Opinion

Are Arsenal’s FPL assets worthy of interest for their next four fixtures?

The Premier League returns this weekend following the final international break of 2019.

We are about to embark on a sequence of nine Gameweek deadlines in the space of 40 days, with plenty of issues for Fantasy managers to consider as we approach the busy festive period.

A Liverpool triple-up continues to dominate the discussion, although a Blank Gameweek 18 for the Reds and injuries to a number of their key Fantasy asses are clouding our judgement.

Arsenal’s favourable fixtures, Leicester assets, mid-price midfielders and John Lundstram (£4.9m) are also topics of debate at present.

We’ve assembled another panel of Fantasy Football Scout users to help you out with your dilemmas.

WHO’S ON THE PANEL THIS WEEK?

Rainy: A long-serving Fantasy Football Scout moderator with a best finish of 3,585th. Has always been grateful for the existence of Theo Walcott after he saved his Gameweek three years ago.

Maximus Bonimus Pointimus: Veteran Fantasy Football Scout member, poster, and widely acknowledged as a bastion of truth, logic and reason in the wild world of Fantasy football discussion. Currently pursuing an elusive fifth top 10k finish, and with an overall career-best rank of 958th, the highs and lows of 12 FPL campaigns have left him completely desensitised to seeing good players get bad scores in good fixtures – and vice-versa!

Karan14: FFS community member who has finished in the top 10k in each of the last three seasons.

QUESTIONS

Chilli Con Kone: Double Liverpool attack or defence?

Rainy: Given Sadio Mané’s ability at headers and the regularity with which he dispatches a steady supply of quality crosses from Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Milner et al, he’s going to be first on my list. Or maybe Mohamed Salah is your must-have; either way, the price of both of them in midfield could mean missing out on a Leicester or Chelsea player.

Elsewhere, Roberto Firmino’s selflessness on the pitch these days means his kinder price won’t make my wishlist.

Skipping over the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson to the backline, then, it’s got to be Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson (if fit) for their unceasing threat in the opposition’s final third. You could pick one over the other and draft in a cheaper defender or even Alisson, but with clean sheets apparently of lesser importance than wins to Klopp’s side for the moment, I’d want to see attacking threat on the tin – wherever on the pitch you’re doing your shopping. 


jacklfc88: Andrew Robertson is flying and not looking like stopping at the moment! As a differential (which I need to catch up), is it worth swapping Trent Alexander-Arnold to get him?

Karan: No, not for me – I wouldn’t swap Alexander-Arnold for any defender in the game at the moment. 

After doing a small comparison between the two Liverpool full-backs over the first 12 Gameweeks of the season, Alexander-Arnold comes out on top for most of the key attacking stats, which is not surprising because he also has free-kick and corner duties for the Reds.

Alexander-Arnold is ranked second for key passes and big chances created in the league amongst all players, which in comparison to Robertson is way higher. Alexander-Arnold also edges out the Scot on goal threat with more goal attempts over the season. 

Alexander-Arnold has been very unlucky to have only one assist over the past eight Gameweeks. Given his Kevin De Bruyne-esque chance creation stats, I definitely believe this will change over the coming Gameweeks. 

It is also worth mentioning that Robertson seems to be carrying some sort of an ankle injury so I would monitor that situation and wait for more news. 

So to answer your question, no I wouldn’t swap Alexander-Arnold for Robertson as the former’s attacking threat is unheard of for a defender and most FPL teams would already have one of them – so owning either one is not really a differential.

But I would definitely consider doubling up on those two if it looks like Robertson is fit ahead of this weekend, as that double-up would make for a great differential. I think both will do well over the upcoming green patch of fixtures but Alexander-Arnold is a slightly a better option in my opinion.


yash777gandhi: Is Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane together the way forward?

Maximus Bonimus Pointimus: A Salah/Mane combination certainly could be a way forward, if not the way forward, considering that almost every other blue-chip premium attacker seems to be going through some crisis or other – be it form, fitness, positional identity, or even all three. For any team structures out there who like to utilise two or even three £11.0m and above players, the two Liverpool forwards look the pick of the bunch.

Investing almost £25.0m of your budget in Liverpool’s flying wingers would of course be dependent on the assumption that Salah manages to come through his recurring ankle injury difficulties, which look to be possibly transitioning from ‘minor’ to ‘worrying’ depending on what news we may or may not get from Jurgen Klopp’s press conference on Friday.

But there are always other ways forward. Personally, the two full-backs plus one of the aforementioned Salah/Mane sits more comfortably with me than the attacking double-up, but my personal belief/hunch/guess (delete as appropriate) is that Liverpool’s clean sheet statistics season to date are firmly in statistical outlier territory and are awaiting an imminent correction.

We should clarify though that overall, Liverpool probably haven’t been unlucky to concede the goals they’ve conceded – after all, their goals conceded is actually outperforming their expected goals conceded (xGC).

Relative to other teams, though, they do look to have been unfortunate not to keep more clean sheets than the two they have in the season to date. Leicester and Sheffield United, for example, are setting the gold standard for shut-outs at the minute, along with Manchester City (five each) but their respective xGCs are all currently worse than Liverpool – in the case of Sheffield United, it’s actually dramatically worse. Even Brighton have double the clean sheet count (four) of Liverpool from almost double the xGC.

So my personal, hopefully not misguided, hunch is that the outlier situation will somewhat correct itself not only with the simple passage of time but also with the return of a world-class goalkeeper and the softening of their fixture list.

But anything can happen, including injuries and suspensions, and even in the absence of those we still have zero guarantees; we all know the strange statistical quirks the game can throw up

So in summary, either attacking or defensive double-ups may be relatively lucrative routes to a share of Liverpool’s FPL points output over the favourable upcoming fixture list. Just make sure you have a plan for the Gameweek 18 blank if choosing either strategy!


Ibrahim: Is it advisable to transfer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in for Tammy Abraham given Arsenal’s kind fixtures?

Rainy: Arsenal’s defending has put the ‘c’ in calamitous but it’s the terrible muddle in their midfield which has concerned me most as an Aubameyang owner.

I’ve had him since Gameweek 1 and would be the first to tell you he’s a delightful player on his or any other day, but his club’s persistent malaise had me ready to make the easy swap to Jamie Vardy after his recent trio of blanks.

While Unai Emery’s recent comments around Granit Xhaka’s imminent departure, Aubameyang’s resultant takeover as captain, and Mesut Özil’s return in midfield gave me hope of some sort of renaissance, what followed – again – were rather tepid performances in their next two domestic games.

As an Arsenal fan I’d be delighted to be proven wrong, but unless some cosmic shift has taken place at the Emirates over the break there’s no way I’d recommend betting £11m on the hope of a turnaround in Pierre-Emerick’s fortunes when Tammy’s £3m less, two goals to the good, and abetted by the likes of Christian Pulisic, Willian and Mason Mount.


hustler7: Jamie Vardy or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang captain this week if you have both?

Karan: Personally speaking, I wouldn’t be able to look past Vardy for captaincy even if I had Aubameyang in my team. 

I’m not sure if Aubameyang can be trusted for a haul as he has not been an explosive player, scoring only one double-digit haul this season. I can’t remember him having too many in the past couple of seasons, either – unlike Vardy, Sergio Aguero, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling etc.

Arsenal as a team have not passed the eye test for me this season and there is not much evidence to suggest that they will put in a great performance this weekend, except the fact that Southampton’s defence is a bit rubbish. The Gunners have also only scored more than two goals in a game once this season. 

The case for Vardy is simple: he is in great form and Leicester are playing great football.

Yes, Brighton have looked solid at home this season but it is worth noting that they will be without two of their first-choice centre-backs (in the form of Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk) against Leicester.

Albion under Potter have been an attacking team, a style of play that Leicester prosper against. Brighton’s backline was also recently exposed against United on the counter-attack, which is pretty much what Vardy excels at. 

So to summarise, I think Vardy is a safe captain choice this weekend and should get at least an attacking return against Brighton. 

Depending on your risk, appetite and style of play, I would only go for Aubameyang if you’re chasing and looking for a differential captain this week as it doesn’t seem like the worst week to take a punt given that none of the top four teams has a standout fixture. However, I’m not sure if Aubameyang has shown he is the explosive captain option we expect him to be. 


Murphs87: Who are your top Arsenal picks for their good run of games ahead? Mesut Ozil seems back in favour – could he be a good differentiator with a current 0.8% ownership?

Maximus Bonimus Pointimus: My personal shortlist for Arsenal’s good fixture run is exactly that – a very short list! So short in fact that it’s actually empty as I have long since given up trying to decode the FPL Enigma that is Arsenal FC.

That being said, their upcoming fixtures are as good as they get on paper and for those who closely follow the Gunners, they may be optimistic of Unai Emery rallying his troops to save him from becoming the next casualty to lose his grip on the Premier League managerial merry-go-round.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang at £11.0m will probably be highly backed by those wishing to buy a ticket in this particular lottery but as a premium asset his captaincy returns are crucial and, despite his place at the higher end of the forwards points charts, his performances in Arsenal’s plum fixtures season to date do little to inspire confidence. The Gabon international has a disappointing total of 23 points from a favourable looking run of fixtures (BUR, AVL, BOU, CRY, WOL) that surely would have seen him carrying the armband for most owners.

Admittedly his donation of a penalty to Nicolas Pepe has taken some of the shine of what could and possibly should have been a much larger points total, but Pepe himself seems to still be trying to find his feet in his new surroundings, so it was certainly a nice gesture in spirit if not in FPL points!

Alexandre Lacazette is in the niche £9.0m-£9.5m price bracket but his return to fitness could certainly generate returns for any owners willing to take a risk, although he will perhaps be considered a gamble when we have such an abundance of value attackers in form at present.

Mesut Ozil, directly referenced in the question, is possibly a personal blind spot – as my initial reaction is a firm ‘no’ to offering him a place – but he is an outrageously talented player, with good fixtures and a reasonable FPL pedigree from seasons past so it’s not by any stretch a guarantee that he fails. Equally, he just has done very little in recent times to inspire confidence

Bargain basement option Bukayo Saka at £4.5m may also attract some attention for those looking to spruce up their substitute benches, but his place has been less than secure in recent Gameweeks.

At the back, Hector Bellerin finally has his first Premier League start of the season after his long injury layoff and could possibly offer value if he returns to the form he sometimes displayed prior to those injury issues. Similar to the Arsenal attacking options, however, it remains to be seen whether he is a realistic selection over the availability of other excellent defensive options elsewhere at present

In summary, even the strong fixtures aren’t enough for me personally to have any picks from Arsenal at the minute. I’ve been let down too many times by the same players in the past to go back there again at a time when so many other quality options exist in such abundance, at similar if not better price points.

But it must be said that virtually all the above Arsenal players are unquestionably extremely capable on their individual days and have the luxury of very strong fixtures (perhaps the best in the league on paper), so as a differential strategy, and depending on which version of Arsenal decide to turn up over the coming weeks, investment in the Gunners for this run definitely has the potential to pay dividends.


VanuaLako: Who is the best sub-£8.0m midfielder for the next five Gameweeks?

Rainy: In my humble opinion, it’s got to be Christian Pulisic – if fit – or Youri Tielemans.

While Tielemans’ teammate James Maddison enjoys set-piece duty, his positioning on the pitch paints him into a role of assistant to the assister in open play.

Pulisic, for his part, is certainly passing the eye test and has the form and goals to match. Indeed, the Official FPL site rates his form at 9.5, the highest of any player bar Vardy and much higher than the 7.2 of Tielemans, his nearest competitor in the middle of the park.

If you’re a fixtures manager, however, Tielemans has arguably the better run over the next five Gameweeks. 

Honourable mention goes to Anthony Martial who, artful player though he is and with remarkable returns over his very limited minutes this season, faces City away and Jose Mourinho’s Spurs in his next five. 


Jay Arell: Should we play John Lundstram in every single game, even if the fixture is tough on paper?

Karan: Yes, I believe that we be should starting Lord Lundstram in every single game up till Gameweek 19 at least. The two games when I would consider benching him for obvious reasons are in Gameweeks 20 and 21, against Liverpool and Manchester City away. 

I’ve owned Lundstram since Gameweek 1 and, would you believe it, Gameweek 11 was the first time I started him and got his points. Up until then I had overspent in defence and was forced to bench him – so I’m not going to make that mistake again.  

I think Lundstram is capable of scoring or assisting in most games and he reminded us about that when he hit woodwork against Spurs in Gameweek 12.

Sheffield United have been tough to break down for most teams this season, too, and are capable of keeping a clean sheet in three to four games out of those mentioned above. 

Statistically speaking, over the first 12 Gameweeks of the season, Lundstram has the most goal attempts and shots in the box amongst all Fantasy defenders. He is also ranked joint-third for big chances created.

The Blades have only conceded nine goals this season, which is remarkable and is only one more than the league-best.

This proves that Lundstram has points potential at both ends of the pitch, which makes it very tough to bench him even against tougher opponents. FPL has given us a gift by classifying a box-to-box midfielder as a 4.0m defender. 


Chilli Con Kone: Are Harvey Barnes or Ayoze Perez worth a risk as a viable route into Leicester City for those on a budget?

Maximus Bonimus Pointimus: For teams who are not in the luxury position of having the budget to stretch further up the pricing ladder, Barnes and Perez are definitely close to the picks of the bunch in that budget-constrained price range. The two have an interesting contrast in FPL styles, with Barnes to date providing a more ‘slow and steady’ drip-feed of assists and offering the slightly stronger value of the two, whereas Perez specialises in more of a ‘boom and bust’ cycle, following up quiet spells with sporadic bouts of explosive points scoring – the recent hat-trick against Southampton being a prime example.

On both absolute points, and per minute/per appearance basis however, it has been a case of ‘you get what you pay for’ with Leicester midfielders so far this season – so for teams who are in a position to stretch their budgets a little further, it may be advisable to look to Barnes and Perez’s slightly more expensive midfield colleagues.

For a little bit extra, your team can recruit the services of Youri Tielemans, for example, who in his short spell in the Premier League has established himself as the all-action cog in Leicester’s midfield machine, displaying a level of talent that would surely grace almost any team in the league. More importantly for FPL managers, he has generally brought home the points to go with that talent.

Slightly further up the pricing ladder sits James Maddison, who is exceeding even Tielemans in terms of his ability to deliver FPL returns. Maddison is steadily building a reputation as a genuine ‘FPL Postman’: someone who always seems to deliver, whatever the weather.

A certain Jamie Vardy and the Leicester team, in general, are consistently displaying a useful ability to bypass the foreplay of  ‘underlying stats’ and instead go straight for the FPL points jugular, which is obviously never a bad string to have on any Fantasy player’s bow.

But overall if Tielemans or Maddison are out of range, then Barnes and Perez certainly do both benefit from the excellent form and fixtures that accompany their status as (relatively) assured starters.

With their lack of European distractions paying dividends in allowing almost total focus on the league, combined with those favourable price tags, they certainly do look worth a risk as a viable route into Leicester for those on a budget.


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

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

    Laca worthy of investment surely it's time

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

      Emery disagree

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

        Yeh this is the issue 🙁

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

      Stay away from Arsenal assets till emery is incharge IMO. We create nothing, Laca isn't going to get much service.

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

        Sad, i like the gunners!

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

      I'm thinking hard about just rolling the dice on Laca and maybe Bellerin ... wish me luck !!!

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

        Dont say I didn't warn you. Heading for disappointment

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

          Yeh i know, thanks for your input G!!

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

    Aubas been pretty bad for the last 5

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

      Wouldn't be bringing him in, but if you have him (I do) then worth holding for next few.

  3. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Would you do Jimenez and Mount to Vardy and Hayden for free?

    Current team

    2FT/0.4 ITB

    Pope
    TAA, Rico, Janmaat, Lundstram, Soyuncu
    Mane, Mount, Martial, KdB, Sterling
    Jimenez, Tammy, Connolly

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

      Many may but I wouldn't sell Mount

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

        Cheers just don't know what to do without Vardy..

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

      Try to get Vardy but not by selling Jimenez and Mount. To steps back and one forward.

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

        Connolly and Sterling to Jiminez and ?

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

          To Vardy and ?

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

            7.4 midfielder.

            Wanted to do Connolly, Sterling and Rico to Vardy, Hayden and Robbo but not sure if Robbo is fit

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

    Sterling (C) locked in .
    Whos with me?!

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

      I might be the only thing putting me off is Sterling current form. Didn't see the England games was he any good?

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

        His form for England has been good.
        Performances in champs league and cups has been great.
        Hoping for him to convert some of the chances he has been getting.
        Hoping he will punish the sellers this week and give me a nice fat green arrow. Could also backfire if he blanks and Vardy bangs

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

          No doubt he could do well - he could do well in any game he's that good.

          But his FPL scores have been generally poor (for 12.0) for 11 consecutive gameweeks now - I'd try to read more into his premier league form than the Engaland & CL form for FPL purposes - his England goals came against Kosovo & Bulgaria...

          And 6 of his 8 champions league returns came against Atlanta - who have an EXTREMELY suspect defence (only Genoa, Sassuolo, Sampdoria & Bologna had conceded more than them in Serie A after 11 games)

          Needs to do more - and soon - to stop rewarding his sellers and stop punishing his holders

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

            So drop Sterling is more logical than captain him?

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

      Yeah best c option this week

    3. SamBlue
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I took him out last week. Personally, I doubt I'd be going back to him for the rest of the season.

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

      not me

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

      It's that kind of week when I have considered selling him and capping him.

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

        If in doubt, I wouldn't sell for sure! Maybe keep but dont cap, take a look at Chelsea's number of goals conceded, xGC and also 4-4 vs Ajax at Stamford Bridge couple weeks ago, they play a similar style to city.

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

          xGA*

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

          I might sell next week though but having held on for this long, I wouldn't want to miss out on this potentially high scoring fixture.

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

            Yes I agree with that. I'm probably going to keep hold of him and sell KDB.

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

              Id keep both 🙂

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

      Nah. Don't fancy captaining a player vs a team that has won 5 league games in a row.

      Would only do it if there are no other standout candidates, but the truth is, there are. Mane and Vardy are both better imo. I'm currently on Mane.

    7. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely

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

      I'm pretty sure I'll be captaining Sterling this week.

      Even removing GW1, he's still had more Penalty Area Touches than any other midfielder by a long, long way... he's top for Shots In The Box and xGI, and second for Shots and Big Chances.

      Despite winning, Chelsea are still giving up Big Chances on the road, even against Watford, Burnley and Southampton.

      Personally, I think we'll get a goal out of him this week.

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

    I think Kane will almost certainly get return/s against West Ham on Saturday

    But equally I think he would have done so even in the situation where Levy announced midweek that he has appointed a can of Fanta as the new Spurs manager

    What will be important for FPL purposes will be how to figure out how much of his return/s are due to Roberto, and how much are due to Mourinho – very intruiging!

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

      wouldn’t assume much based on outcome of one game either way

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

      Can of fanta, lol gold your best yet Max!!

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

        Haha, sometimes it takes an extreme analogy to highlight a point lol

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

      Praying West Ham turn up like we often do for these sorts of games

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

      Perhaps depending somewhat on results this weekend, I may be looking at Sterling + Connolly -->

      1) Kane + Willian
      2) Son + Jiminez

      Still not sure yet. I want to see how Spurs lineup but also perhaps whether or not Sterling can shake off his current form.

      If Kane lands the #9 role, option 1) is probably looking more likely, although Willian isn't the only option in midfield.... (I already have the preferred mid-priced options Pulisic, Martial, Maddison and De Bruyne)

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

    KDB (current squad) or SON?
    *free transfer
    Looking at Son's form / differential and KDB's fixtures, ....hummm

    Opinions?

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

      KDB a season keeper for me barring injuries. Also played very well for Belgium, Plenty of goals and assists in the past 2 weeks! Keep.

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

        But he's only brought in 13pts in the last 5 PL games. Where as Son brought in 18pts...and those fixtures.

        It's a difficult decision, and with The Special One arriving...

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

          Thats just a 5 point difference, not much. If you see the overall season points or even points per game you will see that KDB edges it. City have been out of form on the whole, once they regain that (its inevitable), you will see KDB racking up the points. Either way, he is definitely worth keeping for this weekend.

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Son

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

    Respect for the number of years running on this site,

    But I dont know whether its the style of writing, or the lenght,
    but I just cant read through the answers of Maximus...

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

      No probs buddy - I'm sorry you feel that way 🙂

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

        Nothing personal!
        On the pro : you look very passionate about it and I appreciate that.

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

          Yep totally understand and no offence taken 🙂

          It would be a very boring place if all of our own personal likes and dislike were homogenised 🙂

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

            True!

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

        I would say they better than mine.

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

          I thought your answers were super Karan - you totally aced your debut 🙂

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

      he wrote 3 sentences

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

      Its a high-context style of writing which could definitely use a hint of directness and concision.

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

        No offence intended.

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

          No worries, none taken - feedback is a gift 🙂

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

        You must be related!

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

      Maximus postus.

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

      All good feedback - thanks guys 🙂

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

      Just have to filter the rubbish mate

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

        You have set the bar pretty high on that particular front in fairness , a level us we mere mortals can only aspire to reach 😉

        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/10/16/which-fpl-defenders-are-the-most-attacking-in-2019-20-so-far-2/?hc_page=5&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_21012968

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

          Wasn’t even referring to you, but you have just highlighted the original poster’s comments..

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

            I still don't think 'rubbish' is an appropriate or constructive term to describe contributions that people took personal time to work on and deliver (its a bit different to just posting thoughts at a time that suits)

            And I have zero issue with criticism by the way, as long as its CONSTRUCTIVE criticism 🙂 or even just vagely constructive..

            I think the effort the people above went to deserves a smidgen of extra respect than 'rubbish', even if its just respect in the form of posting a comment that is less open to misinterpretation , or choosing not to post at all if the time isn't available to provide that extra context

            But maybe that's just me 🙂

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

          Respect for predicting Vardys success before that 20 pointer 🙂

          Eye test and instinct beats stats every time IMO. Stats should only be used to support certain decisions with a weight of no more than 20%.

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

      Long compound sentences. Perhaps you need more RAM installed?

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

        Yeah i really do have to work on sentence length - there's just so much to say and not enough words to say it in 🙂

        Fwiw i have shown an improvement in terms of the length of my answers from my first question time a few weeks ago (above are significantly shorter would you believe 🙂 ) so hopefully i can continue on that improvement path

        I also got hit by some unexpected urgencies in work that ate up the vast majority of the time window i had hoped to dedicate to supplying a more refined and concise end product - so understandable that may not have been the best environment to shine within 🙂

        I loved the opportunity to contribute though, and am very grateful (and humbled!) to the FFS team for asking me, and consider it a priveldge to even have you guys read anything I've typed, let alone provide me with suggestions on how to improve

        So once again - thank you all & best of luck for GW13! 🙂

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

          I find in my own written work, the best thing to do is leave it for 30 minutes, have a smoke or coffee and then come back and read it again 🙂

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

            Yep totally agree and I also like to, in an un-time constrained environment, repeat that process many times, with each pass distilling and sharpening the message

            Unfortunately i just didn't have that time on this occasion with the distractions that landed on my desk almost in unison with the publishing of the questions so it was a real sod's law scenario 🙂

        2. Jarnathan
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Keep in mind though, that my post was directed at the OP... I don't have a problem with your style of writing.

    8. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I find his answers very very logical and full of infos

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

        Thank you kindly Baravan 🙂

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

    hard to view the fact that salah is training today as anything other than an indication that he’s likely to be involved at the weekend, right?

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

      Whatever happened to Maupay?

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

        he blanked so i cancelled him

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Is he training with the group or alone again?

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

    Would you rather have Aruero (c) or Kane (c) this week?

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

      I think Kane

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

      Would love to have Kane as an exciting punt.

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Kane(C). Never seen this Aruero fella play so have no idea whether he is good or not.

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

      Kane is tempting me as WHU are so leaky but I think Norwich are worse and Richarlison being at home swings it in his favour! Feels like I've got two cracking differentials this GW, hopefully they both haul 🙂
      So to answer your question...rather Kane punt slightly over Kun

  10. Wheyyyy
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I need to ditch Mendy and have a decent back line already (TAA, Rob, Lund, Soy) so need to go budget to free up funds. Looking at spend up to 4.4m to get a decent back up bench player. Leaning towards Taylor at Burnley or Guilbert?

    A - Taylor (4.2)
    B - Guilbert (4.4)
    C - Other?

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

      Nuf out to 3.9 Reid?

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

        Also considered this but he hasn't started all season and I'm looking to strengthen the bench. Is he likely to get game time soon? This will most likely be 2nd on bench.

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

          Guilbert - Villa have a nice run of fixtures GW 17-21, ideal for him to come off your bench for GW18 at a minimum. I'm looking at a 4.4-4.6 defender to replace the injured Lascelles for the same run of fixtures, Guilbert and Cahill are top of my list right now.

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

    Will The Special One have an immediate impact on the Spurs?

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

      Yes imo.

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

      Yes - clean sheets should start rolling in as he sures up the defence first.

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

      Yes

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

    How do we think Mourinho's arrival will impact Son? Am pretty confident he will be a popular player under Mourinho with his workrate but not sure this will necessarily translate into Fantasy points for Son if he is constantly tracking back.

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

      Mou wants wingers to track back a lot. They still get goals but the assets to have are:
      Goalkeeper
      Striker
      Defenders
      Wingers
      No.10

      In that order

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

        Agreed - am a Son owner and will watch the West Ham game carefully and will be prepared to ditch him fairly quickly if he looks too peripheral.

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

      Hazard was a winger who were pretty free on the pitch, think Son will have a similar role

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

        Hazard suffered under Mourinho.

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

          Only in Mou's last season

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

      I think it will be good for Son. You can see it two ways - Mourinho as a tactician will set up to exploit Son's strengths more. Or, his tactical discipline will hold Son back.

      I think a player as good as Son can only improve with good guidance. So I'm more in the former camp.

  13. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Last few days of WC.

    Currently have:

    Maddison, McGinn, Mane, KdB, Pulisic
    Vardy, Jiminez, Abraham

    Thinking of going to:

    Barnes, McGinn, KdB, Mane, Pulisic
    Vardy, Kane, Wood.

    Break the template!

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

      McGinn doesn't have the best upcoming fixtures. If you're looking to break the template have a look at Ward-Prowse.. Watford/Norwich at home in 14/15 then move to McGinn?

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

      Kane is heading into my team as well

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

        I think the Mou effect will be detrimental to Son's output in a bad way

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

      I really hate having to bench someone like McGinn. With super strong defenses this season - Rico and Lundstram pushing to play every game, I think fodder is necessary to enable more squad flexibility and in improving the starting XI.

  14. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    When is klopps press?

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

      Tomorrow lunchtime usually

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

        Thanks.

  15. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1) Tomori + CHO -> Janmaat + Tielemans

    2) CHO -> Barnes / McGinn

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

      2 - lots of nice home games coming up for Chelsea where they are picking up clean sheets

  16. RedJive79
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go??

    Pope
    TAA, Pereira, Lund,
    KDB, Maddison, Pulisic, Mane (v)
    Vardy (c), Abraham, Jimenez

    Button, Tomori, Dendoncker, Hanley

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

      All good - Pulisic might not play so decide if you prefer Tomori's or Dendocker goal threat first on bench.

      1. RedJive79
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Nice one, thanks!

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

    Going to get in early with this comment that you'll be sick of by mid December: looking forward to getting some spurs players in the boxing day sales.

    That six week run looks amazing. Double Norwich!

  18. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Im thinking of doing Auba -> Kane(C)

    I know auba has good fixtures also but Arsenal (emery) are pretty trash rn

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

      Famous last words 😉

  19. SamBlue
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    All the top players in my league have KDB, I'm currently in 3rd and want to move up...I'm looking for a KBD replacement. Is Son that player or should I look else where?
    I have 2.8 itb. with Maddison - KDB - Mane - McTominay* - Traore* on the line

    Suggestions, please.

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

      Tomi to Martial?

  20. drughi
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Just checked and I have trusted sterling with the armband 4 times this season and it has givin me 28 points, yikes and yet I'm going there again this weekend

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

      Same 🙂 This is the week

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

        Positive is if he blanks it will be easy to get rid for salah following week and if he hauls it will be a nice parting gift

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

          Same, I will be getting rid either way

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

            yep will monitor son and salah this week and see which way I'll go

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

    @Chinese democracy
    How about changing that username and grav please...its a fantasy football forum, not the place for it, thanks.

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

      ?

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

        User posting on here with an inappropriate grav and usename for a FPL site imo

    2. Dee Lixon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Seems like you are the one who brings politics in to it. Leave it.

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

        you what?

        1. Dee Lixon
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          What? Who (except Chinese censors) would find that name and grave inappropriate?

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

            what about Chinese posters on here and people that live there? You dont think it would be insensitive to some of them perhaps? Not the place for it regardless!

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

              What is wrong with China and democracy in your opinion?

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

    Martial to stay fit?
    He has the easiest set of fixtures you are likely to see up to GW22 only Spurs home and Citeh away are problems.
    Buy him now! (or after SHE this week)
    5 captain picks at 7.6 ain't bad!
    Repost sorry

  23. GW13 Breakout Players
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Who do you think will find form and step up to score big this GW, and why?

    Maybe someone who hasn't had a double digit score in a while, has a series of no attacking returns, or has very low ownership.

    Do you think it will be an already-established name in many of our sides or someone who is a major differential?

    Have you seen something in someone's play or in their stats to make you think they could be ready for a breakout GW?

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

      Digne. Norwich. Done 😉

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, 15 point haul is possible.

        But maybe it'll be a -2..

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

          He's always got that in his locker doesn't he? Makes you appreciate the +2s more.

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

      Personally I've been looking at Son.
      TSB 7.8%
      FORM 4.0

      And The Special One might just give him magic powers to score a few.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Great scores from GW13-GW21 last season too.

        Joint top goalscorer with Kane and 6 assists

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

          Now, I'm even more tempted to bring him in.

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

      Hoping my three diffys so exactly that: Kane, McGinn & Richarlison

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

      Richarlison

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Great pick

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

      I think Lucas Digne could finally be in for a double-digit haul.

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

      Lacazette to be the differential ace this week.

      A surprise start for Salah can do some serious damage. I think Palace are a pretty poor side. They had a decent run at the start of the season, but even then, they let Tottenham blast 4 past them. They've conceded 2 per game in the last 4 weeks as well.

      I'm captaining Mane and if Salah is fit, I'm contemplating doing Sterling > Salah.

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

      Spurs players

      1. Alchim1sT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Kane might be the easiest shout ... Siggy or Richarlison also possible

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

      Auba brace. Had he taken that penalty this would have become his third 😉

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

      Lacazette. Coz I own Auba.

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

      Alli.

    11. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      (K)ane

    12. TiAgoFPL
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Digne - Clean sheet and assist
      Kane - hat trick

    13. Skribblah88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish: 3.8% owned

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

      Deli.

    15. Xna
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Djenepo!!! ultimate differential

    16. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      It’s Ox time.

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

    Excited by my team's potential this GW....huge red arrow incoming so lol

    Pope
    TAA / Robbo / Lundy
    Mane / Ri(C)harlison / McGinn / Mount
    Kane / Vardy / Jimenez
    (Henderson, Janmaat, James, Rico)

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

      Confident Robbo will play?

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

        dont mind tbh as really want to play Janmaat mate 😉

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

          I really want to bring him in.

          Would you do this : Sterling, Connolly, Rico -> Vardy, Robbo, Hayden (-4)?

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

            Prob not with the doubts over him playing this weekend! Who would autosub in for him if he was a no show?

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

              Soyuncu or Janmaat

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

                Great cover so! I think that hit might be fine as Vardy is looking more 'essential' than Sterling going forward! I sold Sterling today and dont care if he hauls to punish me really...its a game afterall 🙂

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

                  Alright thanks! Think I will just so it. The double pool defense looks so exciting!

                  Thanks Jia

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

                    GL mate and enjoy the GW 🙂

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

      Looks good.

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

        Cheers mate

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

      nice side - love the captain pick. good luck.

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

        Cheers mate, you too!

  25. Viper
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sounds like Heaton will be out.

    That really isn't a transfer I wanted to make. Best replacement? Gazzaniga?

    Ideally I'd want Henderson but he doesn't play this week either

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

      Go Gazza, should thrive under a Mouirnho low block defence

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

      link?

    3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I have Heaton to and upgraded Woodman to Gazzaniga

  26. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope > Gazzaniga or hold?

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

      Make that move around GW 15

  27. D.Glynn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    G2G.? Bench correct.? 1 ft, should I wait or just go Salah to Mane

    Gaz
    TAA Lund Janmaat Soy
    Salah Sterling KDB McGinn
    Tammy Vardy

    But Troure Rico Connolly.
    Thanks.

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

      same dilemma here with Salah > Mane lol

  28. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Already did an early points hit to do
    Sterling King > Pullisic Vardy

    Worth hitting WC button to sort out Salah Lowton Button?

    Ryan Button
    Tomori TAA Soy Lund Lowton
    Salah Pullisic KDB McGinn
    Vardy Abraham Jimenez

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

    Guys, who would you play?

    (a) Daniel James away at SHU
    or
    (b) Mount away at MCI

    Im thinking mount....?

    One of them will be in for Salah anyway if hes not fit

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

      As I believe mount doesn’t get much chance in mci games, I will put him on bench. I have already put Tomori to the bench.

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

        Thanks

  30. Paneorder
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I did not recommend Pepe as he may soon lose his place in first team.