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. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Barnes->Ings/Mousset for a hit?

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mousset

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

        cheers

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

      Mousse

  2. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any fellow Maddison owners just not really feeling it?

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Staying put for the foreseeable.

    2. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If it wasn’t for the fixtures I’d be looking to ship him for one of Alli or son 100%

      1. popcoin
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Agreed. Watford at home is the only thing stopping me. And having to use FT on Pope. Other reason to get rid is I’d rather Schmeicel over Henderson but have 3 Lei players

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

      Have Tielemans and I feel the same but you can't ignore the reasons why you got him.

      Still got the best fixtures next 3 and arguably the most inform attacking team in the league atm.

      1. popcoin
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        True, probably wise to have patience in this case. I actually feel like Leicester aren’t creating that many chances since the Saints game. Efficient and clinical performances more than flooding forward, from my eye test.

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

          As a Tielemans owner I consider myself unlucky not to get some points from last nifht's match

          I just think both of them are good enough to get atleast a couple of attacking returns from the next 3 fixtures.

          I'm looking at Grealish as a replacement in GW18 that's when both teams fixtures turn.

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

      He's had at least one sitter in each of the last two matches. He'll put one in eventually.

      1. popcoin
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I hope so!

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

      I'm getting itchy. Thinking I'll use double transfer to get Son or Dele for GW 16. It would probably be Martial+ Maddison to Dele and Grealish; or to Son and (whoever I can afford at that point)

      1. popcoin
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Luckily I have Son already. Would just love to try Alli/Zaha

    6. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Fixtures say stick and his returns are fine for the price but looks the easiest route to Delle for me

  3. Jamb0
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gazza
    Soy Tomori Robbo
    Pulisic KDB Salah Maddison
    Jimenez Vardy Abraham

    Lundstram Dendoncker Rico

    0.3itb. GTG? save FT?

  4. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Trying to sell Alli hard in this article, and I'm all for it, but Son is just as tempting, no? Still, have just 1FT and 0.3itb.

    1) Robbo, Mount > Kelly, Alli (-4)
    2) Robbo, Mount > Kelly, Son (-4)

    With Alli, though, I could afford 5.3 instead of Kelly.
    Already have: TAA; KDB, Mane; Tammy, Vardy, Jim

  5. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is a frontline 3 of Vardy Ings Mousset too weak or Decent?

    Allows me to go big in mid ( Mane KDB Son Alli Tielemens)

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Decent.

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

      Dont think its weak as long as those mids are doing well.

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

      Totally fine for now. Those three have form&fixtures.

    4. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Long term problems

    5. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks pretty damn good tbh. Should Laca fail again I’ll have Vardy Jimenez Mousset, so

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

      don't need to go quite so big. You'll want to start all of those strikers, so you might as well have a cheaper 5th mid than tielemans

    7. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I really like that.
      The saved money could be injected in midfield and defence

    8. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good and s solid bench over xmas

    9. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers all

  6. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Lundstarm Tomori
    Mane Son Martial Tilimens
    Vardy Jiminez Lacazette

    Button Guendouzi Rico Pieters

    Martial & Pieters to Alli and Kelly -4

    Cheers

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

    WHO would you start?

    Cantwell or Abraham?

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

      Cantwell except Tammy is fit

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Is he? Missed that

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

          No one knows that, but could be

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Abraham
      Cantwell 1st sub

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

        What im on atm.
        Would hate a 2 mins cameo From Tammy.

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

      See if any updates tomorrow on Tammy. If not I’d start Cantwell, can see Tammy coming on as sub

  8. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who’s on pens when both on pitch? Ings or JWP?

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

      Ward Prowse took the penalty vs Arsenal but missed it

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would think JWP

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

    Thinking of just 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

  10. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play Cantwell or Tielemans?

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

      Tiele

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I agree

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

    So, people who haven´t used their wildcard, whats your strategy?

    I'm thinking of using it next gw (after kick off tomorrow). If so, I'll use my free transfer before the gw starts. Whats Your thoughts about this?

    Mount and 4.0 fodder :Arrow: Alli and Adrian

    Pope, 4.0
    TAA, Tomori, Soy, Lund, Rico
    Sterling, Mane, KdB, Mount, Hayden
    Vardy, Ings, Greenwood

    Who would be Your priorities to get rid of? Thanks

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

      Really unsure when to play mine, maybe after the liverpool blank.

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I don't see any point in bringing in Adrian. Liverpool don't keep clean sheets this season. Get Schmeichel or Henderson.

      Do you have two free transfers? Why keep Pope if you are just going to WC next week? How much in the bank?

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

        Cheers. The gk move is definitely just a one week punt. Keeping Pope just in case I make the moves, and then decide to hold the wc for a couple more weeks. I have 2.4 itb, exact funds for the aforementioned moves.

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

      Hold. And then next week do Sterling + Mount > Son + Alli.

      Your team is fine.

  12. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How does Mount to Grealish/JWP look? 2FT 2.0 ITB, would like Alli/Son in soon too. Last chance for Lacazette I think as he’s the easy route.

    Pope 4.0
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram Kelly Rico
    Mane KDB Mount Maddison Dendoncker
    Vardy Lacazette Jimenez

    🙂 only problem is no Chelsea but could pick Pulisic up at some point or Tammy back in, will see.

  13. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Has Mount just completely stopped looking dangerous recently? Haven't really watched Chelsea.

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Been having shots from distance and one or two tame efforts from inside the box. He'll score again soon

  14. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Liverpool trio struggle against Everton..

    Firmino  
    1 assist in 5 matches

    Mane
    2 goals in 6 matches ( for Liverpool)
    3 goals in 9 matches ( including Southampton)

    Salah
    1 goal in 3 matches

    1. Atwood
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Liverpool in general struggle against Everton. Personally I won't be captaining.

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

      That's interesting. How come Salah has only faced them 3 times? Don't remember

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        3 times in league.

        Didn't play in 2 matches against them. 1 in league and 1 in cup

  15. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who should I sell first

    Cahill
    Abraham

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on your team and bench

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

      Oh, you are #10 😮

      Depends on whether Abraham is available or not and who will play instead of Cahill

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

      Cahill and keep Tammy

  16. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Worth saving this week?

    Been looking over stats but cannot decide

    Benching headache every week but not bad with Abraham doubt and GW18 not far away:

    Pope
    Soyunchu, Lundstram, TAA
    Mane, Son, Mount, Maddison
    Vardy, Jimenez, Abraham

    4m, Martial, Tomori, Rico

    0.4m itb.

    Transfers I'm considering are:

    a) Mount to Says
    b) Pope to Guaita/Henderson

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No idea who A is

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

        Saiss?

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

      Are you starting Mount over Martial? How come? I’m worried Mount won’t start

  17. FCRS BGD
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys
    Haller or Maupay in fpl Draft?
    Thanks

  18. tissae
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What would you do here fellas? 1FT, 1.6m itb

    Pope
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram
    Mane KDB Son Maddison
    Vardy Jimenez Abraham

    Button Tomori Rico Nakamba

    Was thinking Pope ---> Henderson?

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

      I have the same starting 11 as you. And I did that transfer

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

    Put my subs in order:

    A) Aurier
    B) Kelly
    C) Jorginho

    I have Tammy so subs might be needed.

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

      ABC as palace has a nice game but Aurier attacking returns cant be ignored

  20. EDF
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start one soy or lundstram? Already have trent and robertson in defence

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

      Lunds

    2. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No option at all to start both? Soy

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      lundstram

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

      Lund, higher potential of goals/assists

  21. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I'm set on getting rid of Gazza and Martial this week but which looks best:

    A) + Robertson > Henderson, Alli, Chilwell (I have TAA)
    B) + Dendonker > Henderson, Pulisic, Hayden (Hayden last sub)
    C) + Jimenez > Henderson, Pulisic,

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      *C) + Jimenez > Henderson, Pulisic, Mousset

      All would be -4

      Gazza, £4m
      TAA, Robertson, Lund, (Tomori, Rico)
      Mane, KDB, Martial, Tielemans, (Dendonker)
      Vardy, Jimi, Tammy

  22. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Selling Pope for Schmeicel or Henderson.

    A) Henderson

    B) Schmeicel (-4 hit, 3 Lei players, sell Maddison)

    Preference is Schmeicel. Believe he will keep more clean sheets in the next 3 than Sheffield. Selling Maddison is actually something I’d quite like to do anyway.

    Dullard move is Henderson, keep Madds for Watford.

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      From how you’ve described it, A for me

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

      I like Schmeichel better but not sure about selling Maddison for a hit.

      Personally I'm not sure so sure about Pope to Henderson. Think the tough fixtures might suit Pope to get more save points.

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      a

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

      Dullard move. You bought Maddison for a reason.

      I didn't buy him because I didn't want him and foresaw this happening. But with these fixtures, you can't get rid. You just have to ride that decision out.

    5. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    In some sort of order over the next 3 weeks:

    Jesus -> Mousset
    Mount -> Alli
    Tomori/Rico -> PVA

    Any good?

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

      Looks decent

    2. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Love the PVA punt. Ideally do all ASAP but this week Mousset

  24. Champione
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Play safe and do Martial > KDB
    B) Save and consider Martial > Alli next gw
    C) Pope > new gk

    Pope
    TAA Lundstram Tomori
    Mane Son Martial Pulisic
    Vardy Rashford Jimenez

    McGovern Kelly Cantwell Rico

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

      I’d save. De Bruyne is great but has only scored from long range last two weeks. Alli should get more chances I think. I will probably do C myself see below

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

        Cheers, actually considering Schmeichel due to no Lei def

  25. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope
    VVD Soy Lund
    Cantwell DeBruyne Mane Pulisic
    Vardy Jiminez Kane

    Heaton Tomori Dendoncker Rico

    1.6itb 1ft

    A) pope to Henderson, rotates well with Heaton
    B) -4 kane to Auba. No idea what Kane’s going to do as usual next few weeks. How good did Auba look yesterday? Worth a -4?

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

      A

  26. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Need to beef up my bench ahead of Xmas, so thinking of saving a FT this GW and then doing:

    Sterling & Greenwood -> Alli & Jimenez

    Still leaves me with KDB from City

    Yes/ No/ Maybe?

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

      Yeah for sure, getting 2 players in with form and fixtures

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

    I'm actually considering Pope > Gazzaniga.

    I have no money to go up to Henderson and none of the other sub 4.6m keepers really appeal. Gazzaniga plays for Spurs. Yes they've conceded a bunch recently. But their xGC is actually really low and Mourinho will get their defense to be better. It's only a matter of time. I think even this week it could pay off.

    Ole is gonna be so ridiculously outcoached this week. Reckon it'll be 0-2 Spurs with a disciplined performance and more Alli goals/assists.

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save points galore vs Citeh though?

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

        Maybe. But they could just as easily get hammered 4-0

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Spurs don’t keep cs

      I’d stick with Pipe

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

      Could be a decent move but that makes Aurier much more tempting if you want to have Spurs defence.

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

      Maybe Krul?

  28. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What are the best moves here guys?

    1) Saka Abraham -> Son Mousset this week
    2) Saka-> Zaha this week,
    Mount Abraham-> Alli Mousset next week
    3) Pope-> Hendo this week,
    Mount Aurier -> Son Kelly next week

    Team is:
    Pope
    Taa Soyuncu Lundstram
    Kdb mane Maddison Mount
    Jiménez Vardy Abraham

    Button. Aurier saka hanley

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      3

  29. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Benching dilemma. Who plays?

    A) Soy
    B) Lundy

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      b

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

      Lundstram as more chance of attacking return

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Inclined to agree, but every time I bench soy he keeps a cs

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

    Martial and Mount to Zaha and

    A Pulisic
    B Alli

    Pope
    TAA Soyünücü Lundstram
    Mané KDB Martial* Mount*
    Vardy Jiménez Lacazette

    McGovern Cantwell Diop Rico

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

      Alli.

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A this week

    3. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pulisic and Alli/Son by downgrading Laca to Abraham/Ings