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. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy New Year!

    Any suggestions on what to do here? Nothing ITB but 2 FTs.

    Gazzaniga - Button
    TAA - Soyuncu - Gomez - Rico - Reid
    Mane - KDB - Alli - Maddison - Hayden
    Vardy - Rashford - Jimenez

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

      Get rid of Gazza.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team. Outside an attacking downgrade, not much can be done with 1 FT.

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

    Ali. Keep or shift? Possibly to Richarlison or Martial

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

      Definitely keep. I think Alli hauls tomorrow.

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep for sure. Why are you considering selling? Sometimes time away from here is the best thing

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

      Hah. Good point. I’m trying to get a third Pool player in ahead of DGW. I ha r another idea that wouldn’t involve losing Ali

  3. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ings or Jimenez?

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

      Jimenez

  4. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any other Deeney owners here... or just me?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why?

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        circle jerk

        1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Not many Richarlison fans either I'd imagine lol

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

    ryan rams
    lund soy aurier sidibe taa
    traore mane kdb ali amrtial
    vardy maupay deulofeu
    itb 1.7

    Which plan to go on? For gw24 liverpool double-up.

    A) gw21 deulofeu to dcl
    22 ramsdale to buton
    23 sidibe to cheap def. 4.0-4.4
    24 martial traore -4 to salah dendo/4.5 mid.

    B) gw21 deulofo to jimi
    22 ali martial -4 to sterling mooy
    23 maybe maupay to DCL or roll
    24 sterling to salah

    C) 21 deulofo to jimi
    22 ali to richar
    23 martial sidibe -4 to son 4.5 def.
    24 aurier to gomez might need a hit ramsdale -4 to buton

  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    3 questions left to sort my team.

    a) Play Kelly(nor) or Dunk(CHE)
    b) How many goals do you think Norwich score vs Palace
    c) Pukki + 4 or Martial

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kelly
      0
      Martial

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

      Kelly, 2, Pukki

      Happy new year 🙂

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Why Kelly when it's 2?

        Happy New Year! 🙂

        1. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Chelsea could get 4 😀

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

          Chelsea probably score more lol

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            It isn't 2019.

    3. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good ebening

      A) Kelly
      B) 0 or 1 (Tomkins owner)
      C) Pukki this week then shift for next week

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      kelly 1 pukki

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk
      2
      Martial

    6. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk for goal threat
      0/1
      Toss up

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

      a) both imo will concede, but play kely
      b) 2 not more than that
      c) i feel puki will score tomorow so keep him this gw, although i have martial and will ship him out soon

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

        a contradict b lol, play dunk for setpieces threat

    8. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers all, interesting answers.

    9. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk, 2, Pukki

    10. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A) Dunk (I’m playing over Kelly for goal threat. Neither will get a clean sheet
      B) 1
      C) Martial

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

      Dunk
      2
      Pukki

  7. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy new year all!

    Guaita button

    Taa targett soyuncu Hanley Lundstram

    Ali kdb mane salah Richarlison

    Ings vardy greenwood

    Any changes to be made?

    1 FT 0.1 ITB

  8. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    G2G? Went Grealish to Traore

    Pope
    TAA - Soy - Aurier
    KDB(C) - Pulisic* - Moura - Traore
    Vardy - Kane - Aguero

    Button - Cantwell - Rico - Lundy

    Happy Holidays!

  9. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Carlo Ancelloti good at setting teams up for the counter?

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

      One of the best managers at nullifying teams. I don't think Pep has ever beaten him. And he's one of the two managers with any sort of decent record against Klopp.

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Starting Rich then, thanks...

  10. 420king
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy new year guys.

    Question. Have 2 FT, which move looks better for this week:
    A) Lucas to Traore, Aurier to TAA
    B) Grealish to Traore (Kane to Vardy and Aurier to TAA next week)

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

    Which moves by DGW? Note that Jimenez has awful fixtures from DGW onwards, so that’s when I’d pull the trigger on him.

    A: Kelly, Jimenez -> Gomez and Ings
    B: Kelly, Jimenez, Mount, Ayew -> Gomez, Ings, Traore, DCL

    If I do B, I need to start with Mount -> Traore tonight to not be priced out.

    Current team:

    Pope / Gazza

    TAA, Söyüncü, Lundstram, Kelly, Rico

    Salah, KDB Maddison, Mount, Ali

    Vardy, Jimenez, Ayew

    1. abk
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I like B. Do you think Gomez will play both games in week 24?

  12. abk
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy new year all.

    Which one? Im 80 points behind in my ML
    2.0 ITB, 2FT

    a) Guaita Cantwell Ings -> Heaton Martial DCL (-4)
    b) Rich-> Martial and roll FT
    c) Nothing and burn FT

  13. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy New Year folks.

    What to do with this lot?

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Soyuncu
    Salah Cantwell KDB Mané
    Vardy Jimenez Maupay

    Button - Grealish Targett Lundstram

    1 FT, 0.4 itb

    1. abk
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You could get away with rolling the transfer. Might come in handy with DGW coming up

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah that might have to be the play. I just have to hope Aurier starts.

  14. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Keep Gazzaniga or move to Fabianski?

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

      Move

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

        * if free

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

    Best differential captain

    A Rashford
    B Alli

    Or go safer with

    C Vardy
    D Salah
    E KDB

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      Alli has a good record vs. Southampton, but I definitely feel Vardy is the overwhelming 'safe' captain this week.

  16. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy or Salah Captain?

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

      Vardy for me.

    2. abk
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Im being stubborn and staying on Salah (c)

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

    Maddi to Willian a good move? Or next GW?

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

      No Maddison got some good fixtures

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

        But he has been blanking.

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

          Quality player- just my opinion but think he well outscores Willian over next few games

        2. S3
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          last two were tough games

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

    Mount+Kelly to Traore and Gomez?

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

      Yes

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

    ryan rams
    lund soy aurier sidibe taa
    traore mane kdb ali amrtial
    vardy maupay deulofeu
    itb 1.7

    Which plan to go on.? For gw24 liverpool double-up.

    A) gw21 deulofeu to dcl
    22 ramsdale to buton
    23 sidibe to cheap def. 4.0-4.4
    24 martial traore -4 to salah dendo/4.5 mid.

    B) gw21 deulofo to jimi
    22 ali martial -4 to sterling mooy
    23 maybe maupay to DCL or roll
    24 sterling to salah

    C) 21 deulofo to jimi
    22 ali to richar
    23 martial sidibe -4 to son 4.5 def.
    24 aurier to gomez might need a hit ramsdale -4 to buton

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

      Aurier to Gomez? Def double up and no hit.

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

        thats C right? price changes will force a hit or no

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

          or getting a def. for less than 4.5 eyeing ward 4.3

  20. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy new year.. ...cant decide armband.....
    Vardy,
    KDB,
    Mane,
    Kane ......

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

      Big Kev

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

      neither do i

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

    Any changes you would make or ok to go this week?

    Ryan
    TAA Söyüncü Kelly
    Salah KDB Alli Richarlison Grealish
    Vardy Rashford

    Button Greenwood Rico Lundstram

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

      Maybe play Rico over Kelly

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      How much itb

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

        .3m only

  22. Nas
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play kiko or rico?

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

      Kiko

  23. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Been looking at stats etc loads.

    Can't look beyond Grealish to .

    What do you guys think.

    Pope
    Kelly, TAA, Soyuncu
    Mane, KDB, Alli, Maddison
    Abraham, Vardy, Pukki

    4m, Grealish, Rico, Lundstram

    0.5m 2FT.

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cantwell

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

      Fleck

  24. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How do I get Taa in?

    0.0 ITB 2 FT
    Henderson McGovern
    Kelly Lundstram Soy Rico Aurier
    Maddison Alli Kdb Cantwell Mane
    Rashford Vardy Abraham

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

      Aurier to TAA and Abraham to Ings or DCL

      1. Jones Kusi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        If I do that I have 5.2 to buy a forward with. Maybe Greenwood?

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

          Or go for Gomez and have a better forward.

          1. Jones Kusi
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            I feel like you really need Taa.

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Downgrade Tammy and upgrade Aurier.

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

      Downgrade Tammy to DCL and upgrade Soy/Aurier to TAA.

      1. Jones Kusi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I am 0.6 short. Maybe to Ayew? Have the exact funds to go Aurier, Alli, Rashford, Tammy to Taa, Salah, Dcl, Ayew/5.2 in the upcoming 3 gws

  25. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pulisic to score the first premier league goal of 2020

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Would be normal

  26. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bring in Martial or Maddison?

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

    deulofeu to jimy (have traore) or DCL ? itb 1.7 eye on gw24 double liv. either getting salah or gomez

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

      DCL if going for Salah.

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

        still undecided this how team will looks like in each case

        a) team A
        ryan buton
        lund soy taa aurier 4.4 def.
        ali salah dendo mane kdb
        vardy maupay dcl

        B) team B (sterling will be salah in gw24)
        ryan rams
        lund soy taa aurier 4/4.4 def.
        traore mane kdb sterling mooy
        vardy maupay/dcl jimi

        C) team C
        ryan buton
        lund soy taa gomez 4.5 def.
        son richar traore mane kdb
        vardy maupay jimi

  28. I am Cantona
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Good to go?

    Pope (Button)
    Rico, Soyuncu, Aurier (Lundstram) (Baldock)
    KdB, Mane, Martial, Traore, (Mooy)
    Vardy, Rashford, Aguero

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely awesome, man. Incredible.

      Are you actually Cantona btw? I’ve been Utd ever since you joined 😀 you are the best

    2. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg

  29. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy New Year everyone!

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

      Cheers Andy

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Happy New Year Andy! good luck for the gw!

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

      And same to you and all the family including of course Riley

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

    TEAM - GW21 - £2.1m Bank
    Pope / (Button)
    Kelly / TAA / Söyüncü / (Lundstram) / (Rico)
    VC-KDB / Salah / Alli / Grealish / (Cantwell)
    Rashford / Ings / C-Vardy

    Have 1 FT
    A - Cantwell to Traore - £1.2m Bank
    B - Grealish to Madison - £0.7m Bank
    C - Save - £2.1m Bank

    Planning on Pope to Fab next week

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      b for me, or save if you want to be really sensible 🙂