Pro Pundits

What to do with Jamie Vardy and John Lundstram in FPL?

Az looks at two problematic players and the options available to Fantasy managers who own them.


So, after a strong 11 weeks which saw me move from a rank of around two million to 115,000, the last four weeks have seen me get a bit stuck in the mud.

In the last four Gameweeks, I’ve risen 3,000 places to a rank of 112,000. It’s hardly a meteoric rise but after a turbulent season, a bit of stability and consolidation is quite welcome.

Now we’re in February, it seems a good time to think about your targets for the end of the season. Like last year, I’m seeing good managers high in the rankings – but other veteran players are struggling. Triple captaincy success and failures, in people’s minds at least, have made or broken seasons.

But a strong finish is still possible. Coincidentally, it was after Gameweek 25 last year that I hit my worst rank of the season. Staring at a rank of 408,000, I was feeling quite pessimistic but still managed to get myself safely inside the top 100k (finishing around the 62,000 mark).

It can be tempting to go for broke when you see others’ success stories (for example, I’ve seen people rising from 300k to 80k in one week), but I feel like steady gains are key rather than chasing big hauls. With chips left to play, and 13 Gameweeks to go, even those who feel like their season is unrecoverable can still have a good finish.

I can’t see any reason why people sitting in the millions can’t realistically achieve a comfortable finish inside the top 100k if they resist the urge to take too many ‘punts’ and potentially cause more damage.

As we so often see with Fantasy Football, the times are a’changing. With high ownership comes great potential to move away from the herd, no matter what rank you are. And there seem to be two heavily owned players who we need to make a decision on.

What to do with Jamie Vardy?

As Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) scored another goal in Gameweek 18 against Manchester City, his tenth attacking return in a row, it seemed unthinkable that he would only get a solitary assist in the next seven matches.

For any with the foresight to take him out, congratulations, but owners of the Englishman have a decision to make, as there’s no doubt that Vardy’s form gives cause for concern.

Vardy seems to be suffering with a niggling injury. His stats against Chelsea and Burnley, in particular, were both really poor, with only six penalty area touches and three goal attempts in these games. His high price point and poor form are seeing him shed sellers by the thousands but at the time of writing he remains in 39.4% of squads and if you move him on for a forward who can start to deliver consistently, then this is a ticket up the rankings for sure.

A week ago, we had a pool of strikers scoring points for fun. However, Gameweek 24 made a mockery of this, with Roberto Firmino (£9.7m), Troy Deeney (£6.3m), Gerard Deulofeu (£6.1m), Glenn Murray (£5.4m) and new boy, Mbwana Samatta (£6.0m), the only recognised FPL forwards notching returns.

However, high hopes for other strikers, such as Raul Jimenez (£7.7m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m), Danny Ings (£7.0m), Sergio Aguero (£12.0m), Tammy Abraham (£7.7m) and even slightly more left-field options like Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.1m), showcase the potential that getting the three “right” strikers for the coming weeks.

For me, if I could pick three strikers going forward, I’d go for Ings, Jimenez and Aubemeyang (making sure I had a suitable replacement to come in for Gameweek 28).

Ings has blanked in his last three games, but with matches against Wolves and Liverpool, plus a 20-minute cameo away at Crystal Palace, this perhaps isn’t too surprising. He’s remained a threat throughout and 14 penalty area touches, ten goal attempts (with nine in the box) and an xG of 1.59 tells me that he hasn’t lost his way. With a great run of fixtures to come, and a modest price tag, he seems a great pick.

Jimenez is a player who I sold a few weeks ago and while his replacement (Firmino) has done well, the Mexican is calling out to me. There are few strikers as consistent as Jimenez: he has registered attacking returns in 14 games and seems to tick over each week.

I know some grow frustrated with his lack of “big” hauls (he does actually have three double-digit returns this season), but it’s important to remember this is a £7.7m striker. Barring injury, I’d say he’s a keeper from now until the end of the season.

While Firmino is performing well in my side, I am conscious that Sadio Mané (£12.2m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) may have a part to play in my season, and so am casting my eye enviously at owners of Aubameyang, who is back from suspension and made it through a tricky game away to Burnley with a blank –  which I hope will put new suitors off.

The Gabon international – in my view the front runner for the Golden Boot – plays some of the leakiest defences in the league over the next seven Gameweeks, with home games against Newcastle, West Ham and Norwich all looking particularly inviting. I’d be amazed if he didn’t score some serious points in these weeks, and I wonder if Mikel Arteta will look to use him more centrally with rotation on the cards for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli (£4.6m), Nicholas Pépe (£9.1m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m).

What to do with John Lundstram?

As a late arrival to the Lord John Lundstram (£5.1m) party, I perhaps don’t view him with the same regards as some of you reading this article. I can’t deny that the former £4.0m FPL defender has shone this season, with his 21-point haul against Burnley a frankly legendary reward for owners, but the writing has been on the wall for a few weeks now.

One of the main reasons I avoided Lundstram at the start of the season was because of the amount of competition in the midfield for Sheffield United, and as he wasn’t even first choice when they were in the Championship, I sensed that only an incredible run of form at the start of the campaign would mean he kept his place – which is of course exactly what happened.

However, recently Lundstram has been off-form, subbed in two matches and then relegated to the bench for the next two. The signing of Sander Berge (£5.0m) adds further competition to midfield and rumours of contract disputes with Chris Wilder continue to rumble.

Praise for Lundstram’s contribution from the bench did not go unnoticed by his army of followers but with Sheffield United having a superb run of games, it seems vital to be moving forward with at least one defender in your ranks.

For those with Dean Henderson (£5.0m), perhaps Lundstram’s current situation is less of an issue. But for those with just the Lord, I think now is the time to thank John for his points and pack his bags.

The trouble is, Lundstram’s fellow ‘defenders’ possess almost no goal threat.

Enda Stevens (£5.1m) and George Baldock (£5.1m) both cost a bit more if you have owned Lundstram since the start of the season, and if you are after goals, I wouldn’t hold your breath. Over the last six Gameweeks, they have had three goal attempts between them.

While Baldock only has two chances created to his name, Stevens has six, and looks the better option from the stats and my own “eye test”. The centre-backs, while a bit cheaper, are even less likely to score you points outside of clean sheets, with only one assist between the three of them.

But it’s clean sheets which seem to be Sheffield United’s forte, and £4.5m for a defender for a team that loves a 1-0 win still seems a bargain. Stevens would still be my pick if you can afford him, but for those with Lundstram and Henderson, I would be tempted to stick with the Lord and hope he regains his place. I still feel like he offers something that other players in the team do not, and if he does get his contract sorted, may yet have a part to play in our squads and seasons.


Az has been a contributor to the site and Scoutcast guest for many years. The Brighton and Hove Albion supporter has three top 10k finishes to his name in a long Fantasy career, the best of which was a rank of 817 in the 2017/18 season.

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,252 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Want some of my rivals to burn their FH on GW28. Will BGW 31 be confirmed before or after GW 28 deadline?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      After

  2. Mr. Chimes
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best MID replacement starter for Maddison 6.5mil or less? Need to free up funds

    Have KDB, Grealish, Salah, Cantwell

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore or Barnes

      1. Mr. Chimes
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        You think Barnes is nailed enough?

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I think he is for now. Form has been great past 3 gws.

          1. EL tridente
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Saint-Maximim. Newcastle have Great fixtures coming up

        2. AC Yew
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Considering Barnes too!

  3. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any changes needed here or g2g for this gw? Thanks.

    McCarthy
    taa stevens dunk
    salah kdb grealish traore
    kun firmino ings

    button rico soy dendo

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Let the wheel decide between Rico, Soy and Dunk. None of them look like deserving to start atm.

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        gtg.

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers

    2. Ynwalfc
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      GTG maybe dunk for someone at a push

    3. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Gtg

  4. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play 2:
    A) Dunk (WAT)
    B) Sidibe (CRY)
    C) Saiss (LEI)

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      AB

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

      AB

    3. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      AB

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

      Ab.

    5. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers all. AB it is.

  5. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Case for Firmino.

    - Great form: Involved in 7 goals in last 8 pl matches (4 goals 3 assists)

    - Great fixtures: (nor WHU wat BOU eve CPL)

    - Nailed on and Playing for the best team in the league

    - Decent Price

    More points than Kun and only 7 points behind Auba despite being 2m cheaper. Honestly think he is better option than Both Auba, Kun and off form vardy

    Agree? Thoughts are welcomed

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Agree. Did Vardy > Firmino for a hit this gw.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Considering him for Aguero. But uncertain if to use 3rd Pool spot on him, Mane or Gomes

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        When fit Mane yeah but he's currently injured and will be eased back. Gomez meanwhile could be rotated when champions league starts. (plays in important cl matches means rest could be on the cards in pl as its already wrapped up)

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino has 1 point more than Kun after playing 900 mins which is equivalent to 10 games more.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        firmino has 1 more point in 25 gws and for 3m cheaper is the stat i look for

        kun inevitably get rotated in pl with jesus and has tough fixtures. not worth the hassle imo

        1. The Bad Seed
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          number of GWs means nothing.
          It's not even a stat.

          If anything, lesser number of GWs means LACK of stats.

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

      Disagree. Unreliable and wastes a valuable LIV Def slot.

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        The cost of a slot is the big issue.

      2. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        dont be ignorant just because you own double liv defence. firmino is great option for the points i made above.

        Sí Señor Pass the ball to Bobby and he will score

        1. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Then why are you seeking our opinion?
          . Buy him!

  6. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Start 1 of

    A) Lundstram
    B) Rico
    C) Taylor

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      Rico

    3. ver_sparda
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      C

  7. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hmmm, Aubameyang to Ighalo on card...

    https://twitter.com/ManUnitedZone_/status/1225263000841531392?s=19

  8. Ynwalfc
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    TAA,Gomez,aurier
    Salah(C),KDB,Fernandez,Traore
    Aguero,Ings,DCL

    Subs Button,Grealish,Lundstram,Kelly

    Any changes needed? Thanks guys

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

      No.

      1. Ynwalfc
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  9. mlm
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy (Button)
    TAA VVD Aurier (Egan Kelly)
    Salah KDB Martial Maddison (Cantwell)
    Aguero(c) Jimenez Ings

    GTG?

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

      Oh yes.

  10. ver_sparda
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    On a WC

    G2g?

    Pope
    VVD - TAA - Stephens
    Son - Fleck - Salah (C) - KDB
    Aguero - Martinelli - Jimenez

    Subs - Button - CHO - Tanganga - Lamptey

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

      I'd definitely captain Kun if you have him. Live a little.

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

      Are you sure about gametime of Martinelli, Hudson, Tanganga, Lamptey? Feels risky to go with 4 doubtful assets.

  11. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Captain

    A) Salah (might be rested for CL)
    B) KDB
    C) Jimenez

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

      A

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Almathkourq8
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

  12. Aftermath
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg?

    Guaita
    TAA Robertson Stephens Egan
    Salah KDB Fleck
    Aguero(C) Vardy Ings

    Button Maddison Hayden Kelly

    0ft,0.1 itb

    Unsure of who to play, Maddison or fleck

    1. Ynwalfc
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maddison to Traore and start him

  13. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Struggling to decide on a 4th WC midfielder currently on Berwejn but consisted Bruno, Moura, Grealish?

    Unfortunately can't quite make Son fit.

    1. Almathkourq8
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Moura or Grealish

  14. Almathkourq8
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What do you think lads

    A) Lund + cantwell to Fleck + Stephens

    B) Lund + Fabianski to Henderson + Stephens

  15. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who is more likely to start this GW?

    A) Bilva

    B) Mahrez

    .

    1. Almathkourq8
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      B with Sterling out and Sané not back means they need a winger starting....

  16. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    GW26 Team:

    McCarthy
    Robbo TAA Egan
    Son Salah KDB Grealish
    Jiménez Ings Vardy

    Martin, Cantwell, Soy, Williams

    0.5ITB, looks GTG?

    Well set looking ahead to GW28 with already 10 starters (11 if Williams plays) Hopefully be able to save FT next GW to have 2FT going in.

    1. Almathkourq8
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good maybe Cantwell to Fleck

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, looking to keep Cantwell as mostly just bench fodder.

  17. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this 3-5-2 WC team?
    a bit different

    1. JohnBlack
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Great team

  18. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this 3-5-2 WC team?
    a bit different

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Indeed

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Preferred the first one

    3. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Very good

    4. Matjes_taet
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would Change to 5-2-3.
      Bench is to weak.

  19. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?
    Hendo • McCarthy
    TAA • Gomez • Boly • Aurier • Lascalles
    Salah • Son • KDB • Mahrez • Redmond
    Jimenez • Ings • Martinelli

  20. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Foster Button
    TAA Dunk Lundstram Rico
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore Dendoncker
    Ings Vardy DCL

    1 FT 5.7 ITB

    A - Vardy > Auba
    B - Vardy > Auba DCL > Firmino -4
    C - Vardy > Jimenez Dendoncker > Son -4
    D - Vardy > Aguero

    Or do I just play the WC?

    1. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I WC'd

  21. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Chomping to improve the look of this ol' thing.

    Ryan
    Lundstram TAA Holgate
    Salah Martial Traore KDB
    Vardy Auba Ings
    Button Kelly Soyuncu Dendo
    1.9itb 1ft

    A. Soy to vvd.
    B. Kelly to Stephens/Gomez etc.
    C. Martial to Son + either Soy to Stephens, or Lundy to Lascelles/Taylor (-4)
    D. B plus Auba to Kun (-4) before he becomes Jimenez.

  22. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who is better for the next two?

    A) Auba and Traoré

    B) Mahrez and Redmond

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

      B

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. The Bad Seed
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Redmond is too streaky for me. Great one week. Average the next. JWP out may hurt Saints.

  23. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Doherty or Boly?

    1. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Have you seen stats on defenders?

      Doherty is a machine!

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

      I cheekily logged into fpl thinking surely Doherty will be value by now....
      6.1! Cripes.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Boly. 4.7. Always a goal threat.

  24. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Son on Penalities now??

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Looks like it

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yup.

  25. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    On WC and fairly set. What son you think?

    Henderson
    TAA, Gomez, O'Connell, Stephens
    Salah(c), KDB, Son
    Ings, Auba, Jimi

    McCarthy, Fleck, Lac

    1. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lacelles, Hayden**

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Auba to Firmino. Gomez to Boly. Hayden to H Barnes

  26. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan
    Aurier, Stephens, Taa
    Salah, kdb, maddison, Cantwell
    Firmino, auba, Ings

    Mcgov, sarr, soyuncu, Rico

    Already used ft to get rid of the lord. Anything worth a hit?...don't really want to play Cantwell with sarr injured on my bench...

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Bye bye Sarr. Harvey Barnes might be a good replacement?

  27. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mahrez or Son?

    1. Two Popes and a Gazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I am stuck there too. Son is definitely a long-term choice. But I don't want Mahrez getting 15 points while Man City run riot.

      1. Two Popes and a Gazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Mahrez does have LEI Blank MUN after, so maybe Son is the more sensible choice.

    2. Matjes_taet
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on cover.
      For me Son, because i have Kun.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Son. Will basically be upfront and on pens. What’s not to like? Villa are leaky. West Ham could easily frustrate Citee.

  28. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ings looked good last night.
    Was going Greenwood > Jimenez first .

    Is Greenwood > Ings better ?
    Then get Jimenez the week after.

    1. Matjes_taet
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, Ings first is the better decisision.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      -4 gets you both. 😉

  29. Matjes_taet
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Henderson / Ryan
    Digne-TAA-VvD-Stephens-O`Connell
    Traore-Perez-Salah-Grealish-Mooy
    Kun-Auba-Ings

    All my players with promising fixtures.
    Should i play the BB-Chip?
    If not, who to bench?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Bench Mooy. Dinge. Ryan & Pérez.

      I don’t think Brighton will do that well against Watford. Wolves will do a number on Leicester. Palace are a funny team and could easily get something at Everton.

  30. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys.

    Foster
    TAA O’Connell Stephens
    KDB Salah (c) Son (vc) Fleck
    Firmino Ings Jimmy
    Button Grealish Lund Williams

    -8 taken. 2.8ITB

    Plan to bring in Boly for Lund and Barnes for Grealish in 27 (-4) and then Mane for KDB and Vardy for Firmino 28 (-4) depending on Mane fitness and whether Vardy has regained some form by then. Love a hit and got me it’s time to play hard or give up.

    Thoughts? Thanks.