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

    Here is my time to shine. I am really happy with this WC I hope you are happy for me too. Pepe can become KDB if I turn into a coward but I think i’ll Stick as I think he has way more potential. What do you think:

    Pope
    TAA Ota Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Pepe Martial Trossard
    Haller Pukki

    Button Montoya Greenwood Aarons

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

      Draft #1 (w/ KdB) looks good. Keep up the great work!

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

        That’s a nice reply thank you Gold

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

      Nice picks. Given the bench, I'd consider swapping Sterling + Greenwood for Aguero + a playable mid. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I prefer that.

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

        I hadn’t thought about that it’s a nice suggestion. If Jesus is out for an extended period of time I would be all over that. Just feel Aguero won’t be nailed going into UCL campaign. Happy with two starting subs with chance to get attacking returns anyway. Thanks mate

    3. Kitsune
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Nice to see a team based around players predicted to do well as opposed to who did well last week.
      Think Greenwood is a waste though, could he be turned into someone who plays more minutes?

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

        Cheers man appreciate that. He was Ayew but that meant having Hanley over Aarons. Both ways looks a bit disgusting. Greenwood looks good for a point every week and that is good enough for me behind my choice of 4.5 defenders.

    4. kidzac
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      What about martial to Daniel James, greenwood for ayew, then Aarons to matip.

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

        Interesting. Will take that on board thank you. Have just noticed that SV gains from the team I put together for price rises should give me enough for greenwood > Ayew anyway. I’ll liking it a lot

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

    If you had 8.3 to replace Jota, who would you get?

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

      Already have Pukki

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

      Haller
      Wilson
      Pukki
      Wood
      Barnes

      Take your pick, that is my personal order of preference

      1. Pulisic 4 President
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        What makes you think Wood over Barnes?

        I was thinking Wood over Barnes too but looking for more reasons.

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

          Stats from recent games. Barnes usually goes on these mini runs and then stays quiet once everyone has him. Wood has been the man recently

          1. Pulisic 4 President
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Got it - here's where I stand

            Pope (Button)
            TAA Digne KWP (Lundstrom, Rico)
            Sterling Salah Maddison Mount Trossard
            Kane Deulefou (Greenwood)

            Was thinking just Deule to Wood? Any other ideas?

            I have 2 FT. KWP and Kane fixtures are so good next 5 GW, I don't really want to take either out.

            Trossard, KWP, and Deule likely to drop .1

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

              Looks really good with that move mate. I’d even be tempted to start Lundstram over KWP. Obviously wait it out though as wood is edging towards a drop too

              1. Pulisic 4 President
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Yeah, looks like Deule (-80.9) is going to drop quicker than Wood (-49.9) though. So might have to move on it, but will monitor over the next few days.

                Agreed on that, but just for GW5 - KWP the following 4 GW, much better fixtures.

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

    This was a reply but I think it will get lost on the last page and it seems like an important discussion leading up to GW5. I think a huge factor that's getting somewhat ignored around captaincy choice is 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. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Same out injured, who plays LW in sterling’s place? No natural LW in the squad Mahrez looks poo when forced there. Maybe Jesus I guess?

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

        Jesus. Has done it before. Or a formation change to accommodate. It's Pep and City, flexibility of solutions won't be an issue.

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

          Yeah will be a brand new-ish one though as he always had sane to lean on. Not sure norwich away is the kind of game he would be testing new things out as they could get caught out by their attack if city lack the dynamism sterling brings

      2. kidzac
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Zinchenko?

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

      I love this. but the only way I could do it is with a WC. I already have three city players. Unless I downgrade Sterling instead of Salah. Anyway something to think about over the IB.

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

        Yeah I don't have City defence, so there's a 3rd spot up for grabs in my team and it feels like a potential advantage that I can get without using my WC. If Salah destroys Newcastle it's probably an immediate fail, but sometimes you have to back your gut feeling and risk it. I'd feel sick if I don't go through with it and Aguero scores 4.

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

          I was tempted by Dilva treble up in midfield but I’d need another hit to do so.

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

      There are good points in regards to putting the armband on Sterling. Selling Salah is silly. Liverpool will win that comfortably. Newcastle let in 3 goals away to Norwich and now their at Anfield. Also Salah has a good record against them. Aguero is a great choice for the Norwich game and I’d love to have him but I wouldn’t be selling Salah to do so.

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

        Newcastle play differently against different opposition. Yes they conceded 3 to Norwich, but they also conceded 1 single goal to Arsenal and Spurs combined. You can't compare, it's a different beast away from home against a top 6 side. I see Liverpool winning comfortably but not thrashing them. Grab a couple of goals and ease to the win. Put that up against Man City vs that Norwich defence and attacking mindset - it is scary what City could do to them.

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

          Of course you can compare. I’m pretty sure pool beat them 4-0 at Anfield last year. I do think there will be more goals in the city v Norwich game but if Liverpool manage an early goal then Newcastle have to come out and then they are screwed.

          Also they only done so well against Arsenal and Spurs thanks to Joelinton being a release for the defence. They could just hoof it upfield and he could hold it up. Don’t think he will have that luxury against Van Dijk.

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

            I guess we'll see. I just don't see Liverpool crushing them the way City will Norwich. In the end the captaincy decision comes down to your assessment of those two fixtures.

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

              I’m not saying you will be wrong because you could of course do very well by doing this. If Sterling starts, Jesus is fit and Aguero doesn’t go mad you will be annoyed.

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

                I would be, it's true. But not as annoyed as I will be if I do nothing and Aguero goes nuts. For me it's generally better to go with the risk you believe in rather than the risk you don't.

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

        My eyes would be wide open that it's a gamble. Taking calculated risks based on fixtures is also how you do well in this game.

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

      Good post, only question for you ...why not downgrade Sterling in order to get Aguero ,since you already think he could have a cameo?
      Salah is too risky to downgrade in my opinion, cheers !

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

        Thought has crossed my mind for sure, so it's a good question. I'll consider right up until deadline, but I guess the reason not to sell Sterling is that if I'm wrong (and Sterling does start) it's a complete disaster. In an ideal world Aguero, Sterling and KDB would all start and I'd have them all.

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

          Yeah, definitely something to consider ...
          Another thing that crosses my mind is and would gladly have someone look into it ...while Aguero starts, Sterling doesnt haul as much ...I might be wrong but last season I went without Sterling and Aguero did his work. Now, theres a lot of talk about Jesus threat but I dont think it really affects Kun’s performance even across 70ish minutes...

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

            I thought Aguero started vs West Ham but he didn't, he was given the last 20 mins. I think you might be onto something - it would be interesting to see.

            Certainly, Man City players may pick out Aguero more when he's in the team compared with Jesus, or it may be that Aguero stays central forcing Sterling a little wider.

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

              In the past seasons I usually started with Aguero but this year was different, he wasnt guaranteed to start and thus I had to opt for Sterling ...which turned out to be a good choice luckily. I’m strongly inclined to switch back to him now and as you said forcing Sterling wide certainly plays a big factor ... I guess I’ll wait it out before making any moves... I have the budget to do Sterling ,Greenwood to Aguero +5,0 mid

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

        For me it comes down to what you think will happen in the two games. If you believe Liverpool are going to smash Newcastle then it makes no sense to sell Salah. Personally I think Newcastle will do what they always do against the top teams away from home and park a massive bus, keep it dull and tight, and lose 2-0. Norwich are not capable of that and Man City are far more dangerous than Liverpool.

        How many goals would City have to score vs Norwich before you were truly shocked? For me it would be 8. Anything before that and I really won't be surprised.

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

          If Newcastle concede early, it would chance the entire game ... I feel Liverpool will do well against them ,3-4 goals lets say but who knows ...after that Norwich game I thought NEW will get relegated this year ...

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

          If you think there is a real chance of Sterling being benched and not wishful thinking, you'd be selling Sterling rather than Salah to get Aguero.

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

            It's definitely not wishful thinking, I own Sterling so I want him to start. But I fear he may not and I want to be heavily invested in City's fixture. It's that simple.

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

              Would you not be better served hedging your bets and selling Sterling to get Aguero? It sounds like you're going to captain Aguero in any case.

              If Sterling is benched, win-win; yet if he starts you'd expect Aguero to also be in the points, while not worrying about Salah vs Newcastle.

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

                Yeah, I'm definitely thinking about it. The way you've put it makes perfect sense too. If I believe Aguero starts (and I do) and I want him as my captain (and I do), it might be the best way to do it.

                I think I would just need to hear some comments from Pep that allude to a Sterling rest, not necessarily anything definitive but something. If he comes out and says "Everyone is ready after IB, no need for rest, they are ready to go and we play our best team" then I couldn't risk it.

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

                  yep, makes sense. Good luck!

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

                    Thanks. You too! I'll probably bottle it, make no transfers, and put the armband on Salah lol.

        3. tommo1989
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Another important point to consider if Liverpool play Napoli away on the Tuesday night (somewhere they played badly and lost 1-0 last season) so I think you’ll see Liverpool take some of their key players off if they’re winning 2-0 after 70 mins for example and take it easy in the second half

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

      My calculated risk has been to do Sterling + Kane > Salah + Aguero this gameweek. Owning both Sterling + Salah is the preferred option for many, but when you add KdB in the midfield too, it only leaves 2 other spots - or one if you're going 343.

      Aguero has pens, arguably a better captain option, and also means an easy jump onto Aubameyang / Kane, albeit Kane looks a no-go area at the moment.

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

      Aguero plays in a Kompany testimonial match just days prior to Norwich. In recent seasons he has been abysmal away from the Etihad. Comfortable Salah (c) for mine

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

        not tempted by Sterling?

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

        Interesting that we're so divided. For you it's a comfortable Salah (C) and for me it's a potential sell! Could be some really big points swings in GW5. All that said, I haven't actually pulled the trigger and I won't until deadline day. By then maybe I'll have back to keeping Salah. Basically I just want as big a piece of the Man City pie vs Norwich as I can reasonably get. If I knew Sterling would start, he'd be my captain.

        1. tommo1989
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Aguero captain for me. Everybody on here advised Sterling above Aguero as captain for GW3 but I transferred in Aguero and made him captain. He’s a poacher and takes pens which Sterling doesn’t. The big pitch against West Ham suited his pace but I’m not sure the small pitch at Norwich will, similar to Bournemouth.

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

        Also Aguero and Dilva will play 15 minutes each in the testimonial. Confirmed. So basically a training run.

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

      I’ll be captaining Kun so agree with some of your logic. Wouldn’t be moving players like Salah or Sterling on though.

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

        Premium hokey-cokey is not for everyone, but I love it.

    8. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Thinking City can score 8 goals seems very, very optimistic to me. Also, whilst I agree Aguero is nailed for the Norwich game he isn't for the Watford game, and beyond the City game Pukki seems like a much better option than any West Ham midfielder. That's without even considering the potential implications of taking out Salah at home to Newcastle.

      That said, I do think the idea of a short-term punt on Aguero is worthy of discussion, especially for those looking to wildcard soon. It just seems like an unnecessary risk to me though, if it means getting rid of either Salah or Sterling.

    9. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I think you're overthinking it a bit. Making a drastic change to your team for two weeks is how you explode your rank.

      Sterling will almost certainly play. They don't have the luxury of resting him with Sane injured and Jesus coming back from injury. They're not gonna start Jesus in his first match back from injury wide on the wing. It makes no damn sense. If he's fit, he'll come on for Aguero at the hour mark.

      Remember that Bilva, KdB also have international games so won't be as fresh either to supply. Honestly, if I'm Pep, I don't have the afterburners on against Norwich. You're playing away right after an Intl. Break. His goal will be to win and then ease off and reassess players.

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

        It's just a different way to play the game than most managers are comfortable with. I make drastic changes to my team constantly, but it's not about points chasing. It's always based on upcoming fixtures. Took a -8 last GW and came out 9 points ahead with KDB and Haller now in the team and no need to use WC. More than happy to continue mixing and matching attacking assets to target Norwich, Watford, Villa. So the overthinking element doesn't worry me, it's just a matter of whether Aguero (C) is worth the surgery on this occasion. For that I need more information.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          You see, taking big risks like that sometimes works but often doesn't. Not saying you shouldn't take risks, but take risks by picking players that are undervalued/underpicked rather than trying to 'game' it and constantly switch your big hitters around. My risks right now are that I have differentials in Wesley and Pepe that few others have while they have good fixtures and low ownership.

          With the hokey cokey, you take far bigger risks than you gain in reward. You will not get it right very often. Even sure things. We've seen it with Kane in the past. We will see it again soon maybe just this week. Aguero or Salah can really easily get a 2 pointer and if you do that hokey cokey, you give up:

          1) Points from players you're leaving.
          2) Opportunity cost of your transfers - the transfers you're using to take advantage of fixtures are transfers you're not using to improve your team.
          3) Team balance - Your goal of bringing in these big hitters will destabilize your team.

          And if you look at the three outcomes, only one is good and even that has some knock on effect.

          Aguero scores big and Salah blanks - okay great, best case scenario, but you still gave up a chance by doing this to upgrade your 4.5m def that has bad fixtures coming up.

          Aguero and Salah score the same - Opportunity cost of transfers.

          Aguero blanks and Salah scores - You're f&^%d

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

            I get what you're saying, but 'gaming' it is essentially my entire strategy. Top 300 OR last season playing it that way, it's just different to the norm. I owned Salah on about 5 different occasions last season - caught the big hauls for captaincy and missed most of the blanks. Same with Sterling. I am 100% fixtures focused, I target the teams I think are the most likely to concede a lot of goals and switch between attacking players in attacking teams that play against those weak defences. I leave my defence alone as much as possible.

            I always hear loads of reasons not to play this way, but I haven't experienced the downside yet.

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

        Your second paragraph does have a lot of merit. Maybe they race to an early lead and then take the foot off the gas. That is a possibility I need to factor in.

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

      Last season, after a slightly disappointing start from Salah, I looked at the fixtures and worked up an argument like your’s that Kane was an absolute must for a certain fixture (something like Cardiff at home). So I swapped them for a hit. Salah got a hat trick, Kane got a yellow card. The follow few fixtures only worsened the gap.

      With the big hitters, i don’t think we need to over think it this much.

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

        There's one major difference here: that was Kane and Spurs, this is Aguero and City...vs Norwich. I take your point, but an in-form Aguero against the worst defence in the league, playing an open style of football, is a whole different kettle of fish.

    11. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve got KDB, Sterling and Kun on my WC before last GW and Kun captain was great for my rank. Still not as high as I was GW 1 but close. See link if interested.

      Kun is a must imho. Anyone without is a fool

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Lol

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Just to add one point to the conversation focused on the 2 GW5 fixtures - you need to monitor the state of the Norwich defence. If they go into the game against City with all their defenders still crocked, it probably will be a veritable duck shoot. Pep will feel comfortable resting Sterling and Kun will run riot. If their defenders are fit to play, Canaries will do a decent job trying to park the bus and the score will be more similar to the Liverpool-Newcastle result.

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

        No offence but you've already blown your TC chip and your Wildcard. And you've had a major differential captaincy advantage with Aguero over Sterling last week. And you're still only on 269 points, which is 18 ahead of me and behind many others with all chips still in hand. Those are some major caveats when bragging about rank and declaring people fools.

        Still, we agree that Kun is a fantastic option.

  4. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Digne score predictions for these next few games ?

    BOU
    shu
    MCI
    bur
    WHU

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

      9 6 1 6 2

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Worth keepin’ then ?

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

    1. Laporte to VVD for free
    2. Laporte & AWB to TAA and 5.2 -4
    3. Laporte & AWB to VVD and Ota -4

    Thanks for your input.

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

      3 looks best to me

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

        Thank you

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

      3

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

        Thank you

    3. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Number 1 easy. Don't take a hit for a defender

  6. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pukki with more than 100K transfer out this week, what a crowd!

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

      Mad this year. Wilson yet to blank and has dropped twice!

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

        Yeah this is so crazy

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

      I might be one of the next 100K to do it. Thinking about swapping him for Barnes, and then getting him back in GW8. Not due to his blank, but rather to his fixtures (compared to others). However, it could very well be over management

    3. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wait til he blanks against city!

  7. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Perez-> James

    A) Yes
    B) No find another player

    Cheers

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

      I would go for it mate, 6.1M for a man utd attacking player is good value imo. i don't know the stats but from watching the games/highlights he takes quite a lot of shots and is getting a lot of touches in the penalty box. 3 goals already and he will get more quite a few more imo.

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

    Computer says no.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Turn it off and on again

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

        Thanks mate!

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No means no.

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

    Wales have a free kick, 25 yards out, a chance to win the game... Who should take?

    Bale or Wilson?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson.

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

    In your opinion, who are the top three best defenses in the league and who are the bottom three defenses in the league?

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

      West Ham fan:

      Best - Pool, City (not because of their actual defence but style of play) and Burnley

      Worst - West Ham, norwich, Watford

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Watford fan in agreement, 3rd best is tricky really. There aren’t many good ones!

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Everton? Palace?

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ask David an article on the defence stats

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool, Man City, Everton
      Southampton, Watford, Norwich

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Southampton?

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah.

          Or Villa.

          Or Newcastle, actually.

          Take your pick. Most of them are pretty mediocre in fairness.

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

      Best 3 definitely Utd

      Worst 3 maybe Sheff Utd Norwich Villa

  11. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Everyone seems to be on Haller. Why no price rise imminent?

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

      Already had one

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

    Which pair would you rather going forward

    A Pukki Sterling or
    B Ceballos Aguero

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

      A

      1. FPL_JAAFAR
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        A

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

      A by miles of course but also as it is way more expensive. B looks like a rotation nightmare

  13. Pulisic 4 President
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I have KWP, Trossard, and Deulefou all likely to drop.

    2 FT

    Any ideas?

    I was thinking keep Trossard, and go KWP + Deulefou to Lowton (BUR) and Barnes

    Or just Deulefou to Wood

    Help please thanks!

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      The double transfer looks good tbf

    2. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Trossard great fixture

  14. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts? Wesley, Martial, AWB problems or save?

    Hendo
    VVD Digne Montoya AWB
    Martial Sterling Salah KDB
    Wesley Pukki
    (Stek, Diop, Greenwood, Dendonk)

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

      Wesley not a problem at all. Should be same with martial. Diop and dendoncker a good enough sub for AWB/Martial if they are out

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe save then? Unless major injury

    2. Pulisic 4 President
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      AWB to Emerson may make sense?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Don't trust Chelsea

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

      how about AWB to Otamendi for city defence?

      1. Ziyech on the Bench
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Just got him

      2. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Not a bad shout at all tbf

  15. mrodgers91
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC, worth swapping robbo to TAA or should i just stick it out. Assists probably even out eventually and robbo is less of a rotation risk?

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      TAA is a season keeper

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

      Taa looks in a better form now. But with CL starting soon he may get occasional rest. I have robbo but if I was on a WC, I'd go for taa

    3. LSK
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I can’t see Robertson equalling TAA for assists this year

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

      I would get TAA, both great options, but robbo losing value and trent is rising. That way you have the option to swap to robbo down the line when he starts getting attacking returns to save a bit of money, but if you go robbo and TAA keeps outscoring him then it would be harder to go robbo to TAA.

    5. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I personally think TAA is going to obliterate Robertsons scoring this season.

    6. mrodgers91
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Done thanks. Feels right as most of the usual high scorers in my league have taa

  16. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What is the best combo to replace Perez and Jota for -4?
    Budget 12.8

    1) Barnes
    2) Abraham 

    A) Iwobi
    B) Ceballos
    C) McGinn
    D) Yarmolenko

    Team is:
    Heaton (pope)
    Robbo vvd lundstram digne (Soyncu)
    Salah sterling KDB perez (dendo)
    Pukky jota (greenwood)

  17. Warbling Wendy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Ceballos, Jota > Eriksen, Barnes -8 points.

    Leaves 0.0 ITB, someone talk me out of it?!

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

      Stop knee jerking! Give Ceballos and Jota time to earn you some points.

      1. Warbling Wendy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Just long term I have huge concerns with Ceballos' minutes and Jota is a concern, I never expected the Europa League to have this big an impact on Wolves form.

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

          then transfer them out over the coming weeks, not a hit for both of them.

          It's worth giving Ceballos the game against Watford, surely?

          1. Warbling Wendy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            you're right I should be patient, the easy option is to keep the points in the bank. I'm wobbling like a trifle on a washing machine at the moment though

            1. Warbling Wendy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Wobbled off the washing machine, the hit has been taken. I already know this will end in tears, but, YOLO

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

                noooooooooooooo!!

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

              hopefully the washing machine isn't on spin cycle yet

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

    Jota on -97.1. Will he likely drop tonight?
    Have the exact money for Haller but wanted to wait for the IB.

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

      You should be fine tonight, but it's unlikely he'll make it to the deadline.

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

        Thanks. Think I’ll pull the trigger.

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

      It could sit like that for a few days like Martial has been, but at that % i would not take the risk if I had exact funds. If you waited and he went down tonight you would feel bad.

  19. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best replacement for Perez? Cheers

    A) Lanzini
    B) James
    C) Mount

    Appreciated.

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Need to get rid of him, too. Shocking 4 or 5 GW'S from him 🙁

  20. Schliegs
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which combo looks better? Will be starting 1 of the three each week and the other two will be rotating with Lundstram and Cantwell as my 11th player

    A) Mings + Mount\James + Greenwood -4 play Mount/James
    B) Kelly + Dendo + Barnes -4 play Barnes
    C) Wan B + Dendo + Greenwood save FT

  21. Lestat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) Trent - Zinchenko - Mount - Greenwood

    or

    B) VVD - Otamendi - 4.5m - Abraham

    Best Option?

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

      Mate that’s so tough, very much a coin flip I think.

      1. Lestat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Im sitting on A at the moment...jst tempted by abraham but worried about VVD vs Trent to get him

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

      Trent - Otamendi - Mount - Ayew

  22. KEEEEEZ
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hey, what are everyones thoughts on Son??

    How have he/Spurs been playing?

    Got him in a couple GW's ago, everyone saying he will be good for the long run is this still the case do we think?

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

      I don't think any player outside of Man City and Liverpool is worth 9.5m+ this season, with the exception of Aubameyang.

      1. AK ⭐
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Good thing Pepe is less than 9.5 😉

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

          😀

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

        Cheers mate, that's a great point

  23. Schliegs
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender for the next 4-5 weeks?

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

      Montoya, Lowton.

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mings then Lowton, Pieters if you can find the 0.1?

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

        Mings plays for one of the worst defenses

  24. Dutchy
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on this WC? Feeling really punty but could pay off, covering Man city fixtures and Richarlison finding form

    Pope
    TAA / Digne / Pieters
    Mane / KDB / D. Silva / Rich / Ceballos
    Aguero / Barnes

    Button / Diop / Lund / Greenwood

    1. PogChamp
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like the Richardson pick. Ceballos is not nailed so that's an unwanted risk on WC. Not sure if Pieters is good enough for a back 3.

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

        Disagree on Ceballos. As an Arsenal fan and Ceballos owner I'm pretty confident the lineup vs Spurs was entirely tactical and won't happen too often against lesser teams. Ceballos should replace one of the midfield 3, and he is a pretty attacking player for 5.7m in a team that scored the 3rd highest number of goals last season and has added Pepe. A few back to back starts for Ceballos with attacking returns and he will be bandwagon central. Good pick, lots of upside, cheap enough to abandon if it doesn't work out.

        1. PogChamp
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          That's fair enough can't argue with that. I'm not picking any players that fall into the 'will he won't he' start category. And despite what you say above he is one of those players for me.

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

      I like it mate. Seems as though you took some of the advice from yesterday. That team has the potential to smash it out of the park in GW5, and that's what you really want to get your WC started.

      1. Dutchy
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

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

    Best midfielder 6.0 or below???

    1. FPL_JAAFAR
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      H.wilson or iwobi considering fixtures

    2. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      McGinn, Iwobi, Ceballos, Trossard

  26. tajulariff
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero KDB

    Or

    Kane Sterling

    1. FPL_JAAFAR
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1

  27. FPL_JAAFAR
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Sauce on laporte injury news??

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

      Had a surgery so cant see him back any time soon. Sell sell

  28. Dutchy
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Mount and Zinchenko
    or
    D. Silva and 4.5

    1. tajulariff
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1

    2. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mount and Zinch

  29. Lestat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) - Otamendi Silva Abraham

    or

    B) Zinchenko KDB Greenwood

    ??

    1. FPL_JAAFAR
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B because kdb is essential

  30. FPL_JAAFAR
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/injury-news/news/laporte-facing-surgery-on-knee-injury_370232.html

    Now that Laporte out for 4-6 months after twitter confirmation as well.

    A)Are you considering tripling up on man city attack?
    B)Keeping the faith in a man city defender? And who is your pick?
    C) other(specify)

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B) keeping Zinch, easy switch to otamendi if Mendy comes back.

      1. FPL_JAAFAR
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        In your opinion, ota seems the most nailed option in man city defence.
        I agree

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ota at 5.4 is a snip even before the injury to Laporte.

    3. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      5.5 is still excellent value for a defender in a side who dominate possession as much as city