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. chriscosta
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Captain choose ??

    A) Mane abit worried with him being benched
    B) Vardy
    C) Auba not impressed that much with w ham keeper, But a great differential

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

      Im going safe with B

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

      B

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

      B

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

      Why would Mane be benched?

    5. chriscosta
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      thanks for reply : )

    6. chriscosta
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      with salah and firminho benched last game,
      klopp got me worried that more rotation within the team with so many game to be played this month

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

      Always a possibility but I think not likely..
      Mane in great form and LFC want to win the game.
      Salah and Firmino lack of form may be due to fatigue or injury, which would explain why they were rested.

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

      West Ham have a new/old keeper, not Roberto anymore. I think B is safe although Mane looked on fire in the derby

  2. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Mendy > Aurier for FT

    Yes or No?

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

      Yes

    2. Weasel51
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  3. Weasel51
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Play Mount or cantwell

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

      Mount

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

      Mount

  4. Angelic upstart
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Lundy
    tomori
    And a.n other

  5. ChuckN
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    How to bring in Alli without a hit?

    2FT 0. 0 ITB

    Pope
    TAA Soy Lund
    Mane Kdb Son Martial Tielemans
    Vardy Rashford

    McGovern Boly Rico Connolly

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

      KdB out?

    2. GoonSquad
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Martial to Grealish, Tielemans to Alli

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

        Was off by 0.4m otherwise would have.

        Ended up doing Martial to Zaha and Boly to Aurier.

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

    Auba and Tielemans > Abraham/Rashford and Alli? -4

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

      I did Auba and Hayden to Alli and Tammy for -4

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

    Last try... Best option?
    A. Pope to Ryan
    B. Robbo to Aurier (or cheaper defender).
    C. Stick on it

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Lundstram
    Puli Mane KDB Alli
    Jimenez Vardy Abra
    Button - Soy-Rico-Dendo (0.2itb 1ft)

    B allows Jimi to Rashford next week. A means save FT next week. C means probably burning a transfer next week I expect.

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

      A

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

      A...
      or C

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

      C.

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

      C

  8. Ed
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Play captaincy safe (Vardy) or risky (Kane)?

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

      Risky but not defensive midfielder Kane

  9. TheDragon
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    How’s she looking, good to go?

    Ryan
    TAA, Aurier, Lundstram
    Mane, KDB, Alli (c), Mount
    Vardy, Jiminez, Abraham
    Button l Soyuncu, Kelly, Dendoncker

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

      High risk, high reward

  10. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed:

    Best enabler for Martial > Alli?

    a) Chilwell > Willems
    b) Chilwell > Kelly
    c) KDB > Alli
    d) Jimenez > Ings

    (I have Soy from LEI)

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Tmel
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      *c) KDB > Zaha

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

    Tielemans > Alli for free?

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

      I’ve done it

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

      Any reason why not?

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

      Yes

    4. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Can't imagine why you wouldn't...

    5. GoonSquad
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Holding mid tonattackijg mid seems good in a game based on points in midfield vs. clean sheets. I'd do it in a second.

  12. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling to :
    1. Alli
    2. Son
    3. Keep

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

      3

  13. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    2 questions:

    Play 2:
    1.Soyuncu (Villa A)
    2.Tomori (Everton A)
    3.Lundstram (Norwich A)
    4.Yedlin (Southampton H)

    Captain:
    A) Sterling
    B) Dele

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      1&3

      Anyone but A

    2. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      1 and 3
      B (I don't trust Sterling any more)

    3. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      1, 3. B

  14. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    How am I looking for this GW?

    Ryan
    TAA Lundstram Kelly
    Mane Alli Pulisic Son Maddison
    Abraham Vardy(C)

    Button Soyuncu Connolly Rico

    2.9m itb

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

      Grand

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gorgeous

  15. JWilson3
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any Villa fans around? Debating Guilbert or Targett. Targett seems the slightly better pick stats-wise but the unknown of Guilbert excites me more

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

      Not a Villa fan but Targett looks the better pick from what I’ve seen

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Tom Freeman a legend of fpl says target targett

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

      Guilbert is yet to blank at Villa Park - an incredible run!

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

        Whomever you pick the other will score.....

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

    Henderson

    Robertson Lundstram Soyuncu (Guilbert Rico)

    Son Mane KDB Pulisic (Tielemans)

    Mousset Vardy Jimenez

    2Fts & not a clue what to do. Rico - > Kelly? Guilbert was brought in for a reason (gw18 & 19) and Tielemans has Norwich at home next week

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

    Play Soy or Kelly?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Soy

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

      Soy

    3. Motty FPL
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Stuck on this too. Gut says villa are decent n can see them scoring, form says soy will keep delivering. Kelly decent as shown with 2palace def in scout team.. still not sure!

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

    Mount or Alli (-4)?

    If Mount, I will only be able to get Alli in gw18 (at probably 0.2/0.3m more) as Chelsea have a good fixture in gw17

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

      B

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Probably would yeah. Close one.

  19. james 101
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Repost. Sorry gents.

    GTG / anything you’d change?

    Hendo
    TAA Lunds Soyu
    Mane(vc) Son Pulisic Alli
    Vardy(c) Abraham Jimmy

    (Button. Maddison. Kelly. Rico.)

    1FT and 0.8m in the bank if required. Happy to save it though...

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save it.
      Bit why mads on the bench and lunds and soy ahead of him?

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        You think I should play 6 mids?

        I’m up for a cheat code if you have one!

        1. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          You have a point here hahaha

          But you also have some benching issues!

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I do

            But I figure that people will get rested. Or injured. As the games rack up.

            Abd it’s easier to afford an extra quality player this season than ever.

      2. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Can't play 2-4-3.

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

          2-5-3*

  20. revelc
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Mount > Zaha ??

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

      Wait until early team news tomorrow to make your decision

    2. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Was thinking of pulisic for zaha myself

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

      Nah zaha over rated.

  21. IamthenextTeemuPukki
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Basically, mu choices come down to which team from Norwich or Sheffield United has better chance of keeping a clean sheet, and whether Crystal Palace has a chance, not decide, so asking for opinions:

    Pick 2 to start:
    1.) Cantrell (SHU @ Home)
    2.) Kelly (Wat Away)
    3.) Lundstram (Nor Away)
    4.) Mousset (Nor Away)

  22. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else on Super Sonny C????

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Me too!!

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Should we start praying already?

        Do you know Korean?

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      o/

  23. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Gtg?

    Gazzaniga
    TAA - Lundstram - Willems
    Mane - KDB - Son (VC) - Mount
    Vardy (C) - Rashford - Tammy

    Button - Kelly - Dendoncker - Rico

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

      I'm debating starting Kelly over Lund, what is your thinking there?

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

        I want to play Kelly too but Sheffield still unbeaten away from home and only shipped 7 goals so far

  24. chiragvirwani7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Aurier
    B) Lund
    C) Ings

    Suggestions please..

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B
      Sheffield has lost momentum

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

        I wouldn't bench any of these

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

      Someone else

      1. chiragvirwani7
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Ryan
        Robbo TAA Lund Aurier Rico
        Salah KDB Puli Maddy
        Vardy Tammy Ings

        I can't be benching any of the others can i?

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

          Not sure Pulisic plays tbh. Wouldn't surprise me if he is rested, I may have been tempted to bench him vs a managerless Everton.

          If inward pushed maybe Aurier even though I am looking at getting him in!

          1. chiragvirwani7
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Really tough call.. Im leaning toward lund but Norwich has horrible defense as well.. Big dilemma 🙁
            Thanks anyway guys..

        2. chiragvirwani7
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Other mid is Dendonk*

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

            So is mine and he had his best week midweek while on everyone's bench!

  25. I am Cantona
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Can't believe I benched Saint-Maximin last week... definitely playing him this week. Am I the only one?

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

      Surprised he scored tbh. Exciting to watch but no end product.

    2. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Newcastle are finding form

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

      I saw him v west ham miss 3 one on ones. I couldn't take owning him, his end product needs work on. If it improves and he shows consistency then a good pick

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

        Agree

  26. semiconductor
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Quick questions if you have the time please
    1. Wait next week for salah to mane?
    2. Sterling to Alli?
    3. Jiminez to Rashford?
    4. Both 2&3 for free?

    1. chiragvirwani7
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Just 2

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

    Sorry repost

    Chilwell to which on a FT

    A. Soyuncu
    B. Aurier

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

      Is Chilwell out?

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

        Missed last game and Brendan said he has a slight hip problem. Either way they have city and Liverpool ahead so may as well plan ahead

    2. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

        Soyuncu is the obvious but as mentioned Leicester great fixture run coming to an end soon.

        As for Aurier yes spurs suspect at the back but he is very attacking

  28. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which would you start? I'm swaying with Kelly as palace have been quite tight but Lundstram has got potential assists!

    a) Lundstram (Norwich away)
    b) Kelly (Watford away)

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

      Wow flip a coin but any team.vs Norwich seems appealing these days

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

      a

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

      A, much more attacking

  29. space mercenary
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A lot of support for Mane captain rather than Sterling. Bournemouth have only conceded 3 more goals than Utd all season. Yes, there is an element of form. However, I don't think the benching possibility of Mane and the fact that Sterling was hauled off early last match should not be overlooked. Sterling home and mane away too. I am not suggesting that it is a no-brainer but that the choice is not as clear cut as many are suggesting going by the captain poll.

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

    Got enough ITB to go VVD, Wickham & Jiménez to Aurier, Rashford and Tammy. Worth it for -4?

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

      I'd only take the -4 if you'd get priced out of Jimenez to Tammy by waiting. Otherwise just do the first 2 for free.

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

        Aye, unfortunately I don’t have enough ITB to wait a week. Either that or get Ings instead and get Aurier the following week.

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

      Yes