Pro Pundits

Everton assets on the FPL radar following Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival

One of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman, takes a closer look at how Everton assets are shaping up under Carlo Ancelotti.


Gameweek 20 has drawn to a close and went pretty well for me after I activated my Wildcard, which I left until the last possible week.

A total of 66 points has seen my overall rank rise to 36,928, which is just 26 points off the top 10k.

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5) was the star of the show but there were also returns for six others, including Ismaïla Sarr (£6.2m), who has really flourished since Nigel Pearson took charge. In fact, looking at data from Gameweek 17-20, only Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) has taken more shots in the box than Sarr, amongst midfielders.

Looking ahead, Everton are a team on my radar, with fixtures turning in Gameweek 22.

In just two matches, new head coach Carlo Ancelotti has installed a more adventurous brand of football, with real attacking intent.

Against Newcastle, The Toffees had an impressive 22 shots, nine of which were on target.

Caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson had successfully used a 4-4-2 for his few games in charge, whilst Ancelotti primarily used variations of a 4-4-2 at Napoli, so continuing with this shape, with limited time to work on tactics, made absolute sense – though he has added his own twist, which sees it transform into something resembling a 3-5-2 when in possession, with Lucas Digne (£5.9m) pushing high on the left.

With five goals in his last five league games, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) is a player near the top of my Watchlist. After being praised by Ancelotti after scoring the winner against Burnley, he took on the manager’s encouragement by scoring two classic poacher goals against Newcastle United, whilst also creating five chances.

A quick look at Calvert-Lewin’s shot locations over the last two Gameweeks tells us he’s getting quality chances, close to goal.

Defensively, work still needs to be done – not surprising when Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.3m) and Tom Davies (£5.3m) are your central midfielders in a 4-4-2.

Despite this, Djibril Sidibé’s (£5.3m) inclusion as a wide midfielder, rather than full-back, against Burnley was interesting, and something I’m monitoring.

These quotes from Ancelotti, where he discusses the Frenchman’s role after the game, tells us more:

Offensively, he stayed wide. On the other side we had Digne to cover the space there. Defensively (Sidibe) was working in the line of the midfielders, and the 4-4-2 shape, defensively, didn’t change. We tried to build up with Coleman a little bit back, and Sidibe more forward. It went well because he put the cross in for Calvert-Lewin to score the goal.

It’s early days for Ancelotti at Everton but it has been an exciting start.

Also, a quick word on Manchester City, who switched things up in the second half against Sheffield United, and were much improved.

De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva (£7.9m) played in a double pivot, with Rodri (£5.4m) dropping back and forming a three-man defence with Fernandinho (£5.2m) and Eric Garcia (£4.5m), when in possession. 

Riyad Mahrez (£8.3m) moved inside as a number 10, whilst the full-backs were given more license to attack.

How Pep Guardiola sets up going forward is impossible to predict, but that Aston Villa fixture in Gameweek 22 could be one to target.

As focus turns to New Year’s Day and Gameweek 21, here is how I’m currently set up.

If John Lundstram (£5.2m) is passed fit, I’ll likely roll a transfer, which gives me a bit more flexibility if I want to bring in one or two Everton assets next week.

In terms of captaincy, I’m currently on Jamie Vardy (£10.1m). I have fond memories of captaining him in the reverse fixture back in Gameweek 7 and, with Leicester City resting nine players against West Ham United, a fresh starting XI including Vardy will hopefully be set to profit.

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.

3,167 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it time to replace Tomori? CAn easily replace him with Soy or Evans

    1. Genovoze
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think it was time a couple of gws ago. What is the rest of your defense?

      1. Disco Stu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Lund/Baldock/Kelly/TAA

        1. Genovoze
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I have Soy and his form is really bad (1.7). Have you considered Sidibe, a Brighton defender (due to nice fixtures), maybe even Rico to save cash (again nice fixtures) ?

          1. Disco Stu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Thinking about Sidibe as well. Just think Leicester have the best upcoming fixtures

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

          Get Dunk if you don’t own ryan

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

      Yep do the swap

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

  2. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. Hope the upcoming year brings hell loads of points for you all 🙂

  3. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    (A) Ings and Martial

    (B) Rashford and Traore

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    Correct bench order?

    Willems (LEI) - Kelly (nor) - Dendoncker (wat)

    Would you start any of them ahead of Lundstram?

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Most will be starting Kelly over Lundstram

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kelly over lund

  5. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Henderson
    TAA Soyuncu Kelly
    KDB Mane Salah Grealish
    Vardy (c) Jimenez Greenwood

    McGovern Rico Lundstram Dendoncker

    0 FT, 1.3 ITB

    Thanks

    1. Genovoze
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No. G2G

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Do you reckon go with Greenwood (and hope) rather than start Rico?

        1. Genovoze
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I'd play the attacker

          1. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

    Guiata or Fab?

    I'm Fab all the way but all these Kelly fans are making me doubt it.

    Serious question......IF Kelly wasn't an absolute must for whatever equation you need so that Mansalah can be your strike force. Would you be genuinely backing a weakened Crystal Palace side facing a feisty Norwich fighting for safety. Theyve conceded a goal in the last two away games albeit one unfortunate, against Newcastle and southampton, no world beaters. Has Roy got the minerals to keep his pants clean again. Big day tomorrow! Opinions?

    Convince me

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Who would you say more likely to keep a CS... Palace or Bournemouth?

      1. B Sharp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Personally bournemouth because Pellegrini has left the team in a state and I can see a 0 - 0. Bounce back though but Rico or Kasabele is a shout

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

      I'm hardly a Kelly fan and I think many others feel the same way. If I were wildcarding he'd definitely be out, but I don't have any better options to start this week.

      1. B Sharp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        If you really wanna get your balls on the table, could always do what ive done and get William's. I have had a whiskey however

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      G

  7. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope - Button
    Targett* - TAA - Soy (Kelly, Lundstram)
    Maddison - Alli - De Bruyne - Salah (Hayden)
    Ings - Vardy - Rashford

    0.0 ITB - 2 FT

    Feel like I'm running out of time to make a decision before I'm incapable tonight. Just need to some advice so I can drink with no stress. Thinking Targett or Ings to go?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      T

  8. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski
    Doherty, Trent, Robertson, Evans
    David Silva, Salah, Martial, KDB, Traore
    Vardy

    Button, DCL, Kiko, Greenwood

    Think I'm set on this wildcard, thoughts fellas? Understand that David Silva is a little punty but fancy him to do well.

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Silva to mane

  9. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Salah for C ? Curently on Kane...

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mo

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Salah

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Kane

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mo

  10. HVT
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Contemplating Grealish (gonna bench this week) > Traore (wat) tonight for free or save and play Cantwell (Nor)?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      b

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Save or play Canty so?

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Play Cant and save

          1. HVT
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks Coys96

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. Root
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Save and play Grealish

  11. t4thomas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski
    Alexander-Arnold | Aurier | Rico
    Salah (C) | De Bruyne | Martial | Traore
    Vardy | Rashford | Abraham

    McGovern | Dendoncker | Lundstram | Reid

    G2G?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yes, good luck

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

      Wow this is basically what I'd want my team to be if I had 2 free trades.

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yuo

  12. janowsc
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would you start Guita or Pope? Ings owner if it makes a difference...cheers. Happy New Year!

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Pope. Why does Ings make a difference?

      1. janowsc
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Meant Grealish, my bad

    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Pope, I fancy Norwich to score!

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Popey

      1. janowsc
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers all

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      P

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

    Guiata or Fabs LTP??

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fab

  14. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    One to start?

    A) Kelly
    B) Rico

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        You’ve got me doubting now, I currently have Kelly starting

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  15. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Am I G2G gents?

    0FT 0.4itb
    Guaita
    TAA, Soy, Rico
    Mané, KDB (C), Alli, Martial, Maddison
    Vardy (v), Ings
    (McGovern) (DCL, Lunds, Willems)

    Currently edging towards Kevin with the armband but may chicken out last min and give it to Vardy along with everyone else!

    Happy and healthy New Year to all!

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Very, good luck! Go with Kdb

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you mate!

        GL to you too and Happy New Year!

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nice. Start dlc

      I wimped out and swapped c from kdb to vardy!

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. Start DCL over who? None of the other mids I can see myself wanting to bench.

        KDB has fared well for me so far. I feel like Vardy won’t mega haul so even if he scores better than KDB I won’t go down too much still being an owner

  16. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    OK, narrowed down to 2 now for captain. KdB or Kane?

    First to 5 wins...

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

      KdB

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Kane

    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB for me.
      Not overly impressed with Kane’s positioning under Jose

    3. B Sharp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You still set on Fabs? I'm having a nightmare choosing between him and guita but fabs will make points without a cleanie

      1. Blueberg
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        And good to have in the dgw.

      2. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Go with Fabs

    4. B Sharp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kdb

    5. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      3-1. Two more for KdB to win it

    6. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB from me as you know 😉

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        4-1

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

      Kane

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        4-2!

    8. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kdb

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ty 5-2 to Kdb!

    9. LEEDSLEEDSLEEDS
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone but Kane. He’s been Kak since Panama game and that was in June.

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Got me 32 in last 2 😉

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

    I have 2 FTs but nothing pressing. Any suggested transfers to make with the extra FT( 0.8 ITB)???

    Current lineup:
    Pope
    TAA, Söyüncü, Aurier
    Mané, KdB, Alli, Grealish
    Vardy, Rashford, Ings

    Bench: Button, Traore, Kelly, Lundstram

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish to Sarr

      1. B Sharp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed

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

        Thank you both for the suggestion!

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Pope to Ryan or Aurier out.

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      And Pope to Fab!

    4. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish to Traore. Next week Pope and Aurier ->

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry, Traore already there. Downgrade Grealish...

    5. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t like Aurier myself

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

    Rolling the FT this week so this is me.

    Ryan
    TAA,Soyuncu,Kelly
    Salah,KDB(vc)Maddison,Moura
    Vardy(c)Rashford,Jimenez

    Button,Cantwell,Rico,Lundstrum 1m itb 1FT

    Thinking about Kelly,Moura >> Robertson,Traore next week for free. Yes or no?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Like it

  19. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    TAA(c)

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Safe pick

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Safe and explosive, doesn't get too much better.

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

      Tempted myself

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

      Nice... do you think he starts?

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ballsy

  20. Lukakus talking
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench/captain out of this lot?

    Mané - Alli - KDB - traore - cantwell

    Vardy - Jiménez - Rashford

    Thanks in advance

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m on KDB with Vardy vc atm but keep switching them around!

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Same. Bench Cantwell

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bench cant

  21. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope, mcgov
    Taa, aurier, Lund, Rico, soyuncu
    Salah (c), maddison, moura, kdb, Cantwell
    Rashford, vardy, Abraham

    1ft, 0.2itb...anything worth doing or roll the transfer?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Save

  22. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start one:
    A) Rico
    B) Sidibe
    C) Lund

    Captain one:
    1) Vardy
    2) Salah
    3) KDB

    Cheers!

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A1 or 3

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      As above

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I'm chasing big time, worth taking a gamble on salah captain to try and make up some ground?

  23. Viper
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Done a poll on twitter that got 136 votes.

    The question was 'Is Alli & Guilbert - > Martial & TAA worth a (-8)? (Can't be done after any price changes)

    The poll got 65% yes & 35% no.

    When I asked here earlier I don't think one person said yes. Do you guys know something the twitter folk don't? 😆

    1. Blueberg
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      The people on Twitter might not know what you are talking about and have no clue what a -8 even means???

      1. Blueberg
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Though it could be worth it to be fair.

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

      -8 is a lot, I’d say not worth it

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not this GW

    4. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Still no 😀

    5. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Gd lord no

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

    Deulofeu to

    A) wilson
    B) jimi (have traore)
    C) DCL
    D) tamy
    E) ings

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B or C

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Dcl

  25. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Captain ?

    A) Salah

    B) Kane

    C) Vardy

    Thanks guys.

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. B Sharp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C.

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

  26. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play Greenwood (ars) in the hope of a start or appearance with a goal, or play Rico (whu) ?

    1. Greenwood
    2. Rico

    Cheers

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1

    2. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rico

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1

  27. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Score predictions for:

    Newcastle v Leicester
    Man City v Everton

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      0-1
      3-1

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

      0-1
      1-1

    3. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      0-2
      2-0

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

      0-3
      3-1

  28. Blueberg
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    0-1
    2-1

    1. Blueberg
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      For the above ^^^^^^^^^

  29. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Save transfer?

    Pope (Martin)
    Taa, soy, kelly (Rico, lund)
    Mane, grealish, kdb, Alli (cantwell)
    Vardy (C), rashford, Ings

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

    Looking at Aurier to Trent this week. In order to fund Alli looks like the sacrificial lamb. Best replacement 6.4m or under? Thinking Sarr as differential (already own Traore along with Salah kdb Richarlison)

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sarr looked great past couple weeks