Scout Notes

Alexander-Arnold’s consistency continues as Firmino unlucky to blank

Liverpool 3-2 West Ham

  • Goals: Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.4m), Mohamed Salah (£12.8m), Sadio Mané (£12.3m) | Issa Diop (£4.3m), Pablo Fornals (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Trent Alexander-Arnold x2 (£7.7m), Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) | Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m), Declan Rice (£4.7m)
  • Bonus Points: Alexander-Arnold x3, Wijnaldum x2, Mané x1

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.7m) continues to ask Fantasy Premier League managers questions about their captain armbands with his latest haul.

The right-back registered a 10-point score against West Ham on Monday night, putting up two assists and, despite conceding twice, collecting three bonus too.

Alexander-Arnold’s returns have been more reliable than any other Fantasy asset for some time, his last blank occurring all the way back in Gameweek 16, when he was a first-half substitute at Bournemouth.

Premium midfielders with appealing matches headline Gameweek 26 Scout Picks

Going back even further, the last time Alexander-Arnold failed to deliver a return (either defensive or offensive) in a match he started was in the Gameweek 13 win at Crystal Palace.

During that period, Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) has blanked in five of his starts, while Sadio Mané (£12.3m) failed to register a return in four matches that he started.

Admittedly, both midfielders found the net against West Ham but were still outscored by Alexander-Arnold and his excellent delivery into the penalty box.

The right-back was a constant source of concern for West Ham, even when the visitors were enjoying a 2-1 lead.

It was his quick-thinking that led to Georginio Wijnaldum‘s (£5.4m) opener as he whipped a loose ball into the box when the Hammers’ defence had assumed it was going out for a corner.

Alexander-Arnold then found Salah on the back-post with an indirect free-kick, went close to scoring with from a direct one and the resulting corner nearly produced an assist as Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m) clipped the top of the bar.

The England international came close to two assists for Firmino in the second half, seeing the Brazilian nod a corner over the bar before Angelo Ogbonna‘s (£4.5m) header denied him from converting an Alexander-Arnold pass into a certain close-range goal. 

“I think we passed the moment where we treat (Alexander-Arnold) like a young boy, he is just a proper member of the squad. Everybody has to contribute, everybody has to bring on the pitch what he is able to do – and the boys do a lot to bring him or Robbo in the position and save them there. I don’t want to make the performance more than it is, I am completely happy with it, but that’s how football works on the highest level.” – Jurgen Klopp

That said, Salah and Mané were still just as threatening compared to their defensive colleague, especially in the second half when Liverpool were forced to chase the game.

Salah’s Fantasy appeal has been obvious for some time, capped off with heavy backing for the Gameweek 27 captaincy, but Mané continues to force himself back into the conversation.

The Senegalese international, who lost a chunk of owners to a Double Gameweek 24 injury, arguably could have emerged with a double-figure against West Ham. He was adjudged to be offside late in the game when Alexander-Arnold flashed a ball across West Ham’s goal-line.

Back-to-back returns for Mané since recovering from injury puts pressure on those still holding Roberto Firmino (£9.7m), who now has consecutive blanks and remains goalless at Anfield in the Premier League this season.

However, the Brazilian was perhaps unlucky not to come away with something in Gameweek 27.

In the 25th minute, Firmino lined up a shot from the edge of the box, which was not too far over the bar and, five minutes later, he laid the ball off to Alexander-Arnold, who had pushed into midfield. The right-back rifled an effort back across the goal which went just wide of the post.

Immediately after the restart, Firmino was played into acres of space by Alexander-Arnold but blazed his shot clumsily over the bar.

Then, as the game wore on, the Brazilian, standing on the back-post, headed a looping ball onto the woodwork from point-blank range and was inches away from getting a touch on Alexander-Arnold’s cross which fell to Mané for the winner.

Finding himself on the Goals Imminent table for Blank Gameweek 28, Firmino is certainly due some attacking returns. He remains Liverpool’s top-scorer away from home this season, which bodes well ahead of a trip to Watford on Saturday evening.

For all Liverpool’s brilliance at Anfield, Fantasy managers should take note of how this latest win played out, though. Despite controlling the game on Monday night, Jurgen Klopp’s men were still missing something at both ends of the pitch for large spells.

They toiled going forward and were less than assured at the back. That has arguably been the case for each of their outings since the Winter Break, while the absence of injured pair Jordan Henderson (£5.5m) and James Milner (£5.3m) probably had an impact too.

Issa Diop (£4.3m) was largely unchallenged when he nodded home Robert Snodgrass‘ (£5.2m) first-half corner, and, with van Dijk out of position shortly after, Joe Gomez‘s (£5.3m) slip nearly allowed Michail Antonio (£6.9m) to capitalise, were it not for the midfielder’s heavy touch.

The Hammers continued to cause issues from corners and even went ahead in the 54th minute when Declan Rice‘s (£4.7m) square ball found Pablo Fornals (£6.0m) unmarked in the penalty area.

In giving up two goals against West Ham, Liverpool matched their goals conceded total from the previous 11 matches in just 90 minutes. Owners of the defensive double-up will certainly be hoping for an improvement at Watford on Sunday.

“Second-ball game was not good. Losing the first ball is possible because Antonio, Haller, whoever is there is just too good and you cannot win all the balls. But then the second ball, we have to pick up better. The formation was not good, we showed the boys at half-time, it just makes no sense there. And the set-pieces obviously; they were really good from them, we were not that clear in these situations and that’s how they scored the goal. So they got a little bit of momentum, or maybe they got the momentum.” – Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool managed to grab the game by the scruff of its neck when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.2m) came on for Naby Keïta (£5.8m), adding some much-needed drive and creativity to the central midfield trio. If Henderson and Milner are still out for Blank Gameweek 28, the former Arsenal man has done his chances of starting at Watford no harm at all.

“Yes, we needed that direction. Ox came on and the first [contribution] was a finish. Close, but still a finish. Next one was dribbling with a foul or not, if it was not a foul then probably we have the ball in a good position again. So, the dynamic helped, of course. Always, if you get direction in a game, our people appreciate that obviously. That helped.” – Jurgen Klopp

From a West Ham perspective, there was a lot to like about Snodgrass’ performance in both phases of play.

The Scottish international also arguably retains an element of budget differential about him, adding his fourth attacking return over the last three matches. Nicolas Pépé (£9.2m) is the only midfielder to have matched Snodgrass in that time.

Finally, much of West Ham’s good work against Liverpool was inspired by recent signing Tomas Soucek (£5.0m). Unfortunately for David Moyes, the Czech Republic international had to go off injured almost immediately after half-time.

“(Soucek) picked up the injury just before half time and it meant that he was struggling. We knew at half time and I thought he had been fabulous as well. It is a big loss to us, especially in the second half as we didn’t have an awful lot where we could tighten things up, really. I am hoping he will be OK but it looks like a groin or adductor injury from over stretching in the first half.” – David Moyes

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold; Keïta (Oxlade-Chamberlain 57′), Wijnaldum, Fabinho; Mané (Matip 90+1′), Firmino, Salah.

West Ham United XI (4-3-3): Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Diop; Ngakia; Rice, Noble, Soucek (Fornals 47′); Antonio, Anderson (Haller 65′), Snodgrass (Bowen 84′).

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1,124 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bit stuck with what to do here.. any help?

    McCarthy

    Trent - Robbo - Williams - Fernandez

    Salah (c) - Perez - Hayden

    Auba - Ings - Jimmy

    Subs: Henderson - Auba - KDB - Grealish

    What's my best move here, make a transfer out for one of the midfielders, such as grealish? So I can field a full team, or play my Free Hit?

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Auba x2...

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

      Auba - > Vardy

  2. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A) Mooy+Pukki (Connolly+Grealish off)
    B) Martial+Richarlison (KDB+Grealish off)
    C) Fernandes+Söyüncü (KDB+Kelly off)

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    Surprised so many are going with Vardy over DCL.
    If you saw the Are Eve game, DCL could easily have had a goal or two more and Eve look great going forward.
    Meanwhile, Lei have great fixtures coming up but have not shown much form to merit going with Vardy or even doubling up on their attacking assets.

    1. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      some play against fix , some against form... it all depends

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

        Yeah but the price difference factors in too. DCL is much cheaper.

        1. Wally banter
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          @camzy, repost

          have you considered that all perez hauls except sou came when vardy was not in pitch...would that sway you away from the perez punt to barnes... if not why?

  4. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan (buton)
    Soy boly taa lascels (lund)
    Traore mane salah (fleck kdb)
    Dcl vardy ings

    which?
    A) dcl to jimi
    B) fleck to barnes (cant get jimi, get jota later)
    C) lund to c.taylor (gw29 lund to egan/basham)
    D) roll ft

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

      Fleck to Perez.

      You'll be getting Jimi some other way. DCL's good form will continue the way he's playing.

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

    I need midfielder under 5.5.
    Snodgrass or Armstrong or Wijnaldum or Jorginho or...? Best option?

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      probably Mooy

    2. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Jorghinio is on 9 yellows

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Saka

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not for this week, blank

  6. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which one this week?

    A. Lundstram > Saiss (-4)
    B. Play Rico (Chelsea)

  7. ppv
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    KDB says he is ready to take penalties if asked

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

      Tell him we are all asking

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

    Thoughts on this -8. Will likely FH31

    Maupay, KDB, o'Connell

    To

    Vardy , Barnes,Periera

    It's attacking the nice fixture run.

    Cheers

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      For -8. No.

    2. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I don't trust Leicester that much

  9. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Have 10 million to replace Grealish. Already have Mane Salah and Kdb. Who should I get?

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Bruno seems to be the popular pick this week

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

      Perez. And use the money to buy Aubameyang upfront.

    3. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Fernandes or Aubama next week

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maddison

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

    Who would you rather have in from Leicester.

    A. Perez
    B. Barnes

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      B

  11. Ritchies Magic Hat
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Think I’m gonna need to make use of 2ft for next week - which of these combos looks best?

    A) Fernandes + Boly (play Rico)

    B) Martial + Ward + 0.2m (play Sidibe)

    C) McNeil + Evans + 1.1m (play Sidibe)

  12. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would you take a hit to ship out Grealish or Traore?

    Pope
    Trent Virgil Soy Stephens Rico
    Salah Traore*
    Vardy Jimenez Ings

    *Henderson* / Dendoncker *KDB* *Grealish*

    1. Ritchies Magic Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Rico is a bench risk as well so you might have to

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

      Traore plays 31?

      1. MC Hammer
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yes

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

    How convinced are you guys with Bruno considering upcoming tricky fixtures?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm still waiting because of the tough fixtures myself. Also think it's worth noting that he could influense Martial potential, not sure who is the better pick yet.

  14. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    0 FT 0.8 itb
    Kasper
    TAA Robbo Taylor Dunk
    Salah Martial Cantwell
    Vardy Jimenez Ings
    (4.0 Holgate KDB Grealish)

    Anything worth a hit?

  15. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Before gw29 we will have a good idea of what teams will play gw31, am i right? FA cup games played midweek between 28 and 29. Worth having 2ft after this week for those planning to navigate gw31 with transfers.

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

    Why would you sell Auba just to field 11 this GW? He's gonna destroy WH and has good fixtures onwards.

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

      Is that a given? Is Flappy going to keep on making howlers?

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

      If i owned him and KDB i'd probably sell KDB short term over him.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I have both and keeping both . Not great alternatives this gw to be honest. Maybe son but spurs form is awful.

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Son isn't fit though?

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

      If you have a ft, and the rest of your team is looking ok, then why not?
      Vardy will score more points than him this weekend.
      And can bring auba back in next week.

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

    McCarthy (Button)
    TAA, Soyuncu, Holgate, O'Connell, Williams
    Salah, Martial, Dendoncker (KDB, Mahrez)
    Vardy, Firmino, Ings

    2FT, 0.4 in bank

    What to do with frees? Am considering:

    Williams ---> Saiss / Taylor
    Mahrez ---> Richarlison / Bruno

  18. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best mid for gw28 and gw31?
    Struggling for options

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

      Richarlison

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Agree.

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

      Confirmed to play 31 probably McNeil! I’d just concentrate on 28 and see what happens in the cup and start planning for 31 next GW

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

      Rich is a fair punt for 31 - defo cream of the crop if Spurs beat Norwich

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Are you navigating 31 with transfers too? Most seem to be going fh31 but i'm thinking 34 or 37. What's your current plan?

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

    With a front line of

    DCL Ings Vardy

    I am silly to try and shoehorn Abraham in?

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

      See below

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

      I wouldn't

  20. Live Scoutcast 8pm Tonight (Tues) - leave your questions here
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    SCOUTCAST 8pm Tonight!

    Feel free to leave your questions for us here.

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

      Time to get Vardy in for his great fixtures or keep Auba?

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

        This

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

        on this are Leicester fixtures a bit of a trap?
        Form isn't great and do have a tendency to fail to live up to expectations when there's a fixture run.

    2. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes or Perez

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

        Which Leicester midfielder to transfer in - Barnes, Perez, Tielemans or Maddison?

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          let's be honest it's just barnes v perez

    3. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Why do you never captain Arnold?

    4. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Differentials to get in right now if you're chasing?

    5. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Chip strategy, should we use our transfers with 31 in mind?
      Grealish replacement? Is it worth to take a hit to get some Leicester mids if so which one ( Perez, Barnes, Maddison?)

    6. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      KDB's fixtures next five are: Blank mun BUR che LIV. If i'm not going to captain him is it worth selling and spreading the cash to get in form mid priced players? Jimenez, Ings, Martial/Fernandes, Leicester midfielder are on many watchlists at the moment.

      1. tricky80
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Think it matters more on :
        - Potential DGW29 (should hear this Friday)
        - Champions League knockout likely

        If they are negative on both (i.e. stay in CL, no DGW29) I'm minded to sell and get him back later on /after WC.

        If either is positive, I'll hold.

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

      Is B Fernandes the real deal? Have we seen enough to make the call?

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        he is 100% the real deal but pity about some of the muppets surrounding him 😉

    8. Bird Raymond
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Should I get a 33 year old striker on a 9 match goal drought, who has been on the winning team in one of his last 11 games?

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Classic form vs. fixtures question this one.

    9. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Differentials to gain ground.
      Which chips to use if you have them all in tact going forward?
      City possible DGW, which three to load up on?

    10. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What curse has befallen Vardy that he returns from two games out with injury/sprog arrival only to have a goal & assist disallowed by VAR vs Southampton, missed a penalty next game vs Burnley, went off injured next game vs west ham just before Leicester scored 3 goals, had a 1:1 with caballero brilliantly saved & a certain assist wasted by Harvey Barnes next game vs Chelsea, then shot back off the post vs man City at the weekend...

      Some serious positive variance built up just in time for a nice fixture run 🙂

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

      Who's the best non-Liverpool defender to own for the next few gameweeks? Is it a Wolves or Leicester defender? If so, which? (I've got TAA and VVD)

    12. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would you lose kdb for the next 5 gameweeks, as there is an opportunity for more points from replacement players and the chance to redistribute the money elsewhere to attack the blanks? or is it too high a risk with the chance of a dgw29 and the financial penalty if you want him back in for gw33 onwards?

      1. tricky80
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Look out for news late on Friday this week according to the usual will informed sources.

        He's my only midfield/forward bench sitter at the moment, no point selling in my circumstance.

    13. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Panels thoughts on Barnes / Perez as captain options vs Norwich for those who don't have Vardy. Cheers.

      • tricky80
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Was yesterday's performance enough to break up Liverpool defensive double ups? Has the clean sheet bubble burst?

      • tricky80
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Are Matt Doherty and Ricardo Pereira about to bring up a couple of nostalgia picks to template from last season with their form and fixtures coming up?

      • Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is blank gameweeks a "safer" time to take hits?

        1. tricky80
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Depends what fixtures are confirmed. Not great at the moment.

          Would be an effective -2 cost in most circumstances so you can have a gamble more freely than most weeks.

      • tricky80
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        BGW31 strategies... or is this a subject for next week and FA Cup R5?

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

        1. Is Traore worth selling despite his blank coverage?
        2. Why are we still hesitant to captain Trent?
        3. Is it time for a return to big at the back? Doherty and Pereira with pool defenders all looking useful.

      • Bodini
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure if you've done this already but I'd be interested to know your opinions on the best Wolves defender to own. I know the watchlist says Boly currently but Saiss and Doherty have better recent form

      • OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Bruno or Martial??

      • The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        What's going to be your strategy if a DGW is announced on Thursday involving City?

      • Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Best replacements for Grealish?

        Traore, Barnes, Mount & McNeil lot of options available.

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

        Player - Dominic Calvert Lewin. With consistent points returns, great underlying stats and passing the eye test at great value, should we ignore the fixtures and just get him in our teams?

        Team - Man City. Buy, sell, hold on likes of Aguero, Mahrez, KDB and Laporte?

        Talking point - hits and navigating the blanks. Is it worth taking points hits to field a full XI or should these still be viewed as -2 and so needing a "return" to pay off?

      • RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Bruno Fernandes or Richarlison? (I already have Martial)

        Richarlison's next fixtures are a Sea of Red, but he has been in terrific form since Ancelotti arrived and has already scored this season against Wolves, Leicester, Liverpool, Chelsea, City and Arsenal.

        Bruno looks great so far, but he also has some tricky fixtures coming up and has only played 3 matches (a blank against Wolves, an assist against Chelsea and a penalty goal and assist against Watford).

        1. The Sociologist
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Perhaps both if you redistribute funds away from the front line?

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

            I'm looking for a Grealish replacement for GW28 and only have one free transfer, so it has to be one or the other, not both. It's not worth taking hits.
            I'm happy with my current front line of Ings, Jimenez and Vardy, so I'm not in any hurry to make changes there either.

            I'll probably wait till Thursday to see what happens in United's Europa League match, then decide.
            Might lose a little more cash if there are further price changes before then, but I have enough in the bank to cover them.

            Bruno appears to be the current popular choice for those who can afford him and I haven't seen Richarlison mentioned elsewhere as a possible Grealish replacement, but I think managers may be underestimating just how fixture-proof he is and not realise how many goals he's already scored against the top teams this season.

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Harvey Barnes

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

                I still prefer Bruno or Richarlison.

      • FPL Notebook (John)
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        If you only have 11 players for this blank Gameweek 28, and one of them is a bit of a dud (Rico, Diop, Cathcart etc), is a (-4) hit worthwhile, or just ride it out and accept the 0 or 1 pointer?

      • Throwback
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Burnt by sergio returns. Stick or twist

      • Ben_dot_ji
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        For those of us that have Henderson in goal; with no keeper playing in 28, but will be using a transfer to get Grealish out is it worth taking a minus 4 to bring in a keeper and a middy. Or, play with no keeper and do middy transfer for free? Never usually take a hit for a defender/keeper.

      • Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        As a toffee, it is the first time in years I am confident in owning any. with a likely game in 31 and Richarlison and DCL proving form over fixtures, would you consider getting them both?

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

        Like yourself Joe! I have no 2nd WC normally I would keep this for the double GWKs but this year i tried something different and it did work for me but as I'm in unknown territory what should be my strategy going forward when we find out when fixtures are etc.. I have Bench boost and Free hit left.

        So to shorten it what strategy is best to navigate doubles and blanks without a WC?

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I'll read that out at the end when we talk about our moves....perfect timing.

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

            Thanks Joe!

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

      Abraham is very risky. Giroud rumoured to start tonight and if he does well can see it being his place to lose for a while.

      1. MC Hammer
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        No one likes Giroud over there, he will never be a regular there sadly

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

          Bizarre isn't it. He brings so much more to the team than goals. France wouldn't have won the world cup without his ability to create space for Griezmann and Mbappe.

          1. MC Hammer
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Totally, wish he finds a good club/manager where he can flourish again, his talents are being wasted, he is world-class such a joy to watch

    15. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Grealish and traore to

      A Fernandes and Armstrong
      B mount and maddison
      C martial and ward prowse
      D Barnes and mount and save cash

      For free

      Thanks a lot,.could really use some.help

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

        A

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks

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

      Which Wolves or Leicester defender is the most attacking and nailed? (I’m looking for a Lundstram replacement who’ll be 3rd defender alongside TAA + VVD.)

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I wish I could afford Doherty. Boly is a nice choice imo

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

        Boly

      3. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Pereira, Evans, Boly, Doch

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

        I brought in Saiss and was delighted with his returns at the weekend. Doherty is best, if money is no object. Boly & Saiss are a coin flip really. I think it's important to have at least one, for those with double Liverpool mids, a Wolves defensive double up could be lucrative.

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

          Yes, backline of TAA, Doherty and Pereira would be my target on wc. Since I've kept Soy this far, it is more likely going to be TAA, Doherty, Soy, Stevens, Williams before wc. This could mean a serious benching headache, but may have to go by fixtures.

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

            That would be pretty much perfect. I'm committed to double Liverpool so it's one from Soyuncu and Saiss for me. That's why I'm not bothered about losing Lundstram value to be honest, I'm not going to be playing a 5th defender until BB time. I already have to bench a 5th mid every week, I dont need another defender in the mix.

    17. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Aurier dropped?

    18. tim
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes or Perez?

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

        Barnes

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

        Barnes

    19. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone else got an all-away XI this week? 3 Liv 3 Lei 2 Wol 2 Sou 1 Bur

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

        Just one home boy for me - Webster

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        all bar bloody Cresswell unless I sell him which I'm tempted to do!

      3. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Even bench are away 🙂

      4. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        All bar Fernandez

    20. Plagued by indecision
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Could really do with some advice here as I feel another minileague title slipping away. 60 points behind. DO I need to shake it up radically now, or wait? My differentials just never do substantially better than his to close the gap, and he has had some good bold captaincy moves (like Bruno F this week).

      ME:
      McCarthy / Button
      TAA / Boly / Lundstram* / Rico* / Cathcart
      Grealish* / KDB / Salah / Hayden* / Richarlison
      Ings / Jimenez / Firmino

      HIM:
      Pope / Henderson
      Robertson / Tanganga / Digne / Soyuncu / Lundstram
      Salah / Bruno / Traore / KDB / Noble
      Ings / Firmino / Maupay

      Asterisks I want rid of. 1 FT, 2.3m ITB. Thinking Grealish > H Barnes this week though desperately need reinforcements in defence.

      1. MC Hammer
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        You need to be looking to bring in one or more of Fernandes, Aubama, Mane, Robertson.... big impact players

        1. Plagued by indecision
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Aubameyang is on the list for next week (for Firmino), and will consider Mane. I dispute whether Robertson is a better option than TAA, and with Man U away at Everton and then playing City not sure Fernandes is that good an option in the short-term.

          1. MC Hammer
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I didnt mean Robertson in place of TAA, i meant in addition to 🙂 TAA is a keeper i agree.

          2. MC Hammer
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Mane or Robertson is the dilemma i guess

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

              Doherty and Pereira could easily match Robbo medium term with good fixtures.

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

              You need Mane to catch him. Shields are not helping you when sword is needed.

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

      Fernando's and vardy in for grealish and auba?

    22. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Morning all, 1st red arrow in like 3 months (1.1m OR >> 20k) so can't complain but onwards and upwards. best option here with 2FT and 1.8m

      Ryan
      Taa Robbo Aurier Rico -- Lundy*
      Salah Martial Grealish* -- Kdb* Stephens
      Vardy Jimmy Ings

      A: Lundy >> 4.7m def and carry FT. Means playing 523
      B: Grealish >> Perez and carry FT. Means playing 442
      C: Stephens >> Cantwell and play 433. Allows me to keep grealish
      D: Grealish + Jimmy >> Bruno + Jota
      E: Any combination of A/B/C as i have 2FTs

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

        Either AB or just A and save your transfer 🙂

        1. tricky80
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Boly

      2. tricky80
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I'd say it's whatever you think it is. Most people here will be lower rank than you and your gut has got you far!

        I'm similar in having been 1m 6 weeks ago to 60k this week.

        Trying not to overcomplicate things.

    23. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Henderson --> Schmeichel for -4pts, YAY or NAY?

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

        Also considering this move, rather than upgrading non-playing keeper. Schmeichel is good long term. Hate a minus 4 for a keeper though but need Grealish out.