonn Witry, will likely be out for a couple of weeks at least following the calf muscle that meant he missed the third gameweek of the new season.

Djurgården right-back Witry’s two-goal performance against Östersunds in GW2 means he remains top of the pile for points scored by defenders despite not even making the squad against Göteborg.

However, his estimation to Fotbollskanalen that he will probably be out for two weeks – and subsequent admission it is impossible to know when he will be back training, let alone playing again – is a major problem for the 32.6% of Fantasy managers Witry in their squads.

Managers who decide to twist, rather than stick, face a nasty question. Who to replace the 5.1m man?

Plenty will be tempted to look to the big hitters so far. These including the leading AIK options, if you aren’t already stocked up. Per Karlsson (6.5m) and Karol Mets (6.1m) have 17 points apiece. But you’ll need cash in the bank to upgrade to these from Witry, who started the season at 5.0m.

So, let’s move away from the premium options, and aim for something more like-for-like. Here are three different but equally valid 5m (or cheaper) options, ordered by current popularity within the game, and with a trio of quick-fire alternatives at the bottom.

THE CONTENDERS

THOMAS ISHERWOOD
Club
: Östersunds
Price: 4.7m
Total points: 13
Selected by: 12.3%

Helped by a clean sheet against AIK in GW1 and a goal in GW2, Isherwood has been snapped up by many new managers and his price is already 0.2m higher than the start of the year. Yet against Malmö, the 21-year-old former Bayern Munich youngster picked up a measly point. So, was it a false dawn?

Perhaps not. Isherwood was frustratingly close to two defensive bonus points. Even in his ‘worst’ week so far, he could easily have ended it with three points to his name. As we’ll see throughout this piece, it highlights the value of defenders who can return without returning in the traditional sense, thanks to defensive and offensive bonus points in Allsvenskan.

Isherwood’s fixtures now take a nice for the better. Elfsborg and Helsingborg travel to Östersunds over the next three gameweeks, with Isherwood and his team-mates heading to Eskilstuna, where they will be eyeing attacking returns, in between.

KARL LARSON
Club
: Sirius
Price: 5.1m
Total points: 20
Selected by: 7.1%

Just one point behind Witry, the same price and with two goals in three games. Perfect, right? Larson has enjoyed a fine start to the season. He has started with a goal and clean sheet vs Kalmar and scored against vs Eskilstuna.

But can he be relied upon for regular returns? Three home matches in the next four bodes reasonably well for short-term form, even though the first of those, against Malmö, will be a stern defensive test. Then it’s away to Falkenberg, home to Elfsborg and home to Göteborg.

The fact that the Sirius stalwart has three goals in his previous SEVEN seasons for Sirius suggest his impressive start is likely to prove an anomaly. However, that start is also in keeping with Sirius proving very attacking minded in their opening matches. Attractive fixtures could help his candle burn brightly for a little longer yet.

FIDAN ALITI
Club
: Kalmar
Price: 5m
Total points: 16
Selected by: 2.5%

My personal favourite, albeit one I am not looking at bringing in for a points hit this week.
Aliti looks like he has the makings of a bonus point machine, and that could make him a powerful asset in the Allsvenskan game.

Aliti has 16 points despite no clean sheets. He bagged two assists in GW3 against Norrköping, has five defensive bonus points from a possible six and a couple of attacking ones too.

The obvious downside is Kalmar look poor defensively. The upsides are their fixtures look decent – Sundsvall (A), Göteborg (H), Örebro (A) and Östersunds (H) – Aliti doesn’t need defensive returns to produce for you, and at 2.5% he’s a tasty differential.

ANY OTHERS?

Fixtures are the only reason Simon Sandberg (5.1m) doesn’t sneak into the ‘top three’ picks here. The Hammarby right back has an assist, two separate offensive bonus points and a defensive bonus point to his name already. Up to 18.7% ownership already, he could conceivably enjoy a double-figure return against Eskilstuna before things get tougher against Malmö and local rival Djurgårdens.

Kadir Hozic (4.5m) is an option to consider if you want to go even cheaper than Isherwood. The 7.5%-owned AFC Eskilstuna left back has 13 points despite no defensive returns, thanks to an assist, two offensive bonuses and quartet of defensive bonuses. His fixtures are not hugely encouraging though, with trips to Hammarby, Häcken and AIK in the next four.

Back-to-back assists put Adam Eriksson (5.0m) in the picture with 12 points from three games. But other reasons for the Helsingborg man are a little thin on the ground thanks to his teams unconvincing defensive form (no clean sheets) and his aversion to bonus points.

Are any of the above on your radar already?

Have you spotted someone else to fill the Witry-shaped gap in your team?

Or are you going to keep him on the bench in the hope his price remains fairly stable and that his return is as swift as he’s suggested?

I’ll keep scouring the various news sources here in Sweden for squad news and sharing them – plus price changes, statistics and more analytical thoughts – on site in the comments section and on Twitter.

@AllsvenskanFF

scottmitchell92 Formula 1 journalist by day, amateur Fantasy Premier League enthusiast by night – and curious-new-Brit-in-Sweden-learning-about-Allsvenskan in between!

55 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bob Sacamano
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Isherwood is already on two yellows, one more and he's suspended. I don't give much for Karl Larsson and Aliti since theire playing for bottom half teams that seem unlikely to keep any more clean sheets at all. Sandberg seems like the most sensible option, but he's already in my team.

    After browsing around the team sheets I've decided to go very safe on Blomqvist from Sundsvall. A bonus point in every game so far, plays for a very good team and got decent fixtures that rotates well with my other defenders.

    1. scottmitchell92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Blomqvist is an interesting shout. Three nice home fixtures coming up too! Having not played a season of Allsvenskan before, I'm curious to learn if rotation yields better benefits than a 'set and forget' strategy.

      One of the reasons I like Aliti is that with bigger teams looking unconvincing/inconsistent defensively, the bonus points system could be the most valuable way to score early on while it settles down.

      That could prove a mistake, of course!

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

        Yeah, the bonus system is something I can't wrap my head around yet. A defender who consistently gets attacking or defending bonus could be better value than a defender who gets more clean sheets. Consistent bonus + the occasional clean sheet really changes the strategy, potentially, for defenders

        1. Bob Sacamano
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          You're completely right, and I realize I have to change my mindset regarding this. Clean sheets have always been the top prioroty for defenders in my team, but with this bonus system a defender conceding 3 goals could still end up with 5p.

          For this reason, I'm strongly concidering Busch Thor for next week to free up some cash. If he can keep getting 2-4 bonuspoints a game that's equal to an assist.

    2. Golbe
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Why not Pa Konate? An assist and 2 offensive bonus points in his first game of the season. Pretty sure he is more or less nailed now

      1. Bob Sacamano
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Would like Konate or even Tamimi, but they're 5.9 and 6.0 so they're on a whole different price level. At that price I would rather go for a defender from Häcken, Norrköping or AIK.

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

    Feel a bit better having gone Danielsson over Witry from the start but I'm benching him this week in any case

    1. scottmitchell92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Danielsson is also on my bench. Had Witry not got injured, I suspect Danielsson would be the next player out of my squad. He's good, and a defensive bonus returner, but for 5.5m I would like a little more oomph from a defender than just bonus points! And Djurgårdens are far from convincing defensively. So I'm not expecting many clean sheets.

      Will you keep him?

  3. Niemi
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Undecided of what to do for a hit. Currently been playing 523.

    A) Replace Witry for a hit - looking at Andersson from Häcken.

    B) Replace Hellborg (4.4 mid who's out on loan) for up to 8.2 millions

    I currently have Jarl (injured, but returning soon hopefully), Åstedt (long term injured) and Hellborg (out on loan) on my bench, so basically all non-starters.

    I guess B is more sensible, and then deal with Witry later?

    1. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah I suppose B is the most reasonable! Quick turnaround with next GW so you can deal with Witry midweek.

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

        I did A in the end, haha. I don't play this as seriously as FPL/Eliteserien, so I'm a bit knee jerky here. Been fun so far though, inside 1k.

        1. scottmitchell92
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Good rank!

          Yeah I think replacing a player who you know won't be of any use to you long-term was wise. Much better use of a hit.

          I'm a bit weak on the bench, thanks to Witry and Jarl. But I'm banking on Jarl making a swift comeback.

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

            Currently my team looks like

            Linner
            Sundgren - Dimitriadis - Andersson - Danielsson - Sandberg
            Christiansen - Tankovic
            Paulinho (C) - Jeremejeff - Nygren

            Joelsson, Jarl, Hellborg, Åstedt

            2.8 ITB. Slightly regret not going Larsson (went Nygren), as he seems to be a really popular captaincy option. Had enough money. At least I have a lot of options if I want to upgrade Hellborg next GW

            1. scottmitchell92
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              Your Paulinho/Jeremejeff double-up is interesting! Can be very powerful I'm sure. Nygren is a lovely enabler. But I went to Larsson (from Hummet) instead this week because of fixtures/wary of Nygren's game time.

              I'm edging towards upgrading Jeremejeff to Paulinho, but it will take me two or three weeks to get there.

              I've not captained Larsson because I've learned some lessons from FPL and I'm playing it sensible, backing my big guns to maximise value there and avoided 'chasing' too many points and missing out by rotating the captaincy between many players.

              I've had a lot of joy over the first three weeks giving Jeremejeff and Buya Turay the armband at home. That is my policy at the moment, so Jeremejeff is my GW4 captain.

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

                I like the Paulinho/Jeremejeff double up. Attacking stats are good, individual stats are good, I think the fixtures are good.. Although next week will be really interesting with 3xAIK defence + Paulinho, Jeremejeff and one Häcken defender!

                I'll assess next week if I'm upgrading my 3rd mid, or if Jarl is back soon.. That will allow me to keep funds ITB for a Nygren upgrade later, but hopefully he'll keep playing until I WC

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

    Captaincy thoughts? I’m on Larsson atm

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

      Did a risky move from Buya > Hallenius, and will be captaining him.

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

        Sounds good, should score well this week!

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

          I sure hope so!
          Which one of the Larsson's are you captaining?

    2. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Paulinho here

    3. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Paulinho for me!
      Hallenius, Jeremejeff, Larsson also good shouts for those with them in their squads.

    4. Bob Sacamano
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Ended up with AC as captain. Starting, perhaps a clean sheet and at least 2 bonus should give a minimum of 5p which I'll be fine with this week. Don't think other popular options like Larsson will get more.

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

    Isherwood benched 🙁
    Only have Hodzic as a playing sub as Jarl and Witry are both injured. Really need Kossounou to play now!

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

    0-1 (Levi).

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

      1-1 (Edwards).

  7. Niemi
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    .. and Levi scores. He was the one I came close to buying instead of upgrading Witry 🙁

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

      Typical, isn't it!

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

        Yeah.. At least it was just 7 points, a Häcken CS will more or less match that

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

    Deeney and Duffy out for a hit
    A) Wilson Yoshida
    B) Grey/Ings TAA
    C) Just Wilson for free and 3xBrighton on BB
    If I go for A then Trippier to TAA next week

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

      Wrong thread! 🙂
      I did Deeney/Duffy > Wilson/Bednarek (-4) myself. Had exact cash, so I couldn't have picked Yoshida.

      Any of these options could work out fine though.

  9. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Do something, Hallenius!

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

      Off at 77 mins. WC looking likely now!

      1. Meltens
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Tough week to wildcard into though, midweek games and all the “big” clubs facing each other!

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

          Yeah, that's the issue. At the same time there are several players I want to move on. Jarl, Witry and now Hallenius are injured; Isherwood didn't play last match, and Kossounou might not play(?).

          Add to that the 2.7k rank drop (at the moment) from GW 2…

          1. Meltens
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah I get that! I WCd this week after starting off quite slowly. Hoping Jeremejeff and Paulinho (C) can propel me up a bit.

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

              The Paulinho > Jeremejeff transfer made quite the impact on my OR last GW. If I wildcard (which is very tempting), I'd make sure to include both of them. Aiesh and Christiansen in midfield would be tempting too.

              Might not pay off immediately with the big teams facing each other, but it will set the team up nicely for upcoming GWs.

              1. Meltens
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 11 months ago

                Yeah there is no right or wrong time to WC, if you have to many issues in the squad there is definitely an argument for it!

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

                  Indeed. A tough week given the fixtures as you mentioned, but it could be better than having a non-playing bench etc.

  10. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Radetinac out for a hit before this GW. Starts vs. Häcken…

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

      Got a yellow now though!

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

      Now Irandust off at 45. WC it is…

  11. MrKlin of Norway
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Right, I'm up to 5 non-starters now, short time before midweek game, wildcard activated. First draft is here, not nailed on anybody here so all kinds of suggestions welcome:

    Linner - Jonsson
    Aliti - Sundgren - Berg - Hodzic - Bengtsson
    Romario - Andersen - Moro - Bärkroth - Jarl
    Jermejeff - Kjartansson - Jönsson

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

      I would go Abrahamson over Linner. Abrahamson just keep on getting loads of bonus points every single game, I regret getting Linner on my WC this week. Not sure on Berg, he doesnt seem very good for bonus points either.

    2. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I agree with Golbe, Abrahamsson looks brilliant again this season.

  12. Vobinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    FT done for the week.. Hallenius to Haglund.

    Sirius fixtures look really tasty! Might even captain Haglund for midweek.

    1. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Haglund is interesting indeed... I can't quite get over the fact that he used to play as a defensive midfielder!
      Still looking at him as a potential prospect though.

  13. TallestJohn
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Brought in Åhman Persson as a fifth mid, he got red flagged after the deadline and Danielsson's 8pts blocked by Hodzic's 1pt off the bench 🙁 I'll take a jammy Wernersson clean sheet

  14. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    First WC draft. How does this look?

    Abrahamsson (Joelsson)
    Danielsson - Sundgren - Hodzic - Aliti (Kossounou)
    Ohlsson - Tankovic - Christiansen - Nalic (Jarl)
    Jeremejeff - Paulinho (Nygren)

    Have 1,3 m itb, but don't know where (and if I should) spend it. Are Nalic and Ohlsson good options going forward, and are there other defenders to consider?

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

      I would consider Bengtsson, he seems great at picking up defensive bonus points and I think Malmö have found some defensive stability now.

      Nalic still looks really good value and I dont see him stopping to produce.
      I'm not so sure about Ohlsson though, he plays as a RB or maybe RWB. I would probably upgrade him to Levi or Romario as you have the exact Cash. Maybe even Rasmus Elm.

      1. Meltens
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Levi could be brilliant, I got rid on WC last week but not so sure it was a wise move...
        Also have to admit I'm not entirely sold on Tankovic, he does seem to like the bonus though so that's always something.

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

          Tankovic has done alright for my team so far, but I haven't watched any Hammarby games yet, so I don't know if he's done alright or not.

          Question is if it's worth looking at options with Malmö and Djurgården up next.

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

        Good shouts these!
        Upgrading a def to Bengtsson might be an opportunity, buy at the same time I would need another cheap (7.4 or less) mid that can be a part of my starting eleven if needed. Any suggestions?

        Upgrading Ohlsson to Levi/Romario is also a possibility. Both might be good for points going forward.

  15. GertJan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Any news on Hallenius' injury? Just out for the midweek fixture or even longer?

    1. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Haven't seen anything yet but we should get an update as they announce the squad that's travelled. He was taken off mostly as a precaution according to the coach so he shouldn't be out too long you'd think.

      Swedish clubs are notoriously bad at updates regarding injuries though!

  16. Vobinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Considering a very unpredicable start, what's an acceptable rank to have right now? I'm on 7.4k rank with 195 points.

    Also see there is a DGW11 for Malmo - a good time to WC?