Technical Area

Which Manchester City defender will replace the injured Aymeric Laporte?

Wednesday morning brought the widely anticipated news that Aymeric Laporte (£6.5m) faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Manchester City centre-half was stretchered off with a knee injury in the first half of Saturday’s win over Brighton and Hove Albion and has since undergone surgery, with the reigning league champions reporting that Laporte had damaged his “cartilage and lateral meniscus”.

No timeframe was put on his return by the club but widespread media reports suggest the French stopper will not return until 2020.

Who will replace Laporte at the back, then?

On paper, the Citizens only have two remaining orthodox centre-halves on the books: John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi (both £5.4m).

However, Fernandinho (£5.3m) featured in defence for a handful of games last season and has been training as a centre-half for the past few weeks.

With Stones sidelined with a thigh injury, the Brazilian was the man brought on alongside Otamendi on Saturday when Laporte was carried from the field of play.

Fernandinho said after full-time:

I’ve been training in this position the last couple of weeks. We still have two centre-backs but I can play in this position.

John was injured, Laporte comes off and I was the only one on the bench. It’s not a secret for me. The key is just to understand the concept of the way we have to play. The movements and the pace we use in games. It was my first time and I hope I can improve and do better next time.

Head coach Pep Guardiola said of the prospects of the Brazilian at centre-back:

He needs some processes, defensively especially. He is intelligent with a lot of experience and we will work with him. Unfortunately, we cannot right now because of the international break but we are going to work on it. We need him in this position.

Meanwhile, Guardiola said that he would have no hesitation in playing Kyle Walker (£6.0m) out of position.

Walker has featured in a back three for his club and country but never as a centre-half in a back four.

Guardiola said on Saturday:

It is what it is. It’s happened and the other guys will make a step forward. If one day I need to put Kyle Walker as a central defender, he is going to play there.

Laporte was the mainstay of the City defence last season, starting all but one Premier League match that he was fully fit for – a muscle injury affecting his capacity to play in Gameweeks 28 to 30.

In this article, we will look at the games in which Laporte didn’t feature at centre-half, including the handful of matches he started at left-back.

Walker didn’t feature at centre-half in a ‘two’ once for City last season, so we will not cover him in the below analysis.

We will pay particular attention to who deputised as the left-sided centre-half, as it is this position that Laporte has occupied since his arrival in Manchester.

The results of each fixture are also included, with City’s score always first.

Premier League

Gameweek 15 – Watford (a) 2-1

Centre-half pairing: Kompany (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: benched, used as a substitute
Otamendi: benched, used as a substitute
Fernandinho: central midfield

Gameweek 21 – Liverpool (h) 2-1

Centre-half pairing: Kompany (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: left-back
Otamendi: benched, used as a substitute
Fernandinho: central midfield

Double Gameweek 25 – Arsenal (h) 3-1

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Fernandinho (R)

Laporte: left-back
Stones: benched, used as a substitute
Kompany: injured, not in squad

Double Gameweek 25 – Everton (a) 2-0

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: left-back
Fernandinho: central midfield
Kompany: injured, not in squad

Gameweek 28 – West Ham United (h) 1-0

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Kompany (R)

Laporte: injured, not in squad
Fernandinho: injured, not in squad
Stones: injured, not in squad

Gameweek 29 – Bournemouth (a) 1-0

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: injured, not in squad
Fernandinho: injured, not in squad
Kompany: benched, used as a substitute

Gameweek 30 – Watford (h) 3-1

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Kompany (R)

Laporte: benched, unused substitute
Fernandinho: injured, not in squad
Stones: injured, not in squad

PlayerStarts at LCBStarts at RCBOn the benchInjuredStarts in CM
Otamendi50200
Stones04120
Kompany22120
Fernandinho01033

UEFA Champions League

Group Stage, Matchday 2 – Hoffenheim (a) 2-1

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Kompany (R)

Laporte: left-back
Fernandinho: central midfield
Stones: benched, used as a substitute

Round of 16, first leg – Schalke (a) 3-2

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Fernandinho (R)

Laporte: left-back
Kompany: benched, used as a substitute
Stones: injured, not in squad

PlayerStarts at LCBStarts at RCBOn the benchInjuredStarts in CM
Otamendi20000
Stones00110
Kompany01100
Fernandinho01001

Domestic Cups

FA Cup third round – Rotherham United (h) 7-0

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: benched, unused substitute
Fernandinho: benched, unused substitute
Kompany: injured, not in squad

FA Cup fourth round – Burnley (h) 5-0

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: benched, unused substitute
Fernandinho: central midfield
Kompany: injured, not in squad

FA Cup fifth round – Newport County (a) 4-1

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: benched, used as a substitute
Fernandinho: central midfield
Kompany: injured, not in squad

EFL Cup third round – Oxford United (a) 3-0

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Kompany (R)

Stones: central midfield
Laporte: benched, unused substitute
Fernandinho: rested, not in squad

EFL Cup fourth round – Fulham (h) 2-0

Centre-half pairing: Kompany (L) and Stones (R)

Laporte: rested, not in squad
Fernandinho: rested, not in squad
Otamendi: injured, not in squad

EFL Cup quarter-finals – Leicester City (a) 1-1

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Garcia (R)

Laporte: rested, not in squad
Fernandinho: injured, not in squad
Stones: central midfield
Kompany: injured, not in squad

EFL Cup semi-finals, first leg – Burton Albion (h) 9-0

Centre-half pairing: Otamendi (L) and Garcia (R)

Laporte: rested, not in squad
Fernandinho: rested, not in squad
Stones: benched, unused substitute
Kompany: injured, not in squad

EFL Cup semi-finals, second leg – Burton Albion (h) 1-0

Centre-half pairing: Garcia (L) and Sandler (R)

Laporte: rested, not in squad
Fernandinho: rested, not in squad
Stones: benched, unused substitute
Kompany: injured, not in squad
Otamendi: rested, not in squad

PlayerStarts at LCBStarts at RCBOn the benchInjuredRested/not in squad Starts in CM
Otamendi600110
Stones042002
Kompany110600
Fernandinho001142
Garcia120050
Sandler012140

Final Thoughts

Otamendi seems to be the clear understudy for Laporte, then.

In the 17 competitive matches that the Frenchman didn’t start in his usual position, Otamendi deputised as the left-sided centre-back in 13 of them.

Vincent Kompany stood in for Laporte on three occasions but of course has now left the club, while youngster Eric Garcia was the only other defender on the books who filled in as a left-sided centre-back (in the dead rubber of an EFL Cup semi-final, second leg against Burton Albion) in 2018/19.

Not since 2016/17 has Stones started a City league match as the left-sided centre-half, while on the two occasions that Fernandinho played in defence last season, he played as a right-sided centre-back.

Fitness-permitting, Stones and Otamendi will likely be the default pairing, with Fernandinho (and Walker, if necessary) chipping in with the occasional run-out.

Otamendi’s capacity to play on the left side of the central defence would seem to make him the more attractive, more secure option from a Fantasy perspective, although Guardiola would surely have to consider someone else in that position for the odd game or two given that City are also competing in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 4

707 Comments Post a Comment
  1. WWF
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Everton's Moist Kean? Now he's played a full game is he worth a second look? Yes I know there are other (better) options in his price bracket but I am wondering if he could be a differential? Or just an athletic youngster with unfulfilled potential (I note he's dropped from the Italy youth side due to ill discipline)?

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

      Moist lol ... I blame auto correct.

      1. Red Spider
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        If u get moist, u will probably be left high and dry 🙂
        Seriously he didn't look good to me. Just an athletic youngster...

    2. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      He’s a stick on watchlist and wait and see if your team needs him.

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

      Have a look again 2nd half of the season. Everton attack has been dreadful. Not worth taking hits.

    4. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      To be a differential, they still have to score though

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

        This is a good point

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

    Hi all

    Best mid for 6.4 or under? Thinking maybe Tielemans, although Leicester fixtures not great until GW9.

    Who would you suggest?

    Cheers

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

      Trossard, Tielemans, Mount, McGinn, Ceballos - plenty of good options

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like Mount, Mcginn and mcneil most

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

      Tielemans and Trossard head my list. Think Trossard probably edges it right now - but that’s because I’m aiming for Vardy and wary of a double up

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

      Tielemans would be straight in if Leic had better fixtures... hmmm

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

      Robinson OOP, finally scored his first goal so could continue his form

    6. Clay Davis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Those mentioned, but also Harry Wilson and possibly Iwobi

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Iwobi?!!??!

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

    KDB over sterling anyone :O also want Aguero, Otamendi and salah so one must be sacrificed thinking it should be mr underperforming sterling

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      5 goals in 4 is underperforming?? For me it's one of Sterling/Aguero and KDB, all 3 is too much imo

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

      I've gone with Aguero and Sterling. KDB is a steady source of points but rarely delivers the big hauls you get from the other 2.

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

        KDB will be the most consitent performer per game this season. Watch this space.

        Let's not forget, City's attack needs KDB...

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

          Think they did okay without him last season...

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

            Fair enough. You cannot look past him now in that team though.

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

      Sterling blanked once, jesus christ this place is craziness.

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

        If you paid membership you’d know wouldn’t you

        1. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I'm a member.. Can confirm that sterling is top of the charts for basically everything.

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

            Compare with salah, Aguero and KDB and especially over last 2 weeks

        2. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          BTW I started the season with kdb over Sterling.. Now I've got both since I can't see anyone but Salah matching sterling. Kdb is an fpl god though I can confirm

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

      Waiting 2/3 more weeks anyway but I think quite possibly yes. In my case it would mean rebalancing my attack by getting Mane back in as an alternative captain. I’d have no problem in captaining KdB if he continues in his current role.

      Really a question of balancing funds. I’m looking at this front 7 notionally. It’ll take 4 weeks or so to get there. Not in any real hurry

      Mane KdB Martial Son/Pepe
      Wilson Vardy Haller

      Think it looks worth it.

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

        This is interesting for sure.

        If you feel comfortable captaining Mane and KdB in plum fixtures when other have Sterling and Salah then go for it. Kdb way better value than Sterling once you remove the captaincy conundrum....

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

          Think captain is the crux of the matter.

          KdB is unlikely to get the hauls of Sterling - but they are irregular anyway and there’s no saying you’ll put the armband on him when it matters

  4. Casper77
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Is this good?
    The reason for five defenders is all are easy fixtures for them

    Pope
    Arnold - vandijk - lund - pieters- vestergaard

    Salah - sterling - KDB

    Abraham - barnes

    ————
    Button - ayew - cantwell - guenduzi

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

      Maybe VVD to Ota and Pieters/Vester to Soyuncu give you enough to upgrade Cantwell/Guenduzi?

  5. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    WC team

    xxxxxx, Button
    TAA, Zinchenko, Digne, xxxxxxx, Lundstram
    KDB, Salah, xxxxxx, Martial, Cantwell
    xxxxxxx, Pukki, Greenwood

    A) Ryan, Tarkowski, Mount, Aguero

    B) Pope, Kelly, Sterling, Haller

    Which is best guy's ? I'm currently on A because it gives me an easy way of getting a premium forward in like Kane or Auba, and I won't being playing one of Lundstram/Kelly/Cantwell every week.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Close but B for me

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Think I like A the best, main choice is really between Sterling or Agüero.

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

      B but Kelly won’t start anymore get Hanley

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hanley reasonably nailed?

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Most nailed of the 4.0 options imo but a Norwich CS will be a rarity

          1. Pompel
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah, will probably average 1 point per game going foward. More a question whether the lost points compared to your 4.5 defender can be made up by upgrading elsewhere.

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

      B

  6. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Got 2FT's , really stuck on decide on best move this week. Team in reasonably good shape, but lacking Salah and Agüero:

    Pope
    TAA Digne Lowton Diop
    Sterling Mané KDB McGinn
    Kane Pukki
    (Button, Lundstram, Dendo, Greenwood)
    £0.3 itb

    Plan was to switch Kane to Auba from GW6, doing it this week would be sideways. Scared of no Salah this GW, and not enough £ to get Kun without downgrades. So best move this GW might as well be to downgrade Kane to get Salah? Or anyone got some brilliant ideas?

    1. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane to Firminho- that way you have a further Liverpool cover?

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Could be smart move short term. But awkward price point, would either want premium striker (Auba or Kun), or go all mir-priced strikers and heavy in midfield.

    2. Clay Davis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Digne (6.0) to Maitland-Niles (5.0) - great fixtures
      Kane (11.0) to Aguero (12.1)

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hate to lose Digne, should be a season keeper. But could be an option, Agüero and City so much better than Kane

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

    A) Mane + Barnes (Rico, Lundstram, Cantwell)
    B) Salah + (Ayew, Soyuncu, Lundstram, Cantwell)

    A has a more solid starting 11, but weaker bench
    B has Salah and stronger bench, but 11th player is a weak rotation compared to having 11 set starters

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

      B

    2. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm personally taking the leap of faith with Mane to allow for a bit more cash to use

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

    Start Ayew (tot) or Diop (avl)?

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

      Ayew

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ayew

    3. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Diop

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

    Is Masuaku nailed ahead of cresswell?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Probably not, Diop much safer

  10. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Current team, where should I look to upgrade with 1.1m itb? Or should I save?

    Heaton (Button)
    VVD Digne AWB Montoya (Mings)
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount (Dend)
    Haller Pukki (Greenwood)

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

      Team looks great. Save the FT

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Not even AWB to Ota?

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mings to Otamendi

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Either that or AWB to Ota and Dend to Mcginn which will allow me to play 352?

        1. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, liking that even better, if you've got 2FT. not worth a hit for one GW

  11. Point-one short
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best King replacement here?

    Pope
    TAA Digne Zinch Lund
    Salah Sterling KdB Martial
    Pukki King

    Woodman| Greenwood, Rico, Cantwell

    1.2itb, 1ft

    A) Barnes
    B) Haller
    C) Tammy
    D) other

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      All good options for really. A>B>C for me

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B > A > C

  12. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Defence,

    Pope
    Trent, Virgil, Digne, Lundy, Monty

    Do I need. City defender or GK only have Raheem at moment?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      are you playing 3 at the back?

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Was playing 4 now thinking 352

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I'd do VVD to Ota when Liverpool's fixtures toughen up, frees up 1.1m aswell.

  13. robt
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hows this for a WC chaps?

    Pope (Button)
    TAA Digne Zinchenko Lund (Ward)
    Salah Sterling KDB James (Cantwell)
    Haller Barnes (Greenwood)

    Though about Vardy rather then Haller but would need to take big hit on 4th Mid.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      as template as it gets on here.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go Otamendi over Zinch

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

      Looks too similar to a lot of people’s normal teams but is very good still.

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

        Only means about 6 changes from 15 from my current team but boosts forward line and rotating players somewhat

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

      Would not have Zinchenko on a WC that’s for sure. And playing Lund/Cantwell each week? Not for me..

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        he has Ward in there too to rotate with..

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

          That doesn’t improve things..

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

        What's the issue with Lund/Cantwell rotation? Surely that's great value returns for your 11th player?

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

          I wouldn’t like a guaranteed 1-2 pointer in my starting eleven each week

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

            They're not guaranteed 1/2 pointers though are they

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

              Anything else is a lottery and unlikely

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

                No it isn't, sorry but you're talking shite

              2. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                for 4.5m their upside is massive ...just look at their scores...10,7 and 14

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

                  This.

                  I appreciate everyone's entitled to their own opinion but an winger in an attack minded team and an OOP defender in a defensive minded team will score many non-2pointers. Happy to have them in my team and spend the change elsewhere 🙂

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

        Hmm I know, just so far Zinc is nailed starter. Other 5.5 options tho..

        Neither would play each week. Lund be would rotate with Ward or be on bench with him and Cantwell bench or rotate with James.

      4. de quincey
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Would not have Zinchenko on a WC that’s for sure.
        Why not?
        With Laporte out, Zinc will continue starts.

        1. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Laporte wasn’t a threat to Zinc. Mendy and Cancelo both nearing fitness are.

  14. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Anybody interested in Champions league ML?

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

      where can you enter fantasy champions league?

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

      Yeah have you a code?

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

        Its money league:) Show the Mane first:P

        This is the league if someone is interested...

        https://www.reddit.com/r/FantasyCL/comments/czpkgk/100_ucl_fantasy_league/

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

    Any faults here? Apart from the 1.9 million rank (can’t believe it)..

    Pope
    Digne Walker AWB
    Salah Sterling KDB Martial Mount
    Pukki Barnes

    Button Lundstram Dunk Wickham

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

      TV 102.1

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

      Captaincy returns: zero

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

        captaincy returs zero?

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

          Essentially

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            you have to perma capt Salah for 38 weeks. should be fine then.

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

              Best option. This switching business is a nightmare

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                GL.

                Switching is fun.

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

                Perma capt KdB. His ceiling isn't as high as Sterling's, but KdB will be involved in MCI's plethora of goals every match. He does have two double digit hauls thus far...

      2. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        How? Haven't you been captaining Salah/Sterling?

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

          Kane says hello

          1. Ruudy Van
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Ouch

      3. Jealous Viper
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Who did you captain gw1

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

          Salah but that’s the only one I’ve ‘hit’

      4. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        C returns 1/4... ranked 176k but pukki saved my rank..

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Happy keeping AWB even though United's chance of CS looks poor over the next few games?

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

        Do they though? Best xGc in the league. A direct swap for Matip is tempting... but rotation and champs league beckons

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Small sample size though, played some poor offensive teams and still look like conceding multiple times per game. Next 5 games (LEI, whu, ARS, new, LIV) I see maybe 1 CS. After that the run is good though

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

      Template. But good. Get TAA over AWB if possible.

      Fund it with Walker down?

      Your team is basically what I could've gone but I decided to maverick it up and get Pepe and Wesley instead haha

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

      Looks pretty good, missing a Liverpool defender though.
      I have VVD instead of your Mount.
      Rest is very similar to my team.

    6. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Still higher than me, I think the 1m+ teams are a barren wasteland of autoselect ghost teams and Kane owners. Actually, that's probably harsh on the autoselecters.

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

      Hard luck mate
      I'm also doing bad wrt nailing the © 😕

    8. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1.7m and we have very similar teams.
      I've got Mane, VVD, Laporte & Cantwell over Salah, Dunk, Walker & AWB.

      I think you need TAA in there. I'm getting him for Laporte this week.
      AWB is also on my sell list.

      Rest of it looks good I think just got be patient with some of them for returns.

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

      You’ve been unlucky with OR. Suspect you’re only 20-30 points behind really.

      Bit dubious about Pukki Barnes combo up top. Think they’ve both overperformed and will probably regress. I’d want one of Haller or Wilson up there as semi set and forget. Think there’s a danger of eating up transfers switching 6.5 types in and out.

      Mount? Could be gold. But think you’re missing a trick not having one of (ex) 4.5 - 5.5 types there for value. That’d get you a striker.

      TAA ? He’s costing me.

  16. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hi All, wondering what move to make. Thinking Wan Bis to Matip. 0.4ITB.

    Pope (Button)
    VVD Mina Lundstram Dunk Wan Bis
    KDB Mane Sterling
    Aguero(C) Pukki

    (Cantwell Dendock Greenwood)

    Also unsure if i should start Pukki over any on the bench

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      pukey has to start

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

      Pukki cannot be benched

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No way pukki will score..

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Comma....

  17. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    1 ft anything worth doing or save ft 0.1 itb

    Pope

    Walker VVD TAA Digne

    Salah Sterling KDB Ceballos

    Jota Pukki

    Button Rico Dedonk Greenwood

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

    Current team:
    Ryan
    TAA - Digne - Maguire - Zinch
    Sterling - Salah - KDB - F.Anderson - Ceballos
    Pukki
    Bench:
    Lundstrom - Greenwood - Nketiah
    1.1 ITB
    Planning to transfer Maguire & Nketiah to Barnes & Kelly after GW5 and play a 3-5-2.
    Also thinking of Anderson to Mount after GW6 depending on how Anderson and Mount perform.
    All feedback on current team and planned transfers appreciated!

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

    i'm trying really hard to fit the likes or vardy/firmino/eriksen alongside salah/kdb/aguero/taa but its really difficult. wish mili was still 4.5...

  20. BigDaveSaves
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Are Aguero's minutes going to be too much of a concern going forward even with Jesus? He's my current captain and I feel strangely calm about it..

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      That's why I prefer Sterling, less chance of Pep playing games with us

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

      Yeah, I won't entertain the idea of Aguero when Jesus is back.
      In the past Aguero's had 60mins or a cameo. This will be worse this year as he's older and Jesus is more developed.

      Aguero can still do serious damage on any minutes, but 100% Sterling for me. He'll be rested too but not as much.

  21. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Surely the most suitable replacement is VVD if only holding 2 Liv.. I’m interested to see pep plans, as he may well introduce Cancelo into the 11, Ota/Stones feel risky and pretty boring..

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      For Laporte I mean..

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

    are norwood and noble the 2 cheapest nailed penalty takers in the game ?

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

    What is the function of a 4.5m midfielder?

    My theory, but first of all, before I carry on, you need a 4.5m which is starting for the team he plays for otherwise he is of no use.

    Let's go.

    4.5m mids are not the best players around unless you see any very young Sterling's floating around...

    The 4.5m mid is there to either pick up pieces when you have a injury or to see a 4th defender go to the bench when they play the teams which are about to punish them.

    4.5m mids are not bought for hauls. They are bought to get most value out of the rest of your midfield.

    I am going 5 in midfield from here on in, started with 5 switched to 4 but 5 just seems to get more points and now getting rid of Cantwell by upgrading him as he has served his purpose plus I am making a profit 🙂

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

      i am a bit confused foo fighter 🙂 in view of what you said why not keeping cantwell ? he s surely the best 4.5 attack player in the game right now

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

        Like I said, going midfield 5 for rest of the season and do not see Cantwell as part of the midfield 5 plan.

        I will have 3 premium defenders so no need for rotation there plus Aguero up top with Pukki.

        My bench has two nailed 4.5m range defenders. Not happy about Greenwood who will be my 3rd sub for the forseeable future. How many times does one use their 3rd sub though?

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

          352 is a great formation... saying that i remember watching my team once and it was a sea of yellow and red so dont underestimate the 3rd sub 🙂

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      "Play teams which are about to punish them" is a bit of a myth as well as a hideous phrase. How do you know that this is what will happen ? You are going to 5 in midfield but to do that surely you have needed to make sacrifices elsewhere unless you have accumulated very high tv.

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

        Like playing Dunk vs City who was punished. I subbed dunk and went with Cantwell.

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          An extremely obvious move for anyone but name the games in the season when Dunk in your words will get "punished".
          Also let's see your team to establish where you have made compromises to accommodate the 3-5-2 formation.

    3. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Nah, I'm betting on cantwell doing a josh king of a couple of years ago and punching above his weight. Unless he gets dropped he is not going anywhere in my team.

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

        Cantwell has a 0.5 shot per 90 - not great. But he is getting 2 key passes per match, so I do expect him to pick up some assists going forward.

      2. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Depends on your formation really, and whether you got him cheap. If playing with 5 mids surely, but at this point not worth getting if playing 3 or 4 mids. IT's just 0.3 budget lost for rest of your team, so Foo's main point stands - the main function of the 5th mid (and 4th/5th defender) is to maximize budget for rest of team, while still likely to provide 1- 2 points in case needed.

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

          I had McGinn and Cantwell in midfield. I upgraded Cantwell, he had to go as I believe McGinn long term for his nailedness was the better option. Now McGinn is my 5th mid and happy to start him each GW.

        2. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He is my 4th mf. Mcginn my 4th. Bought @ 4.5m
          Averaging 6.3 ppg in 3 weeks. My team is different to most on here though.

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            *mcGinn 3rd mf

      3. IL LUCE
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        are you also playing Pukki every match? Norwich double up might seem a bit much, although one year there was this Vahrez thing.. 🙂

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          me? yes...playing both for now.

          1. IL LUCE
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            yes! gotcha, thanks! Good luck with that! I'm very curious how this will as I like bold moves. Trying to convince my self Aguero wont score more than Sterling but my heart yells "KUN!"

          2. IL LUCE
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            what's your team link?

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Heaton
              TAA Dunk Lundy
              Sterling Mane McGinn Cantwell
              Auba Pukki Kun

              Donkey Kelly Soy

              WC played in week 2

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

      Bench depth can go a long way. Let's see your squad.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Looks like it's not going to be revealed , probably as it's full of compromises !

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

      What you are saying is true for many 4.5m because they were already in the starting 11 of their team, most probably playing in cdm. In case of cantwell he is 4.5m because he was not part of the starting 11 but fortunately for him a couple of injuries meant he got through. He plays in an attacking position in a very attack minded team. He is the perfect 5th mid and i dont see why anyone would wanna drop him. I am even considering him as 4th mid. Lets me free extra cash to spend elsewhere. Kane was 5mil or 5.5mil when he first came in light. You wouldnt drop him because of price bracket.

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ofc no one who bought him at 4.5-4.6 should drop him. But not worth paying 4.8 at this point unless intending to play him most weeks.

  24. twilliams687
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on the following:

    Pope
    Digne, TAA, Zinc
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Mount, ???
    ???, Pukki

    Button, Lund, Greenwood, Hanley

    Option A: Haller & McNeil
    Option B: Barnes & Lanzini

    Appreciate any replies!

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

    not sure if you guys are watching "the good place" but i feel like chidi trying to pick my wc 🙂

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

    Currently have an okay team which should do fine this week. But wc would make it so much better. Is it better to save for when team looks horrible? Or better to hit it and go on lead?

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

      Let's see it.

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

        Hendo
        TAA Robbo digne zinch
        Salah kdb cantwell
        Kun pukki haller

        4.0 lunds douglas hayden

        Happy with cantwell/lundstram rotation atm.

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

          If i did wc i would change keeper, downgrade robbo and find a way to fit sterling and auba in place of kun. Maybe wilson in for haller.

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

          That’s a more than decent team this week.

          Double Norwich was always a bold call but it can still pay. Reasonable case for 5-2-3 this week no?

          Switch Kun for Sterling and you’re close to WC template.

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

            Yeah i was on wc template. Did rage hit sterling to kun after the city match to destroy it. Still hope kun(c) can save me. Cantwell will be on bench for lundstram this week.

  27. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which is better?
    A. Laporte & Kane > Matip & Agureo
    B. Mount & Kane > KDB & Haller

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

      B. But who do you play instead of Laporte

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

    Steve Smith is a God

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

      If God was a bit more cheaty

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

        Please.. look at test averages in the modern era

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

          That is relevant to his cheating

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

      Out! 118!!!! 🙂

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

        Premature!

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

      No! It's a no ball. Rollocks.

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

    Kane+Martial (-4) >
    1. KDB + Haller
    2. Kun + Mount

    3. Hold 1 week

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

      1

    2. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1

  30. lindeg
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Would you be shuffling up this team for next gameweek?
    Any pressing issues?
    Should i be ditching Moura?

    Pope

    VVD, Mina, Robbo, Zinchenko

    Bilva, Mount, Pulisic, Moura

    Firmino, Aguero

    Ryan, Pukki, Cantwell, Lundstram

    1FT, 0.3ITB.

    1. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Bilva, Pulisic and Moura need to be looked at over the next two weeks