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. Alli
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    2 FT
    A) Jimé > Tammy
    B) Rico > Kelly
    C) Burn FT

    Ryan
    Robbo - Söyüncü - Aurier
    Mané(vc) - Son - KDB - Pulisic
    Vardy(c) - Jiménez - Ings

    Button - Cantwell - Lundstram - Rico

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

      I like B. Worried about Ricos minutes going forward, Kelly should be safe for the christmas periode and the fixtures are brilliant.

    2. The Hoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A and B, definitely not C. Maybe A as Abraham has so many chances.

      What would you do in my position (post below)?

  2. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Mates, would you start Rash, Tomori or Cantwell?

    Cheers

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

      Rash

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

      Rashford.

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

      Ofc Id start Rash. Tomori might not even play.

    4. EgyptianKing
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Thank you all mates 🙂

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

    Any news on Tammy whether he is in the squad, or if he travelled or something similar?

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

      Should be fine

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

        Imma trust you!

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

    Pope
    Trent - Sou - Lundstram
    Son (VC)- Mane - Pulisic - De Bruyne
    Jimenez - Vardy (C) - Ings

    (McGovern - Traore - Rico - Lascelles).

    1.6 ITB 1 FT.

    A) Save (this seems the best course of action to me?)
    B) Pope - Guaita
    C) - Fix Lascelles?

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

      a or c to kelly

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

        Could just wait for Kelly?

  5. The Berbatouch
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    To start, Graelish or Cantwell?

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

      Grealish

      1. The Berbatouch
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.

  6. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Repost for comments and help please:

    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??

    1. ZAWAd25
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      No. Chilwell will probably start

    2. The Hoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save transfer and then upgrade to rashford next week

      What would you do in my position (post below)?

  7. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Connolly or Soyuncu first on bench?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Connolly

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

    Bottomed
    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

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

      Willems or Dunk have the best fixtures in GW18, then you can save your WC until 20 and bench Soy (mci) in 18.

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

        Not only in gw18, for next 2-4 gwks

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

    Hey fam! GTG?

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

    Button Kelly Dendo Rico

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

      gtg

  10. ZAWAd25
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Keep Kelly on bench?

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Lundstram
    Mane (C) KDB Son Mount
    Vardy Ings Tammy

    Button Kelly Cantwell Rico

    Thanks!

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

      Yeah, you have it right as it is.

  11. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sopa de Harry Kane (C), uma delicia

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

      Esta gw cheira-me mais a Vardy (c)

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

    Have 2 ft, which of these (will leave 1 ft for next gw)?

    A) mount to puli or postpone to next gw
    B) lowton to aurier/wilems/dunk/lovren/sheff. Def. (Have ryan taa soy lund kely)

  13. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    BENCH one?

    A. Lundstram
    B. Willems
    C. Kelly

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

      C

    2. The Hoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B- others have much higher upside. What would you do in my position (post below)?

    3. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Tough tough tough. B I think.

  14. The Hoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I’m having by quite a distance the worst start to a FPL season. Have finished in top 10k in last two seasons and currently and... c. 1.6m.

    A. Auba/Jorginho -> Rashford/Pulisic
    B. Auba/Jorginho-> Rashford/Alli
    C. Auba/Jorginho-> Ings/Son
    D. Something else

    Obvs Tierney also has to go but I think that’s less urgent

    Henderson
    TAA/Soy/Lund/Tierney
    Mane/Mount/Maddison
    Auba/Vardy/Tammy

    Gazza/Rico/Jorginho/Dendoncker

    1.8m ITB, 2 FT

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

      C

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

        Thanks, any particular reason?

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

      B

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

        Thanks any particular reason?

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

          U will have good attacking players from differnet teams

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

      B defo

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

        Form picks for goal scoring teams

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

          Thanks, am torn between A (Pulisic has better stats) and B (Alli has form)

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

      I'd go B.

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

        Thanks

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

      Gone from 3M to 875K in 6 game weeks ... there's another 23 to go, so plenty of recovery time

    6. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B defo better players than other options

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

      B for me, 2 very in form players with decent fixtures. Pulisic a decent option too but seeing as u have double Chelsea attack already I think Alli is the better pick. Puli may not even start this weekend either.

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

        Thanks, Pulisic is tempting I’m just worried about rotation

      2. The Hoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        What about Tierney/Jorginho->Kelly/Alli and then Auba->Rashford next week?

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

          Solid plan.

    8. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Can you just afford Mount to Alli?

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

        0.4 short

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

          What about Tierney/Jorginho->Kelly/Alli and then Auba->Rashford next week?

    9. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B for me

    10. Heiro
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm finding it tough to remove Aub when he has Westham.

      Maybe Jorginho to Zaha. Then look at Aub & Jorginho/Mount to Rashford & Ali next week?

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

        Aub & Zaha next week out for Rash and Ali

        Typo above

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

          What about Tierney/Jorginho->Kelly/Alli and then Auba->Rashford next week?

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

            Yeh that's a nice move. I like it.

    11. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B for sure mate

  15. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope to Gazzaniga worth it?
    Have two free transfers so may as well use one.

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

      From a spurs fan, no way we cannot defend

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

      Does that mean chilwell to Aurier is not a good option?

    3. The Hoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would say Pope to Gazza/Hendo/Guita- yall good transfers. I went for Hendo but had gazza. What would you do in my position (post above)?

    4. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I prefer Hendo. I have Gazzaniga myself.

  16. 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. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Not a chance. Keep current team, play 4-4-2 and decide next week.

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

      Nah, not wildcard.

      Move aub to rash/tammy, and downgrade in d to be able to afford an upgrade on greenwood next week, or move for Alli then.

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

        Cheers boys.

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

    Good to go for this week?

    Henderson
    TAA Lundstram Söyüncü
    Mané KDB Pulisic Zaha
    Vardy (c) Jiménez Lacazette

    McGovern Cantwell Rico Diop

    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, set and forget.

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

    Ings to Tammy for a hit or wait till next week on a FT?

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

      Wait

    2. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      wait

  19. Snapes on a Plane
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jimenez to Tammy for a hit?
    Yay or nay?

    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nope.

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

      yay

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

      not for a hit

  20. t4thomas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any changes here?

    Gazzaniga
    Alexander-Arnold | Aurier | Lundstram
    Sterling (C) | Mane (V) | Alli | Pulisic
    Vardy | Jimenez | Ings

    Dendoncker | Rico | Reid | McGovern

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

      yea, the goalie.
      spurs are leaking.
      Also, don't be surprised if TAA starts on the bench.

  21. Mr Bird
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Captain poll...

    A) Vardy
    B) Alli
    C) Mane

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

      A

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

      B

    3. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      I’m going D) Son

      1. Belli2007
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        A - He is going for his 12 in 12!!! Although that does mean he has to score against Man City and Liverpool to do it!!

  22. LSK
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I won’t say good, but is this okay to go?
    Pope
    VVD Soy Lundstram
    Salah Alli KDB Mount
    Jesus Vardy (c) Jimenez
    Button Cantwell Dunk Mings

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

      yep

  23. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Have no Spurs...

    Kdb to Alli (free). Would leave me with no City players.

    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Not this week. KDB could run riot against MUN.

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

    sigh, just cant decide. final thoughts? havw 1.6m. Will WC gw20

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

    A: Tomori + Mount >> Kelly + Alli (-4)
    - Gets me a spurs player. no spurs could be rank killer
    - Doesnt improve the defender bench this gw as Rico plays liverpool
    - Will leave me exactly 3 defenders for gw18 as taa/lascelles will be out so hope that all 3 (rico, lundy, kelly) play in gw18

    B: Lascelles >> Kelly
    - creates a better bench if Taa is rested and Rico plays Liverpool
    - Leaves me with 4 playing defenders in gw18
    - No spurs could be rank killer
    - Will move Mount >> Alli in gw18 but Alli will be 0.2/0.3m higher

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

      A and swap Lac out next week.

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

      Not B. Tough call on doing A now for a hit, or roll and do next week for free.

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

        why not B may i ask?

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

    Is it worth doing Pukki & Jim ==> Tammy & Ings (-4)?

    Pope
    Soy / TAA / Lundstram
    Salah / KDB / Alli / Maddison
    Vardy / Pukki / Jim

    Bench: Button, Kelly, Guendouzi, Rico

  26. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    The reason I got Jimenez in, was due to his performance at Man City, and people talking about a poor fixture swing...

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

      3 attacking returns against 3 of last seasons top 6 so far this season.. People don't pay enough attention

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

      City are not the team they once were

  27. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling to Mane yes or no?

    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Toughie. Bit sideways this week IMO.

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

      Gut says yes.

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

      Mane will have reduced minutes tomorrow I reckon, and if I had Raheem, I would captain. United have had their little party over Mourinho but tomorrow they will be punished

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Sterling has never scored against us, I think we'll lose but not sure he'll do well, don't think we'll get thrashed. We're terrible away from home, we've only won one game all season but we don't concede loads.

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

      Mane might start on the bench.
      Wait one week?

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

      from about week 4 yeah!

  28. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What happen with Jim

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

      Tammy

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

    Have 2 ft, which of these (will leave 1 ft for next gw)?

    A) mount to puli or postpone to next gw
    B) lowton to aurier/wilems/dunk/lovren/sheff. Def. (Have ryan taa soy lund kely) (who's better for next 2-4 gw before WC, will WC gw18 or 20)

    1. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  30. Snapes on a Plane
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Ryan or Guaita ? Who is a better long term pick?