Pro Pundits

The FPL assets who could prosper from managerial changes and injuries

In his latest Pro Pundits article, Lateriser12 – who has overall ranks of 77th and 189th to his name  shares his thoughts on the changing FPL landscape.


Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s hoping the festive period was fruitful for you guys. It certainly was a ‘Merry’ Christmas, Fantasy Premier League-wise, for me.

Last time I wrote was just before Gameweek 18 where I found myself ranked at 85.6k. Today, I’m sitting at 19.8k. A lot worked for me over Christmas but mainly it was the differential ‘switch-hit’ captaincy on Anthony Martial (£7.9m) against Newcastle United and he rewarded me with 30 points that most managers didn’t have. I’ve spoken about this in depth during my chat here with Joe.

Looking forward, there’s a few interesting things I want to talk about and they include everything outside of the Double Gameweeks.

The FPL eco-system has changed a fair bit and we have a few new managers in the league, namely Carlo Ancelotti, Mikel Arteta, David Moyes and Nigel Pearson, which changes things. I don’t need to talk too much about Watford, Everton and Arsenal here as David and Neale have already done some amazing work with these teams.

READ MORE: The changes Carlo Ancelotti has made at Everton
READ MORE: The changes Nigel Pearson has made at Watford
READ MORE: The changes Mikel Arteta has made at Arsenal

You should know that I am considering bringing in Ismaila Sarr (£6.2m) as soon as this week after reading David’s article and watching some highlights. In addition, Mason Holgate (£4.4m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.9m) are high on my FPL radar. Holgate in particular has a strong magnet-like tendency to attract the ball towards him on a lot of set plays. I reckon he’s got some goals in him until the end of the season.

We even have a huge FPL asset returning potentially as an ‘out of position’ player and that needs to be monitored closely. Son Heung-min (£9.8m) as a striker for Tottenham Hotspur is a very tasty proposition indeed and while we cast our eyes on the Double Gameweek 24, we should keep in mind these dynamic shifts that are occurring in the FPL eco-system. Son has some semi-decent fixtures coming up and I’m keen on seeing how he does in the near future.

Here I’ve scanned how Tottenham midfielders have performed in the absence of Harry Kane (£10.9m) in the past.

Of the new managers that have come in, one that I’ve got a very keen eye on is Mikel Arteta. I saw his first press conference for Arsenal and he comes across as a strong and confident character with some intriguing ideas. If I was an Arsenal fan, I’d be very optimistic.

I’ve seen the last two games Arsenal have played and they look like a completely different team. They’re creating some good chances and are pressing extremely hard. I think there could be some value in their defence in the mid-term. They also have some good fixtures coming up and sit fourth on the Season Ticker until Gameweek 32.

Arteta finally started Nicolas Pepe (£9.1m) against Manchester United and in the 60 minutes that he did play, he looked mightily impressive to me. The positioning for Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m) is eye-catching as they all seem to play in the front line.

Watching the game, Pepe looked particularly threatening. It is worth noting that he was on corners, as well, as he had been under Unai Emery. The proof is in the pudding as Pepe indeed recorded the highest xG amongst all attackers in that game despite playing only 60-odd minutes. He is one I’m going to closely monitor for the next couple of weeks.

Another thing to note from the festive fixtures is a certain bargain FPL defender. Manchester City’s Eric Garcia (£4.5m) has started the last two fixtures and, although some key defenders from City are coming back from their injury lay-offs, this is a situation worth keeping an eye on. Pep Guardiola has heaped a lot of praise on this youngster and with the City boss playing three central defenders of late, there could be a bargain for us available here.

Another defender I want to talk about here is a legend from last year, Matt Doherty (£6.1m). The Wolves defender has come so close to a goal in the last few weeks and has really caught my eye. He does have three tough fixtures in the next five though so maybe he could be a good bet for the end of the season.

Doherty has had the highest number of goal attempts and big chances among defenders in the last four Gameweeks and is leading the charts quite comfortably.

This article would be incomplete without addressing the elephant in the room. There is an attacker who costs £8.4m and these are his stats in the last four Gameweeks:

  • Second for big chances created
  • First for goal attempts
  • First for shots in the box

We’re talking about the in-form, FPL royalty of one time, Mr Riyad Mahrez.

If we knew he was nailed in the City team, he’d be in all of our squads. But at £8.4m, do we really need him to be nailed? Even if so, you should know that he’s played three out of the last four league games and played 45 minutes in the game he did not start.

Despite having featured for less than 1,000 minutes this season, he sits eighth in the FPL midfielder points table and has 13 goal involvements to his name already.

Next up he plays an Aston Villa side that has consistently been one of the worst defensive teams in the league and has lost their marquee goalkeeper for the rest of the season. City then have a home game against Crystal Palace, who have injury problems of their own.

I have been here before with Mahrez and it didn’t exactly work out. The decision depends wholly on your appetite for risk; I’m only presenting you with some numbers you can chew on.

One last thing I want to talk about is defensive form, as we can sometimes remain attached to our assumptions in terms of which teams are defensively weak. I’d just like to present you with one myth-busting fact: only Liverpool have conceded fewer big chances than Southampton in the last four Gameweeks. I just thought I would bring this to the attention of those that have their armband on a certain Jamie Vardy (£10.0m).

Before I sign off, I’ll just add that I haven’t really thought about what moves I will be making this week. But I will tell you that I am closely looking at the Vardy stat and a few sultry players from the Manchester City team – including Sergio Aguero (£11.7m) – are currently seducing me. My team is in perfectly good shape and I don’t really need to go there but they are hugely enticing in Gameweek 22. I’m not entirely sure just yet whether I will give in to the seduction or resist it.


Fantasy Football Scout user Lateriser12 has a very impressive Fantasy CV. He has registered two finishes in the top 200 (one of them equating to number one in India) and four in the top 10,000 in the last six seasons. The secret to his success has been playing non-conventionally and fearlessly, swearing by ‘upside chasing’ and not giving ownership much of a look.

780 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Should I do Kane to DCL for free this week in order to do Martial to Salah for free next week?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      ? Of course...

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ye mate

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

      Yup

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

      yes

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

      Easiest transfer of your life

    6. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks fam!

  2. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    My early Alli > Maddison transfer looks bad now. 🙁

    1. Cruz88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      How come

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

        Maddison injured

        1. Cruz88
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          He got a bang on the head during the game last night. I suppose it depends if it requires concussion protocol or not. Interested to hear from the presser tomorrow

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't worry yet

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

    Anyone hitting Pope out of their team this week? Half tempted

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Very tempted

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

        who would come in if you did?

        1. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Probably Fabianski, possibly Ryan

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

            same thinking, fab is 8 points behind kepa which is crazy thinking how many games fab has missed. Proven points machine

            1. THFC4LIFE
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah he’s a great choice, only thing putting me off is taking a hit for a keeper

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

      Yes but would take a hit so gonna have to wait

  4. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Members, can anyone tell me where to find the table showing stats such as big chances created and shots in the box?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You can make your own tables, or go to public tables I’m sure someone will have made one with those kind of stats

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ah yes, cheers

  5. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best option out of these?

    A. Fabianski
    B. Pickford
    C. McCarthy
    D. Foster

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      c

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Better to do button > McCarthy and keep Pope then?

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          No for me.

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

          This year everyone's struggling to keep a cs.Fabianski is a good keeper with med defenders and i don't think they will keep cs.Maybe against Brighton.Tough fixtures.

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks bud

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

      A

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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

      B or D

  6. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Moura to Sarr with ft this week?

    Pope
    TAA Söyüncü Lundstram
    Salah KDB Martial Moura
    Vardy Rashford Jimenez

    Button Cantwell Kelly Mings

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

      Moura could be upfront?! Wouldn't be taking out.

      1. ASAP Rocky
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Sonaldo AKA Son Perignon will likely be leading the line. Moura likely to play wide, try hard, and not score or assist.

  7. Freund88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play two out of
    TAA (tot away)
    Robbo (tot away)
    Alli (liv home)
    Grealish (Man City home)

    1. Stamford Bridge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      First two for me

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

      TAA and Grealish

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

      first 2

  8. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Brendan Rodgers confirms James Maddison picked up a knock in the Carabao Cup.

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

      He got elbowed in the cheek, really didn't look that bad though.

  9. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Good idea to bench Grealish and start Soyuncu? I don't have Ings

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I’d start Soy

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Start grealish

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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

      No Ndidi plus Ings plus Man City defense, I would start Grealish

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        True but you couls also argue that McGinn and Wesley out make Aston Villa worse. Ndidi is a big blow though you might be right

  10. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Martial or Richarlison?

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rich if you don't have DCL

      1. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Don’t mind double ups

        1. Jullepuu
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Rich has better fixtures for the next five and isn't prone to injuries so I would pick him

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

      I’m tempted to go with Rich given the upcoming fixtures

      1. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Same

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

      Been torn over this all week.

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

    Rate my team tool suggests Rashford will outscore Vardy and KDB.
    Do we trust the computer? (VAR excluded)

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

      Wont be surprised if that happens

      Vardy and Kevin will probably be a single digit return

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

    Better combo for the double?

    Guaita
    Trent Lundstram X
    Salah KDB Moura X Cantwell
    Vardy X

    Martin Kelly Rico Greenwood

    A) Jimenez, Son, Robbo
    B) Deulofeu, Mane, Holgate

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

      B

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

        Mane's effective ownership is going to be insane with all the (c) and (tc) during the double with his massive ownership, I would be afraid of not owning him .

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

          Cheers.

        2. ASAP Rocky
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah, I've been OK without him, but must bring him back in due to high ownership in my mini-league.

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

    So, Maddison will miss next game probably?

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

      No, why? Not the concussion protocol hoax again?

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

      Depends on the ‘knock’, vague again from Rodgers.

  14. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is the concussion protocol 6 or 7 days?

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

      Who is having concussion?

      7 days btw

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe Maddison, KDB took a knock to the head too.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      &, but needs to be actual concussion.

  15. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guys is it too late to get Lundstram?

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

      lol

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

      No

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You must mean someone else.

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

    So KDB captain this gw, right?

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

      Fark Dilva will play so KdB playing quarterback 🙁

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

        KDB can get returns from his own box

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

    Fredricks out for 4-6 weeks. Zabaleta hmmm

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Easy target to expose for every attacking team.

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

        Mane (TC) locked 😉

  18. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    To confirm, Maddison took a knock to the head, Rogers' quote basically said he hadn't spoken to the player or the physio and now he will miss the weekends game?

    Probably overthinking this one.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just wait until the press conference. End of.

  19. Ronny Sandstone
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you start between Grealish and Moura this weekend?

    Stumped by this one

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

      Grealish

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

      Grillz

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

      Grealish

    4. quayle99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Id go Moura, if Kanes out hes probably main striker

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish.

    6. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Transfer Moura out if you're not going to play him this week ahead of someone playing man city.

      1. Ronny Sandstone
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Hmm it's a tough one, maybe I should transfer Moura out actually? planning for the Liverpool triple up is conflicting me too much now!

        Cheers guys

  20. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alli to sarr and play over grealish?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Why not.

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

      Yes

  21. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    had enough of that fraud zaha.
    so naturally, took him out this week.
    even managed to do it before he dropped in price!

    brought maddison 🙁

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Smart move imo

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        yes well, would be nice if he actually plays too

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

      Still a good move

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

      He will play

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I cant seem to be able.to solve this 🙁

    Maybe you lads have better fpl IQ so can advise.

    Who goes as a cash cow for Liverpool triple up:

    Maddison - I mean he has delivered absolutely anytime I have played him. Machine for points, nailed on in a Leicester side who thrills and has the fixtures on their hand

    Grealish - AVL talisman and great fpl asset. Whenever I benched Maddy he played and kept delivering GW in gw out... that double figure would have been a master haul if VAR wasn't to stubborn. Great fixtures too

    Martial. - oop for bargain price. that brace was awesome and helped the rankings massively. His next 3 of 4 are yummy home games

    Rashford - do you know that he has absolutely the most SoT from the whole league? How I can be selling someone who has most SoT is in penalties and has 3 awesome fixtures in next 4?

    Ings - I mean hello who can downgrade ings to Greenwood when the dude is absolutely awesome. Fixtures also great... on penalties.

    Enlighten me lads please...

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      grealish

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate. He is matching everyone for cheap. Last four for him: 8, 6, 1, 13

        1. Lord Flashheart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          i know

          but vila are in bad shape, fixtures not as good any more, and he has no histrory of prolific goal scoring

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

      When are you gonna take them out?

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        This week or maybe next week or maybe GW 24. All options are possible

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

          Grealish this week / Rashford next week

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

      Delay the move for one more week. Someone might get injured/suspended etc...

      Would drop Martial if any

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks all. Delaying would mean burning a transfer

  23. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    This week is the hardest C choice I've had so far. Have 5 potential players alk with pros and cons. Thibk I'm going to throw a dice...

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

      Who are your options?

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Mane, Tammy, Martial, Vardy, KDB...

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

      When I am in that position, I usually ask my Girl Friend to pick for me ( she knows nothing about football ).
      Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt XD same as throwing a dice I guess.
      She did catch a few big hauls for me last season though 🙂

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I will do this 😀 Cheers

      2. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        She picked Tammy, called him Tamny but whatever...

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Should get a nice bug score then.

  24. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A) Alli(LIV) to Grealish(MCI)
    or
    B) Burn ft

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

      Alli to Sarr

  25. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Looks like the Toon are getting Ademola Lookman on loan til the end of the season. Should be announced today

  26. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg? Son, Rashford to Ings, Salah or Rico, Rashford to Robertson, Ings gw24 is my curent plan.

    Pope
    Taa, Soyuncu, Lundstram
    Mane, Kdb, Son, Traore
    Abraham, Vardy, Rashford

    Rico, Dendoker, Kelly

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good to me

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

    Good news for Everton. Mooy has a knock and hasn't trained

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

    Alli to:

    A) Martial
    B) Richarlison
    C) Mahrez
    D) Dilva ?

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

      A

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

  29. Hodg55
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Alli >> Sarr worthwhile?

    Ryan (Pope)
    TAA / Soy / Lund (Kelly / Rico)
    KdB / Mane / Moutinho / Alli* (Cantwell)
    Vardy / Rash / Ings

    Or any other suggestions please!

  30. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    any news on maddison injury?

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

      Tommorow