Opinion

Best Man City players for a Wildcard ahead of Gameweek 5

There is a large number of Fantasy Premier League managers who have Wildcarded for Gameweek and are looking for ways to put the finishing touches to their squads.

Manchester City players and budget forwards seem to be the most talked-about subjects in this context, so we’ve put together another panel of managers to help you out…

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.

ANSWERS

Who are the best Man City players to get under Wildcard?  I’m currently on Zinchenko, KDB and Sterling, but am also considering Otamendi, Stones and Aguero

Aleksander: “To try to solve Pep roulette is not a very pleasant task, but I will give it a go. Last week I would have said Zinchenko and just hope that Mendy remains close to a return for a couple of more months. 

“Also, it doesn’t seem like it will be straight forward for Mendy to walk into this City team anyway, with Zinchenko in decent form right now, both for club and country.

“However, after Laporte’s long-term injury an opportunity to go for the cheaper Otamendi has opened, and on a Wildcard, I think I would take that chance.

“I just think centre backs are safer from rotation than wing-backs, and I think Pep wants to pair his centre backs already against Norwich and play them together to build a relation between them. There is a risk that Fernandinho or Walker could line up alongside Stones, but my money is on Otamendi for that spot. 

“For my own team, I can’t get Otamendi in this week without a hit, so I will use this Gameweek to see if he actually starts and plays well, but I assume he does and therefore is a risk worth taking on Wildcard.

“Then it is the difficult choice of what attacking players to go for. Sterling and KDB have shown what they are made of this season, but so has Aguero. It has to be two of those three for me.

“The Silvas are tempting to save some money, but the points potential of the three mentioned players are just too high to ignore.

“The choice depends on what team structure you prefer. I like the look of the mid-price strikers this season and are more fan of the budget midfielder than the budget strikers. With that in mind, I decided to load up one the £6.5m to £7.5m strikers, with Cantwell as the fifth midfielder. Then it was straight forward to put Sterling and KDB in. 

“Also, going with two midfielders allows you to double the chances of bringing in small additionals of clean sheets as Manchester City should keep plenty of those this season. That is also why, combined with the cost element, I prefer to have a defender from City and not go all-in on their attack. I just have to take the unavoidable Aguero hattricks on the chin and hope KDB and Sterling can keep up.”

Should Salah be the automatic captain choice considering he has had a rest over the international break as opposed to Man City assets who have mostly been in action?

Legomané: “I can certainly understand the logic behind this question. A classic dilemma to follow the early season International break – for FPL managers, a premature prorogation period which by its nature breeds uncertainty. “What if..?”

“Mo Salah is undoubtedly a terrific captaincy option for Gameweek 5. His early season form has been bubbling toward scintillating. In particular, his second goal against Arsenal in Gameweek 3 was an emphatic statement that he intends to recapture the form of his record-breaking 32 goal return in 2017/18.

“Meanwhile, the odds of rotation must be a little higher than ‘normal’ for some Manchester City assets this Gameweek. Their squad depth is unrivalled in the league, and on paper an away fixture at defensively frail Norwich looks a simple task for them ahead of an important midweek Champions League tie in Ukraine.

“Of the three prime captaincy options among Man City players, only Sergio Agüero has been at his leisure this past fortnight. Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling have, however, both been in amongst the goals and assists for their national teams – continued form is unquestionable.

“Personally, my armband is somewhat loosely attached to Sterling for now. Perhaps it’s subconsciously because thus far, the apparent ‘obvious’ captaincy pick has been outscored by my vice each Gameweek.

“My conscious deduction process for splitting these two fantastic options so far has centred around the teams they face. Simply put, Norwich are statistically the worst team for shots conceded thus far, not to mention ravaged by injuries across the back-line. On the flip side, City are top of the charts for goal attempts.

“For others, the deciding factor will be influenced logically by the perceived certainty of starts. One thing is for sure, come Friday I’ll be keeping a keen ear for any unexpected hints from Pep!”

Who would form the best cheap defender (under £5m) rotation for Gameweeks 5 to 8? 

FPL Hints: “I’m on an active Wildcard at the moment and, instead of having cheap rotating defenders strategy that I can rely upon I’m opting for three of four starting regular defenders. 

“One of those defenders is £4.6m option, Erik Pieters. He has a generous fixture run between Gameweeks 5 and 8.  Between now and Gameweek 14 Burnley only face one team that finished in the top five last season.

“In addition, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that he picked up two assists in Gameweek 1.  With Ashley Barnes being in the form of his life there may be scope for Pieters to register more assists.

“Burnley appear to be a different outfit from last season, even if most of the personnel are the same.  Pieters is a reinforcement that has strengthened them and could be an FPL bandwagon waiting to happen.  He could offer exceptional value at his price range and is definitely worth considering.”

I am planning to play 4-5-1. Will it be a good move if I switch to Barnes from Pukki given the fixtures of Burnley and Norwich in upcoming weeks or will it be too risky to go without Pukki given his ownership? Pukki is overperforming according to XGA stats, so Pukki party may come to an end soon with tough fixtures ahead. Any other alternative suggestion of a single striker?

Tom: “Teemu Pukki is no doubt a good option going forward, and losing a player with such high ownership is not something everyone will feel comfortable with, but I do quite like the sound of this move.

Pukki probably won’t continue scoring at his current rate, but to counter that his overall numbers are still quite encouraging, and it isn’t just goal threat he brings – I think he’ll add several assists to his tally over the forthcoming months.

Norwich City haven’t had an easy start to life in the Premier League either with games against West Ham United, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Liverpool, and even if he regresses a little, he’ll still offer value.

But… Ashley Barnes is someone I like a lot, he’s a player I’ve previously owned, and from the second half of last season till now, his shots in the box and xG numbers are right up there with the best of them. Both he and Dwight McNeil are interesting options now Burnley’s fixtures have turned, and that is the reason I’d be tempted.

“Whilst Pukki faces Manchester City, plus away trips to Burnley and Crystal Palace over the next three, Barnes is up against Brighton & Hove Albion and two of the newly promoted sides, Norwich City and Aston Villa.

“Other options worth considering, and they need to be nailed if playing a 4-5-1 each week, are Sébastien Haller or, if you have any extra money lying around, Jamie Vardy.”

Aleksander: “First I would like to express my concern for the 4-5-1 formation in general. If your main striker doesn’t play you can only call on (probably) two 4.5 options from the bench while you also have inflexibility if a lot of mid-range strikers start to deliver. This price bracket has started this season really well which makes the 4-5-1 a no go for me.   

“Pukki has a difficult match next, but then okay fixtures from Gameweek 6 to 12. Four of those are away, but I assume that the home teams won’t sit back against Norwich and that could give Pukki rooms to shine in those matches as well. Le’ts hope the West Ham game was a oneoff. 

“Barnes has of course shown in 2019 that he can score a lot of goals, so choosing between them is a coin toss in my book. I don’t think you should consider ownership at all when making your decisions this early in the season. Pukkis high ownership is more than anything an opportunity for you to gain some serious green arrows if you dare to sell him. 

“If you are decided to go 4-5-1 and want to pick only one striker I would go someone a bit more expansive like Abraham, Haller or Wilson. This is to make sure you have an easy switch to whatever mid-price striker that pass your eye test in Gameweeks to come.

“In this range, my advice would be Haller with semi-appealing fixtures and excellent service from the trio behind him. The Haller idea is a bit more caution way of playing, and something I like to do to avoid hits. But each to their own, and the more risky play is to move Pukki to Barnes. For information, my front three is currently Haller, Barnes and Pukki so I like the prospect of all three.”

With Spurs back to full strength (Alli is back, Eriksen stays, Son back), does it make Kane a good pick?

Tom: “On the face of it, Spurs haven’t had a bad start to the season, having drawn at champions Manchester City and North London rivals Arsenal, whilst beating Aston Villa on the opening day.

“Only the 1-0 home loss to Newcastle United you’d consider a poor result, but for anyone who’s watched them this season, they aren’t quite clicking, and this is concerning if you have 11.0 invested in Harry Kane.

“Despite Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min returning, the issue I have with Spurs is they haven’t been very good for quite a while now. Their league performances in 2019 have been average at best and their record reads played 22, won nine, drawn four and lost nine.

“Will they improve? Well, the return of Tanguy Ndombele will help in central midfield. Christian Eriksen will get more minutes now he’s staying, and he makes Spurs a much better team, so you’d expect to see their level increase over the next run of fixtures, which are kind, but it’s not guaranteed.

“What’s clear is Harry Kane is regularly dropping deep, even more so when Eriksen doesn’t play. He had a quiet North London derby and despite converting his penalty, he also only took two shots from open play. To be fair to him, the whole team struggled creatively, but to compete with other premium assets he needs more service in and around the box.

“If I owned Kane, I’d be tempted to make a move to Sergio Agüero or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang till we see evidence of this happening regularly.

Greyhead: “Here comes the Kane! Tough one to grapple with as everything points to Harry being a strong pick with great fixtures, four goals whilst on international duty and he has even broken the August curse.

“To your point, the Spurs attack will be strengthened with Son, Alli now in contention and Eriksen hanging around for a bit longer at least, so why are we hesitating?

“Well quite simply for those opting for a premium forward formation he has to compete with Aguero, the City man has better xG (2.76 vs 1.92), better shot accuracy (six shots on target compared to four) and less than half the minutes per shot on target (44.5 vs 90).

There is the argument that Kane is more guaranteed of minutes but he also has the dark cloud of the Newcastle game hanging over him and from an eye test he looks laboured.

“There is also the fear that he will start to drop into a deeper role with Son now back, so all these nagging doubts whilst the City and Liverpool premium assets flourish put me off investment for now.

“If you have him then I wouldn’t throw him over the top rope just yet as he may well hulk up and Kane-mania might start running wild but on the other hand I wouldn’t advise adding him to your stable when there are other such enticing options.”

Should I spend more in defence to have Virgil van Dijk or go for a similar priced mid/forward like Mount, James or Barnes? 

FPL Hints: “Before the season started, I thought Van Dijk would be a mainstay in my team until May.  After all, he was priced £0.5m cheaper than Robertson despite only scoring five points fewer than him.

“I’ve since upgraded to Alexander-Arnold due to his supplementary attacking prowess.  In any case, Van Dijk cuts a formidable figure in the Liverpool defence and there are still slight questions on whether James and Mount (similar price bracket) will regularly start, let alone continue their spree of regularly Fantasy returns.

“It will be telling to see if James will start regularly in the Europa League or Champions League after the international break.  Also, a case can only be made to spend a bit more on Abrahams instead of Mount. 

“As for Barnes, it’s hard to ignore him, especially with his generous fixture run and lack of midweek European commitments.  Clearly, we all need a premium Liverpool defender and Van Dijk is a safer and reliable option (and cheaper than Alexander-Arnold).  You can easily fit all four of the players named above if you wanted but for now, I personally won’t take a risk on Mount and James.”

Legomané: “As an owner of VVD, Mount and Barnes, my simple answer is why not have them all?

“Identifying whether or not there is a correct time to abandon the Liverpool defence feels like a season-defining decision. I am currently operating with a double up (TAA) in a 4-4-2, so offloading VVD to facilitate a switch to 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 in the near future has certainly crossed my mind.

“The issues for me are practicality, personnel and timing. This week ahead of an appealing Newcastle home tie does not strike me as the opportune moment to move away.

“However, the following fixture run of CHE-shu-LEI-mun-TOT-avl-MCI does not necessarily scream multiple straightforward clean sheets. Of course, news of an imminent return for Alisson in goal would encourage greater stability at the back.

“Practically speaking, without additional funds, a straight swap doesn’t feel particularly appealing. None of my affordable watchlist picks (Iwobi, McGinn, Ceballos, Yarmolenko) inspires the confidence owning VVD brings at present. Not yet. The likes of Maddison, Abraham and Haller are all just out of reach.

“For non-owners, I could certainly get on board with a swap to Ashley Barnes in Gameweek 6 or Mason Mount in Gameweek 7 – both players have terrific underlying stats and are approaching some rather delicious fixtures. It’s all just a matter of timing.”

With Burnley’s good upcoming fixtures, loads will be hopping on the Barnes bandwagon. Is Wood a decent differential alternative?

Greyhead: “The Burnley front two always remind me a bit of the Minogue sisters with Barnes the more successful eye catching Kylie and Wood well, he’s the other one.

When I first thought about this I was tempted by the New Zealander, he’s cheaper, has the same great fixtures and was only a couple behind Barnes in goals scored last season.

“Then someone much smarter than me pointed me towards Kylie, sorry I mean Ashley’s stats. Barnes is in the top three forwards for shots at 15 with 11 of those inside the box and an xG 2.04 so he is competing with the best in terms of current form.

“He has done this with a mixed set of fixtures so the signs are good with the likes of Norwich and Brighton to come.

“I have no doubt that Wood will improve and will get a goal or two over the next few weeks but I would be looking to the locomotion of the Barnes train as in this case it’s better the devil you know.”

1,044 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    captain Auba or Mane?

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

      Mane

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Auba

    3. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mane

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

    Morning

    In your opinion who is the best 5.5 DF to have for this back seven for the next few GWs

    Leno Button

    VvD Montoya Lundstram Soyuncu xxxxxxxx

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      McGinn

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

      Otamendi

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

        This

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          This this

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Oh it said DF... Otamendi in that case.

    4. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ota, Matip

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

    Morning DZ! What would you do with this lot?

    Pope
    TAA, Digne, Zinc, Lund
    Salah, (S)terling, KdB, Martial
    King, Pukki

    Woodman| Greenwood, Cantwell, Rico

    1.2 ITB, 1FT

    A) Save
    B) King -> Barnes
    C) King -> Haller
    D) Martial -> Someone

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B
      Or C if your a Haller fan

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

        Yeah, Barnes is probably more sensible with the fixtures, but Haller has better players to feed him tap-ins.... Just can't decide.

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

          Not sure those fixtures aren't a bit misleading. This is Burnley who are strictly a goal a game side really. Current stats are skewed by opening day salvo perhaps. Very little to suggest they''ll score big, Didn't do that in their big season.

          Villa a
          Everton h
          Leicester a

          are all tricky for attack. Brighton too have good defensive stats once you strip out City.

    2. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Are you worried about zinc? I have him but was thinking I’d doing zinc > ota and saving 0.1. Ota is 100% nailed while laporte injured. Mendy back

  4. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Barnes

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

      Thanks. You reckon he'll outscore haller?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Better fixtures.. Haller also a good pick.

  5. Snipez21
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Not sure what to do here, leaning towards taking a hit...

    Pope
    Zinchenko / Robbo / Digne / Boly
    Mount / Salah / Sterling / KDB / Tielemans
    Pukki

    (McGovern, Greenwood, Rico, Wickham)

    ITB 1.3m
    1 FT

    A. Boly + Wickham > Kelly + Barnes
    (3-5-2)
    Or
    B. Boly + Tielemans > McGinn + TAA
    (4-5-1)

    Cheers.

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B by an ocean mile.

      1. Snipez21
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Just hate the pukki loan striker with so many decent forward options about

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

      You're 0.1 off Tielemans, Wickham -> Ceballos, Barnes annoyingly. Sorry for pointing that out.

      1. Snipez21
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        0.2 my dude

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

          Bloody price rises.

  6. JT11fc
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    On WC and i think im sorted.

    Pope / 4.0
    Trent Otamendi Digne
    KDB Rich Mount
    Auba Kun Vardy

    Rotate Soy/Lundy/Hayden/Cantwell for 11th spot

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

      No livp mf.

      Good luck.

      1. JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Haha cheers

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks decent, very flexible. I would go with Siggy over Rich, especially as -unbelievably- he's slightly cheaper.

      1. JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hmm yes good suggestion, my thinking was Rich might go on one early season scoring streaks

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Nice balance.. no Salah or Sterling could hurt, hopefully your strikers make up the loss.

      1. JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ye i think ill only have Kun for a few weeks then go back to Sterling. One hit can get me Salah/Sterling

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

      Fun

      I like it. Could be great. You've got super value in midfield but suspect you'll need to put either Kun or Auba there soon.

      1. JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. Kun/Auba will go and Rich will become Sterling/Salah eventually

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

      something new. i think Kun can be downgraded though.
      very scary though...without Spurs and Liverpool cover

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

        although Auba stats are good... you never know which position he will be playing...Vardy fixtures are turning also..
        but if you do change these options... it will be template team again

        1. JT11fc
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Ye that is an issue. Not worried abouts spurs but will monitor Son. Kun will become Sterling/Salah eventually

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

            If eventually , it will become sterling or salah... maybe just stick to sterling first .. to prevent a minus 4 when you change forward to midfielder?

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

      Richarlison have been awful so far.
      To heavy on forwards, when there are super good 6-7m players (Pukki, Barnes, Abraham, Haller).

      6/10

      1. JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Not the last game tho, im just going off his history of scoring streaks. Ill be monitoring the cheap forwards for when i dump rich + Kun/Auba for Sterling/Salah

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

    Anyone thinking no Pool defence from GW6 to 13
    At that point plan would be major change and TAA and VVD in GW13
    Too risky and season is my season dead and buried by GW13?

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

      I'm contemplating dropping Salah for that run....

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I don't like to transfer around my defenders too much. Will probably go VVD and TAA till the end. Did same with Robbo and VVD last season.

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

      Just Taa- season keeper for me unless injured..
      Essentially a 7.0 midf who gets clean sheet points and plays for one of the top 2 teams in the league.. probably the best value player at the end of the season

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I can see your thinking, looks like clean sheets could be scarce 6-13, although most of those defences are obliging so he might balance it out with assists. Do we have any idea when Alisson is due back yet? I don't think it would bury your season as long as -as always- you have a sound plan to invest the spare cash.

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

        Though Alisson's expected back this gw?

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

          *Thought

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

            Reports say 1-3 gw atleast.

        2. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          If he is back I wouldn't do it, they may tighten up. And as others above said, a season-keeper for me.

        3. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Some basic on field training on his own it looks like. Getting there but not return date set is latest I could find. Allison back soon could alter my thinking for sure

    5. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I would be keen if TAA wasn't such fpl gold. I'm taking a hit to get him this week.

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

      Thanks all consensus seems to be get TAA
      .... or nothing
      I am thinking a half way of Matip.
      That a funds issue more than anything the fear of TAA is strong.

  8. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    hi all,

    Draft question;

    what pair do you prefer?

    A. Pogba & Mings

    B. Mendy & Trossard

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  9. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys considering the following moves this week:
    Martial - KDB
    Laporte - Otamendi
    Perez ---??

    Got 6 mill to sub Perez with but cant decide on who.
    Current mids are Sterling KDB Salah Dendoncker.
    Any ideas?!
    TIA

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ceballos if you have a bench

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      McGinn or Ceballos.. got burnt by Ceballos last week though.

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

    Mane or KDB as captain

    KDB oppo has injuries concern but Liverpool has home ground advantage

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mane

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

      Mane.

  11. Halmari Tea
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys - who would be the best burnley defender to score maximum points over the next 8 game weeks
    Should i go with tarkowski?
    Are pieters and lowton rotation risks with taylor and bardsley?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Tarko if you have the cash.

    2. HAMMERTIME107
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Pieters good cheap option and in good form so unlikely for rotation just yet!

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Scoutcast had a good discussion on this. Neale put Tark up as a 4 week diff.
      Him and Az thought full backs from Bur are a proven waste of time over the years and Mee or Tark is where it's at. With Tark showing a little more goal threat than Mee.
      Point Jonty made was Pope will outscore both the centre backs though and is as cheap as Pieters. Pope probably the best option but if you have him already a double up is tempting but I am not sure about that.

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

    On a WC

    Pieters / Digne / Lund / TAA
    Cantwell, KDB, Sterling ,

    A - Salah, Barnes, Pukki, Haller
    B - Mane, Barnes, Aubameyang
    C - Salah, Barnes, Vardy and 1.2m left to upgrade defense or a striker

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

      I am lost A has 4 options
      And the other have 3 options
      Or just let us know the fodder option in B and C so we can make a call.
      I like A

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

        Sorry, the fodder was Greenwood.

    2. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

        Thanks to both of you 🙂

  13. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Are we playing Pukki or Lundstram?

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

      have none...but pukkki
      higher chance of 2 points at the very least

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

      Hmm, same dillemma
      Heart says Pukki, head says Lundstram

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

      Pukki chance of scoring 1 with possible 1 bonus point.

      Lundstram higher chance of 15 pointer.

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Both

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

      I'm playing both, but I'd rather play Pukki if I had to chose.

  14. GE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What do you think here? 🙂

    1) AWB and Martial -> TAA and Cantwell (-4)
    2) AWB and Martial -> TAA and Iwobi (-4)
    3) Martial -> Maddison
    4) Something else?

    (1FT, 0.0 itb)

    Pope
    VVD/Digne/Zinch/AWB*
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Martial*
    Pukki/Jota

    Bench: Button, Lundstram, Dendoncker, Wickham

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

      is martial out for good ?

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

        Don’t know :/

  15. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Cap Mo or Kun?

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kun

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Same boat but I have Stirling,Kun & Mo 🙁

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

        So do I. Between kun and Mo for me.

    3. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Can see coming off early with CL midweek and Jesus back now so I'd go Mo.

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

        Leaning towards Mo cause of this, cheers

  16. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    How does this look please? Any Suggestions appreciated.

    Adrian
    Zinchenko | Pieters | Robertson
    Salah | Mcginn | Sterling | Mount
    Haller | Aubameyang | Barnes

    Button | Guendouzi | Kelly | Rico

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

      How many FT or are you with WC? How much in the bank..

      1. HAMMERTIME107
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        This is no transfer left and £0.1 in the bank now?

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good.

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Different but good different I think.
      You are basically saying Auba and McGinn
      Can outscore say KDB and Pukki from the template.
      Could happen nice to see something different. GL

  17. John Colby (Capt)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Martial v James:
    If he’s fit is it worth the extra 1.6 to have Martial in your side than the flying Welshman?

  18. Merlinho
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Start Fabianski away to Villa or Patricio home to Chelsea?

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

      Fab

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Flappy but why have both, its just an unnecessary headache isnt it?

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

        It’s my draft team so money no option and generally they look to rotate well.

  19. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone see the BBC article re Laporte, Otamendi, Stones & City’s defence? I found it extremely interesting :https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49668729

    Pairing/games played/win%/goals conceded per game:
    Laporte & Otamendi 16 88% 0.6
    Laporte & Stones 15 73% 0.6
    Laporte & Kompany 11 91% 0.5
    Otamendi & Kompany 6 67% 0.8
    Stones & Otamendi 3 67%. 0
    Stones & Kompany 2 100% 1
    Laporte,Stones,Kompany 1 100% 1
    Fernandinho, Otamendi 1 100% 1
    Laporte, Otamendi, Kompany 1 100% 1

    "The other thing that could have been a factor in not picking them together is the number of mistakes they both make. They are both good ball players, but they both have more errors in them than Kompany or Laporte, which might be why Pep prefers to only play one of them."

    Pukki will be waiting to pounce on those mistakes??

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

      I think Pukki will get at least one.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I think he’ll get multiple chances, maybe even a big chance or two, just a question of whether he takes them

        It’s nit a huge stretch to imagine Ota & Stones each dropping a traditional clanger or two & handing Norwich a soft goal or two either

        Could actually turn into a goal fest - 4-2 or 5-1 etc

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

      Yep

      City do leak goals and did last season too until the long run in. At one stage they went 7 I think conceding. I'm holding off their defence - though the 5.5s are mighty tempting.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        They played 14 games between GW11 & GW25 last season - kept 2 CS in that stretch

        They are generally a superb defensive team though, both in terms of underlying stats and direct FPL stats (20 CS last year)

        This point I find very relevant though:

        “While the 25-year-old left-sided centre-back avoided the fate of team-mate Leroy Sane, who is sidelined until March after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament during the Community Shield, he is still not expected to return to action until the start of 2020, at the earliest.

        If that prognosis is correct, Laporte will miss at least 15 Premier League games, City's entire Champions League group campaign and the start of their Carabao Cup defence.

        It adds up to about a third of City's season, so we are about to find out just how important he is - especially because City's two remaining senior centre-backs have played together a lot less than you might think.”

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Interesting stuff.. Stones and Ota 0 goals conceded. I'm glad I went for Ederson again this seasok.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        The 3 games played stat in & of itself might be a worry though

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Small sample for sure, but it's all we have.

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

      Would be interesting to see stats for the Otamendi and Stones partnership in the season before Laporte came, didn't they play a full season together?

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah those stats are in there too:

        Stones & Ota Before vs after Laporte joined:
        Games 22/62 3/56
        Wins 16 2
        Draws 2 1
        Defeats 4 0

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Even before Laporte joined, Pep seemed to have a pathological aversion to pairing them - what did he see in training every day that creates that reluctance to play them?

    5. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Personally I’m open to dropping city defence

      Last years stats are pretty irrelevant since there is a new defensive midfielder also

      Doubt Norwich gets anything since West Ham kept the ball from them city will be another level - pool were awful in the first game

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        One thing I would say is that generally, that logic of “team X did well against Team Y, Team Y are playing Team Z, Therefore Team Y will not do well against team Z” can be tenuous at the best of times

        But yeah I’m not sure City’s Defense is as attractive missing their best centre half for a third of the season

  20. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard team?

    Pope, 4.0
    TAA, digne, Mings, Soyuncu, Lundstrum
    Salah, sterling, kdb, James, Cantwell
    Haller, Tammy, ayew

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Similar to except I went with 3 strikers and downgraded digne. So looks pretty good.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good stuff. Like most WCs here.. not in a bad way.

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't bother with Ayew. Don't think he keeps up this form and fixtures turning pretty dire. Put him out to Fodder for a defence upgrade probably Mings who I dont like as a pick either and go more 442 than 343
      Rest looks decent. GL

  21. kelvint93
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Take a gamble on triple capt KDB?

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

      Big gamble but if he hauls like he did in his last INT you will be smiling.

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Back from Intl matches and an eye for upoming CL match, I would not.. He will be protected/mins managed by Pep I would guess..

      but I am no-one to unders10 whats in Pep's baldy head

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Are the batteries in the crystal ball fully charged?

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ballsy, go for it 🙂
      (TCAguero here)

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

      Madness if you ask me.

      So feel free.

  22. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC and just read the latest articles which produced the below. Any thoughts?

    Pope / Button
    Mings / TAA / Lundstram / Pieters / Kelly
    Salah / Sterling / KdB / Cantwell / James
    Barnes / Pukki / Haller

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not a fan of one man defences 😉

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I have been debating that. With my TV I either have 3 x strikers or 2 x strikers with 2 x def.

  23. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who's looking at price rising before this GW's deadline?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A lot of popular players around 90%.. I think they will rise Sat night.

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

      Just happy none of my players are in for price drops.

  24. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Coleman >>> Pieters and Greenwood >>> Barnes to get this team?

    Are they the right moves?

    Adrian
    Zinchenko | Pieters | Robertson
    Salah | Mcginn | Sterling | Mount
    Haller | Aubameyang | Barnes

    Button | Guendouzi | Kelly | Rico

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks solid and good moves.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good moves and good team.

      1. HAMMERTIME107
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        This is for a -4 though or should I just play Lundstram against Southampton this week instead of Pieters?

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Play Lundstram.. I am.

    3. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      GREAT team!

  25. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    6 people think that Cantwell is the best captain for GW5 🙂

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Their attempt to skew the poll has failed

  26. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Ota, Salah, Pepe, Aguero

    OR

    Mings, Mane, Sterling, Auba.

    Literally what my WC team comes down to atm guys.

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

      b, but get Kun as well

      😉

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Wished it was that easy and wished i was as courageous as you mate haha. Your team is a dream. WC still intact? Thanks all. I really don't know what to do lol

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It's a tough one. The first option by a whisker.

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      like the one with salah in it 🙂

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A looks superior to me, particulary if you own KDB!

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

      A for me. Would rather all of Ota/Salah/Aggy over Mings/Mane/Auba.

      Would be nervous about no Sterling, but just have to hope that Aggy can cover.

    6. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A looks more exciting.

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you all again. I'm now on A

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Wan the Man ? He should be fine and raring to go no?

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

    which one:
    A-Kane & Mount
    B-Haller & KDB (Have Sterling)

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

      B.

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

    Anyone else looking at the fallers for their watchlist. These are all on mine and I'm very much working off a watchlist this season rather than jumping on passing fancies as I did last.

    Vardy
    Tielemans
    Wilson
    Siggy
    Zaha

    They were all well fancied preseason for a reason and most have good fixtures and some form now. They're at the wrong price point for most template sides but that's not troubling me.

    Zaha is the odd one out as he hasn't shown anything yet but Norwich 7 and Arsenal 10 ( 😉 ) might yet tempt me.

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

      I fancy Siggy

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wait on Tielemans, so far this season his performances have depended on formation. Zaha I'm really not convinced by however.

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

        Yeah Zaha would be very punty right now. But Townsend isn't in the team and that makes him even more central to Palace - simply monitoring.

  30. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A | Lundstram against Southampton
    B | Take a -4 to get Pieters in?

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

      Lund. Easily.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A