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. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for Pope?

    A) Gazzinga
    B) Henderson
    C) Guiata

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

      B

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

      Schmeichel > Henderson > Guaita

      Gazzaniga only if you can't afford the others (I can't so I might have to do it).

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

        I’m on Guaita/Martin on WC. Have funds spare to move to Schmeical, still think worth if already have Soy?

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

          Yes it's worth it.

          Leicester have the best defense in the league.

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

      C

    4. G Banger
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm currently on C as I have Lord Lundy... and like Palace fixtures

  2. Tiamani Warrior
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who's a better pick up on my free transfer Alli or Pulisic?

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

      Alli

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

      Alli probably more nailed this week. Pulisic could get rested.

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

    Folks, is Mount expected to be on the bench tomorrow?

    Think it may be time to get rid, though I also have Martial who I don’t want either and only 1FT

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

      Wait one more week and then sort both with 2ft if needed

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

    Who will win the Ballon d'Or 2019?

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

      Collin Quaner

    2. Doctor Evil
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Me

  5. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How come Mahrez is in top 10 for Balloon Dor? Am I missing something?

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

      Seriously?

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

      Maybe because of afc.

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

        African cup of nations but still...

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

    Pope
    Baldock Soyuncu Matip*
    KdB Salah* Mount* Maddison
    Rashford* Ings Vardy
    Heaton Tomori Aurier Stephens*

    1 FT, 2.8 ITB

    *Players I want out

    What to do? Help, someone!

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

    See that many is using a FT on

    Pope out for Hendo or Guaita.

    Over the first 15 GWs, Pope is better regarding saves and bonus points:

    Stats:

    Points:
    Pope 55
    Hendo 54
    Guaita 42

    CS:
    Pope 5
    Hendo 5
    Guaita 4

    Saves:
    Pope 42
    Hendo 37
    Guaita 31

    Bonus points
    Pope 6
    Hendo 2
    Guaita 3

    Know that upcoming fixtures is the reason to sell Pope, But it’s not like Pope has had 15 easy games so far eighter

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

      Great post.

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

        Cheers!

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

      Sorry, 14 games

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

      What about leaving it a week and getting Ryan?

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

        Ryan looks like this compared to the 3 other. And after ARS, he’s got Wolves H, Palace A and SHU H

        Points:
        Ryan 60
        Pope 55
        Hendo 54
        Guaita 42

        CS:
        Ryan 4
        Pope 5
        Hendo 5
        Guaita 4

        Saves:
        Ryan 56
        Pope 42
        Hendo 37
        Guaita 31

        Bonus points
        Ryan 11
        Pope 6
        Hendo 2
        Guaita 3

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

      Leno is also competitive in these categories (other than CS)

      48 points, 59 saves. 14 save points

      He's had save points in 9 matches.

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

        Great choice too

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

      I'm not convinced about using an FT to sell Pope just yet. Might look at Ryan after a few weeks though feel he's the one to get.

  8. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    who is most likely for rotation h.barnes or mount?

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

      Both

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

    Guaita
    Lundstram TAA Soyuncu
    Salah Son Mane Pulisic
    Vardy Abraham

    Play Traore or Mousset?

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

      mousett

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

    Son and Zaha

    vs

    Alli and Pulisic?

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

      son and zaha

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

      B

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

      Son and Alli close but Pulisic is better than Zaha.

      2nd one.

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

      Allisic

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

      B

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

    Need Gazza and Martial out but which looks best for -4:

    A) +Robertson > Henderson, Alli, Chilwell
    B) + Dendonker > Henderson, Pulisic, Hayden
    C) + Jimenez > Henderson, Son, Mousset

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

      Any takers?

    2. AndyCook
        4 years, 3 months ago

        A if I had to pick but not a fan of any. Wouldn’t do a keeper switch for a -4

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

          I could do Pulisic in this week and the other two next week to avoid hits but needs Gazza in another week compared to Henderson

          1. ct mariner
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            So Hendo needs to outscore Gazza by more than 4 points to make this worth it - I would wait but your decision!

      • ct mariner
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Can't you just do

        Gazza and Martial > Henderson, Pulisic and avoid -4?

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

          Sadly not as that's definitely the go to. That needs .3m Martial > Pulisic only gets me .2m

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

      Do I get rid of Michy? Took a gamble last week and didn't pay off.

      I could do him to Moussett

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

        Yes, not a good pick

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

        Wait for tammy news

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

      Hi....1.5mitb. Thoughts on martial to zaha?

      Thanks

      Pope
      Taa soy lunds (aurier rico)
      Mane kdb maddison martial (nakamba)
      Vardy tammy jiminez

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

        Alli and Pulisic better picks then Zaha

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

          I'm looking at Madison to alli for the weekend

          Don't want to bring in alli for United away when I can have zaha for Bournemouth home..

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

            Fair enough then it's an easy Martial to Pulisic and then Alli in week after.

            Personally I think Maddison is a keeper so my next two transfers if I was you is Martial > Alli followed by Pope > Henderson

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

              Cheers. Think I'm happy with tammy for chelsea cover and I expect pulisic to be rotated at some stage. Zaha will play every game ...thanks for your help

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

      Best options here with 1FT and 1.4m

      Pope -- Heaton
      Taa Lundy Tomori -- Rico Lascelles
      Kdb Mane Martial Mount -- Cantwell
      Vardy Rashford Ings

      A: Mount (AVL) >> Zaha / Maddison / Pulisic (think he might be rested though)

      B: Martial (TOT) >> Zaha / Maddison / Pulisic

      C: Save FT and reassess. Perhaps do something along the lines of Martial + Mount >> Son/Grealish or Alli/Zaha

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

      Anyone else feel weird or hesitant to own the Trio of Mane KDB Alli as 3 big premiums in mid?

      Feels so dullard as im the manager who usually prefer likes of Sterling Salah and Son.

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

        Is Alli a premium?

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

        Honestly I don't think there's much between Mane-Salah and Son-Alli you can't go wrong owning any of them.

        KDB for 2.5m less makes sense over Sterling.

      3. AndyCook
          4 years, 3 months ago

          You mean they are like cut price, higher risk options?

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

          Mane and KDB have won me over. Alli is being annoying though. Not really through any fault of his own, just that Son has been so much better than Sterling or Salah for a long time.

      4. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        GTG - Is the bench correct?

        Guiata
        Robbo, Lunds, Soy
        Salah, Son, kdb, Mads
        Ings, Jimmy, Vardy

        Tomori, Cantwell, Rico

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

        Martial and Pieters to
        Alli and Kelly

        Current front 7

        Son Martial Tilimens Mane
        Jiminez Lacazette Vardy

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

          Not yet. Martial has Spurs defence next and doubling up with Spurs is still too much.

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

            Marital is poo and United defence is worse!

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

              Ok then do it if you think Alli will do better then Martial but I would wait one more week.

        2. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Thinking of something similar, Alli playing as forward.
          Martial not inspiring?

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

            Correct fell into the same Martial trap as I did last season!

            1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Martial is always a trap - Never buy him again, it's not worth it.

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

        Any chance Michy plays Wednesday?

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          There is a chance. Giroud flopped at the weekend and Abraham may not be fit to start.

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

            reckon it's wait to hear news on tammy and then decide?

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

          Rumour has it Lampard could even play Pulisic down the middle...

      7. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Hey fam! GTG?

        Schmeichel
        TAA Robbo Lundy
        Mane Son Zaha Barnes
        Vardy(C) Jesus Jiminez

        Button Rico Dendo Reid

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yep.

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

        Which move would you rather use an FT on?

        A) Pope to Henderson/Guaita this week
        B) Tomori to Aurier next week

        Leicester face City & Pool in GW18-19 and Sheffield face then two in GW20-21 so some defensive rotation is needed.

        Still not convinced about using an FT to remove Pope. He's averaging 4 PPM which is pretty decent.

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

          Imagine the loads of saves he could get v city...

          Admittedly, he could get several -1s as well

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

        any chance Michy Batshuayi plays wednesday?

        don't wanna get rid if chance he could start

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah definitely could. Depends on Tammy.

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

            cheers - any clue when next presser is?

      10. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Rolling the FT with this team. G2G?

        Ederson
        Soy/ Kelly/ Rico/ VVD/ Lundstram
        Mane/ KDB/ Martial
        Auba/ Vardy

        Button/ Dendoncker/ Hayden/ Tammy

        Abraham will come in for either Kelly or Rico if we get to hear some good news. Giving another chance to Martial against a still out of sorts Spurs defense,

        Gives me 2 FTs for next GW which always is an advantage.

      11. AdamJ91
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Gazzaniga - Button
        TAA - Soyuncu - Tomori - Rico - Reid
        Mane - KDB - Mount - Maddison - Hayden
        Auba - Vardy - Jimenez

        2 FT; 0.4 ITB.

        A) Gazzaniga > Henderson
        B) Gazzaniga & Mount > Henderson & Zaha

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

          A and have 2 transfers in hand

        2. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          B looks great!

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

          A or B with Madds, leave Che cover

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

          A this week as I am not convinced on zaha. See what happens mid week.

      12. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Martial & Gazza to Zaha & Schmeichel done!

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

        Oy lads, dilemma here:

        Really want to bring Jimenez in (exact funds), but then I have a real benching headache - do it or not?

        Pope
        TAA Lundstram Soy Tomori
        Mane KdB Pulisic Son
        Ings Vardy
        (Button - Cantwell Diop Wickham*)3.2itb

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

          Do it and look to bench a def

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

          no the stress is not worth it

        3. AndyCook
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Don’t see that as a benching headache, Tomori is an easy bench

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

              Cheers, you might be right here

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

          Lord Lundstram (C) locked!

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

            Dear Lord!

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

          What is the chance of Chelsea clean sheet inyour opinion?

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

            Very low

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

            AV will score

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

            Tammy to Mousset for a hit makes sense then as I will have to play Tomori otherwise?

            1. AndyCook
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Well even if Tomori gets 2 then Mousset has to do something and you might want Abraham back..

          4. Lucas8406
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I wanna get Pulisic but is he nailed?

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

              I think yes

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

            Pope
            TAA, Lunds, Robbo, Aurier, Rico
            Mane, KDB, Tielemans, Mount, Cantwell
            Vardy, Jimenez, Tammy

            Priced out of Son, so ... Robbo, Mount > Soyuncu, Alli (-4) ...?

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

              Ok moves

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

            1 FT, 2.8m ITB

            Pope
            TAA. Soyuncu. Lundstram
            Salah. KDB. Maddison. Mount
            Jiminez. Vardy. Ings

            Button. Tomori. Donker. Montoya

            Mount to:
            A) Alli
            B) Pulisic
            C) Zaha

            1. Over Midwicket
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              You have the same team as me. I did Mount to Alli. Salah to Son(C) tomorrow evening.