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. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Son rises alli didnt

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

      We also landed on the moon.

      Supposedly.

    2. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Son rises every day.

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

        Dam, beat me to it

  2. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Just checked Pool and Bournemouth last two head to heads. Coupled with current form I have placed the armband firmly on Mane!

    If I had Salah he would get it and Mane vice.

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Will he start though

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

        Salah? Think they'll both start.

        1. PapaWengzz
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I meant mane. I read klopps comments and it sounds like a benching to me

          1. PapaWengzz
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I own him, starting him but wouldnt captain

          2. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            That’s how i seen it as well.

        2. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks both of you.

          I'll go back to Alli or KDB

          Most are on Vardy who I own also. Dont see a high scoring game there.

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            No probs, if anything i don’t see Burnley and Spurs as high scoring. Villa don’t really sit deep at home, Leicester with the better attack, think that could be end to end stuff

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I don’t think he will, it’ only Bournemouth, seems an ideal time to rest him after lots of 90 min games, or maybe an early hook off, or late cameo.

        1. PapaWengzz
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah same. Wouldnt be surprised if he starts, or if he is benched.

        2. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Ugh!!

          Proper stressing now.

          Gone from Alli to KDB to Mane in 30 mins!

          1. PapaWengzz
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            All of that while the party will probably continue

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

              Ugh

              1. PapaWengzz
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Hes costed me plenty of captaincy points as well, sticking it on Mane and Sterling, thinking it wont be a high scoring game, or Leicester cant keep it up. Atleast 20 points lost like that. Not going to keep making that mistake.

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

                  Early days yet so I'll likely have you both persuade me to keep the party going!

                  Alli or KDB vice

                  1. PapaWengzz
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 3 months ago

                    Alli for security of start.

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

                      Not a chance in hell Kev misses today.

                      He's missed last two derbies I believe

  3. FirMinaMiMo
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Folks!!! 🙂

    How's my line up .....

    Pope 4.0*
    Kelly soy lund rico* montaya*
    (Shaq) salah son dele maddison
    (Tammy) vardy rash

    Couple of questions????

    1) vardy or jiminez ..if jimmy means i can get kdb at my mids!
    2) jetro vs sou /or/ ings vs new!!!...which one makes a sense???
    3) (shaq) or (tammy) ....who to bench ..????

    Any opinions lads!!

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You would be crazy to bench Tammy away from home

      1. FirMinaMiMo
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I don't know mate ... whelther he will play or not???didnt see any updates about tammy injury so far!!!!

        1. PapaWengzz
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Plenty benched him for his 12 points last GW thinking the same as you are now 🙂

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Yep, here l. Tammy starts every week now for me unless he breaks his legs.

            1. PapaWengzz
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              As I see it, tammy is essential to Chelsea because the other two just dont cut it. If hes passed fit he starts, no cameo or anything. For him to be benched he will have to be deemed unfit and in that case he probably wont come on at all.

              1. Salah’s Sonnet
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Yep agree fully. Seen my dad before and told me to cap tammy haha!

                1. FirMinaMiMo
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Thank yu all 🙂

  4. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Son rises ali didnt

    Play cantwell or lunds
    Or douglas >zaha and play zaha 1 ft left

    1. FirMinaMiMo
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Zahaaaa!!!!

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why post the same crap again? You're about 3 hours late and most people here can scroll 4 pages back to see who rose and who didn't.

      Lund. Save.

  5. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Better duo?

    A) Rashford, Alli
    B) Tammy, Son

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

      B

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

      Tammy, Alli

    3. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  6. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Aurier (c)?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      😀

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      😀

  7. maratus
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Morning lads!
    Last check for bench order.

    Guaita (Button)
    TAA Robertson Soy Aurier
    Son Maddison KDB
    Tammy Vardy Rashford
    Bench: Cantwell, Mount, Rico

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

      Gtg

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mount in for soy

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

        I expect Soy to outscore Mount . Soy cleanie much more likely than Mount getting anything more than 2-3p

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Disagree. Villa will score

  8. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    can I get a RMWCT?

    Henderson
    Robertson, Soy, Lund
    Zaha, Mane (v), Pulisic, Alli
    Rashford, Abraham, Vardy (c)

    subs: Martin; Shelvey, Kelly, Willems

    thanks!

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Very nice!

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nice, on WC too with same forwards.

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

      Dont like zaha. Others are good.

      1. Pomp and Circumstance
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Crystal Palace do have very good fixtures for the next month, so Zaha might do well

        who would you recommend instead (6.7 or less)--and do you think Willems is a good choice?

  9. George James
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play one?

    A) Kelly
    B) Lundstram

    Captain one?

    1) Vardy
    2) Son
    3) Mane

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B1

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B2

  10. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bench one
    A) Soy
    B) Lord
    C) Mousset

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

  11. Jindaljain
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bench 2 Out of This- Tomori,Lundstram,Kelly,Rico,Soyuncu ?

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

      Tomori, Rico

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

      Tomori, Rico

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

    Need to get my captain right this week. Got Alli so might as well go with him. Think this is the week when Salah can outscore Mane(own Mane)and Villa away might be tough for Leicester.
    So Alli or Vardy what do you think?

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Burnley is also tough to beat. I am not sure that's a nostalgia or not tho.

    2. ppv
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli is tempting and still low owned

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy, can really see that game being full of energy and many chances at both ends.

  13. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    On WC would you go Salah or Mane? Expecting a Mane rest today

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

      go wirh your gut

    2. Klein
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Salah this week. Can get mane next week with ft.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers same thinking

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wc is for long term. Mane imo.

    4. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mane. Salah still has a knock so will be rested

  14. Klein
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Rashford to kane 3 gwks back has been the worst decision for me this season. Red arrows all around.

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

      ouch

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kane has been overpriced since week 1

      Wouldn't take him if you gave me an extra 10m

      Plenty better options way cheaper.

    3. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ouch. Kane playing WAAYYY to deep

  15. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Will Mane start this GW? What's the latest

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Common question. All up in the air. My guess is benched, or if starts then an early hook.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cant predict, lets take whatever happens and move on...

    3. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Salah’scankle will takes weeks to be 100%. Mane to start

  16. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Should i make Auba to Rash this week or give Auba one last chance?

    Form vs fixture

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      One last chance

  17. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What are TM, TC columns on the gameweek history page?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      PB?

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Transfer made, transfer cost, points benched

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Transfers made, transfer cost, points benched

    4. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks guyz

  18. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Why are people on here expecting Mane to be rested even after Klopp's comments?

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

      Don't know. But it is a risk so I'm not gonna capt for that reason.

  19. Cto
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all

    Top of my mini league by 35 points ( big cash prize for first at Xmas too)

    I have 2FT and 0.4 ITB burning a hole.

    Am I good to go? Am i stupid considering mane to salah?

    Ryan
    Soy Lund TAA
    Mane KDB Madd Pul
    Vardy Jimmy Tammy

    McGovern Mount Rico Kelly

    I really fear a mane rest, but still hesitate about salahs fitness and form

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It is mad considering how god awful Salah has been, but then again it is Bournemouth.

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’ve already done Mane to Salah...
      Fully rested and motivated after Shaq & Mane performance....

      And i of course I want to burn My FT...

  20. Vasshin
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Should I use 1FT to transfer Pope to Hendo

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      That’s the move i made, shuddered at Pope’s fixtures. Like the Hendo double up as it gives just an extra boost as well on top of the points Lundy gets if he were to keep a cleanie plus anything else.

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No

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

      Long term could be great but its probably good idea to use ft wisely during december. Injuries can be rough.

  21. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What to do here chaps?

    Guaita
    Lundstram Soyuncu TAA
    Mane Mount KDB Maddison
    Vardy Mousset Laca

    McGovern Saiss Dendoncker Rico

    2m ITB and 1 FT

    A) Saiss ➡ Aurier
    B) Saiss Mount ➡ Aurier Alli -4
    C) Laca Mount ➡ Tammy Son(c) -4
    D) Laca ➡ Kane (c)
    E) Save FT

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry don’t have enough cash for that actually, could get Kelly instead of Aurier

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

    9 players went up last nite hey?
    And I ain't got one of them.

  23. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Tis the season is this the general feeling amongst Liverpool fans?

    That Mane starts and perhaps Mo rests due to knock?

    Please inform us.

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

      'TIS THE SEASON?

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I can’t talk for all Liv fans but my view is Mane starts and Salah rested due to his ankle. I expect similar team to midweek

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

        Very interesting take and it seems the Guardian shares the same feelings but most here don't.

        Wouldn't Mane sit the entire game and so captaining is still fine as long as vice is Alli or Vardy perhaps?

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah I have the armband on Alli at present but tempted with KDB to be honest...

          1. ‘Tis the Season
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Mane actually an excellent shout to and yeah if his benched little chance he comes on

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

              Yea thanks that's it

          2. Stupendous
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Well no I'm saying I want to put in on Mane. If he sits he will miss the entire game surely?

            Otherwise he plays and smashes right?

            Vice being Alli or Kev.

            Likely Kev as he is due a mega game today I think

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Why would he miss entire game surely if he is benched? If they aren’t winning by a comfortable margin around 60th min then he’ll most likely to come on

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

                I am implying he isn't in squad whereas I think the other fella says won't come on

                Tricky.

                I don't know as much as any of you though obviously

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

                  Gonna go out on a limb and give him the armband

              2. ‘Tis the Season
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Likelihood of them being down is low but yes possibly. Klopp doesn’t generally change his mind or tactics during the game though so if his rested he should be rested. I reckon he will bring in Shaqiri or Lallana before Mane

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

          The Graun has excellent coverage but their team selection graphics are prepared earlier than FFS. The teams picked are usually best XI out of available players.

  24. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Kasper and Willems
    B) Hendo and Soy (have Lund)?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

  25. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell shared some photos of last training session on instagram story and writing "big game this weekend"
    Should be fine

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nice

  26. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start one-

    a Pulisic
    B Soy

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      a

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A

  27. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on starting Baldock over Soy?

    Baldock has had attacking returns in his last two away games vs spurs and wolves...and norwich have been poor at defending crosses...

  28. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    IF salah hauls today I can see a lot of ghost teams cruising into the next round of the cup

  29. Sailboats
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play Soy or Kelly? The other 2 are Lundy and TAA which I won't bench.

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

      I'm currently benching Kelly

  30. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which one would you bench?
    A. Lund
    B. Soy
    C. Kelly

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kelly