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. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Laca to

    A) jimy
    B) rash
    C) tamy
    D) moust
    E) ayew
    Or F) keep him this gw then out gw17

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

      B
      C
      A
      D

      E
      In that order

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

        I tried to leave a MUCH bigger gap before E but the site wouldnt let me
        Like 5 pages bigger

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

      Keep this week then get Rash, that's what i plan to do anyway.

    3. Congers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Think he’ll start? I’m looking to do C

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

        Yes he will

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

    Robbo & Zaha to Aurier & Alli for -4? Have Son & TAA.

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      no way man. get off the drink

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Too much spurs. Either Alli or Son. Both is overkill imo

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

      nah

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

    a) Kelly
    b) Tomori > Aurier (-4) and play over Kelly

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      a

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

      A

  4. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    2FT here.

    Gazza(Hendo)
    TAA Lundy Soyu (Kelly Rico)
    Mane KDB Pulisic Madds (Dendo)
    Ings Jimi Vardy

    1.8m itb. Considering Pulisic to Alli and holding the other one. If not that then Ings to Abraham. Any other thoughts?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Prefer Ings to Abraham

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

        So do I. But not easy call.

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

      Both sound good. Get Alli!

  5. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    start Soyu, Lund or Kelly?

    was all set on Lund and Soyu till I saw scout's pick

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Go with your gut. I'm going with Lund and Soyu out of those 3

    2. Am sorry to say again it�…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Keep in mind a few of palace's defenders are out

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Bare in mind, that the Scouts have a limited budget. Which you don't.

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

        It is too limited imo

  6. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Seems like Mane is going to start based on Klopps comments

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

      Not sure how you can infer that. I think 50-75% chance of being benched

      1. Pras (FPL)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure how you can infer that

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

          Klopp has openly stated he will be rotating during the bush schedule. Salah and Firmino have had their rest, now it’s time for Mane. Easy

          1. Pras (FPL)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Every manager says that. He did rotate. But not playing the best player who is in top form can’t be as certain as 50-75%. Is there a chance Mane is benched? Yes. Is it 50-75% easy? No way. Mane can also be rested in the CL game widweek.

      2. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        He said he is in incredible shape. To me, that means there is no need to rest him.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      If it was Pep or Maureen that would be code for ‘rested’. Could Klopp become a member of the benchwankery club. ?

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I think he is being benched.

      Klopp bigging him up to soften the benching blow. Seen Guardiola do that as well.

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

    Start Tomori or Cantwell?

    1. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Cantwell

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

    (have kely soy), Lowton to.

    A) aurier
    B) dunk (have ryan)
    C) lovren (have taa)
    D) sheffield def. (have lund)
    E) wilems/clark

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

      A

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

      Aurier or Willems because of chance to offensive returns.

    3. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  9. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    (RP - no love)

    Which combo do you prefer?

    A) Jim + Alli (3-4-3)
    B) Rash + Pulisic (3-4-3)
    C) Alli + Pulisic (3-5-2)
    D) Jim + Pulisic (3-4-3)

    Already got Tammy + Son

    It feels like all options are incredibly even. Wolves' fixtures makes me lean towards B or C, even though Jimenez has done well of late.

    (team linked in profile)

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'd go B

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks VDF. Nice nick btw.

    2. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A - also gives your team better GW18 players. Jimmy plays Norwich.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Good argument. But I think we need to think further than one game week.

        1. Pras (FPL)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Would see Spurs as a hard attacking fixture. Not yet anyway.

          1. Pras (FPL)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Wouldn’t*

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Wolves face three top teams in the next 5.

    3. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Rash+Mount

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

    1FT

    A) Cancelo > Kelly
    B) Mount > Pulisic
    C) Mousset > Ings
    D) Pope > Guiata/Henderson
    E) Save

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

    Button, Soy, Cantwell, Cancelo

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      D would improve your team the most this week and long term imo.

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

    A) Kelly (wat)
    B) Cantwell (SHU)

    1. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

    Bench Dunk or Grealish?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Dunk for sure

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

    Thats my team with 2 FTs

    Hendo
    Roberstson-Soy-Lundstram-Kelly-Rico
    Salah-Sterling-Pulisic-Maddison-Dendo
    Vardy-Tammy-Jiminez

    What would you do??

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

      I'd lose Salah and sterling for kdb and mane

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

      Sterling & Pulisic > KDB & Alli then Jimenez > Rashford next week if that works?

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

    Who to get in for Pope?
    A) Ryan
    B) Guaita

    Both have good fixtures till GW 30.

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      B seems to be the popular pick

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

      Yes, went earlier for Hendo 🙁

    4. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

  15. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    G2g? Correct bench?

    Henderson
    TAA, Soy, Aurier
    KDB, Son(c), Mane, Pulisic, Madison
    Vardy, Ings

    Bench: Lund, Mousset, Kelly

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

      I will play Lund over Soy. Difference with cs potential is not that big and Lund much more likely to get attacking pts.

  16. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Rigghhttt need some advice...I’ve got 2FT and 0.7ITB

    What would you do with this team?

    I’m thinking Robbo + Pulisic —> Aurier + Son?

    Any other ideas?

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA, Robbo, Lund (Soy, Rico)
    KDB, Mane, Mad, Pulisic, (Dend)
    Tammy, Vardy, Jiminez

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

      Not sold on Aurier. Maybe Palace def?

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

    Is it time to get rid of Kevin? For maybe Divla to free up.some funds or something else?

    1FT & 0itb

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

    Bench: Button, Kelly, Guendouzi, Rico

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

    For next 4:

    A) KDB (MUN, ars, LEI, wol)

    B) Alli (BUR, wol, CHE, BHA)

    * I have Son as well and no other City player.

    1. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  19. The Nightwatchman
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling & Wood to Alli & Abraham -4 points. Good move?

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

      I like it.

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

    A) Pope -> Guiata
    B) Someone -> Alli (who?)
    C) Save

    Current team (1 ft, 2.7 itb):
    Pope
    Taa, aurier, lundstram
    Mane(c), Maddison, pullisic, kdb, zaha
    Abraham, vardy

    (Mcgov), Connolly, soyuncu, Rico

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B - Zaha ta ta

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

      B zaha

  21. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A - Bench order right?
    B - Would you play Jimmi over someone?
    C- Or just GTG?

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Kelly
    Mane (vc) Alli KDB Maddison Pulisic
    Vardy (c) Ings

    Button Jimmi Lundy Soyun. 0 ITB

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

    Saiss, Willems or a Palace defender?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Kelly. Cheap. Cheap Cheap.

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

        This

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

      Kelly

  23. E25
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    If you were downgrading one this week which would it be?

    A) TAA
    B) Robertson

    - Trent on 4 yellows but on set pieces!

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

      B

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

    With 300k OR the smart move is to NOT captain Vardy right??

    Currently on Ali for his debut but considering kdb at home

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

      I’m 45 points from 50k OR

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

      Too early to start chasing with risky moves imo.

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

        So far I’ve averaged 16 points with kdb captain on 4 occasions
        Def considering

  25. Junior ⚽
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Maddison Pulisic Mané KDB

    2 FTs and want Alli/Son, who goes?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Madds.

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

        This

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

      Maddi for me

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

      3-5-2 maybe?

      1. Junior ⚽
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Don’t want to loose Jimenez yet

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

      Pulisic

  26. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I have Tomori and I’m considering selling for Aurier. Thoughts?

    Aurier - BUR, wol, CHE, BRI, now, sot

    Tomori - eve, BOU, tot, SOT, ars, bri

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

      Def Aurier cause you’d actually play him

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

    Going to assume that Jiminez and Tielemans to Ings and Alli isn't worth a hit?
    Currently have Tielemans on the bench

    Looking at price rises so wanting to get stuff today

    Thanks for the help and good luck!

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

      I actually would.

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

      Biased cause I own all 4
      Tielemans would be first to go from that lot and jimmy dropping (personally think he will punish sellers)

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

    Jiminez >

    A. Abraham

    B. Rashford

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

      Keep this week and >B next for me

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

    Best enabler for Martial > Alli?

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

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

      B or D

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

      Maybe D. Would say B if you've got Soy as think you'd need a Leicester defender

  30. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Guys I have a benching dilemma. Any help would be appreciated.

    Henderson Martin
    Soyuncu Trent Tomori Lundstram Kelly
    Kdb Mane Mount Zaha Maddison
    Jimenez Abraham Vardy

    What 3 outfield players would you bench this week ??

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

      Tomori, soy, jim or zaha

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

      You have 5 midfielders and 3 attackers who cannot be benched. You’re giving yourself a benching headache every week!