Opinion

FPL Question Time – Consult our panel ahead of Gameweek 5

The international break has given Fantasy Premier League managers plenty of time to stew over their squads.

As has become tradition, a fair number of FPL bosses will have deployed their first Wildcards over the last fortnight as they look to overhaul their failing teams or consolidate a good start.

For those of us with the prized chip still intact or who have already burned it, we still have a number of conundrums to solve ahead of some appealing fixtures in Gameweek 5 and beyond.

To help you with any dilemmas, we’ve put together another panel of Fantasy managers to answer your questions.

WHO’S ON THE PANEL THIS WEEK?

Tom Freeman / avfc82 – A long-term member of and frequent poster to the Fantasy Football Scout site. Tom has five top 1,000 finishes to his name in ten years of playing FPL.

Aleksander Våge Nilsen – Currently eighth in the Fantasy Football Scout Career Hall of Fame, having had three top 1k finishes in the last five seasons.

FPL Hints – One of the most-followed names in the FPL community, a seasoned veteran as well as a Scout writer and an Official FPL panellist. Finished 110th in the world in 2011/12.

Greyhead – The writer of, among other things, our weekly Great and the Good series. Greyhead finished 85th in the world in 2018/19.

Legomané – Fantasy Football Scout moderator and current leader of the Mods and Cons league. Legomané finished 1,006th in the world in his previous best season of 2016/17.

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS

682 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hey all. Luke and I have recorded the newst installment of FPL Topguns if you are interested!

    Soundcloud:

    https://soundcloud.com/azandlukefpl/fantasy-premier-league-gw5-preview-fpl

    YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/KBNc8oTLW6c

    Spotify:

    https://open.spotify.com/show/1LrlIgwC6RL6YU0WEJjqD1?si=o5SvY-y4R3mPxqi-7esZpw

    All feedback welcome as always!

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

      Cheers- i'll check it out!

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like the way Luke plays FPL always down to hear more from him

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

        oh cheers Reckless 😉

        1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          😉

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

      Cheers AZ, will check it out

    4. Jimmy Floyd
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A good listen while chilling by the pool on holidays, prefer this to the podcast on your own, keep up the good work

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

        Ah nice one Jimmy, thanks!

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

      I'm with Jimmy Floyd lone podcasts are a bit dull......look at Planet FPL they don't profess to be experts but their podcast is one of the best imo.

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

        Glad to find another fan - judging by how their mini league has sprouted I guess they’re hitting the big time - really pleased for them.

        Model podcast. It’s a fun listen and their run down of matches is great.

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

      Really enjoy this pod, would recommend.

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

      Top guns?

    8. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      That's this afternoon sorted. Cheers, Goose.

    9. Zambian FPL Addict
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      any chance of an mp3

      1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        What is this 2001?

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

          Easy on my African brother...

  2. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    which one..
    a) otamendi, jimenez, pukki
    b) maitland niles, c wilson, pukki
    c) soyuncu, jimenez, c wilson

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

      A

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A although not convinced by Jiminez over say Haller or Barnes. Ota and Pukki certainly wins it though.

      1. gooner_112233445566
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        i already have lanzini though so was not considering haller

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

    Best one of these? What do you think?

    A. Matip/Alderweireld + Haller (442)
    B. VVD + Barnes (442) (+save 1FT for next gw)
    C. Mount + Haller (352)

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

      Prob A although B has appeal too.

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

    Over the next few fixtures, can only have one...
    A) AWB in a 442
    B) McGinn in a 352

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

      Not much in it B , but go gut

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

  5. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Vardy to Firmino on FT or keep? Cheers.

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

      Keep Vardy

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

      Keep

    3. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Keep

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

      I'd keep. Vardy got tough fixtures coming up but he always seems to score against the big boys

      1. Old and Slow
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Bardy seems to get about the same points no matter who he is playing against, and there are just too many other Liverpool scorers sharing Firm's points...

        1. Old and Slow
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Bardy? Really? Thank you autocorrect... Sigh

  6. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC?

    Adrian Button
    TAA Otamendi Lowton Lundstram Rico
    Salah KDB Pepe Cantwell Guendouzi
    Aguero Haller Wood

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

      Looks good! Not possible to make Wood Barnes?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        No :/

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Pope over Adrian ( out soon )
      And it's a great punt , GL

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

      Wouldnt be putting Adrian in on WC with Button on bench and Allison lingering

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Alisson not coming for 3 GWs at least! Adrian has Newcastle & Sheffield in those 3 GWs!

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

          You do not want to force use ft in 3 gws for gk. Look at Pope's good fixtures also. You also have TAA for Pool def so would quite easily choose Pope at this point.

  7. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Next week
    2FT -4

    perez nevez jota > KDB Cantwell (5th mid) Ayew

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

      5th mid in what formation?

  8. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    How close to needing to WC am I?

    Ryan
    Coleman VanDijk Otamendi Lundstram
    Salah McGinn Sterling KDB
    Wesley Kane

    Button Catwell Greenwood Kelly

    0.2m ITB

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

      Not needed

    2. Super Silva Haze
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      i would also hold mate, you have 4 big big hitters and that defence is not bad at all. hold if i was you. try and get barnes in and your team is sorted !!

    3. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hold, i like your team!

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

      Definitely hold

  9. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Play 2 out of these 4:
    A) Lundstram
    B) Diop
    C) Guilbert
    D) Cantwell

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A + B

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A and flip a coin

  10. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Any chance of a quick team rmt please.

    Pope
    Trent Digne Lundstram
    Salah Dilva Kdb Sterling Cantwell
    Wilson Barnes

    Button Kelly Greenwood Kwp*

    Kwp out next week.

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      8 out of 10 rumours KWP could be fit so keep an eye out

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        extremely interesting, cheers mate i will keep a eye on that one. maybe even start him with Lundstram first sub.

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

          Do that

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

        That’s very interesting, where’d ya hear that mate?

  11. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A. Pepe & TAA
    B. Aubameyang & Matip

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

      A by far

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

      A

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

      A

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

      A

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

      its close

  12. Sergeant Garcia
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Really want KDB in...

    Vardy & Lanzini > KDB + 6.5 forward.

    Already own Haller & Pukki. What's the best 6.5 or less forward?

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

      Hmmm, not enough funds for Barnes. Wood is a punt but not convinced

      1. Sergeant Garcia
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Me neither... Maybe Maupay as a punt?

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

          He's on my watchlist, so could be worth a punt

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wood I guess

      1. Sergeant Garcia
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Not the most sexy of choices... ^^

        1. In a Rush
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yes go for Maupay he’s in my wild card, andone and locadia gone now.

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

            This.

          2. Sergeant Garcia
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah, good points!

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

            Maupay should be guaranteed game time now, but I'd worry about Brighton's attacking output if Tross injured,

        2. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Having Wood always sexy

          1. Sergeant Garcia
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Haha >.<

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I am going with Wood! Fingers crossed!

      1. Sergeant Garcia
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        He's definitly due and has a great run of fixtures

    4. Old and Slow
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mount seems to be the favorite, though I don't trust him yet... James for a little itb, or Tielemans, who seems to be getting into form might be worth a look...

  13. Turns
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Undecided on Aguero or Salah as captain.

    ML rivals all don't have Aguero, so cap Aguero as a differential?

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

      Kun , make hay fella

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

      Too early to be worrying about rivals moves...

      Just go with who you feel will score more, which for me is Aguero

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

      Thanks chaps

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      (K)un

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

      I'd go Salah.

      Before Bournemouth, it was absolutely ages since Aguero hit an away brace in the league - pretty sure it goes back to the 17-18 season.

  14. Rihanovic
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Eriksen or Son on WC.
    Will Lo Celso's injury tip the scale???

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

      Son more explosive

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

      Erik could tempt me in a couple of weeks as that 0.7 goes a long way right now and he’ll tick over nicely.

      Son has a bigger upside when he’s on a roll. I’m really waiting for him to start hitting - given his inconsistency I don’t see the value in trying to get ahead of the curve with him.

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

    Something I've not seen much discussed - if (when) Sterling is rotated, who comes in for him?

    I'm very doubtful Pep will want to play Mahrez or Bilva on the left wing - both players are much better suited to cutting in on their left foot than playing on the left flank. Mahrez could also play behind a striker, or Bilva as a CM, but left wing? Not convinced.

    I think Jesus would be better suited to playing on the left in City's system, but how often has he done that? Apart from him, Mahrez and Bilva, I'm struggling to think of anyone else who he'd try in that role.

    I could see Pep playing 352 with Aguero and Jesus up top, occasionally (think this was tried early in 18/19 a couple of times?), but with Laporte's injury, how often will he be comfortable starting 3 CBs?

    Basically, I think Sterling might be the most nailed outfield player in the squad - is that naive?

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

      Yeah agree , likely to be Jesus and Aguero up front when Sterling rested, When Mendy starts , if , then another scenario

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

      Think rest for Sterling is likely to trump formation worries.

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

        But they still want to win every game, and having someone playing in a very unnatural position is unideal in all but the easiest games, even for Man City

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

          "very unnatural would be a cm playing there". mahrez played 90 mins there last season, he's literally left footed. bilva would be fine. zinch can very comfortably play there.

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

            Agreed

            Pep is quite canny in choosing the games he rotates his big guns. And well any combination of Dilva Mahrez Foden Jesus Bilva (most of whom seem 50:50 picks at best) will be enough to see off Norwich - not least as only 2/3 are likely to be on the field at any given time

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

            See, I actually think KDB would be better suited to playing on the left than any of the players you mentioned. Left-footed on the left wing isn't a good thing when you play with inside forwards. If you play as an out-and-out winger, like Sane, great, but that isn't Bilva or Mahrez's game. De Bruyne's vision, crossing and dynamism would make him a really interesting fit on the left in City's system - not saying it will happen, don't think it will, but I'd be more confident (if I were a City fan) than with Mahrez or Bilva playing on the left

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

      It's interesting, and Pep will no doubt have been thinking about a solution as Sterling isn't going to play every game and neither will he want to run him into the ground.

      The most likely option, IMO, is Mahrez who started on the left vs Brighton last season. Albeit the experiment didn't last very long, but Pep obviously thought it could work.

      Jesus is also an option, could see that too. Not convinced it'll be Bernardo, or Foden.

    4. Markus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd love to see Mendy lw just for the fpl reaction

  16. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Burnley fans! Chances of Wood getting benched?

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

      Not a Burnley fan but hardly likely imo . Wood has been slow off the blocks but that can change in a single GW

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

      more likely than in the past. they didnt spend £10m on jrod to leave him on the bench every week

  17. Lucackadoodledoo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Would you bench Pukki or Lundstram this week?

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

      I wouldn't bench Pukki.
      The man scored against Pool.

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Playing both , but Lund of the 2

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lundstram

  18. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Cebalos or james or mcneil ?

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

      James if Mars still out.
      Followed by Ceballos.

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

      Ceb

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

      James seems the most exciting pick

  19. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Am I crazy to bench Mount over the likes of Dunk, Lundstram and Pukki?

    He’s been on my bench since I could change my team for GW5.

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

      Not at all, though it is very possible all 4 of who you mention will blank.

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yes can see it happening now 1’s and 2’s all over the place.

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

          Aye don't sweat over on the small stuff 🙂

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Would not bench over Dunk for sure , over the other 2 ? your gut call

    3. Old and Slow
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I've picked Lundy over Dunk this week.... Though I could still change that another dozen times....

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

    Bench one

    A) Pukki (MCI)
    B) KWP (CRY)
    C) Lund (SOU)
    D) Mount (wol)

    1. Old and Slow
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B least nailed to start

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

      B

  21. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Get whom?

    A) cebalos
    B) james
    C) iwobi

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

      A

  22. kinghenry14
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    what to do with this lot? 1FT 0ITB

    pope
    taa digne lundstram
    salah sterling mount cantwell
    kun pukki barnes

    4.0 kelly boly** 4.4

    A) safe FT, play cantwell(mci) and next gw find 0.4 to boly -> ota
    B) boly -> pieters/5.0max, bench cantwell and play 433
    C) other

    cheers

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not fancying a double up on Burnley defence so would try to hold and get Otamendi in next week

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

      A

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

    Mendy posted another training picture on instagram. He has been on full training for over 3-4 weeks. Wait for him or just get ota? Or both when mendy started some matches?

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

      Wait , first game play should be as a sub.. Wait and watch
      Prefer 2 attacking City players 2 of Kun, Sterling or KDB.. Would just get Ota

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

      bold to assume mendy will be nailed even when fit

  24. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pope
    Emerson TAA Digne Lundstram
    Salah (C) Sterling KDB Mount
    Pukki Haller

    Button; Cantwell Greenwood Rico
    0.7m ITB

    A) Emerson --> Walker / Zinc / Maguire / AWB (6.2m to spend)
    B) Save FT - Let Cantwell come in if needs be

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A, Zinc

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

      A but consider Otamendi > more goal threat and should be nailed with Laporte out

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

        +1 A with Ota

  25. simong1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I currently have Jota. Is it worth replacing Jota with Wood? Can't afford Barnes.

    I feel Wolves v Chelsea may have goals in it, but then Jota was benched for the last GW so not positive he will be starting

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      He was only benched due to playing the midweek Europa League fixture against Torino... He is the first choice striker ahead of Cutrone so will start at home to Chelsea in my opinion. Also can see there being a few goals in this game.

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

      wouldnt bother

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

    Play one of:

    A) Montoya v (BUR) - 442
    B) Cantwell v (MCI) - 352

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

  27. Kaiser123
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Really would love to improve playing subs. Only have Lund, Rico and Greenwood and zero in the bank.

  28. FantasyFooty01
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Into week 5 of last man standing who should I pick only 13 left big chance. So far picked-
    Arsenal
    City
    West Ham
    Liverpool

  29. Greymist
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Comments please:
    Pope/button
    TAA Digne Lundstram/Kelly
    Sterling KDB Salah Cantwell
    Firmino Barnes Abraham

    How does it seem? Whom i am missing?