Pro Pundits

Strength in depth will be key for FPL managers ahead of a busy December

In her latest column, FPL Community’s Holly Shand has one eye on building a trustworthy FPL squad ahead of a busy month of Premier League football.


Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, not least because there’s tons of football to watch, with the Gameweeks coming thick and fast.

Having two free transfers has been great for tinkering so far in this international break, with a final gap to take stock and set up before the relentless festive schedule sets in.

The mathematician in me can’t help but crunch the numbers: there are nine Gameweeks between now and January 2. We can then add into the mix two more group games for the seven teams still involved in Europe, League Cup quarter-finals – and don’t forget Liverpool head off to the Club World Cup. That’s two more important games for Liverpool, creating a Blank Gameweek 18 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for themselves and West Ham United. That’s 12 matches in 41 days for the Reds.

So during this busy stretch, we Fantasy managers need to have a squad of reliable players who ideally start every single game and aren’t prone to injury.

We know rotation will happen during this period and we will need our benches, particularly in Gameweek 18 when our Liverpool and West Ham assets are without a Premier League fixture.

The midweek Gameweek 15 and the quick turnaround between Gameweeks 19 and 20 (less than 15 hours separates the culmination of the former from the start of the latter) will also be pinch points.

The likes of Mohamed Salah (£12.3m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) and Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) were benched in the early-December midweek round of fixtures last season, while Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) was among the cluster of players who faced substitute duty at least once over the busy festive period.

A lack of press conferences will do little to help us Fantasy managers, too – only a handful of managers held media gatherings in the run-up to the Boxing Day fixtures in 2018/19. 

So looking at my own squad, I’ve got some problem areas and a Christmas wishlist!

Neal Maupay (£6.0m) has done little to impress since transferring him in two weeks ago. I’m snookered with Chelsea assets, having already tripled up, but Christian Pulisic (£7.4) is tempting. I feel over-invested in Manchester City midfielders, given their patchy form and tricky fixtures: Kevin De Bruyne (£10.2m) and Sterling feels too much right now. Todd Cantwell (£4.7m) seems to pick up injuries very easily and his starting berth is under threat. Erik Pieters (£4.7m) has lost his place in Burnley’s back four and Grant Hanley (£4.0m) has barely played. Why do I even have a Norwich City defender?

The problem list is lengthy and beyond what two free transfers can fix. I’m not against taking a hit or two though. 

Onto my Christmas list, then.

I want to jump on board the emerging template front three, by bringing in Raul Jimenez (£7.3m) to go alongside Tammy Abraham (£8.0m) and Jamie Vardy (£9.6m). The only issue here is that Jimenez is flagged with injury, although he has reported for international duty with Mexico.

Vardy is my only Leicester City asset, with temptation to move for a triple-up. I find it difficult to separate James Maddison (£7.5m) and Youri Tielemans (£6.6m) beyond their price and I could be tempted to buy both if it wasn’t for the solidarity and value in the Leicester defence, which would also be nice to tap into.

Top of the list was a triple-up on Liverpool, bringing in another star to sit alongside Sadio Mane (£12.1m) and Alexander-Arnold. Double defence or double attack? Well, it’s emerged that Salah and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) both have niggling ankle issues, which is enough to deter me for now over this busy period.

So, the big issue I need to decide on, is which Man City midfielder to ditch. The underlying statistics aren’t great for Sterling or De Bruyne, with Sterling seemingly stuck on the wing and banned from cutting in, without Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) in the side. 

De Bruyne’s key passes haven’t converted to ‘big chances’ of late, but he can make a mockery of his underlying statistics with just one set piece. De Bruyne seems the better value in the long term and with Sterling already on four yellow cards and a ban looming, that might give me just the excuse to part company for now.

So it looks like this week, I’ll take a -4 which will involve selling Maupay, Sterling and Pieters for Jimenez, a Leicester midfielder and a Foxes defender. That will leave me plenty of cash in the bank, with Hanley and Cantwell set to be moved out in future weeks to strengthen the bench – if there aren’t other fires to fight!

I may take a -8 so that I can avoid playing two Chelsea attackers away at Manchester City, but it does feel a bit unnecessary right now.

That’s the loose strategy – let’s see what the international break throws at me to scupper all those grand plans!


Holly, the founder of FPL Community, has two top 10k finishes in five FPL seasons, is a regular guest on the FPL Show and recent addition to the Scoutcast line-up.

Nominated for ‘Best in Fantasy Football – Editorial’ at the Football Content Awards 2020

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683 Comments Post a Comment
  1. wonkeydonkey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Tough week to know what to do. Thinking I could do a -4 for:
    Pepe + Rico -> Maddison + Robbo?

    Or do I look to bring in Salah/Martial/ roll free transfer???

    Pope (Stek)
    TAA, Soy, Lund, Tomori, Rico
    Mane, KDB, Pepe, Mount, Hayden
    Vardy, Jimenez, Abra

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

      Wait till the IB is over.

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

      Very good transfers for - 4pts, I would do it

    3. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I wont be locking 2 places for liv def. Would rather keep a place for salah/forming in case liv attack goes berserk with coming fixtures. Also liv defensive stats aren't the best imo

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

    To complete a front 8 of: Mane, KDB, Maddi, Martial, Vardy, Abrahams should I go:
    a) Jimenez, McGinn
    b) Pulisic, Ings?

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

      RMT tool recommends "b"

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      If you like 6m on your bench every week then b.

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        No I think about it - Pulisic and Mousset and pocket the other mil/put it in defence.

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Have you seen his defence?

          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I have now. What about it?

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Where would he upgrade?

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        But A if you like 5.8m on your bench every week? Actually laughing at you.

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah A if you like 5.8m on your bench. I appreciate they are very similar price options.

      3. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I know there's a thing about leaving cash on the bench, but I found last year that having a decent bench through December to New year boosted my rank from around 250k to 60k, so following similar startegy this year.

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah good strategy

        2. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          B btw

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

            Thanks Dynamic

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

        Thanks for the feedback. RMT tool actually has Ings outscoring Jimenez over next 6, but there seems very little love for Danny boy...

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          He is a very good option, lots will agree actually

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I recommend A

      I reckon Pulisic has a good chance of matching KDB so why not have him too?

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

        It's possible to have Pulisic and Jimmi, but it means I have to have 2 x 4m defenders (eg Williams and Schelotto) instead of Tomori and Janmaat. (my other defenders are TAA, Lundy and Soy)

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          No he means , Pulisic, McGinn and Jiminez no KDB, I actually like this option to.

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

            Hmmm - problem will be captain options in GW18 and 19. Without KDB my options are either Mane or Vardy (and maybe Tammy). Also, feel twitchy about not having any City. In theory, I could get DSilva (who also appears to be off everyones radar despite 4 double-digit hauls this season with limited minutes), and upgrade Tomori to Robbo.

        2. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Well your other defenders are nailed and would be hard to bench anyway so maybe you can afford a risk or two back there.

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Yeah agree. Reid is one to watch.

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

              He would be a fantastic enabler if he gets back into the first team alright.

            2. Conik
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Don't get the obsession over finding ever more budget defenders. Rico is playing, Lundstram is playing, Janmatt, Kelly......

              What does adding another name to that list enable?

              1. bench boost for every gamew…
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                because everyone owns them already, another cheap one could mess up a little with the core of players we choose from. West ham defender have to pay me to get into my team... that´s what i learned the first year i played, only exception is Fab.

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

      I prefer B

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

        Cheers

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

    Pope Button
    TAA Chilwell Lundstram Lowton Kelly
    Mane KDB Maddison Mount Cantwell
    Vardy Abraham C. Wilson

    1FT / 1.9ITB

    My plan is:

    - This week : Wilson --> Jimenez for FT

    - Next week : Lowton + Cantwell --> Robbo + Hayden for -4pts

    Is it a good plan?

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

      Don't think you need to do the Cantwell to Hayden for -4

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I think it is for funds mate.

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

        I would br 0.1m short to get Robbo if I dont...

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

          Ah, sorry mate.

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

      Planning a -4 usually doesn’t work out

  4. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I've read Jesus missed a penalty in a friendly yesterday vs Argentina.

    He surely must have one of the worst track records in penaltys ever.

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

      Wonder if Sterling will get a few soon

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      City´s best pen taker is prob the one who saves some-)

      Kun is pretty decent tbf, and strong mentality. David Silva is the one i would have gone for, Gundogan also good on pens.

  5. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jiménez back very late after his game vs Bermuda and Wolves have Europa midweek.

    Not deterring anyone?

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

      He always plays, Nuno seems to have certain players that he never rotates or rests. Coady, Boly, Jimenez to name three.

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      It's too late now to be worried about him being on international duty for those of us that have already taken the plunge on Raul.

      I think his non owners will be more worried by his form that he brought into international duty with him clocking up 2 goals and 1 assist against Panama.

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

        What happened to the manager saying European based players wouldn't be selected? Did I dream that?

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

          I read that too somewhere and it was a factor in bringing Jimenez in but i am glad i did anyway.

          Fpl managers love going for players without international obligations but if they are in good form they will probably get called up anyway.

          It is only a matter of time before Martail gets a call up i reckon.

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

        Panama not that great are they?

        I had Jimenez but moved him on because too many are getting him.

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

          Hipster

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      From what I have read, he won't play vs Bermuda

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

      Mexico qualified for Nations cup semi with Panama win so I would expect he will not play Bermuda game.

      1. SouthCoastSaint
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Just seen the standings. Good news for owners! Was hoping for a nice rest given I backed Ings

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Awesome

    5. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Should be grand

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

    1FT & 2.8m ITB. Best move here or any other suggestions welcome. Cheers 🙂

    A. Mount >> Richarlison
    B. Tomori >> Robbo
    C. KDB >> Salah
    D. Save

    Pope
    TAA • Lunds • Soyuncu
    KDB • Mané • Maddison • Martial • Mount
    Vardy • Tammy
    (McG. Rico. Tomori. Connelly)

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Wait to see if salah is fit first

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      But I’d save anyway

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

        Thanks mate

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save this week.

      Mount to Pulisic or Tom to Robbo or KDB to Salah next week.

      1. yakirh
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        This
        We need more info

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

    Pope
    TAA - Soy - Lundy - Rico
    Mane - Sterling - KDB - Mount
    Vardy - Abraham

    (4.0 Connolly Cantwell Tomori)
    1ft & 1.6m itb

    Save FT this week?

    Or sell Sterling/KDB + Cantwell and get Maddison/Tielemans & Martial?

    Thoughts?

    1. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yup save imo. Worth holding the City guys this week for a fixture they likely won’t get rested for and there should be goals. It may also help you decide which of KDB or Sterling to sell.

      1. Win'dian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        This

  8. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A. Pukki, Saka out
    Greenwood, Tielemans in -4
    or wait to do next week
    B.Dingne out
    Pukki out
    Saka out
    Soyunchu in
    Greenwood in
    Maddison in -4

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Pukki Digne out Jimenez Soyuncu in

  9. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I'm up for playing BB gw 17. 3 x Chelsea, Leicester, and Liverpool,2 Sheff U plus Pope, Martial and Manu,Palace def. Just look at those juicy fixtures! Can't be arsed messing around trying to get a decent dgw bench only to see several players benched for at least one game.

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      You've got my attention.
      Have you many changes to make to make that happen?
      Bench 3 pool in 18 is it?

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I have 13 already, would just need to swop dead keeper and a def with 17.5 itb. Yep, will likely bench 3 Pool as bench has decent fixtures

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          *1.7m

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

          I am also playing all 3 my bench to cover Pool GW18 blank.

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

      I was considering GW15 as I'm gonna have a major benching headache, I'd need to get in a second keeper that week though and downgrade Pope the week after.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I have considered this week but Pope v Man City puts me off a bit, could get a few save points I guess

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

      😯

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

        Interesting....

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

      Was thinking about similar way to use BB this season.
      20+ is successful !
      Instead of having to go for 15 DWG players after using WC (which rarely pays off) can concentrate on playing 11 instead afterwards.
      GL WR !

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Ta 🙂

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

      this approach also helps to cover liverpool bgw 18. going to have a think

      1. Grand Thibauto
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        this is a key point here

        1. Grand Thibauto
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          just realized the cons to this too, although I have a strong team for gw17 and 11 sure starters for gw18, I still have 3 chelsea against 3 leics against city away

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Surely you wouldn't be selling Leics players just because they have City? I'm not at all worried about Chelsea assets v Spurs because they are all attackers

            1. Grand Thibauto
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              I won't; I just may not have 3 leics

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                At home to Norwich in gw17?

                1. Wild Rover
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 4 months ago

                  And home to watford in gw15

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Indeed, having to sell any because you don't have a bench could be expensive

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

      Sounds like a plan.

    7. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Leave you all to it, go.

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

      Planning to wc just before then, could work very nicely.

      One caveat that is worth thinking about: sometimes in dgw good teams (last year it was liverpool) only have one game. For me, the bench boost lets me play big club players in a single fixture without having to bench dgw okay options (looking at you, duffy).

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Deulofeu saved me last season 😀
        I can't go by that root atm though in GW 15/17 as I don't have ££ to upgrade second GK atm.

    9. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      You seem to be a fan of playing the BB chip outside of what seems to be the best time which is the DGW's.I seem to remember you using it very early last season,maybe gw1? with some success too.

      I kind of like the logic you are using,after all most manages will be scrambling for the same cohort of players for the DGW's getting ready to deploy the BB and TC chips which is kind of boring.

      It will be hard to outscore some of the DGW BB teams as having two bites of the cherry simply increases the odds of more points.
      Good luck with it if you decide to use it outside of the accepted norm as i admire managers that think and act outside the box.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I did yep. You are right about having two bites but generally 3 on the bench are gk/defs and finding affordable options with two good fixtures isn't easy and then there is a chance some don't play twice. Very likely that they will only score 1 or 2pts in one of the games

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

          The real benefit is the ability to bring in exactly who you want with your second WC with the budget allowed by having 2-4 bottom of the bargain bucket benchers.

          1. AndyCook
              4 years, 4 months ago

              I agree, putting money on the bench to get you 15 players who look like playing twice costs you points in other gameweeks

        2. AndyCook
            4 years, 4 months ago

            A lot of weight goes on the double gameweek score but for me there has to be consideration of how many transfers you require to set your team up (and dismantle it again) to get 15 double gameweek players, this doesn’t show in the double gameweek score. I personally have found that spending transfers to inevitably put more money on the bench in a double gameweek to then leave it there is less effective than getting in a second playing keeper when I already have bench players with good fixtures in another gameweek.

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Agreed.

        3. Clintymints
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Best o luck

        4. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Likely team would be

          Pope // Guaita
          TAA // Robbo // Chilwell // Ward // Lundstram
          Pulisic // Mané //Martial // Maddison // Mount
          Vardy // Abraham // Mousset

          .6m otb at today's prices. Maybe Stevens instead of Ward?

          All at home 3 v Watford, 3 v Norwich, 3 v Bournemouth, 2 Brighton, 2 v Villa, 1 v Everton, 1 v Newcastle

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

            Have you looked at gw15 for BB.

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Yep but Pope, Martial and 3 x Liverpool have worse fixtures imo. Playing it in gw18 also helps cover the Liverpool blank in gw 18 as discussed above

          2. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I’m considering Rashford >> Mousset or Ayew instead of going Jimenez enabling a Cantwell upgrade to have a full squad of starters.

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

          Certainly could work... but I think anyone doing that needs to be driven more because of a confidence in GW17’s fixtures rather than the threat of rotation in DGW’s

          Leicester, Utd and City all have league cup qtr finals 3 days after GW17 for example (Albeit how much they do/don’t care is very debatable), and 3 league games in 7 days the week before (GW14,15,16 are so compressed)....

          Liverpool technically do as well but granted, they won’t play a senior team vs Villa... but they do depart for that Club World Circus the day following GW17, and also have the same 3 games in 7 days the prior week

          I’d personally rather just continue to play the law of averages with a possible maximum of 4 extra games to capitalise on in a DGW myself - using the second WC, BB, TC combo for the DGW’s around the last third of the season just widens the net for catching points

          But that approach is very template and not something that really excites anymore, I’m not a massive fan of those chips personally

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            It's not just the threat of rotation. As AndyCook and Eddie said above, it's also the effect planning for a DGW bench has on the team both before and after. Also it helps with the Liverpool blank. If you look at my potential team above I don't think ant of my Leicester players will not start and I'm more than happy with all of the fixtures. There may only be two DGW's this season in which case saving BB becomes less important.

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              *any of my Leicester or Liverpool

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

              There’s for sure a bit of planning required in the combo of the second WC, BB, TC targeted at the DGW’s in the final third of season - I’d rather do that planning and widen the net for points using the DGW’s

              But there’s certainly nothing set in stone that says that planning strategy succeeds and a GW17 BB fails

          2. Conik
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Exactly this. I agree that anybody ripping up their team to shoehorn in 15 starters for a DGW is doing it wrong. However, anybody who has 8/9 from Liecester, Liverpool and Chelsea in 17 is likely to suffer in 18.

            I'd say that anytime you have 15 starters you should consider BB, but for me this will still be after second WC and around a DGW.

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Are you avoiding players from these teams because of gw18? BB in gw17 allows me to bench three Liverpool, Spurs away is not a worry for three Chelsea attackers and who wouldn't want three Leicester at home to Norwich? Easy to transfer defender out for City game if desired.

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                Plus anybody who doesn't have 8/9 from Leicester, Liverpool and Chelsea in 17 is likely to suffer in 17

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

              Yeah my thoughts are similar

              For me in GW18 (all being well) I’ll be benching TAA, Robbo, Salah and of my current squad my GW18 lineup is:

              Pope
              Chilwell, Rico, Lundstram
              Martial, Maddison, KDB, Mount
              Tammy, Vardy, Connolly

              I’m fine with Leicester attackers away to city and city attackers at home to Leicester, and Connolly and Rico actually have decent(ish) GW18 fixtures. I’m also ok with Chilwell away to city too in so far as anything he gets over 1 point is a bonus

              So the only transfers I’m really interested in at the minute are potentially Mount > Pulisic, and Button > Henderson... so bench boosting Connolly & Rico away to Chelsea & Palace in GW17 really doesn’t appeal to me (when I can line up a maximum 4 extra games later in the season) and neither does selling them at the minute to prepare for a one game BB in 17

              All situational though, BB17 may make more sense for some teams for sure

      2. Riggs
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I have 2 FT:
        A) KDB and Matip OUT - Martial and TAA IN
        B) Auba and Matip OUT - Jimenez and TAA IN
        C) VVD and Matip OUT - RIco and TAA IN (I will have 1 Liv def, but keep KDB and Auba)

        The team is:
        Ryan (Button)
        VVD Matip Syouncy Lundstram (Kelly)
        Mane KDB Mount Maddison (Cantwell)
        Auba Vardy Abraham

        1. Win'dian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          C for me amongst these. Though I'd look to transfer Cantwell out if 2 ft and nothing much pressing issue

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

        Anyone here who likes to punt? Any tips for league one games today?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Blackpool yes, Coventry yes, Rotherham yes.

          1. lilmessipran
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            thanks, Blackpool win does look good value for a punt

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              I'm having this £5 on it, maybe I will add Gillingham yes to.

              1. lilmessipran
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                I like btts for the Gillingham game slightly better

                1. Dynamic Duos
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 4 months ago

                  Yeah ok I did look at that because Licoln are favourites, I will just have btts for that game then

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

        When are the double GW's?

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

          Yet to be announced but i think they fell over gw's34 and 35 last season if that helps.

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            32 they started mate.

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

              Oh yeah maybe so.

              That was only a small one though with not the best fixtures for using chips if memory serves me right.

          2. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            This season there is something different than last 2 i guess.
            Pool are assured to have a dgw.
            TC Salah .....
            Well i TC'ed Sane last season for 1 point 😀
            I'm excited about dgw's already

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

          Definitely one gw37
          Possible one gw34, but that is also the week of a bgw so could cancel out.
          Others tbh, but according to bcrellin we're going to see less big dgw this year...maybe not even enough to play all the chips.

      5. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Which ?

        A) gw13, Lowton wilson -4 to robo ings (or) baldock jimy
        gw14, mount to puli
        Gw15, son to madison

        B) gw13, mount Wilson -4 to richar jimy/ings
        Gw14, richar to puli
        Gw15, son lowton -4 to madison robo

        C) gw13, mount wilson -4 to madison jimy/ings
        gw14 roll ft
        gw15 lowton son to robo puli

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

        I’m going with a 3-5-2 with flexibility in defence. Front attacking 7 plus Robbo and TAA. Just going rotate Soy, Lund and Rico.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          This will be the template in the upcoming weeks IMO

        2. Clintymints
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Already there

          Join the party

        3. AndyCook
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Unless you want Salah and Mane this looks to be what most will choose as you will have money left over provided you don’t fancy Sterling, Kane, Aubameyang but you also miss out on the value provided by Söyüncü, Lundstram and possibly Tomori

          • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I'm going 4-4-2 with those 5 defenders

            1. PapaWengzz
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Same

        4. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Christie goal
          McGinn assist

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

          If Robertson is still injured who is the best 6.0 - 7.0 DF to have on WC for this back 7

          Henderson Gazzaniga

          TAA Cahill Lundstram Janmaat xxxxxxxx

          Can’t have any Leicester DFs because I already have Vardy, Maddison & Tielemans

          Any ideas would be welcomed

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Id be tempted by Doherty

          2. PapaWengzz
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            PVA

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              The Relegater !

          3. Klaren
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Probably Doherty assuming you are planning to play 4 at the back. If you are planning to play 3, I’d just go for a 4.5 max and reinvest the money in midfield or forward.

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

          Does this site show Top 100k ownership?

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

            With the amount of people playing fpl these days that sample of the top 10k might be too small and maybe they should expand it.There is not a whole lot of a points difference between 100k and 10k right now anyways as only around 40 points separates them.

            #the top 100k is the new top 10k

        7. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          I think a double Liverpool defence only works well with a 4-4-2 formation.

          Am I wrong?

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

            Agree with that

            Don't want to bench 2 out of Soy, Tomori & Lundy every week.

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

            If it’s a defence consisting of TAA, Robertson, Lundstram, Rico and random 3.9/4.0, then it could work with a 3 defender formation but otherwise it’s too much value wasted on the bench so I agree.

          3. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Works with 5 at the back too.

        8. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          No City nor Spurs attacking cover. Whom to go for over the festive season?

          1) KDB
          2) Son

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

            Son

            1. ZeBestee
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Any solid reason?

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

                Fixtures are better and he's the stats to back up the form.

          2. FirMinaMiMo
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Kdb assists!
            But
            Son scores!

            Thn upto yurs choice 🙂

        9. rokonto
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Please hrlp...
          A. Pukki, Saka out
          Greenwood, Tielemans in -4
          or wait to do next week
          B.Dingne out
          Pukki out
          Saka out
          Soyunchu in
          Greenwood in
          Maddison in -4

          1. FirMinaMiMo
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            A ....cuz

            In B ....digne plays at home ....toffees are extremely good at home ...eg:-( eve vs tot)

        10. FirMinaMiMo
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Sterling or Mane???

          Thoughts running dat....

          Sterling will make a major impact this gw...cuz he cant play at england match due to suspension ....so he can bounce bck with a fire in his feet think so....

          Incase of mane this upcoming gw ...gut says that salah ll score over mane against eagles

          Any opinions frdz 🙂

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

            Sterling is on 4 yellows and Mane is consistent and looking far better.

            1. lindeg
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              This, would have sterling over salah though

              1. FirMinaMiMo
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                Thank yu mate 🙂

            2. FirMinaMiMo
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Thanks mate 🙂

          2. FirMinaMiMo
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Any thoughts yet???

        11. lindeg
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          This is my first season playing fpl, and i understand the ideal strategy in playing the triple captain chip is in double gameweeks, but is there an ideal strategy for the bench boost chip?

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

            Ideally have 15 starting players with a decent chance of getting points over a DGW i guess but i have seen managers getting great results pulling the trigger outside of that when the opportunity presents itself.

            Fpl is a humbling game and what seems ideal pre deadline can look ill judged after the football is played

            1. The 5% Team
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              For the past 2 seasons I used the popular strategy of using WC one week before a double GW, getting in 14-15 players who play twice in that week, and then use the BB chip

              Worked out well one time, other time it was a disaster 🙂

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

                Yeah it can be hit and miss alright but in saying that i think the highest scores i have ever got were with the good oul dgw and chip combo.

                1. lindeg
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 4 months ago

                  Cheers lads

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

          2ft 0.3m itb

          A. Aguero, Cho to Lacazete(for 2 gw), Martial (enough money to swap Mount to Pulisic next week)

          B. Aguero, Cho, Dendoker to Maddison, Martial, Greenwood -4

          Pope
          Taa, Soyuncu, Lundstram, Rico, Kelly
          Mane, Kdb, Mount, Cho, Dendoker
          Abraham, Vardy, Aguero

          1. FirMinaMiMo
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            How about none????

            Gut says kun and kdb ll hit this gw

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

              Keeping Aguero only if Jesus get injured, cant keep 12m player that i cant C

          2. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I really like Laca and Martial as a few weeks differential duo

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

          It's Sh1te being Scottish

          1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I don’t get how we’re so bad

            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              It's because the national sport is caber tossing.

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

                I think you'll find our national sport is curling

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

              Lack of pedigree and leadership. In the Walter Smith days we had Weir, McManus, Hartley, Ferguson, Fletcher, Miller etc. All winning trophies at their respective clubs. All leaders.

        14. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          McGinn goal

        15. FirMinaMiMo
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Frds 🙂

          Ideal tym to use WC for DGW will b

          A ....gw15-16
          B .....gw19-20

          1. FirMinaMiMo
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Any opinions to share????

          2. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            We dont know about DGW, so whenever your team needs it

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

            When Kane, Sterling, Aguero have a fantastic GW and everybody panic.

        16. UnitednationsXI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Thoughts here with 1ft and 0m itb...

          Pope Heaton
          Taa Lundy Rico — Lascelles Tomori
          Sterling Kdb Martial Mount — Cantwell
          Tammy Rashford Vardy

          A: Sterling + Cantwell (price dropping) > Mane + Dendocker (-4)
          B: Rashford + Mount >> Maddison + Jimenez (-4)
          C: Save FT and reassess next gw
          D: something else. Frustratingly 0.1m off to to lascelles/rash > robbo/ings (-4)

        17. subhojit123
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Hey guys,which one of the following moves do you suggest and why -
          1. Pereira, ayew - robbo, greenwood
          2. Pereira, sterling - soyunchu,Salah
          3. Just Pereira - soyunchu

          I have TAA and KDB.

        18. LewanGOALski
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          WC

          which for the missing spots in this core of the team:

          Gazza
          TAA - Soyu - Lund - ___ - Rico
          KDB - Mane - Martial - Pulisic - ___
          Vardy - Tammy - ___

          A) Cahill + Maddison + Connolly (352 every week)
          or
          B) PVA + McGinn + J.Ayew/Mousset (rotating)

          ??

          1. The Fed
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            A

        19. The Fed
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Advice greatly appreciated!

          Pope

          Lundstram, Soyuncu, Rico

          Salah, Sterling, KDB, Mount

          Abraham, Vardy, Maupay

          Button, Tomori, Kelly, Lansbury

          1 FT. 2.8 ITB

          A) Maupay > Jimenez
          B) Tomori > TAA
          C) Mount > Martial
          D) Mount & Maupay > Jimenez & Martial (-4)
          E) Maupay, Tomori & KDB > Jimenez, TAA & Martial (-8)