Pro Pundits - Zophar

Why I’m looking at Man City amid Double Gameweek 24 planning

With the Double Gameweek for Liverpool and West Ham in Gameweek 24, much of the transfer activity and attention has been focused on Liverpool assets but two more teams certainly warrant discussion – Southampton and Manchester City.

I will start by talking about the Saints first. No team has racked up more points (13) over the last five Gameweeks with four wins and a draw (Liverpool played only four matches). They are joint-top of the form table along with Watford, scoring nine goals and conceding just three.

The 2-1 victory against Leicester last Gameweek epitomised their resurgence after a 9-0 hammering in the reverse fixture. They restricted the most prolific striker in the league to zero shots in the box (SiB), an impressive feat. This warranted a deeper look into their defensive and offensive numbers over the last five Gameweeks – which was also the focus of a recent Members Article.

Furthermore, only Manchester City (15), Watford (11), Manchester United (10) have scored more goals than the Saints’ nine over the aforementioned period. As the table shows, they are ranked fifth for SiB (43) which is again impressive considering the opposition they have faced. They are also fourth for big chances (13), trailing only Liverpool, Man. Utd (both 14) and Manchester City (17).

Screenshot from the FFScout Members Area: Gameweeks 18 to 22

The Saints are second only to Liverpool in terms of fixtures all the way up to Gameweek 30. I have chosen that as the cutoff point as Gameweek 31 is likely to be the big blank Gameweek due to FA Cup fixtures and I will likely use my Free Hit chip then and Wildcard in Gameweek 32.

I’ve not owned Danny Ings (£6.8m) at any point this season due to his past injury record, but after his recent performance against Leicester, I think he’s almost ‘essential’, if I’m allowed to use that word. No forward has scored more goals (five), taken more SiB (19) or landed more shots on target (SoT) (11) than the Englishman over the last five Gameweeks.

Manchester City’s attacking numbers need no elaboration so I will instead talk about the form midfielder in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) over the last five Gameweeks – Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m).

No midfielder has racked up more FPL points (37) over this period and the Algerian is also top for shots (20), SiB (15) and SoT (seven). Only Anthony Martial (£7.9m) (four) has scored more goals than his three.

As with any Manchester City asset, rotation is always a concern but he has now started each of the last five league matches and the latest comments from Pep Guardiola are encouraging:

“You see his legs it is impossible to be injured because he has no muscles. The final third he has something special, always I have the feeling he can score a goal.” – Pep Guardiola

After a dive into these numbers, I have made three transfers for my team for a -4. Alex McCarthy (£4.3m), Mahrez and Ings have all come in.

Nick Pope (£4.6m), Martial and Neal Maupay (£5.9m) have made way. I am aware that Maupay has a great fixture run but Ings passes both the eye and stats test with flying colours so I decided to make the move.

The captaincy is currently on De Bruyne but given his low ownership (6.6%), a punt on Mahrez appeals. Diego Rico (£4.4m) is next on the chopping block after losing his spot in the Bournemouth starting line-up with Brandon Williams (£4.0m) likely to come in the week after.

Thanks for reading and good luck in Gameweek 23.

427 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I have 2FT
    If i Wc do burn them?

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

      yeah - next GW you will only have 1FT

    2. Joey Barton and Friends
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    3. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  2. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Kun perma-captain the rest of the year. Lets go!

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

      Including against Sheffield United away when Pool have a DGW?

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

        Naturally he will 😉

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Strange response. Easy to say through a keyboard 🙂

      2. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        DGW is an exception! LOL

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

    Henderson
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram Rico
    KDB Mane Salah Grealish
    Vardy Ings

    McGovern Greenwood Dendoncker Kelly

    1FT 2.1ITB

    Best move for GW23:

    1. Kelly >> Holgate (whu) play 442
    2. Kelly >> Dunk (AVL) play 442
    3. Greenwood >> DCL (whu) play 343
    4. Dendoncker >> Sarr (TOT) play 352

    Leaning towards improving defence this week and then improve mid or fwd next... thoughts??

    Thanks

    1. TMERC187
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      How about Rico to Dunk? Dunk and Kelly both have nice fixtures and Rico was dropped from starting lineup. Plus BOU are in a rut...

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

        I could do with the extra 0.2 I think mate

        Plus bmth were terrible again, Rico still has a chance and he would be my sub anyway

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

    Dropping Martial. Looking to commit to one player for the next several gameweeks. Mahrez or Richarlison? Really trying to decide what's better value. I have DCL and KDB so there's already exposure to both teams. Thoughts?

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

      Rich way safer than Mahrez in terms of starts

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

    Foster to Pope for a hit?

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

      Do you think you would ever have a FT to do it?

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

        That's very true.
        I am trying to get rid of him before Christmas

    2. Cant fit my Willian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No chance. I'd go the other way around but not sure its worth the hit in that scenario anyway.

    3. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I assume you meant pope to foster ? If so yes that's a great move

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Worth -8 gtg! 🙂

  6. Cant fit my Willian
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one this week:

    Traore (sou)
    Maddison (bur)

    I'll be playing Vardy and Soyuncu as well. No other Wolves players.

    Cheers.

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would bench Traore and play Madd regardless

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bench Traore (sou)

      SOU def looking stronger, BUR not so good ...

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

    Thinking of some (or even all of these) moves this gw. I have 2 free transfers.

    Martial->Doucoure
    Traore->Trossard
    Button->McCarthy
    Aurier->Robertson

    Current squad:

    Henderson Button
    TAA Aurier Soyuncu Lundstram Kelly
    Salah KDB Maddison Martial Traore
    Vardy Rashford Ings

    What do you think?

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

      Dunk Dunk

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why all this week, rather than over 2 weeks to save 4 points or 3 for FTs?

      I'd question the value of the moves in terms of strategy & value. Where do you want to get to in 3-4/6 weeks?

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

    Which one is best move?

    Fabianski
    TAA-Soy-Lundy-Chambers
    Salah-KDB-Maddy-Traore-Cantwell
    Vardy-Tammy-Jimmy

    A. Jimmy&KDB to Ings&Mane
    B. Jimmy&Aurier to Ings&Robbo
    C. Jimmy&Fabianski to Firmino&McCarthy

    Also is there any news on Fabianski?

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

      B

      Last I heard Fab would be out 2-3 weeks

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

        Then i also have to sell fabianski and make - 4 transfer.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          🙂 This is the least of your worries. Concentrate on the legohair! I'm thinking you just need to spend a bit more time rinsing out the conditioner ... hope it helps and you can leave the house again. C

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

    For GW 24 and onwards:

    A) Martial, DCL
    B) Martial, Deulofeu
    C) Rashford, Cantwell
    D) Rashford, Fleck

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      D

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

      D

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

      I suppose C is the rational call but B looks fascinating

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

      C , I think rashford is superior to martial

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

      C

    7. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C or D

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

      Partial to D since you say 'onwards.' Next week Cantwell may do well, but doesn't look appealing to put money into NOR any further.

  10. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best option?

    A Webster
    B Holgate

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

      A

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

      Webster Webster & Cohen

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

        If only Zanka were still in the Prem

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

          Don’t touch me!

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

    Any love for a Pukki party against Bournemouth if fit?

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

      Yeah - think Bournemouth are a side worth targeting. Cantwell and Pukki could do very well.

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

    Ramsdale to McCarthy for free?

    A. Yes
    B. No

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      a

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

        Cheers. Frees up .3m that allows me to go Rico, Kelly > VVD and Cathcart next GW.

    3. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      made this move

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

    good wildcard?

    Henderson / McCarthy
    soy / taa / lunds / egan / b wills
    salah / mane / lunds / egan
    vardy / ings / greenwood

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

      ????????????????

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

      Not enough Sheff Utd

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

      Too much Ginnn and Tonic

    4. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Needs a third Lunds

    5. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Drunk?

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

    Best duo for the next few:

    1. Dunk DCL
    2. Holgate Sarr

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

      2 - if you want a Brighton defender still you can get Webster for 4.4

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

        Got a slightly better run of fixtures don’t they... Dunk prices me out of Sarr (unless I went Doucoure)

        Do you think Webster a better option than Holgate?

        Thanks

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

          Yeah - I am on a WC and brought in Webster over Holgate. Fixtures are better for longer with Brighton and he has a good goal threat.

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

            Thanks for bringing to my attention mate, he has scored less points than Dunk but it’s looks due to the fact he didn’t play the first few games of the season

  15. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best mid up to 5.7 to replace Perez and enable Martial to Salah for gweek 24?

    A - Traore
    B - Doucoure
    C - Noble
    someone else?

    Or keep Perez and instead do Targett to William's (UTD)?

    1. danlynch13
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Target to Williams

  16. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any case for bringing in Felipe Anderson over Grealish to fund ings?

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

      DGW is the only case.

  17. Yeezy FC
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    AGUERRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOO

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Scream it from the mountaintopssssssss

  18. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Ramsdale worth the -4 or should I go keeperless for a week?

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

      worth it

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

      Is he definitely out?

    3. nerd_is_the_werd
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      That's the problem, we don't know...

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

    Ryan, (McGov)
    TAA, Soyuncu, Lundstram, (Aurier, Rico)
    Cantwell, Salah, KDB, Sarr, (Maddison)
    Vardy, Abraham, Ings

    Already got Ings in. Anything worthy of a hit (3.2 ITB).....Maddison -> Mahrez?

    I guess the question is if Mahrez - 4 beats Sarr?

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

      Hold Sarr

  20. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mcarthy or ryan

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

      McC

  21. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What's the best use of 3 ft over over the next 2 weeks?
    2ft, 0.3itb

    1) Rico Grealish Jimenez-> ROBBO Fleck Maupay(will be rotating Fleck and Maupay)
    2) Grealish Jimi -> FIRMINO Hayden, gw25: Firmino Alli -> SALAH Ayew
    3) Grealish Jimi Rico -> GOMEZ Martial Ayew (and have 5 power mids for gw 24)- that power 5mid is really tempting
    4) Rico Alli Grealish -> ROBBO Hayden Martial

    Ramsdale
    Taa- Soy- Lundstram
    Mane- Kdb -Maddison- Alli
    Vardy -Ings -Jimenez

    Grealish Rico Kelly

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

    What needs to be done?And if i save what would you do Gw 24?

    Guiata Button

    Sidibe Taa Lundstram Soyuncu Hanley

    Kdb salah mane Richarlison cantwell

    Ings vardy Greenwood

    0 ITB 1 FT

    Thanks all and good luck.

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Save. Get rid of Hanley next week.

  23. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mane and Salah double up essential not only for double fan week but for remainder of the season?

    1. Oggle22
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Game*

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Salah=Fraud

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Lies

    3. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, might jus captain either one of them for the remainder of the season.

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

      They have excellent fixtures even after the double so while not essential it's certainly not a bad idea

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Would mean I would have to have one non playing defender and striker to fit them in

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

      Maybe not the end of the season but until their nice fixtures run out/they’ve won the title/no more records attainable

    6. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Other mids are doing better for less.

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        The fear of Liverpools more favourable fixtures and the one I don't own exploding

  24. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Cantwell (BOU)
    B) DCL (whm)
    C) Grealish (bha)

    Ta.

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

      B

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

      c

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

    Who scores more next few:

    1. Webster Sarr
    2. Holgate Sarr
    3. Dunk Doucoure
    4. Dunk DCL

    Cheers all

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1 or 4

  26. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If you were on a WC and picking your defence for medium term, who would you have?

    TAA Williams x x x

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

      I am and went TAA Robbo Lundstram Webster Williams

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      TAA/ROBBO/MENDY/LUND/WILLIAMS

  27. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hope you're all tuning into BBC to watch Boro Vs Spurs..come on the Boro

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

      Up the BORO

  28. Rash
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Maddison grealish to mahrez cantwell?

    Schmeichel
    Trent sidibe dunk
    Kdb maddison mane grealish Salah
    Vardy ings

    Button greenwood lundy Williams

    2ft .5itb

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

      Yes

  29. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Deeney + Martial > ings + Grealish

    Yes or no?

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

      No

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

    I bought Sarr, then Watford bought a new right winger

    Can't script this...

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

      I wouldn’t worry too much . Sarr is on form. New players usually get integrated slowly.

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

      It's probably just some dodgy way to move money between the clubs.

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

        This.