Pro Pundits

The best budget FPL forwards to consider in the coming Gameweeks

Following on from Sam’s article that predominantly focused on premium forwards, one of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman, looks at the cut-price options available in attack.


In recent times, Fantasy managers have been able to call upon a large pool of reliable, kindly priced forwards.

Whilst back in 2017/18, only two forwards priced £7.0m or below at the start of the campaign reached double figures for goals, last season, we were treated to 12.

Raúl Jiménez (£7.7m) was the standout candidate. Starting at £5.5m and ending at £6.9m, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward returned 181 points in his debut season, with 13 goals and ten assists.

The likes of Salomón Rondón, Callum Wilson (£7.4m) and Ayoze Pérez (£6.2m) also offered huge value in the category.

This season, Danny Ings (£7.0m), Tammy Abraham (£7.7m), Dominic-Calvert-Lewin (£6.1m), Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) and Chris Wood (£6.3m) are already into double figures.

Next in line to join them is Neal Maupay (£5.8m), with seven.

The issue for Maupay owners is his last goal arrived in mid-December. I think it’s fair to say he’s been a huge disappointment since, returning just 18 FPL points, which is why I’m looking to move him on ahead of Gameweek 27.

So, with a budget of £6.8m, which could potentially rise to £7.4m if I were to bring forward my planned Gameweek 28 transfer of Jack Grealish (£6.7m) to Harvey Barnes (£6.0m), I’m looking to recruit a new forward.

To identify potential signings, I’ve plugged in my ‘Hitman’ custom table, which focuses on a selection of stats I like to look at when searching for goalscorers.

In this particular example, I’ve included the top ten, using data from the last four Gameweeks:

The idea behind using stats to begin my search is to filter players, and as a result focus on a smaller, more manageable group who I can then run the eye test over.

Having factored in, amongst other things, fixtures, forthcoming blanks (I need someone who plays Gameweek 28), rotation issues and player profiles, I’ve removed Pukki, Troy Deeney (£6.3m), Wilson, Gabriel Martinelli (£4.6m), Oliver McBurnie (£5.7m) and Christian Benteke (£5.7m) from my search, leaving three forwards to consider.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Above: Everton’s Gameweek 27-31 fixtures.

Having flagged up Everton and Calvert-Lewin on New Year’s Eve, they continue to impress.

Only Liverpool have bettered their points tally since Carlo Ancelotti was appointed, whilst Calvert-Lewin’s underlying numbers during that run are superb – he sits top for big chances, shots in the box, shots on target and xG amongst all players.

With no other Premier League team crossing as often as the Toffees in recent weeks, the 22-year-old’s ability to threaten in the air is being put to good use, and I like the fact he stays central, challenging for every ball.

I think he has the potential to continue doing well (the fixtures aren’t as bad as they seem on first glance), but part of me feels like l may have missed the boat with this one, although I’m certainly not ruling him out.

Chris Wood

Above: Burnley’s fixtures in Gameweeks 27-31

Whilst I have reservations about Burnley going forward, and their ability to create chances from open play, Wood has had a good season so far, finding the net ten times.

He’s also getting plenty of big chances – only Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) has more.

Another positive is his ability to score from set plays, which is relevant with Newcastle up in Gameweek 28 – the Magpies have conceded more attempts from dead-ball situations than any other club this season.

Despite this, no team has recorded fewer shots on target than the Clarets this season.

I’m not ruling Wood out, and I like the fact he definitely has a fixture going ahead in Gameweek 31, but at this stage, I think others are ahead of him.

Diogo Jota

Above: Wolves’ fixtures in Gameweeks 27-31

I do love it when a good attacking player turns up on one of my tables who maybe hasn’t shown up on the scoresheet recently.

Diego Jota (£6.1m) ticks that box, but it’s a move that comes with risk – is he even nailed for a start with Pedro Neto (£5.0m) and new signing Daniel Podence (£5.5m) competing for a spot?

Back in the fold following injury, I do like Jota but it does feel like I’d be replacing Maupay with another player who hasn’t scored since December, with rotation hanging over him. There is also an argument to say if you want a Wolves forward, find the extra from somewhere and invest in Jiménez.

The good thing is that I can run the eye test over Jota on Friday before making a call. If he can get anywhere near to his level of performance in the corresponding fixture from last season, where he netted a hat-trick, he could yet become an option, but let’s see.

So, I’m keeping my options open ahead of Gameweek 27, but as it stands, a forward transfer is definitely on the cards with Calvert-Lewin, Wood and Jota all under consideration.

However, with seven games still to be played in Gameweek 26, maybe another option will emerge?

Though Gameweek 27 seems a long way off right now, here’s how I’m currently set up…

Thanks for reading… until next time.


Tom Freeman – aka avfc82 – comes onto the team to make most of us feel wildly insecure about our overall rank history. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user, he has finished inside the top 1,000 a staggering five times since 2009.

333 Comments Post a Comment
  1. One Wheels Enough
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Just checked my career history on this site: https://www.game-change.co.uk/2017/08/28/fantasy-football-what-if-machine/
    Over 13 seasons my average 'percentile finish' is 1.7%, spose I should be happy with that...

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wow, this is an excellent site!

      1. One Wheels Enough
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        How have you done then?

        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Badly, going back to 2007 when I started my percentile is 49.9% in many of those seasons I lost interest halfway through though. If I was to just take the last couple of season where I actually played the game, it is 12.6% so still not great. Best season is at 5.2 percentile.

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

      First season rank of 3.1m resulting in poor percentile of 19.1%

      1. One Wheels Enough
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I guess having a couple of good OR's (58 and 426) makes up for a few bad seasons 😉

    3. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      class site!!!

      over 13 seasons my average finish is 2.2%.
      Average finishing position 54,590
      Best finish of 0% last season
      Worst finish of 10.7% in 07/08

      1. One Wheels Enough
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        You've pipped me, my ave is 56,108, last season was my worst ever...

    4. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      5.3%

      Guess that's alright. Chucked the towel in on one season a few years ago which has skewed it a bit 😉

    5. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Been looking for this tool for a while. Cheers. 0.4% over 8 seasons with a worst of 0.8%. No absolute stinkers in there, mind.

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        That's some impressive record mate. Especially since you have been consistent over 8 seasons!

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Just reinforces that a top 50k is a decent finish these days

      2. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        some going that!!!!

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

        Well done! Similar here, 0.6% over 8 seasons.

    6. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Interesting site.

      My current actual points are 1477 , and I've made 26 transfers. So my transfer activity and captaincy choices have been worth a total of 128 points!

      That will largely be down to having Leporte and Zinc in my starting 11 for GW1 who have missed most of the season.

    7. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I had a fantastic GW 1 team. Probably the best one I've had in a few seasons and have done a really poor job of improving it. -7 compared to my GW 1 team. I keep missing big hauls and bring players in for stretches of blanks even though they have great fixtures (Aubameyang, Martial, Perez, Son).

      Pope Button
      TAA Digne VvD Lundstram Rico
      Salah KdB Sterling Perez Barkley
      Wesley King Greenwood

      Proud of the pre-season work I did to come up with a strong GW1 team but man, it's been a disappointing season in truth (150K). I was up at 8K in GW 3. It could have been a dream season but eh... not to be.

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

      2.1% over nine seasons.....happy with that, I suppose

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        No. Season Points Population Rank Percentile
        1 2010/11 1881 2350000 346616 14.7
        2 2011/12 2097 2510000 43895 1.7
        3 2012/13 2350 2608634 251 0
        4 2013/14 2477 3218998 900 0
        5 2014/15 2200 3502998 9280 0.3
        6 2015/16 2307 3734001 2256 0.1
        7 2016/17 2305 4503345 10226 0.2
        8 2017/18 2277 5190135 26138 0.5
        9 2018/19 2281 7383187 81460 1.1

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          That worked out well 😆

    9. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      1.4%. I’ll take it I guess

      1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        (11 seasons)

    10. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Interesting site - not seen that before.
      Average rank 18K
      Average percentile finish 0.4%
      About average for on here I suppose - could/must do better.

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

      My average is 1.2%.

      1. Cash'nBurn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Another 0.4% average percentile here.

        Over ten seasons.

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

      2.3% !

    13. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Average percentile of 0.3% over 8 seasons.
      Average rank 16k.
      Last couple of seasons have been a little off in terms of finishing top 10k.

  2. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    It really bugs me that Robertson and TAA are the opposite way around in the team picture above... 😀

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

      Do you have to have your FPL team set up with players as close to their real life positions as possible? I have to have players by Purchase Price from left to right in each position and then auto-subs messes everything up.

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I am absolutely like you! My most expensive players are on the left, working my way down towards the right. Whenever I see teams that are organised in no particular order though, I can't help but think why have Robertson on the right and TAA on the left...

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Can't say its ever bothered me, it's the points I'm interested in!

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ultimately, you are correct!

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Ha, I'll try and remember to sort it out before my next article tho 🙂

    3. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Haha I used to do this but then sometimes you’d end up with two or three players from the same position...

      I do colour coordination now, keeps it tidy and looking good

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

      How do you re-arrange position of starters? Keep subbing in and out to get to the desired ordering?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yes lol

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

          Thanks - sounds like a tedious amount of work for zero gain. I'm on it now....

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Feels a bit like a rubix cube at times lol

  3. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Long way till GW27 but which one? 2FTs
    A) Lund -> Boly
    B) Lund + Rico -> Saiss + Stephens

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

      A. Stephens

  4. Blunder fc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I just worked out that if I'd simply captained Salah every week of the season, (taking into account vice captain playing when he's missed entire games), I'd be six points better off and would have saved days of my life spent stressing over who to captain...

    1. Gazwaz80
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      This isn’t a good site if you value your mental health 🙂

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

      Only six? I would be better off by approx 100pts 😆

    3. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Part of the "fun" playing the game.

  5. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT and 4m ITB.

    Should I take a hit to improve my defence or roll with this in GW27 and hope Lundy does something or Williams starts for Utd? Am planning to do KDB > Mane ahead of Pool's home game against West Ham.

    Guaita
    TAA / Webster / Lund
    Salah / Grealish / KDB / Traore
    Vardy / Jimi / Ings

    Button / Williams / Cantwell / Holgate     

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I would improve your defence but why would it be for a hit if you have 1FT?

  6. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How many blank GWs will be this season? Only GW 28 & GW 31?

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

      One or two may blank in 34.

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

      Maybe GW34 as well (but likely to be only 1-3 teams)

      1. One Wheels Enough
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        surely it has to be an even number...

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

          Nope

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

        How can 3 teams blank exactly ? 😀

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Every WHU game is a blank for owners

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

          One will have a blank but their opponent will be a part of some other team's DGW.

          For example,
          Liverpool vs Brighton (blank)
          Man Utd vs Arsenal
          Brighton vs Man Utd

        3. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          17 play and 3 don't

        4. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          The only ways I can think of is if one or more teams blank or has a TGW. Otherwise it's got to be two by two.

    3. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers. So if another blank will be small one than FH can be used in BGW31 or in DGW.
      As it looks for now not sure it is worth to FH in BGW31 (for crap players) as DGW can give much more advantage!

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

    Are there any pressers scheduled for today?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Just chasing up the official list. I know Hasenhuttl's is at 1.30pm. Santo's likely to be today, too, I'd have thought, as Wolves are playing tomorrow.

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

        Santos is the one I'm waiting for. Trying to get an update on Traore. Cheers mate.

        1. Party time
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Fit.Should start

    2. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Play McCarthy or Ryan in goal for GW27?

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

        Mc

      2. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        If in doubt, go with the guy at home I always say.

      3. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        McCarthy

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wood is my favourite. Banking on form against bottom 10 this season.

      10 matches
      57 points
      6 matches with returns

      Solid value.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Nice stats.

        Since I submitted this, I'm probably leaning a little more towards Wood, but let's see.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Wood is such an unfashionable pick. But the results do speak for themselves.

          Funny how at the start of the season everyone wanted Barnes. And now it's all flipped.

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah that's true.

            Burnley always look so blunt going forwards whenever I watch them, but if Wood's accounting for 10 of their 28 goals, maybe it isn't such an issue.

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Also like that he’s guaranteed both 31 and 34 as I’ve blown my WC and don’t know about FH 31 or 34. 34 blanks might be tricky without WC and don’t want to over invest too soon in teams like Wolves who might blank there.

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

        Picking one of Wood and Jimenez next week will be a pain...

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Jimenez easily.

        2. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Think my strike force will be ings, wood and Jimi. Currently on Bobby, ings and Deulofeu. Deulofeu needs to go, and Bobby in not overly rushed to lose but double pool defence is the consolation. Wood is a shrewd pick, I'm going to have 8 mil in the bank at this rate. Already got 4.5 lol

    4. NielsvanDelft
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      2ft 0.4 itb: Baldock to Boly a good move?

      Henderson
      TAA - VVD - Stevens
      Mo - KDB - Grealish - Traoré
      Ings - Auba - Jimmy

      McCarthy - Baldock - Fernandez - Cantwell

      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Like it.

        1. NielsvanDelft
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers! With the upcoming blank, and Wolves on top of the season ticker, I would like to give Wolves a chance. However they do not keep many clean sheets

          1. Gregor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah, their number of clean sheets seems to increase when Boly plays though to be fair.

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Boly feels a good option, I got him last week. They play in gw31 as well don't they?

        1. NielsvanDelft
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          You never know with all these storms, but their fixture is at home against Bournemouth that week

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            It's a while off, the bad weather should have passed by then hopefully

      3. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yep I like it mate

        Boly is a good pick and on my watchlist

    5. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Have 2 FTs and 0.4 ITB...Hendo as my only keeper and but short of 0.1 to do Button to McCarthy...

      Who to transfer out in order to get McCarthy in for Button? 
      a. Lunds
      b. Rico
      c. Cathcart
      d. Grealish
      e. Dunk
      f. cantwell

      Hendo Button
      TAA rico cathcart dunk lunds
      kdb salah grealish doucou cantwell
      ings bobby kun

    6. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What's the chances, one of my rivals on 1440 points, if he had made no changes since gw1 he would also be on 1440 exactly. He has actually made 36 transfers, that woulda kinda suck know that, I think I will inform him lol. I'm 200 points better off for mine

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not great, he's lost all the points he's gain in hits.

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yep lol

    7. Otis Kay
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Chances on Aguero starting v West Ham?

      Even if he comes off on 60/70 mins I don't mind, he'll bag goals as long as he starts.

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

        60/40

      2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        50/50

      3. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Think it’s now very unlikely he starts given the rescheduling. I’d be confident of him getting 20-30 mins though regardless of the score - should be beneficial for his prep for the Champions League game. Seems to be the way Pep likes to do things.

      4. Otis Kay
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I thought I'd feel more confident after this post, now I feel like he's gonna be rested hahaha

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

          I'll be amazed if he doesn't start. Why would Pep rest him after a 17 day break then start him against Leicester days before the CL game? I think it far more likely he starts v W Ham then is benched for Leicester

          1. Otis Kay
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            This was my original thought process. Starts West Ham, benched for Leicester, fresh and ready for Madrid.

            Fingers crossed.

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Lose to Leicester, and City drop to 3rd.

              I think I'm right in saying Chelsea, who are 4th, could then be just a point behind them by the time they play their next league game, away at Man Utd.

              If he is to be benched, I think its more likely to be vs West Ham, but personally, I see him starting all three to get that 'rhythm' Pep talks about so often.

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

                Agreed with Tom here.

                Pep Guardiola (in Jan): "The problem with [Real] Madrid is after 12 or 13 days rest, we have just one game against Leicester. One game before Madrid. The players need rhythm"

                Now they have the West Ham game too.

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

                I also think he will start all three but it's Pep so you can't rule anything in or out with any certainty.

                1. avfc82
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Yep for sure... he'll prob start Jesus against Madrid 🙂

      5. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Normally I woud say he starts both and come off at 60/70th minute, but..... who knows.

    8. FPL_BUCCANEER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Henderson
      TAA Stephens Egan
      Salah Mane KDB Grealish Traore
      Vardy Ings

      Button Soy Greenwood Lascelles

      0.7ITB.

      Want to get Jiminez in the next couple of weeks, any suggestions?

      Was thinking Vardy, Grealish -> Jimmy, Richarlison for GW28.

      Thanks guys.

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

      Better option going forward?

      A) VVD, Barnes, KDB/Son & Vardy
      B) Boly, Barnes, Mane & Vardy/Aguero
      C) Boly, Mane, KDB/Son & Wood

      Have no cash tied in KDB so I'm open to selling him for Mane or Son.

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

        I'd say C with DCL instead of Wood.

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

        Also weighing this same type of thing up mate. My current thinking is similar to what Berbs laid out the other day.

        I see us (LIV) tightening up as the season is more and more a certainty and therefore the defence perhaps becoming more valuable than a double attack in games where we may not play for goal fests.

        That's not to say Mané isn't going to be a tasty option and now with lower ownership also. I have Martial to lose probably next week and I am also weighing up Mané, Son .etc but feel nervous about having to drop VVD to get Mané in....

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          There will be much rotation for Liverpool when the title is secured to guarantee a medal for the whole squad (5 appearances each). There will be more rotation in the attacking half. The safest options imo look to be VVD, Robbo and one of Salah or Mane. I can't see myself losing TAA though so will forego Robbo I guess

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

            That doesn't make sense to me.
            With Lovren, Matip & Milner all close to fitness even VVD & Robbo could be rotated after they have won the title.

            Salah & Mane both could be going for the golden boot also and I don't think they would want to be benched.

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              I think all will be rotated them the least imo, maybe your right about Salah and mane going for he golden boot, but the only competition Robbo has is Miller who isn't even a LB albeit good when he does cover that position. VVD feels like the spine of that backline can't see him bein rotated too often.

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

                It's all guesswork mate. We can't say for certain who will be rotated. They might want to go for an invincible season or they might prioritize the CL after sealing the title.

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

            I’m inclined to agree. Currently on Salah, TAA, VVD and pretty comfortable

          3. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Will only happen if they are out of CL or Klopp is sure players won't lose match sharpness for CL by resting them. And if he's not chasing points or unbeaten hames records. Backfired for City in CL 2 years sgo when they dipped into the comfort zone after winning the lesgue early.

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

          I agree with the point you make there and it's something similar to what City did end of last season when they kept continuous clean sheets.

          I'm just not sure about KDB & City's fixtures with so many cup competitions rotation looks likely.
          Son & Mane both look nailed to start with better fixtures and are differentials.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I agree with the assessment on relative nailedness. I just can’t stomach the idea of ditching KDB yet. He is still such a creative force and Pep knows that so I can foresee managed minutes more than benchings

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

              I've already ditched KDB twice so I'm not too worried about selling him specially with tough fixtures and a game every 3/4 days for a few weeks.

              Gotta watch Mane against Norwich & Atleti before deciding though.

              1. Don Kloppeone
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Yep I’ll be keeping a close eye on Mané!

    10. timawflowers
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Planning ahead
      Aguero and Mahrez out for son and Jimenez?

      1. onceuponatyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        What am I missing re-City?
        I know there'll be rotation, but is there more than that?

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

          Planning for the gw28 blank.

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

      How’s this wildcard draft looking?

      McCarty
      TAA VVD Doherty Egan
      Salah Son KDB
      DCL Jiménez Ings

      Pope Barnes Lascelles Hayden 0.2itb

      Barnes to come in and play a 343

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

        Looks good.
        Maybe Wood over DCL.
        And would also consider downgrading VVD to a 4.5ish defender and upgrade KDB/Son to Mane.

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

          I disagree, I think it is good to go mate.

        2. dbeck
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers, not sure I want mane and salah double up. I’ve looked at mane and Firmino

          DCL is a hard one, has the stats but not the fixtures, I do love the Jota shout if only he was nailed

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

        Very nice.

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

          cheers

      3. Treadstone
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Gtg

      4. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Looks v good. I am still on the fence re. Son.

        He is on my watchlist and I need a Martial replacement for next week that could be Son or Mané (if I lose VVD).

        Just not convinced re. Spurs and I wouldn't say Son atm has full talisman status to warrant getting him in regardless of whether the team around him is doing badly.

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

          I agree with Son, he isnt anywhere near a must own. I just want a premium price point to move around and to me, Son edges it over the others for the time being. Obviously, Mane would be ideal but i'm set on double def for now

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            On the same page atm mate!

      5. D.Glynn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure about Doherty.. downgrade and maybe upgrade DCL or Hayden

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

          Doherty to Boly frees up 1.4m just conscious upgrading Hayden would be benching headaches

    12. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pope
      Taa,Stephens,Robbo
      Mane,kdb,Martial,Traore,Mahrez
      Ings,Vardy

      Button Deeney,William,Tangaga

      Good to go guys for GW 27 ? Any suggestion would be appreciate , bench order correct?

    13. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who to play from here?

      A Hendo (BHA)
      B Pope (BOU)

      1 Stevens (BHA)
      2 Taylor (BOU)

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Or BB with fleck and Fernandez?

      2. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        B1

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

      Who to get for Aguero?

      1. Firmino
      2. Jimenez

      Which 3rd Pool?

      A) Mane
      B) Firmino

      Have Salah and TAA and decided to have 2 Pool attackers, not double def

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

        2A imo

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

        2A

      3. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        2A if you've decided not to have double def

      4. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        2A def the pick of that bunch

    15. John Colby (Capt)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Another superb piece of insight Tom!!! Martinelli interests me too but more so as an enabler to allow for a big-hitting 5 across the midfield.

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

        Interested to hear who the big 5 hitting midfield is, I can only see wanting KDB, Salah, Son (and maybe Mane)

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Nice one, thanks.

        Yeah if Martinelli played GW28, I'd have given serious consideration to moving to a 3-5-2.

      3. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Well, the 9th forward - Pukki - has more points than the 5th midfilder - Sterling - so changing to 3-5-2 formation seems like a good piece of advice.

      4. SHOOTER MCGINN
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I went for Martinelli in the end and the big mid 3-5-2. GW28 I'll play 4-4-2 as Newcastle v Burnley has 0-0 written all over it.

    16. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      How essential would you say a WOL player is for the NOR match in GW27? My original plan was to move on DCL > Jimi this week but now dropping DCL when in a rich vein of form seems reckless. I could also entertain the idea of Vardy > Jimi (and get Barnes in for GW28) but it could be the waste of a transfer....

      What do you think?
      A) Get in Jimi for Vardy or DCL
      B) Roll FT
      C) Bring forward one of my GW28 moves - Martial/ Grealish out

      1FT 3.3itb
      McCarthy
      TAA, VVD, Stevens
      Salah, KDB, Grealish, Martial
      Vardy, Ings, DCL
      (McGovern) (Holgate, Cantwell, Williams)

      Cheers 🙂

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

        A- DCL has tougher fixtures been easy enough so far

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Good options yes, essential no way.

          The Norwich game is sandwiched in between Europa League ties, and whilst they're a decent home side, I can't recall too many times they've scored more than one goal at home in league matches this season.

          Norwich have improved too.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            That's where my nervousness comes from Tom, coupled with DCL now doing v well and Vardy with a lovely run coming up and no distractions.

            So do you think you'd roll FT in my situation or dump the deadweight Tony Martial early (or even Grealish in advance of his blank)?

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              I'd be tempted to save if I were in your position.

              1. Don Kloppeone
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Thanks. It’s what I’m leaning towards

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

          The style of football EVE are playing I don't think I see their fixtures as that tough anymore.... ARS, MUN, CHE .... all leaky. And DCLs stats are gorgeous....

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

        As you are now set on Jim, I'd do Traore or Moutinho for Grealish early I think.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          You mean to get them instead of targeting Jimi?

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

        Roll FT this week.

    17. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Hi guys

      A) Holgate to Gomez
      B) DCL to Ings

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

        A

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

        Does depend on your team and plan but I don't love either.

        Jimi is def a great pick but I wouldn't love to drop DCL in this form. I'd prefer to give him the ARS match to see if he continues scoring.

        Gomez seems a bit of a waste of a LIV slot still. I'd rather have extra cash and move Holgate on to another in-form def .... Boly, Fernandez .etc

      3. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        A.

    18. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who to get for kelly

      A) lascelles
      B) taylor

      Also want to replace guiata in coming weeks

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I prefer Lascelles.

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Literally toss a coin, I would lean towards Taylor tho

      3. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Strangely drawn to Taylor for lack of blanks and Burnley are inconsistent over a season, instead having runs of very good and very bad results so I'd get him while they are doing OK.

      4. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Lascelles, captain, not much but more goal threat than Taylor.

      5. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Im thinking Kelly out for Boly or Fernandez. Burnley is going down so I wouldnt touch them

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

        That would be bad enough playing in the park.

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

        Cheers!

        Ndidi missing for Leicester too. Think this could be a good matchup for Wolves attackers.

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

          yes deffo

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Well he might play but runs the risk of worsening his injury. Don't know why you would risk that, sure Traore will want to play but will Nuno let him?

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

          he's done it before. he will play

      3. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ndidi out a real blow for the Foxes, they are just not the same team without him.

    19. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What's people's opinions on Grealish, I only had him two weeks and kinda assumed he would be a main stay in my team, but I'm thinking Traore now. People planning to hold Grealish or lose him?

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

        Lads, it's Villa.

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

        Undecided. He always seems to be the best player on the pitch and everything goes through him. Tempted to hold, but partly cause I already have Traore.

    20. Party time
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is there anything longer than this gw?

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

          Nope - it feels like the summer off season.

          1. Party time
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah. It feels like a month in the desert

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

            Let's hope they don't do it this way next year, it's a mess, even without the crud stream weather.

            1. Party time
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Ciara coming into town this weekend as well?

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

                  Dennis - forecast really doesn't look good for Saturdays games in Southampton and Norwich

                  1. Party time
                      4 years, 1 month ago

                      Wow. Thanks. Hopefully Dennis remains calm

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

                    Gender-fluid. This weekend she will be going by the name of Dennis.

            2. waltzingmatildas
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Would you go Robbo or van dijk for 3rd liv?

              1. avfc82
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                I went with Robertson last week.

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

                VVD - cheaper, nailed, better goal threat and Robbo's assists seem to have dried up

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

                Toss a coin imo.

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

                VVD, extra cost of Robbo not been worth it over last few months.

              5. Party time
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  I've gone with Robertson & I'm expecting some sparkling goodies

                • have you seen cyan
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Typically short term I would say Robbo over VVD as generally Robbos attacking returns more frequent and short term you more like to catch some (Altho he hasn't been great recently). Long term VVD, you will then catch VVDs attackin returns and he will almost certainly end the season on higher points.
                  So if it was 3/4 weeks Robbo, until end of season VVD

                • GreennRed
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Gomez.

                • waltzingmatildas
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Thanks all. Leaning towards Robbo at the mo

              6. Zion
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Clueless what to do with my 2FT, quite satisfied with my team TBH.

                McCarthy
                TAA - Van Dijk - Dunk
                Grealish - Salah - Traoré - De Bruyne
                Agüero - Jiménez - Ings

                Bench: Pope, Lundstram, Hayden, Lascelles. 0.1 ITB

                Guess I could do Lundstram -> Egan?

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

                  Lets see what happens in this GW. Planning to keep Aguero?

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

                    Maybe ditching him would be more sensible yes. Would however like to keep him right until GW 28, so not yet 🙂

                2. GreennRed
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Don't sell your sub, can push Lunsstram to 5th defender and see if he gets back in SU team. You've 4 there that won't play in GW28 so one, prob Aguero, ouf by then as he's not nailed on, unfortunately.

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

                    Thanks for the comment! Ok, I think I'll hang on to Lundstram and look to offload one of the GW 28 blankers

                3. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Lundstram/Dunk -> Shu defender/Fernandez/Boly

                  Either or both