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

    Jimenez about to drop in price tonight
    Sellers what on earth are you on?

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

      I guess they are on rashford / tammy

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

        Iv got Rash Vardy and Jimmy. Annoying that Abraham price rising tonight and Jimmy dropping. Was going to do the transfer next week but I can do Jimmy to Tammy now for free. Yes or no?

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

      In the scout picks and dropping price...weird.

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

        Price movements are often weird though

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

      I guess most wanted to do the Jimmy (fixtures are turning) > Tammy switch next GW but since they’re rising and falling tonight they need to do it prematurely.

  2. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Kdb out for alli abit too much?
    Playing 3-5-2 until I get Tammy into team.. thanks

    Hendo (button)
    Taa soy tomori Lund Rico
    Kdb mane mount Maddison son
    Vardy Jimenez greenwood

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

      Ok move imo

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

    Doing a little house cleaning, otherwise I will lose transfer. What option do you like?

    Pope Button
    TAA Lund Soy Rico Guilbert
    Mo KdB Son Pulisic Dendo
    Party Rash Mousse

    0.1 itb, 2ft

    A) Rico to Kelly
    B) Pope Guilbert to Guaita Kelly
    C) Guilbert to Kelly
    D) Dendoncker Guilbert to Cantwell Kelly
    E) other

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

      Just pope to someone maybe.

      Hendo would have been my suggestion a couple of weeks ago. Not checked since.

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

    Gtg please?

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

    Pope Cantwell Montoya Kilman

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

      Go

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

        Cheers pal

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

      Yar

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

      Looks good, Montoya will prob need to go soon.

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

        Yes next free probably

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

          Then a keeper downgrade

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

    Hendo, heaton
    Soy, lund, taa, tomori, dunk
    Mane, son, tielemans, cantwell, kdb
    Jim, vardy, abra

    2fts
    A. Jim to mousset/ayew, tiel to alli
    B. Tomori to kelly, tiel to pulisic

    Leaning towards A as pulisic is rotation risk and alli on fire but not sure on losing jim. What to do :-/

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

      Puli played the last 9 and is a young guy

      You see him getting rotated much?

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

        Nope but they have crucial game tuesday

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

    Commenting about the article here. My biggest advantage as an FPL manager (God knows my advantages are few and limited) is that I don’t have have a team in the Prem. Every season I see my ML rivals stock up on players due to team loyalty.

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

      True, this liverpool double up I'm defence is so painful for me

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I've been suckered in by double Liverpool defence twice this season. Not even a Liverpool fan. Lol @ me

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

      Yep

    3. Queens of the South Age
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Having a pointless grudge doesn't help either. No Leicester policy is killing me this season but I just can't stand Brendan Rodgers so sticking to it.

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

        Costly grudge that

        1. Queens of the South Age
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Tell me about it. Was up at 1k a few weeks back and having Vardy would have got me higher. Waiting for that sweet week when you all captain Vardy for 2 points and I reap the benefits!

  7. Tribecca
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    -4 hit for Son to Alli?

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

      No

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

      Behave

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

      Nice pub?

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

    Deadwood Gibson to Kelly for free easy choice right?

  9. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Captain , don't own Mane
    A) Salah
    B) Alli
    C) Vardy

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

      B

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

      Salah always scores v Bournemouth

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

      C

      B if brave

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

      C

  10. deluca
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any recommendations for this week? Got 2FT and 0.0 ITB

    Ryan (Heaton)
    TAA - Robertson - Lund (Aurier - Dunk)
    De Bruyne - Mane - Mount - Maddison (Dendocker)
    Jimenez - Vardy - Tammy

    Also, should i be benching someone for Aurier?

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

      Mount to zaha or grealish ?

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Zaha is a backwards move.

      2. deluca
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Was thinking of getting Grealish GW19

  11. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    So Jimenez is dropping tonight and Tammy rising. Was going to do Jimmy to Tammy next week but losing 0.2 is hard to take. Shall I make the transfer for free?

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

      Yeh i think its forced your hand

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

      Yes if it's for free.
      0.2 is less important than a hit

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

      im waiting a week and taking 0.2-0.3 swing on the chin

      I have a feeling that tammy starts on the bench tomorrow with the hope they can rest him for mid week and only comes on if they are in a losing position

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

      Do it for points not for price
      If you think tammy will outscore jimmy then sure otherwise no for me

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

        If they both start I think Tammy outscores Jimmy. But there’s the uncertainty of Tammy starting!

    5. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I had to to do it - another 100K difference and I wouldn't have been able to afford it
      Much prefer to have Tammy over the next few weeks than Jimmy even if it means a small loss this week

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

        Iv done it!

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

          feels good, doesn't it? .... I have Willems as first sub so all good if Tammy is rested

          Vardy, Rashford, Tammy is looking good

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

            It certainly feels good. VAR is the way forward!
            (Vardy Abraham Rashford)

  12. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    start one

    A. Connolly
    B. Dunk
    C. Dendo

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

      Tough but Connolly

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

    Time for KDB to Ali?

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

      Nope

  14. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A) Mount + Maddison
    or
    B) Son/Alli + Cantwell

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

      B

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

    Can’t be bothered working it out, but could a manager with a £95m squad be winning overall this season?

    How about a £90m squad?!

    Asking as there appear to be so many value picks!

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

      Of course.

      Ryan
      Lundstram Soyuncu Dunk
      Mane KDB D.Silva Maddison
      Vardy Abraham Pukki

      4.0 4.5 4.0 4.5

      Start of season TV: 91.5

      Phenomenal

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

        Impressive huh

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

          Nobody could have predicted both Salah and Sterling having mediocre seasons given the heights they hit in the last 2 years

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

        subs would be Rico, Willems and Cantwell

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

      I said if very early on this season that feeling that you have to use the 100m clouds the judgement. You’d probably be flying high by now if you’d kept 10m ITB.

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

        *it

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

        I've noticed that people have no issue with holding a large amount ITB - but benching a 7.0m player for a 4.0m one seems a big no-no (or 11m for 7m)

  16. My Name Is Prince
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Have been playing 4-4-2 thus far with Wickham and Dendo as fodder, plus have Chilwell who's a slight doubt and Tomori who I think will get nothing against Everton, so isn't it a good time to take a hit to go Sterling/Wickham --> Alli/Abraham to go to 3-4-3 and bench Tomori and hope Chilwell is fit, if not then Tomori comes on...

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

      yup got to sort that bench asap and ur getting two players for one

      no brainer imo, altho i feel tammy doesnt start this weekend but I would still get him in as hes a longer term pick and this is just my opinion he could start the weekend

      1. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, think it's a risk I'm willing to take though, and as you say need him long-term anyway, could do it for free next week though, but he could come off the bench and score more points than Tomori or Rico who will play if I don't take the hit and Chilwell isn't fit

  17. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Play Jimenez or Lucas?

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

      Jimmy

  18. joakimosterberg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1.7M rank (!), need some advice pls

    Ryan
    TAA - Söyüncü - Lundstram (Tomori - Kelly)
    Sterling - Mané - Son - Mount - Barnes
    Vardy - Ings (Connolly)

    A) Barnes -> Dendoncker FT (enabler)
    B) Sterling/Connolly -> Alli/Rashford -4
    C) Sterling/Connolly -> Alli/Abraham -4
    D) Sterling/Barnes/Connolly -> KDB/Alli/Rashford -8
    E) Neither

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

      D would be a nice shake up. I did something similar by selling Sterling a couple weeks ago. May as well go for it given our rank this season

    2. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save ft and do the Alli, Rashford transfer next gw. Pointless taking -4 for that particular move this gw and I think it’s a good one to do.

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

        Thanks, will save, needed someone to calm my down 🙂

  19. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Schmeicel
    Lord Evans Alderweireld
    Son(C) Mane McGinn KDB
    Jimmy Vardy Ings

    G2G?

  20. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Would you wildcard this lot?

    Pope Mc Govern
    TAA Montoya Soy Lundy Aurier
    Mane KDB Donk Maddison Pulisic
    Greenwood Vardy Auba

    Would become
    Pope McGovern
    TAA *Kelly Soy Lundy Aurier
    Mane KDB Donk *Mount *Alli
    *Rashford Vardy *Tammy

    5 changes. 0.3m gained tonight. All suggestions welcome but Auba is stinking the place up.

    1. donkey73
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      god NO. just auba ->tammy. kelly isn't essential, neither is Alli. mount &pulisic is sideways.

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate, needed that. Bite worth getting Tammy then imo in fear of a no show and Auba playing West Ham. Mind you, the way Auba stropped around last night like a child, I think he might get benched

  21. BigRedRom
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Will Abraham rise in price tonight given that he swapped from an amber to yellow flag this week?

    When a flag changes, isn’t there a set number of days where price is locked?

    Fplstatistics has him as going up tonight

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

      I don't really understand the lock thing but it seems like people have gone up when you'd think they'd be locked. It may only be red flags that affect it.

      I'd expect a rise.

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

    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.....

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

    Which is the reliable price rise site?

    FPLstats and fiso very different

    Who are likely to rise tonight?

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

      Fplstats

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

    1FT
    A) Cancelo > Kelly
    B) Mount > Pulisic
    C) Pope > Guiata
    D) Save

  25. Noregretz
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jimi, Ings. Vardy

    Would it be worthwhile to bring in Tammy or Rashford ? for?

  26. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which move is the best this week? -

    A) Pope -> Guaita
    B) Pulisic -> Alli

    Pope
    TAA Lund Soy
    Mane KDB Son Maddison Pulisic
    Vardy Tammy

    Button Mousset Kelly Rico (1FT 1.7m itb)

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

      A

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

    Mount to puli ? Yes or next gw

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

      Next

  28. CHARLIE HULL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any reason to go Son over All? Except points scored last 2 seasons.

  29. shadeslayer
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Will Taa be rested considering the Napoli game?

  30. FPL Xylophone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I have a crazy idea to get Richarlison. I know his next 3 fixtures are red but neither of Chelsea, utd or arsenal have the best defences. Then he plays burnley at home. 3 home fixtures in next 4. Plus he scored vs Leicester and pool... any thoughts?

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

      U got my attention

      1. FPL Xylophone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        His form currently is good. Everton results weren't good but he scored or assisted in last 5 out of 7 games. Completely under the radar imo...