Scout Squad

The Scout Squad picks for FPL Gameweek 5

We have submitted our Scout Squad selections for the much-anticipated Gameweek 5.

In this regular piece, our four members of staff – editorial’s Paul, David, and Neale as well as community manager Geoff – each send in an 18-man squad of Fantasy assets (with the focus on the coming Gameweek) and elaborate on their notable inclusions/omissions.

The 72 nominations listed below will then be narrowed down to a squad of 14 (with the starting XI not exceeding a total cost of £83m) ahead of the Gameweek 5 deadline at 11:30 BST on Saturday morning.

As we discussed last week, we are making some slight tweaks to the way we do Scout Squad and Scout Picks this season.

We have placed stricter regulations on our panelists: there are requirements for at least one £4.5m goalkeeper, at least one £4.5m or cheaper defender, at least one midfielder priced £6.0m or below and at least one forward priced at £7.0m or lower.

As was the case last year, each panelist is restricted to no more than three players from the same team.

We have also be added a captaincy to the Scout Picks this season, with details explained on Friday.


 DavidNealePaulGeoff
GKDean HendersonHugo LlorisHugo LlorisHugo Lloris
 Nick PopeNick PopeDean HendersonDean Henderson
 Kepa ArrizabalagaDean HendersonNick PopeNick Pope
DFTrent Alexander-ArnoldVirgil van DijkTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-Arnold
 Andrew RobertsonTrent Alexander-ArnoldAndrew RobertsonAndrew Robertson
 Oleksandr ZinchenkoJohn LundstramOleksandr ZinchenkoNicolas Otamendi
 Lucas DigneAaron Wan-BissakaLucas DigneLucas Digne
 John LundstramJames TarkowskiJohn LundstramJohn Lundstram
MFRaheem SterlingMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
 Mohamed SalahRaheem SterlingRaheem SterlingRaheem Sterling
 Daniel JamesDavid SilvaChristian EriksenChristian Eriksen
 Mason MountMason MountRicharlisonGylfi Sigurdsson
 Nicolas PépéJohn McGinnJohn McGinnJohn McGinn
FWSergio AgueroSergio AgueroSergio AgueroSergio Aguero
 Ashley BarnesDiogo JotaRaúl JiménezSébastien Haller
 Sébastien HallerAlexandre LacazetteSébastien HallerRaúl Jiménez
 Jamie VardySébastien HallerAshley BarnesWesley
 Pierre-Emerick AubameyangAshley BarnesWesleyAshley Barnes

Most popular picks: Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Trent Alexander-Arnold, John Lundstram, Raheem Sterling, Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero, Ashley Barnes, Sebastien Haller (four), Hugo Lloris, Lucas Digne, Andrew Robertson, John McGinn (three)

DAVID SAID…

Selecting a goalkeeper for the Scout Squad seems to get harder and harder each week.

For Gameweek 5, I’ve gone with Dean Henderson as the marginally best option ahead of Southampton’s visit to Sheffield United.

The Blades’ goalkeeper has got a good record for saves and his side has largely kept things tight so far this season.

In defence, I’ve gone with a double-up on Liverpool options in their most favourable fixture for some time.

Newcastle come to Anfield with very few goals to their name so far in 2019/20 (three), while we saw glimpses of the Reds returning to their best at the back against Burnley last time out.

I’m not completely convinced Manchester City will keep a clean sheet at Norwich but if they are to do so, Oleksandr Zinchenko has shown in recent weeks that he is a good option.

The same games for Lucas Digne as I think Bournemouth’s attack will cause Everton some problems, but the left-back has enough offensive potential to make up for it.

John Lundstram completes my defensive submissions given his clean sheet potential and creativity so far this season as a central midfielder.

In midfield, I’ve gone with Raheem Sterling as the best option, despite his poor showing against Brighton. He showed just how much of a world-class option he is on international duty and ultimately, I think he’s got the much better fixture than Mohamed Salah this week.

While Newcastle demonstrated the ability to frustrate with banks of bodies behind the ball in their Gameweek 3 win over Spurs, Norwich are yet to show any defensive know-how this season and have by far the worst record at the back so far.

Daniel James has impressed me with his penalty box presence and other goal threat underlying statistics, while Mason Mount looks like Chelsea’s most likely to score points in midfield.

If I was Wildcarding this week, I’d go Kevin de Bruyne over Sergio Aguero, but as we are only selecting for one Gameweek with the Scout Squad, I’ve gone with the Argentinian in my selection.

Despite limited minutes this season (which is part of my concern long-term), Aguero is level with Salah for shots in the box and just one behind Sterling for shots on target. Given how poor Norwich’s defence is, I’d expect him to rack up the points here.

Ashley Barnes is also a great inclusion ahead of a trip to Brighton based on his eight shots on target thus far this season, only Teemu Pukki has more.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pépé are included as my outside bets as I think the change of management at Watford has occurred too late for them to prevent Arsenal scoring big at Vicarage Road.

NEALE SAID…

I was talked out of a Manchester City attacking triple-up when it came to the Scout Picks last week but I’m not wasting a City slot on a defender in Gameweek 5, particularly with Aymeric Laporte sidelined and with Norwich unlikely to curb their attacking instincts too much when Pep Guardiola’s side visit Carrow Road.

Kevin De Bruyne was irresistible on Monday night and I own the Belgian midfielder myself in FPL but I’m a mite concerned that he could be handed a well-earned breather over the coming week (hopefully in the Champions League), so for that reason alone I’ve gone with the rested David Silva along with the obligatory duo of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero – ‘El Mago’ has the same xA as De Bruyne this season and is the only fit attacking midfielder on City’s books who didn’t represent their country over the international break.

Liverpool look the likeliest source of a clean sheet this weekend and I’ve opted for Virgil van Dijk alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Newcastle’s vulnerability to set-piece situations and headed chances (they were bottom of the table for both in 2018/19) the logic behind that double-up. The two defenders, indeed, combined for a goal at St. James’ Park in May.

Outside of Liverpool, I struggled for defenders this week.

John Lundstram is the obvious budget pick given that a well-organised Sheffield United defence are up against Nathan Redmond-less Southampton, who have scored from just one of their nine big chances this season. Che Adams, meanwhile, has yet to register a shot on target.

Manchester United’s defence hasn’t been that bad this season: they have the second-best xGC in the division and no side has conceded fewer big chances.

Should he be fit and up against James Maddison (as I suspect might happen), Aaron Wan-Bissaka should get plenty of tackles in to aid his cause on the Bonus Point System. Stop Maddison and Leicester’s creativity suffers, so I’m taking a leap of faith with the United right-back given his history of nullifying in-form wide midfielders.

Burnley have coped very well against wing-back systems this season (a clean sheet against Southampton and only a last-gasp penalty conceded against Wolves) so I’ll root for one of the save-accumulating Nick Pope or the goal-threatening James Tarkowski against a potentially Trossard-less Brighton in the Scout Picks – two players we discussed at length in this week’s Scoutcast.

I’m hoping Mason Mount gets a run-out on the left flank this weekend, as he’ll be up against Adama Traore at Molineux – the pacy wing-back is excellent going forward but leaves a lot to be desired defensively, while Wolves will also be without the suspended Willy Boly.

Chelsea’s defensive problems are well-documented and I can see goals in this fixture, with a relatively rested Diogo Jota (no start in his last three games for club and country) capable of wreaking havoc in the visitors’ backline with his driving runs.

Alexandre Lacazette should be fit for Sunday’s trip to Watford and, as the central striker in Arsenal’s attack, I’m backing the Frenchman over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in my Scout Squad: Lacazette had six shots to Aubameyang’s one while both players were on the field in the north London derby and has the best minutes-per-chance average among FPL forwards who have played more than 100 minutes this season.

PAUL SAID…

Pinpointing the best options among the Liverpool and Man City contingents could be decisive as both have very favourable Gameweek 5 fixtures.

I’m backing both sides at both ends of the pitch, with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s attacking potential a big factor in his selection.

The City left-back has been far more creative on his travels in the opening four matches.

Away from home, his six key passes ranks top among FPL defenders, compared with his single chance created at the Etihad Stadium.

The influence of Christian Eriksen could be vital if Spurs are to break down a stubborn Crystal Palace side.

Despite starting only two of the first four Gameweeks, the Dane’s five shots on target and eight chances created both rank top for Spurs.

Added to his appeal is Eriksen’s goal and assist in a 2-0 home win over the Eagles last season.

I’m backing Raul Jimenez to extend his return to form at home to Chelsea.

The Wolves striker has scored in each of the last two Gameweeks and has a decent record against his visitors, netting in both their meetings last season.

Despite a collective lack of faith that has earned him over 618,000 transfers out, Jimenez is level with Roberto Firmino, for example, for both shots on target (five) and expected goals (1.79).

Goals look on the agenda at Villa Park on Monday evening.

Both Aston Villa and West Ham have conceded 46 shots inside the box – only Norwich, with 47, have been less resilient.

Sebastien Haller seems the attacker most likely to profit, though the hosts’ frontman Wesley is a decent cut-price differential with ownership under 2%.

The Brazilian bagged a goal and maximum bonus in his last home fixture and has fired seven shots in the box, more than any team-mate.

GEOFF SAID…

Hugo Lloris has a good chance at his first clean sheet against Crystal Palace, who failed to score in Gameweek 1 against Everton and Gameweek 2 against Sheffield United. 

With that clean sheet against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 2, Dean Henderson has a 50% clean sheet return rate at home, and hosts Southampton who have failed to score in 50% of their away games.

Nick Pope is my third pick despite failing to keep a clean sheet in the last three matches. He did, however, play teams from last season’s top seven over that period, keeping a clean sheet against Southampton on opening weekend.

I’m going with a Liverpool defensive double up at home to Newcastle, opting for the attacking threat of Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson

While Zinchenko looks a good option I’m banking on attacking threat from Nicolás Otamendi, after Laporte’s injury.

Lucas Digne already has two clean sheets this season and I predict that will continue away to Bournemouth. John Lundstram rounds out my defence as a nice OOP budget option at home to Southampton.

Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling shouldn’t surprise anyone at the top of my list. Fellow Scout Paul has convinced me of the merits of both Christian Eriksen and Gylfi Sigurdsson this week: a look at Eriksen’s shots on target and chances created, and Sigurdsson’s key passes and shots on target, is quite convincing. 

John McGinn has attacking returns in two out of four Gameweeks, and West Ham have already conceded nine times this season.

Up-front, I’m counting on a Sergio Aguero start, with Norwich’s injury problem growing by the week. With three goals in the last two matches, Sébastien Haller claims my second slot. Three strikers with good fixtures round out my picks: Raúl JiménezWesley Moraes, and Ashley Barnes.

1,243 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Amsterhammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Guys looking for advice. I have Laporte - who to replace with? Already own TAA, Digne, Lundstrom, Pieters.

    A) Van Dijk
    B) Robertson
    C) Otamendi

    1. AndyCook
        4 years, 6 months ago

        C

      • Captain_Shirokov
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Otamendi

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

        C

      • Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        C

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

        Wow, was expecting more varied answers. I might go Liverpook defender for one week then switch to OTA then.

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

          I’m doing this

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

          What’s the point asking?

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

            To get people's opinions. What a silly question.

        3. AndyCook
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Waste of a transfer

          • Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Just get Ota straight away

          • The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            dont waste the transfer

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

          I’ve gone A

        5. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          With those 4 you can afford a less expensive player. Pieters perfect to GW9. I know Spurs have not performed but I think far too much hype over them. Also Arsenal defenders all are staying away from but I believe their fixture run is good enough to take on a 5 mil player from them too. I know someone who has Pieters and Tark but overkill if you have Pope.

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

          4.0 and spend money up on midfield or forwards.

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

          Thanks all.

      • Riders of Yohan
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Bottomed:

        Having the same Salah vs Sterling captain debate.

        Who plays LW if Sterling gets rested? Is Sterling guaranteed minutes until Jesus or sane back fully fit?

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Jesus is fit isn't he? Thats what I've heard

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

          No one can play on LW as good as Sterling in that City team.
          Specially not Mahrez or Bilva.
          They cant score half the amount of goals Sterling does.

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            The only player capable of playing Lw in as an inverted winge similar to Sterling is Jesus. He has done it in the past...but that only matters if Pep plays the same system, who's to say he doesn't shift to 352 with walker RCB and Cancelo RWB...Pep is capable of it.

            Only time will tell though

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

              352 seriously?
              He hasnt played that formation since more than a year if im not wrong.
              And now he'll suddenly change formation to rest Sterling?
              Sterling rotation is just over hyped here. It was always going to be like this when CL kicked in.

              1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                I just said he's capable of it and has done it in the past.

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

                  He's capable of anything no doubt but most of the time we've been proved wrong only.
                  Ive seen enough of Sterling rotation being over hyped here past 2 seasons.

                  1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Agreed. That's what discussion on this page is all about...us fantasy nerds mostly overthinking.

                    You would be here as much if everyone posting had the same opinion as you

                    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      would'nt

              2. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Let us see when Mendy is back.

        3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          For what it's worth - If I had Salah, It would be an easy choice for me...With Pens as well, he is a fantastic choice.

          The problem I have is Mane vs Sterling and its the toughest till now this season.

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Mane vs Sterling is easy. Salah vs Sterling is tough

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Oh you mean Sterling is the clear winner there?

              1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Yes

                1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  wish I was as convinced as you

            2. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              That's nonsense.

              1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                what is? not easy to know what you are referring to

                1. Cok3y5murf
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  That Mane v Sterling is an easy choice but Salah v Sterling isn't. People obsessing over pens. Lol this is funny to me. Relying on your captain to win a pen is a fool's errand. They're unpredictable and can come randomly in any game. With VAR, they're being awarded less often too. He'll score around 5 pens tops in the season and you'll be lucky to catch 3 of those. Treat pens as a bonus that can come randomly and don't rely on them.

                  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    When did I mention anything about Pens? I just think Salah has better points potential this weekend than Mane. I just think he’s an all round better player and Captain pick and the only one who comes close to Sterling

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

            Same problem here. Swapped Salah for Mané to afford Kane/Auba , but tempted to revert back to Salah. Thinking now he's more reliable than Mané, especially given he's on pens

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

            Yeah that's tough. I'd probably go Sterling. But it's so close really. I just think Sterling is only 75% to start. If he were to be rested, this ain't a bad fixture to have him come off the bench.

      • The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I might consider kane as captain to avoid S&S confusion

        1. Squeakybum99
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          That's overthinking 😛 The confusion is only about Sterling and his minutes, should be a safe Salah if one has doubt about Raz and has Salah.

        2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Living up to your name there friend

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

          I think I’ve spotted the confusion.

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

        A: Get Haller with funds to do Trossard -> James/H.Wilson after next week when fixtures turn

        B: Get Barnes with funds to do Trossard -> Lanzini after next week when fixtures turn

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

          Haller better option than Lanzini.

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

            Agreed, but long-term it's basically Haller + James or Barnes + Lanzini which I find very tricky

            Same way as Haller is better than Lanzini, Barnes is a better option than James IMO

        2. MTPockets
            4 years, 6 months ago

            That's a tough choice. Probably A

            1. MTPockets
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Although Barnes + James is quite appealing too

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

                  True, but think I prefer Haller over Barnes atm

          • Hakonlan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Kane and Lanzini or KDB og Haller?

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

              KDB and Haller

            2. Squeakybum99
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              The latter by a mile for me.

          • HurriKane
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Case for Yarmolenko. Thoughts?

            If nailed Yarmolenko could be absolute bargain for 5.9 in an attacking westham lineup

            - Exceptional goalscoring record in ukraine.

            - Showed he can cut it in top league as he was involved in 11 goals in 18 starts for dortmund in all competitions in germany

            - Done well in europe. ,(Involved in 34 goals in 72 european games cl+ el)

            If nailed Honestly think he can top the players in his price range (Trossard James Mount McGinn Cebalos buendia tielemans lanzini etc).

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

              He was on my radar before that Achilles injury, but maybe him and Haller could be too much...

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

                Doubling up is no concern if they both in form nailed with good fixtures at a reasonable price.

                Dont think there is a team outside top 6 with an attack better than westhams

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

              Definitely, wait and see atm tho

            3. AndyCook
                4 years, 6 months ago

                I like him, had him and Anderson in draft last year and wasn’t left disappointed but he has the ability

                1. AndyCook
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Was left*

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

                  I like Yarmo. He's fantasy football gold. He's on set pieces, extremely attacking etc. However, in this WHam side I'm not convinced he's first choice and he gets pulled a lot. If he starts getting 90 mins consistently, I'll think about it even if he doesn't immediately return.

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

                  Think he is a great option. Antonio being out for 4 months helps too.

              • Captain_Shirokov
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Best sub 9m striker?

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

                  Bar Pukki, I guess.

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

                  Haller

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

                  Vardy

                4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Vardy comfortably

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

                  Vardy by a mile.

                  (Have Haller)

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

                  Vardy. But in terms of value, probably Haller.

              • balint84
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                is Martial fit or what? swap to Richarlison? I would rather save him.

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

                  And no show for another week? Then hope and pray he can stay fit if he does make a comeback...

                2. Squeakybum99
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Wait for presser

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

                Re City defence, Stones still flagged so if he is not fit, Pep could switch to 3 at the back?

                Fernandinho Ota Walker?

                Not sure Walker will be a good idea in a back 4 alongside Ota at CB. Pep could also go Fernandinho alongside Ota?

                If Pep decides 3 at the back, then he very well could go Jesus pending fitness and Kun up top GW5.

                Guess this is the risk of owning premium City. Kun and KDB City attack all the way...

                You just do not know what Pep has hidden up his sleeve.

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

                  3 at the back may mean Sterling misses out. Then again, no point second guessing that lineup

                2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  KDB for me is the most likely to get a rest, with his injury record

                  1. AndyCook
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Agree but you worry less about this because he is still worth having over the season and he doesn’t get the armband much

                      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Yes certainly

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

                      I don't think so. With Gundogan out, he doesn't have a good replacement and his creativity is really needed in these sort of matches.

                      It's Sterling that will get rested more likely imo.

                      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        It can easily be Dilva and Bilva in midfield with Rodri with Mahrez and Sterling in midfield.

                        City don't lack creative talent, event Foden could get a run. KDB has been injured in the past due to exertion

                        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                          • 5 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Mahrez and Sterling on the wings

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

                          Don't remember the last time they played Bilva in CM and especially with Dilva in as well. Bilva just isn't box to box the same way KdB is.

                          I don't see it. If Gundo was fit, I can see KdB getting rested, but the team lacks balance with just Rodri at the base, and then there's also the fact that Dilva and Bilva are both left footed. I dunno, it just doesn't seem likely to me. Team feels imbalanced like that.

                  2. Eze Really?
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Stones is back. Flag will go soon.
                    The fact you asked for any of the 3 and Stones fit is enough not to touch at all until later.

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

                      Stones may well be back but will Pep throw him back in straight away?

                      1. Eze Really?
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Straight away or not, do you want the rotation risk?

                      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Yeah I wouldn't be surprised, given Laporte is injured

                  3. Am sorry to say again it�…
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    So because Stones is flagged he won't play but Jesus is flagged and he will?

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

                  This decent for my final WC team?

                  Just need either James or Abraham to rise again to make profit to afford it..

                  Pope (4.0)
                  TAA - Matip - Digne - Otamendi (Lundstram)
                  Salah - Sterling - KdB - Mount (Cantwell)
                  Pukki - Haller (Greenwood)

                  1. Eze Really?
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Fair team for 4 4 2.
                    Not so fond of Mount though.
                    Hope Ota works out for you.

                  2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Thats so good. Jealous

                  3. Eleven Hag
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Matip will be rotation risk with CL games starting ?

                    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      I think Matip is more likely to start the PL games with his strength, height and physicality.

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

                      I'm not so sure, dont think we'll disturb the pairing of VVD/Matip - TAA/Gomez more likely to rotate. Having both TAA and Matip though there is definitely a chance one wont play, Lundstram/Cantwell can do a bench job.

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

                      So are TAA and the rest of City players i would say..

                  4. AndyCook
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Might as well go Greenwood to 4.4 if not, plenty of bench and he’s hardly getting minutes anyway

                  5. Eleven Hag
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Adrian
                    AWB Digne Zin
                    Mane Sterling KDB Mount Cantwell
                    Aub Pukki

                    (Lund Kelly Greenwood)

                    I want to offload Auba - with 0..6ITB which players should I bring in ?

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

                      Auba/Kelly to Vardy/TAA?

                      1. Eleven Hag
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        I am gonna get Allison when he is back and thinking to stick with just him from Liverpool backline?

                        1. AndyCook
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            I would forgoe Alisson personally

                            1. Eleven Hag
                              • 6 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              though he is available at 5.8?

                          • pingissimus
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Considering the same

                      2. Eze Really?
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Always compare with my side:
                        Pope has great fixtures and I no worry about Alisson.
                        AWB. I have TAA and United 1 cleanie in 15.
                        Mount too early in Chelsea side with injury issues.
                        Auba fair punt. I have Firmino to save bucks. Could go to Son later an get Haller

                        1. Eleven Hag
                          • 6 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          IAM thinking mount to son and auba to Haller

                          1. Eze Really?
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Very good. It is where I am heading

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

                        Auba & Greenwood to Barnes+Haller and bench Cantwell

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

                      Looking forward to getting Emerson after LIV.

                      1. Eleven Hag
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Chelsea look set to keep least CSs in top 10

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

                          Wait until Rudiger is back.

                        2. AndyCook
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Rudiger and Kante to make a difference hopefully

                        3. nadman89
                          • 12 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          rotation with cl n cups its tough

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

                        Which pair would you have in draft?

                        A.Trossard & Mendy

                        B. Pogba & Kola

                        1. Greasy Grealish Gang
                          • 4 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          A by miles but only in theory. Little is known yet about Trossard's injury and Mendy is.. well, Mendy

                        2. nadman89
                          • 12 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          kola wont start when tierney is fit , pogba is the best player out of all 4 though so id go with pogba and rotate defenders in with transfers

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

                        I can't afford Haller and already own Pukki and Barnes. I can, however, afford Chris Wood. Do you think a Burnley double up in attack could be fruitful? At least in the short term...

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

                          You'd rather double on their def tbh.
                          They arent going to score too many goals.
                          But when they do one of them should be involved.

                        2. AndyCook
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Not for me, it’s like the King, Wilson of GW1

                          • pingissimus
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Burnley have averaged a goal a game for the last 3 seasons. Not exactly a prolific attack.

                        3. Daniel Exeter
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 11 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Surely the lack of centre backs makes Sterling more nailed this week? The weakness is the lack of defenders, therefore need the players on the pitch who will win the game and get 3 points for them.

                          1. Maddi Son
                            • 6 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Yeah I agree. I've had my doubts about Sterling starting but it does seem risky to bench him. I think it makes more sense to blow Norwich out the water early on, and then bring his key players off.

                            Inb4 edgy 'stop second guessing Pep' post

                        4. balint84
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          predicted winners of gw5: Son & Pepe

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

                            Yeah having a feeling they will pop up soon.
                            But hard to justify spending 9.5m on them

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

                            Pepe has been the biggest disappointment till now.. With the number of opportunities he's wasting.

                            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                              • 5 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              He will soon find his feet.

                              He has just made the jump from Ligue 1, had very limited pre season, has a 70+ million price tag which probably doesn't help ease the pressure.

                              I think he just needs a goal to find his bearings

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

                          Fun fact, Zouma has played 4 games (360 mins) and is on 1 point total.

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

                            WOW!
                            Stoke City calling.

                          2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            I would take him at Arsenal lol

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

                            I still wonder why the lack of faith in Christensen.. He is far better but still 3rd choice every season.

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

                          A) Vardy and Martial to Barnes and KDB (-4)
                          B) Robbo and Martial to Lowton and KDB (-4)
                          C) Hold

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

                            B but after this GW, let Robertson play agt NEW

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

                          Perez to;

                          A) Mount
                          B) James
                          C) Caballos
                          D) Tielemans

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

                            A probably safest.

                            I have C.

                        8. Jebiga
                          • 11 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Can i ask this witout geting leg in my face ? 😀 Who to play ?

                          Pukki or Lundstram ?

                          1. Eleven Hag
                            • 6 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Puk

                          2. The Man Pastore
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Same dilemma here and currently playing Lund...

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

                            100% Pukki

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

                            Rule no 1, do not bench an inform strker for a defender.

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

                            Pukki definitely

                        9. Big W
                          • 5 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          WC GTG?? 0.9 ITB

                          Pope (Button)
                          Digne | TAA | Ota | Lund (Soy)
                          Mane | Sterling | KDB | Mount (Cant)
                          Barnes | Haller (Greenwood)

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

                            Yeah proper template.

                            I'd find the 0.1 to get Salah instead of Mane though

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

                              Aye definitely.

                            2. Big W
                              • 5 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              Cantwell or McGinn?

                          2. nadman89
                            • 12 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            soyuncu to guilbert will get you that 0.1 , hes a good option at 4.4

                        10. The Man Pastore
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Am I G2G:

                          Pope
                          VVD Otamendi Lowton Lund
                          Salah(C) Sterling KDB Mount
                          Barnes Haller

                          Bench: Button Pukki Cantwell Kelly

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

                            Pukki in for Lowton

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

                          A pope and lowton/mings rotation
                          B Pope and dunk/soyuncu
                          C Ryan and lowton / mings

                          Button 2nd keeper

                          Thanks a lot

                          1. All For One
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            b

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

                              Thanks

                          2. nadman89
                            • 12 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            pope + guilbert save the 0.1 and more attacking

                        12. Invincibles
                          • 10 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Any hits required here?

                          Heaton
                          TAA Digne Zinc Lund Maitland-Niles
                          Salah Sterling Mount
                          Aguero Barnes

                          subs: Cantwell Dd Gwood, 4.0
                          £0.8itb

                          1. All For One
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            nah looks good

                        13. All For One
                          • 5 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Ryan
                          Soyuncu, Taa, Zinchenko, Digne, Lundstram
                          Mane, Son, Sterling(C), Kdb
                          Pukki

                          Button, Cantwell, Greenwood, Wickham

                          Gtg?

                          1. nadman89
                            • 12 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            looks good but might go for cantwell over soyuncu think united will score

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

                            Definitely, great mid.

                            1. All For One
                              • 5 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              Thanks man, Nadman89 already have Pukki on, so taking a punt on Soyuncu

                              1. nadman89
                                • 12 Years
                                4 years, 6 months ago

                                haha no hate but im a bit biased as im a united fan haha , well for your sake i hope united win 2-1 and soyuncu scores leicesters only goal

                                1. All For One
                                  • 5 Years
                                  4 years, 6 months ago

                                  lol thanks good luck to the both of us!

                          3. Eze Really?
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Just Love the mids.

                          4. Eze Really?
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Move out Zin. You might have to sooner rather than later. Get in Iwobi for Cantwell and you will score more mids points than anyone.

                          5. Eze Really?
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            If you want to keep Zin then Noble going under the radar, on penalties and maybe .3 worth more than Cantwell.

                            1. All For One
                              • 5 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              Thanks will probably move Son to James and Wickham to Haller once I get 2 free transfers

                        14. nadman89
                          • 12 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          ryan
                          vvd - digne -guilbert
                          mcginn -salah (C) - bsilva -kdb - martial
                          king - aguero

                          lundstram 1st sub waiting to see on martial

                          a) king to ashley barnes
                          b)save ft

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

                            If you save what is your plan next week?

                            If you're gonna do King > Barnes next week anyway, just do it now.

                          2. All For One
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            A King does have some decent fixtures but Barnes should score more points

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

                          How about this WC lot?

                          Pope / Button
                          Digne / TAA / Lundstram / Pieters / Kelly
                          Salah / Sterling / Mount / McGinn / Cantwell
                          Kun / Pukki / Greenwood

                          1. nadman89
                            • 12 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            i have aguero , but id rather have kdb + barnes over mcginn + aguero but thats just my opinion

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

                              Normally always have a premium striker so a bit nervous about not having one.

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

                                Pope / Button
                                Digne / TAA / Lundstram / Pieters / Kelly
                                Salah / Sterling / KdB / Cantwell / Moint
                                Greenwood / Pukki / Haller

                        16. Eze Really?
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          A team, for various reasons I would not want to own.
                          Adrian
                          Ota Zin Stones Rose AWB
                          Pepe Mount Ceballos Dilva James
                          Kun Abraham Auba

                          All are talking points and all can fail.
                          Look at this list before posting n RMT

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

                            Cant avoid them all

                            1. Eze Really?
                              • 9 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              Sure you can
                              Pope 4.0
                              Digne TAA Pieters Schar Lund
                              Son Iwobi Mcginn KDB
                              Barnes Firmino Pukki/Haller

                            2. Eze Really?
                              • 9 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              And I missed Mane whi I could afford as another mid too

                          2. nadman89
                            • 12 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            aguero and aubamayeng dont really ever fail . the rest im with you

                            1. Eze Really?
                              • 9 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              Agree but the pricing is restrictive

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

                            Agreed on absolutely every one of them

                            With two exceptions

                            Kun - who I still won't own but it's in a rich vein of form over his last 35 games has something like 27G 11A... Sterling & KDB all the way for me though, the treble up would be nice... But Jesus will get more minutes this year id imagine - but I can definitely see the merits of Kun

                            Mount - he's getting 90 minutes in an attacking mid role in a Chelsea team for 6.0 - that in & of itself is priceless. He's also obviously a gaskets boy & Lamps sees him as a pet project - very good value imo. If CHO/RLC returns start eating into his minutes he can result be resassesed

                            1. Eze Really?
                              • 9 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              I hear you and Kun is fine for a few weeks then rotation/Injury sets in or 60 minutes at 12.0 i don't feel great about.
                              Mount price is his only virtue. In a Chelsea side struggling with injury and too little to work on atm, I would rather have a more forward player like Iwobi.

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

                                Chelsea may be struggling with injury, and also struggling defensively... but they don't seem to be struggling to score goals which keeps mount ticking over I would imagine

                                1. Eze Really?
                                  • 9 Years
                                  4 years, 6 months ago

                                  For sure I can see his merits but I think he is getting too much praise. His goals have been from far away and opportunistic. He plays deep. As I said no ignoring his value but there are, as you said, a couple of players coming back to threaten him.

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

                                    Yeah but there's definitely a devil's advocate position that says he'll continue to score from long range due to his ability - he's easy above average in terms of long range shooting ability - scored 9 from outside the box last season and at that age he is improving with every game

                                    I can see him going through lean periods for sure (as every sub 10.0, and some 10.0+'s do) but at 6.0 as a 4th mid I really wouldn't have him on a list of 'never own' players just yet, and I think he's actually edging his way towards an 'absolute bargain' tag

                                    Iwobi had never scored a header before his last game then he scored 2 in 90 minutes! Everton also struggling to score goals to a larger degree than Chelsea, so I do think all things considered mount is currently looking very good

                                    All can change fast in FPL though as we know

                                    1. Eze Really?
                                      • 9 Years
                                      4 years, 6 months ago

                                      Yep Maximus, I think we can call it a draw. I believe i can take the merits of your argument and strike Mount off my not to do list. I will have a quite laugh if Iwobi points per minute is higher than Mount. Ha Ha.

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

                                        A draw would indicate we are on opposing sides 🙂

                                        Whereas I think broadly speaking we agree on the vast majority of this topic 🙂

                                        Watch that XI above go & score 120 points this weekend now lol

                                        1. Eze Really?
                                          • 9 Years
                                          4 years, 6 months ago

                                          You are so right! We both put fair comments forward on the good and the bad.

                        17. nadman89
                          • 12 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          who would you play guilbert or lundstram , the fact that guilbert on monday makes him more interesting to me for absolutely no reason . (if martial doesnt play i have to play both )

                          1. Eze Really?
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            I like the"Monday" thought process. I only have Digne and Mcginn after Saturday. One reason I have not moved Mcginn to Iwobi just yet

                        18. Abraham seed
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Hi, so if you are on 8 point hit, and you suddenly decide to play free hit chip while making more transfers, the team restores to the squad before the previous deadline right?

                          1. Eze Really?
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            goes back to original squad