Metrics

Top 10k Wildcarders realigning squads around Liverpool attackers

5% of the top 10,000 Fantasy Premier League managers have already used their second Wildcard of the season.

Just under 2% activated the chip at the first opportunity in Gameweek 21 and a further 3% have pulled the trigger for Gameweek 22.

Not surprisingly, it was the most deployed chip for the current round of action, with minuscule usages for the Triple Captain (0.07%), Free Hit (0.11%) and Bench Boost (0.79%).

Compared to the overall base of players, the top 10k have been a little more patient with their second Wildcards.

While 3.1% of these managers have overhauled their squads, 3.4% of the worldwide population has shaken things up too.

Top-level managers on the Wildcard right now have taken this opportunity to try and invest in some emerging trends.

Most notably, there has been a shift towards a double-up on the Liverpool midfield ahead of Double Gameweek 24.

Sadio Mané (£12.3m) is the clear favourite among normal top 10k squads, currently owned by 80.1% while Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) is not in the top-five most-popular midfielders at that level.

However, he appears in 41.6% of the squads of top 10k managers who have Wildcarded for Gameweek 22.

We see a similar story in defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) in at least 78% in both top 10k squads and Wildcard teams at that level, while Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) appears only among the top-five defenders for those who have overhauled their players for Gameweek 22.

The Liverpool left-back sits in 22.1% of such squads, indicating that those making preparations for Double Gameweek 24 currently prefer the offensive double-up over the defensive one.

Liverpool’s upcoming double is not the only emerging trend at this level as Wildcarders have also targetted recent improvements at Everton and Southampton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.9m) has three goals in as many Premier League matches since Carlo Ancelotti came on board, helping him become the third-most-popular forward among top 10k Wildcarders for Gameweek 22.

The Everton man appears to have come in largely at the expense of Tammy Abraham (£7.8m) who remains the third-most-popular striker among top 10k managers (35.3%) but has not been considered so highly by the Wildcarders.

Elsewhere, two clean sheets in the last four Southampton matches has triggered some interest in Alex McCarthy (£4.3m).

The Saints’ poor start to the season has helped their goalkeeper drop to a kind price, which could help the 22.7% of top 10k Wildcarders enjoy value for money in the coming weeks.

As we reported this week, Southampton have conceded just four big chances in their last four matches, second only to Liverpool during that period.

Interestingly, no West Ham player has made their way into the top 10k Wildcard template even with Double Gameweek 24 on the immediate horizon.

Jamie Vardy‘s (£10.0m) return from a recent calf injury will come as beautiful news to over half of Fantasy managers currently inside the top 10k.

After the Leicester man won the most recent Fantasy Football Scout captain poll, he has earned massive support among the world’s most in-form managers too.

In fact, his command of armbands looks to be even stronger at this level than in our own community.

35.5% of you voted for Vardy as the best captain option for Gameweek 22 but he has amassed a whopping 52.3% support for the armband among the top 10k this weekend.

Such large effective ownership (147.6%) could be the setting for a make or break week for some Fantasy managers.

Those perhaps best placed to capitalise if Southampton’s newfound defensive form does frustrate Vardy at the King Power Stadium are Fantasy managers backing Kevin de Bruyne (£10.6m).

Ahead of a trip to Aston Villa, who have conceded more shots in the box than any other side this season, the Belgian has been chosen as captain by 18% of the top 10k.

Arguably, the same goes for Mané captainers, as only 7.5% of the top 10k have handed their backing to the Liverpool midfielder ahead of a trip to Spurs.

1,050 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So who is keeping Rashford?

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

      Let’s see how he does this week. Probably keeping... or not. 😀

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but with the way UTD are playing might have to ditch.

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

          They’re not as bad (in my eyetest) as people seem out to be on here.
          Also if they do something highly likely it goes through Rash/Martial.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yes

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hadn’t really entered my thoughts as a sell for at least 4 GW’s with pens, DFK’s, and NOR, BUR, WOL in his next 3

      Would you sell before that run is over?

      If he hasn’t notched 20 or so points by he end of that run though he may become a transfer out

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        This my exact thinking.
        NOR liv BUR WOLV is an odd time to get rid of the 4th highest points player in the game imo
        (yes Man u not great but as above, always starts, pens fk's and relativly cheap)

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Pens & DFK’s are such a points booster over a season

          For those rare souls who monopolise both for their teams (e.g. Rashford) they must be worth 30-50 extra points a year in some cases, always gives a good chance of ticking over in any individual game

          1. Joggers Nipple
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Indeed.
            It mean double LIV def over doublemid but happy with that
            If you start the season with say Kane and Aguero up front people will say 'whats the point in all that cash if you not captaining them' come 25 double LIV mid will give that problem exactly.
            Happier to have Robertson over Rico, keep KDB, have Grealish over Traore and have just Mane and no Salah (or Rashford over DCL)

    4. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Already sold

      Not interested in LIV, BUR,
      WOL
      CHE
      WAT
      EVE
      MCI
      TOT

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Why though?

        He has already played all of those teams this season

        If my maths are correct - In the 8 games he has 7G 2A, and only blanked in two of the eight games (Everton & Watford)

        9 returns in 8 games against those teams seems a decent endorsement of his capability

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I’d say they are in worse form now than earlier in the season, and the easier games like Watford are looking a bit tougher atm

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Wouldn’t get too hung up on utd’s form for FPL purposes - it’s Rashford’s points that matter - Man Utd been a dumpster fire all season & Rashford has still been smashing it all the way 🙂

            With NOR, BUR, WOL in his next 3, and that track record against his next 8 opponents - he looks like a very odd sell to me... one of those ones that bites sellers

            Especially with pens & DFK’s

          2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Hate to say I told you so

      2. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        And the two big performances against Chelsea and spurs came at Old Trafford and in bad moments for those two teams

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Chelsea & Spurs are both as bad, if not much, much worse now than they were earlier in the season too though

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

      Will have to sell to fund Mane.

    6. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Probably downgrading to a 5-5-6.0 fwd to afford Mane.

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

      me

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

    Should I keep Alli for Watford away? Has a good record against them and will be right at the heart of things with Kane out.

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get rid imo

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

      At the heart of a scuffle aquiring a red in frustration...

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Do you think he’ll get points against them? If so, definitely keep - if not, think about selling

      No one else knows what will happen - your guess is as good as theres

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        *theirs 🙂

    4. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Already sold

  3. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Will Janmaat get his spot back when he is back?

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

      He plays in the same position as Kiko?

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but Janmaat is 1st choice when fit. Guess it depends on Pearson.

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

        No, Kiko left, Mariappa Right. Janmaat - Right

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not under Pearson

  4. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Those looking for a keeper, written about it here.

    https://twitter.com/lateriser12/status/1215892639406379008?s=20

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m one for looking on the bright side got 15 minutes and a clean sheet from Fabianski

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just say McCarthy and save

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

      Great link - I took a punt on Pope to Leno this gw 🙂

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Leno look ok(ish) on points all of a sudden after the baps vs a diabolical Utd team...

      But he still sends a cold shiver down my spine as an FPL pick playing behind those “defenders” - Arteta effect or not

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Pressing is going to lead to goals before it does css

  5. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mane didn’t rise on 105???

    Maupay and Mané for Martial and Rashford as a early transfer... sounds like the beginning of a horror story

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      if you have Salah already no, if no Salah then yes

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Of course i have Salah

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Then no, dont do that

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Already did cause no extra money and Mané on 105

  6. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    2 ft.

    Hendo and VVD to McCarthy and Robbo?
    Or not?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get Robbo in & keep VVD

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

        Also have TAA and Mane.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Triple Defence & Vardy perma (c) is my tip - backing them to outscore the SalahMane configurations over next 5-10 GWs

  7. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford to
    A. DCL
    B. Ings

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Always Ings

    2. Party time
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ings. No brainer

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

      Which scores most next GW:

      A) Alli (wat)
      B) Maddison (bur)
      C) Traore (sot)

      1. Party time
          4 years, 2 months ago

          B

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

        So my plan was to change Aurier to Robertson (two transfers needed, Kelly must be downgraded) but now that it seems Digne has lost most set pieces maybe I should just go for a direct change of Digne to Robertson:

        a. Digne -> Robertson and save a free transfer for next gw
        b. Aurier + Kelly -> Robertson + Williams

        Martin
        TAA, Digne, Lundstram
        Salah, KDB, Maddison, Grealish
        Vardy, Ings, Jiménez

        Guaita, Aurier, Hayden, Kelly

        1. Joggers Nipple
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          A. next week prob if 1FT, now if 2FT

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

            Thanks. I have two free transfers now, so I guess Digne will have to go if he shows no signs of attacking threat this weekend.

            1. Joggers Nipple
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Burn 1ft this week on say Aurier to Cheap WAT def, for example.
              Digne to Robertson next week?

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

                Yes, could be a good move. Still lot of possibilities in cheap defenders. And would like free up some money. A week to think 🙂

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Still undicided on keeping TAA VVD Salah or bringining in Mane removing VVD.

        If I do go Mane then I will have a bench of Janmaat Hanley Greenwood.

        Decisions decisions.

        What to do???

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

          With the def triple up what is your DGW captaincy plan? Would you play your TC?

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

            Ignore this - misread

          2. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            TC Salah.

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

          I'd lose VvD for Mané personally.

          I'm strongly considering losing Robertson for Salah

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

        My Original plan was to do Grealish > Mane for FT

        Now since Fabianski is injured, what to do?

        A- Fabianski > Ryan/McArthy (-4)
        B- wait for news on Fabianski
        C- play without a Keeper for one gameweek

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

          Well if you would get 0 points anyway it isn't really a 4 point hit.

          If they get 1 point it makes it a 3 point hit. If they get 2 points, it becomes a 2 point hit etc etc 😉

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

        This is my current team.

        Henderson

        Robertson TAA Lundstram Soyuncu Kelly

        Mané KDB Maddison Traore Cantwell

        Vardy Rashford Maupay

        I recently sold KDB & bought him back for 10.5 so no value in him could be advantageous. Would it be mad to do Robertson & KDB - > Dunk (for example) & Salah at some stage ahead of gw24?

        1. Joggers Nipple
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Your team is v nice, leave it!
          Would love to see Ings over Maupay though

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

            Rashford - > Ings is the move this week probably

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Eh

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

            Terrified without Salah going into a dwk to be honest

      6. The Legend Squad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        To reach first in my ML:

        Maddison, Ings and Jimenez

        Vs

        11 points, Rico, Firmino, DCL

        Who wins?

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

          probably B

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

          I'd always go for the side that has the points already in the bag

        3. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          A

        4. Joggers Nipple
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          11 points one

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

          Probably B

        6. Soto Ayam
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          A

      7. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ings or Rashford long term?

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          United fixtures aren’t so bad if you ignore FDR!

          Rashford (and Martial for that matter) have returned consistently all season .
          That said Ings is on fire and still great value and has better fixtures.

          Both not possible?

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

        A Cantwell
        or
        B Fleck