Pro Pundits - Ash

Potential replacements for Vardy and Mané after Double Gameweek injuries

Once upon a time, Double Gameweeks lived up to expectation with something for everyone. Not anymore.

I know we’re only at the half-way stage but, up until now, this latest one has been one of the worst in living memory.

My joint-highest scorer, Diego Rico (£4.2m) was lost on the bench and on the pitch I had six players that mustered a solitary point each. It’s been a spectacular fail to date.

To rub insult to injury, I was going to sell Todd Cantwell (£5.0m) for Mark Noble (£5.0m), but Marcus Rashford’s (£9.0m) injury only encouraged me to start Mason Greenwood (£4.4m) which was a risk too far.

Weeks of planning went out the window and it just became all the more farcical and unfortunate after seeing Jamie Vardy (£9.9m) and Sadio Mané (£12.5m) get injured in the space of 24 hours.

In many ways millions of FPL managers have had a dire Double Gameweek and my Liverpool players still have another game to play. But realistically, only a captain Mohamed Salah (£12.4m) hat-trick assisted solely by Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m) can bring about a U-turn. I can live in hope for now.

Vardy Replacement

 1

Vardy’s injury in some ways is just the excuse I needed to sell him. With that said, early reports indicate that he could be back as early as next week. He may have scored 17 goals this season, but should I really persevere with a player that has only scored one goal since Gameweek 16 and has registered eight points in his last four starts? Probably not.

I think it may finally be time board the Danny Ings (£7.0m) bandwagon. The Southampton man has only scored 24 fewer points than Vardy this season, despite playing almost 300 fewer minutes.

Of course, I’m probably two months late to the party and would have to pay a premium price for him but he seems to be one of a small number of fit strikers that has been scoring regularly throughout the campaign.

Ings’ fixtures aren’t bad either. After a visit to his former club, Liverpool, he has a generous run of games until Gameweek 30. With him now in the race to get a trip to Euro 2020 with England, there’s enough incentive for him to carry on scoring goals.

Mané Replacement?

Mane injury latest as Firmino claims Double Gameweek advantage

It may be too premature to speculate, but if the Mané does have a serious injury then I may have to sell him. Of course, for many other FPL managers he is a season-keeper with a lot of tied in value and they may have the patience to keep him for a game or two if he doesn’t play. But I don’t have that sort of will power at hand, especially when I’m also dealing with an injured Vardy and a range of out of form or rotation risk players.

A replacement for Mane will require more thought and consideration when we remember the impact he has had this season.

Put simply, there isn’t really anyone else I could sell him for in a straight-swap.

At a push, I could say Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) but he is lacking in form, with no Fantasy returns since Gameweek 19. However, he has received the fourth-most number of passes (96) in the final third in the last four Gameweeks so seems to be getting the right areas, just without the reward.

But then you have a player like Willian (£7.2m) that has more touches (163) and passes received (122) in the final period than any other player over the same duration but it’s only amounted to 12 aggregate points.

Had it not been for his difficult upcoming fixtures, I may have also considered Son Heung-min (£9.9m). Since the turn of the year, among midfielders, he’s had the second-highest number of goal attempts (14). With Harry Kane (£10.8m) injured for the long-term Tottenham will rely on him even more. I genuinely hope that I don’t have to sell Mané, but if I do, the options look bleak.

Future Planning

I’m probably in a small group of FPL managers that will have two free transfers at hand after Double Gameweek 24 comes to an end. I’m in this position as I spent one free transfer on Brandon Williams (£4.1m) and opted not to buy any West Ham players.

I’ve not seen a green arrow in a long time and whilst knee jerk decisions are tempting during this time of Fantasy Football turbulence, I need to keep a level head, just as Lateriser stressed on Saturday, although I’d still like to carry out some calculated risks.

Doubling up on Sheffield United’s defence could be a viable option when considering Dean Henderson’s (£5.0m) form and their upcoming run of games. I also need to stop ignoring players like Jack Grealish (£6.6m) and Adama Traoré (£5.7m) who have been bargain midfield gems.

Apart from that, I hope Premier League clubs partake in some inspired real-life January transfers that can broaden FPL options and ultimately smash up the template team.

2,009 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Take what you want from it

    https://twitter.com/FPLsubscribe/status/1221486528465178625

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Probably after a new contract.

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

        And renaming the Kenny Dalglish stand after him

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

      Nothing is impossible - But It'll require an obscene of money both in transfer fee and wages.

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

        Maybe he has seen that Chris Smalling has become a superstar in Italy has become a bit jealous

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

      I wouldn't rule it out

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Guy is smart. Leave at an all-time high (PL winner, CL winner, WCC winner etc.). If you leave at the high point then you don't suffer the inevitable come-down.

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

        Worth noting that Hazard left on a high and he's hardly done anything at Madrid.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Hazard didn’t leave on a high in comparison to what VVD would be leaving on.

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

      Liverpool is a small club, no surprise there.

    6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Smart move from him to be honest. On to bigger and better things and who would want to stay longer than he has living in Liverpool.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        lol

    7. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sell for 100m + De Ligt in return. Make him the best in the world. Repeat.

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

    A) Aguero or Auba?
    B) Lascelles or Fernandez?

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

      Auba (game time) and Fernandez (better stats and fit)

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

    VVD or Robertson with TAA in LFC defensive double up?

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

      VVD

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

      Robertson (should) have more attacking potential. VVD is nailed as it comes though.

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

      VVD

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

    RMWCT

    Pope Button
    TAA Gomez Lundstram Lascelles Stephens
    Salah KDB Grealish Perez Hayden
    Aguero Auba Ings

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

      Too much money in attack. Downgrade one of Kun or Auba and improve defence and keepers

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

      What formation ....433 ??

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

    Transfer request from VVD becausw draw vs United. Omg.

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

    Weird thought, but could this be a decent week to free hit? It would buy time for Mane and Vardy to get better if you intend to keep...

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

      No

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

      No, it's worth more than that I feel

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

      I did this in GW13 and gained 30 plus points on the team I would of put out so it can work

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

    In isolation, is Vardy > Jimenez a good move next GW or stick regardless?

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

      I would hold if he is fit for at least one more week

      Chelsea's style of play will suit Vardy

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

      I'd wait a week before doing that move. Vardy could feature vs Villa on Tuesday.

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

    If best bench boost is week 37 means wildcarding week 36 to maximise benefit. That is quite late in season so is playing wild card now a good opportunity to make up good points on those holding out to week 36 with older templates?

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

      dgw37 will be rotation galore

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Way too late to reap the benefits imo

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

      Best time is now, in next 2-3 weeks

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

        Is it ?
        Why not this GW then. 😉
        I'm tempted ..................

        Closely looking for the fa cup draw and possible GW 31 blanks. If i can survive that, i think I'll pull the trigger

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

    Looking at getting in Aguero as Captain for GW25 v West Ham. Surely a great candidate that week?

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

      If you are sure he will start

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

      You mean GW26. Ings, Salah, KDB, Sterling, Auba and Son all have great fixtures that week too. Going to be difficult choosing a captain for many.

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

        Of course GW26

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

      Yeah will probably bring him in for a -4 or even a -8 only to captain him that GW, will probably sell after.

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

    2-0 Liverpool

    Love an O.G

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

      That's one way of making the dream to score for Liverpool come true. 😉 😀

  11. Supersonic Marv'
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    One of the all time great own goals has just been scored.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Classy, unrushed finish. Some will say the Liverpool players were no where near him but he still gave his GK no chance.

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

    One of the funniest own goal this is

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

    What a comical own goal!

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

      Anything to keep Mo benched will do me

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

        Mo will be fresh for 6-0 win over the Hammers.

  14. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If Vardy is fit, anyone still selling him?

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

      Yes

    2. 99Redbaboons
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m keeping

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

      Yes

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

      Probably swap for Jimmy but not this week if fit

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

      Holding for Chelsea but selling after that and decision will be made easier if Leicester got a blank in GW28. I still don't own Ings so really want to get him for GW26.

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

      Sold already, reason : personal policy of not keeping a player wiv 3+ consecutive blanks, and the fact that had been a bit more ballsy and went for the Vardy to DCL (already have Jimi+Ings) prior to the 'pool and City games , I'd have gotten alot of good points vs the shite Jamie served up in the past 6 gws.

      Of course given the quality of vardy he can return and haul but I dont believe my team is that weak for it to be horrid due to vardy hauling, comfortable wiv my frontline being able to score.

      Side note : any get the feeling Jamie's days as the "talisman" upfront are coming to an inevitable end , purely due to his age and the need for leicester to have a well groomed and ready to ascend to the throne striker to replace him . My guess is late this season or after the first quarter of next season , Jamie might begin to may way for the future of the club whomever it is

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

      Keep him a week then move for Aguero for West Ham game

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

    What is to be taken of Mahrez subbed at 55 mins? Saved for mid week? Or saved for prem?

    1. 99Redbaboons
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ask Pep

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

      Rested

      Game was won

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

      Pep not happy with him imo

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

      He'll start midweek and benched at Spurs

  16. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Some reports stating mané out for 3 weeks.
    Hum...
    Big dilemma here considering keeping TAA during his « injury » was one of my best decision of the season.
    Probably worth keeping mané as he can bring a good edge against sellers later

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

      Sounds about right

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

      what injury? TAA did not miss any PL minutes.

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Have enjoyed owning Mane but I'm shifting mostly to move to 2 Liverpool defenders. If he wasnt injured would probably lose Salah, mind.

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

    On a WC....

    A) Aguero & Fleck
    B) Aubameyang & H.Barnes
    C) Son & C.Wood

    Wouldn't have to play every GW

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

      A just about but Pep is annoying with rotation.

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

      Difficult to say as I think the values differ? And dont know what other coverage you have. Of those three probably A (followed by C then B).

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

        Salah KdB Grealish Traore _____
        Jimenez Ings _____

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

          Yeah probably A then given last spot will be benched mostly. Although I would prefer to get Son and Aguero in there if you can, probably losing Jimenez to DCL to afford (then it's my front 8 (below))

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

            Cant without losing KDB

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

              Son and Aubameyang an option? Traore looking good but if hes going to be benched most games you could downgrade to Fleck or someone even cheaper?

  18. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A. VVD, Vardy, Auba
    B. Robbo, Jimenez, Aguero

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

      B but VVD if you can use the spare cash

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

      Very tough, probably B

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

      Vvd jimmy auba and save some cash

  19. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    0.2 ITB, 1 FT.

    Ryan
    TAA, Holgate, Kelly
    Salah, Mane*, KDB, Grealish
    Aguero, Ings, DCL

    (Woodman, Lundstram, Traore, Simpson)

    A) Mane -> Son (then Lundstram -> VVD next GW)
    B) Mane & Holgate -> Son & VVD (-4)
    C) Mane & Lundstram -> Son & VVD (-4)

    Time for Lundstram to go despite fixtures? Holgate seems nailed and surprisingly getting in some attacking positions, and I can only get VVD in for him with a hit which I dont fancy.

    Cheers

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

      A

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

        Cheers

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

    How come nobody is talking about Chris Wood, £6.2 owned by 1.1% and ahead of the current FFS favorites to replace Vardy: Ings, Deeney and Firminho on the form table with arguably harder fixtures played.
    (ARS, sou, BOU, new) in the next 4. An incredibly overlooked player who has really filled in for the goals since Barnes got injured, he now has 4 goals more than him this season. 1 goal behind Salah, Mane and Jimenez.

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

      He plays for Burnley, maybe that's why

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

        A Burnley side that Just beat Leicester at home and Manchester United away.

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

          Beating them in current form is not a big deal.

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

      He is a good shout, Burnley just seem very hot and cold although playing well. Prefer the other options similar price I.e. DCL, Ings, Jimenez if spare cash.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Plays for Burnley.

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

      He sways too much, scores a goal or two then blanks a couple..

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

      I always pick wrong Burnley attacker. That's why staying away !

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

        It's funny you should say that because I started the season with Wood because I rate him far higher as a player but Barnes wouldn't stop scoring.
        I think he's really shown he's the better of the two over this season though, he's going into my wildcard team head of Deeney.

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

    Shrewsbury Town are following in a long line of other teams this season

    Consistently missing sitters against Liverpool

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

      haha. the luck liverpool get!!

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

        You can call it luck or whatever. LFC hardly fielding a starting 11 tonight.

        EPL wise top of the table and deservedly so with a massive lead.

  22. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Looks like Pep has announced another DGW before Gw28

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

      ?

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Said city gonna play Arsenal near the winter break

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

          oh did he? when? if so aguero essential

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Cud be gw26 according to Ben Crelin

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

      Yep
      It has to be now since most of us Muppets used TC on Mane. Kun will kill it that GW if that happens. Hopefully we'll get the information pre deadline this GW

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

    That was outside the box

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

    Lolapool

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

      Shrewsbury all over Pool.

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

        As usual. Liverpool to sneak a last minute goal to win 3-t

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

    Strawberry might win this here

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

      They should be ahead

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Only if they have big berries.

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

      Eden Hazard loves Strawberry Town

  26. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How many City players on a WC?

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

      2

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

      One

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

      Laporte, KDB & Aguero

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

        That is too much atm for me.
        😮

  27. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Gomez too risky for a premium liverpool spot with Lovren back right?

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Gomez should keep his place barring injury.

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

        You would think so, but has he actually been that good individually? I recall when Lovren (and Matip) was fit they rotated quite a bit?

        1. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          He's been fine. He and VVD are liverpool's best partnership.

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

      Yeah, I want a peace of mind and am going with VVD or Robbo.

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

        Yeah. VVD here.

  28. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Man City and Arsenal could potentially have a double GW in either 25 or 26.

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

      Aubameyang will get more transfer IN 🙁

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

      How???

      1. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Their fixture in GW 28 will most likely be moved due to League cup final.

        And Pep surely knows something we others dont, since he Said the following on the Winter break plans:

        "A few days off and after train again here to prepare for Arsenal. I want the guys to stay with their families and themselves and in this case I decided to be here."

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

      So just a single gameweek for Arsenal then.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Blank GW for their defenders

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

      Source?

      1. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Look at Ben Crellins twitter

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

          Cheers. Wouldn't believe a rumour like that if he wasn't the source.

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

    Seems wrong going with 2 Wolves.
    Surely they don't score that much?

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

      I am. Great priced players in a great team

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

    Ox coming on

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

      Usually performs well on a plough field