Scout Reports

Douglas Luiz could unlock value in Aston Villa defensive assets

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Douglas Luiz from Manchester City for a reported £15m fee.

Luiz, 21, has never appeared for the Citizens despite signing for the club in 2017, spending the last two seasons on loan at Girona in La Liga; a part of the City Football Group.

The Brazilian, who has appeared for and captained his country’s Under-23 side, joins Dean Smith’s squad ahead of their return to the Premier League after a three-year absence, with Villa’s transfer spending having exceeded £100m in the current window.

A combative, defensive midfielder with leadership experience at an international level, Luiz is likely to play in a holding midfield role for Villa on their return to the English top-flight, shielding a combination of centre-halves Tyrone Mings (£4.5m), Ezri Konsa (£4.5m) and Bjorn Engels (£4.5m).

The 21-year-old has also been priced at £4.5m, offering scope for potential value in his debut season with Villa back in the Premier League.

The signing of Luiz yet again underlines the ambition of Villa for not only the upcoming campaign, but their intentions for re-establishing the club as a heavy-weight in the division.

The West Midlands side have made a serious statement of intent in the summer 2019 window, and Luiz’s addition to the squad yet again highlights how the club are set on ensuring that the B6 post code remains host to Premier League football.

Whilst central defensive midfielders have often been shunned by Fantasy managers for their inability to pick up clean-sheet points and unlikely chances of getting forward, it is perhaps the wider implications of this transfer that make for interesting reading.

If Luiz can deliver on the hype that has surrounded his arrival at Villa Park, but perhaps most poignantly, have a positive influence on Villa’s backline, then this could be a player with significant influence over Smith and his squad’s defensive solidity for 2019/20.

Upon signing, Luiz spoke of his passion for helping Villa on their return to the Premier League:

“I hope I can be a leader in the team. I hope I can help by bringing the ball out from the back. And although I don’t speak a lot of English, I hope I can help out by shouting orders from the back and live up to expectations as best I can.”

Smith was also enthusiastic about Luiz’s arrival at Villa Park:

“Douglas is an extremely talented young player with an outstanding pedigree who I am sure will fit nicely into our style and system of play.”

The History and Statistics

Douglas Luiz (left) in action for Manchester City in a pre-season friendly last summer

As the captain of Brazil’s Under-23s side, Douglas Luiz is a player with the potential to add leadership skills to Villa’s squad and who could play a pivotal role in commanding their defensive unit this season.

Having started his youth career at Vasco Da Gama in Brazil, Luiz rose through the ranks to earn his first senior appearance for his boyhood club at the age of 17.

26 senior appearances followed alongside three goals, but the scouting system of Manchester City had seen enough and made their move for Luiz, securing his signature on a five-year contract.

The Brazilian was initially loaned out to Girona where he impressed in his debut season, making 17 appearances for the club.

City and Pep Guardiola were impressed with Luiz’s adaptation to European football having made the step up from South America, and attempted to gain a work permit for a potential integration into City’s first-team squad.

However the Citizens’ plans were thrown into disarray as Luiz’s application was rejected, and a second loan-spell with Girona was sanctioned with a view to the player gaining more experience before a re-application to the home office.

Another successful season in Spain followed for Luiz, as he made 29 appearances for the club, but was unable to prevent their relegation from La Liga having finished 18th in the table.

This form from a 21-year-old Brazilian who had seemingly slipped under the radar alerted Villa’s sporting director Jesús García Pitarch, who is said to have been an admirer of the midfielder.

An enquiry from Villa led to extended negotiations, and it is the newly-promoted side under Smith who have secured the signing of this highly-rated prospect.

Comparisons

 Minutes per shotMinutes per key passMinutes per interceptionMinutes per tackleMinutes per clearance
Luiz92.9148.770.878.264.7
Whelan141.7101.278.744.353.1
Hourihane38.747164.453.967.1
McGinn35.650.591.141.5143.6
Grealish4339.1174.678.1185.6

The Prospects

Douglas Luiz (right) in action for Girona

Central defensive midfielders are rarely top of the priorities list for Fantasy managers, yet the influence that Luiz could have over Villa’s backline in the 2019/20 campaign simply cannot be understated.

The club’s disposal of Glenn Whelan, released at the end of the 2018/19 campaign, has opened up a starting berth in Smith’s squad for a defensively orientated midfielder to shield the defence, and Luiz now has a chance to claim this spot for himself.

The underlying statistics attest to the fact that Luiz is unlikely to be charging forward and playing an influential role in Villa’s attacking efforts, ranking the lowest for minutes per key pass and second-lowest for minutes per shot from Villa’s four main central midfield options from last season in Whelan, Conor Hourihane (£6.0m), John McGinn (£5.5m) and Jack Grealish (£6.0m).

Yet in the spectrum of defensive solidity, Luiz ranks favourably – the Brazilian tops Villa’s midfield quartet from 2018/19 for minutes per interception (70.8) alongside being second for minutes per clearance (64.7).

Despite being relegated from La Liga in 2018/19, Girona placed ninth in the clean-sheet table, suggesting a considerable disparity in the attacking and defensive efforts of the Spanish outfit. Luiz’s contribution at the back certainly did not go unnoticed, and despite his club’s overall poor performance, Villa have certainly taken note of his defensive credentials as a holding midfielder.

This strongly supports the idea that Luiz is set to fulfil a role in Smith’s squad that is characterised by a combative, tough-tackling nature, but it is the wider influence of the 21-year-old that could be of serious interest to Fantasy managers in the upcoming campaign.

Villa’s opening fixtures are certainly favourable given their status as a newly-promoted side. Despite heading to the capital to take on Spurs in Gameweek 1, Smith’s side then face Bournemouth, West Ham and Everton at home in their next five fixtures.

The club’s defence has the potential to offer Fantasy managers an abundance of competitively-priced defensive options in 2019/20, with Konsa probably the favourite to start next to Mings in central defence while Matt Targett (£4.5m), Neil Taylor (£4.5m), Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.5m) and Frederic Guilbert (£4.5m) competing for full-back slots

The latter has been in fine form throughout preseason, registering three assists in separate performances to underline his credentials as a value-for-money full-back option for Fantasy managers. If Guilbert is able to combine this evident attacking ability with the propensity for clean-sheet points, which could be boosted by new signing Luiz, then there is even more appeal in investing in Villa’s defensive assets for 2019/20.

The specific example of Guilbert only points to a wider picture with regards to Villa’s assets and the potentially intrinsic influence of Luiz over their defensive prospects. Given City’s efforts to bring the Brazilian back to England, which were only thwarted by the refusal of a work permit from the home office, there is clearly a belief that this is a player with the capabilities to cut it in the English top-flight.

Villa remain confident that the increased wages offered to Luiz are likely to convince the home office of accepting his application for a work permit owing to increased taxation, and provided this is cleared prior to the start of the season then this is a player with a potentially huge part to play in the club’s return to the Premier League.

If Smith’s side can start strongly against Spurs in Gameweek 1, and follow this up with performances in the opening Gameweeks of 2019/20, then the form of both Luiz and Villa are certainly worthy of assessment for Fantasy managers in the upcoming Premier League campaign.

There is a huge amount of potential value in Villa defensive assets pricing, and the arrival of Luiz at Villa Park could be the key to unlocking that.

1,968 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    LMS over 2200 entries.

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/27/the-last-man-standing-competition-5/ for more details including the winner's prize. 🏆

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

      Exciting always

  2. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    WYR start with deulofeu, moise Kean (assuming 6.0/6.5) or Wesley as a second striker to Wilson?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ah, or Jota I suppose is another option.

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

      On Jota. Would like to see Wesley show he can do the job.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Fair. Promising signs so far at least and great fixtures after the first one

    3. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I doubt Kean will be 6.5. If so, he goes straight into my team.

      1. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        What so special about Kean except fixtures? Haller far better.. But pricier

        1. Srv210
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Kean's goalscoring stats are good I saw here

        2. Brehmeren
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          As a West Ham fan I hope you are right. Haller is also 7.5 not 6 or 6.5.
          But they are two quite different players. I just think Kean will be a world beater, playing one season at Everton then moving on to far greater things.

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

    Is Mkhi nailed for Arsenal?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No. Especially with them having gotten Ceballos and Pepe

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

        Thanks!

  4. ramzieibrahim
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT
    Ederson button
    AWB kwp taa vdjk Kelly
    Gundagon Salah sterling moura Fraser
    King locadia greenwood
    Taking a punt on locadia as Murray gonna be 36 and izquirdo injured with the great fixtures
    And I think gundagon is a great 5th mid as he scored 106 points in juz 2160 mins he will play more as fernandinho is 36 now 😀
    Any changes you would make
    0.5 in the bank

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

      City bought Rodri though..

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

        Gundagon is more nailed than rodri and fernandinho and also on set pieces 😀

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

          Gundogan and Rodri aren’t in competition for the same position. KDB is the main set piece taker.
          You’re just trying to convince yourself Gundo is a good pick when he’s clearly not

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

            Community shield will give a clear picture. As said locadia and gundo are punts can always swap 😉

        2. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'm not sure any of that statement is true.

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

      City signed Rodri, Fernandinho getting old won’t affect Gundogans minutes, if anything he’ll get less this season with KDB back and Foden kicking on

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

        At the end of the season gundagon was more nailed on in the crucial games

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

          Why not just get nailed players that like to attack and will be baps monsters like McGinn

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Rodri was bought because City couldn't get Douglas Luiz work permit yay for us

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

        Is it true ??
        Bdw we now have another 4.5m Midfielder to compete with Donkey 😉

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

      Downgrade Gunda & keep££ if you're happy elsewhere

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

        Yea if I downgrade to dendockner I have 1.5 in the bank

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

          Yep
          Can be used elsewhere IMO

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

    Wake up in the morning to see United have agreed a swap for Lukaku & Dyabal 😀 (SKY saying that)
    WTF !!!
    Very very happy .....

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

      Bad that people not going to waste money and slot on Lukaku in FPL

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

        He's a brilliant player.
        Might take time to adjust to PL agreed

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      My understanding is that it is very early in discussions and no where near a finalised deal?

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

        Yep
        Player needs to agree the deal. Clubs have reached agreement according to that

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Put the Sun down, that's the cartoon that you read this, right?

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

        I didn't get the joke

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

          The Sun, one of the worst if not worst of UK newspapers.
          No qualms about posting false stories, they're showing online as saying deal has been agreed.

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

            Alan Nixon makes up stupid Sun articles like McGinn to Man U for 50 million. Many people call him an idiot on Twitter. He blocks then

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

            Ohhh
            Yeah. I have read here that Sky is the only reliable source. They're saying clubs have agreed in principle.

            Thank you for the information 🙂
            Won't touch any of Sun online article from now on.

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

          Deal does look very likely though but you never know until it's signed and official.

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

            Yeah.
            Especially with United that almost sign half of the footballing world every transfer window 😀

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

              Yep. 🙂

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

    https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2019/07/30/football/fantasy-football-premier-league-spt-intl/index.html
    Lol intresting and funny. But on CNN? Also anybody know how bin Salman is lining up this year on fpl?

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

      Shhhh please. Let people load up on Bournemouth

    2. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think Frader who keep assisting him, not Fraser

      1. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Typo.. Not Gosling

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That's not the point at all. It's like the Dembele curse with Kane

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Speaking of false pattern recognition...

      There could be truth to it I guess but I'd be much more convinced if someone tried to show that Bournemouth play worse as a team without gosling. Rather than trying to correlate him being on the pitch with Wilson putting the ball in the net.
      Correlation does not equal causation. Stats people are funny 🙂

  7. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So ,we should talk about the exceptional form Chris Wood is showing the pre season??
    Scored a hattrick again last game

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

      He usually goes below everyone's radar. I am considering between him and jota atm.

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah ,I'm also considering now he was good enough last season too

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      As a Kiwi I should have him but I never do

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Get him for the nation , kiwis deserved the cricket world cup too

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

          Don't start the controversy here 😀

    3. MINUS FOUR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      GW1-4: Deulofeu
      GW5 >: Wood

      Looks pretty decent. I would strongly consider picking him straight up but I don't like the early fixtures. I wouldn't hesitate to transfer him in after that, even if he hasn't scored many in those those tough opening fixtures. Best thing about Wood is that his 6-pointers actually turn into 9-pointers with bonus, unlike so many other strikers.

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sounds like a good plan .

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

          How come you 2 have 1 next to your handles when on last season and earlier I thought?

          1. Srv210
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah ,I noticed that too..maybe updates when season starts

            1. waldo666
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Updates on the day you signed up, I noticed last year. Expecting to clock over to 9 any day now...

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I think Jota with mid last season position switch is fair price for change to forward. Deulofeu not so much

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

      Solid pick imo, along with his form as you alluded too. Not sure how j rod changes things though with him and Barnes.

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

      He's my Deulofeu replacement 😉

    6. bennyp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Barnes is the better pick. Way better underlying stats.

  8. Artemis Titans
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Be gentle... my team has evolved to this.
    Fabs (Button)
    Alonso,Digne, Robbo, AWB, (Guilbert)
    Salah(c), Fraser, KDB(v), Tielemans,, Mcginn
    Wilson, (Greenwood, Brewster)
    3m itb for upgrades when they reveal themselves in a couple GW.
    Thanks for any input

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Alonso, this the first I've seen of him this season

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

        I'm interested but think Chelsea will flop

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

      Will alonso be nailed? Don't think really.

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

      I'd use that 3m to upgrade Kdb & Alonso to Raz & Taa

    4. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      lol one of the only teams with Alonso and already everyone is telling you to get rid. Keep him, it's exciting at least

    5. Mo Mané No Problems
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Brewster a waste of a Liverpool spot

  9. Klein
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How manu minutes are people expecting Deulofeu to play in first 4 games concidering Gray?

  10. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Need suggestions please:

    Pope
    Coleman Zinchenko TAA VVD
    Salah(C) Sterling(vc) Sigurdsson
    Vardy Jota Wesley

    Button Dendoncker Hayden Lundstram

    Will eventually have to find a million somewhere to upgrade Jota to Haller from week 2/3

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

      I agree on Haller in asap but will give him a week or 2 before being certain on that.
      If that's the plan you probably need the team set up for it now rather that trying to find the mil later. I am goin Wilson as it's an easy downgrade.

      1. No Salah
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Basically I am looking at Vardy Haller and Wesley for long term. Already Vardy and Wesley In despite difficult starting fixtures. Giving Haller couple of weeks to settle down and see.

        But really have no idea where to get that 1 million, my midfield of salah, Siggy and Sterling is tough to be compromised.

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

    Have Wilson
    And trying to decide whether to go Fraser or Rich to start.
    Is it possible Rich misses some or all of GW1 after copa.
    Also is Pereyra a doubt to start GW1 as I have him too.

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

      Zaha was going to Everton right ??
      Deal isn't done though. Could be gold @ 7m imo.
      I'd swap Wilson 5.5m Midfielder in my team to King Zaha in a heartbeat.

      In your case I'd get Siggy (Richa is too hot N cold for my liking, boom or blast 😀 )

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

        I will take boom and blast over any bust option 🙂

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Double up on Bournemouth and cry when minimum points after 2 game weeks then mci LEI eve SOU

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

        We can FT them out Kiwi.
        And Bournemouth are attacking team we all know that. (Not saying double up is good. Only one attacker)

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

      Thanks for replies guys.
      Will think on those points.
      Say I ignore ye 🙂 and go Rich and Pereyra will they start GW1 after being at Copa?

    4. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm a broken record but it does not matter if you have Wilson. That has nothing to do with what Richarlison and Fraser will score. This failure of logic just will not die on this site. If I can get you to make your Richarlison v Fraser prediction on its own merits without any silly thoughts about Wilson then I'm pretty sure I'll go to heaven when I die.

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

        Fair enough on their own merits forget Wilson.
        So who who would you chose.
        I would hold Richarlson medium term. Fraser would probably go in GW3.
        That's probably a much more pertinent piece of info than Wilson 🙂
        And any opinion on Rich and Pereyra ready to start GW1 or not?

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

          I never make a decision like this in isolation. I agree with Champ that what another player does on the pitch is irrelevant, but I buy with transfer strategy in mind. In my case I want Son in GW3 so how do I set up to do that without taking hits? I get a dispensible player close to his price point. That could be Eriksen but I don't like 50% of his fixtures (GW2). I do like 100% of Bournemouth and Everton's first 2 fixtures, and with a 7.5m or an 8m asset I can get Son with 2FT (the other being 6.4>4.5).

          So you're looking to move on Fraser GW3 - okay, to whom? It's these decisions that help me decide how to begin.

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

            Ok Richarlson definitely helps me avoid a hit but will he be ready to go GW1.
            This is a factor as I basically don't have a bench.
            Looking at some attacking stats on Rich from last year puts him right up there with some of the best mids so I think his potential to improve is there.

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

              If there's any doubt in your mind whether he starts GW1, Siggy and Fraser are very simple alternatives. The incomings at Everton are causing me to want to stand back for a GW or 2 to see how they settle. BOU are 100% settled and Fraser seems to me a safe option. I don't have Wilson, King or any other asset, so I'm happy with him for 2GW.

              1. Alan Watts
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Brooks also an option, almost the same points per minute as Fraser...

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

                  Yeah coming around to
                  Rich/ Siggy, Brooks Wilson as a possibly best of both worlds compromise

          2. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I too plan ahead like that fwiw but I keep it loose. Any plan involving son is a good plan in my books.
            That's different to choosing Richarlison over Fraser because Fraser's teammate happens to be in your team.

        2. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Well personally I would choose Richarlison if he's fit and ready. It's just a gut call pre gw1. There's no form to judge and both start with some good fixtures so my advice would be to wait for news about Richarlison then make your own gut call (ignoring Wilson's existence all the while, thus ensuring my entrance to the pearly gates)

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

      Champ and Andy thanks for the replies.
      Made me clarify my thoughts on this.
      Going to go with a new long winded post and would love your feedback.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        No wukkas

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

        Sure. Give me a bell when you're ready 😉

  12. Chelsea91
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson
    Robbo,vvd,coleman
    Salah,siggy,perez, sterling
    Jota,deu/deeney/wesley,king

    Good to go mate? Any suggestion to replace deu/deeney?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Go with King instead

  13. yanky
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    my first draft after doing 30 min of research haha, did i get the tenplate right?

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA VVD Walker Coleman (Lundstrom)
    Salah Sterling Perez Siggy (Dedoncker)
    Wilson Deulofeu (Greenwood)

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

      You did.
      Ryan to Pope to make it perfect 😛

    2. JohnnyMagrinho
        4 years, 8 months ago

        More or less yeah.

        Dull and insipid template team.

        It's on pretty much every page.

        It's a better sleeping pill than Zopiclone, prescription free.

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

        To think the hours I wasted and your 30 minutes probably gets 50 point more than me GW1 🙂
        Yeah it's template.

      • yanky
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        a) Ryan + Wilson
        b) Ederson + King

        i think ill make the switch to B, king on pens too

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

          On pens too? I’m puzzled by the too, what else does he do apart from track back down the wing?

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

            score 2 less goals than wilson last year? but edersons points over ryan could make up for wilson vs king right?

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

              He scored 4 goals (non pens) in 28 matches when Wilson was on the pitch. Bournemouth also got more than their fair share of pens.

              He scored 3 goals in 6/7 matches when Wilson was crocked

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

      Time of day all. What’s a good goalie worth?

      A Laporte plus Henderson
      B Luiz (Walker if I’m being boring) plus Fab
      C 5.5 (but I refuse Zinc) plus Lloris

      1. Pilgrim62
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I prefer B

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

        ederson and walker 😉

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

          Absolute no for me to tie up two City spots in defence. Nice try 😉

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

            Perfectly sound strategy when the midfield/attack is subject to endless rotation.

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

              Eh?

              Does the extra minute Walker played over Sterling swing it?

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

                I've no idea what you're on about.

                Upandaway - Walker and Zink will mostly score the same points each GW they're on the pitch, but the extra 0.5 gives you more security in that Walker is less droppable. So if you have an extra 0.5, I'd use it on Walker.

      3. UpAndAway
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Worth paying the extra 0.5 and getting Walker instead of Zinchenko?

    4. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Would you change anything?

      Foster
      Laporte TAA Coleman
      Salah KDB Sterling Perez Mcginn
      King Jota

      Woodman Greenwood Dunk Lundstram

      1. Pilgrim62
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I would remove Foster

        1. Roy Rovers
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          He will be dropped to Burnley when we know who and the 0.5 can be used for Chelsea forward if they start well.

        2. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Same

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

        Foster I suppose is for good fixtures? Interesting choice but dislike Watford defence and don’t see him in Fab class in making saves.

        Jota I loved until yesterday. The new signing really bothers me given how much Jota got pulled last season. I suppose he’s safe very early but very sadly no longer trust him.

        1. Roy Rovers
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yes went with Foster for fixtures but if we get to know who Burnley keeper is then I will go with him.

          Also looking at Duef and Wood for Jota.

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

            Wood looks really interesting. Burnley look great a few matches in and arguably their first two are pretty handy too

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

        Providing you're happy with the MdGinn differential, it's a really good draft.

        Foster - first 4 fixtures are really easy, after that you get rid. That leaves adequate time to suss out the Burnley situation or recognise any other 4.5-5m GK bandwagon. Good tactic.

        Jota - the new guy is a Jimi like-for-like. I don't think Jota is threatened (I hope not - my strikeforce is Jota + 2x4.5s!)
        King - don't rate personally, but if you do, it's all good.

        Bank it, you're GTG.

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

          Hoping Cutrone is just cover and will be eased in slowly. Wolves did need a 3rd option looking at preseason.

          Can’t see Jim being threatened at all really as a starter though he may lose a few minutes. Jota I fear for despite your game style point. He was 60 minute man fairly consistently

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

            I expect Cutrone will immediately be thrown into Thursday night EL games. Jimi needs some rest after a hectic summer. Jots is fresher, but yes I do have reservations. He can easily become Wood if his minutes become worrisome.

          2. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Very much needed depth for wolves. They now have three talented forwards competing. Squad game and all that. But yes not many forwards in the whole world would walk into that team and displace Jimenez or jota. They are top shelf players. Let alone a young talent from a very different league. Slow integration and rotation will presumably be the name of the game and how much he plays will depend on how well he plays. Seems to me Europa could be the perfect comp to integrate Cutrone in

    5. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A or B?
      A. Wilson, Perez
      B. King, Siggy (both maybe on pens)
      Thanks.

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        A

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        B

      3. Garth Marenghi
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        A

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

      It's my gut feelings that even Bournemouth are attacking team they will lose with both promoted teams without scoring a single goal & also Everton wont get their cleansheet in their most of the starting easier fixtures.

      Currently on Wilson & Coleman

      Go with my gut & won't touch them or m mad to go without them ??

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

        Hardly mad to go without.

        Both Bournemouth and Everton are flakey enough to justify dropping assets before a ball is kicked. Wilson. is the more dangerous as he has such a high topside.

      2. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Go with your gut.

      3. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I agree

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

        I agree but you need to consider ownership cover.

        IF Fraser, Wilson/King, Coleman etc do start well, then you're behind from GW1.

        That is the main reason I am considering them.

        I much prefer other players, but it's a numbers game too.

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

          "I agree but you need to consider ownership cover."

          You don't. That's never made any sense to me. I try to pick the best players I can afford. No need to overcomplicate. I bet even you don't think "1 Liverpool player - that's cover".

          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            This!

          2. bennyp
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I don't think you should ignore ownership. I don't think it should be your only factor when deciding on a player too.

            I'm not talking about team coverage. I'm talking about ownership percentages for the start of the season.

            You're crazy to go without Salah & Sterling for example. Not because of Liverpool & City, but because like everyone else has them too. It's a lot safer to start like that.

            1. Get up ya bum
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Ah ok I misunderstood and think Andy did too.
              Yes thinking about ownership is a valid tactic no doubt. I actually ignore it, as in completely disregard it. But that's just how I like to play the game and I'm aware it might not be ideal. Depends how sure you are of your predictions I reckon too. People that don't follow the premier league super closely could definitely benefit from it. I probably could too but I just don't roll that way.

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

                All good.

                Yeh fair enough. Everyone has their own approach which is great. I have 2-3 players in my squad I hardly see mentioned here at the moment. But I'm still starting with the big template players too (Salah, Sterling, Fraser, TAA, Laporte, Digne)

                I tried to go against the trend last season and it backfired big time. I managed to make 1k OR in the end, but my start so super super slow.

                1. Get up ya bum
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Start is always a lottery imo. So may as well have fun with it and follow your gut.

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

              "I'm not talking about team coverage. I'm talking about ownership percentages for the start of the season."

              Oh dear oh dear, that's even worse. You're advocating a herd mentality. Have the courage of your convictions! Baaaaaa!!!

              1. Get up ya bum
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Hahaha well I see we play quite similarly. I do see it as a valid tactic. It's the opposite of how I play though. Just like focusing on building team value is a valid tactic but I completely ignore that too. I just make my predictions and back them. Value and ownership always chases the points anyway so just predict the points well and you'll increase value and have the herd picks but before the herd has them.

              2. bennyp
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                It's not about not trusting my own convictions. I already mentioned I have other players I'm considering based on my personal preference/research; players who are rarely mentioned on these threads.

                Ignore ownership at the start of the season at your own peril. I think it's fair to say that.

                You seem to assume I am just copy pasting the template, which is also wrong.

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

          Is that the Bournemouth triple up and Everton double up you’re advocating? Safest of course to squeeze Jiminez and AWB in too.

          Why not trust your own judgement at least before a ball is kicked?

          And of course you are working from a fallacious premise. The players he brings in could outperform Wilson and Coleman even if they return.

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

            "The players he brings in could outperform Wilson and Coleman even if they return."

            Of course they could. I have plenty of punts I'm considering.

            I'm just saying that the template exists for a reason & it's far safer to start closer to the template than completely different from it.

      5. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Bournemouth are the most jeckyl a mind Hyde team in the league. Depends which one turns up. Scoring 6/7 over those 2 games or both being 0-0/1-1/1-0. Nothing will surprise me

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          a mind = and apparently

    7. SUPER MOKH
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jimmy
      Jota
      Cutrone

      Who's minutes will be most affected by UEL?

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

        Cutrone was bought for EL in the first instance. He's unlikely to start many PL matches early doors.

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

      RMT guys

      Mignolet - Hart
      Jones - Koscielny - Young - Rojo - Yedlin
      Wallcott - Lingard - Shelvey - Kante - Barkley
      Lukaku - Benteke - Bendtner

      Cheers

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

        Thats over budget. 15/15 if you can fit it.

      2. The Darkest Knight
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        just declare him a winner of FPL 2019-20

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

          Winner of 2014-15 maybe

        2. bennyp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Appreciate it xD

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

        Where is Kane ??
        😉

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

          Doesn't get a look in with a front 3 like that sadly.

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

            Lol
            He should replace Kante mate !!
            After all he's a CDM 😉

    9. Jessbek
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson (Button)
      VVD - Robertson - Azp - Taylor (Targett)
      Salah - Sterling - KDB - McGinn (Dendoncker)
      Deulofeu - Jota (Greenwood)

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Need a better strike force imho

    10. Klein
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      With Richie hammy newcastle are going deeper into the hole aren't they? What was gonna be a dream takeover is going rockbottom so fast.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Hope not m8

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        You mean fake news Dubai buy out?

    11. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Any problems with this 442 besides the def rotation*?

      Lloris, 4.0
      Robbo, Coleman, Zinchenko, Lascelles/Lundstram rotation
      Salah, Sterling, Perez, Brooks, 4.5
      Kane, King, Greenwood

      0.0itb

      *SHU and NEW rotate for the entire season

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

      @ Andy and Chanp the proper long version after some thought.
      So I will start at the end which is GW3 ( for now)
      For the final three spots 2 mids and 1 forward.
      For GW3 I plan them to be
      Son Perez and Haller

      For GW1 I will have Wilson
      Also whether I go Rich or Fraser will probably be based on if Rich looks ready to go or not.

      Leaves the final start postition as the real question.
      Just go Perez from the start or
      Take a punt on Moura for 2 GWs
      The Moura punt leads to a hit with 3 transfers required in GW 3
      Perez from the start just means 2 moves and no hit for what I want in GW3

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Perez

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

          Yeah this Moura thing looks nice for GW1 but do I really want to have to play him GW2 and then go for a hit in GW3. Its just complicating things too much and any other issues it's a -8
          And I consider Perez price to be a steal so maybe getting put off a bit by early fixtures ain't a great idea.

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

        And of course nobody I want will rise by .1 by GW3 🙂

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

        For me Perez is a good long-term cheap midfield asset. I don't necessarily expect him to haul in the first 2 GWs, so his presence or absence over 2 weeks is 'meh' to me.
        Moura for 2 weeks followed by a hit: considering his second game is City away where you can expect 2 points, that's chucking away cheap points for me.
        To save the hit, Perez is the better out of those two.
        However, if you are prioritising fixtures and have enough confidence in BOU to double, why not triple up on Brooks for 2 weeks? Same price. Sounds crazy and unimaginative folks here will slay you, but following my and Champ's logic, for a two-week period only until you 2FT two of them out, it could be a canny move.

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

          Several drafts about a week ago had all 3.
          This led to a hit too obviously (if getting rid of all 3 for GW3) but you at least get 2 GWs out of it.
          The only problem with this is that it really is pushing the risk reward game.
          But of course if BOU perform like they can it could pay off massively.
          I also fear a Perez price rise as he looks such good value.
          Still stuck on those 3 for GW3 but holding 1 BOU out of 3 if they did well is definitely an option

      4. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        My method would keep in mind some loose plans for how to fit son in because you can't start with him. As for the rest don't plan exact transfers pre gw1. We are making teams blind right now with no form to assess at all. You need to be adjusting to form as it unfolds early season so no point deciding blind who you want for gw3.
        Like you I like Haller and Perez a lot. So put them in your team now alongside Wilson. Keep some loose plans in mind for son. Stay flexible.

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

          Thanks. Yeah plans need to be fluid.
          kinda tempted to go back to my triple BOU attack draft now based on post above 🙂
          With Brooks over Perez

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

          Actually, you've just made me look at my draft and realise something. Apart from Perez who moved PL clubs and my 11th man who is a punty promotee (Robinson), all of my Starting XI are established in their settled sides with a proven track record (eight PL title winners or CL winners). Even if that lot get off to a slow start, no way are any of them budging from my team. I'm not expecting immediate fireworks from Perez, so in effect I only have 2 players that I need to be flexible with. So I do think that I can be secure in tying down a plan for GW3.
          I don't expect anyone else to have quite such a grizzled starting XI so for the main, your flexibility advice holds water.

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

          And yeah lots of way that cash could be spent
          Could still have Haller and keep Fraser / Rich and get a mid in the 8.0
          But Son just looks a gift.

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

            Even if my placeholder - Fraser - does well GW1-2, I'm still committed to losing him for Son - providing Spurs look okay.
            You haven't shown your whole squad but I suspect it's Salah-less like mine. There is a fantastic Sterling/Son captaincy rotation that ensures each week is a flat-track bully fixture.

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

              Nope it Sterlingless
              Huge spend of back 4
              Then I should be something like
              Salah Son KDB Perez Pereyra
              Haller
              After a few weeks with Pereyra gone by week 4 or 5

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

                Okay. As per my post above, I'm enormously suspicious of strikers new to the PL. The majority seem to turn out to Morata, Higuain or Llorente up their teams. That's why I'd start with Wilson, Jota or Wood, and avoid Haller or any other shiny new toy until they've bedded in and proved themselves. But I do appear to be a minority voice on that.
                I note that you are starting with Wilson so could still pull out of your Haller plan GW3, which seems wise.

    13. SILENTWAR
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Best BOU option?

      A) Wilson
      B) Fraser (+0.5)
      C) Go with both
      D) Go with King instead

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        E) King and Brooks

        1. Yossi
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          me too 🙂

    14. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      How strong is your bench?

      I’ve been setting up all my draft teams with a 4.0 defender, 4.5 midfielder and 4.5 striker.

      But with some rotation likely to exist for TAA, Zinchenko, Sterling etc., I am starting to doubt whether having Dendoncker as my first sub is good enough....

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

        Valid question but the 3 you name are all different cases. I’d happily ride out risks with TAA and Sterling given their topside. Any sub I name on my bench is a very probable 2 pointer just like Dendo. You need to spend 1.5 on a defender to expect more on a regular basis.

        TAA is low rotation risk compared to City. It’s there but Idrissa last season only for big matches where Klopp doesn’t trust him. Given the semifinal that may be history.

        Sterling will miss a few - generally easy home matches coming on for minutes sometimes. One pointer heaven.

        Zinc if he plays is an unknown. The real risk with him is not rotation but that he disappears.

        1. chaser123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          So I guess the risk comes if two get rested in the same week? Will Greenwood and Lundstram get game time to contribute in those weeks?

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

            Doubt they will. Think you’re right to highlight weak benches. Just don’t see that even a semi strong bench is there without a fairly major compromise.

      2. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, that's where I'm at too. If however I make savings in the tinkering I'm doing I am far more likely to spend it on the pitch rather than bolstering the bench.

        1. chaser123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hmmm yeh it is tricky. I don’t see any good options unless I upgrade them significantly which is then at the expense of the starting 11

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

            I think far too many people are neglecting their bench at their peril. Apart from the dead goalie, I think 2 of your 3 outfield players should be able to step up if you're caught out by rotation of injury.

            From day one I think we were very fortunate to have Donckers as an easy bench pick. He really ought to have come in at 5m. But just yesterday I began picking up noise that new signing Cutrone could play up top with Jimi, pushing Jota into the hole behind. I don't think there's anything in that, but if true it could knock Donkers out of the side.

            Greenwood to me sounds like a viable option for the bench - I think he will get a few sub appearances for Ole and can pop up with the odd late goal.

            The 4m defenders are a real trap for me. I can see Kelly nad Lundstram being regular subs for their clubs andclogging up FPL benches. I advocate making sure you have a playing 4.5 defender in your squad instead.

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

              Still not convinced Greenwood is a good bench option - not sure how often he will get subbed on, and whether that will be the week you need him, Good points though 🙂

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

                Fair enough, and not valid if you play 3 up top, eg 3-4-3.
                But if you have 1 or 2 up top and you don't want to waste money on a benched striker, it's got to be him.
                There are only 7 4.5 strikers and only Wickham and Nketiah are likely to get near the pitch.
                For 5m there are no viable options and you'd be wasting money.
                For 5.5 there are very slim picking and you'd probably feel compelled to play a 5.5 striker to pick up 2 points.

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

              And the Grenwood argument of possible minutes and possible late goal means he should be first on bench until he gets no minutes for a few games in a row.

              It's a no lose scenario having him first on bench at the start of the season.

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

                Well, that gets really tricky and I expect to be caught out myself.
                We will suffer real pain if he stays first on our bench and he comes on and scores.
                So the tactic would be to start him and hope he either doesn't play or comes on and scores. That means mostly getting just 1 point.
                It's going to be horrible!

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

                  I don't know about that. Starting him rather than first on bench seems riskier to me until we know more
                  You must have have got beaten up on bad by WanB 🙂

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

                    Oh hell I absolutely was. 3 GWs he hauled he was on my bench, the week I started him he got sent off 🙁
                    That's exactly what I'm expecting to happen with Greenwood!

      3. ENZO SZN™
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Button, Guilbert/Dunk, Dendo, Greenwood

    15. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Suggestions please?

      Henderson
      Robbo VVD Zinchenko Femenia
      Salah Sterling Perez Brooks
      Kane Jota

      Plan is to do salah + brooks to kdb + son after gw2

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

        That's about the ballsiest planned GW3 move I have heard of on here.

        Seriously I have wondered if something like this could work I mean interchanging Salah and Sterling for runs of fixtures while spending the left over cash wisely I don't know if it could work but basically this game is won or lost on captain choice.
        Hit this correctly and it could be a gold mine but still luck involved I suppose.
        Of course it seems simpler to have both and rotate captain but this does not allow for how the cash spread yields more points and if the player out really did do badly while out then it could work I suppose.

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

          Oh wow, it is ballsy!!
          But seriously, why not just start with KdB and not bother with Salah. Is all this complication just to captain him home to Norwich?

        2. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks for reply
          Yeah little crazy
          But only way to have son and kdb.
          And the fear of salah gw1 will be gone
          Spurs vs city gw so I will have their assets for gw3. Lovely!
          Liverool vs arsenal gw not worst time to lose salah

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

            "Liverool vs arsenal gw not worst time to lose salah"

            Er, the Arsenal defence is hardly any stronger than Norwich's!

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

      Alisson
      Robertson VVD Walker Digne
      Sterling Bsilva Fraser Perez
      Kane(c) King

      0.0itb

      I am trying to get a balanced 442 with 3liv+3city+kane

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

        Whilst Alissonw as the top-scoring keeper last season, you're missing a trick by omitting TAA who is far better value even for an extra 1m.
        I'd put Ederson in goal instead and lose Bilva, who'll be rested and rotated. That leaves either with 5 strong defenders, or if you're committed to 4 only, you could lose Digne.

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

          Agree with all that except Bilva rotation.

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

          Andy you need to check City minutes.

          Walker played one more minute than Sterling last time and Bilva played more than them both.

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

            Oh, I see what you mean. My feeling is that with Kev fit, Mahrez more integrated and Foden emerging, Bilva in addition to Dilva will see less pitch time, whereas with Walker it will be no different. But I'm speculating.

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

              My feeling is Bilva is Dilva in waiting from all that Pep has said. Agree that Mahrez might well get more minutes but see that at the cost of Dilva (with Bilva moving inside).

              Walker I wouldn't mind as an option but feel Laporte is just about worth 0.5 more as set and forget. But still torn by wanting Luiz and a better goalie.

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

                Ah, the mind (and deep pockets) of Pep!

                I've been chopping and changing my defensive premiums. I'm confident that Pool and City assets are worth it, but after that? I don't share the common view that Everton defenders are the biz, and I'm wary of Spurs (don't even know who the defenders will be) and United. I've blown hot and cold over the Chelsea defence but am currently willing to give the benefit of doubt and so Luiz and Azpili as nailers look good, and I'll have Alonso if I can be sure it's him and not Emerson on the left. So my keeper and 5 defenders will be from those 3 sides but the exact personnel not decided yet.

    17. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Reasonably happy with this - not too punty (been burnt before), flexible formation wise if someone doesn't start (been burnt before):

      Ryan (Button)
      Robbo, Coleman, Laporte (Guilbert, Lundstrom)
      Salah, Sterling, Frazer, Perez (Dendocker)
      Jota, Wilson, Wood

      Thoughts?

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

        Wood seems to be flavour of the day - and a good choice imo. If we add him to the daily template, you've got a safe, solid, standard 3-4-3 template team there.

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

        Better bench than most.
        Going for Wood showing preseason form and at an attractive price could be good but don't know about those first 4 fixtures

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

          The first 3 - Saints, Arsenal, Wolves - are not scary defences. The 4th, Liverpool, is a blank.

    18. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Best 4.5 defenders to rotate? Thanks.

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

        Fixtures or H/A? Personally I'd go with the best 2 you like and not worry about rotation - it rarely makes much of a difference IMO.

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

        If you can sit out GW1, a 4.5 Hammer and 4.5 Villain look good together. Burnley also combines okay with both.
        But I concur with manofkent - rarely works out well.

        1. Live Lad
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          What about Adam Smith or Jamaat?

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

            Bournemouth had just about the worse defence in the league last season.

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

              Agreed the only Bornemouth backline I'd consider are Ake for decent attacking returns or Rico if he nails a place as a 4m.

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

          Guilbert/Diop could be okay

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

            Right, that's what I'm saying, but best if you can bench both of them GW1 and let Donkers step up.