Pro Pundits

The Spurs assets who have caught my eye in Mourinho’s first two games in charge

One of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman, takes a closer look at Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur in his latest Pro Pundits piece.


In my last article, as part of the Pro Pundits initiative, I talked Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a specific focus on Matt Doherty (£6.0m). 

Since then, the unbeaten run has continued and now stretches to an impressive nine games, despite the Europa League commitments.

With West Ham United next, and importantly, a Gameweek 18 tie at Norwich City, I still think Doherty is worth considering, if you can work him into your structure.

Thanks largely to Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.1m), Kevin De Bruyne (£10.2m) and Lys Mousset (£5.1m), who now has seven attacking returns in six appearances, a Gameweek 14 score of 61 leaves me with an overall rank of 42,126.

Focusing ahead to Gameweek 15, and beyond, Tottenham Hotspur are a team I’ve looked at. 

Jose Mourinho’s system to date has been effective, particularly on the attacking side, with Serge Aurier (£4.9m) one of the main beneficiaries. 

What we’ve often seen is Aurier high up the pitch, playing as a winger, while the left-back has tucked inside to form a situational back three in possession.

You can see this back three, and how advanced Aurier is in comparison to Jan Vertonghen (£5.2m), from their average positions map versus Bournemouth below.

This transforms Spurs shape into something resembling a 3-2-4-1 when in possession. 

Whilst Aurier is on my Watchlist, Dele Alli (£8.5m) is the player I want. 

It’s a move I decided on last week, having read this quote by Mourinho:

A talent like Dele, he has to be a top, top player. This boy also has that extra of arriving in the box in finishing positions, he’s tall, he’s good in the air, he has to take the best of himself, when the ball is in wide positions, he has to be also in the box as a second man in the box. For me, he is a player who has to play as a second striker.

A quick look at Alli’s shot locations below over the last two Gameweeks suggests he can get back to his best level under Mourinho.

In my opinion, he will keep pace with Son Heung-min (£9.8m), for a smaller outlay. Now I just need to decide when to pull the trigger. 

Another midfielder heavily discussed in the community is Wilfried Zaha (£6.6m), who has scored in successive games.

December’s fixtures look kind but will he get consistently good chances week in, week out? I’m not convinced.

Crystal Palace are a team who don’t take many shots, only Southampton have taken fewer this season, and their 16 big chances is the lowest in the league. 

Roy Hodgson’s approach is safety-first, which makes me think investing in Palace’s defence is the way forward. With Martin Kelly (£4.1m) emerging as an option following the injury to Joel Ward (£4.5m), it won’t cost you much. 

A player at that midfield price point I do like is Jack Grealish (£5.9m). He’s deservedly been picking up a lot of praise recently, and whether he’s playing on the left or in a central midfield role, he’s creating chances (only De Bruyne has supplied more this season), and is now adding goals to his game.

With a Sheffield United triple-up now in place, as I talked about in my article a few weeks back, here’s how I’m set up for Gameweek 15.

Though I will likely roll a transfer, Aurier, Grealish and Alli are all on my Watchlist.

In terms of captaincy, if it ain’t broke… Jamie Vardy (£9.9m).

He scored his 13th league goal of the season against Everton on Sunday and is fast becoming my go-to captaincy option, especially at home, where he’s averaging just over eight points per game.

Thanks for reading… until next time.


Tom Freeman – aka avfc82 – comes onto the team to make most of us feel wildly insecure about our overall rank history. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user, he has finished inside the top 1,000 a staggering five times since 2009.

806 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hands Guber
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Windypop?

  2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Can I have a fourth Leicester player, please?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking about getting rid of one of mine soon enough....Maddison to Alli perhaps

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tielemans on the chopping block for me soon

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

    Evening folks, what’s the better move ?

    A) Mount to Zaha
    B) Heaton to Henderson

    1. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B by a million miles

    2. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A has more potential I'd say

      1. lindeg
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Dont get the zaha hype, palace are far from free flowing in attack

  4. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ryan (buton)
    Soy taa lund (kely lowton)
    Mount kdb son mane (dendo)
    Vardy ings laca

    Which? (Alot of options 🙂 )
    A) laca to jimy/mouset/ayew /tammy
    B) mount to zaha/puli/madds/tiele
    C) lowton to sheff. Def.
    D) 2 from both above with -4
    E) roll ft
    F) lowton laca -4 to chilwel/periera moust/jimy
    G) ryan to henderson

    1. kysersosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      G

    2. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      G

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Waste of a transfer. Ryan has great fixtures coming up and potential for save points in the few tough ones.

        Roll it then look at upgrading Mount and Lacazette at the weekend.

        1. Nightf0x
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yes ryan will stay man is save & bonus magent

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

    Macgin out for

    A. Zaha
    B. Perez
    C. Tilemans
    ??

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Zaha but he was lucky to score that one. I would personally get Grealish

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish.

      Not a sideways move either.

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

      A

  6. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Good transfer/Good to go:

    Pope*
    Lord, TAA, Soy
    KDB, Mads, Pulisic, Mane
    Vardy, Jim, Ings

    Button, Tomori, Ings, Diop

    1 FT, 3.2 ITB

    * plan was always in this GW pope to Henderson.

  7. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Martial (C)

    Can see him getting 3 against that Spurs defence

    1. Thunder Warrior
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No f way

    2. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He managed to put the ball over the crossbar from two yards. I own him but I can't get on board with capping him. I'm more likely to bench him

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I wasn't being serious and anyway I don't even own him

    3. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why would you captain someone who gets 3 points?

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I did with Salah last gw

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Better than Mane tbf

    4. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      3 as in 3pts?

    5. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford can as he is evolving to next level player with his drive and hardwork but not Martial.

  8. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What to do here folks? 1ft .2 itb

    Pope
    Saiss, Soyuncu, Lundstram
    Salah, Manè, Maddison, Mount
    Jesus, Rashford, Vardy

    Button, Cantwell, Aurier, Rico

    Not sure I want to use my ft on Pope. Mount to Zaha/Trossard? Or save which is what I’m edging toward.

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

    What to do with Martial?

    A. Keep
    B. Sell for Maddi
    C. Sell for Zaha

    Thanks

    1. wernerhedgehog
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A if its really maddi or zaha. i think you can do better.

  10. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton
    Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Lundstram, Fredericks, Chambers
    Maddison, De Bruyne, Cantwell, Pulisic, Tielemans
    Aubameyang, Vardy, Ings

    0FT, 1.0 ITB
    can do Maddison to Alli for -4, but likely to sit tight. Finally had a good week last week with C Auba.

  11. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I did my rage-transfer Sterling to Son on Saturday but now I see that I have more issues to fix.
    Which one is more urgent to do (for a hit unfortunately):

    a) Martial to Pulisic
    b) Pope to Hendo
    c) Tammy to Ings (or other att up to 10.1)
    d) something else

    My squad:

    Pope, Button
    TAA, Lundy, Soy, Tomori, Hanley**
    Mane, Martial, Son, Tielemans, Hayden
    Vardy, Jimi, Tammy**

    2.5 IDB, 0 FT

  12. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you get rid between

    A: Martial
    - two tough fixtures but he is nailed
    - already have rashford
    - replacement options: zaha, Maddison, Pulisic, Alli

    B: Mount
    - off form
    - don’t have tammy so if both Mount and Tammy do well midweek, could be a rank killer
    - replacement options: Zaha, Maddison, Pulisic

    C: Neither
    - both have home fixtures, both are nailed
    - give them one more gw
    - benefit of saving is I could get Son with 2FTs. Ie Martial + Mount >> Son + Grealish.
    - Alternatively i could do Martial + Mount >> Alli + Pulisic...but if i opt for this, i can do one of the moves this gw

    1. Thunder Warrior
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sell both

    2. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B then A maybe

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

      A to alli for me

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

      Both gone

  13. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which 2 to bench?

    Soyuncu, Aurier, Kelly, Connolly

  14. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Mount > Alli or Son
    If I put Son means I cant put back Tammy, if I put Alli it means I can.

    1. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'd go Alli, Son obvs safer though

  15. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which is the better option?

    A) Mount + Tielemans/Perez
    B) Alli/Pulisic/Tielemans/Perez + Cantwell

    Currently have Mount and McGinn so in order to get to option B, I need 2 transfers.

    If I were to do option A, I only have funds for Tielemans/Perez.

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Which of the 4 ‘upgrades’ for Mount should I go for? Alli seems to be in good form but I cannot ignore the Leicester players..

  16. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking of saving ft. Gtg?

    Or should I use ft on Pope to someone?

    Pope
    TAA Lund Soy
    Salah KdB Son Pulisic
    Vardy (C) Rash Mousset

    Button Dendo Rico Guilbert

    0.1 itb, 1ft

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’d probably just save. Hendo would be the keeper option but means a double up with Lund

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        My thinking also. Cheers.

  17. HNI
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is Pulisic a very bad finisher?I remember he was at Borussia but thought it was a blip... I was looking at his stats and in recent 2 matches he had 5 shots in box and not once did he hit on target. Plus his big chance creation is nothing.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bad finishing or not, if he gets enough chances one is bound to go in, like Sterling.

  18. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Spurs,, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Wolves have had a number of players who played 3 times in 7 or 8 days prior to this.
    I guess we should expect some big names on the bench this gw?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm not panicking too much, I guess it's not too much different than playing in Europe during midweek.

    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jiminez is working like a machine. Son , TAA and Rashford as well. Would expect still unqualified ucl teams chel and liv to bench on weeknd

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same story last season and hardly anyone changed heavily

  19. Merlinsnose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I’d really appreciate your advise please.

    Would you play -

    A Tielemans
    B Söyüncü

    Many thanks

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    Ings or Mousset?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mousset

  21. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Since I now have Aurier in my team for the second time this season (this time on a wildcard) I will have to play him every game - right? Alternative this week would be Tomori but Chelsea seem a little challenged in their defense...

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      AV will probably score, play Aurier.

    2. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Im playing tomori and benching aurier

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Come on games let's start cant wait anymore

  23. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What do we think here:

    Pope
    TAA - Azpi - Soy - Lundy
    Mane - KDB - Son
    Jimmy - Vardy (C) - Ings

    Button - James - Rico - Cantwell

    A) Save FT
    B) Azpi > any defender (PvA, Robbo/VVD, someone else?)
    C) James > Pulisic/Willian/Zaha/Tielemans
    D) Pope > ?

    Cheers

    1. Who are all Lukakus
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pope (Button)
      TAA Lund Soyuncu (Tomori, Rico)
      Mane(v) Sterling KDB Mount (Dendoncker)
      Vardy(C) Jimenez Ings
      1FT 0.6m ITB
      Good to go?

      1. Who are all Lukakus
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        failed

  24. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    GK's transfer:

    A) Guita
    B) Henderson
    C) keep Pope

    1. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hendo

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’ve bought Guaita although I kept Pope as well

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

      Both suggested GK have Worse stats than Pope this season, see number of saves, bonus points

      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Interesting. Thanks all

  25. offspinnersinahurry
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gazzaniga, Ryan
    Alexander-Arnold, Lundstram, Soyuncu, Tomori,Rico
    Mount, Martial, Sane, Sterling, Tielemans
    Abraham, Vardy, Connolly

    With 2 free transfers really struggling as how to improve this side!
    Any suggestions really appreciated

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      How much do you have ITB?

      1. offspinnersinahurry
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        £0.5

  26. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pulisic rotation risk this gw?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Most players are

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe, but it’s debatable if Lamps can even afford to rest him (hoping he doesn’t) against Villa and after 2 non successive wins

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

    Any news on Janmaat’s return?

  28. Who are all Lukakus
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope (Button)
    TAA Lund Soyuncu (Tomori, Rico)
    Mane(v) Sterling KDB Mount (Dendoncker)
    Vardy(C) Jimenez Ings
    1FT 0.6m ITB
    Good to go?

  29. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Good moves?

    GW15: Pope and Martial to Henderson and Zaha (-4)
    GW16: Dendoncker and Ings to Alli and Greenwood (-4)

    1. Sloths
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good apart from losing Ings.

      1. Sloths
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Can you not stretch to Mousset? At least he'll get you some forward points

  30. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bench one for gw15:
    1) TAA[EVE]
    2) Robbo[EVE]
    3) Soy[WAT]
    4) KDB[but]
    5) Lunds[NEW]

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      *bur

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      3