Team News

The FPL line-up lessons we learned from Gameweek 1

With new signings, new managers and indeed three new teams clouding the water, anticipating the Gameweek 1 line-ups was always going to be tricky.

Our pre-season coverage helped point us in the right direction and there weren’t as many shocks as there might have been in the various starting XIs.

There were still lessons to be learned, though, so we will discuss each team selection on a match-by-match basis in the article below.

Liverpool v Norwich City

Liverpool were in their tried-and-tested 4-3-3, with Divock Origi patrolling the left flank.

Sadio Mane, late back from the Africa Cup of Nations, emerged as a 74th-minute substitute to replace the Belgian on the wing.

Alisson began the match in goal but budget FPL goalkeeper Adrian – listed above – came on for the injured Brazil international in the first half.

As happened in the Community Shield, Joe Gomez was given the nod over Joel Matip alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-half.

Norwich were short on fit centre-halves, so Ben Godfrey and Grant Hanley were the pair selected at the heart of the defence.

Kenny McLean was chosen over Mario Vrancic and Moritz Leitner in the double-pivot, although the latter came on before the hour-mark.

£4.5m midfielder Todd Cantwell, who has also featured in place of Marco Stiepermann in pre-season, edged out Onel Hernandez on the left flank.

Hernandez came on late in the game, with Cantwell moving inside and indeed completing 90 minutes.

Analyse Liverpool v Norwich in detail here

West Ham United v Manchester City

Leroy Sane injured, Raheem Sterling – as happened in the Community Shield – shifted over to the left flank and Gabriel Jesus led the line in a 4-3-3.

Sergio Aguero replaced the Brazilian midway through the second half.

With Bernardo Silva nursing a minor muscle problem, Riyad Mahrez was promoted to the right flank despite not kicking a ball in pre-season – the Algerian having been involved with his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.

There were no great surprises elsewhere, with Oleksandr Zinchencko and Kyle Walker at full-back – Joao Cancelo only match-fit enough for the bench – and John Stones preferred to Nicolas Otamendi at centre-half.

With West Ham without the injured Mark Noble, Jack Wilshere dropped back alongside Declan Rice in the double-pivot.

Despite Pablo Fornals having started the last three pre-season friendlies, it was Michail Antonio who joined Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini in the attacking trident behind Sebastien Haller.

Antonio, who had started the game on the left flank, was hooked at half-time and replaced by ‘number ten’ Fornals, with Lanzini moving across to the left wing.

Anderson was again deployed on the right flank in Manuel Pellegrini’s 4-2-3-1.

Analyse West Ham v Manchester City in detail here

Bournemouth v Sheffield United

Perhaps the biggest formation surprise of the weekend was Eddie Howe opting to go with a 3-4-3 against Sheffield United, although the unavailability of wingers Arnaut Danjuma and David Brooks perhaps forced his hand.

Josh King and Ryan Fraser played either side of Callum Wilson, with Adam Smith and £4.0m-rated Diego Rico used as wing-backs.

Goalscorer Chris Mepham joined Nathan Ake and Steve Cook in a back three, with Aaron Ramsdale getting the nod over Bournemouth’s other three senior goalkeepers between the posts.

There were no real shocks in the visitors’ starting XI, with a wing-back system one Chris Wilder used in the Championship last season.

FPL defender John Lundstram was brought in alongside John Fleck and Oliver Norwood to bolster midfield in a 3-5-2, with attacking midfielder Luke Freeman thrown on for Lundstram on 78 minutes as Wilder chased the game and reverted to a 3-4-1-2.

Analyse Bournemouth v Sheffield United in detail here

Burnley v Southampton

It was as you were for Burnley, with Sean Dyche sticking with the 4-4-2 that he has favoured for much of his tenure at Turf Moor.

Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood kept up their ever-present league record in 2019 up top, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson back on the right wing having played second fiddle to Jeff Hendrick for much of this calendar year.

Charlie Taylor still wasn’t quite match-fit enough so Erik Pieters made his Burnley debut at left-back and collected two assists.

Having started pre-season in a 4-2-2-2, Southampton finished the summer in a similar wing-back system that Ralph Hasenhuttl rolled out in 2018/19 and indeed a 3-4-3 was used again in Lancashire.

Che Adams had featured on the right flank over the summer but it was Danny Ings who was moved wide to allow the ex-Birmingham striker to feature centrally, with Nathan Redmond stationed on the left.

Illness apparently kept Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on the bench for most of the game, with James Ward-Prowse and Oriel Romeu playing in tandem in central midfield.

Jack Stephens got the nod over Maya Yoshida at centre-half but was sacrificed for Hojbjerg late on as Hasenhuttl reverted to a back four.

Analyse Burnley v Southampton in detail here

Crystal Palace v Everton

Roy Hodgson started this season as he finished last, with Palace in a 4-4-2.

Jordan Ayew was paired alongside Christian Benteke in attack, with Wilfried Zaha brought on alongside the Belgian midway through the second half.

Scott Dann and £4.0m defender Martin Kelly saw off the challenge of Gary Cahill at centre-half.

Everton were also in a familar shape to last season, with Richarlison and Bernard on the right and left respectively of a 4-2-3-1.

All of the players in the starting XI were on the books last season, although Moise Kean replaced Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front midway through the second half and Jean-Philippe Gbamin was brought on for the injured Andre Gomes just before half-time.

Morgan Schneiderlin was sent off and will miss Gameweek 2.

Analyse Palace v Everton in detail here

Watford v Brighton and Hove Albion

Gameweek 1 featured something we hadn’t seen last season: Gerard Deulofeu starting a Premier League match on the wing.

Now an FPL forward, of course, Deulofeu was sacrificed for Roberto Pereyra at the break, with the Argentina international still working his way back up to full match-fitness after the Copa America.

Craig Dawson was included at centre-half and was the only starter on either side who wasn’t at his club in 2018/19.

Graham Potter had trialled a 3-4-3 in the final two games of pre-season and that was indeed the formation that he deployed on Saturday.

Leandro Trossard remained an unused substitute as Pascal Gross and Jurgen Locadia flanked Glenn Murray in attack.

Florin Andone and Neal Maupay replace the latter two players in the second half and both scored.

Solly March and FPL defender Martin Montoya were used as wing-backs.

Analyse Watford v Brighton in detail here

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

Spurs started Saturday’s game in a 4-4-2 diamond, with Erik Lamela playing just off Harry Kane and Lucas Moura in attack.

The introduction of Christian Eriksen for Harry Winks saw Lucas and Lamela pull wide and Kane lead the line in a 4-2-3-1.

Villa were in their familiar 4-1-4-1 shape, with Conor Hourihane starting at the base of the midfield but later replaced by new recruit Douglas Luiz.

Trezeguet was preferred to – and eventually replaced by – Jota on the right.

There was a surprise in the full-back department, with last season’s first-choice pairing of Neil Taylor and Mohamed Elmohamady preferred to 2019 signings Matt Targett and Frederic Guilbert.

Only Targett made the bench, with Guilbert not among the substitutes.

Analyse Spurs v Aston Villa in detail here

Leicester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Brendan Rodgers opted for a 4-3-3 as he attempted to put pressure on Wolves’ back three.

Ayoze Perez played on the right of a front three with Jamie Vardy and James Maddison.

Hamza Choudhury was sacrificed in the second half as substitute Harvey Barnes took over on the left flank, with Maddison moving infield alongside Youri Tielemans in a 4-1-4-1.

Wolves were as they were for much of last season, with Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez stationed up top in a 3-5-2.

Patrick Cutrone replaced Jota for the final 15 minutes.

Analyse Leicester v Wolves in detail here

Newcastle United v Arsenal

Matt Ritchie recovered from injury to take up the same left wing-back role he occupied last season, with Newcastle United in a 3-5-2.

Ritchie moved infield when Jonjo Shelvey limped off, with Jetro Willems taking over on the left.

An ‘out of position’ Miguel Almiron partnered Joelinton up front, with substitute Allan Saint-Maximin joining them in a front three late on.

Unai Emery mostly used a 4-2-3-1 in pre-season and indeed that was the formation favoured on Tyneside, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line after a stint on the right flank this summer.

Alexandre Lacazette, only just back from an ankle injury, was an unused substitute.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson started in the attacking midfield positions behind the Gabon international, with summer signings Gabriel Martinelli, Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe replacing them in the second half.

Pepe took up a left-wing role.

With new signing David Luiz also not called upon on the bench, Calum Chambers started at centre-half.

Analyse Newcastle United v Arsenal in detail here

Manchester United v Chelsea

United and Chelsea both lined up in a 4-2-3-1, as they had ended pre-season.

FPL midfielder Anthony Martial led the line for the hosts, with Marcus Rashford stationed on the left.

Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard started the game in the hole and on the right respectively, although interchanged on occasion.

Paul Pogba was positioned on the right of a central midfield two, having played almost exclusively on the left last season.

Frank Lampard sacrificed Christian Pulisic to fit both Mason Mount and Ross Barkley into the same starting XI, with Barkley occupying the left-wing role and Mount playing just off striker Tammy Abraham.

Pulisic replaced Barkley on the hour-mark, with Mount finishing the game.

Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic lined up in the double-pivot, with N’Golo Kante replacing the former in the last 20 minutes.

Analyse Manchester United v Chelsea in detail here


Lessons learned from Gameweek 1

1,749 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any double Liv defender teams considering downgrading one of them this or
    (more likely) next GW?

    Robbo-> AWB gives a nice bit of cash and still gives some Liv defensive coverage with VVD.
    They are adusting to this new higher defence that they seem to be employing plus Adrian is just not as good as Alisson.

    May switch a defender until the 1st WC at least.

    1. Totalfootball
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What are your thoughts on TAA being rotated ?

      1. Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Don't own him. I think he will be rotated at times for sure though.
        It was the main reason I went with Robbo really.

        If you own TAA and back the Liverpool defence- he is still probably worth keeping as long as you have back up options who play.

    2. TheSpecialOne
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      ill be downgrading for sure to get the mane salah combo. probs when i wildcard.

  2. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who is more nailed for this week do you think?

    A) Mane

    B) Salah

    1. Sz21
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Both I'd say really.

      1. Kneejerk Dave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Think he'll rest one, but don't ask me which.

    2. Ini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think they both play

  3. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pusilic might be an upgrade for Perez owners in a couple of weeks, after deciding which Liverpool defender to downgrade and to whom!

  4. King Huth
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Many unexpected change for GW1...

    1. Time change for price rise/fall...

    2. Can't spy anymore...

    FPL making silent changes to help the casual???

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

      When is the price changes?

      1. King Huth
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        no idea... but it isn't the usual time...

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      How does it help the casual?

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Can you explain how any of this helps the casual?

      • Camino Aleatorio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        What happened to spying?

        Noticed that FPL discovery is not current thus far

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Hopefully back this GW.

      • DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        You think a casual checks price changes daily? How on earth does this help a casual? Haha i’m baffled

    4. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would you keep Wood this week or change to Pukki?

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I might change

        1. The Big Fella
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          What would make you sell/keep?

      2. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Keep and re-assess later

        1. The Big Fella
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          How come?

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Wood was a constant threat to us. He would've had a lot more chances, if he had the intuition to just keep himself onside. His runs caught us several times off guard, but the linesman saved us time and time again. I'd keep him, at least he's not a complete bystander.

            1. The Big Fella
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Yeah that Pukki looked mint though and that's against Liverpool too so I imagine he will do very well against lesser teams

      3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That’s my transfer this week.

    5. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Is doing Salah —> Mane (c) trying to be too clever and a waste of FT?

      1. nimbin_headers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I am thinking about but will hold off until WC time

      2. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Indeed it is

      3. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yep.

      4. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Si

      5. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        It is a downgrade

        1. nimbin_headers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Maybe maybe not

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Previous 2 seasons points totals and consistency of returns disagree. Especially with just 1m price difference and captaincy dependability

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Not a maybe imo

              1. TheSpecialOne
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                it depends.. salah had a 4 or 5 week drought where mane went on a tear last season. you can make transfers you dont have to keep the same player forever.

                1. ENZO SZN™
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  You can say the same about Mane.

      6. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Dont do it

      7. Party time
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I would rather have Mané & £1.0 tbh

        • The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yes

          But i feel you on needing to find a way to get mane in

      8. nimbin_headers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Mount?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Barkley?

          1. nimbin_headers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yes maybe safer to wait one more week or maybe 2

          2. nimbin_headers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Callum robinson?

        2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Buendia

        3. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wait and see

          1. nimbin_headers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            yeah i should be patient just looking to shift Moura out as i dont think he will do much vs mancity but more data would be good to pick the best replacement i guess

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Ah yeah I shifted him out for martial earlier this week

              1. nimbin_headers
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                already have Martial, Perez, Sterling, Salah....
                Origi 🙁 and Guilbert 🙁 🙁
                Could shift guilbert to lundstream i guess... Origi was a risk but 12 points even for 2 games ill take that

        4. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Buendia

      9. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Any chance Salah is rested this gw? He played 120 min last night, plus a flight and SOU away is on Saturday. Klopp could go With Origi Firmino Mane?

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I am concerned as well

        2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Might just go Sterling (c) instead

          1. Yankee Toffee
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Tough choices. The masses will probably go Salah....smth to think about just in case he hauls.

            Maybe Friday presser will tell us more

        3. Geevious
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          If Salah is rested, why wouldn't Mane as well?

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Salah also played 90 mins last weekend

            1. Geevious
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Mane wasn't even considered fit to play that game though, so in terms of fitness shouldn't Salah come out on top?

            1. Yankee Toffee
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Mane was taken off at 103 min... and was rested last weekend

              1. Geevious
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Regarding Mane getting rested last weekend, see my reply above

            2. Geevious
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              17 minutes is not that much a difference

              1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Highly unlikely that he will be rested though. As I once remember Klopp saying that Salah doesnt need rest, his rest is on the pitch

        4. iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Dont think so, it is beginnig of the season. I think there is more possibility that he gets out on about 60,70 min depends on the score

          1. Yankee Toffee
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            This is a possibility as well...

        5. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Seriously I don't get it. Yes he played 120 minutes. But he's an elite footballer. That's what they do. Will have a full weeks rest after Saturday.

        6. DAZZ
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          When you put it like that it does sound like there could be changes, but mo salah is a freak fitness wise and could probably play 90 this weekend no problem

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I am a little concerned; however, if I simply vc Sterling and have Dendoncker ready to step up, I can rest easy.

      10. sozopol
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Ryan, or Heaton, for the next several games? Leaning towards Ryan, villa defense makes me nervous

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Heaton/Pope rotation is ace

        2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'm on ryan. Like the look of the Brighton defence now with 3 CBs

        3. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Ryan

      11. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is this ok order for the bench?

        Montoya WHU(H) Guilbert BOU(H) Wickham SOU(A)

        Guilbert maybe plays so he is second and I think Wickham even if he plays it will be for 1 pointer

        1. MaverickNILRG
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          You don't like Montoya to play?

        2. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Why not play Montoya?

        3. iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I wouold love to but have other options which I am scared to bench. And also I dont want to put Mcginn on the bench...maybe King?

          1. Yankee Toffee
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Post yr team

          2. MaverickNILRG
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Not King. Gotta give him Villa.

            1. iL PiStOlErO
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Thats what I am thinking, dont feel good about benching him

        4. iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Heaton
          TAA Digne PVA
          Salah (C) Siggy Bilva Fraser Mcginn
          Kane King

          PVA is my biggest punt&differential and because of that I am planning to keep him in first team untill WC. Bilva would hopefully play. Also I want to play Montoya bit I just dont want to bench PVA, you never know with this guy...

          1. MaverickNILRG
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            bilva's gotta go.

          2. Yankee Toffee
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah bench is fine. Might be worried about a Bilva cameo

            1. MaverickNILRG
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I honestly would play Montoya over him. I'd def make him my first transfer out whenever you choose to do so.

              1. iL PiStOlErO
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Thanks, I just want to give him one more week, he had minor injury in first GW. Then again 20 min of Bilva can be way better then 90min of Montoya. But yeah if he does not play he will probably be my first transfer

            2. iL PiStOlErO
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Thats the thing that worries me. Would put him on the bench, but then its Bilva and its City, but then also its WH defence, dont know maybe I ll change my mind 500 times before the deadline

              1. MaverickNILRG
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Probably. Go with your gut and stick to your strategy. I'm just throwing out my opinion. I'd play Montoya, bank a trade and then do some mini surgery to bounce him amd maybe find a way to get KDB in.

                1. iL PiStOlErO
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Interesting option, I like this KDB tactic. Thanks for reply and good luck!

                  1. MaverickNILRG
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    A fit and firing 9.5 KDB is irresistible. Anytime. Good luck!

      12. Little Frank
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Already have Salah and Sterling and looking to add another big hitter, with the number of decent cheap options available, I should be able to manage it without upsetting the rest of the team too much.

        Who would you go for:
        a. Son
        b. KDB
        c. Kane
        d. Mane (would take an extra -4 to do this next GW)

        1. MaverickNILRG
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          B

        2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          B

        3. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          A or C, but re-assess after this gw

        4. The Big Fella
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          C or D. Defo not B

        5. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Kane will be the best

      13. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is Danny James a rotation risk?

        1. juho
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Need more data

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            rotation isn't a matter of data

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Subbing isn't a good start.

        3. MaverickNILRG
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Idk, that dude has some wheels though. Not sure what they put in the water in Wales but he can move.

        4. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers all, thinkig of maybe doing Fraser+Laca->Kane+James if he starts and impresses this GW.

      14. juho
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Does this make sense?

        - Start Trossard
        - Bench order: Greenwood, Guilbert, Wickham

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Makes sense. Think Trossard is still a potentially good pick, even though he trolled his owners last GW.

      15. Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Would you start Adam Smith (avl) or Lundstram (CRY) this GW?
        The bookies are telling me to trust the Sheffield United defence more.

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Lundy

        2. MaverickNILRG
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Lundstrom all day

        3. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Lundstram clean sheet locked

      16. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Which one of Haller or Pukki for King is a better pick?

        1. MaverickNILRG
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Based on last week I'd say Pukki. Looked great. Other hand I'd gibe King one more chance with Villa. Stay the course.

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            How many away goals and assists King score last season?

            1. MaverickNILRG
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I think someonenthrew out 3 away goals and 0 assists. I'll take one of those this weekend and then see ya next.

              1. Pukki Blinders
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                You'll take one of who this weekend?

                1. MaverickNILRG
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  One of those 3 away goals from last season. That's all I want from him before I ship.

                  1. Pukki Blinders
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    Pukki against newcastle at home is surely a greater chance of a return. Makes the transfer easier since I have both Wilson and King

                    1. MaverickNILRG
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      Don't disagree with you. I think Pukki will haul. I'm okay with holding King at the moment in order to use 2 FT's to do other moves.

                      1. Kiwivillan
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 7 months ago

                        I'm confident of a Villa win with good chance of CS. As I said repeatedly I thought people were massively overestimating Bournemouth fixtures just because "2 newly promoted teams". I got sucked in by hype and got Wilson as cover. Wouldn't bother with the other 2

                        1. Annie
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 11 Years
                          4 years, 7 months ago

                          Hilarious you got Wilson after all the Bournemouth talk

        2. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'd be patient with King. But if you're already sick of him, I'd go Haller. Far better fixtures.

        3. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Pukki party

      17. Jeredmy13
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Perez + Fraser to Martial & Tross ?

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'm sticking to Perez+Fraser for one more week.
          Martial and Tross are decent picks still imo. For a hit? Not sure.

          1. Jeredmy13
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah I'm leaning towards sticking for another week so I'll have 2 FT. Thank you!

        2. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wait. You're BUYING Trossard?

          Us Trossard owners have been fretting over replacements for many a night now 😀

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

            The lunatics have taken over the asylum.

      18. Leeds2116
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Sould I seel Barkley and B Silva?

        1. MaverickNILRG
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Hold Barkley. Depends on your team but if you must sell someone I would sell Bilva.

          1. Leeds2116
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Dunno got no other city lol.

        2. DAZZ
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah i’d get rid of them

          1. Leeds2116
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            who for?

      19. MaverickNILRG
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I'd still toss him. Does you no good to have your City player riding the pine.

        1. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah true. Don't know if to get Martial or someone cheaper and hold the cash.

          Alternatively I could do WIlson to Pukki or King.... and Silva to KDB

          1. MaverickNILRG
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Whats your team?

            1. Leeds2116
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Ederson - Button

              Rico - VVD - KWP - Zouma - Digne

              Salah - Barkley - B Silva- Perez - Norwood

              Wilson - Jota - Kane

      20. MaverickNILRG
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I'd roll Norwood over Bilva...bank your trade and use two next week to get him out and another under performer if need be. More time to assess who's who.

        1. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Cool thanks mate

          1. MaverickNILRG
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Anytime. Good luck!

            1. Leeds2116
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Need it lol.

              Also who would you play 3 of those 5 in deef? Zouma, Digne and VVD?

              1. MaverickNILRG
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                We all do. VVD, Zouma ans Digne.

                1. Leeds2116
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  I shouldnt have gone zouma and KWP. too much in DEF

                  1. MaverickNILRG
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    It's all good. You have a good front three and it can be chipped away at. Also we don't know what Chelsea's D will turn into.

      21. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Banking the FT this GW.
        Next week, Fraser+Lacazette to Haller+Son a good move?

        Heaton-Woodman

        Robertson-VanDijk-Zinchenko-Coleman-Lundstram

        Salah-Sterling-Fraser-Perez-Dendoncker

        Lacazette-Adams-Greenwood

        0.0m ITB // 1 FT

        1. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Pukki is better than haller

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            But the fixtures? Although Pukki WAS able to score vs Liverpool, albeit against Adrian, though.

            Would free up funds for uprgrade elsewhere as well.

            Cheers for the suggestion, will keep in mind.

            1. Leeds2116
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              For sure mate. He will score 20 goals in the season..

              1. Differential C (Mark)
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                You really rate him, do you? I rate Che Adams, but even I am realistic that he gets probably about 10-12 goals, and I accept that for 6.0m

                1. Leeds2116
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  yeah mate i really do. Norwich play awesome football, pukki is a beast and will score alot for them. Can see him scoring 1 every 2 games

                  1. Differential C (Mark)
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    Just seen the goal vs Pool. Great finish by Pukki,but my my! That ball from Buendia was class, if DeBruyne did that we'd never hear the end of it.

                    1. Lav
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      Buendia is a brilliant player. On my radar for sure.

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Depends on how Haller performs

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            True, his game this week vs BHA is effectively an audition

          2. luk46
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Haller performed really well in the Bundesliga, he was a big reason why Frankfurt was so successful. Ye, the prem is something else in terms of quality, but I can see him getting returns consistently, also on my radar.

      22. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Head says Lundstram
        Heart says Adams

        Who to play? Surely Lundy this GW? Is Adrian playing instead of Alisson a big hit to Liverpool's defensive strength?

        1. Lav
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Hey bro, how did you GW1 go?

          I would go with your head, and play Lundstram. OOP in midfield, at home against Palace, and Sheffield played well against Bournemouth. No brainer for me.

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            It was a rough 75 pts, but not too disheartened. More upset that Southampton just dropped a clanger vs Burnley, really poor performance.
            Optimistic enough for this GW, though. Going Laca(c) for the hell of it. Choosing to stick with Fraser and Perez, still believe they're fine enough picks for now.

            How did you do?

            Thats what I thought about Lundy. Created two big chances vs BOU, and got a BAP to boot. Just worried that Freeman might get the nod in for next GW, but agree that's not something I should overthink. Cheers!

            1. Lav
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Got a solid 90 points, probably my best start ever for sure.

              Perez is a fine pick for now no doubt, along with Fraser who probably has the best value on Bournemouth.

              Yeah Freeman is a concern, but Lundstram was good as you mentioned. Its worth the gamble. He will probably stay in my side all year anyways, and I reckon he will continue to get time.

              1. The Suspended One
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                60 min in tough games... =-/

                Keep and bench

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          100% adams...

      23. MaverickNILRG
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Go with the head.

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          CHeers, mate, thought so.

      24. fjb07
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Hey guys and gals ;).. anyone have any idea if aguero and mane will start in gameweek 2 again.. and not be benched??

        1. Kub3
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I expect Aguero to start.
          It’s difficult to say who will start for Liverpool after extra time and penalties tonight.

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sounds like he has to displace jesus atm

      25. Trovsmash
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Draft
        Who do I take?

        A. Buendia
        B. McGinn

        1. Lav
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          B

        2. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          McGinn, probably. its the fixtures, but also like Buendia. That assist for Pukki's goal vs Pool was great.

        3. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          B

      26. Lav
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Save the FT here? This is what my gut says.

        Pope
        Robbo VVD Digne Lundstram
        Salah(c) Sterling(vc) Perez Dendoncker
        Kane King

        Button Diop H.Wilson* Greenwood

        1. Ini
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Save imo

        2. MaverickNILRG
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Save for sure.

        3. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'd save. Would play Diop over Donkey, but yeah, just save the FT.

          1. Lav
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah may toss a coin and see about that. Brighton looked great though, and I can see them scoring at the Amex. Donkey also looked dangerous, shame the handball canceled his goal.

        4. Lav
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks lads.

      27. Yoshioka
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Start one

        (a) Rico (avl)
        (b) Lundstram (CRY)

        1. luk46
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Lundstram any day of the week

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          A, b likely to be benched in 4231

        3. @BigChrisso
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          b

        4. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Lundstram but lot of Sheff U fans think Freeman starts at home

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            This is why you cant play him, 1pter booked

      28. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Do you think barkley will start ?

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yes..on the bench

      29. Kub3
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        With 120 minutes of football tonight I’m now reconsidering Salah as my captain. I expect Liverpool to be very tired and sluggish against Southampton. Although, saying that Salah didn’t look as knackered as some of the other players on both teams after extra time. Kante legs had gone after about a 100. Fabinho was helped off the pitch with about 3 people and then somehow recovered to take a penalty.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Gonna love all the cute captain picks this week. Panic!

        2. luk46
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          How does your team look like? Not really a fan of the idea anyway tho...

          1. Kub3
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I have Sterling, Fraser and Perez in midfield and Jota and Wilson upfront. VVD, TAA, Digne, Zinc and Pope at the back

        3. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          We were too error prone vs BUR. Vestergaard and Stephens had a nightmare. Salah just runs and Stephens will roll over like a carpet.
          If Danso/Yoshi start, maybe not so clear.

          We play a high line, so can see Salah beating the offside trap and slipping the ball past Gunn.

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Captaiig Laca myself, though. Arsenal have done well vs BUR before.

          2. Kub3
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Interesting. Salah might not even play though. Firmino didn’t start tonight (neither did Origi) and Mané didn’t start against Norwich. Maybe it’s Salah’s turn for a rest.

            1. bigbudgie
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Can you tell me how many times Salah, when he's been fit, has been benched?

              1. Kub3
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Not many. I don’t know exactly how many. But he also hasn’t played 120 mins in midweek either.

                1. The Suspended One
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  ...... wow

      30. soumyeah
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Will they start -

        Origi?
        Mane?
        Pulisic?
        GroB?

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          NO chance
          Yes
          Yes
          Hmm, maybe not...

        2. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Nah,
          Yeah
          Yeah
          hmmm, perhaps nah? Not too sure on GroB.

        3. Kub3
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yes
          Yes
          Yes
          No

      31. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        What's BPS breakdown for defender assist and do they get same negative points for goal conceded as GK. Would like to work out difference between Heaton 15bps and Mings 31bps

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Assists gets 9 BPS plus 1 BP for key passes, so thats basically 10 BPS for an assist.

          Looks like there is no -ve BPS for conceding goals but instead they are for error leading to goal (-3) or attempt on goal (-1)

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Get membership.

          Assists = 9

          Making an error which leads to a goal -3
          Making an error which leads to an attempt at goal -1

          https://fantasy.premierleague.com/help/rules

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Payday 20th

          2. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            is my assumption of 10 BPS for assist correct?

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Not sure, he had a big chance created to add confusion.

        3. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          17 clearance, 5 blocked shots, 2 Interception is probably the reason for Ming's 31bps

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Ty