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Is it worth paying extra for Wilson over King in FPL?

Callum Wilson (£8.0m) has been handed a significant price rise in Fantasy Premier League ahead of 2019/20 and is now the second-most-expensive FPL forward who doesn’t represent a ‘big six’ club.

The price hike was inevitable after his fine 2018/19 in which he banked 26 attacking returns, more than in his previous three seasons combined.

Wilson’s points-per-match average of 5.6 was beaten by only three other FPL forwards (the £11.0m+ trio) and better than any of his Bournemouth teammates.

While Wilson has been handed a £2.0m price rise, Joshua King (£6.5m) costs exactly what he did 12 months ago.

There’ll be many Fantasy managers, then, who will be seriously considering the cheaper King as their Bournemouth coverage from Gameweek 1 onwards.

Investment in the Cherries’ FPL assets certainly looks appealing from the off, as they face all three promoted clubs and only one of last season’s top four in the opening ten Gameweeks – although matches against Everton and Leicester may prove tricky.

With that in mind, we will run a comparison of the two Bournemouth forwards in this article.

This piece would usually only be available to Members but we are temporarily unlocking it to give non-subscribers an idea of the type of analysis we produce behind the paywall.

The ‘King v Wilson’ idea was proposed by The FPL Physio, FPLFoxy and Man Getting Hit By Football on Twitter and on our site.

2018/19 FPL Data

Overall

PlayerAppsGoalsAssistsPoints per matchDouble-digit haulsBlanks
Wilson29 starts, 1 sub app14125.66/30 (20%)15/30 (50%)
King34 starts, 1 sub app1234.04/35 (11.4%)25/35 (71.4%)

Wilson was, quite simply, a more reliable option than King last season.

Wilson has a reputation for streakiness (six blanks and three double-digit hauls in the last nine Gameweeks an example of that) but banked more returns of ten or more points and blanked on fewer occasions, too.

King’s points-per-match average was some way short of Wilson’s, meanwhile.

Home

PlayerAppsGoalsAssistsPoints per matchDouble-digit haulsBlanks
Wilson15 starts564.81/15 (6.7%)7/15 (46.7%)
King18 starts935.33/18 (16.7%)10/18 (55.6%)

Interestingly, King was more than a match for Wilson at the Vitality Stadium.

The Norway international averaged more points per match than his strike partner and racked up more double-digit hauls.

The difference essentially came down to penalties: four of the five spot-kicks that King scored last season were in home games.

Again, though, Wilson was more consistent, returning in a higher percentage of his home fixtures.

Away

PlayerAppsGoalsAssistsPoints per matchDouble-digit haulsBlanks
Wilson14 starts, 1 sub app966.45/15 (33.3%)8/15 (53.3%)
King16 starts, 1 sub app302.71/17 (5.9%)15/17 (88.2%)

There was no contest between the pair on the road, with King blanking in all but two of his 17 appearances.

Wilson was a rarity among Premier League players in that he was more productive on his travels than on his own patch.

2018/19 broke the trend of recent seasons: King had actually scored more goals away than at home in his previous two campaigns, while the opposite was true of Wilson.

v Non-‘Big Six’ Sides

PlayerAppsGoalsAssistsPoints per matchDouble-digit haulsBlanks
Wilson22 starts, 1 sub app12126.4
6/23 (26.1%)10/23 (43.5%)
King24 starts924.33/24 (12.5%)16/24 (66.7%)

Given that Bournemouth play only one of the ‘big six’ in the first seven Gameweeks, it may pay dividends to analyse their strikers’ form against the also-rans of the Premier League in 2018/19.

Wilson again comes out on top: all bar two of his 26 attacking returns were against sides ranked seventh or below.

The England international registered more double-digit hauls and fewer blanks than King against these opponents.

Wilson v King: Heatmaps

Touch heatmaps for Callum Wilson (left) and Josh King (right) in 2018/19

The heatmaps above underline what we know already about the Bournemouth strike pair in that Wilson tends to be the more advanced of the two (see the average position charts in any number of the Cherries’ games last season).

While Wilson remains fairly central, King has a tendency to drift wide – note the mass of red down each flank and the left in particular.

Wilson v King: Goal Threat

Underlying goal threat statistics for Callum Wilson (left) and Josh King (right) in 2018/19. Most figures given are averages per appearance.

While Wilson has a definite edge, there isn’t a great deal to separate the pair in terms of goal threat.

Their rate of shots is pretty similar, although the better quality of Wilson’s chances (shots in the box, big chances etc) is notable.

Wilson had 15 shots from inside the six-yard box last season (only two players had more), while King had seven.

As we have discussed, Wilson and King were well matched at home in terms of FPL returns.

Wilson was head and shoulders above his strike partner for goals on the road but, looking at the underlying stats only in away matches, King fares well:

Underlying goal threat statistics for Callum Wilson (left) and Josh King (right) in 2018/19 away matches. Most figures given are averages per appearance.

King actually averaged more penalty box touches, shots on goal and efforts from inside the opposition area on the road last season, although Wilson again had a significant advantage when it came to ‘big chances’.

Only five players had more shots from inside the six-yard box than King (five) on the road, one of whom was Wilson (ten).

Wilson v King: Creativity

Underlying distribution statistics for Callum Wilson (left) and Josh King (right) in 2018/19. Most figures given are averages per appearance.

Again, there was little to separate the pair when it comes to creativity.

Their minutes-per-chance created averages were similar, with Wilson having a slight edge when it came to big chances created.

Isolating only away games, King bettered Wilson for almost every underlying distribution statistic apart from the one that matters, of course: actual assists:

Underlying distribution statistics for Callum Wilson (left) and Josh King (right) in 2018/19 away matches. Most figures given are averages per appearance.

Wilson v King: Expected Goal Data

Home Matches
Expected goal involvement data for Callum Wilson and Josh King in 2018/19 home matches.

King’s better FPL record at home last season is played out in his expected goal involvement data above, with both Bournemouth strikers slightly exceeding expectation (xGI deltas of +2.00 and+1.37).

Away Matches
Expected goal involvement data for Callum Wilson and Josh King in 2018/19 away matches.

This is the really interesting one.

Wilson’s xGI on the road was indeed higher than King’s but only by a similar margin that the Norwegian had at the Vitality.

What’s notable is their respective xGI deltas: only Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) ‘overachieved’ more than Wilson (+5.34) in away games last season, while not a single Premier League player underperformed to the same extent as King (-3.39).

That would suggest the gap between their respective FPL returns on their travels (Wilson 15, King three) ought to have been closer.

Wilson’s record with Fraser

Half of Callum Wilson’s goals were set up by Ryan Fraser in 2018/19.

Wilson and Ryan Fraser (£7.5m) made Premier League history last season.

The pair combined for 12 goals in total, with Fraser assisting Wilson on seven occasions and Wilson returning the favour five times.

No other two players have combined for as many goals in a 38-match Premier League season.

Not one of King’s goals was assisted by Fraser.

It would stand to reason that King wouldn’t benefit from the Scotland international’s creativity as much, given that the Norwegian has a tendency to drift over to the same side of the pitch that the left-winger operates from (see the heatmaps).

Fraser’s crosses and passes, then, will generally be of greater benefit to the striker who is more prominent in the centre of the box, i.e. Wilson.

Being supplied by a player who created a staggering 28 big chances last season (nine more than any other Fantasy asset) and fired over more crosses (271) than any other midfielder is obviously an advantage that Wilson has.

Final Thoughts

Joshua King is Bournemouth’s first-choice penalty taker as the Premier League gets ready to roll out VAR for the first time.

A price rise was justified for Wilson after his exploits in 2018/19 but the data suggests he and King aren’t too mismatched in terms of overall attacking potential.

Wilson being the more advanced of the two means he will likely continue to get more ‘big chances’, while his telepathic partnership with Fraser is also a boon.

The fact that he blanked on fewer occasions than King and delivered more double-digit hauls is significant, too.

If the pair were to repeat their points-per-match averages of last season at the prices they are now, Wilson would still win out on the value-for-money metric (points per match divided by price):

PlayerPricePoints Per Match (PPM)PPM/Price
Wilson£8.0m5.60.70
King£6.5m4.00.62

King’s misfortune in having the worst xGI delta of all Premier League players in away games is worth noting, though, and a player of his quality surely won’t ‘underachieve’ to the same extent again.

The Norwegian is also (presumably still) the first choice for penalties at Bournemouth, which could partially compensate for Wilson’s superior threat from open play.

It’s right that Wilson now costs more in FPL but £1.5m is quite the difference this season when we Fantasy managers have to make savings to accommodate the premium options elsewhere.

For those looking at a 5-4-1/4-5-1 with a cheap-ish striker up front, then King certainly fits the bill.

It isn’t just King and Wilson who could ‘cover’ the Bournemouth attack in their opening fixtures, of course.

Fraser delivered more points than either of these two options last season and is available for half a million cheaper than Wilson.

We’ll have more on the Scottish winger over the summer, starting with a Numbers Game piece on Bournemouth next week.

For non-subscribers, details of how to become a Member and get access to more articles such as these, plus all of the other benefits, are given below.

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1,089 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Udo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which do you prefer?
    A: Wilson & Brooks
    B: King & Fraser

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B for now but I might triple up out of those four so all good options at the start!

    2. NUFCAndrew
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        A

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B for me. King on penalties and Fraser assists Wilson. Three is too much for me because of GW3 MCI. If they have a poor start and there someboy else gets injurured it means probably hit or too early WC. Or bad gw3 at least.

    4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B).

    5. Scotty B
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I've gone B

  2. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A. Fabianski & Laporte

    Or

    B. Ederson & Coleman ??

    1. NUFCAndrew
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B for me , could also do Fab & Digne for 0.5 cheaper

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  3. Super Frank8
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Asked this last night but nobody didn't could help. But has anyone joined the @fplstatistics cash league? Anybody know how many are in/what the field is like? https://twitter.com/FPLStatistics/status/1146818452163686400/photo/1

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Absurdly competitive if you want to win cash set up a league with a load of noob mates

      1. Super Frank8
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Don't see them forking out the £ to be honest. They know themselves they'll give up after a month

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          There is definitely going to be people in the top 1k in that league

          1. Super Frank8
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Dream would be to find a "soft" cash league field. Unlikely though. Wish my mates and colleagues would commit

    2. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yep will have to finish atleast top 1k to win any cash there which is possible of course , just like winning the Lotto!

  4. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ederson Button

    TAA Robbo Digne Taylor Targett

    Salah Sterling Siggy Zaha Dendoncker

    King DCL Nketiah

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Really like it but I’d have 4.0mil defender to allow for additional 6.5 forward

    2. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good just monitor DCL in pre-season and maybe a good cheap keeper pops up somewhere too!

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

      DCL?

      Could be great value but equally he could end up neutralising Digne as he’s not great at putting chances away.

      I’d find 0.5 from Zaha to Perez to get King. Leicester are likely to be much more productive than Palace especially if Palace don’t buy big up front.

      1. Doubter2Believer
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He already has King

  5. Super Frank
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Feedback appreciated
    A) Ederson, Dunk, Rico, B. Silva, Sigurdsson
    B) Ryan, Laporte, Trippier, KDB, Hayden

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B not sure on Rico and B.Silva for FPL points this season.

  6. i am jose mourinho
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    U guys really started doing your drafts ?

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes but only one draft after auto-pick for me and now waiting for pre-season! Sure there is a few on 200+ drafts already 🙂

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Can’t help myself - down season is boring boring boring!

  7. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson/Button
    Robertson/TAA/VVD/Mendy/Coleman
    Stirling/Zaha/
    Kane/Wilson/King

    Button/Hayden/Dendoc/Stephens

    Good or Bad ??

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Good except for Mendy he is going to miss pre-season and unlikely to start with Zinch and Angelino as back-up.

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Zaha - if he heads to arsenal, will he start?

      Mendy - has he lost favour, will he start?

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

      Like it.

      Mendy is obvs chancy. But Walker - essentially nailed could get you City cs anyway if needed. I’m also thinking Luiz Azpi could be value.

      I’d also consider Lloris over Ederson to get Wilson over Zaha. In principle that opens up a second City attack spot and double City attack is surely preferable if it becomes available.

  8. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Keep coming up .1 short every time I try to draft the perfect team....

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I can borrow you the 0.1 if you need , have some cash itb atm

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        😉

  9. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Good evening everyone!
    Any changes you'd make to this team? No bench at all but think it covers all areas on the XI (despite starting Dendoncker):

    Ryan
    Robbo | VVD | Laporte
    Salah | KdB | Siggy | Zaha | Dendoncker
    Kane | King

    Button | Kelly | Rico | Greenwood

    Thanks

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think you know what most ppl will say....

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Laporte to Walker and upgrade a 4.0 def to 4.5 to play instead of Dendoncker?

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Mainly don’t have Dendoncker as a starting 11. Shows that the team is unbalanced

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I agree, but I think I'm willing to sacrifice (I now have a Ederson & Digne)

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

        "where the !@#$ is sterling?"
        "play 5 at the back!"
        "dont buy Kane before september!"

    2. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team but would rather play a 4.5 defender instead of Dendoncker once we know the best available one and not sure yet if KdB will fire from the start , so wait and see for me.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks:

        Laporte to Walker
        Rico to 4.5?

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

      I’d trade Laporte in for a 6.0 to get TAA personally. (Digne/Azpi/Luiz/Walker)

      VVD and Laporte can return well of course but they were outpaced by wingbacks for most of last season. Both came good late. Perhaps they will return more evenly this time but I’d back TAA and Robbo plus one over them.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the feedback. I've swapped Ryan for Ederson, Laporte to Digne and Siggy to Maddison.

        Really happy with it now but does mean playing Donkey every week but I don't mind considering the rest!

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

          Yeah provided he turns up it should be fine. Part of my new season resolution is not to get transfixed by bit part players. I had a decent bench all last season and never used it making unnecessary transfers to get 2 points in.

          Im not going Mo but it's mighty midfield.

    4. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The more important question is will you Kaptain Kane GW1 ahead of Salah?

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Will decide nearer the time but it's likely to be Salah

  10. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    TM?

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

      Hello?

  11. Edwards123
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Evans, B.Silva, Milivojevic, Wilson
    B) Lascelles, Sterling, Kante, King

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not a massive fan of either but B at a push

    2. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Niether

  12. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best option here:

    A) Laporte, Dendonker, Jota
    B) Diop, Mili, DCL

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      There is only one option named A.

    3. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for the start with Wolves in Europa

    4. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

  13. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If you could only have one?

    A) A city defender
    B) Digne

    Thanks

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Interesting, cheers

    2. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      All depends which City defender , Digne over Stones any day of the week 🙂

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, I think I've just cracked it!! Don't worry

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B).

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

      Depends on whether Everton get a better cf to finish chances. If not City

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

      I'm staying away from city defence for the first few, away games and spurs home isnt totally appealing

  14. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A Robbo Jimmy
    B VVD Wilson

    Have TAA and King

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B for the start of the season

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        B now, yes. Later situation may change.

  15. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Perez should do better at Leicester ? or other best 6.5m midfielder ?

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He will do well at Leicester but not sure he will be a better FPL option this season.

    2. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not interested, personally

    3. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Worth watching. Oop and good value for 6.5

      1. Udo
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Whom for would you sacrifice him?

        1. Lebowski85
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          My mid priced mid. I've got two big hitters, a kid range and a couple of 4.5/5.0

          I'm going 4-3-3 this season. To start with anyway

          1. Udo
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I was thinking of 4-3-3 too, but got already confused to be flexible between 3-5-2, 4-5-1, and 5-4-1. In other words overthinking got me already.

  16. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I did some study about 5 main Liverpool assists. VvD and Salah did´t overperform a lot. Therefore I have a gut feeling (high xA delta) that Robbo and TAA assisted Mane (high xG delta) a lot.

    Conclusions from this are difficult to make if Mane is in form. Anyway I believe that VvD should be pretty safe picks should Mane lose his form. I would have hoped TAA to be cheaper than Robbo, but still considering now choosing TAA (in form later), VvD and Mane. I believe that VvD and Mane +1,5 million should be better choice than Robbo+Salah. 1,5 million means for me one defender from 4,5 to 6 million. Captaincy may be an issue though.

    I remember TAA assisting Mane a lot, but who scored Robbo's assists?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The Egyptian King!

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Okay, this means that not having at least one of them (Robbo or Salah) is potential risk if Salah becomes explosive from his assists 🙁 Worst case scenario might demand two sideways transfers and might harm team value.

  17. Jawosaurus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    For the TFF players, the draft price list is out: https://fantasyfootball.telegraph.co.uk/football/premier-league/pdf/TFF1920_player-list.pdf

  18. Lebowski85
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Aguero Eriksen Walker
    Or
    Kane KDB Laporte

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good

  19. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best midfielder or forward for 6.5m or under ?

    Already have King.

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

      I prefer deulofeu over king

    2. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I've got Perez as a place Holder but thinking someone Might emerge in Pre-Season. Like Mahrez a few years ago

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        What a bargain he was, 5.5 weren't it his starting price?

        Plus I think Kane was possibly 5.0 in his breakout season.

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

      I think Brooks or Redmond (once the fixtures are better) will be good options, I really want to see what Perez' role is in that Leicester team. Other than those guys I think it really depends on fixtures, there aren't a lot of players in that price range that I'd be confident in.

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

        Townsend for example is a good player for a short term punt, he's just far too inconsistent to have for a long period of time.

      2. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        RLC or Barkley could be good

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

          Yeah, that's definitely a wait and see for me, Chelsea do have some potential bargains.

    4. Udo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I really like Almiron, but amen't brave enough.

    5. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Any way you can find 0.5, mid options really open up at that price (own 2 x 7.0 mids myself)

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Gone with King and Deulof, both at 6.5mil.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Sounds sensible for now

  20. Kante FC
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Going 5-2-3 and need 3 x 4.5 midfielders. Please could you rank these options to help me choose?

    Hayden
    Stephens
    Romeu
    Guendouzi
    Dendoncker

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Dendoncker
      Stephens
      Hayden
      Guendouzi
      Romeu

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

        this

      2. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agree with this

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

    How does this 433 look?

    Heaton
    TAA Robertson Coleman Ake
    De Bruyne Sigurdsson Salah (v)
    Kane (C) King Jota

    Bench: 4.0, 4.5, 4.5, 4.0

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good but why have Salah if you won't captain him at home vs Norwich could spend those funds elsewhere if you are backing Kane GW1!

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

        I'm switching between the two!

  22. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Not seen James Maddison in many sides.
    Thought he really impressed in his debut prem season and could proper kick on this season in a flourishing Leicester side.

    1. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He was great but think Vardy is more certain atm and think Perez and Tielemans will outscore him FPL wise. That will all change if he has a good pre-season and shows he won't just rack up secondary assists!

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good re point Tielemans - is he staying/will be added?
        Vardy I agree too but I think the 7.0 pricetag for Maddison is great.

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

      Jamie enters the chat

  23. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi...is it worth sacrificing sterling for bilva if it accommodates kane?

    Best option here please?

    Ryan button
    TAA VVD Mendy xxx taylor
    Salah xxx siggy zaha dendonker
    Xxx king greenwood

    A..... digne sterling deulofeu
    B......Coleman bilva kane

    Thanks

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A if you are going to captain Salah anyway

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kane isn't the Kane he was bud, you know, they know... maybe at the Vardy levels, but 11 seems like tempting folk over the cliff.

  24. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender to rotate with Taylor?

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

      Targett

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

    Thoughts here?

    Ryan
    Robertson TAA Digne
    Salah Sterling Zaha Maddison
    Jiminez King Deulofeu

    Button Dondecker 4.0 4.0

    1. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. Will struggle to upgrade a striker though...so od look to get a premium up top to remain flexible. Get Aguero up top and maybe Siggy/Richarlison if you can find the 0.5

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This or consider Vardy as a premium option

        1. Lebowski85
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          True. I'd be happy to start with Vardy

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Template except Maddison but decent.

  26. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Feels dirty playing with 5 at the back, but here we are. Any thoughts?

    Ryan Button
    TAA, Robbo, Coleman, Walker, A Smith
    Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Dendoncker, Stephens
    Vardy, King, 4.5

    Obviously a lot can change (Zaha transfer, new forward option st WHU, etc.), but I quite like the look of this team.

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

      Nice - we're thinking along similar lines. But I don't want Mo yet on the grounds that the Liverpool 3 will collectively miss preseason.

      Compare with this. Don't know who's ahead.

      LLORIS
      Trent Robbo DIGNE Walker LUIZ
      Sterling Siggy KDB
      Vardy King

      1. Jay Jay Okocha
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Very nice. I'll consider something similar if it looks like Salah/Mane will miss out on opening day come early August.

      2. Jay Jay Okocha
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Particularly like the Luiz pick - I might consider Christensen in a future iteration.

  27. Edwards123
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone else expecting the addition of VAR to majorly increase the value in penalty takers or am i overestimating the impact itll have?

    1. Udo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      There was a study but won't have a link in which it showed the impact in a couple of other European countries and it wasn't much of an impact. So I am not too worried about it.

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

        That research is probably negated by the new handball rule - more VAR pens will happen imo.

    2. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm kind of hoping the opposite is true.

      More penalties awarded, more penalties saved due to the added time pressure/delay

      I'm backing Pickford to have a top top season

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This is a good point, it arguably adds value to the cheap keepers, a couple of PKS can get rubbish to 140 for half over 4 spent.

        1. Lebowski85
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          2/3 penalty saves a season basically turned fabianski from mediocrity to an arguable set and forget for the season.

          I'd be curious to know which team conceded to most penalties in the top flight last year

          1. Netley Lucas
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Dunno but pick a 4.5 and you're probably there. 😆

          2. Snevitz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            It's on the premier League website, Brighton.

            1. Netley Lucas
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Hello Ryan & Button then, that 119 can become 140!

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

                They still have to save them...

                1. Netley Lucas
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  😆 I'm minded that the overall EPL PKS ratio might help there.

            2. Lebowski85
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I couldn't be arsed to Google it. Thanks

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

          Don't follow.

          Why should cheap keepers get more pen saves? It's just as likely that Pickford and Lloris will both get more again - that's what happened last time.

          1. Netley Lucas
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Did they? I guess worse sides will concede more pens?

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

              Just avoid DDG!!!!

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd expect an initial rise due to EPL pace and movement then it will settle down.

  28. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else think Ederson and Allison are underpriced at 6.0?

    20/21 clean sheets between them last season and I'm sure not so long ago DDG was 7.0 after a similar points score?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      DDG was never more than 6.0
      If a GK was more than 6.0 nobody would buy them imo

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Oh really? Wonder where I got that from then!

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Dunno 🙂 you can check previous prices in the player history page

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            On FFS or main site?

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Ah just found it, awesome

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      About right for keepers, can't compare with other ranks, Brighton duo got 119 for a half spent over 4's in a bad season.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah ignore me I got confused

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, relative to other keepers you can't go over 6 really. We usually get a VORP post explaining it all around this time, it's tricky but worth a read when it emerges.

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you think they're underpriced then a) you should definitely own one and b) you don't understand FPL

  29. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A. Fraser + Walker
    B. Zaha + Laporte

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You don't think we'll know who is City's LB by season start? Wait mate, it's the real value.

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

        Fair point. But is it likely to be clear who’s long term first choice? Last I’d heard Mendy’s due to start training late, so probably Zinchenko’s job to start (unless the new chap impresses), but I’d like to pick a season keeper if possible.

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Well that's a good point if you want to keep your WC for a while, I'm not too fussed tbh, try to get a decent start.

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks. I think this is right too (although would love to be able to pick Zinky per above).

  30. ZakMitch
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is there any love for Pascal Gross this year? Playing under a more attacking manager, is on freekicks and possibly pens (if Murray doesn't play). Was a bit of a gem 2 years ago and 0.5m cheaper than Zaha?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      This i slike Kane, a falling stock, could be, observe for now, easy to get.

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

      On my watchlist.

      I have a variation where I get both him and Perez! Both I fancy much more than Zaha especially early on.

      The change of manager could unlock him.