Pro Pundits

How formation changes got the best out of Salah and De Bruyne in Gameweek 17

One of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman, takes a closer look at advanced central roles for Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah in his latest Pro Pundits piece.


There are many ways to play Fantasy Premier League.

Some managers will be more aggressive in their approach, whilst others play a more patient game.

On Saturday, as Liverpool’s line-up leaked on social media ten minutes before the Gameweek 17 deadline, I saw an opportunity to make a gain.

The midfield was likely to be a two-man unit, with Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) starting alongside Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.4m), in an expected 4-2-3-1. 

Mohamed Salah’s (£12.2m) best goalscoring form has come when leading the line in a 4-2-3-1, with Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) positioned in the pocket just behind, and this trend continued against Watford, with the Egyptian not only scoring twice but also causing the Hornets defence problems all afternoon.

No player attempted more shots in the box than Salah’s seven this week.

The 2-0 win over Watford means Liverpool have scored two or more goals in 24 of their last 26 league outings. The 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and the 1-0 win at Sheffield United are the only games in which they failed to do that.

A Salah and Sadio Mané (12.2) attacking double-up, from Gameweek 19, is something I’m thinking about.

On Sunday, it was Pep Guardiola’s turn to shake things up. His favoured 4-3-3 surprisingly made way for a 4-2-3-1 (sounds familiar right?!), with two holding midfielders and Kevin De Bruyne (£10.3m) as a no. 10.

Unshackled, De Bruyne was on another level, and the most advanced Manchester City player:

De Bruyne’s 19-point haul, combined with Salah’s brace and a Sheffield United defensive double-up, contributed towards my Gameweek 17 score of 80 points, which has seen my overall rank rise to 50,107.

As I plan to activate my Wildcard soon, my next moves are essentially one or two-week punts, with Jack Grealish (£6.2m) and Adama Traoré (£5.2m) both under consideration.

Whilst there is a bit of worry amongst Aston Villa fans right now after several below-par team performances, Grealish still interests me, and I do think if Villa are going to score, he will be involved.

A slightly cheaper option is Traoré, who’s been playing on the right of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ front three in recent weeks. He’s a player who looks almost impossible to stop when he gets going and is also a bit of a differential, owned by only 5.4% of squads. 

Despite this, it’s worth noting that while an away trip to Norwich City sounds like a fixture to target, only Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have given up fewer big chances than the Canaries over the last five Gameweeks. That suggests it’ll be a tighter game than many think.

Going forward, I’m also keeping Michael Antonio (£6.9m) in mind. Against Southampton, Antonio and Sébastien Haller (£7.0m) made their debut as a strike duo, in a 4-4-2, and thrived. The 1-0 scoreline could have been even better for West Ham United, had Antonio’s goal in the second half stood. It was the second time he’s seen a goal disallowed for handball in three weeks, having also had one ruled out at Chelsea.

Now, the Hammers have a nice break to refine the system before their next match at Crystal Palace in Gameweek 19.

So, here is how I’m currently set up ahead of Gameweek 18, with one free transfer and £1.3m in the bank. 

Grealish, Traoré, Richarlison (£7.9m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.8m) are all on the Watchlist, with one or two likely to come in ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

Re captaincy, I’m currently on De Bruyne, but Grealish is another candidate having returned 25 points over his last three games at Villa Park.

I currently have the vice captaincy on Dele Alli (£8.7m) but that will likely be removed. 

Alli does have more goals against Chelsea than any other club but I do have concerns about Spurs and their ability to control games with their current midfield options. I’m just not sure they’ll get the balance right when selecting two of Eric Dier (£4.9m), Moussa Sissoko (£4.9m), Harry Winks (£5.2m) or Tanguy Ndombele (£5.8m), but captaincy decisions will likely go right to the wire.

Thanks for reading… until next time.


Tom Freeman – aka avfc82 – comes onto the team to make most of us feel wildly insecure about our overall rank history. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user, he has finished inside the top 1,000 a staggering five times since 2009.

1,206 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pls
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo do you guys reckon scores more?

    A: Alli and Connolly/Soy
    B: Zaha and Mousset

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

      B. Zaha is on fire and has great fixtures

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

        Fire is a strong word.

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

    Looking at WC next week. What would you do with 1 FT / £2.1m itb?

    Heaton
    Kelly, Lund, Rico
    KDB, Maddison, Dendoncker, JWP
    Rashford, Abraham, Vardy

    Tomori / Mane / Robertson

    Don't want to lose Mane as I bought him for £11.6

    Thinking just Robertson -> whoever, no standout options even for short term punts

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bigger upside is Dendoncker to Grealish if can afford

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

    When is the last week using first wild card?

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      before gw20 starts i think

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

      The first wildcard will be available from the start of the season until Sat 28 Dec 11:30.

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

        whoa thanks mate

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

    Rashford or Son ?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Need to know the other player as one is a mid and one a forward.

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

        Getting rid of Tammy for one of those two, don't matter with formation as i'm Sun DT....Rashfod, good form and nice fixtures but injury prone ???

        1. steven8991
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I ditch Tammy for Rashford.
          But I also have Son

  5. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play 2 from these:
    A. Aurier
    B. Soyuncu
    C. Kelly
    D. Otamendi

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

      B,C for me

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

      CA or CD. Maybe A.

  6. KINGS
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    If KDB is rated 9 out of 10, what’s the rating you would give to Maddison?

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

      7

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

      8

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Generally? Well he's in the mid 5's ppm, so 7. 3rd tier.

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

    Captain poll fail this week

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

      Ironic as it would be the most interesting in a very long time!

      1. GOTHAM City F.C.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        You can still view the results.

  8. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Cases for the following captains :

    Alli
    Son
    KDB

    Let's talk about it !

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      All decent options in a tight week. Maybe a good week to try something different?

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

        Who do you have in mind ? Vardy ?

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish
      Richarlison

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

    What to do this week? 1FT 0.3 ITB

    Any Suggestions?

    Pope. McGovern
    TAA. Aurier. *Tomori. Lundstram. Rico
    Mane. Alli Madison Martial Cantwell
    Vardy. Jiminez. Rashford

    Thanks

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

      Tomori out or Save

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

    Maddison to Richarlison..?

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

      Looking to shift Madders too, mainly to possibly fund Rash. I dont mind that move, Richarlison in form.

  11. Lav
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What is the consensus on Tammy v Rash?

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

      Prefer Rashford if money is no issue

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

        Ik we have talked quite a bit in last 24h. Feel like I need him, and Tammys influence will go down with Chels hard fixtures. Issue is dropping a Maddison to Grealish, or TAA to someone, or Jimi to someone.

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

    Which striker would you punt for this week?

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kane

    2. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Pukki

    3. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Guys your Captain ?
      Bench correct?

      Henderson
      Lund Aurier Target //
      KDB. Grealesh(v). Richarlison. Son
      Vardy. Pukki (c). Rashford
      ####
      Madison Kelly Pereira
      1.9 itb no Free

      Thanks

    4. white lightning
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Just after some advice please. I have already used my 2 ft's (Mane, Pulisic out & KDB, Grealish in). Which trade option do you like:
      (a) Abraham out - Jimenez in (swap back next gw) for a -4 hit or
      (b) Heaton out - Guaita in (play over Ryan) for a -4 hit or
      (c) take no hit & play as below

      Current team:
      Ryan
      Lundstram, Kelly, Rico
      KDB, Son (vc), Alli, Grealish
      Vardy, Rashford (c), Abraham

      Heaton, Cantwell, Soyuncu, TAA

      Thoughts & thanks.

      1. osceola31909
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        That's a good team. C.

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

        Why are you even contemplating a hit. Easy save.

    5. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      This is probably the toughest decision I have had this season. I have done well so far but last year things fell apart with the holiday fixtures.

      Ryan - Button
      TAA - Chilwell - Lundstram - Aurier - Kelly
      Mane - KDB - Maddison - Son - Cantwell
      Vardy - Abraham - Ings

      2 ft.. 0.9 in the bank.

      A. TAA, Ings --> Rico, Rashford (0.7 left itb)
      B. TAA, Cantwell --> Rico, Grealish (2.0 left itb)
      C. Mane --> Alli (4.0 left itb, 1 ft, but it would cost .4 to buy Mane back)
      D. Mane --> Sterling (0.9 left itb, 1ft, but it would cost .4 to buy Mane back)
      E. Hold

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

        sterling

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

      Would you be happy with this team for the next few gws? 3m itb to get in Salah.

      Pope
      Dunk lund Rico
      Kdb son Alli Grealish
      Vardy rashford Tammy

      Button dendo soyuncu Taa

      1. osceola31909
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Good team. See how Tammy does the next couple of weeks. If he does not perform, you can downgrade him.

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

      Given that I will be using wildcard before GW20, are these moves worth a -8 as 'punts' for the next 2 GW's?

      TAA, Mane, Tammy, Greenwood > Maguire, Grealish, Kane, Rashford

      Would of course be wildcarding either one of Mane or Salah back in.

      Thanks

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

        Overall it looks fine. You can avoid dropping Abraham for Kane/Rashford and save 4pts. He has SOU next week as well.

    8. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Anyone feeling insecure about Pope's upcoming fixtures? No money for Guaita and considering the following:

      A) Ramsdale
      B) Henderson
      C) Save FT

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

        Bournemouth defence is rubbish, I’d stick with just Lord from Blades and save transfer

      2. Bggz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        save

    9. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Painted myself into a corner this gw, fully aware a red arrow is imminent. Who to captain...

        A) Pulisic
        B) Vardy
        C) Abraham
        D) Ings

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

          Ings

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

          Ings

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

          Tammy

      • Akshatjazz
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Who to play ??

        Henderson/Pope ??

        1. Pinturicchio10
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Pope but it's a close call

          • Holmes
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Pope

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

              Who do you think I shld Captian??

              Rashford / Alli / kbd

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

                Alli

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

                Rashford is also good

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

                  I'm thinking for a punt to go for rashford as Captian and Alli as vice ??

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

                    Should be fine

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

                      Thanks

        2. Binny
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Who to play this GW?;

          A) Hayden (NEW) v Palace
          B) Soyuncu (lei) v Man City

          appreciate any views...

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

            Hayden

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

            Hayden

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

            Thanks Gents

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

              Anytime

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

          whats the 2 player best combo for the foreseeable? double liverpool, double city or a mix, and who?

          mane
          salah
          sterling
          KDB

          1. FF Red!
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Salah kdb

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

            Mix is better, fixtures not looking strong enough for double up

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

            Mane & kbd

        4. FF Red!
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Captain:

          A) Son
          B) Ali
          C) De Bryne

          Thoughts?

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

            One of the Spurs

          2. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            KDB

        5. R.C
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Will Charlie Taylor start ahead of Erik Pieters?

        6. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Thinking of doing the following;

          Mane > Stirling (Have KDB) or Son (have Alli) for free.

          Then bring Salah back in for GW19 onwards.

          Thoughts?

          1. That Was Easy!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thought about this for sure. Salah surely looking as dangerous as in years past. My only issue is that it’s 2 FTs and going into GW21-22, you might feel the lack of transfers to fix other issues in your squad.

        7. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Might’ve felt the pressure of a bad week, but went TAA > Kelly to fund Maddison > KDB next week.

          Dropped KDB last week and don’t want to fuss about it because he costs more. Back into the team.

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

            That’s what i did earlier, rectified an open mistake

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

          Who to captain:

          1. Jimenez (nor)
          2. Son (CHE)
          3. Alli (CHE)
          4. De Bruyne (LEI)
          5. Vardy (mci)

          Thanks

          1. That Was Easy!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Going Son. Have Rashford too. MU just can’t break teams down when they need to. Son should get space. My only worry is a Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic midfield.

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

              Yep I’m on Son atm although have you seen Alli’s record v Chelsea? That said, Son seems the popular / sensible option this week... him and KDB

        9. Camino Aleatorio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Evidence that Pep Guardiola hates me:

          (1) I own Sterling and he gets pepped during the Watford 8-0 game
          (2) I don’t own De Bruyne he plays like a #10 with no limits to attack
          (3) when I own De Brunye he becomes a holding midfielder and gets out scored by McGinn and Ward Proswse over multiple weeks

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

            1. After an IB when Raz played all games over it & previous gw'. It was almost everyone's mind that Raz will be rested

            2 & 3 are directly related to the rodri injury.

            Hard luck bdw 🙂

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

          0.2 loss on Pulisic as well, exciting stuff! He has been registered in my alumni 😀

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

            😀

        11. Live Lad
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Tammy to Rashford for a hit?