Pre-Season

Origi among the budget FPL forwards to monitor

With so many appealing premium options in Fantasy Premier League next season, the emergence of a playable budget forward would be a huge bonus.

Raul Jimenez was the Fantasy manager’s friend last year, returning 13 goals, ten assists and 31 bonus points having started the 2018/19 campaign priced at just £5.5m.

The Mexico international has predictably been handed a significant rise upon FPL’s relaunch for 2019/20 and will now set Fantasy bosses back £7.5m.

A cursory glance through the FPL price list suggests that we will struggle to find a ‘Jimenez’ among the sub-£6.0m forward options this time, although pre-season often throws up a wildcard from this price bracket that we had previously disregarded.

Big Six Back-Ups

Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri will be on standby to start in Gameweek 1

Perhaps the most eye-catching name among the 22 strikers currently available in the £4.5m-£5.5m grouping is Divock Origi (£5.5m).

The Belgian striker only played 367 minutes of Premier League football last season but was increasingly involved in Jurgen Klopp’s squads as the year progressed.

We may only be an injury to Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) or Sadio Mane (£11.5m) away from seeing Origi string together a succession of starts in the top flight, although Jurgen Klopp could very well bolster his attacking options over the summer following the release of Daniel Sturridge and sale of Danny Ings (£6.0m).

Origi was well down the pecking order at the start of 2018/19, with Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri (£6.5m) very much the preferred options when Klopp needed to hand breathers to one of his regular front three.

The Belgian striker featured in just three of Liverpool’s first 24 league matches, failing to make the matchday squad on 13 occasions.

However, Origi was the man Klopp frequently turned to in the season run-in: the former Lille striker deputising for Firmino from the start in Gameweeks 28, 29 and 38, as well as in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.

Origi came off the bench in the final of that competition to score Liverpool’s decisive second goal.

Mane and Salah are currently on duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that could have a significant say in their availability in Gameweek 1.

The competition final takes place exactly three weeks before the start of the 2019/20 season, leaving little time for the premium midfield duo to recover and return to Liverpool’s pre-season camp should Egypt and/or Senegal make it that far.

Both Salah and Mane started in Gameweek 1 last season but their countries had been eliminated in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup and the pair had more than six weeks to ready themselves for domestic action.

More pertinently, Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson (both £5.5m), who made it to the final weekend of the World Cup with their respective countries, were handed three weeks off after their exertions in Russia and failed to start on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Origi, then, may be a short-term budget punt for Gameweek 1 should Salah and Mane be handled carefully by Klopp – though that is a decision that will likely have to be made very shortly before the season kicks off in early August.

Beyond that, Origi will be a ‘sleeper’ that could come in handy should any injury befall Salah, Mane or Firmino.

The other three FPL forwards representing a ‘big six’ club in this list are Eddie Nketiah, Mason Greenwood and Vincent Janssen (all £4.5m).

The budget trio managed just one league start between them last season and very much merit their cut-price tags, although Greenwood will be one to monitor given how impressed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was with the young United striker after his debut in Gameweek 38:

Mason Greenwood was brilliant, he was our best player by a mile and that says a lot about the kid. He came into the team with a lack of confidence and you can see that has take a total. Not surprised by his performance, we know he is capable of that.

Options from the Promoted Clubs

David McGoldrick missed only one league game last season

The arrival of Josip Drmic (£5.5m) could put pressure on Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) at Norwich City but the Finn is still expected to be Daniel Farke’s preferred option in Gameweek 1, with Drmic’s career needing a serious kickstart following an injury-ravaged few years.

You can read more about the Swiss international’s credentials in our Scout Report.

Dennis Srbeny (£5.5m) may not even be at Carrow Road come August but should he still be on the books, he won’t be of much interest to Fantasy managers: the German striker failed to start a single game last season and made only two substitute appearances in Norwich’s final 19 fixtures.

Jonathan Kodjia (£5.5m) is expected to be a backup option at Villa, meanwhile, with Wesley Moraes (£6.0m) having been bought from Club Brugge.

Kodjia started only five of Villa’s final 23 league and play-off fixtures and was mostly an impact substitute, featuring on the left flank as much as he did up top last season.

David McGoldrick (£5.5m) is perhaps one of the more likelier starters among the 22 players featured in this article.

McGoldrick played in all but one of Sheffield United’s 46 Championship fixtures (starting 36 of them) and scored more goals (15) than he has ever managed in a single season in the second tier.

Starting all but one match between Gameweeks 9 and 28, McGoldrick was one of the first names on the teamsheet for much of the season although did face bench duty on five occasions after Gary Madine and Scott Hogan’s loan captures in January.

Only four Championship players registered more shots than McGoldrick, with the former Ipswich Town forward also expected to be on penalties for the Blades in 2019/20 after his three successes from the spot last season.

The Rest

Shane Long scored four goals in the final six Gameweeks of 2018/19

There are slim pickings elsewhere.

Xande Silva and Connor Wickham (both £4.5m) failed to make a single start between them in 2018/19 and are some way down the pecking order at West Ham and Palace, although Marko Arnautovic (£7.0m) has handed in a transfer request in recent days and looks set for a summer exit.

Matej Vydra (£5.5m) hasn’t made one Premier League start in 2019, meanwhile, as he continues to play second fiddle to Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes (both £6.5m).

Joselu (£5.0m) is reportedly nearing the exit door at Newcastle but the exodus of players and manager, plus the failure to so far snap up Salomon Rondon on a permanent deal, could pave a way for Yoshinori Muto (£5.5m) to feature with more regularity in 2019/20.

Newcastle’s dismal opening run of fixtures and the Japan international’s forgettable debut season (one goal, no assists) will mean Fantasy interest is likely to be very limited, however.

There are several budget strikers whose first-team opportunities may hinge on injuries to their teammates.

Isaac Success (£5.0m) was very much fourth-choice forward by the season’s end at Watford and started just one league match in 2019.

Dominic Solanke (£5.5m), Lys Mousset (£5.0m) and Sam Surridge (£4.5m) are reliant on a loss of form or fitness from Josh King (£6.5m) and Callum Wilson (£8.0m), with even an ‘out of position’ David Brooks (£6.5m) generally preferred to this trio when the first-choice strike pair were sidelined last season.

Solanke, Mousset and Surridge made only three starts between them in 2018/19.

Further along the south coast, Shane Long (£5.0m), Michael Obafemi (£5.0m) and Sam Gallagher (£4.5m) face a fight for first-team minutes following the summer captures of Che Adams and Danny Ings (both £6.0m).

Nathan Redmond (£6.5m), meanwhile, was frequently deployed ‘out of position’ up front after Ralph Hasenhuttl’s arrival midway through last season.

Long saw more minutes and gained more FPL points in 2018/19 than any forward now in the sub-£6.0m bracket.

The Irish forward started 12 league matches last season, including five of Southampton’s last seven, and scored on five occasions.

Hasenhuttl had positive words to say about Long in the season run-in although the arrival of Adams, plus the fact that the Irish striker turns 33 midway through next season, may well see him again become a peripheral figure at St. Mary’s.

It will be interesting to see if Graham Potter can transform Brighton into a more attractive side over the summer, given his reputation for playing attacking football at Swansea and Ostersunds.

Pre-season will certainly be an intriguing watch, given that the Seagulls have one of the best opening runs of fixtures in the first six Gameweeks of 2019/20.

With Glenn Murray (£6.0m) turning 36 in September, budget forwards Jurgen Locadia (£5.5m) – more often used on the flank by Chris Hughton – and Florin Andone (£5.0m) will be hoping for more of a look-in under their new boss.

Potter seems likely to add to his striking options over the summer, though, which could swiftly dash any hopes on that front.

904 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Palace are short of a right back Arsenal want Zaha. Palace won’t be taking Jenkinson obviously.

    My mind goes back to Clive Allen and Kenny Sansom (I’m old). Maitland-Niles and a shed load of cash could work. It might sharpen minds at Arsenal.

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Chambers could play as a RB. Might include him in a swap deal?

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He’s a possible. Rh could make a defender of him too. Reiss Nelson would also feature I imagine as a likely makeweight

      2. The Nuttman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Put them both in the deal, Palace need the numbers at the back.

  2. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Robertson GW 1 Captain option? Never captained a defender before, I smell a 15 pointer though.

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you dont have Salah or Mane then sure, go for it.

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Dunk double gw fail was my first def capt attempt.. its put me off!

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Big risk. I have him as my VC though due to lack of options behind Sterling.

  3. CROCosta
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    which is better:
    a) ryan - brooks - david silva
    b) lloris - zaha - calvert-lewin

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B for me

  4. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    really struggling with my defence. apart from pool options no idea who to get. has there been there a rotation article already ?

    thanks

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I haven't seen an article on here, but if you Google "defender rotations fpl", you'll find an article. First link.

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      There was an article about budget defenders. The consensus seems to be that there arent a lot of good cheap defenders this year and that the Liverpool, City and Everton options are the best. I personally think some Spurs and Chelsea assets like Trippier, Azpi and Luiz are good options too

    3. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      4.5 options not so great if looking to play them each week, consensus here is go big in defense 3-4x6+ mil players:
      Robbo, TAA, VVD, Laporte, Walker, Azpil, Digne
      + some 5-5.5 option: Coleman, Ritchie, Ake, Spurs defenders

  5. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If only CHO was fit...

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If only indeed. Estimate is that he'll be back at around GW5.

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Id rather he not rush his recovery. He started jogging as of yesterday I think. Wouldn't want him to rush though

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Just in time for the panic WC

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It's reported that he's already doing some light ball work, but unlikely to play any part in pre-season, so obviously almost no chance he starts GW1...but hopefully he'll become an option early on, Chelsea have a very decent run from GW3 right through until November time.

  6. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    My calculations are a bit questionable but I think Jota's PPG is closer to 5.2 once he moved up front. This uses Ludos revised points total and discounts the games until he moved up front

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      One to watch

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Aren't people worried about Europa League?

      1. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, good point

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I am but to be fair, whilst Jiminez is playing in the N American cup final and will not be sufficiently rested over the summer, Jota's having a rest now and is more likely to manage 2 games a week.

  7. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sky Sports reporting that Southampton are listening to offers for both McCarthy and Forster.
    So looks like Gunn will be first choice this season, as I think we suspected.

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, I saw that as well, but where will they go?

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Differential C might be able to shed some light on this, but I think they're both high earners and with fairly long term deals, so not sure who will be able to afford them.

        Personally I think all the promoted sides, along with Bournemouth need a new keeper

    2. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Mccarthy is a decent keeper see where he goes

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Southampton's early fixtures aren't great, though.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Gunn would rotate pretty well with whoever ends up in goal for Bournemouth though, if you go 4.5m x2.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          True that. Not for me, though.

  8. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this side going all in Liverpool defence and double City midfield and Vardy up front?

    Pickford
    TAA Laporte Van Dijk Robertson
    Sterling B Silva Sigurdsson Zaha
    Vardy King

    Button Dendoncker Kelly Xande Silva

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like Triple Liverpool defence, Sterling, and Vardy.

    2. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pickford -> Ryan and Laporte -> Walker to enable Bilva -> KDB?

      1. CROCosta
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        could also be Digne over Laporte

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yes good call this- thanks

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      don't think I'll do it, but these teams do look good - it's actually quite easy if you just get the Liverpool defence instead of Salah/Mane

    4. MysticMac17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like that team. Mine is very similar. I'm also triple Pool defence. Will you go Gomez over VVD if he looks like first choice in pre season?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Perhaps but I do think VVD going to get more goals this season

    5. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer KdB over Bilva - a lot.

      Heaton and Gross over Zaha would be my play on that system.

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks- will tinker away to see how to fit KDB in!

    6. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Lots will say differently, but I'd move some money further forward. This team probably means Sigurdsson captain GW2?

  9. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Rob Holding is very much under the radar. Should have the LCB position this season. Yes, I'm aware Arsenal are poor defensively but a starting top 6 defender for 4.5 can't be sniffed at. Doesn't seem to be mentioned when 4.5 defensive options are discussed. Would much rather him than a CB from a mid table side

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Arsenal's defensive record isn't Top 6 though.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      How confident are you he'll be a regular starter?

    3. Wings Fan
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty awful opening fixtures. Short of him banging in a couple of goals he'll be available for the same sort of price in GW8 when the fixtures pick up. I'll certainly be monitoring him.

      1. MysticMac17
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Newcastle away and Burnley at home are two great opening games. Newcastle are a joke right now and Burnley don't tend to score many goals on the road. After that it gets tricky

    4. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I feel there will be quite a few 4.5 defenders who will outscore him tbh
      Highest scoring Arsenal defender last year had 81 points

    5. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      So you think he goes straight into the 11, ahead of Koscielny?

      1. MysticMac17
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Koscielny is on his way out from the looks of things. Arsenal tend to play 3 CBs so he will be starting ahead of Monreal who is also on his way out. He started 9 straight league games last season before he got injured

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Sounds promising. Not convinced they'll stick to 3 at the back but it would help Holding's prospects.

    6. Little fekirs
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If he’s nailed I’ll definitely look at him closely.

  10. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Do we expect Sterling to get close to 250 points again?
    If he does he will be good value but I'm not so sure.

    Do we think Kane can match Sterling for points this season?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No reason Sterling should let up. He's had a good rest over the summer.

  11. McGinn
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else looking at Zinchenko over Mendy/Walker?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, but I'm a bit off the idea today as they've just brought back a specialist LB.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not now they've resigned Angelino...but plenty of people on here have been looking at him.

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm still interested in him, convinced he's first choice, but of course there will be rotation at times.

  12. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who do you guys think will be the best 6-6.5m forward to start the season with?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Naff all at that price. Prob DCL, of my leftfield punt, Origi. Maybe Che Adams.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It's got to be King hasn't it?

      1. Bambi
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I problem I see with B'mouth is that their goals can come from a whole variety of players. Brooks, Wilson, King, Fraser.

        I prefer Deulofeu - He appears to be the main man at watford and could have a higher goal involvement

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I mean really the same argument could be made about Man City, and Liverpool.

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            King plays for a team who are generally quite attacking, and do score plenty of goals, also he has penalties, and again, Bournemouth seem to get a few of them.

            It's a fair comparison to Deulofeu, but he opening fixtures seem much kinder for Bournemouth.

            1. Bambi
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Bmouth only scored 4 more than Watford last season. Also I would argue that newly promoted teams in the first few gameweeks are harder than most people expect. Watford play Brighton (new manager), West ham (poor defence), and Newcastle (lost Rafa) in their first 4 - so I can see plenty of goals there

              1. HamezMace
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Fair points, probably won't be a lot between King and Deulofeu over the season, so it might be case of knowing when to own them.

                Personally I'd probably go for Deeney if I was considering Watford players in my draft.

    3. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pukki only coz it sounds like a rare Pokemon

    4. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wood

    5. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      King and DCL if nailed

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jota. Although Pukki might actually be a decent punt.

  13. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    To play every week:
    A) Heaton, Robertson, 5.5 defender (other than Coleman)
    B) Ederson, VVD, 4.5 defender

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A - might get a risky city defender at 5.5

    2. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don't really see any other appealing 5.5 defs than Wan-Bissaka and Ake but not really keen on those either. From those I'd go with B + Targett

    3. Wings Fan
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don't see the problem with Coleman, but you've also got Liverpool's 4th defender, either Gomez or Matip, both 5.5

      1. Bambi
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Don't have a problem with Coleman its just I already have him

    5. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would go 5.5 keeper, vvd and ake

  14. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Made a more attacking heavy draft. Like the idea of Kane (C) in GW1 and GW3.

    Pickford 4.0
    van Dijk Ake Cathcart Dunk Aarons
    Zaha Richarlison Salah (v) De Bruyne
    Kane (C) Jota King

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      think this team might do quite well in the first 4-5 games

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I think people have forgotten how good De Bruyne/Kane can be. Easily can get 200 pts a year.

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          the thing is, for those prices...they better should get 200+ points. But I agree, barring injuries they should be very good

          1. Klopp's Kids
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            De Bruyne is usually 10.5M and Kane around 12.5M. Might be better value now.

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I agree, for value, Kane and KdB are excellent, also whoever plays up front for Chelsea at 7m (assuming Abraham isn't more than 7m) are great value.

              1. Klopp's Kids
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Yup, just waiting to see who plays for Chelsea. Might change my team based off that.

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Well due to the transfer ban it can only be Giroud, or Abraham...I guess Batsuiayi could, but I doubt it.

  15. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4th mid up to 5.5 (if there is one) ?

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      El Ghazi from Villa

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      not too many exciting ones I think...Jorginho, Westwood, El Ghazi maybe McArthur

    3. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t like anyone at that price so I’d say Noble for pens, maybe Jorginho for pens, or Norwood for set pieces

    4. Queenofthestoneage
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kante played 37 games last season and got 116 points.
      Ndidi played 38 games last season and got 89 points.

      Both at 5.0
      Reliable bench fodder.

    5. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jorginho, Norwood, McGinn

    6. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Noble for me but don't think i would run 4th mid for 5.5 honestly, rather go 5th defender

  16. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which would you pick out of these..

    A - Kane, Zaha, Salah, Dendoncker

    B - Sterling, Moura, Mane, 4.5 forward (Wickham)

    1. Wings Fan
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A due to nailedness of the players. Moura puts me off B completely.

      1. GoonerByron
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        With Moura I’m only thinking short term, first 2 GWs while Son is suspended

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for sure,
      Dendocker is one of the best bench fodders, Moura will only play first 2 weeks, and as always going Salah-less in very scary

  17. McGinn
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT:

    - Ederson -
    - Robertson - Digne - Van Dijk -
    - Zaha - L. Moura - Salah - De Bruyne -
    - Jimenez - King - Deulofeu -

    Bench:
    Ake - Would switch him in for Deulofeu/King rotate.
    Button/Stephens/Kelly

    1. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Planning to only captain salah?

      1. McGinn
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Initially yeah - will see how City lines up though over coming weeks

    2. Laporte In A Storm
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      This is actually not bad at all.

  18. JamTart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Ryan/Button
    Robbo/TAA/Digne/XXX/Diop
    Salah/Sterling/Siggy/Fraser/Townsend
    King/Wickham/Greenwood
    5.5 ITB

    XXX will be the laporte partner from the community shield.

    1. Wings Fan
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That forward line makes me feel a bit ill

      1. JamTart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It's not great but the value in premium players seems to be midfield hence sterling over Kun.

        It does feel weird though admittedly.

        What is your front line?

  19. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    No love for Maitland Niles?

    Full back, high scoring team, might be a steal

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Full back, high conceding team

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      as long as Emery doesn't go rogue and put Mustafi at RB he's probably a decent pick for the first couple

  20. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How is De Ligt only costing Juve £58m?

    When Leicester want £80m for Maguire, and Wan Bissaka cost £50m?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Premier league players cost silly money, richest league in the world

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        no reason they can't just offer 80m to Ajax though? doesn't really make sense

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          That's what I mean, why don't City/United take the £80m they were going to give to Leicester and give it to Ajax, for a player I think is much better anyway.

          1. Shatner's Bassoon
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Tough when a player has indicated they want to move to a specific other club though.

            Once that happens, said club has so much more leverage over transfer fee (which Juve may be trying to push down due to wage demands / agent fee / signing on fee etc).

            So United could go to Ajax "here's 80m", Ajax accept... De Ligt tells them to do one. Big waste of time, and they miss out on Maguire.

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I hear what you're saying, same scenario with Zaha/Arsenal right now.

              Now sure why De Ligt is so set on playing for Juve though, I know United aren't the most appealing club in the world right now, but surely City, Real Madrid, Barca would want him too.

            2. The 5% Team
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Ajax gave Juventus permission to get into talks with de Ligt, without agreeing on the transfer fee beforehand. Since this is the club he wants to go to, Juventus feel they can offer less than what the market says he's worth

              I agree, 58-65 million is 'cheap' for one of the best defenders in the world for the coming years

              1. HamezMace
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Definitely cheap, compared to Maguire and Wan Bissaka...also how much was Joan Felix transfer fee?

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The pound has absolutely tanked. 😀

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I know only too well!

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      rumours are Ajax and Juventus are quite far apart in negotiations though. Deal will get done eventually, but not done yet

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Reports I've seen are that Ajax would take £65m for him, which is still less than Maguire.

        I think De Ligt will be the best defender in the world in a couple of years time.

        1. Godfrey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          They already had an offer from PSG which was €75 million + €10 million bonus.

          1. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            was rejected by de Ligt because PSG didn't want to include 150m transfer clause I read

          2. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            75m euros, is about £65m isn't it?
            Are you saying that offer was accepted?

  21. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all... Thoughts?

    Ederson
    Roberston TAA VVD Digne
    Sterling KDB Zaha Hayden
    Vardy Wilson

    Button Kelly Dendonker 4.5

  22. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I actually quite like this one

    Heaton
    Robbo TAA Digne Holebas
    Sterling KdB Gross
    Kane Wilson jota/Barnes/King

    A couple of punts in there but they both have fpl track record - there was very little between Digne and Holebas before cards kick in. Gross could be the one to be on if Potter does what it says on the tin.

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      probably rather have Salah & Trossard than Sterling & Gross but looks decent yeah

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      GW2 captaincy could be an issue?

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yep

        Auba is a strong possibility for weeks 1 and 2 while Son is out and to skip the City game

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'm definitely starting with one premium forward, and am considering Aubameyang in from the start, before switching to Kane GW3. It gives me a captaincy run of GW1 Salah (NOR), GW2 Aubameyang (BUR), GW3 Kane (NEW). I think this gives me an edge over those rotating Salah and Sterling... GW1 Salah (NOR), GW2 Salah (sou), GW3 Sterling (bou) or Salah (ARS).

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            nice

          2. Shatner's Bassoon
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            It's good for structure to be fair, just never sure about planning transfers.

            That may put you 4pts behind if things go a bit awry - and it could be that you're desperate for Sterling by GW3 as well if he bangs?

            I'm sure you've considered that anyway!

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I know what you mean about planning transfers, the plan may need to be scrapped at short notice, but I think this one could be worth the risk.

              Re Sterling, he's currently in my draft with Salah and Aubameyang.

              1. Shatner's Bassoon
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                interesting... thats a helluva budget tied up in 3 players. sacrificed defence a bit?

                1. avfc82
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  A little, but it'll still have 2 x Liverpool.

  23. Team17
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hows about this then...

    Leno (Button)

    Robertson, Van Dijk, Laporte, Wan Bis (Kelly)

    Mane, B Silva, Sanchez (Noble, Jorginho)

    Kane, Jiminez, King

    1. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Leno is a terrible pick. Don't trust Sanchez

      1. Team17
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Fair. Sanchez is my wild card. I was alternating between him and Fornels.

        An alternative would be:

        Sanchez to Fornels

        Leno to Kepa/ Lloris

  24. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan/Burnley GK

    Coleman - Robbo - Laporte - Cathcart
    Siggy - Salah - Sterling - KDB
    King - Deulofeu

    Button - Dendonck - Reid - 4.5Striker

    Kane is the one I might switch for, most likely sacrificing Sterling but that just feels so wrong ATM!

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it mate, also wrestling with the 2 from 3 - Salah, Sterling, Kane dilemma.

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers. Kane might be easier to fit in for GW3 if I feel one of the City mids needs binning.

        One concern would be Egypt going full distance in AFCON - meaning Salah can't be used in GW1... and then how do we get him in??

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'm currently on Sterling and Kane, the benefit being I can do Sterling to Salah if needed, whereas if I decide I need Kane but have a front line of...Giroud, King and Vardy for example, it's almost impossible with a couple of hits.

          1. Shatner's Bassoon
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            ah right - keeping 0.5m back then?

            I can't see a scenario outside injury or total dichotomy in form where you'd want to make that switch though?

            Sterling's fixtures are so good for ages you'll continually be reluctant to make that move

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              That's the plan, but even if I'm not able to manage it, it's not major surgery to swap Sterling to Salah.
              Whereas swapping Giroud to Kane would need 3/4 transfers..or probably an early WC.

              I doubt I'll want to lose Sterling either, but I'm yet to find a way of doing Kane, Salah and Sterling (without having 2x 4.5m benched strikers, or going without one of the Liverpool defenders, and Digne - who is a lock).

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice very nice.

      Cathcart? Thinking Holebas myself but I’m lighter in midfield. Just think he has a huge potential upside.

      Not worried by absence of premium up top for when one hits? Tough for you to get there.

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cath is basically player 11 - will possibly switch with playing benchees. Had 4.5 left so thought he was probably the best out of a poor bunch - can't stretch to Holebas for 0.5 more but not sure I'd want him anyway, can see him getting phased out this season given his age.

        Yeah - i think structure sacrifice will be quite common this season with heavy defences / focus on midfield. Heavy defence means we might have to move money out of there piecemeal to get to a top attacker which is always tough & involves hits.

        I could do Sterling, Deu, Coleman -> Kane, Zaha, Digne... and that's the real dilemma here as that's better structurally but means no Sterling which I'm not comfortable with at this point.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Interesting on Holebas - I’ll monitor. I see him as short term anyway given card record.

          I’m modelling how easy it is to make the likely transfers. My oddball 5-2-3 stands up quite well if you factor in rolling week 1 and transfer in hand. My 4-3-3 is less flexible!

  25. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So for the next month everything will just be about Salah + Wilson/Vardy or KgB + Kane

    Everything else on here is the same.

    I can't say I'm looking forward to it.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It's always the same, until a transfer happens (Perez)...or a new players gets added (Abraham).

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        ....perfect timing...let's see how many RMTs include Angelino now.

      2. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        People must be so confused by now. What do people expect others to comment on their various combinations/RMT's?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Well usually they just comment advising people to change their team to be the same as theirs.

          Example, any team without Salah will just be flooded with replies telling them they need Salah, because they have Salah, and obviously Salah is a good option.

    2. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What's the Russians meddling with now?

  26. jamie1972
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Prefer?

    a) Kepa + VVD
    b) Allison + Azpi/Digne

  27. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Some new players added

    Angeliño comes in at 5m
    Ndombele at 6m
    Freeman at 5.5m

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Tasty

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      none for me. But Spurs defenders a bit more interesting now

    3. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Freeman is Norich GK? Looks very high no?

  28. Dr Funk
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Quick question...

    Sterling and King

    Or

    Bilva and Kane?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling and King

  29. Godfrey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Angelino 5.0
    Ndombele 6.0

  30. Crayon Shinchan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Rate My Team Thanks

    Fab, 4.0

    VVD, Robertson, TAA, Laporte, Digne

    Richardlison, Siggy, KDB, B Silva, 4.5

    Kane, 4.5, 4.5

    1. Laporte In A Storm
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Good though the fixtures are, I don't think you need triple EVE and Siggy is the standout choice I think. I would change Rich to Zaha personally.

      1. Crayon Shinchan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the advice bro but i dont know whether Zaha's mind is at CP or at Arsenal 🙂 thats why i dont choose. I will take another look at him or Fraser perhaps. Thanks

    2. Dr Funk
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Excellent team. But only 1 playing sub.

      1. Crayon Shinchan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Ya thats the weakness of this team. One big injury and u need to make a transfer.