Scout Notes

Lundstram delivers as Sheffield United’s budget defenders impress

Our Gameweek 2 reviews continue with a look at Sunday’s first match.

Sheffield United’s first Premier League fixture at Bramall Lane since 2007 ended in victory for the hosts, with plenty to interest Fantasy managers who love a budget buy.

Sheffield United 1-0 Crystal Palace

  • Goal: John Lundstram (£4.0m)
  • Assist: None

There were two starting £4.0m FPL defenders at Bramall Lane on Sunday, with the less-popular asset delivering big for his owners.

Sheffield United’s John Lundstram (£4.0m), owned by less than a third of the Fantasy managers who had Martin Kelly (£4.0m) in their squads at the point of the Gameweek 2 deadline, banked a goal, a clean sheet and maximum bonus points as Sheffield United deservedly beat Crystal Palace and maintained their unbeaten start to 2019/20.

A defender in FPL, Lundstram was again deployed in his usual central midfield position as Chris Wilder named an unchanged starting XI and stuck with the 3-5-2 set-up that earned the Blades a point at Bournemouth.

The portents weren’t good early in the match as Lundstram picked up a yellow card after just seven minutes.

That was as bad as it got for the budget FPL defender and his owners, however.

Having already created a big chance that David McGoldrick (£5.5m) spurned before half-time, Lundstram showed he is no mere deep-lying midfield clogger by pouncing on the loose ball from a Luke Freeman (£5.5m) cross-shot to fire the Blades in front on 46 minutes.

Sunday might well have represented Lundstram’s high point as a Fantasy asset in 2019/20 but his spot in the Sheffield United starting XI would appear to be safe for the time being, with his place in the Blades’ midfield very much merited on his early-season performances.

Loan signing Muhamed Besic (£4.5m) may pose a long-term threat (although this is a midfielder who himself hasn’t yet proved anything in the top flight, having spent the previous 18 months on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough) and Wilder may at some point ditch the flat three in midfield for the 3-4-1-2 he favoured last season but the balance of the Blades’ side looks ideal at present and the United boss would surely be averse to upsetting the current status quo in midfield.

An injury picked up by John Fleck (£5.0m) against the Eagles on Sunday may further lessen the competition in the engine room, although the severity of the Scotland international’s problem has yet to be determined.

Hailing Lundstram after full-time, Wilder said:

It has been a really difficult period for John. We brought in Ollie Norwood last year, who was arguably the best player in the Championship, and we played a two.

John’s more of an athletic midfield player and we’ve played with three players in the middle of the park. He’s a modern-day midfield player, he’s athletic, he’s mobile and he’s got good ability.

Everyone is delighted for him as he is such a good kid and sometimes, you just need a little bit of a break.

I said to him at the back-end of the season that if we did manage to go up, don’t start thinking: ‘that is me done’.

It was not and I always thought he had a part to play and for John now he needs to show that level of consistency. But I thought he was outstanding today.

Lundstram’s fine display both on and off the ball (no United player won more tackles) was only a small part of the Blades’ victory.

Substitute Freeman had an effective afternoon in the midfield three with Lundstram and creator-in-chief Oliver Norwood (£5.0m), while Callum Robinson (£5.5m) – who himself was withdrawn with an as-yet-undiagnosed injury in the second half – and McGoldrick pressed well from the front.

The stand-out performers were arguably the Blades’ defenders, though, with a Palace side that scored 32 goals on the road last season (only three sides netted more) barely getting a sniff.

Wing-back George Baldock and centre-half Chris Basham (both £4.5m) nullified Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) after the Ivory Coast international had made a lively start, while Christian Benteke (£6.0m) was easily handled by the hosts’ back three.

The Eagles were perhaps the more threatening side in the opening quarter of an hour but Benteke’s fourth-minute effort was Palace’s only attempt from close range all game, with their other five speculative shots coming from 18 yards out or further.

Basham’s overlapping runs in open play again caught the eye, while Jack O’Connell‘s (£4.5m), himself not averse to a dash forward, posed a real threat at set plays, twice going close with headers from dead-ball situations.

Reacting to criticism of the Blades’ robust approach, Wilder said of his defence:

It’s still a contact sport. Players are still allowed to make contact with each other and they should be allowed to make contact. That’s part and parcel of what we do.

We did not allow them to get into any rhythm. They are an outstanding side away from home and had won seven out of their last 10 [on the road].

We got the balance and the shape of the team right. Even late on in the game, when we had to stand tough, I thought we did that. It was a good day from my point of view as the manager in terms of how we played with and without the ball.

The cliched, Match of the Day pundit-style response to whether the Blades were good or Palace were bad was appropriate today: “it was a bit of both”.

The Eagles’ bright-ish start didn’t really amount to much and, after Benteke’s aforementioned chance, Dean Henderson (£4.5m) only had to deal with long-range efforts from Andros Townsend (£6.0m) and substitute Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m).

The Blades predictably targeted Zaha and, when the Ivory Coast international is muscled out of the game, Palace’s lack of threat from other areas becomes apparent.

Two blanks in front of goal aren’t enough for us to completely write off their attacking assets but Palace now face nine of last season’s top ten between Gameweeks 3 and 13 and sit bottom of our Season Ticker as a result, so there is little incentive to invest at present.

Palace weren’t shambolic at the back but presented the Blades with enough chances to win the game without Lundstram’s goal, with McGoldrick missing a sitter, Robinson blazing over, and O’Connell and Oliver McBurnie (£6.0m) going close with headed efforts in the second half.

Let’s not forget that the Eagles were without first-choice centre-halves James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho (both £5.0m) and haven’t really replaced one of 2018/19’s stand-out right-backs in Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m) – the difference in class between Manchester United’s summer signing and Joel Ward (£4.5m) glaringly obvious again on Sunday.

Certainly, there would be plenty to encourage owners of the Red Devils’ Fantasy assets heading into Gameweek 3.

Members’ Analysis


Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Basham, Norwood, Fleck (Freeman 29′), Lundstram, Stevens; McGoldrick (Jagielka 89′), Robinson (McBurnie 56′).

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Ward, Dann, Kelly, van Aanholt; Townsend (McCarthy 70), McArthur (Wickham 82′), Milivojevic, Meyer (Schlupp 65′); Zaha, Benteke.


Lessons learned from Gameweek 2

957 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Emerson anyone?

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

      Not a bad pick imo

    2. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not convinced by Chelsea defence yet.

      1. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I like his attacking threat for 5.5

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

      Looking to switch Zinchenko when he gets dropped to Emerson

    4. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looked good going forward.

    5. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I reckon Alonso would have had attacking returns already if he was plaing instead of Emerson.

      1. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        But he isn't?

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          My reason why I would not go for Emerson.

    6. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I’m looking to bring in him or Coleman this week. Really struggling to decide!

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Coleman. Everton not looking too bad at the back plus he captains Everton and will start pretty much every match.

        1. Marty McFly
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I have Coleman. People seem to think he’s a rotation risk but any Everton fan I speak to says not.

          1. FourLokoLeipzig
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            They both have a capable deputy, but I’m working on the basis both are nailed and have great fixtures with good chance of clean sheets... so just looking at which offers more going forwards. Emerson has looked the part the last couple of games, and his ICT score is off the charts... but Coleman is the proven, safer choice I suppose

  2. Live Scoutcast 8pm Tues - leave your questions here
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Live Scoutcast 8pm Tuesday via Youtube

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKxYKQ8pgJ7V8wwh4hLsSXQ

    Feel free to leave your questions for us here.

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

      With Mane and KdB deliveribg big this gameweek, is it the time to consider a Wildcard?

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

        Last night was probably time to WC if you are going to do it this week.

      2. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Sterling and Salah last week..

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

        That doesn’t warrant a WC

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Salah, Mane, Sterling, KDB, Kane, Son, Martial, Rashford.

      Best 3 (or 4) to own from these for the next, say, 3-5 weeks?

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

        You should get 4 imo, but that brings us to my question: time to shift value from heavy defence to heavy attack, or too early?

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

          I have Salah, Sterling, KdB and Kane, but with a defence to match...

        2. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, I've got 3, and to get a 4th, I have to downgrade a Pool defender which seems too soon.

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

            Yes, that's basically my question. I am now testing no Pool defensive cover after the Alisson/Adrian debacle

            1. Planet Head
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              It was a poor week, defence-wise. Only EVE and SHU kept it clean. Too early to panic though, because the big sides have lovely fixtures from now

      2. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Salah, Sterling, KDB, Rash

      3. TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Trying to fit Mane, Sterling, KDB, Son and Rashford in. Very strong 10, with 2 4.0 current starters and 3 budget enablers.

        Not overly happy, but trying to drop any of the 5 seems impossible!

    3. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Has the double Liverpool defence train already derailed?

      1. Planet Head
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        After 2 games, no. But they may play a bit more safely, particularly against bigger teams until Alisson's back, so I fear for TAA's spot in the team

    4. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Is getting rid of pool defenders a mistake?

      Is Pukki the real deal?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Y

        Y

    5. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks like strikers are delivering.
      Cheap and expensive ones.
      But cheap midfielders aren't yet.

      Is it wise to move to the strikers rather than midfielders unlike last year?

    6. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Should we consider aggressive WC to get more players from Spurs,Utd,City beacuse they have great fixtures?
      Also is double Pool defence too much at least until Alisson gets back? AWB,KWP cheaper

    7. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts on cheap midfield assets. Ceballos, McGinn, Grealish, Mount, Trossard etc. Which is a flash in the pan and which could be a diamond in the rough?

      1. P-h-o-e-n-i-x
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This

    8. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      How soon is too soon to make judgements on players? Who will be solid picks based on GW2 and who will be early season flashes in the pan?

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

      1. Is it all aboard the Pukki train?
      2. Is Mane a better bet than Salah?
      3. Have Liverpool forgotten how to defend?
      4. Still no clearer re Chelsea assets?
      5. Are Leicester about to warm up?

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

      1) How big is 'form over fixtures' factor in case of Pukki & Barnes?

      2) Is Mane a viable alternative for Salah in Mane-Sterling-KdB premium trio?

    11. Bird Raymond
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Who is the player you don't have but most fear?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Lundstrum Haha..

    12. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Will managers regret selling Salah like last season? Was it just fatigue from midweek.. Personally I thought he looked ok had a one on one which was saved...

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

        It was a weak finish though, and he lacked the involvement he had against City and Norwich. By contrast, Mane has looked sharp whenever he's been on the pitch.

      2. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Because he's crap at one-on-ones and never uses his right foot.

    13. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What is happening at Leicester is it silly to sell Perez already?

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

        What are your thoughts on him AY?

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I haven’t been able to watch any of him I am looking for knowledgable authority to help me here x

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

            He's looked a little out of place in the team, stuck out wide, and not really linking up well with the attacking flow of the team (timing of runs etc) - if he clicks, he'll come good, but how long can we wait.

            1. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I want to give him a long time ideally as otherwise i’d Have to take a hit to get rid due to more important plans, 2 decent fixtures coming up (mainly the BOU one) and then after United their fixtures are decent again so would want to stick but that may be irrational if his performances stay poop over next couple. Not sure I want to decide yet who his replacement should be either

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

                That's my problem too.
                I also have Robinson to deal with, not a lot to choose from in that price range.

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

            Had a bad game but that's because he was out wide and on many occasions way to deep. I got rid last night after watching the game.

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

        lot of talent in Leicester mids on paper but not gelling and certainly not helping Vardy. Thought Perez was taking up good positions in the box yesterday but ball wasn't getting to him.
        Hard to move them before Sheff Utd game.

    14. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      what is this game week, as it seems contradicting....
      A. time to shift a Liverpool defender because they aren't very good
      b. Bad week to bring in Ceballos

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

        I think this week is an easy strategy assuming you don't have KDB, ditch a Liverpool defender for a 4.5 or 4.0 if you don't have Lundestrum and upgrade a non performing mid priced midfielder to KDB to sit alongside Sterling and Salah.

    15. RubberDucky
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Its only been 2 GW's but
        Is the value this season really in the midfield and not the double up at the back theory?

      • Pass
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Kane, Son or Moura?

      • Flycroft
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Most of us have space for just one 9.5 midfielder next to Sterling and Salah. KDB looks a strong option, but for those of us without Kane, is Son a better option?

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

          9.6 now

      • Obi Wan Elokobi
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        What are the benefits of holding a Wildcard. Surely with every 0.1 price rise and price drop it’s theoretically 0.5 this early on and will cost you a hit to eventually put in these players

        1. President Giggs
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          It's not really though as once you've missed one price change, the next 4 are irrelevant. People really overthink price changes in this game. A wildcard is worth much more than a few rises.

      • Azurri
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is Pukki this seasons Mitrovic?

      • UnGawa_Chairman
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is Burn gonna play regularly? He looked great!

      • Howiedo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I have put my faith in Wilson and Vardy (alongside Pukki) on top. They haven't impressed me so far. Is it naive to keep faith in them, or would you recommend to stay put?

        I know from previous scoutcasts that you may pounder the same thing, Joe.

      • Prestige_Worldwide
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Best 4.5 defenders? Brighton & SHU choices seem popular, any other teams/players looking good?

      • Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I've chosen Salah twice now as captain. Is Sterling now a perma Captain?

        1. Darth_Newdar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          No... although I will be captaining him for GW3!

          1. Old Gregg
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Have gone Salah twice and thinking Sterling GW3 also. Que Sterling blank!!

      • yakirh
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Who do you consider as a "must have", based on what we have seen so far?

      • PrettyDick
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        1. Your thoughts around Son pretty please. Will he start right away do you think (having played more than 45' only once in pre season)? If so, how will they line up with him in the starting XI? How would that affect Kane?

        2. Early transfers to catch price rises (or avoid drops): I know you always advocate to hold your transfers as long as possible, avoid taking hits and banking a FT if possible, but I was wondering if your thinking was the same throughout the entire season? When a player rises 0.1 early in the season they might as well rise 0.5, and catching those rises can make a big difference for your first wildcard (it seems to me at least).

        Thanks for all the great content,

        Cheers

      • Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Have any cheap 4.5 Defenders cought your eye from the first 2GWs?

      • Francescoli
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Doing player comparisons, Mount seems to edge all the other mid price midfield options (McGinn, Trossard, Cebellos). He plays in a top 6 side and has favourable fixtures in the medium term.

        Mount has played 180 minutes. Is he nailed enough to bring in?

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

          If he isn’t nailed, who is the next best option? I’m looking for a Barkley replacement (6.4 max).

      • Gusman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        To Pukki or not to Pukki?

      • jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        With all the degenerates (for want of a better word) wildcarding after 1-2 GWs, should we work together and start a counciling forum for the early part of the 2020-21 season?

      • nirst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I'm planning to ditch my double Liverpool defense. But which Liverpool defender is the one to hold on to?

      • Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is it time to get rid of double Pool def?
        City & United have some good fixtures coming up.
        Should we be looking at them to save money?

      • Darth_Newdar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        As with many managers, I currently have Salah and Sterling, and am sticking with both. From GW3 onward I'd like to bring in either KdB or Kane, but obviously can't afford both. So which is the better option? KdB for Man City's excellent fixtures, or Kane for good fixtures and his talisman status?

      • Jusagoras
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Do you see potential in Adams or Ings from Southampton? The Saints played well against Liverpool and they have a few decent fixtures coming up.

      • Permian23
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is there a case to argue that Liverpool will heavily prioritise the premier league this year, ahead of the European Cup, and that Manchester City will do exactly the opposite? Will this make City’s main assets much more risky from September onwards, and Liverpool’s much more valuable?

        1. Permian23
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          City have 3 easyish league games (Norwich, Palace, Southampton, all before the initial 4 CL group games. Also some easy ones following them (Watford, Wolves and Aston Villa). Can imagine a lot of rotation in those to ensure early qualification. limited minutes for KDB and Sterling.

          Liverpool have a much tougher run until late November.

      • MB10
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        How will Spurs attack line up going forward...
        Son, Moura, Lamela, Lo Celso,
        Erisken, Alli when fit

        Those with Moura keep for one more game (Newcastle at home) or swap out for Martial ?

      • FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        So many players like Trossard, Pukki, Ceballos, Mane and KDB look really good. Plus there is Harry Kane against a woeful Newcastle. How on earth do you decide which one to bring in first? Is it crazy to push the wildcard button?

      • DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Quite simply what do you prefer, Kane or a premium mid?

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Both. And I have both. 🙂

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

            Lol. Just to be clear to everyone I meant one or the other to go alongside your other premiums.

      • @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is it time to get in Son... with Spurs good fixtures

      • Permian23
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Should the template really include 3 big hitters, not 2?

        The start-of-season "template" included only 2 big hitters (salah and Sterling) for most people, with funds diverted to defence for "value" (expensive attacking defenders).

        With so many options in midfield and attack between 5.58.0m emerging, plus budget defenders coming through, does this mean the 3 big hitter "template" is actually optimal; Kane+Salah+Sterling (for example)?

        8.0m 11.0m players seem to be a wasteland, apart from KDB.

        1. Permian23
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          5.5 and 8.0

      • UpAndAway
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Trossard vs Ceballos? Very early I know after one full game each, but who's likely to be the better short term pick?

      • FP Elephant
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Who (of players owned by 5% or more), can easily be dropped - either because of a bad play, different role than expected, or unlikely starts? For example, is Moura to be dropped with Son (and later Alli) back?

        Also: surprising team play after two game weeks that might influence our interest in their players: Man United on the plus side, Palace, Watford, Leicester on the minus side?

        Thanks Joe and the Scoutcast team! (Also, Holly was a great addition last week.)

      • M Heaney
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is Pukki essential?

      • FPLVegard
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        1. Martial or not Martial. Have the Manchester United players become a better option than Chelsea and Arsenal?
        2. How many hits can you take vs activating the WC becomes a better option?

      • Aseel
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is Free Hit a good option for GW3?
        We could have 3 Spurs vs Newcaste (Kane, Son and a defender)
        3 United vs palace at home (Rashford, 2 of Martial, Maguire AWB)
        3 City vs bournemouth plus Firmino who has a great record vs Arsenal..

      • Silver Grey Fox
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Dear Joe.

        I’ve just heard that Nursery Rhyme favourite, Peter Piper has picked a peck of Teemu Pukki. So he’s the pick of Teemu Pukki that Peter Pipers picked.
        Hope that information is of help to all the teeming Pukki procastinators who are pondering which price point peck to pick.

        Regards.

        Silver Grey Fox.

      • The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Are the people who picked 4 or in some cases even 5 premium defenders bottling it?
        The in word was “patience” during pre season and that seems to have gone out the window, with all these wildcards flying around...

      • Jakedmat01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is its worth jumping onto the Pukki Party bandwagon? Time to get rid of Jota + Perez?

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

      With KDB's price rise last night i got priced out of a 6 mil mid (Trossard was my choice). Who to pick under 6mil as a 4th mid - McGinn or Ceballos ?

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

        McGinn just now, Ceballos after GW5.

      2. Greasy Grealish Gang
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        McGinn for me

      3. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Mcginn

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

        I would say Mcginn as well, because of their positions on the field. Ceballos threat is mainly getting assists from corners/set pieces I would say, other than that I'm not sure he's such a great fpl asset (although very good, and was MOTM against Burnley, but he has more of a Neves role , controlling the tempo of the game and assisting the assister).

        However I would consider Cantwell (if you haven't already), think he's a better option than both of those two and it frees up even more money for you.

        best of luck

    17. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I prefer Trezeguet to McGinn I think

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Why

        1. Marty McFly
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Reply fail...

    18. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Any news on aguero vs pep?
      Is there any tension post match or all ok?

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Why? What happened?

      2. the Penman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        No, it’s all fine - Kun thought Pep was annoyed at him for the goal City conceded, Pep didn’t think it was his fault.

      3. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        They were hugging like lovers after that

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

          when they thought the 3rd goal was good 🙂

    19. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope (Button)
      TAA VVD Digne Zinch Rico
      Salah Sterling Siggy Perez (Dendonck)
      Wilson Wood (Greenwood)

      Thoughts on this with 2 fts? Would leave me 0.7m ITB. Still leaves me with Siggy (nice fixtures) and Wood as "problems" though..

      Wilson, Perez, TAA --> Pukki, KDB, Dunk.

    20. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I could conceivably play all 5 of my defenders next week. Is that...really boring?

      (TAA, Robertson, Zinchenko, Digne, Lundstram)

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

        I'm doing that I think.

        King benched. But if I get Pukki in then he'll be starting instead of a defender.

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

          Yeah that’s for me too. Double Bournemouth who aren’t on fire against City? Someone will get shipped and that’ll be the end of my 5 at the back!

    21. MTPockets
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Start Dendoncker (BUR) over King (MCI) & Lundstram (LEI)?

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

          Watch tonight and decide. If he looks dangerous, why not?

          1. MTPockets
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Yep forgot about tonight

          2. infamousprob
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            i think dendoncker can be starting player. he tends to average highest position from wolves mids. There's assist and goals potential.

        2. Marty McFly
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          2 FT's. Nothing ITB. Who would you ditch?

          A) BSilva
          B) Lucas Moura
          C) VvD (have TTA)
          D) Cal Wilson

          At the moment I'm thinking VvD and Wilson > Emerson and Rash.

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

            Bilva

        3. Oooo Matron
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Anyone got any suggestions for this team? Bit stuck on what to do:

          Pope
          TAA VVD Digne Stones Montoya
          Sterling Salah Perez
          King Kane

          Subs: Dendoncker, Wickham, Drinkwater

          1. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Downgrade Stones to 4.0 and upgrade Drinkwater.

          2. infamousprob
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            King -> Pukki

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

          Why the Guilbert love? I know he hasn’t played but is he supposed to he a decent full back? Will he break into the team?

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Loves cards. Steering clear.

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

            Looks like the manager prefer El Mohamady atm.
            Someone asked him on his IG (@fredguilbert02) if he's injured and he simply answered 'NO'.

        5. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Took a huge risk taking a hit already. Even more so considering I have 30 points this week with Jota to play.

          Pen is down already. How’s it looking?

          Ryan
          Robertson VVD Zinchenko
          Salah Sterling(C) KdB Perez Buendia
          Pukki Jota

          Button Lundstram Rico Greenwood

          1. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Looks okay.

            Not sure on double Norwich but it's fine.

            1. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Cheers.

              Started with Buendia so giving him next 2.

          2. infamousprob
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            you have to start Lundstram after his heroics.. bench Perez or Buendia?

            1. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I just bought him in so less inclined too. Potentially a bench for Buendia...

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

          Best defender under 5m?

          1. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Montoya
            Dunk
            Mings
            Lundstram

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

            Dunk, Soyuncu, Lundstram

          3. Maddamotha
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks

        7. GoonerByron
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          How does this WC team look? Obviously I'd ideally have Mo or Mane but want Sterling and Kane as my premiums for now, can always move back to a Pool premium with a couple of transfers down the road...

          Adrian
          Emerson - Zinchenko - Mina - AWB
          Sterling - KDB - Martial
          Kane - Rashford - Pukki

          4.0 - Ceballos - Dendonker - Lundstram

          0.1 ITB

          1. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Lovely for now.

            I would reconsider Mina and Adrian though. I think you'd be better with Coleman/Zinchenko and Pope/Ryan/Heaton.

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

            Looks good.

        8. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          This article is too painful to read atm

        9. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Is everyone still piling into pukki despite the fixtures?

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

            The only difficult fixture for Norwich’s attack is City at home. Chelsea can easily leak at Carrow Road, and Burnley aren’t infallible despite what people say about Pope.

          2. internal error
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Man City is probably the only fixture I would be worried about. Chelsea, west ham and palace are defences he could do well against.

          3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Hmm cheers....in still a doubter tho

            Well done to those who had him from gw1

          4. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I'm not just yet. Newcastle were terrible. I'd be stockpiling Spurs players if anything.

            We saw this sort of thing last year with Mitrovic. It's pretty rare that a budget forward comes along and bags every week. Especially from a promoted side. I'm waiting a couple of weeks before jumping aboard.

          5. yakirh
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Well he is a proven goalscorer machine, I understand why people are going for him
            I prefer to wait until after the City game

          6. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I have and im already regretting it.... The price changes pushed me a bit... hopefully I get away with it ...

            Wildcard still intact thankfully....

        10. Sterling Archer
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          scenes when jota and wan bissaka go off injured and ppl have already taken hits galore!

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

            If something happens to any of Martial, Rashford, AWB, Jota or Jimenez, not only will this place go wild but the price drops will go mad.

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

            That's two reason to hit the WC button for me.

        11. Paddy Gooner
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I have these defenders that don't play (Taylor/Guilbert) ... thinking about Guilbert to A: Mina or B: Keane for a -4. Any suggestions?

        12. Mr. Mystic
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          It’s been a while since I’ve done FPL...

          When is the most common/recommended time people use their wildcard?

          1. Paddy Gooner
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Whenever you team's crap. I try to wait until at least October. Having said that, almost did it this week.

          2. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I usually plan it for one of the international breaks. I also try to coincide it with my holiday, so I can spend the week planning properly whilst sat around the pool with a beer.

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

              Living the dream life.

              1. Marty McFly
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Couldn’t possibly get better could it...

        13. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Going to have to get rid of one of TAA or Robbo and no idea which

          1. Paddy Gooner
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            That's a tough one. Why I got VVD

          2. internal error
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I was contemplating the same decision but decided to find money elsewhere

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

              I would probably risk sticking with Trent. Looks more likely to get attacking points

          3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I guess taa just purely on reliability of starts

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

              +1. TAA seems less nailed than Robertson. Owned both.

          4. Phil's Stamps
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Robbo

          5. aapoman
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I'd ditch TAA

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

            I would keep Robbo over TAA, TAA will be rotated when champions league will start
            I have the same debate over Robbo vs VVD, not sure yet, I love Robbo but need that 0.5m

          7. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Robbo.

          8. 1zverGGadeM
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Trent..

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

            Robertson

        14. But to who Chris Kamara
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Who will score more points over the season?

          Kane or KDB

          1. Paddy Gooner
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            KDB by the looks of it.

          2. But to who Chris Kamara
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Ok thanks

          3. But to who Chris Kamara
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Anyone think Kane?

          4. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Whichever one gets injured less.

          5. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Kane

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

            Probably Kane, but not by a big margin

        15. MTPockets
            4 years, 7 months ago

            OGS on Martial: "...I think him and Marcus both are capable of playing both positions. Sometimes it will be Marcus through the middle and Anthony on the left, or Dan James on the left and maybe one of them on the right"
            https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-how-hes-18961748

          • But to who Chris Kamara
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Do you need Spurs coverage?

            1. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Coverage doesn't matter.

            2. SPorting
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I'd say you need Kane or Son. KWP if you feel punty.

              Moura and Lamela will feel the pinch now that Son is back.

            3. But to who Chris Kamara
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Thanks just not sure if I need Kane cause of KDB but might need Kane for spurs coverage

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

              I think Kane and Son are great options, mostly because in their price point you can easily get KDB/Auba depending on fixtures and form

              Planning to get Kane, and maybe go for Auba for their nice run

          • Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I played the WC and I have a question for you all!

            From Sterling, Kane, KDB and Salah/Mane, which one (or two) would you drop out? It's just impossible to fit them all in. Right now I'm leaning towards dropping KDB and getting Mane over Salah.

            Also is Mane better value than Salah?

            1. Marty McFly
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Salah is better value than Mane IMO.

            2. MARVELLUS
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              So tough. I would lose KDB, wont start every game, and keep Salah as only 1m difference.

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

                Why wouldn't KdB start every game if he's not injured?

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

                  Exactly. Hell start most if not all league games. He's fresh after last season not playing hardly at all. Why not use your best player. He links the team up so well like no other player can.

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

                Are you mad. He will start most games in the league if not all.

            3. Warby84
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Mane DeBruyne..
              Salah is a season keeper regardless of the odd blank

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

              Im WCing. Those City fixtures are so great, that have to have 2 City players, for me its Sterling and KdB.
              Have also Son (cheapier route to get Spurs attack than Kane) and Mane because Im not going to captain Salah anyway for next weeks.

          • Bartowski
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            James could throw a spanner into the works in terms of best cheap miss tonight.

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

              *mids

            2. SPorting
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Maybe. But with Martial as a mid and playing up front, who would you give a MID spot to in your team?

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

                Well it would be for Perez so can't afford Martial in a straight swap and still not convinced by him even if he does play up front some of the time.

            3. yakirh
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              He needs to do something special. really special, in order to get into my team

          • Invincibles
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I've got 2 FT:

            Heaton
            VVD TAA Digne Zinchenko
            Siggy Salah Sterling Perez
            Wilson Jota
            Subs: DD, Lund, Gwood

            Desperately need spurs cover:
            A) Kane or Son
            B) How to do it?

            1. MARVELLUS
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Looks too hard to get Kane for you with not much money up front. Son for Perez. Maybe afford it by downgrading Siggy.

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

                A) Siggy, TAA > AWB, Son
                B) Siggy, Wilson > Son, King

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

            Any further news on Digne?

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

              Prob nothing until Thurs/Friday presser

          • MARVELLUS
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            How's this for a minus 4

            Pope Heaton
            KWP Zinch VVD Lundstram Diop
            Salah Barkley Perez Dend Sterling
            King Jota Kane

            Barkley/Perez/Zinch out for Ceballos/Martial/Soyoncu?

            Not too bothered about Ars fixtures when we are talking about a potenial regular 10 on set pieces...

            Thoughts, or better transfer suggestions appreciated.

          • Lukakus talking
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Current team:

            Heaton (Button)
            Robbo Digne Shaw Zinc (Lunvdstram)
            Salah Sterling Trossard Perez (dendonker)
            Kane King (Greenwood)

            Tempted to do either:

            A: Perez --> Cellabos, King --> Pukki (free)
            B: Robbo --> VVD, Pérez --> cantwell, Greenwood --> Pukki (-4)

            Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

            1. MARVELLUS
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              A for me

          • Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Should I get rid of Barkley?

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

              Yes. I have him too and dumping