Pro Pundits - Sam

No room for the heart when playing FPL

Some Fantasy Premier League selections are made based on form, some on fixtures, some on a gut feeling and some come from the heart. 

This season I am learning that the heart should not be trusted where FPL is concerned.

This is something that I have always known and I have tried historically to base my choices on tangible evidence but this season one man crept in.

This was, in part, due to the price reduction he had at the start of the season but also due to a need for a talisman, someone I really trusted alongside my maverick John Lundstram (£5.1m), John McGinn (£5.8m), Dean Henderson (£4.7m) and Diego Rico (£4.3m) picks.

Harry Kane (£10.9m), should have been the perfect striker – playing in a team who made it all the way to the Champions League final and at the low price point of just £11.0m at the time.

However, Spurs have been far from their best this season and Kane far from his, playing more as a defensive midfielder under Mauricio Pochetino than a striker.

Fast forward to Gameweek 14, Kane nearly left my team but the arrival of Jose Mourinho changed things. Would Spurs improve? Would Kane play as an out and out striker again?

Would the Fantasy hauls return?

Suddenly it was the wrong time to get rid, especially as he had a price rise with other managers bringing him in.

However, my gut feeling (which should always be followed) was to switch him for Dele Alli (£8.6m) who I spoke at length about on every FPL show and podcast that week.

Nonetheless, I held Kane who failed to return when Dele did. This has been repeated in both Gameweeks 14 and 15.

The stay of execution is over, this week Kane will go.

Having watched Kane against Manchester United revert back to playing deeper when Spurs fell behind, whilst Dele was in and around the box making all the right runs, it was apparent which Spurs asset is the one to own and it’s the one playing as the number 10 not the meant to be playing as the number 9.

Having two transfers going into Gameweek 16 means that I am able to make a change in my strike force and midfield without taking a points hit. McGinn is the unfortunate casualty in order for me to bring in Dele.  

Whilst the Aston Villa man was fantastic in the early Gameweeks of the season the points have dried up of late and with a Kane downgrade up-top, I have plenty of budget to afford the upgrade to Dele. This leaves me with £8.2m for a third striker alongside Vardy and Abraham.

There are a few decent options in this price bracket. 

Raúl Jimenez (£7.7m), Danny Ings (£6.2m) and Lys Mousset (£5.1m) are the three in contention for the spot.

Having used the Members Area to compare the players the results are interesting.  

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

3,982 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Al-Chemy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope and Tielemans -> Martin and Alli worth a -4?

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

      Depends on who the other keeper is

      1. Al-Chemy
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Heaton

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

          I guess I would take the hit. Tough one

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

      Who’s ur other keeper?

  2. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Evening.

    With chilwell not 100% who's the better option for a FT

    A. Soyuncu
    B. Aurier

    Thank you

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

      B long term

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

      B

    3. Scoring freely
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Leicester goals against - 9 (Best in League)

      Tottenham goals against - 23

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

    Which is the best move out of these?

    1. Son > Alli (funds will allow me to transfer out Jiménez for Rashford next GW)
    2. Pope > Ryan/Henderson
    3. Cahill > Kelly (to strengthen bench and get funds for Jiménez > Rashford)

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

      3

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

        I'm tempted by that move because of the funds it allows to be spent for Rashford, but it also feels wrong doing a transfer for a player you bench…

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      3

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

        Has there been any news about Cahill's availability for the Watford match? If he's not available, then this will likely be my transfer.

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

    Would you have Pulisic or Tammy? Need to sacrifice someone to fit Dele.

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

      Tammy

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

      Tammy

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Tammy

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

      Tammy

  5. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Only after noticing that the top 4 M top scorers in game week 16 qualify for the cup.that's this week.

    1. Tired and weary
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Up the Dubs

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

      I can’t wait to lose to a dead team with and Carroll as captain on the biannual event he scores a brace

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

    Pope
    TAA Lundstarm Tomori
    Mane Son Ali Tilimens
    Vardy Jiminez Lacazette

    Button Guendouzi Rico Kelly

    Tilimens and Lacazette to Salah and Greenwood - 8?

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

      Nah

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

    Hendo/Pope
    Aurier, Soy, Lundz, Rico, Kelly
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Cantwell, Donk
    Tammy, Ingsy, Vardy

    2ft. 0,1 itb.

    1. Save (waste a ft)
    2. Salah to Alli + TAA
    3. KDB to Alli/Son
    4. Something else
    5. Shoot myself

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

      2

      And Don’t shoot yourself.

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Never shoot yourself when you've bothered to save a transfer.

      1. Better off with a pin and a…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        And 2, probably losing Rico.

  8. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    play lundy (nor) or kelly (wat)?

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

      Lundz

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

      I’m bringing in Kelly this week
      Same dilemma but feel Watford could perform first up for new manager and palace plenty of injuries
      Which way you leaning?

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Lund 4 sure.

    4. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      same dilemma,had kelly with pts on bench couple times now, sods law they will concede if i play him !

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        i had lundys 21 pts on the bench cos pep played ota for 5 mins........
        im still hurting

  9. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Kane, Vardy, jimenez

    A) jim to abraham this gw (-4)
    B) kane to abraham/rashford next gw

  10. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth taking a hit for Martial to Son??

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah i think so...just!!

  11. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Selling KDB for Alli is madness right?

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

      In the same boat... wtf to do

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

      Joining the boat!

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't especially if you have no other City attackers?

  12. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one pls

    A. Zaha (wat)
    B. Pulisic (eve)
    C. Son (BUR) - have Alli too
    D. Jimenez (bha)

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

      Zaha

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

      A or D. Id go D

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

      A

    4. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

    5. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A. You getting rashford in?

  13. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    How's this? Gtg?

    Heaton
    Soyuncu Lundstram TAA
    Alli(c) Son Mane KDB
    Vardy Ings Abraham

    Pope Cantwell Montoya Kilman

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

    Captain

    A) vardy
    B) son

    Also have mane

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

        Thanks both hard to go against him in this form

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      Vardy. I feel like a lot of people will have been frustrated with his 5 points last week, and so his EO will probably be a bit less, against a poor Villa defence. Chelsea could’ve put 4 past then if it wasn’t for Heaton’s heroics

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

    Got 2 ft

    A) keep laca this gw ? Y or N
    B) mount to puli ? Y or N
    C) if both no, instead of losing 1 ft then lowton to whom? Lovren wilems aurier sheffield def. (My def. Soy lund taa kely)

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Laca -> Tammy (or Rash if you already have Tammy)
      Save 2nd ft

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

    Just brought in Alli for Martial, which gives:

    Mane, Sterling, Alli, Mount
    Vardy, Abraham, Jimenez

    Got another FT this week - keep for next week or use it on Rashford/KDB/Ayew?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Keep

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

      Save it

  17. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Should I take a hit to bring Tammy in (and bench Mount) or should I do it for free next game week?

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

      Next week.

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

        Cheers

  18. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hi Guys, Final call on this lot ?? Have 1FT £2.3 M ITB..

    A) Jimenez > Tammy
    B) Greenwood > Ings
    C) Or both for -4.

    Pope (Button)
    Tomori, Soyuncu, TAA, Lundstrom (Rico)
    Salah, KDB, Son, Mount (Cantwell)
    Jimenez, Vardy (Greenwood)

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

      B

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

      A.

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

      B

    4. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    5. FPL Laurenzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

  19. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1FT. Gtg? Or one of below?

    A) Cancelo > Kelly
    B) Mount > Pulisic
    C) Mousset > Ings
    D) Pope >Henderson/Guaita

    Pope
    TAA, Aurier, Lundstram
    Son, Mane, Maddison, Mount
    Abraham, Vardy, Mousset

    Button, Soyuncu, Cantwell, Cancelo

  20. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Having to bench Mount yet again...

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

      Poor team structure if that’s the case

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

        Not really imo

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

        I disagree with that structure comment

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

        I guess that’s the case, but I do like to have a strong bench, especially considering how many of my players are one yellow away from suspension...

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          This look OK guys?
          Pope
          Robbo soy Lund
          Mane(c) kdb maddison pulisic alli
          Ings vardy(vc)
          Heaton mousset rico cathcart

          1. waltzingmatildas
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Sorry, posted in the wrong place!

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

        Here’s my team btw:
        Pope
        TAA,Lundstram,Soyuncu,Willems
        Mane,KDB,Son,Maddison
        Vardy,Jiminez

        Button, Mount,Rico,Connolly

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

          I'd personally always play the attacker over the defender
          So i would bench Willems for Mount IMO

          1. Pep Roulette
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            This

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

          Bench Willems

          1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Only just got him in!! I think I may have to bench him this GW

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

          Mount over Willems for sure mate

  21. HenryTheKid
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope (Button)
    Robertson, Lund, Soy (Rico, Kelly)
    Mane, KDB, Maddison, Pulisic (Traore)
    Vardy, Jiminez, Tammy

    1FT, 2.2 ITB

    Jiminez -> Rashford? Will leave 0.9 ITB

    1. FPL Laurenzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save

  22. Redranger
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Who’s more important to bring in for Jiménez? Tammy or Rashford?

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

      Rashford

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

      Tammy has higher ownership so depends if you want to defend or attack

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Jimenez needs to go, get both

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

        Jimmy looking like a great differential this week

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          did you mean to type zaha and auto correct changed it to jimmy?

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

        But why tho?

        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          tough fixtures, didn't do so well last game

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

            Bemba on the wind up again

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

            Did evertyhing well last game except the most important thing so I guess your right. He has been returning well though and is a nice player to have game week 18

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

          I'd keep jimmy and do it next week

  23. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Yarmolenko to who?

    A) Zaha
    B) Mount

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

      Grealish next game week

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

    Another bad article .
    Summed up by spelling Pochetinno's name wrong despite being a Spurs fan.
    Dont these jokers have Spellcheck?

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Poche-Who?

  25. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Would you start Kelly over Lund or Tielemans?
    Got Heaton in goal

    Currently on Ali as debut captain. Anyone going Kdb this week??

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

      Start tiel

  26. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    How she looking lads? 0 FT, 1.6 ITB

    Henderson / 4.0

    TAA, Aurier, Willems / Lundy, Rico

    Mane, KDB, Mount, Pulisic / Hayden

    Vardy, Jesus(C), Jimenez.

    Thanks all and good luck!

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team - just be ready for a nice amount of bench points 🙂

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

        from hayden?

        1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          obviously I mean from the Lord

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

      I would definitely captain Vardy but the team looks solid

      1. Ziyech on the Bench
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you man, just like city offense right now and villa at home play tough

  27. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Patricio
    Lundstram TAA Soyuncu
    KDB Son Mane Tielemans
    Abraham Vardy Jimenez

    Button Tomori Rico Longstaff

    2 FT 0.00 ITB

    Any advice on where best to improve and use a free transfer??

    Many thanks

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

      Team looks good. Tielemans and Tomori the weak links, but maybe wait a week on Tielemans and get Grealish. So downgrade Tomori looks best option this week

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

    This look OK guys?
    Pope
    Robbo soy Lund
    Mane(c) kdb maddison pulisic alli
    Ings vardy(vc)
    Heaton mousset rico cathcart

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I like the bold Mane(c)!

      I might start Heaton home over Pope away. Burnley have conceded a lot against big clubs. Close call though.

  29. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hey fam! GTG?

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

    Button Kelly Dendo Rico

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

    Hi..Any views on best move here please? 2.8mitb

    A.....save ft

    B....Pope to guaita

    C....zaha to alli

    Pope
    Taa lunds aurier (soy rico)
    Mane kdb maddison zaha (nakamba)
    Vardy abraham jiminez

    Thanks

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      save

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C