Scout Notes

Abraham enters FPL forward debate as Chelsea concede again

Our final Scout Notes article of Gameweek 4 reflects on an eventful game at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea’s defence once again the focus of our attention.

Chelsea 2-2 Sheffield United

  • Goals: Tammy Abraham (£7.2m) x2 | Callum Robinson (£5.3m), Kurt Zouma (£4.9m) own-goal
  • Assists: Christian Pulisic (£7.5m), Jorginho (£5.0m) | Enda Stevens (£5.0m), Robinson
  • Bonus: Abraham – 3, Jorginho – 2, Stevens, Robinson – 1

Last week we wrote an article on Emerson Palmieri (£5.5m), praising the left-back’s attacking threat but also expressing concern about Chelsea’s defensive fragility.

The Blues’ first three games were against attack-minded teams in the shape of Manchester United, Leicester City and Norwich City, so the visit of Sheffield United – who are ranked bottom or joint-bottom for shots in the box and efforts on target this season – was a good test to see if Frank Lampard’s side could register a shut-out against a less-offensive team ahead of their favourable fixture run from Gameweek 7 onwards.

The usual frailties were apparent again, though, with another second-half capitulation costing the Blues points.

Six of the nine goals Chelsea have conceded this season have come after the break, while only Norwich have shipped more Premier League goals in 2019/20.

Callum Robinson (£5.3m) had already missed an excellent headed chance by the time he tucked away a cross from Enda Stevens (£5.0m) and it was the ‘out of position’ FPL midfielder, starting his fourth successive game up front for the Blades, who provided the teasing delivery that Kurt Zouma (£4.9m) sliced past his own goalkeeper late in the game.

Speaking after the game, Lampard said:

It’s not defence, it is conceding as a team. The lack of concentration and mistakes for the goals are moments, you defend as a team as much as attack as a team.

We conceded because you switch off in a game that should be comfortably seen off at 2-0. That is no disrespect to Sheffield United, 2-0 is not the end of the story. I was clear with the players on that at half-time, this can either be 3-0 and nice, or a potential 2-2.

Disappointing factor is the first goal more than anything, because it allowed it but we only have ourselves to look at as a group and not individually.

Lampard gave Fikayo Tomori (£4.5m) his first league start in a Chelsea shirt and the former Derby County boss was later asked if he was concerned about Chelsea’s previous defensive pairing of Zouma and Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) at centre-half, replying:

No, I wouldn’t say I was worried about it. I am trying to work all over the team to get the right combinations. Rudiger is fit after the international break, gives me another choice. We can isolate goals and talk about centre-backs or whatever, it’s not, it’s the team. When we score goals, sometimes it’s because of the centre-back playing the ball quickly. I am not relating the centre-back issue. I trust the four centre-backs I have completely, we are just in a moment where obviously we need to stop conceding goals.

I think Tomori played very well for me last year and training at a very high level. There is competition at centre-back, he deserved to play and I thought he played well. It was just a choice.

Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) again struggled at right-back and both of the goals came from crosses on his side.

Chelsea at least have reinforcements in the shape of Reece James (£5.0m), Antonio Rudiger (£6.0m) and N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) who will be fit soon, although the Blues’ defensive problems seem to run deeper than merely unavailable personnel right now.

While Jorginho (£5.0m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.5m) impressed in the double-pivot, there was less joy for the more popular Chelsea midfield assets further forward.

Christian Pulisic (£7.5m), Mason Mount (£6.4m) and Ross Barkley (£5.8m) created one chance between them, with Mount nullified on the Chelsea left by the resolute Sheffield United backline and Barkley delivering one of the frustrating performances that he has sadly become synonymous with.

Tammy Abraham (£7.2m) at least carried on where he left off at Carrow Road, showing an opportunistic streak to first pounce on a fumble by Dean Henderson (£4.5m) and then take advantage of a mix-up between Jack O’Connell (£4.5m) and John Egan (£4.5m) to double Chelsea’s lead.

Henderson denied Abraham a hat-trick with a superb save after the break.

Lampard said of his young striker:

I’m delighted with Tammy. He has a really great attitude in training, a desire to score goals and his all-round game was really good as well. Myself and the staff are working closely with him on little bits of his game where I think he can be even better and he’s been very receptive to that.

After successive 13-point hauls, the Chelsea forward is the most-bought player of Gameweek 5 at the time of writing.

Cynics may say that all four of his goals have come against defences that played in the Championship last season but a ‘flat-track bully’ is arguably what we Fantasy managers want, particularly if targeting the more winnable fixtures – of which Chelsea have several from Gameweek 7 onwards.

While Norwich and Villa languish in the bottom three, Sheffield United are now up to eighth.

They are unquestionably the more secure of the three promoted clubs from a defensive perspective and have conceded fewer big chances, shots in the box and efforts on target than Daniel Farke and Dean Smith’s sides this season.

There will be frustration, indeed, that it was two uncharacteristic individual errors, rather than anything Chelsea created, that saw the Blades fall 2-0 down.

Chris Wilder said after full-time:

I thought we deserved it but I was disappointed with their goals. We could have done better on both. Take nothing away from the boys. How can you? Still, we know we should have kept them out.

There was nothing wrong with our shape to begin with. But we stood off them a bit and then gave some silly things away. But the boys, all of them, dug in and dug it out. And that’s what being at this level is all about.

Oli McBurnie (£5.9m) for David McGoldrick (£5.5m) was Wilder’s only change for this match, although the summer signing from Swansea didn’t have much of an impact and failed to have a single shot in a 63-minute showing.

Sheffield United sit second-bottom of our Season Ticker over the next ten Gameweeks and interest may be limited in their FPL players over this run – with the exception of the benchable John Lundstram (£4.2m), of course.

On the evidence of what we have seen so far this season, however, Fantasy managers can expect the Blades to be no pushovers when our other attacking assets come up against Wilder’s troops.

Members Analysis


Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Tomori, Zouma, Emerson; Kovacic (Batshuayi 83′), Jorginho; Pulisic, Barkley (Willian 60′), Mount; Abraham (Gilmour 83′).

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Henderson; Basham (Osborn 84′), Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Freeman (Mousset 79′), Stevens; McBurnie (McGoldrick 63′), Robinson.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 4

1,336 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PrettyDick
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which offensive City players aren't away with their national teams on the IB, and how do people think that will affect their playing time v Norwich?

    Sterling, Bernardo, KDB out
    Jesus, Aguero and Mahrez rest?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Cannot remember seeing Belguim having any fixtures.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Belgium play San Marino and Scotland.

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus, Aguero, David Silva, Mahrez all rested.

      De Bruyne, Foden, Gundogan, Bernardo all on international duty.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        ... and Sterling with England of course.

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

          oh yeah, Silva resting as well that's right!

          It'll be interesting to see if/how that affects their playing time. Last season Pep rested Sterling twice after the IB, if I remember correctly. This time they play 4 days before their fixture (I believe) However it's Kosovo, so maybe England will rotate players

      2. Beizer
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Mahrez gets a rest for sure? Question from a worried Bernardo-owner...

  2. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Zinchenko to Van Dijk a waste of a transfer?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Top move. Pool defence is the place to be.

    2. WWF
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I think so, yes

  3. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Choose a combo...

    A) VVD and Barnes

    B) TAA and Wood

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

      B

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

      Any chance Wood drops to 6.2? Would be great value

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B. Wood on pens.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Barnes also takes pens

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          with his kids in the back garden?

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            He has taken more pens for Burnley than Wood has, especially in 2019

  4. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I have exact money to do : Kane,Emerson,AWB -> Firmino,TAA and Digne for -4 (which gives me 3 liverpool and 3 city players)

    Should I pull the trigger??

    1. Winter_is_coming
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      For me it's a perfect long-term transfers.

    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I would go for it mate

    3. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Do it

    4. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      All good moves.

    6. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yep, Emerson is awful, bail out while you can

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        No worse than Digne defensively. I'd argue he's been Chelsea's best defender this season.

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Better than Azpilicueta? Hahaha. Emerson hasn’t been great

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yes, better than Azpilicueta! Someone hasn't been watching Chelsea this year.

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Yes, clearly you

              1. Ask Yourself
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Yeah come on man Azpi has been so poo

              2. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                As a Chelsea fan, Azpi has been our worst player this season. Half of our goals conceded have been down his side of the pitch. On the contrary, Emerson has been voted as our best player this season, with his stats being insane.

                So stop trying to be arrogant and just realise that you’re wrong.

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

    Heaton / Pope
    VVD / Zinchenko / Digne / Soyuncu / Montoya
    Sterling / Salah / Trossard / Mount / Dendoncker
    Kane / Pukki / Wickham

    0.6 ITB, 1 FT - had possibly my worst ever 2 terrible GW's in a row...so now need to catch up some ground. Any suggestions?

  6. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Jota to drop tonight? Would rather hold on the transfer

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No, shouldn't drop yet.

  7. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What would you do here? 2 FT, 0.1m ITB

    Pope 4m
    Zinch Digne KWP 4m 4.1m
    Sterling KdB Martial Mount Cantwell
    Kane Firmino Pukki

    🙂

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane and Sterling to Aguero and Mane? 👿

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Slightly too expensive actually, but thanks

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane and martial to haller and mane?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        or this.

      2. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Likewise, funds don't stretch but thank you!

    3. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Thank you gentlemen for some fine suggestions. Loath to lose Sterling right now. Will boot him soon though as CL coming. Really fancy Auba

  8. Grimlock
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    -4 perez (why do I still have him? !!)

    A) David silva

    B) sigurdson

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Thunder Warrior
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Richa

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    thoughts on a cantwell/ayew rotation ? norwich and palace rotate perfectly

    CITY WOLVES NORWICH VILLA bour UTD

    decent forthcoming fixtures (apart from city obviously)

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Cantwell to score against Palace while benched 😉

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      When you say rotate perfectly I assume you mean Palace away fixtures dovetail with Norwich home ones. You surely wouldn’t want Palace at home!!!

    3. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm likely to have it on WC. Could also play a 4.5 defender ahead of either if fixture better..

  10. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who to replace Perez with?

    A) McGinn
    B) Ceballos

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        A is nailed. I would go McGinn.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Ceballos has been given the no.8 shirt. He'll play more often than he won't. Has a higher points ceiling than McGinn, imo.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Being given the no 8 shirt means nothing. Ceballos is on loan.

            Ceballos cannot even get a full 90 minutes!

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Let's pick up this discussion in a couple of weeks.

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Cool

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      neither

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        helpful.. suggest an alternative.

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

          Sorry. How much money do you have? There are a ton of options between 5.5 and 6.5. I've gone for Daniel James but I know that's not everyone's favorite.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I don't know if Jonny How Son will ever get back and thank anyone who has tried to help him.

            1. Jonny HOW SON?
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              thanks lads 😀

    5. Cahill17
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  11. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What are the chances that Abraham double rises?

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Very likely as it is 2 weeks until next GW. already risen once and rising fast at around 58% atm.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        this. Not sure if Wolves, Liverpool are the best fixtures for him to continue his scoring spree, though.

  12. mccormibar
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    For people who haven’t wildcarded, what week do you consider the optimum week to wildcard and why?

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No right time imo mate, play it whenever it feels right tbh.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Agree

    2. Cahill17
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I have no idea hahah. play it by ear

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

      I tend to save it til I need it or to use as a way to set up a bench boost

    4. onceuponatyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I had four changes to make so went for it.
      I think the first IB isn't a bad time actually, getting some more price rises in early gives us more TV towards the end of the season.

      That said, if I didn't need to make changes, I wouldn't use it for the sake of it.

    5. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Either when you need it or if you want to do something rogue like remove Sterling and Salah or whatever - having a WC means you can take a calculated risk against the template (once it's properly established) and not get punished too badly if it goes wrong

  13. JOLLYOLLY
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I get the feeling there's not much love for Guendouzi...Why is that? 4.5m MID played every match this season; plays for Arsenal; was amazing last match with an assist and Bps (and nearly scored). Surely he's now the best 4 - 5m mid out there? Or am I missing something?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Emery might be the problem, but he does like Guendouzi. If I only had 4.5m to spend he'd be top of the list.

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Any thoughts on my post below?

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

      Was wondering this as well. I think its because he plays pretty deep. There is also a chance that Emery decides to play both Ceballos and Torreira at the same time, in which case there would be no room for him

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Look at his stats from last season.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        33 matches. ZERO goals, ZERO assists. He doesn’t get forward and is not overly creative. Don’t even consider an option..

    4. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I agree mate. I don't have a 4.5 Mid, but if I did, he would be the one.

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

      Mid slots are gold - I don't see Guendouzi covering 25 points/GBP. Sorry.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        He'll cover more points than Greenwood will.

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

          Agree. The math says, however, that mid slots are worth more than forward ones.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            What price would your 3rd striker be? Ayew?

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

              Optimally, fodder.

            2. JOLLYOLLY
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              I'm thinking of going 3-4-3 as I don't rate Greenwood at the mo (v little gametime) and I think there are some competitively priced strikers out there ( Pukki, Barnes, Tammy, Haller)

  14. Come on you Kante
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I have Adrian and Taa who to get in

    Robertson
    Otamendi

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Otamendi if no other city defence

    2. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ot

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Double up on Pool defence and move Adrian on. Sure it will not be long before Alisson is back.

  15. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I’ve Laporte going down and TAA (my transfer) going up.

    Would you make an early move?

    1. Come on you Kante
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes I would mate

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      For sure.

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        For -4 or even -8?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Every transfer needs to be taken on its own merits. Laporte is injured with a "doesn't look good" prognosis, while TAA has an excellent home fixture. Should be worth a -4.

  16. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Choose one for the WC (assuming both fit)

    A) Martial

    B) Siggy

    1. Come on you Kante
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Martial

    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Martial

    3. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      M

  17. MosF94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    To those of us who have Sterling and Aguero (and no Mo) - which of the two are you planning to captian?

    I fancy Sterling, Norwich's attacking focus should leave some space in behind to be exploited, but it's a tough one!

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I have a feeling Salah going to run riot vs NEW.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        But I will probably captain Aguero again if Norwich are still thin at the back with injuries.

    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I am going for Sterling, but I don't have Kun. I would just follow whatever your gut is saying mate.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        If you had Kun?

        1. Rage Against The Raheem
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I would still go Sterling I think, if it was at home i would say Kun. Jesus could be back so there is possible rotation/reduced mins, and i just prefer mids as they get extra point for goal and CS. In the end it will most likely be like 5/6 goals and they both get big points.

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’d go Sterling if no Salah.

    4. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kun

    5. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling vs attacking full backs

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

      NPxG + xA per 90:
      Aguero = 1.01
      Sterling = 0.96

      Then factor in pens and Aguero is at a 1.27 xG + xA per 90.

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

        A healthy Jesus would persuade me to opt for Sterling.

    7. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kun at home, Raz away

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

      I think a huge factor is getting ignored and that's the IB. Wasn't one of Sterling's full rests (as in zero minutes) last season straight after the IB? If he gets close to 180 minutes for England while Aguero, Jesus, Mahrez and Dilva are all rested, I can't see any reason Pep wouldn't rely on those four in a game vs Norwich. And once they're up by 3 or 4 goals may or may not bring Sterling on for a cameo - in either case it's risky for the captaincy. I don't see any situation where Aguero doesn't start after two weeks off, even if Jesus gets minutes too.

      The other thing is that Newcastle fight really hard against the top 6, as already proven this season. They won't roll over, maybe a nice comfortable 2-0 win to Liverpool with points shared. But City honestly have the potential to obliterate Norwich by 6-8 goals. They really do. They put 5 past a decent West Ham team away from home, who then went and made Norwich look ordinary. Would anyone be that surprised if City were up 3- or 4-0 nil by half time and the second half became a points scoring free for all for whoever was on the pitch? I wouldn't be.

      Currently I'm a Sterling, KDB and Salah owner, and I'm very tempted to downgrade Salah to a West Ham mid in order to upgrade Pukki to Aguero (C). I don't care about long term rotation, I'm looking at the next 2 games vs Norwich and Watford only. It could be season defining. Can Liverpool do to Newcastle and Chelsea what City can do to those awful defences? I don't think so.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Nice post. Was considering suggesting Sterling was a rotation threat post the IB, but you've articulated it better than I would've done. I think it's a distinct possibility.

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

          It's a big enough possibility to make the armband a real concern. This is a GW where you need to be targeting massive captaincy points due to the fixtures. A blank could be devastating if those around you get it right. I'm seriously worried about Aguero, and points chasing or not I might have to get him for these two games, let go of Salah and take my chances.

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Does pep have anyone else who can play LW anymore?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Mahrez could do it, I guess.

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

          Pep would find a way with the resources at his disposal. If he wants to give Sterling a rest, I'd say he will do it. No reason Jesus can't play on the left, or up front with Aguero in a different formation. So many ways he can set the team up to destroy Norwich.

          To me, the players resting over the IB are just about guaranteed to start. After that I don't know, but I'd be really nervous if I captained Sterling and didn't own Aguero (which is where I stand currently unless I do something about it).

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I wouldn’t say the likes of Mahrez are guaranteed to start any game. Pep is starting to trust Mahrez more now after his great performances end of last season but it’s still up in the air. As for sterling Pep won’t risk not playing him unless he absolutely has to imo

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

              All I'm saying is that directly after an IB, where half your attackers might play 180 minutes and the other might play zero, who would you pick to deal with Norwich? It's not like Pep doesn't trust Mahrez, Aguero, Dilva and Jesus. He does. They'll be completely rested. It just makes sense.

  18. Cahill17
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I would go, Sterling, just in case Jesus is fit and Agerao doesn't play the full 90

  19. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    With Laporte dropping I need to act and not sure what to do. Need some more opinions on these options!

    A) Laporte to VVD
    B) Laporte to Matip & Mount to Dilva -4
    C) Laporte to Matip & Dendonker to Ceballos-4
    D) Laporte to 4.5 and Wickham to Barnes(will Wood start matching him?)
    E) Laporte and AWB to TAA and 5.2def?
    F) Laporte to Matip and do one of the -4 transfers for free next gw

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

      A

    2. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

      and definitely not B or C

  20. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    AWB likely to play next game? Was going to get Haller for King but not sure now. Also have Boly so could be in trouble if AWB wont play.

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure to early to tell, debating selling tho as unsure if price will fall before next game and fixtures don’t look great all of a sudden

  21. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Heaton
    VvD - TAA - Digne - Zinchenko
    Mount - KDB - Salah - Sterling
    Jota - Pukki
    (Button - Lundstram - Greenwood - Dendoncker)

    The more I look at my team, the more uncertain I get what I should do next. Jota the obvious issue maybe, but with £0.2 itb, I can't upgrade without taking a -4.

    Any suggestions?

  22. Kip
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    anyone else eyeing up Callum Wilson instead of Haller/Barnes?

    7.8mil now and great fixtures ahead

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I think West Ham has more creativity than Bournemouth, so Haller shades it for me.

      Barnes an option once Gudmundsson is back again providing the service.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I just have this fear that once I get in Barnes then Wood will start scoring all the goals for them 😆

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yep, it's Wood's turn next to score 🙂

          He was on fire in pre-season btw. I think owners have been quite unlucky.

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I took a drop on him for the first two weeks before reluctantly getting rid. Pre season really swayed me.

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              ah that's harsh. unlucky that.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I think he is a great option. Can’t fit him into my team at the moment though.

    3. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Haller and Barnes are cheaper and arguably better fixtures ahead. Thought about getting him on my WC, but I think he's a bit overpriced still

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I rank the strikers like this:
      Haller
      Wilson
      Pukki
      Wood
      Barnes

      Just don’t quite have funds for Wilson so on Haller and pukki but I expect him to do very well

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        After much deliberation I went for Wilson last night to replace Jota, has a decent run of fixture and can always downgrade to Haller and most likely will upgrade to Vardy later on have 1.0 in the bank to assist.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Really nice pick I think good luck

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers matey!! Best of look to you and your team too!!

            1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              *luck

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

    Haller or Barnes?

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

      Haller.

  24. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Ordaw Ordaw
    Kevin De Bruyne is essential this season.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Naw

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      At home he may well be. Think I'd prefer Sterling and Aguero vs Norwich if funds allow.

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

      A KdB perma capt is enticing.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ew

  25. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Does Aguero have his feet up or is he included with Argentina's squad?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      He is resting.

  26. DAVESAVES
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    TAA about to rise and Jota about to fall.

    One or both for -4?
    AWB > TAA
    Jota > Barnes

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Very good moves.

      1. DAVESAVES
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Now or wait?

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Now as TAA bound to go up and Jota to go down. Will cost you more to replace after price changes plus you will have two form players for GW5. TAA is a beast!

          1. KDB4PREZ
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            So ya reckon AWB will fall before next game?

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good go for it now if you have a WC to fall on to

      1. DAVESAVES
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I do!

  27. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Will AWB drop again before the next game do we reckon?

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Very likely imo, 2 weeks until next game, he is flagged and highly owned and Man utd not keeping clean sheets.

  28. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Worth doing Robbo to TAA if no other issues with team?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. DAVESAVES
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sure. Could backfire tho

    3. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers guys

  29. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Maybe an easy one but worth a thought or two to help me x

    A) Haller + Martial + Trossard
    B) Wood + Eriksen + James

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

      A for me.

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

        To elaborate, Haller > Wood and Eriksen with only two matches playing 90 mins (uncertainty of playing time).

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Poch did say if he wants to win games he has to start eriksen. So does that change your mind x

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Fair just looks a bit less sexy but more safe. Do need that though as otherwise my team will be way too punty for a WC

  30. Recoba
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Couple of my friends want to do a draft tonight. If anyone’s interested:

    673275-159210

    Should be starting at 830pm EST, (about 2.25 hours from now) classic scoring. Looking for 6-10 total

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

      im in

    2. Canary_Kid
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm in