We’re hosting another community questions video special this afternoon.
Joe and Neale will be on air on our YouTube channel from 12:30pm BST but you can also tune in via the embedded video below.
This will be converted into podcast format after the event.
As happened on Tuesday, we’ll be addressing some of the questions and issues raised in the Hot Topic and Tweet that we put out earlier in the week.
ritzyd asked about budget gems, so Joe and Neale will be delving into the best bench fodder options in each of the positions – if there are any, that is.
Kane Lane and I Member wondered if Chelsea assets – including Olivier Giroud – are being overlooked and that issue will also be tackled in today’s stream.
Joe and Neale also share their general thoughts on building a Gameweek 1 squad and any advice that may be useful.
We’ll be live again next Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime tackling more of the requests that were submitted on our site or on social media.
Keep your requests coming in for topics of debate in the meantime and we’ll get through as many as we can before the season begins.
B
A
A
B
Auba was joint top prem scorer last year, despite the minutes Emery took away from him and a league high 23 big changes missed.
He’s got so much potential to go big next season if things fall into place for himI like him a lot he deserves better than arsenal
Isn’t he like 31? Emery will continue to manage his minutes
He's 30, yes.
Good point, but he really needs better creative people around him. Ramsey has gone, and Ozil doesn't want to play.
What do you think of the rumoured signings in ceballos, tierney, saliba and, even though unlikely, Everton ?
None of these people I don’t think satisfy anything that your team needsCould be good, you never know. I'm not excited right now.
Don’t blame you i’m Sorry
I think Ceballos would be a good fit, can operate in that Ramsey, box to box role, but also further forward. Tierney and Saliba also make sense, IMO.
You think ceballos suits? Never been an ambitious getting into the opposition box player when i’ve Seen him play.
Saliba is smart business but they’re loaning him out instead of playing over Mustafi.
Tierney i’m Not convinced is a greater quality than what they have alreadyI think he could fill a few roles, but I see him deeper, controlling the middle and driving forward with the ball, something Arsenal lack IMO.
I'm expecting around 210 from him this season.
Anyone going with Bilva? Was easily City's best player last season, can genuinely see him kicking on again this year too.
Very tempted, I think he'll be close to KdB for points this year.
would that make Bilva overperforming or KdB underperforming?
Probably more KdB underperforming I suppose.
I see them around the 120 - 140 points marker, which I think is about 50 points less than KdB got in his two injury free seasons.140 points would be kinda low for Bilva as well I feel
Maybe, I suppose it depends on rotation. Will Mahrez get more game time this season? Is Sane staying?
I've got him in my team, seems pretty cheap for such a baller
Yes. He is Pep's favourite and now has a fir KdB to assist him.
in the one pre-season match so far...Bilva was kinda invisible compared to KdB, who was very attacking and in possession
Sense that he’ll be affected somewhat by Sane who’ll get starts up front if he stays. Question is whether you’re still interested if he gets the Dilva slot regularly. I’m seeing him as the ready made Dilva replacement and getting run in there.
I agree with this. I’d only want him as a CAM rather than an inverted winger. Doesn’t have the same threat
Great player but he has never been a prolific scorer, or even assister for that matter. Better FPL options at that price
Like?
Siggy
Not convinced on Siggy. Anyone else?
Fraser for 0.5 less
If KDB stays fit he gets 20 assists and 10 goals.
so that would be more close to Sterling points.
So difficult to predict, one says Bilva will match KdB, other feels KdB will match Sterling 🙂The nature of peps rotation is key really. If KDB becomes the go to guy in midfield like he was in 2017/18 then he gets close to sterling, if he’s just another one in rotation with silva’s, gundogan, foden etc then he’ll be closer to Bilva numbers
My advice is get him if can afford it, as you can downgrade easier to pogba / siggy if he gets an early benchingKDB will 100% match Sterling if he is fit. I don’t know, you have one injury hit season and everyone casts you aside.
No hate but this statement is madness in my opinion. KDB could score well, but can't see him scoring that well.
Agreed.
Sterling and Salah will finish some way clear of the rest.
care for some point predictions?
Bilva 145
KdB 190
Sterling 225
Aguero 180Bilva 160
KDB 190
Sterling 265
Kun 220I’d say KDB 210 Sterling maybe 215 but not much higher.
Of course he will need to stay injury free which may not happen.
Can see Jesus getting more minutes so agree with you on Aguero and Bilva looks about right too.Let’s bear in mind that sterling did VERY well last year. Some regression I think could be anticipated
Let’s beat in mind messi did very well for the last 10 seasons. Expect some regression in the next 10
He's done VERY well for the last two season though, 229, 234. He actually got one less goal, and two fewer assists last season, than the one previous, so I suppose he's already regressed. I'll still take that though.
Very good players do very well though, they don't regress to the average, they pull the average UP
Bilva 150
KDB 170
Aguero 170
Sterling 230
Just roughly.estimating based on comparison to previous years.fair to say based on predictions...none of you will be going with Bilva then?
Still possible for me, probably no room with a Salah and Sterling combination, but I'd prefer him over the others in that range (Sigurdsson, Pogba, Alli, Fraser etc)
funny, I'm the other way around...rather have Pogba, Fraser, Richarlison over him
That price range, just like with the forwards, is a minefield
Not from the start. If City attack emerges as a mile above the rest with Bilva nailed then I could end up with him though.
Bilva - 175
KDB - 215
Sterling - 225
Aguero - 185
Ah the good old 'state conjecture as absolute fact' approach - it has certainly become rarer of late, but it can still be found apparently 🙂
Time will tell.
I think that's exactly the point 😉
Nobody will have taken that statement as an absolute fact. There’s nothing wrong with expressing enthusiasm through hyperbole.
I think there’s a very good chance of KDB matching Sterling if he stays fit. Is that better?That is a totally reasonable use of the English language
The first statement was conjecture stated as absolute fact - good to see the learning curve in action 😉Yes and my point is that it was intentional hyperbole to emphasise my confidence in his abilities.
I’ll let you get on with your day anyway I’m sure there will be other atrocities committed against the English language and I wouldn’t want you missing them.Possibly, although there are actually very few such examples on here anymore which is why the one above stuck out like a sore thumb 😉
Me, all the way. Love him as a player.
Very possibly, great price.
Raheem Sterling entered the chat
RMGW1BB until GW3WC team. I really think everyone should try making one it is very fun and will get you a great big advantage over the losers x
If Rico or Iwobi look unlikely to start I will do Fraser > brooks and upgrade accordingly to Smith and Perez/Mata
Pope (SOU) Leno (new)
TAA (NOR) Digne (cpl) Zinchenko (whu) Rico (SHU) KWP/Aurier (AVL)
Salah (NOR) Fraser (SHU) Siggy (cpl) Iwobi (new) Pereyra (BRI)
Auba (new) King (SHU) Origi (NOR)Not sure about BB GW1...
Only week you can WC and BB at sane time, and I won’t miss out on losing points only choosing players that fit a BB strategy this year which is what I always end up doing and lose rank every year fer it
If you see how the players play, I don't think any of the top 100 players use this strategy.
I see your point though, and best of luck. There are just too many unknowns.Just trying to make it s bit more fun with it and it ties in with my experiences of slow starts and struggling to finish well
Moura in for Siggy then. Another 0.5 to spend elsewhere.
Not the worst shout actually. I do intend to use that transfer on king > pukki before my WC but I could hold onto him for one week. Thank you very much for that
The only issue I see with playing BB GW1, is we don't know if players like Zinchenko, Rico, KWP / Aurier, Iwobi or Origi will start, and we probably won't till the lineups are announced. Yes final friendlies give an indication, but at the end of the day, they are friendlies. It could turn out to be a huge waste of a chip.
My point exactly.
Better to build a team around players that are guaranteed to start, and then play BB later in the season that you feel all players have a decent chance to get the most amount of points. Taking into consideration form and fixtures.
Fine if you choose to build your team with a GW3 WC in mind, but BB GW1, not for me.
I believe it should be fairly obvious come that time from manager comments and the pre season line ups. I take your point and could go less risky but those who I have atm I am fairly certain will be in the line up except Iwobi and Rico who I will monitor
It won't be fairly obvious, I'm fairly certain of that, but time will tell.
Aya if not i’ll Choose different players I do have some (less preferable but acceptable) alternatives so wouldn’t be a disaster
Punts aplenty
That’s the plan ! Do you like them 🙂 ? Obviously as they’ll be leaving my team after their good fixture/s they are purely 100% a punt and nothing more
Which one?
A-Fraser-King-Haller
B-Zaha-Wilson-JotaA
I’m looking at A
A
A
B but remove Zaha for someone better like Maddison
Thoughts?
Pope/Heaton - Ryan
Digne - TAA - VVD - Ake - Kelly
Siggy - Sterling - Pogba - Fraser - Perez
Wilson - Haller - Wickham
Ill mostly be deploying a 451 or a 442 - Depending on Fixtures.How much for Haller?
7.5 - I can see him doing well post GW 1, with that Westham midfield behind him
I can't see price in FPL yet but wouldn't take him over Jiminez.
Jimi has absurd fixtures, and EL might ruin them. Its a wait and see for Jimi
like it, just downgrade Ryan...you'll have rotation problem at GW4 already
GW 4 is the only bad GW for my keepers. the rest seem settled till GW 13
fair enough, personally just not a fan of keeper rotation
If i get the cash, ill do the fire and forget that ive done for the past 4 years...
first time i plan on rotating. lets see....Me neither. I usually pick the worst even if they look a clean sheet cert. Fabianski and McGovern for now.
Downgrade a keeper, upgrade Aké to Zinchenko? Otherwise good for a no-Salah team, although he could ruin you.
How nailed on would you rare Zinchenko ?
100%
Zinchenko is a 50/50 for the moment, competing with 2 other LBs and history has told us that Mendy starts every game he's fit.
In my view, Mendy is clearly a better player than Zinchenko for a team like MC that has ball possessions of 60+% every game; if fit, Mendy remains Pep's first pick in my opinion and all the speculations of Guardiola having had enough of him are rubbish and low-profile, wannabe pseudo-journalism. Angelino is not a threat for the pair imho, just a (modest) backup.
That said, Mendy is never fit, apparently.
Zinchenko was in my draft up until now. Need to see if he is nailed.
These pair rotate very well (bar GW 4)
Sterling to Salah is always doable - he was also in my draft up until now.
How much attacking threat has Enda Stevens?. Has scored a few goals, decent assists but at a lower level. Seemingly SU had a decent championship defence but it's a big step up in PL. He looks overpriced?
The formation set up of SHU is very unique, and as such the wing backs play very high and carry good attacking threat, but £5m is over priced, in my opinion anyway, as I don't expect them to keep many clean sheets in the PL.
15 clean sheets in our last 22 matches is a pretty amazing record, to be fair!
I wouldn't pay 5.0 for a Sheffield United defender, 4.5 tops - O'Connell looks interesting.
Cheers. Gotta love a Cruyff grav and great memories of the rookie Spink in for Rimmer in the European Cup Final !
Would you say he is better choice than Baldock?
Yes, IMO.
Brooks and Deleufu
Or
Fraser and Origi
?If it's for FPL points then the first one.
not a huge fan of either option really...
B
Damnnn, we disagree about *everything* 🙂
Except about which prem club is the best of course.Lol and a specific issue regarding hammer and sickles ffs 🙂
Haha yeah, glad that topic has been and gone TBH!
Origi for gameweek 1
KDB or Bsilva + 1.5 million dollars(!)
KDB the assist of the assist?Not sure, I think KDB is in for a shout of being high scoring this year, versus B Silva.
KdB has been king of assists the 2 seasons before his injury (21 and 18 assists)
There’ll be enough goals that he’ll also score a few and assist a few too.
Another question is whether there’s a better 17.5 in midfield if you play both.There is no comparison between KDB and bilva. KDB is miles better and will be a bargain at 9.5m
I think you are definitely underestimating Bernardo Silva. He's an outstanding football player and a potential great fantasy asset, getting better and better year after year, and next will be his best in career so far.
KDB in line to be he biggest bargain of the season bar injury.
Pope
TAA Robertson Laporte Digne
Salah Sterling Fraser Perez
King Jota
4.0 - Greenwood, Dendoncker, Kelly
0.5ITB
Would you make any changes?Tidy. Strikers aren’t great but there aren’t many good ones tbh
Would Sane going make it easier for Mendy to get back in?
Mendy was buried by angelino
Not really. It would make Zinchenko even better suited to the left flank.
Thoughts?
Pope
VVD TAA Zinchenko Coleman
Salah Sterling Moura
King Jota Deulofeu
Subs
Fabianski (come in after GW1)
Neves
Dunk (good option if moving to leicester, if not maybe swap to Diop)
HaydenKyle Walker-Peters points per minute played are insane. 41points / 5 assists in just 562 minutes (that converts to 30 assists and 250 points in a full season).
Hahahahaha
if only it was that easy
haha step aside TAA we've got money in the bank!
He only played the easy games
How’s this team doing? Will rotate my 4.5’s depending which two I decide on.
Pope
TAA. Digne. Cathcart
Salah. Sterling. Siggy. Moura. Tielemans
Wilson. Deulo/Jota
(Button, Diop, Kelly, Nketiah)I like the 352. Moura and Tielmans out for me. Would downgrade and get Laporte for Diop.
Who would you switch Moura and Tielemans too?
Brooks and ???
- Will Haller Hit The Heights with The Hammers?
Haller Last season
39 Appearances (32 Starts)
20 Goals
12 Assists
Tall strong striker with good eye for a pass. Possibly the penalty taker as well. Thoughts?Duh will be essential at times this year
good stats, unproven in PL...so a wait and see probably. Decent price I think
I try to avoid anyone unproven in the PL. I've got a front 2 of Vardy and Rashford, so easy to get Haller if he looks like shaping up after a few GWs.
Greenwood is kinda unproven as well 🙂
Eyeing him up in GW2. He should get plenty of service
... playing in a completely different system with Jovic and Rebic. I'm looking forward to seeing him tho.
I think they priced him .5 too expensive but I will look at getting him in for Origi gw2 or gw3 if he looks like he can settle quickly to the PL.
7.5 is a confusing price allocation. Was initially expecting him to join the band of 6.5's but given a reasonably well established (and at times attractive) Arnie sat at 7.0, price match would've seemed fair. FPL clearly expect him to be more of a player to the extent that he sits in the Jiménez bracket. I'll happily sit on Wilson for now and assess Haller's potential over the first couple of GW's before making any move.
I thought he’d be £7m given Arnie’s price and his pedigree so at £7.5 it’s a wait and see from me too. Nice fixtures after the City game though so if he looks good in that game then I can see many getting on board.
He has a poor record against the top sides. A flat track bully
New Fifa 20 screen shot just dropped
https://imgur.com/dg2lDzuI’m Chris smalling
Ederson 4m
TAA-VVD-digne-4,5,4m
Salah Sigurd pogba norwood 4;5
Kane king Murray
7 penalty takers and 2 defenders on set pieces
Any weaknesses other than no sterling?
Thanksrather swap Murray for a 6.0 mid
Suggestions?
Pereyra I like for the first few GWs...could punt on Yarmolenko. To be fair no that many great options. Just not the biggest fan of the Murray pick or the 3 striker formation
You may (will) live to regret going with no City attack.
Nice balance, to be fair mate
Podcast versions now live and the video is now ready on Youtube too.
Links here
https://twitter.com/FFScout/status/1151848364813824002Price not an issue.. who do you think will score more points this season and why..
Virgil Van Dijk or TAA?TAA if he stays fit
Same as last year - VVD more points overall, but TAA more PPG. Because of their game time.
This
I think TAA, a year older and more mature, will get more gametime this season.
agree, but it still won't be enough to equal VVD overall imo. I prefer TAA from the start though.
Then surely Van Dijk is the better pick? (If you’re planning on a whole season pick)
I think TAA will get a few more points, enough to justify the extra 0.5. For me, it's Robbo who's more likely to simply equal VVD's points this time.
I do believe Robbo will play in nearly every game though
You're never planning for a whole season though. The point of FPL is often to pick certain players for their purple patches. And you have to account for the points you'd get for TAA's substitutes etc.
Unfortunately for most people they will be counting on those substitutes being Conor Wickham, and Mason Greenwood, who might get 90 minutes between them over the whole season.
I am planning on keeping my keeper, 2 Liv defenders, City defender, Salah and Sterling for the season though - bar injuries. I intend to tinker with the non-premium team members.
TAA if nailed
Van Dijk, imho.
All the people going with double Pool defence TAA and Robbo - do you know that Pool play vs Chelsea in UEFA supecup on 14th of Aug (yes at the middle of the 1st GW and 2nd GW when Pool play respectively Norwich and Southampton).
So my question is what are the odds of some of them being bechned for at least one of those 2 fixtures - IMO:
A) TAA -100%
B) Robbo - 20%They'll prioritize the PL, not risking to drop a point after missing out in May.
This
Not doubling on Pool defence. Would prefer to see preseason if Gomez is tried at RB, Robertson much more nailed on at LB. Super cup low on Klopp's priorities v good PL start.
I’d like to see a back 4 of
Clyne hoever Gomes Milner
But probably won’t get itIn the shield not in the league!
I'd prefer if they won games by not conceding lots of goals....
Robbo and VVD
As a Reading fan, I have no biases when it comes to opinions on Premier League teams. That said, I honestly can't see anyone but City winning it this season.
I'd be interested to hear some conflicting opinions and explanations. Maybe even a little non-violent debate. 🙂Agreed but injuries to Ederson, Fernandinho, De Bruyne and Aguero can hamper them. A proper attacking in-your-face high pressing team can expose defensive frailties.
Fernandinho and De Bruyne were injured for long periods last season tho, don't think Gundogan and Bernardo did too badly did they 🙂
I honestly can't see Liverpool or City getting the same results as last season again. Teams have to adapt to their style of play and you will see a champion with less than 90 points this season. Liverpool is defensively very solid right now; if they can add one more decent attacker in their lineup, it should be their title to lose. That said, City will always be runaway favourites with 50M+ players from starting XI to the bench.
That's a good point about teams adapting, but I still wouldn't be surprised to see City finish with 90 points again.
Surely by now teams will have figured strategies to avoid defeat to the high press high possession system.
Wouldn't be surprised if teams like Leicester and Bournemouth take points off them. Transfer window isn't over yet so don't know if Spurs, ManUtd and Arsenal will strengthen accordingly.
88 points will win the league this season.People were saying this exact same thing 12 months ago, teams will figure them out, won't get close to 100 points etc, and look what happened.
Agree. Honestly see no reason why City nad Liverpool won't go toe-to-toe again and leave the rest in their wake.
Same, no PL allegiances (Northampton fan).
I think it'll be another close title picture between City, and Liverpool - only prediction I'll make it that I don't think either will get more than 92 points.
Making up the top four will be Tottenham, and Man Utd!!
Relegation will be Norwich, Brighton....and Sheffield United.Liverpool, Spurs & Arsenal to make up the rest of the top four imo. Relegated to be 3 of Norwich, Villa, Sheffield, Brighton & Newcastle.
I'll be surprised if Arsenal get top four this year, when you compare the team to Chelsea, Man United, and even Leicester, are the better in any area of the pitch? Possibly the two strikers, but nowhere else, in my opinion.
Perhaps you're right.
The past two years my pre-season table predictions have been pretty impressive (blowing my own horn a little there), although i have consistently overestimated Arsenal. Looks like I may be doing it again, not sure why.
Agreed
They are financially doped behind belief & it's virtually impossible to compete with over the very long term
Liverpool did an admirable job of trying last season, but City are just too powerful overall
If Pep left it would create an opportunity, but other than that it looks very difficult
Anyone know if Haller takes penalties?
If noble doesn’r Start (which not many expect him to as we have much more midfield quality this year) then yeah he is our man
must still be Noble
Is Noble still a regular starter? Getting on a bit isn't he?
Lol he's only 32 😀
Yes. On the record, by Pellegrini.
He's not, and if he's not on pens he adds nothing Donkers doesn't have.
Yeah - think i read he has a good record 23/24
My thought is yes.
Yes, he does. 5/5 last Season.
Hi guys this got a bit lost earlier but thoughts on this?
A. Pope/siggy/haller/king
Or
B. Fabs/zaha/Wilson/delofeu
Thanks everyone. Pretty stuck on thisa
a but Haller unproven
Kane & Grealish
or
Alli & Rashfordnone of the above
What’s so good about West Ham midfield?
Rice+Noble = stodgy
Yarmo and Lanzini not proven they are over injuries, Anderson very poor end of last season,
Antonio + Wilshere + Snoddy = meh
Compared to Leicester and wolves it’s championshipAll bar snodgrass and noble (who aren’t our main midfielders anyway) would get as much consideration in united’s midfield
You are also forgetting fornals who is far better than any of yours except pogbaNoble IS one of our main midfielders. Until Rice improves his passing, and positional sense.
Rice is a 60M+ transfer to any top EPL side waiting to happen. You are yet to see properly what Yarmolenko has to offer. Felipe Anderson was brilliant and has a sharp eye for a goal. I'd take the leap and see their midfield is better than Arsenal's.
Not that big a leap tbf
- and yet, despite multiple rumours, not one expression of interest.
Give it a season or two, he signed a contract tbf.
First RMT of the season. Thoughts?
Pope
Digne, VVD, Robbo, LaPorte
Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Brooks
King, Deulofeu
Button, Andone, Hayden, Kelly
0.0itbAre you not concerned about inflexibility with such cheap forward line?
I am, but premium def and mids a priority...
I think 4 premium defenders is at least 1 too many, maybe 2
Don’t be swayed too much by overall ppg - when you target the correct fixtures you exceed that greatly with premium forwardsCheers, will give it some thought
this was a good read: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/08/player-value-and-the-most-efficient-use-of-the-fpl-budget/Yeah I’ve done seasons where I’ve got uber at the back and it’s paid off
But these days the top teams are so much better than the rest you need their defence as much as their goals
I’m not sold on Everton’s defence without zouma btw....
I’d go Dendoncker over Hayden and Greenwood over Andone and then upgrade Button or Kelly.
Hayden is 4.5 and avoiding wolves with europa.
Greenwood will surely just be cameos, no? Andone should start?
Thanks!Dendoncker is the same price but looks to have much more of an attacking threat.
Greenwood is being talked up for a potential start against Chelsea so could be gold, but one to watch really, Andone could be the way to go if he proves to be a regular starter.Will give it some thought, cheers
Gregor are you a United fan?
Do you really believe Greenwood will start against Chelsea?
From what I saw of him being 'talked up', was basically saying he's in contention to start, which is surely true of any player at the club, who isn't injured.Personally he never gets more than a cameo imho
I agree with you, I think people are getting over excited by this 'in contention to start against Chelsea' statement.
As I said, surely this applies to every player, if he was asked about Chong, or Tuanzebe for example, would he say, oh no they're not good to even be in contention to play such an important game, of course not.
Tidy defence if a bit pricey. Lovely midfield, going with Brooks too. The Spanish Messi is consistently inconsistent but definitely a very. talented footballer. He still foesn't convince me but 6.5 is a nice price if he hits form.
cheers m8
Love to hear some comments on this draft #450000 below
Alisson/Woodman
Dunk Zinchenko Coleman TAA Kelly
Bilva Tielemans Siggy Salah Dendonker
King Kane JotaMy first draft, how is this team for Gw1?
Ederson
Robbo Taa Digne Walker
Perez Salah Fraser
Kane Wilson Feeney
Bench: fodder442 or 343 or 352. Points are in the mids
RMT
Taking a punt on Haller. Can see him surprising City then plum fixtures so getting in early before the bandwagon forces his price up
Ryan (Button)
TAA - Robbo - Zinchenko - Adam Smith (Dunk)
Salah - Sterling - Tielemens - Fraser (Dendoncker)
Haller - Wilson (Greenwood)unproven in epl. can you downgrade to get to LaPorte?
Am I there with this 433?
Lloris (Ryan)
TAA Robbo Digne Dunk (Simpson)
Salah Sterling Bilva (Kante Dendoncker)
Deulofeu Jota KingI like it. I reckon you can trim 0.5off your keeper by going Fabianski and maybe upgrade Kante to someone like Yarmolenko....who could be a nice place holder for the 6.0 bamdwagon
Thanks. I couldn't afford Yarmo if I downgrade Lloris to Fab, I'm still 0.5 short! Kante is 5m and Yarmo is 6m
4 years, 10 months ago
A) B.Silva & Siggy
or
B) KDB & Brooks