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Is now the time to invest in Southampton’s FPL defensive assets?

If someone had told us back in October that we’d be talking up Southampton defensive assets by January, we would have assumed you were joking.

But here we are, nonetheless, on the verge of considering Saints defenders for our Fantasy Premier League teams.

Several months after the heaviest home defeat in their history, and the worst defensive showing this author has seen on any football pitch at any level, Ralph Hasenhüttl has completely transformed Southampton in one of the most impressive turnarounds we’ve seen in recent years.

With price depreciation naturally occurring across the Saints squad so far, Fantasy managers are now taking a look at the options available in Hampshire with great interest.

We have taken a closer look at their recent form to see if they truly are worth investing in.

As this article uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those who have signed up for the full 2019/20 season, a monthly pass or a discounted package can access it in full.

What has Hasenhüttl changed?

The cause of Southampton’s recent defensive success can find its roots in a switch from a three-man defence to a back-four some point after that (in)famous defeat at Leicester – as well as a newfound consistency in team selection.

Hasenhüttl came into 2019/20 still a big fan of a three-man defence and flexible attacking formations around that base.

He used a 3-4-2-1 in Gameweeks 1, 5, 7, 9 and 12, a 3-5-2 was rolled out in Gameweeks 2 and 10 and a 5-3-2 in Gameweek 11.

The Austrian did dabble with back-fours at various stages, using a 4-4-2 in Gameweeks 3 and 4, a 4-2-3-1 in Gameweek 6 and a 4-3-3 in Gameweek 8.

However, the biggest issue, as you can probably tell, stemmed from the fact that his side was never settled.

Even when a back-four was used, there were some questionable decisions made about which players would occupy which positions, especially at full-back – although injuries did not exactly help.

Southampton formations

(Personnel included when a back-four)

  • GW1: 3-4-2-1
  • GW2: 3-5-2
  • GW3: 4-4-2 (L-R: Danso, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Valery)
  • GW4: 4-4-2 (L-R: Danso, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Cédric)
  • GW5: 3-4-2-1
  • GW6: 4-2-3-1 (L-R: Cédric, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Danso)
  • GW7: 3-4-1-2
  • GW8: 4-3-3 (L-R: Bertrand, Yoshida, Bednarek, Valery)
  • GW9: 3-4-2-1
  • GW10: 3-5-2
  • GW11: 5-3-2
  • GW12: 3-4-2-1

As we all know, Southampton’s defence was one of the most porous in the Premier League during this period, epitomised by their humiliating 9-0 defeat at home to Leicester in Gameweek 10.

Still, it was not until the Gameweek 12 home defeat to Everton that the death knell was sounded for Hasenhüttl’s initial tactics with a brand new version of 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 system debuted on the trip to Arsenal – which ended in a morale-boosting 2-2 draw.

This was the first match that Hasenhüttl selected a back-four consisting of Ryan Bertrand (£4.8m) and Cédric Soares (£4.8m) as traditional full-backs either side of Jan Bednarek (£4.4m) and Jack Stephens (£4.3m) in a two-man centre-back partnership.

These four players have been the first-choice defenders for each of the last 10 matches in a row and the team has arguably been much better for the consistency – each outing seeing them receiving protection from the same pair of central midfielders too in Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£4.8m) and James Ward-Prowse (£5.8m).

It would still take some time for the Saints to register their first clean sheet in this configuration, although from Gameweek 14 onwards they only let in more than one goal on one occasion, the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle in Gameweek 16.

It is over the last four matches that Southampton’s improvements have really come to the fore, with clean sheets kept against Chelsea (Gameweek 19) and Spurs (Gameweek 21) while Leicester were successfully neutralised at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

In fact, as was widely reported, the Premier League’s Golden Boot front-runner and 2019/20’s shot-volume king Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) was restricted to a grand total of zero attempts on goal in Gameweek 22.

In order to find out whether this recent upturn in clean sheets is sustainable, and therefore a reliable source of points for Fantasy managers, we are digging even deeper, into the underlying statistics behind Southampton’s defence this season.

What does the underlying data say?

1,036 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    DGW24 - who scores more points?

    A) Haller+Robbo
    B) Firmino+Kelly

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

      Probably A

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You'd think A. Asking too much of Bobby.

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

        Cheers, Kelly could be Lundy or Holgate, but that probably won’t change the answer

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          No, it doesn't.

  2. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed!

    Hey everyone, keep debating a wildcard (to stop me from being priced out next week). Can I get some honest thoughts/opinions please?

    McCarthy, Button
    Trent, Robbo, Digne, Lund, Williams
    Mane, KDB, Richar, Cantwell, Dendo
    Vardy, Rash, Ings

    I have the EXACT funds for this team.
    I was tempted to switch Cantwell to Douglas Luiz and upgrade Button to Martin

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

      If you want martin i'd just do Dendo > Hayden. It looks like martin will get the dgw but think it still will only be around 5-6 points. WC is very valuable especially with other blanks/doubles coming up. Although it looks like a solid wc team, it depends on your old team (how many changes you've made)

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

    Start Cantwell (BOU h) or Grealish (BHA a)?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am exactly the same, I am going Cantwell

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

      Have both and starting Cantwell

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

      Canty for sure

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

      Grealish

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

      Cantwell. Brighton are fairly solid at home.

    6. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Same dilemma leaning towards Cantwell atm

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

    jimenez>DCL worth doing this week ?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Depends what you are using the funds for

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

        upgrading traore and targett

        1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Sounds good.
          Traore i'd keep though

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

      Or Maupay perhaps?

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

      If you want an Everton asset, Richarlison is your man...

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

        not possible with my current setup with salah, mane and kdb in midfield

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

    Looking at fixtures from GW24 I'm thinking Salah perma-cap until GW32.

    Takes the stress out of picking someone each week too... ha

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Blimey, if making one fairly easy decision a week is stressful, don't take up nursing 😉

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

      Meant that very tongue-in-cheek. Always seem to pick the wrong one anyway.

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

    cantwell will be starting over martial for me. hope it doesnt end up a stupid decision

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Normally fancy Utd to do ok against Liv, but scousers ominous form and Utd's spanking by City last week got me worried.

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

        ominous form is right.. my thinking. also cantwell could have scored this weekend. and vs that horrid bournemouth team maybe he deserves the start. but we all know how fpl logic goes....

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I'd just about convinced myself to start Tony, but unsure now.

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

            lol ahead of who?

            1. Fulchester's New Centr…
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Soy or Lund

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

      Planning exactly the same!

      Knowing my track record this season so far it will backfire but will give it a go!

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

        i express the same feeling as u bro.

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

          Hope we both get some luck then!

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

            goodluck mate!

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

    can anyone explain the maupay hype.. i understand good fixtures and everything but he has not been scoring in these "good fixtures" 🙁

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just have to watch him. Goals will come soon.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Silver hair?

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

      I’ve had him 4 weeks now and only delivered one assist. But still feel he’s a better option than DCL in that price range. Should have done better though. Next four fixtures should be productive (I hope)

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

        as an owner did u actively watch him? is he passing the eye test?

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I got in after the arsenal performance, since then he’s done nothing, main striker and I thought was pretty nailed on, but Brighton are not scoring many goals.. Plan on moving to Deeney (AST aw) in 24

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

        my thinking is to go deeney ahead of him and calvert. but maupay has the best fixtures but as u just said he aint delivering.

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

    Rashford>Haller gives me enough cash to afford Rico>Robbo.....and then an easy switch to Ings in GW26.....is anybody considering Haller?

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

      has haller done anything to be considered? maybe go the deeney route or calvert?

  9. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsdale -> McCarthy for a -4 ?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure a hit is ever worth it for a keeper, but...
      I am wondering about doing similar with Pope.

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Didn't know he was out. Just get it done.

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would..

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

      is Ramsdale declared out this week?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It was a hamstring injury, but not yet declared.. Think hammy is normally 2-3 weeks even if low grade

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

      wont do it for a minus

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Surely if out, no brainer?

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

        if out then yea

  10. tyron
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    robbo vs firmino go!

    currently on firmino as i have visions of lfc losing their cleansheet rampage as i decide to double up in defense. firmino away form has also been great which i think people have slept on and he is always ready to pop up with those cheeky goals and assist.. hmmm idk.... big decision there gw 24 ONWARDS

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      My problem is, I'd rather sell Rico/Soyuncu for VVD/Gomez/Robbo than I would sell Rashford/Ings/Vardy for Firmino

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

        completely understand... same issue here.. its tammy tomori to firmino and a 4.4 or Robbo and a striker 6.6 and below... so the robbo route looks better overall... idk it just feels like firmino ceiling is higher.. i may be wrong but one goal conceded by lfc can hurt everything. imagine watching them win 5-1

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      What Dakes said. Robbo is a definite upgrade over everybody else except Trent. Bobby is a maybe.

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

      Robbo for me. Decent chance of several clean sheets, especially after the DGW when they have a lovely run of fixtures.

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

        lol honestly seems like i am the only one that is afraid they concede one of those freak goals ahah. but i do understand. robbo and a playing striker with good fixtures may be a lot better than firmino and a def like those.

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

      I don't think all those double defense managers think they will keep 2 CS. However they can deliver attacking-wise too so 10+ points is definitely on the cards. And as others have said, there are loads of interesting strikers atm, whereas those 2 pool are the best you can get for sure. So i'm in camp Robbo

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

        fair enough!

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

    Henderson or McCarthy this week? Can actually see a scenario where Sheff keep Arsenal out, but where Wolves score, so leaning towards Hendo

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1st world problem.
      McCarthy.

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

        Rest of team is decent

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I believe you. It was a compliment.

  12. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guys. GTG or WC? (No FT but 3.3mn ITB)

    Current Team
    GK: Ryan (Button)
    DEF: TAA, Dunk, Lundy, Kelly, TARGETT
    MID: Richarlison, KDB (c), SON MARTIAL, GREALISH
    FWD: Vardy, Ings DCL

    WC Team
    GK: Ryan (Button)
    DEF: TAA, Dunk, Lundy, Kelly, STEPHENS
    MID: Richarlison, KDB (c), MANE, MAHREZ, DENDOCKER
    FWD: Vardy, Ings AGUERO

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don't

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Point chasing with mahrez and Aguero.. Remember WC is long term and city 90% likely to blank in 28

  13. chrisb182
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all,

    Which double-act should I go for?

    A) Mane & Calvert-Lewin
    Or
    B) Son & Firmino

    Note: I already have Salah.

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

      A if you have a decent rank, B if you're chasing (imo).

      1. chrisb182
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        My rank is abysmal. It is c.1.3m overall.

        9th in my mini league league at work.

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

      B is tempting

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

      B

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

      A

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

      I'd go B in your position then. You won't make up ground owning the same players as your rivals.

  14. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Clearly this article has stimulated talk of saints defenders...:)
    I think I will go for Stephens. Is he a decent pick when compared to other options? (Holgate/Fernández/Cathcart etc)

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Would probably rather go McCarthy in goal and then take your pick of that other lot, lets you have best of both

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I agree with this TBH. But they are all fairly similar. Consider Clark too

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

        I have Ryan

  15. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    This option involves being able to keep Rashford for now:

    GW23: Jimenez Martial/Maddison to Ings 7.0 mid (Grealish/Sarr/other) (-4)
    GW24: Rico to Robbo

    Would you do it? Team linked 🙂 gives Mane Trent Robbo

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Go on.

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

      I've done a similar move, so yes.

  16. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Worth a hit?

    Tammy, Lowton -> Maupay, Robbo?

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

      Tammy out? No.

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

      No. Wait and do it for free.

    3. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why not wait a week ?

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

      wait a week. def not worth it

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

    Who to capitan?

    A) De Bruyne
    B) Salah
    C) Vardy

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Jamie

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C (Cpt) A (VC)

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

      A for me

  18. lindeg
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What is the best move to make for GW24 with this team? I don't want to go with Salah.

    Ryan, Gazza

    TAA, Lundstram, Tomori, Kelly, Simpson

    Mane, Mahrez, KDB, Richarlison, Mount

    Abraham, Vardy, Greenwood

    A: Tomori, Mount -> Robertson, Dendoncker
    B: Mahrez, Greenwood -> Firmino, Dendoncker

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Easy A

  19. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who’s your Captain this week guys? Thinking Mane myself

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

      Vardy at the moment

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy probably. Burnley look dreadful.

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

      KDB

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

      thinking vardy most likely... and i hope he gets the memo this week.

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

      Vardy or KDB - might go back to Vardy as Burnley seem awful lately

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

      Currently on Salah with Vardy vice but may swap them round.

    7. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy

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

      On Salah at the moment but not convinced by any of the options.

    9. Party time
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Marvellous Nakamba

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

      Which one to lose for Salah in GW24:

      a) Martial
      b) KDB

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

        a

      2. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Sadly A

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

        A

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

        Obviously Martial, but where is the other third coming from?

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

          Already have 3.5mil in the bank, so I can do either (once I do a downgrade move), but I am just wondering if it is wise to take out Martial with those upcoming fixtures from GW24.

    11. sailor x
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tomori is not on first team any more?

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

        i am a chelsea fan and sadly it doesnt seem so. i will be ridding him soon

        1. sailor x
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          So, he was just sick or injured? I am asking because he is in my team, and I have several injured players in team...

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

            hes fit, but lots of rotation for chelsea cbs

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

            he is fit.. but rudiger position seems locked in.. zouma was above him it would seem and christensen just came in and gave a great shift. so unless we play a back 3 anytime soon i am not sure he will start. i am gona rid him

    12. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tammy and Maddison to Mahrez and Ings? Tammy has awful fixtures now.

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

        after newcastle.... yea

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        No. From 2 definite starters to 1 . If you want rid of Tammy just swap for Ings.

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

        Tammy has a good fixture this week.

      4. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I brought him in this week. Nice little uptick in form of late and these 3 out of 4 of these ‘awful’ fixtures are against Man U , Spurs and Ars at home, hardly the tightest of defences.
        I’m aware he does better away; he has bou and new in the next 6. The hardest fixture is lei and they are hardly watertight at the mo. Above all he has become a differential among the higher tankers (currently at 25k).

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          *rankers , but here’s hoping they’re tankers

    13. Steiner
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rash & Tammy > Kun & Greenwood?

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Na. Rash a long term keeper and Tammy form has picke d up and still decent fixtures for a week or two.

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Actually just a week

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

      Is it template to triple captain Mane or Salah in GW24 or will there be better opportunities later?

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        There might be better opportunities later, but there might not be as well. Bird in the hand, and all that.

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

          When is the next DGW usually - it's around GW33-34 isn't it? City might be rotating then given PL situation + participation in CL.

          So maybe the upcoming DGW is the safest for TC.

      2. Monkey Hanger
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Probably is.

      3. Lord.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        If Leicester get to the EFL Cup final, a DGW for Vardy, where one of the fixtures in Norwich (a) could be tasty, or City assets where Arsenal (h) would be a component. And obviously there will be other opportunities for PL teams that make through to the FAC Quarters and beyond. The danger; however, is that those DGWs will involve two games in 3-4 days at a time when rotation will be a factor, so the bird in the hand is definitely worth considering.

    15. mcginnntonic
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Think i'm gonna wildcard this week. 60k overall, 50 points behind in ml so chasing. does this team look solid?

      Henderson / mccarthy
      robbo / taa / lunds / digne / b wills
      mane / kdb / son / dendo / hayden
      vardy / rash / ings

      thanks

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        4-3-3 interesting. Looks decent, but how different is it to what your ML leader has?
        I wouldn't WC where you are.

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

          its pretty similar, he is pretty much template. although he has richarlison and chilwell and salah where i would have son digne and mane

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

        Nice 433. I’d go Ryan over Henderson.

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

          How come? i had ryan but took out for ramsdale few weeks back ://

      3. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Too similar to the current template meaning you will have limited advantage over non-WCers now whilst likely to lose out big time when other play their WC around the DGWs. Bench is also too weak - needs to be much stronger with blanks etc coming up.

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

          I smell a Jan catchphrase.

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

            digne -> sidibe and dendo - cantwell?

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

        Digne -> Sidibe
        Upgrade Dendo? Cantwell maybe?

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

          nice idea thanks

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

        current team is

        ramsdale / martin
        taa / soy / lunds / b wills / saiss
        son / madds / kdb / mane / dendo
        ings / rash / vardy

      6. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Quality name!

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

          cheers! haha

    16. BananaMan
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone else in the same boat?

      My route to a Liverpool 3 of Trent/Salah/Mane(TC) for GW24 is via dropping Rashford to Maupay this week.
      Fixtures are favourable but I'm finding it difficult pushing the button.

      Next 4 -
      Rash - liv, BUR, WOL, che
      Maupay - AVL, bou, whm, WAT

      Thoughts?

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

        Have you considered going direct to Firmino and having him instead as your 3rd pool

        Otherwise it’s fine to Maupay

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

          I have considered it, his away form is great but too many people around me will have Mane as captain, even triple captain I don't think I can risk not having him.

        2. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          This seems easier.

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

        Double up on defence instead. Easier to do, likely to get as many points per £ IMO.

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

          And TC on Salah?

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

        Form over fixtures (and i have Maupay). I wouldn't do it until you have to.

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

      Want to lose Willems and Rico as my 4th and 5th mids over the next 2-3 weeks. Both have become bad picks and falling in price.

      I am principally playing a 3-4-3 or 4-4-2 atm. Do you think I’m better to just lose one of them and take the likely price falls or use up 2FT on moving on both?

      Main candidates for replacements are Holgate, Williams, Cathcart, Dunk (Dunk would require finding an extra 0.1m as it stands).

      Current defence:

      McCarthy, McGovern
      TAA, Lunds, Soy, Willems, Rico

      Cheers

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Just fix one for now. Cathcart or Holgate.

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

          Thanks mate.

          Will probably do Willems > Cathcart next week.

          Saw a link earlier to something about Holgate’s place being less certain.

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Cathcart it is then - Watford might have a double on the horizon too.

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

        Use just one FT this week, Rico > Williams. Dunk a good move if you can do it next week

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

          Thanks. It’ll be next week as already used FT this week.

          Either Willems > Cathcart or Rico > Williams I’m thinking

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

            Williams. Try to get in at 4.0. Have a feeling he’ll be nailed soon with good returns.

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

              Yeh he looks good. Will move on him as soon as deadline passes and hope for the best!

              Cheers

      3. Jekori
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I would get holgate for one of them. Preferable rico of course. With TAA and Lundstram you've got 2 to always start after gw24, depending on fixtures you can add holgate and/or soyuncu. Let's hope injuries stop for newcastle then Willems might become decent again gw27 onwards

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

          Thanks. Good perspective. Ok love honest I hadn’t really considered keeping Willems to see if he comes good but could be an option.

          Holgate was my preferred option but read something on here earlier with Ancelotti saying he WILL be rotating/ resting Holgate going forward.

          Now leaning towards Cathcart

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

      Watford's FA Cup replay with Tranmere called off tonight.

      Do I smell a DGW?

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

        Doucoure TC will be exciting...

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Now, this is interesting. Looks like they'll have to play it 4th round weekend, which means the 4th round match against Man U/Wolves will be played when the 4th round replays are. Could be some chaos if that match then goes to a replay...….

    19. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tranmere v Watford replay called off due to heavy rain.

      Anyone know when this will take place, could be annoying for watford assets.

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Could be great

    20. Aimar
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fabinski —-> maccarthy for hit

      Or wait on Fab may return to DGW ?

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Have another playing GK?

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

          Nooe

          I’ve button

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

        Switch your other keeper to McCarthy so you have both? Not sure i could take a -4 for a GK.

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

          I choose maccarthy cause of cash so i can fund other players later

      3. Jekori
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Fab is back in a estimated 'couple of weeks'. DGW24 starts next week and ends in 2 weeks time. So he won't make it, if at all he might play the pool match. Only gw 25 and 28 look good for a WH CS so i'd make the change to McCarthy, especially if you can use the funds.