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. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Soy Lund
    KdB Mane Alli Son Zaha
    Vardy (c) Tammy

    Bench Connolly Tomori Reid

    GTG? Bench order correct?

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      nice team, good luck

    2. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

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

    Who would you get long term?

    a) Rico
    b) Targett

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

      B

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

      B. I like Guilbert from the villa defence but Targett also a great option

      1. Ross Geller
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        ^ This

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

        So you think Guilbert is better pick than Targett?
        I prefer more attacking defs and thought Targett is quite attacking.

  3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Did a bit of a risky move but at 850k it doesn't make much diifference,

    Robbo and KDB to Salah and Kelly for a hit.

    Would you captain Salah as well to really go for it or just go boring with Vardy?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Go with Salah!

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Now you've brought him in I would.

    3. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bournemouth are Salah’s fave team, 6 goals in 4 games.

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Good stat

    4. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wait, to try and improve your ranking you have swapped out 2 in form players?

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Its a risk, KDB has some tough games and the liverpool defensive double up hasn't worked for me, I've benched 25 Soyuncu points in the last few weeks.

        1. ItOnlyTook9Years
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Fair enough for robbo. But KDB to Salah is just the wrong way round for me

          1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah probably, but can captain Salah v Bournemouth and Watford and then reassess when Liverpool have their blank.

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Two downgrades for a hit
      Salah could do well this week tho. GL

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        thanks good luck to you too mate

    6. Max City
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I just did KDB to Pulisic, for free 🙂

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        will Pulisic start ?

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

      If you got him for a hit you have to C him I guess

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

    G2G?
    Pope
    TAA Lundstarm Rico Kelly
    Salah Mane Son Ali
    Vardy Jiminez

    Button Guendouzi Mings Greenwood

    Cheers

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You still have money itb and any FT?

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

        No that would be my team with a -8

        Tilimens/Lacazette and tomori out

        Salah/Greenwood and Mings in

        What was you thinking?

  5. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Captain Alli or Sterling?

    1. SB8
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I am on Sterling

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

      Alli

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

        Or maybe Sterling :/

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli for me. I'm playing catch up so going to enjoy taking a few risks now.

      1. SB8
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        havn't seen much about Sterling here, so he is nice differential when everybody talks about Vardy,Liverpool and Alli

  6. J.Litmanen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Abraham or Rashford?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Both. Essential.

      1. J.Litmanen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Can't afford. Doing kane to one.

        1. Max City
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          If doing now then Abraham.. I'm thinking of getting Rash especially for GW18

  7. HVT
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start 1?

    A - Dunk (Wolves)
    B - Lundy (nor)

    I know....

    1. justmatt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Really tough decision. BHA are in great form and Dunk was incredibly dangerous in attack vs Pool and Arsenal... 50/50 for me. Sorry i know that’s not helpful 🙂

    3. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If you have to choose between them, probably B by a whisker. But could go either way

    4. Max City
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I feel WOL's attack is a more dangerous than NOR's

  8. Big Ping
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Jota/Mount > Connolly/Alli...or just bin Jota and hold Mount for the time being?

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

    Toughest captain pick yet for me... both guys ahead in ML have Vardy and Mane (one with Son and one with Ali also)

    I have Vardy, Mane and Son... based on this who would you all captain?!

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

      Vardy. One is going to be benched and the other is playing out wide at the expense of Dele Alli

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

        Son playing out wide at the expense of Alli is a funny statement.

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

          Becos Son is too good, two footed and can dribble.

        2. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          That’s true though. Son playing much wider now than he used to

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

            He will always get into scoring position, at the expense of any player including Alli and Kane of course.

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

          Is son to ali a sensible move?

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

            Would be good to have both, but won't sell Son at home to Burnley.

    2. Pickle juice
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same dilemma ......im going son as differential

    3. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have all three and going with Son(c)

    4. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Disregard your rivals. Pick who you think scores most. Save tactical captians for April

    5. Max City
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have Vardy, Mane and Alli, and currently on Vardy (c)

  10. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Might do Tomori, Saka, Auba ➡ Pereira, Alli, Mousset for - 8 and switch to 3-5-2. I see 3 huge upgrades!
    Leicester is just too good and would you really be surprised if they shut down Man City and Liverpool? Not having triple up has been a rank killer for me. I think Pereira will match or even ouscore Maddison. Meanwhile ignoring Alli in amazing form is just plain stupid. Double up with Son is a nice differential. Mousset is easily the best pick in this price range and great cover if anyone misses out.

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

      Go for it i say

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers man, appreciate support!

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

      Leaves me with:
      Gazzaniga McGovern
      Lundstram Söyüncü Pereira Rico Williams
      Mané de Bruyne Son Zaha Alli
      Mousset Vardy Jiménez

  11. justmatt
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all.

    Any suggestions? 1FT - 3.8m ITB

    A - Ings to Abraham
    B - Mount to Alli
    C - Save

    Pope
    TAA, Chilwell, Lund
    Mane, KdB, Maddison, Mount
    Vardy, Jimenez, Ings

    Button, Cantwell, Kelly, Rico

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

      Mount to Alli best out of those then Tammy move later

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would save..

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

    Pope
    TAA / Pereira / Aurier / Lundstram
    Mané / KDB / Alli / Pulisic
    Vardy / Jimenez

    Button // Tielemans / Connolly / Rico

    Tielemans becoming a bit of an issue, but with only 1 FT and 0.6 ITB, what move is worth making?

    Not loads of players I'd want to play any replacement over this GW.

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

      Save and assess after gw

    2. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save and trade Tielemans to Grealish, McGinn or Zaha for gameweek 17 or 18

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

        Yup. Looking at Grealish. Undecided however.

  13. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is benching Pulisic crazy or genius?

    Henderson
    TAA Lund Soy
    Mané Son Alli Zaha
    Abraham Vardy Jim

    Pulisic, Kelly, Guilbert.

    I obvs dont like benching Pulisic but with the Lille game he could be rested right?... and a cameo is possible. It’s him or Zaha, but Watford concede a lot of chances on their right flank.

    Thoughts?

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

      Crazy. You seen him play lately?
      Zaha's the one you bench.

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I mean he cant hit a barn door, lately. You dont think he could be benched today?

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

          As Willian has a potential knock, and Lampard has said that CHO is essentially not ready to start - I reckon he plays.

          Could even be RW with Mount LW.

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

            I agree w u...so many pple think puli will be benched but lamp openly said cho is not ready

            1. Pieterke30
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Well.. he said he had to show more in order to play more. That doesnt rule out CHO starting today then benched for the next 3, does it?

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

                You really want to play Zaha, so just do it.

                1. Pieterke30
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Puli got me 4 big fat delicious points vs WHM (H) and AVL (H), the pr*ck.

            2. Pieterke30
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              I know he is just guessing but he is guessing Puli gets benched

              https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/fixtures-results/frank-lampard-transfer-ban-chelsea-17376225

      2. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Have to bench one. Could go wrong with any of them.
      Your team looks good .

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        And who would you bench mate?

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Zaha.
          It’s difficult Zaha is nailed but Pulisic has higher points ceiling but with some rotation risk.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Think Pulisic has a higher ceiling than Zaha though and Chelsea go for it away.

    4. Max City
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You will need to bench a 6m player every week

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I know. That’s because I went for Son first, then wanted Alli. And not gonna get rid of Son before BUR (H).

  14. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play Soy or Lund?

    Taa-xxx-Aurier

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

      Soyuncu

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks Holmes

  15. aborg
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone who owns Jesus thinking of captaining him?
    City are home, they can’t afford to drop anymore points, and Jesus started firing on all cylinders!

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hasn't scored at the Etihad in the league for 10 games there.

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

      I wouldnt as united seem to tighten up in these games

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

        Usually they are not as successful playing tight when away and they will find it hard against a thirsty City.

  16. Big Test Icles
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Does mane get rotated this gw?

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

        0-30%

    1. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think he might, prime opportunity to. Just hope it's a full rest not a cameo

  17. DF
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Cheeky rp here

    Would you start McGinn ahead of any of these defenders? 
    Soy, Doherty or Lundstram

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

      Soy out of those

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

        Nah bench Mcginn

  18. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    GTG? Tempted by Mane (c).

    Henderson
    TAA/Lund/Soy
    Mane/KDB/Dele/Maddison
    Vardy/Tammy/Jim

    Button/Tomori/Hayden/Rico

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

      Gtg. Resist the temptation

  19. Limit80
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    This surprised me but BOU have some of the best defensive stats in the league at home recently. Regretting bringing in salah and mane a bit. Norwich are worst so L(c)rd maybe!

  20. Harmonica1967
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any changes or just accept burning a FT? Got two transfers, nothing in the bank and (as far as I can see) no really pressing problems. Currently just inside the top 100k

    Push-Button
    TAA-Pereira-Soyuncu-Lund-Kelly
    Mane-KDB-Son-James-Cantwell
    Vardy-Abraham-Jimenez

    Thanks!

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

      Button to Martin

  21. tokara
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Tiel to D.Silva?

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

      Do it

  22. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gazza
    TAA, Pereira, Lord, Chillwell
    Mane, Mount, Son, Alli
    Tammy, Vardy,

    Ings, Cantwell, Targett

    GTG?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Captain?

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

        Can't decide

  23. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    1FT and 0.2 itb

    Henderson
    TAA-Robbo-Lundstram
    Mount-Mane(c)-KdB
    Vardy-Jimenez-Abraham

    Button-Soy-Cantwell-Rico

    Save FT?

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

      10 players?

      1. Better Call Raul
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Forgot I also have Maddison !

  24. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Looking at taking Pope out but can’t decide between Ryan or Henderson.

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

      Ryan if you Lundy

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yep

    2. AEW Rules
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I am in the same position should I take pope out, thinking Ryan as I have Lund so don't want to double up with Henderson. Why are you taking pope out?

  25. Fibonacci
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    GW 17 Tranfer Dilemma

    Henderson
    Soy TAA Lundstram
    Grealish Mane KDB Pulisic
    Vardy Abraham Jimenez

    Stekelenburg | Mount Kelly Rico Cash ITB - 2.3m

    A. Jimenez > Rashford
    B. Mount > Alli

    Which transfer scores more points over the next 4 GWs - A or B?

  26. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Fellow Salah captainers raise your hands please!

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

      Asking for Salah owner would be better 😉

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Could be.

        Feeling so lonely. May chicken out and hand it over to Alli instead 🙁

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

          I'm going with Aurier, maybe this gives you push to stick with Salah 😛

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

      Yeah. I'm holding my nose and doing it. Expect to continue my downward trajectory as a result

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

      I don´t have the b... to do it - but hope you get a massive captain score!

  27. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Are there chances TAA may be rested and Tomori don’t play again?

    If so, I won’t have 3 playing def, because I’m thinking to sell Tomori to Clark?

    1. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes there is a chance. Tomori not certain to start and Gomez could play but think one of them will start.

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

      Willems better pick

  28. Kiwi Don
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Going all out in a season defining move.

    Starting Zaha and benching Mane.
    Capt Alli over Vardy.
    Could be a rank killer or help me get in top 100k

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

      Mane wud either start or dont play at all ? So might as well start him

    2. Sj3451
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Could pay off for sure, feel like Mane won’t start so not sure if that makes your move less significant...?

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

      Why would you bench Mane?!

  29. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Team good to go?

    Schmeich
    VVD TAA Aurier
    Salah KDB Tiele Zaha
    Abraham Pukki Vardy

    Button Lund Kelly Dendonk

    1.7m itb 1 ft

  30. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    GTG this week?

    Ryan
    TAA/Soy/Lund
    Sterling(c)/Mane/Alli/Maddison
    Vardy/Jiminez/Ings
    (Butt/Cantwell/Kelly/Rico)

    Captain risk aside!

    1. Sj3451
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nice team - GTG for me

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

      Sterling against AWB and also in big games Sterling have played very wide