Scout Notes

The Vardy injury latest as West Ham are thumped in Double Gameweek 24 opener

Leicester City 4-1 West Ham United

  • Goals: Harvey Barnes (£5.9m), Ricardo Pereira (£6.3m), Ayoze Perez (£6.1m) x2 | Mark Noble (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Pereira, Barnes, Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) x2 | Sebastien Haller (£7.0m)
  • Bonus: Perez x3, Barnes x2, Pereira x1

Jamie Vardy‘s (£10.0m) annus horribilis (no pun intended) continued at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday evening, as the well-owned Fantasy Premier League forward was forced off with a gluteal injury after just 41 minutes of Leicester City’s 4-1 win over West Ham United.

Having ended 2019 on paternity leave, Vardy missed out on the New Year’s Day win at Newcastle United because of a calf problem and then banked his one attacking return of this calendar year (an assist) in the defeat to Southampton.

A missed penalty at Burnley on Sunday preceded his first ‘one-pointer’ of the season, with Vardy now without a goal since the Gameweek 18 defeat to Manchester City.

The Leicester striker had pulled up after dutifully carrying out some defensive work for his side and, after an unsuccessful attempt to run his injury off, made way for Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) just before the break.

Many of us might have feared a hamstring injury and a possible lengthy spell on the sidelines à la Harry Kane (£10.8m) but there were some encouraging comments from Brendan Rodgers after full-time, with Foxes’ head coach saying in a television interview:

It’s not his hamstring, which is good. When he kicked the ball he felt a sharpness in his glute, so hopefully over the next couple of days that will ease off and he’ll be available and fit. But I’ll speak to the medical team in the morning.

Rodgers made similar noises in his post-match press conference, stressing that he didn’t yet have a timeframe on Vardy’s return.

The good news from a Fantasy manager’s perspective is that Leicester are in FA Cup and Carabao Cup action before they take on Chelsea in Gameweek 25, so we are likely to be provided with plenty of updates from Rodgers as he faces the media on multiple occasions over the next eight days or so.

Two possible beneficiaries of a Vardy absence both banked attacking returns with their teammate off the field.

Iheanacho provided the assists for both of Ayoze Perez‘s (£6.1m) goals, and it is the Nigerian who has been fielded as a centre-forward whenever Vardy hasn’t been around this season.

Perez has also shone when Vardy has been sidelined, with the former Newcastle man racking up three double-digit hauls in Gameweeks 20, 21 and 24 – all games in which Leicester’s number nine has either missed or departed early from:

In Gameweeks 20 and 21, Perez had been fielded as a number ten in a 4-2-3-1 and as a striker in a 3-5-2 respectively.

He looked far better when playing centrally in those two games than he has done when stationed on the right and it was no surprise that he amassed 23 points in the process.

Perez was back on the right of a 4-2-3-1 for this encounter but looked threatening when cutting inside and it was interesting to note that, even in the first half, Vardy was drifting to the left flank, opening up space infield for Perez.

That’s a tactic to watch out for when the premium forward returns, although Rodgers would surely want his 17-goal hitman as close to the opposition box as possible more often than not.

Perez also turned out to be next in line for penalties with Vardy off the field, which will have irked owners of James Maddison (£7.6m).

After Iheanacho had been felled by Angelo Ogbonna (£4.5m), it was Perez who stepped up to confidently despatch the spot-kick and restore the Foxes’ two-goal cushion.

Iheanacho then teed Perez up for Leicester’s fourth with three minutes left.

Rodgers had words of praise for his back-up striker after full-time, saying:

Kelechi came in and he was very, very good. He wants to run in behind, he was powerful, his touch was good, he works ever so hard, and he always looks like he can create and score goals. I thought he came in and did very well.

The comfortable-looking scoreline belied a few nervy moments in the second half when West Ham had pegged their hosts back to 2-1.

This was yet another match without a clean sheet for Rodgers’ side, who have conceded in every game bar one of the last nine league fixtures.

Faith in Caglar Soyuncu (£5.1m) and co might have subsided even more, then, particularly as the Foxes next face Chelsea, Wolves and Manchester City in the league and then a possible blank in Gameweek 28.

READ MORE: When the Blank and Double Gameweeks could take place.

It was rather ironic that Leicester’s latest chance of a shut-out was ruined by a daft foul from Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m), whose recent absence many of us had lamented because of the security he provides his defence.

The Nigerian, on as a substitute to replace the injured Nampalys Mendy (£4.3m) after half an hour, felled Sebastien Haller (£7.0m) in the home side’s penalty box to allow Mark Noble (£5.0m) to reduce the arrears on 49 minutes, with Kasper Schmeichel (£5.4m) comfortably beaten by the West Ham captain.

Ben Chilwell (£5.6m) returned to the side after his recent omission but it was his opposite full-back, Ricardo Pereira (£6.3m), who caught the eye.

The Portugal international hadn’t produced an attacking return since Gameweek 7 and many of his previous owners would have jumped shipped during this barren run, with some no doubt bringing in a premium Liverpool defender ahead of Double Gameweek 24.

Pereira was a joy to watch on the ball, teeing up the equally impressive Harvey Barnes (£5.9m) for the Foxes’ opener and then being returned the favour when thumping Leicester into a 2-0 lead on the stroke of half-time.

Paying tribute to Barnes, Rodgers said:

Outstanding. Arguably his best game since I’ve been here. Getting better all the time, I think the goal against Burnley has given him confidence.

He’s improving, he’s developing, he’s got power, he’s got speed, he can go either way and, like I say, he’s getting goals and creating goals.

Anyone who invested in the West Ham defence was left disappointed, with all bar goalkeeper Darren Randolph (£4.5m) – who salvaged a save point from this mess – scoring zero or worse.

Few will be expecting much in the way of defensive returns against Liverpool next Wednesday, either.

Haller and Noble at least rewarded their owners with an attacking return apiece, although the West Ham striker did little else of note and didn’t register a single shot of his own.

Far more impressive was the fit-again Michail Antonio (£6.9m), who was thrown on at half-time and who caused the Leicester backline real problems on his introduction up front.

David Moyes’ side also posed a threat or two at set plays, with their penalty award stemming from a half-cleared free-kick.

Few will be interested in West Ham’s assets once Double Gameweek 24 is out of the way, though.

A home match against struggling Brighton a week on Saturday obviously appeals but the Hammers are then rooted to the bottom of our Season Ticker through Gameweeks 26-32, taking on seven clubs who are all currently in the top half of the Premier League table.

Reflecting on the game, Moyes said:

I thought the first-half performance was really poor, I was hoping we might scrape through to half-time at 1-0 and see if I could do something about it.

We did improve, we got better in the second half, they rallied and the introduction of Michail Antonio gave us something different.

First half we couldn’t get the ball forward, or keep it, have any attacks whatsoever but I thought second half we did much better.

It was more to do with the defending in the second half. While we’re at 2-1 I thought we started to get a bit open, chased the game a little bit, getting picked off easy, when I thought we should have waited and bided our time and take us closer to the finishing line.

Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m), the second-most-bought West Ham asset of Gameweek 24 behind Noble, failed to make it out for the second half, although it wasn’t clear if his withdrawal was linked to an early knock or purely tactical.

Leicester City XI (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell; Mendy (Ndidi 34′); Perez, Maddison, Tielemans, Barnes (Morgan 83′); Vardy (Iheanacho 44′).

West Ham United XI (3-4-2-1): Randolph; Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Rice, Noble, Masuaku (Antonio 46;); Snodgrass (Fornals 46′), Lanzini; Haller.

Members Analysis

897 Comments Post a Comment
  1. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If Vardy is fit for next game, are people still getting rid?

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

      I am not at the moment.

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

      Yes, pre planned

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

      Got rid last week for firmino. Vardy goals come in runs, it's the same every season. I have been lucky with him over the years and plan to get him back later.

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

      Undecided. If he's declared fit I'll be very tempted to hold on

    5. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No, Chelsea at home is a great game for him

    6. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes probably

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

      Ofc.

    8. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No crazy to get rid

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

    Little seemingly insignificant transfers can have such an annoying impact on your fpl season.

    Still absolutely baffled by the fact Pope has outscored Ryan by 20 points over the 2 weeks since I made the switch. Held Pope for 22 gameweeks and then he does this as soon as I sell. So so infuriating. Would be in the top 10k had I just not bothered to make that transfer.

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep I feel the pain, made sense on paper as burnley were in bad form with bad fixtures.

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

      These things can't be avoided because football is so unpredictable

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I was sent this link the other day - https://www.game-change.co.uk/2017/08/28/fantasy-football-what-if-machine/

      If I had just left my team as I set it up for gw1, not made any transfers or changes at all, I would only be 17 points worse off!! Rather depressing after studying every week!

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

        Yep it makes all the effort put into thinking about transfers seem absolutely pointless

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

        Kewl I am 40 points ahead!

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

        Interesting. I would be 112 points worse off.

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

        95 points worse off ... don't know what I should feel

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

          *would be

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

        Oh crap I’d be 22 points better off if I did nothing from GW1.
        That team included Laporte Zinchenco Fraser and Callum Wilson too.

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Ouch that's rough!

      6. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I would be 79 pts worse off, so the difference is substantial

      7. stepper1971
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Would have been 182 worse off, but still an OR of 1.2 mill 🙁 My week one team must have sucked!

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

        I would have been 3 points better off with my gw1 team, beat that! Salah (VC) and Pope doing the business recently. Also having Origi, Walker Pieters and Wilshere meant i nearly always got my Kelly/Lundstram/Rodriquez bench coming on. I'll keep the link tho cause these are the times when my increased budget must do the business

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

      Same, although I brought in McCarthy so marginally less painful.

      Can't look back on the numbers and say it was a bad decision though, so I'm trying not to fret!

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

        I also agonized over McCarthy vs Ryan, and chose Ryan, which makes it even more annoying

    5. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep.. just like the week I decided to remove TAA he goes and hits a haul or epic proportions

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

      Cue Ryan sales and monster hauls...
      Hopefully because he's been a train wreck for me!

    7. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Feel sorry for you.
      I kept Pope as i had no FT.
      Thank God for that ....

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

        Yeah I only did the xfer because I had 2 FTs that week. I thought having two FTs was supposed to be a good thing!

  3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy and Greenwood to Jimenez and DCL for a hit?

    Would give me this team

    Ryan
    Trent Lunders Kelly
    Salah (c) mane KDB Maddison Cantwell
    Jimenez DCL

    Woodman*, Ings, Mings, Soyuncu

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

      I don't think that you need to take a hit. You can play Ings as well

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I won't be playing Ings he will get 2 points

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

          DCL is good for the next two but then you don't want him either because he will get two points every game. Jimenez doesn't have the greatest fixtures either

          1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Jimenez can often do well against big teams, I'm regretting selling him to be honest. Maybe true about DCL but he is in good form at the moment,

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

              Yeah I'm doing DCL to Jimenez after the next two!

              1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Fair enough.

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

    Any ideas? Got 2 free transfers and 1.1 in the bank. Vardy and Soy on their way out?

    Guaita Button
    TAA Soy Lund Sidibe Reid
    Mane Salah KDB Grealish Hayden
    DCL Vardy Ings

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

    Was completely sold on selling Madds before watching last night, now not so sure. He passed the eye test with flying colours and the stats say he was as creative as anyone.

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I thought he looked great, but he often does without actually producing any fpl points, they scored 4 goals and he wasn't involved in any. I'm contemplating losing him and Vardy for Auba and Grealish

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

        Look like decent moves!

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I've held for ages through this barren run, he's just such a quality player that I still believe the points will come. Bit gutted he didn't take the penalty in Vardys absence. Not sure who I'd sell for so just going to hold for now I think

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

        Same re the penalty, thought he stood a good chance of being second choice

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      The lack of other options in midfield is a concern. Martial is no good without Rashford in the team, Spurs are abysmal at the moment and Grelaish’s fixtures are mixed.

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

        Exactly this. Grealish stats don't fill me with hope either, I compared him with Doucouré last week and (on stats alone) Doucouré was streets ahead over the last four

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

      Same, he was unlucky to not score last night so think i'm going to sell Vardy and Soy instead to fund Auba move

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

    Would you start a Newcastle defender ahead of Ingsy against Liverpool (let's say Fernandez) next gw considering both fit ?

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

      Newcastle have Norwich home so tempted to get on For Soyuncu

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

        Lascelles to score a header? Would be nice

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

          Fernandez/Lascells Maybe incoming for me

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

      Maybe

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yeah Ings will get 2 points so bench him

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

        Hmm
        Maybe a CS for Newcastle

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

      Probably - their defenders score more goals than their attackers!

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

        Exactly 😀

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

      I will if Tammy and Vardy both make it.

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

        Thanks

    6. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No mate, what's the point to have Ings 😉

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

        You maybe right

    7. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I would.

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

        Thanks mate

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

      Yes.

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

        Thanks

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

    WC draft 0itb

    Henderson-Button
    TAA-Gomez-Lund-Stephens-Lascelles
    Salah-KdB-Alli-Grealish-Fleck
    Auba-Ings-Jimenez

    How's it looking?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure on Gomez or Ali on a WC. Gomez could start to get rotated now defenders are fit again.

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

        Gomez is first choice imo. Who would you prefer to Alli?

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Matip was ahead of him before his injury so could well steal minutes. Slim pickings at that price point I'm just not convinced by spurs.

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

      Not a fan of Gomez and Alli. Try to get Robertson (or VVD) in there by downgrading Alli

    3. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Auba to Aguero ,Jimenez to Dcl, Ali to martial

      1. Philip Jones's Diary
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I reckon Auba is a nice differential. He won't go to Barca this transfer window and I reckon he will bounce back nicely from this red card.

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

    Anyone watched spurs? How did Son and Alli look?

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

      Alli was great all round, Son got a lot better as the game wore on and he started picking up on Alli's passing.

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

      Son doesn't seem to be quite at it at the moment. Always dangerous though.

      Alli was once again pretty average, but he gets in dangerous areas, as he did last night.

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      LOL, perfect example on how 2 diff people can watch the same match and have completely opposite opinions about it

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

    If I move as planned, who warms the bench?
    A. Holgate (wat)
    B. Ings (liv)
    C. Lascelles (NOR)
    D. Lundstram (cpl)

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

      Holgate but not much in it

    2. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I will have the potentially the same predicament and would have to go with Ings

  10. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Far too much dead wood and too many red arrows so thinking of wildcarding to this with emphasis on the next 6 weeks or so. What do we think? Not sure about Aurier and wouldn’t mind maybe Ritchie instead of Lascelles but all about the dollar ain’t it?

    Button/McCarthy

    TAA - Lascelles - Aurier - Stephens - Lundstram

    Mane - KDB - Salah - Traore - Fleck

    Aubameyang - DCL - Ings

    Zero ITB and I would possibly put Haller in this GW and then swap to Ings the following week.

    What do we think good people?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      One of Salah and Mane is enough, go double defence and get Aguero and boost your mid

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

        Have to agree with this...

        1. Danno - Emre Canada
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers. Yep was thinking of Robertson instead or Salah/Man

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

      Looks too much like a template team for those who will still have their WC left. You likely aren't going to make up much ground with this, and then likely you'll get swallowed when everyone else uses their WC around the DGWs/blanks.

      Personally if I was WCing now (which I would only do in extreme circumstances) I wouldn't do anything until I knew the FA Cup 5th round draw and EFL Cup finalists, and then adapt my WC team to cope with GW28 and the likely GW31 matches which should give you a few differentials as well as some damage limitation later down the line, and the opportunity to use FH in a DGW rather than 31.

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks sound advice. I do need some differentials but where do they come from? The fixtures are a mixed bunch

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

          That's the problem isn't it - the template is the template for a reason! A tough spot, and not one with an easy answer.

          1. Danno - Emre Canada
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Augero and Auba with TAA and Robertson and one of Mane and Salah could be slightly different and at least different from those not wildcarding......

            1. Citizenkane91
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Don't be afraid of only slightly deviating from the 'template', small differentials in team player constellations can be enough to boost you up the ranks. The real value lies in staying ahead of trends, which you won't if you're still trying to get to the template.

              If WC in 25, BB in 26 looks an attractive option, preferably where 9-10 also have good fundamentals+fixtures in Bg28.

              1. Danno - Emre Canada
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Well that’s what I was trying to achieve my getting rid of some Leicester etc etc but now with his injury many people will be offloading....

                1. Citizenkane91
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 2 months ago

                  Only one player . . .

                  Lascelles over Aurier, good cover in 25 and 28.

                  You still have Abraham who you'd most likely not want back before 28-29, Maddison who's expensive, is not returning and has poor fixtures, Soyuncu, Greenwood. How's the benx

                  1. Citizenkane91
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 2 months ago

                    bench* looking with Soy and Greenwood in that team?

                  2. Danno - Emre Canada
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 2 months ago

                    Yeah I could be thinking short term perhaps, but I watch a fair bit of Chelsea and not for me at the moment. They could also bring someone in I guess.

          2. Citizenkane91
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Templates are historical derivatives, not good predictive parameters.

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

          Perhaps from the transfer market? Use the season ticker and look at favourable runs

          1. Danno - Emre Canada
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks yeah I’ll check it again.

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

        "... Looks too much like a template team ...". Agree.

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

      “... What do we think good people? ...”. We think maybe now is not a good time to WC.

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yep, I wouldn’t usually but I’m not liking Abraham, Vardy, Maddison, Greenwood, Soyuncu, Martial, Ryan and have no City attack so what else is one to do? I’m falling fast

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

          Use smaller 3-move miniWCs (-4). When the DGWs/BGWs hit you’ll need your WC.

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

            ... mho.

            1. Citizenkane91
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              The Bgw28 is very easy to navigate.

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

                ... and the others? 🙂

                1. Citizenkane91
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 2 months ago

                  Gw31 is arguably tricky, worst case scenario is a FH (ideally saved to gw 37 if WC is used early).

                  But even if WC is used in gw36 to field a strong XV in 37, that gw has the makings of being a massive trap. You may have to compromise the XI for the doubles to get a decent 15, or you may field a strong XI but have few good budget options.

                  One of the upsides of WC in gw 25 is potentially BB in gw 26 with Soton and SHE players.

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

                    GL with your DGWs/BGWs.

        2. Citizenkane91
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          There's a very good case for WCing if you're moving off City and Leicester assets, want to rearrange LiV constellation, and believe value can be held in Soton and SHE assets.

          One can easily manage a team from gw 25 to 38 without a WC, don't be afraid of that. May have to adjust playing style after 5-10 gws, though, depends how comfortable you are with that. The alternative is to continue to be behind transfers and use it at the same time as everyone else, meaning it's timing won't be a differential mechanism, meaning you'll have to hope you predict (skill + chance) better than the average a new team.

          1. Danno - Emre Canada
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Yep, I think I can plan for them weeks. I need to get ahead of the curve like I did at the start of the season, got caught now lagging properly behind rivals. And with the similar teams we all have I feel it now could be a good time to hope some form and fixtures work out.

    4. Citizenkane91
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I like it. The only issue for me with WC this gw is the 4th and 5th midfield slots. Grealish, Trossard, Fleck, Saka, Cho/Pulisic(from gw 28). I like the defensive and forward options a lot, think there's value there.

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yep it’s difficult. The other way is Auba and Aguero with one Liv mid, two Liv defenders and a weak 4th Mid

        Putting your eggs in one basket, something like this....

        Button/McCarthy
        Robertson, TAA, Stephens, Lundstream, Lascelles

        Mane/Salah, KDB, Traore, Fleck, Hayden

        Ings, Auba, Aguero

        Obviously very weak in the midfield, but could pick and choose and play 4 at the back with effectively TAA, Robertson and Lund being midfielders. What do we think?

        1. Citizenkane91
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          It's certainly attractive!

          Putting your eggs in one basket is not bad if you believe in the quality of the basket. SHE has enough evidence vs the top sides that I believe in their structure, Soton is also starting to post some good numbers! And they play in a very solid, through the middle, manner.

          In fact, the chances of CS from two players on the same team is higher than the chances of CS from two players of different teams, all else equal. Simple probability when there is autocorrelation (independently distributed events). We're playing a probability game after all.

          Which is why I'm considering very strongly going Mane Salah Firminho, triple SHE defence + McCarthy/Stephens and Lascelles (for gw 25, 28, 31). One of the SHE may become Reece James come gw 28 if he can stay injury free. Ofc, your strategy of doubling on LIV def is also a viable strategy and may very pay off better. I think the main difference between our thinking now is that you look to increase your City exposure (Aguero), whereas I look to decrease mine (KdB or Mahrez out), suddenly making Firminho a standout. I spent a lot of time looking at BAPS and game/attacking return distribution and Aguero's BAPS for 1/4 of attacking returns, rotation threat and Bgw28 putts me off him vs Auba and Firminho (the former the best BAP ratio magnet alongside Ings, the latter top 4 with Vardy;Feeney is also posting strongly here, though the sample size is highly untrustworthy).

          1. Danno - Emre Canada
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Some excellent points, thanks very much. Aguero does concern me a bit, but for a few weeks he could do well before all the nonsense starts.

            I firmly have my eye on James as well. He definitely passes the eye test.

        2. Citizenkane91
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I like McCarthy, I think there's more save points in him than Henderson. It allows for triple SHE defence or a double with Fleck, both flexible. Ings, Stephens and McCarthy from Soton, the ideal trio.

          Lascelles playing for Ings in gw 25. Although, Ings is playing his former side, could be worth starting him, but then you're betting against your defensive LIV inputs. You may believe both Robertson and TAA are likely to get offensive returns, for instance.

          Traore has excellent fixtures in 27 and 29, when many teams don't, rotates well around Hayden, who has a good he 28, and Fleck is alround. Hard to fault your choices, really.

          Final consideration. Are your striker price points flexible to move back to Vardy and/or Abraham for gw 29? For (Pulisic and/or) City triple/mids from gw 29 (vs Manu, I rate this game higher than most FDRs from an attacking perspective)?

          Differentials in this time frame strongly worth considering. Doherty, same games as Traore. Jimenez doesn't fall under this category, but should be strongly considered soon as well. Like Ings, Vardy and Auba, his consistency means a very high BAPS ratio. Reece James could get attacking returns in any game he plays, and prior to GW 28, also the "surprise" shutout. Hard to fit in with double LIV Def, though.

          Food for thought, could gw 29 be a time to move off Liv double Def and into a LIV triple double/triple offense?

          1. Citizenkane91
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            (Thus also accomodating space for players like Doherty/Reece.)

            1. Danno - Emre Canada
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks, you’ve been a great help. Think we are on the same page regarding rotating lower priced players. And with the easy swap back for Abraham and /or Vardy which will be easy to do.
              In regards to starting Ings as said it goes against the others. I am even thinking of leaving the cash available and just for Beth first week getting Haller or DCL and then Ings in the following week or is that just a waste of a transfer and too much thinking about it. Could give a few points head start mind.
              Cheers for your advice. I need things to happen

              1. Citizenkane91
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Are you generally good using double FTs? If you are, I think it's worth playing the WC with gw 26 as a 'reference point'. It makes BB in gw 26 a viable strategy and saves up a FT. You will still field a strong XI in gw 25 due to triple SHE vs CRY, Aguero, KdB, Auba, triple LIV, Lascelles.

                It will allow you to save up 2 FTs come gw 27 and use one of them in a gw where there is more potential upside (gw 27 for Wolves) than I think there are for DCL vs Watford away or Haller Vs Brighton at home in gw 25. DCL is not a BAPS magnet, whereas Watford has many. If you don't believe in more than 1 goal/assist from him, I think there's more likely that Watford quartet Deney/Dela/Foster/Satt will get into the baps. Fwiw, I own DCL currently and will play him vs wat and CRY, he will be my makeweight for Jimenez back into my team. As for Haller, I must admit I am biased here, but I don't expect a goal return from him, not even when Brighton plays away from home. However, given Brighton's poor attack away from home, I think he's more likely to get baps if he does get a return, than DCL Vs stronger attackers (who will go for it at home turf). In fact, if you'd go for a 1 gw punt, that's probably where I'd look.

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

    Finish the rest of my wildcard team please..!

    48.6 ITB

    Henderson McCarthy

    TAA Lundstram Lascelles

    Salah Fleck

    Aguero

    (2 defenders, 3 midfielders,2 Strikers)

    1. amit1964
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      vvd,dunk
      kdb,grealish+4.5
      auba,greenwood

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

    To all of you considering getting Aubameyang, do his transfer rumours scare you?

    https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-striker-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-21342073

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

      Yes

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

      No

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

      Aubameyang is not leaving this window... In the summer he will if we don't qualify for CL

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

      If ever there was a week to hold fire until the next deadline this is it.

  13. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Cantwell --> Noble punt worked lovely last night.

    TC Salah & TAA/Robbo to come tonight. Dreading a Mane haul as many rivals have him TC'd.

    Another interesting night in FPL ahead 🙂

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nice punt on Noble, TC Salah, Mane and Trent for me, need a huge haul from Mo

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks pal. I have a good feeling in my bones for Mo similar to the TC Hudd game last year. I was at it at Anfield, half drunk with the TC chip on Mo and he hauled. Another one would be amazing.

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nice one on that Noble punt. Lots talked about it but didn't go through with it, so fair play.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ya man, I had my 3 x Lpool players in place 3 weeks ago so very happy with the double CS's every week. Just didn't fancy any other players and seen Noble scored a pen a few weeks back so had him on my radar if i had a spare FT....which i did/

        All the best for the rest of it.

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

    Is it too budget going with Fleck as a 4th midfielder?

    1. amit1964
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      who are your strikers?

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

        Aguero, Firmino and Jimenez

        1. amit1964
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          and your others mid?

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

            Salah, KDB, Grealish, Dendoncker

            1. amit1964
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              so he will be your "7 man" in attack, its ok

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

      yes you will miss out on a lot of points

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

        Who do you prefer?

        My current midfield is Salah, KDB, Maddison, Grealish and Dendoncker. 3-4-3.

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

          i like it the way it is, i probably wouldn't choose maddy but you can easily switch him out for a 7m-8.5m option. Who are you trying to get in?

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

      Are you considering switching to 4-3-3?

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nope, don't think so, I've considered it too.

  15. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sheff Utd triple up on WC madness? Thinking of Hendo and 2 defenders, one of them could be Egan so can be benched easily enough.

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

      If they have a game in GW28, then not a madness

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

        When do we know this Holmes? I'm out of the loop

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

          Before next GW starts

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

      its not mad at all, definitely get baldock, the attacking returns are worth it

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on the Villa LC result.

      If they beat Leicester then it's a no, as it'll likely put too much strain on your squad with City probably blanking too.

  16. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Got Vardy in at 8.9, would you get rid now?If so for who? Also not sure about holding DCL/Haller/Martial for too long...thoughts?

    Ryan
    TAA - Cathcart - Lunds
    Salah - Mane - Kdb - Martial
    Vardy - Haller - DCL

    Subs: Button - Soy - Taylor - Romeu

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Crazy to get rid of Vardy.

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

    Want to avoid drops because it blocks off these moves. Which is more pressing. Essentially Soy and Martial will go this week and next anyway...
    A. Martial Vardy to Auba Grealish
    B. Soy Vardy to Auba Lascelles
    C. As with A... To Aguero Fleck

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

    C. Willson is a streaky player.
    Got his goal this GW, expecting more against Villa (H)

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He'll go on a nice run then revert to trolling

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

    Gomez @5.2 nailed.?

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      First choice right now, should keep his place imo

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

    Pick my starting back 3 for GW25 from:
    TAA, Soyuncu, Sidibe, Lundstram, Rico

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

      TAA, Lund, Sidibe.

  21. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Well worth keeping Vardy for the in foreseeable future. Could easily be back by beginning of feb.

  22. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Time to WC ? See so many problems with this team
    Ryan (button)
    Taa Lund Sidibe (Saiss Kelly )
    Maddison Salah Mane Kdb Sarr
    Ings Vardy ( Greenwood)

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

      Looks good to me, bit unlucky recently like many of us. No need for WC!

  23. ClothedinSun
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Wildcarded my team last night. Currently it's looking like this for the next GW:

    Hendo,

    TAA, Lascelles , Digne

    Son, Maddison, KDB (vc), Grealish, Martial

    Auba (c), Jimi

    Bench: Foster, Pukki, Dunk, J.Stephens.

    Thoughts?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry but it’s awful. No Liverpool mid? Martial!? Auba at Barcelona?

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

        Really? I've not had a LP mid for a while now, it's been rough but not catastrophic! Martial is the main man at Utd now Rash is out and Auba is not at Barcelona (nor will he be until the summer!)

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

      Needs Mane or Salah

    3. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m getting rid of Martial. Did you watch Utd last night? Truly awful. I think Rashford playing makes a big difference to Martials goals.

  24. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys, what will you change on that team:

    McCarthy
    Alexander-Arnold / Stephens / Dunk
    Mane / Salah / De Bruyne / Martial
    Vardy / Ings / Calvert-Lewin

    Button / Lundstram / Williams / Cantwell
    Team value: 105,6
    In the bank: 0,3
    Free transferts: 2

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

    Have no idea what to do with this.

    McCarthy
    Trent Digne Lundstram
    Salah Mane KDB Mahrez
    Vardy Deeney DCL

    (McGovern Rico Cantwell Kabasele) 1FT and 0.5ITB

    Time to bring Auba in for Vardy perhaps? Need funds from somewhere and requires a hit.

    Appreciate any suggestions!

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why all the Auba love? He wants to leave Arsenal.. Kun is the premium you want. Much better value losing Mane and spreading the funds

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

        I'm not bringing him in until February 1st.

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

        Auba is the club captain and there is no chance of him leaving in January

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

      Save ft / keep an eye on Vardys condition

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

      Thanks all!

  26. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    That moment when the top 10k average is lower than the overall average...
    (Source: LiveFPL)

  27. Party time
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mané TC'ers UNITE!!!

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Unite in tears when Salah hauls big time!

        1. Party time
            4 years, 2 months ago

            You should be hoping they both help themselves haul.

            Yew absolute Numpty!

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

          TCers will get out of cave depending on how their picks score 😀

          1. Party time
              4 years, 2 months ago

              😆 Oh man...I need a big haul

              TC Mané?

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

          Gtg?
          Mccarthy
          Robbo TAA Stephens Lund Rico
          Kdb Salah Son Grealish Fleck
          Auba Ings Deeney
          Double liv at back helped spread a lot of funds

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

            Please rate the team out of 10
            I personally feel 8.5/10

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              6.5 at best. Stephens and Rico average, Spurs are awful at present, Grealish has mixed fixtures and don’t rate that forward line at all

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

                Plan to bring Jim for Deeney after next 2, And Auba to Vardy in blank gw

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

                  You are very strict :p
                  6.5is harsh

                2. Volley127
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 2 months ago

                  Vardy may well blank too?

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

              Like it a lot. Well balanced. Only main concearn is Auba inconstancy... but fixtures worth the punt. 8.5/10 as well.

        4. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          If Auba joins Barca like rumored think I'll get Martinelli for Vardy and get Son/Mahrez for Cantwell and play 352

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

            Auba isn't going anywhere this window, I don't get why people hear a story of random accounts on Twitter and believe it. He's been rumoured to leave us every window since he joined. He will leave in summer if we don't get CL, and even that's not for definite.

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

              Agreed the main reason that drove Auba to leave ucl playing Borussia isnt glory but living in alpha city like london and great wages. Barcelona is good city but they wont be ready to throw more.money on him. Arsenal is one of most comfortable clubs there is, only those who dont care about ideal opulent living and trophies will be foolish to leave.

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

                but trophies*

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

                Why would Barca spend big money on a striker in January who's going to be 31 in June when they bought Griezmann last summer? People don't think, honestly 😀

              3. El Presidente
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                You have a point, but then again, Arsenal as a club is nowhere near Barcelona. Not even in the same planet. It can be once in a lifetime gig... playing with Lionel.... He´s already going 31yo.... I dont know...

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

          Not sure if this is the way to go on WC... any help deeply aprreciated:

          Henderson/Button
          TAA / VVD / Lundstram / Kelly / Williams
          Son / Salah / KDB / Grealish / Hayden
          Aguero / Jimenez / Ings

          0.0 ITB

          Payers on watch list: Martineli, Auba, Fleck, Digne.

          Main concearns: Not sure if Son worth the money. A downgrade on him could allow spread funds elsewhere...

          Any ideas? Thanks!

          1. Chelsea91
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            son to Ali?

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

              Could be an option. Can't help thinking Son is the only FPL Spurs player worth having, though. (despite defenders and injured Kane).