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. Burger_and_Chips
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    1ft

    Ederson to Guaita?

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes I would

    2. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ryan

  2. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to start?

    A) Martial
    B) Kelly

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

      Kelly easy decision for me

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

      Martial.

    3. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

  3. FPL Xylophone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    (Bottomed): 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. DMP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Logout.

      1. European Bob
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Just logged in to vote this up

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pulisic/Mount and Maddy are better options in that bracket mate. I wouldn't bother with Everton at this stage

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

        I agree but if you see his form in particular its as good if not better. Plus he is a bit of a differential.

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

      Signed a new contract and looked ok in a poor side. Issue is Everton really are a basket case and not sure they’ll turn it around any time soon.

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

        Last 7 games Everton got bad results. In the 5 of these games he scored or assisted. In fpl what matters is individual performance and i think he has that. Everton results obviously cast a shadow on him but his form is quite good and possibly better than puli or mount (and similar to maddison)

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

          The underlying statistics highlight Richarlison's major influence at Goodison Park.

          At home, his 19 shots and 17 shots in the box are both more than any team-mate.

          Chelsea visits Merseyside without a clean sheet in their seven away matches, having conceded 14 goals on their travels.

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

    Save FT, right guys?

    Ryan
    Robbo Lund Sou
    Alli Son Salah(c) Kdb Mount
    Jimmy Vardy(vc)

    Button Tomori Connoly Rico
    1Ft. .1 Itb.

    1. Felix Navidad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’d put Connolly as first sub. Not sure about Salah as C, pool needs to have a proper team ready for CL and think his minutes might be managed. Plus he has looked really poor (watched all games) I’d go with Alli if I had him or Vardy to play it safe. Save ft and you’re gtg

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

      Left

  5. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    For captaincy...

    A) Salah
    B) Vardy
    C) Tammy
    D) Son

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

      On Salah myself for differential. Have Vardy and Son.

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

        Don’t think salah has returned away from home this season

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

          True. Last call for Mo. if he doesn’t deliver, he is out.

      2. ZTF
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Me too atm. Thought choice though, Tammy really tempting

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

          Tough*

    2. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

        Was going Alli or Mane but Vardy has the stats and I'm a villa fan but they are giving away shots galore so he will surely score one if not more..

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

          Does surprise me how many shots Villa are shown to be giving away. Being a Norwich fan (with the injuries on top of everything else) I’d have assumed we were comfortably out in front in that department.

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

            Yeah it's surprising, like what's going on? Why has Deano addressed it?

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

              not adressed it*

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

    A) Jimmy>Tammy

    B) Save FT

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      Save.

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

      Jimmy drops and Tammy rises tonight. Iv got the same decision to make

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

      a without doubt

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

      a) - especially if you are happy with your subs

    6. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

    Lacazette to:
    A rashford
    B Jesus

    Thanks

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A but next gw

      1. Felix Navidad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Got 2ft and dont really wanna change any other positions, believe both Jesus and Rashford will get more points then Lacazette

        1. Luton_Fan
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          A has the fixs but surely there is another transfer u could make. fancy laca vs west ham, will be goals in that game

      2. Felix Navidad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks btw

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

      A

      1. Felix Navidad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

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

          Help above, pls.

    3. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Keep laca and captain

    4. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same dilemma with 2 ft, think i will hand him this gw then out to rash or tammy

  8. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    KDB > Alli (already have Son)?

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

      No

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

        Fair probably just chasing points

    2. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have KDB captain

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

    Sterling and Martial to Alli and Maddisoon for freee Yay or Nay?

    1. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yrs

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

      Yay

  10. European Bob
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Alli, Son or Kane? No hits, Mount or Jiminez making way

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

      Has to be Alli. Cheaper and on fire.

      1. European Bob
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate

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

          Help above, pls.

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

    GTG?

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

    Button Kelly Dendo Rico

  12. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best enabler for Martial > Alli?

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

    (I have Soy from LEI)

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

      B

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

      Probably B. Definitely not C

  13. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Mount to puli ? Yes or next gw.

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

      pull the trigger

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

    G2G Save FT
    Pope
    TAA Lundstarm Tomori
    Mane Son Ali Tilimens
    Vardy Jiminez Lacazette

    Button Guendouzi Kelly Rico

    Cheers

  15. only2
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A) Tomori (EVE) (A)
    B) Cantwell (SHU) (H)
    C) Mousset (NOR) (A)

    Tomori is tempting. Surely Everton gonna score 1

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

      Yes, A

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        thanks!

  16. paza12
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Williams or Rico to Kelly for free? Cheers!

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

      Kelly

      1. paza12
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry, I meant who best to transfer to Kelly - Rico or WIlliams?

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

          Sorry didn’t read properly. Williams.

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

      Yes. Probably take rico out

  17. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ryan or Guaita for Pope?

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

      keep pope imo

    2. Bronski
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      For me Guaita as favourable fixtures and despite Palace injuries Roy gets his teams organised. Hoping they’ll concentrate on defensive tactics. Brighton have a mixed bag of games.

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

        Ta

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

      Guaita unless it means double CRY def

  18. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Henderson
    TAA Lundstram Soyuncu Chilwell
    Mane KDB Alli Mount
    Jimenez Vardy (c)

    Button Dendoncker Rico Greenwood

    0 FT, 3.8 itb

    Anything worth a hit here, with the Chilwell doubts?

  19. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I will use 1 of my 2 FT with Cahill > Kelly (0.2 swing in price and releasing some funds).

    Would you roll the other FT with the below team? Actually, I am not happy with Mount (want one or both of Tammy/Pulisic) but want to sort out my Chelsea player problem after this week as I expect some rotation tomorrow.

    Ryan
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram
    Mane KDB Son Maddison Mount
    Vardy (C) Jiminez
    Button Mousset Kelly Rico
    1 FT, 1.4 ITB

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

      Think Kelly will keep his place for long?

      Re planning on chels players, good shout

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

        I have to WC before GW20, I believe he will hold until that point at least.

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

    Gtg?

    Pope
    TAA Lund Kelly
    Salah KdB Son(C) Pulisic
    Party Rash Mousse

    Button Soy Guilbert Dendo

    0.2 itb, 1ft

  21. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If Salah wanted to go 15-15 next two I really wouldn’t hold it against him

    Back to back cleansheets for pool also wouldn’t go amiss

  22. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How valid is it bench boosting on a single gameweek?

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

      not at this time of year - too unpredictable who will play or be rested

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

        this

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

      50-50 chance I would say. No one would have expected bench players like Kelly, Rico, Dendo to score 6 9 and 11 points last gw. But the chances of bb getting more points in a dgw is higher as players may get 2 games (barring rotation risk).

  23. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gazza
    TAA Tomori Lund
    Mane KDB Maddison Pulisic
    Rashford Jimi Vardy(C)

    Button Soyuncu Dendonker Rico

    Any needed transfers?2ft and 0.5itb

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Don’t waste a transfer so get a second playing GK

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Play Soy over tomori imo

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

      Gaz>guit

  24. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Jimmy or Mousset to Tammy?

    Thinking with the injury doubt and a must win CL midweek, will Tammy be risked this weekend?

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

    1FT.

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

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

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

      A, if you have no other fires to put out. But if you can field a starting 11, can save FT.

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

      A

  26. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sterling & Connolly to Alli & Rashford for free?

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

      Prefer Tammy over Rashford

  27. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    G2G guys??

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

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

      Not a great fixture for Pope... besides that gtg

  28. fordman1964
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Cantwell or Mousset?

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

      Would go for Mousset this week

      1. fordman1964
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Leaning that way.

        So it's...

        Gazz
        Lundstram Soy Kelly
        Mane Alli Maddison Sterling (1 more week)
        Vardy (C) Auba Mousset

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

          Looks good! Tempted to go Alli myself! Good luck mate!

  29. Sancidino
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I feel like I have kind of a template team here. What would you do with 2.4 ITB and 2 FT?

    Gazzaniga Schmeichel

    Kelly TAA Lundstram Aurier Tomori

    Maddison Mané KDB Mount Traore

    Abraham Mousset Vardy

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mousset to Jiminez

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

        Not really into the Jimenez vibe... Bad fixtures incoming and Mousset seems better value. Besides, I have Traore for the Wolves cover.

  30. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Will WC gw18 or 20, have 2 ft, my def. Is ryan taa soy lund kely lowton, for this period till i WC, lowton to whom:
    Wilems - aurier - dunk - sheffield Def. - lovren