Selection

The best mid-price and premium defenders for the FPL restart

Our price-by-price, position-by-position analysis of Fantasy Premier League assets continues with a look at defenders who cost £5.0m or more.

We’ve already assessed the cheapest goalkeepers on offer, the more expensive shot-stoppers and budget assets in defence.

Now we turn our attention to the pricier options at the back.

FPL have handed us unlimited transfers ahead of the Double Gameweek 30+ deadline, meaning that we can reshape our squads to our heart’s desire before football restarts on June 17.

There are 59 assets to choose from in the £5.0m-£7.8m bracket, although some of the group have either departed the Premier League, are flagged with an injury or are fringe players at best.

We’ll only focus on the ones worth considering, then, in our summary below.


Enda Stevens and George Baldock

  • Prices: Stevens (£5.2m), Baldock (£5.1m)
  • Ownerships: Stevens (2.3%), Baldock (11.8%)
  • Next four Gameweeks: avl + new | mun | TOT | bur

Sheffield United’s affordable centre-halves were included in our budget defenders piece but for those Fantasy managers who have a bit more money to spend, then the Blades’ two wing-backs offer more of a sustained attacking threat.

While nowhere near the levels of Liverpool’s two full-backs, Enda Stevens (£5.2m) and George Baldock (£5.1m) have nevertheless contributed ten attacking returns between them this season – that’s more than strikers David McGoldrick (£5.4m), Billy Sharp (£5.6m) and Oli McBurnie (£5.7m) have managed combined.

Baldock had started off the season the cheaper of the two but just £0.1m separates the pair now, following the intra-season price rises.

Stevens arguably merits the extra 100k, having supplied twice as many key passes as Baldock and having created more big chances than anyone in the Sheffield United squad.

The Irishman is actually fifth and third among FPL defenders for chances and big chances created this season.

Both players feature in the top ten for final-third touches and crosses among players in their Fantasy position, meanwhile.

The early Double Gameweek is the main attraction, with Aston Villa and an anaemic Newcastle United side representing two favourable matches.

The fixtures aren’t great thereafter, though, so, despite the Blades’ excellent defensive record (25 goals conceded, the second-lowest total in the division), their appeal may be short-lived.

Matt Doherty

  • Price: £6.3m
  • Ownership: 8.7%
  • Next four fixtures: whu | BOU | avl | ARS

There are cheaper routes into the Wolverhampton Wanderers backline than Matt Doherty (£6.3m), with Willy Boly (£4.8m) and Romain Saiss (£4.6m) offering a substantial saving on the Ireland international.

While those two centre-halves offer a threat from dead-ball situations, they can’t hold a candle to Doherty’s all-round attacking menace.

The Irishman hit double figures for goals and assists combined last season and is well on course to emulate that achievement in this campaign, having racked up nine attacking returns already.

He was also FPL’s form player (should that mean anything now) before the mid-March suspension, having averaged eight points per match in the preceding five Gameweeks.

No Fantasy defender has had as many penalty box touches, shots in the box or big chances than Doherty this season.

The fixtures are fairly favourable, too, especially in the first three Gameweeks back in which Wolves meet struggling West Ham, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Perhaps the main concern would be over rotation or minute management.

Nuno Espirito Santo has generally favoured a settled side in his two years as a Premier League manager but there were a lot of changes at the start of 2019/20, with Wolves juggling Europa League commitments too.

With that competition not resuming until August and Wolves already eliminated from the FA Cup, the fixture congestion at least won’t be as bad for Santo’s troops as it will be for other top-flight sides.

Wolves having a very thin squad perhaps also helps Doherty’s cause, although Adama Traore (£5.7m) has and can deputise at right wing-back as an alternative.

Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka

  • Price: Both £5.3m
  • Ownership: Maguire (10.8%), Wan-Bissaka (14.4%)
  • Next four fixtures: tot | SHU | bha | BOU

With Brandon Williams (£4.2m) gunning for Luke Shaw‘s (£5.3m) position and Victor Lindelof (£5.4m) perhaps not as nailed following Eric Bailly‘s (£4.9m) return, we look to £135m worth of talent elsewhere in the Manchester United defence.

Harry Maguire (£5.3m) hasn’t missed a minute of Premier League football this season, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka‘s (£5.3m) only unenforced absence came in the form of a Gameweek 20 benching at Turf Moor.

That spot of festive rotation from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a mite concerning given the similar fixture congestion ahead but we can still expect Wan-Bissaka to start the bulk, perhaps all, of the remaining nine games and Maguire to be an immovable presence at the heart of the defence.

The former Leicester stopper is fourth among FPL defenders for attempts on goal in 2019/20, while Wan-Bissaka has shown clear improvement from an attacking perspective in the second half of the campaign, with his rate of take-ons, dribbles and key passes all up.

United had been in great form defensively, too, with four clean sheets in their last five. No coincidence, perhaps, given that that Fred (£5.3m), Nemanja Matic (£4.8m) and Bruno Fernandes (£8.6m), whose ball retention is a defensive weapon in itself, were in such good nick before COVID-19 stopped play.

Once the Gameweek 30+ trip to Spurs is out of the way, United then face seven of the 11 lowest-scoring teams in the division in succession.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Virgil van Dijk

Alexander-Arnold's consistency continues as Firmino unlucky to blank
  • Price: Alexander-Arnold (£7.8m), Robertson (£7.0m), van Dijk (£6.5m)
  • Ownership: Alexander-Arnold (44.6%), Robertson (19.8%), van Dijk (44.3%)
  • Next four fixtures: eve | CRY | mci | AVL

No guide to premium FPL defenders would be complete without Liverpool’s holy trinity.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.8m), Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) and Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) are the three highest-scoring FPL defenders of the season, having racked up 29 attacking returns between them.

No side has conceded fewer goals or kept more clean sheets than Liverpool, either.

Alexander-Arnold has been particularly phenomenal, registering an average of one assist every other start.

Jurgen Klopp has favoured a very settled side for much of 2019/20 but did make his traditional seasonal tweaks in December, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson handed their only benchings of the campaign.

That track record for rotation in periods of fixture congestion ought to be a consideration, then, along with the near-certainty that Liverpool will soon have the Premier League title wrapped up and have relatively little – other than a record points tally – to play for.

Still, while the Reds are chasing down that elusive trophy, their well-owned premium defenders remain formidable options.

Alexander-Arnold’s creativity has been outstanding this season and he is basically a mid-price midfielder who not only will deliver regular assists but also be eligible for full clean sheet points. In summary: he puts every other sub-£8.0m asset, regardless of position, into the shade.

When the title is in the bag, we may have to reassess.

We don’t really know what Klopp will do thereafter but perhaps the loquacious German will give us some morsels in one of his press conferences as to whether he plans to give his fringe players some overdue starts between now and Gameweek 38+.

That may be when van Dijk comes to the fore, with the Dutchman having not failed to start a single Premier League match since January 2018.

Also Consider

Alonso back on FPL radar but Chelsea defensive woes continue 1

Like Doherty, Marcos Alonso (£6.2m) had been catching the eye before the coronavirus pandemic brought football to a halt.

Three goals and 30 FPL points in the three Gameweeks before the hiatus continued the wing-back’s remarkable run of not having delivered a single blank in any of his 2019/20 starts.

‘Starts’ is the operative word in that sentence: there have been only nine of them this season.

With Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.9m) and Reece James (£5.1m) also competing for the full-back slots, no-one could say with any conviction that Alonso will retain his starting berth when Gameweek 30+ rolls around.

Many of us will baulk at the idea of paying over £6.0m for a rotation risk, then, even if Alonso was posting some very eye-catching attacking numbers in the spring.

The three defenders could still all make the same starting XI if Frank Lampard deploys a wing-back system (Azpilicueta moving to centre-half) but he has generally preferred a back four since his appointment and indeed Chelsea adopted a 4-3-3 when they hammered Everton in Gameweek 29.

James is himself an interesting proposition, having made the line-up and caught the eye offensively in seven of Chelsea’s last nine matches, but even £5.1m might be considered too much of an outlay for a defender we couldn’t guarantee will play.

→ How many FPL points did Aymeric Laporte register across Manchester City's three Double Gameweeks?

Sheffield United aside, there aren’t too many defenders who leap out for the opening Double Gameweek.

The fit-again Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) has an excellent track record with Double Gameweeks, scoring 53 points across City’s three doubles last season, and was a reliable starter in City’s title-winning side of 2018/19.

Guardiola was careful with the player upon his return from a lengthy lay-off earlier this calendar year, however, substituting him near the hour-mark in Gameweeks 26 and 27 before the Spaniard sustained another injury. It remains to be seen just how match-ready he is ahead of Double Gameweek 30+.

Guardiola’s plethora of options at full-back is also off-putting given that we may not get two starts out of any of them, although Kyle Walker (£5.6m) and Benjamin Mendy (£5.5m) have dropped to more attractive prices.

David Luiz (£5.7m) would seem to be the securest route into the Arsenal defence, meanwhile, having started every league match under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship.

The Gunners have too many alternatives in the full-back positions (as many as three on each side) to count any of them as surefire starters at this early stage, though.

A cluster of set-piece specialists can be snapped up in the mid-price bracket.

Matt Ritchie (£5.3m), Lucas Digne (£5.7m) and Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m) have all been heavily involved at dead-ball situations recently, with Ritchie seemingly first in line for penalties at Newcastle United (although he did miss one in Gameweek 29) and van Aanholt deputising from 12 yards when Luka Milivojevic (£6.7m) is off the field.

For whatever reason, the final quarter of the campaign is traditionally when the Palace left-back explodes into life – but a tricky run-in will likely deter much long-term investment this time around.

The threat of rotation is a black mark against Ritchie’s name, meanwhile, even if he now boasts an ‘out of position’ tag following Steve Bruce’s springtime move to a back four.

The Scot was posting some very eye-catching numbers before the Premier League temporarily stopped and some of the Magpies’ remaining fixtures are very favourable, particularly the first four back.

He could very well be the low-key success story of Gameweeks 30+ to 33+ but with Valentino Lazaro (£5.4m) waiting in the wings, and Miguel Almiron (£5.8m) having played on the right flank before his move to the number ten role, Ritchie comes with a bit of a risk.

Digne hasn’t escaped Carlo Ancelotti’s rotation since the Italian’s appointment but we’d still expect the French full-back to start more games than not during the run-in, even if there would seem to be a good chance of a benching or two given the frequency of matches.

Everton’s final five fixtures (SOU, wol, AVL, shu, BOU) particularly appeal and he is perhaps one to consider once the Toffees’ first four games have come and gone, if FPL managers can stomach the possibility of Leighton Baines (£4.9m) playing a bit part.

Alexander-Arnold is the only defender who has created more chances than Digne this season.

The cut-price availability of James Justin (£4.7m) and Caglar Soyuncu (£4.9m) perhaps dents the appeal of Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) and Jonny Evans (£5.3m), although the ever-present Evans has posed a decent attacking threat and sits joint-fifth among FPL defenders for attempts in the box this season.

Leicester have the third-best defensive record in the top flight in 2019/20.

The same perhaps applies to Ben Mee (£5.0m) and James Tarkowski (£5.2m), with Charlie Taylor (£4.3m) available further down the price list.

The two Burnley centre-backs do offer security of starts, at least, and more of a menace at set plays – but only one of their combined 32 efforts has found the back of the net this season.

While the Clarets and Leicester have proved sound investments for large chunks of the season, Spurs’ defensive record under Jose Mourinho (three clean sheets in 17 games) is less than impressive.

The promising fixture run from Gameweek 31+ onwards catches the eye but a shape-shifting backline and the cheaper price of the attack-minded Serge Aurier (£4.9m) is enough for us to overlook Ben Davies (£5.3m) and co for now.


Nominated for ‘Best in Fantasy Football – Editorial’ at the Football Content Awards 2020

Which FPL assets are on set-piece duties at their clubs? 1

VOTE FOR FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT BY
CLICKING HERE.

Premier League Restart

Best players by club

Arsenal | Aston Villa | Bournemouth | Brighton and Hove Albion | Burnley | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Leicester City | Liverpool | Manchester City | Manchester United | Newcastle United | Norwich City | Sheffield United | Southampton | Tottenham Hotspur | Watford | West Ham United | Wolves

Best players by position and price

Budget GKs | Mid-Price and Premium GKs | Budget DEFs | Mid-Price and Premium DEFs | Budget MIDs | Mid-Price MIDs | Premium MIDs | Budget FWDs | Mid-Price FWDs | Premium FWDs

478 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I think I've gone and done it...

    Hendo* (Krul)
    TAA - Fernandez - Egan* (Saiss, Tanganga)
    KdB* - Pepe* - Fernandes - Grealish* (Guendouzi)
    Kun* - Auba* - Samatta*

  2. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best capt sterling aguero or kdb

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      On KdB myself.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      KDB - extra padding around the joints should keep him injury free

      aguero to explosive going to do a hammy inside 20 mins

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Going aguero I think

    4. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      KFB is the safe choice. Go for the others if you want to take a risk with a differential C pick.

    5. Mr.SHaMBLes
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Aguero for me, KDB probably a safer pick thougg

  3. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which combo for BB?

    A) Salah, Nketiah, Lascelles
    B) Mahrez, Jimenez, Doherty

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2, easy

    2. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2. How many players you aiming to play twice on BB?

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        11 or 12

        1. Geordie19
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Who have you got now then?

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Only kdb and Henderson

          2. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Considering this

            Henderson, Leno

            TAA, Stevens, Baldock, Doherty, Lascelles
            Kdb, Mahrez, Grealish, Saka, McGinn

            Aguero, Auba, Jimenez

            1. Geordie19
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Like it. Only ones to be careful of is saka and McGinn but friendlies will answer that maybe

            2. St Pauli Walnuts
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              That's my exact BB team except Targett for Lascelles.

        2. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Maby down to 10 if I keep Salah

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      And does anyone think David Silva is a good 3rd city budget option?

      1. Geordie19
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I’ve considered him as 3rd City player. I think he will play 1 game but it’s 50/50 for next game and so much choice for them now

      2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        No.

  4. ItOnlyTook9Years
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Well, this is a bit of a long distant memory, how does it work again?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      15 players kick a ball around for 90 minutes....

      The one you sold last week bangs in a hat trick.

      The city player you have is benched.

      Your captain blanks.

      And next week you do it all again.

      1. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        And you post your team every week for random ppl to comment on/ ignore

      2. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Once a player I owned got subbed at 59th minute after getting a yellow card, and the first sub on my bench had like 8 points

        Hope you remember how it works

  5. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Looking to BB. Best Arsenal defender 5.0 and below?

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No one less than 5.0 will start apart from Leno but he's a GK

    2. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Leno

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Saka

    4. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      AMN

  6. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Been tinkering. Anything you’d improve here? (DGWers are *)

    BB30+ (WC31+)

    0itb
    Leno*, Reina*
    TAA, Stevens*, Baldock*, Doherty, Fernandez
    KDB*, Mahrez*, Grealish*, Cantwell, Fleck*
    Kun*, Auba*, Jimi

    The only thing I don’t like is Reina. Can’t see him doing much at all points-wise but I prefer having Fleck to a triple SHU defence. I like having the couple of SGWers in Fernandez and Cantwell.

    Thoughts appreciated!
    Cheers

  7. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I’m really happy with this bench boost after lots of tinkering...

    Ederson Leno
    Basham Egan Trent Doherty Targett
    Sterling De Bruyne Fernandes Cantwell Grealish
    Aubameyang Jimenez Nketiah

    1m in the Bank for sterling to Salah next GW...

    Any thoughts???

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No WC for 31+?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Nope

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I’d want a balance team going forward then.

          1. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            How is it unbalanced?

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Seems heavily loaded towards DGWers.

              Do you really want one of Ederson or Leno benched every week for example.

            2. St Pauli Walnuts
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              It really is mate. That's a DGW team not a long term one.

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        This.. If you don't have a WC that team won't do much good going forward.

  8. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Cheeky repost :

    good enough for gw30, bb ?

    Henderson / reina
    TAA / Luiz / Egan / laselles / saiss
    kdb / sterling / grealish / fleck / saka
    auba / aguero / samatta

    Will WC gw31

    thanks a lot

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Personally I’d gamble on McGinn instead of Fleck, and get another SHU defender instead of Lascelles.

    2. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If you are not captaining Sterling, you could consider downgrade to Mahrez so you can upgrade Saka, Fleck and Samatta. Reina to Leno might be worth the 0.5, afaik Reina is not nailed to start both games.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      thanks all

  9. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I keep putting Saka in my draft side. Is he actually going to play?

    Friendly vs Charlton starting XI: Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, David Luiz, Tierney; Guendouzi, Maitland-Niles; Nelson, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think he’ll get some minutes over the two games, probably starts one and benched in one.

      I have him as it allows me an Aguero, Sterling KdB triple up, with Auba too.

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If he doesn't play 2 games, is he still best at that price? What about Cantwell?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          But he ‘might’ start twice...it’s the hope that kills you!

          I don’t think Cantwell is a better option personally.

      2. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I'd take that. More worried about coming on for bit of one game and that's it.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I don't think he'll start both.

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You doing a BB team? How's it looking?

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cantwell is better

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      nketiah fail

  10. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who would you choose and why?

    A) saka/cantwell
    B) laporte/alonso

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      In isolation B.
      But I’m assuming A allows upgrades elsewhere?

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        My bad . I guess my framing was wrong

        Let me reframe it

        Choose one between the following options

        A) saka or cantwell
        B) laporte or alonso

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          A. Saka.
          B. Coin toss. But Laporte if WC31+

        2. Karhumies
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          A flip a coin. Nobody knows how many minutes Saka will get and what position he plays in if he plays. While Southampton is a decent match-up for Norwich.

          B If you don't have Auba, take Laporte.

  11. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A. Ederson/Sterling/Aubameyang
    (Can get salah in for sterling next GW)

    OR

    B. 5.1m GKP/Salah/Aguero

  12. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Can’t imagine tierny will be ready for 2x 90 so should get some game time - he’s decent as well

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Reply to chaser123

    2. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You reckon even split between the 2? 135 mins each? If so, Saka is a decent option..

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I really believe this

      2. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Excellent calculation

        1. chaser123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Hahaha yeh that is an optimistic calc for sure

    3. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Or what about Maitland-Niles or Nketiah .... see them getting many minutes? If so, perhaps better Arsenal enablers than Saka?

  13. Mr.SHaMBLes
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Evening all. Can I get a few votes of either A or B please?

    A) Jiminez & Grealish
    B) Jota & Martial/Richarlison

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I’ve gone A.

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

  14. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    How do I see if I still have my second wildcard? Don’t remember using it but can’t see anything

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Check GW scores. Shows what chips been used.

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers. Still got it!

  15. Eric Banternaaa
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Leno - Ederson
    TAA - Mings - Stevens - OConnell - Egan
    Sterling - KDB - Grealish - Cantwell - Ozil
    Auba - Jiminez - Samatta

    Leaves 0.0ITB. Plan is to play BB then WC for GW31. Also got free hit in the locker.

    Doesn’t look like any rise/decrease tonight.

    1. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Very dangerous going without the most explosive, highest captained player....

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Aguero? :/

    2. Ekip
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No price changes at all this game week

  16. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone on a free hit considering Nketiah? Was starting over Laca pre lockdown

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      With rumours of Auba leaving, Arsenal need to keep Laca happy. Otherwise they are screwed

    2. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I am very tempted....better Arsenal enabler than Saka?

    3. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      only 3 forward slots available and there are not THAT many good mids with DGW. You take 2 mids from MCity + Grealish, then struggle to choose a 4th mid and when it comes to choosing the 5th mid 1st on bench, even McGinn seems like a good option. Whereas with forwards you have Auba, Aguero/Jesus, Jimenez/Jota, Rashford, Ings vs Pukki match and DGW Samatta as decent options.

  17. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    This was my team before covid 19... What would you change?
    Perez + Lundstram (and maybe Traore) out is pretty obvious..

    Dubravka
    TAA Gomez Aurier
    Salah KDB Martial Traore
    Auba DCL Jimenez
    _____
    McCarthy Boly Perez Lundstram

    Only having 1 city player doesn't seem like a good idea atm

    1. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I don't have any MCity players currently, not even KDB, and I am not too worried. Using my FH chip to get triple MCity for the DGW only.

  18. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best 30+ BB pick here? Will WC 31+ Open your other options too! Thanks 🙂

    A. Doherty+Mahrez+Tammy
    B. Boly+Sterling+Samatta

    Leno / Hendo
    TAA / Stevens / Baldock / Targett / XXX
    KDB / Grealish / XXX / Cantwell / Saka
    Auba / Agüero / XXX

    1. Pulisic 4 President
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      What'sammata with you? 😉

      B - I think Sterling will start twice, and I know Samatta will.

      Why not Saiss over Boly?

      I'm in a similar boat, but looks like i have a bit less overall funds than you. I am fading L'pool.

      Hendo Leno
      Mendy Stevens Targett Doherty Lascelles
      KDB Sterling Grealish Ozil Fleck
      Auba Samatta Jimenez

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Kun not worry you? Not keen on Ozick either. Rest is nice. I could go Saiss yeah, would you recommend him over Boly?

        1. Pulisic 4 President
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, just because Saiss has had plenty of creativity from the flank that Boly does not have. 2 goals and 2 assists.

          Boly probably more valuable and better in real life as he has been key in the Wolves having 4 CS in the last 5 games, but this aint real life 🙂 and Saiss gets the same credit for those CS.

        2. Pulisic 4 President
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          He does, but I cant get Jime out - I bought him at 7.1, so would lose a ton of money if I sold him for just 7.6 right now.

          I also feel Kun will play 100 minutes, tops? Like 60 and 40, with 1 start 1 sub? I don't know if that matters though.

          Remember Sterling scored 5 goals in the first 3 premier league games this year. He is younger and more fit than Kun in general.

      2. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Sterling sure as hell wont start twice

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Why? He’s probably the naturally fittest player they have. Pep said it many time’s before.

        2. Pulisic 4 President
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, not sure why he wouldn't? The games also have 4 days of rest in between - Wednesday and Monday...

    2. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      So your BB is essentially Targett, Cantwell, Saka and Leno? Sounds like a relatively weak BB chip to me and if that forces you to WC immediately afterwards I'd consider putting more money onto the bench.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Crap isn’t it haha! I might need to drop Sterling or Kun.

        1. Karhumies
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Leno has FPL points potential and you can keep either Saka/Cantwell (cheaper one probably?) as an enabler, but I'd upgrade the other two.

          Fleck is 5.0, McGinn is 5.4, Doucoure 5.6, Traore 5.7, Buendia 6.0, Barnes/Mount 6.2, Sarr 6.4 so there's plenty of options.

          In defense, Saiss 4.6, Boly 4.8, or you could punt with a Southampton/Norwich defender.

      2. reeceon
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        thats likely 15-20 points off the bench so not too bad really

        1. Karhumies
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Not bad, but not worth forcing a WC since a normal GW BB is what...8 points for everybody showing up, easily up to 12 if anybody actually gets 1x CS or assist? Add a couple BPS to that and you're at 15 without it being a DGW and without a follow up WC next GW...

          1. reeceon
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            yeah but you aren't WC GW31+ for the bench boost alone, you get to field 12 DGW players this week

            1. Pulisic 4 President
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Yea i mean, just having the extra goalie BB with two starts is well worth it.

              1. Karhumies
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                That BB GK extra start is vs MCity though in case of Leno. 2-3 extra points unless lucky, which is OK/good but I wouldn't call it "well worth it" necessarily.

                1. Pulisic 4 President
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Could do Ederson/Hendo as well instead. I just prefer Leno because of the price tag.

                  And Leno could have a bunch of saves, or save a penalty, or get a clean sheet.

                  1. Karhumies
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    You really want 3x MCity for the DGW and if you are not going for triple offense, Ederson is cheaper than Laporte. I plan to get Leno to my FH XI though since 3x Sheffield DEF + Leno is cheaper than Henderson + 2x Sheffield DEF and I don't fancy the Arsenal defenders.

                    Downgrading TAA and buying him back on WC is an option if you are not too invested in him.

                    1. Pulisic 4 President
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 9 months ago

                      Don't forget Mendy - 5.5 and I think he will start twice.

                      1. Karhumies
                        • 11 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        Don't forget Pep roulette. The +0.5 for Ederson transform "I think he will start twice" into "I KNOW he will start twice and will not be subbed off before 60 mins unless on a stretcher". With 5 transfers available to Pep, I would not put it past him to make 1-2 subs already at half-time.

                      2. Pulisic 4 President
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        Yes, in which case Mendy may be subbed off in the 63rd minute for that CS before a CS 🙂

                        Plus, Mendy will provide the potential of attacking returns.
                        Plus, I like Leno and Hendo.

                        Gotta risk it, for the biscuit sometimes.

            2. Karhumies
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I am using my FH this GW for the DGW players since I don't have WC left and saving my BB for later. If the BB is weak GW30+ you are essentially spending WC+BB when you would have got the same or even better result just using FH now and saving WC + BB for later.

              1. reeceon
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Makes sense if you don't have WC left. Good luck mate

                1. Karhumies
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Thanks! My tip to people using BB this GW with a follow up WC is to make the BB really count. Because FH guys like me can field a mean DGW XI and we still have 8 more weeks of time to BB on a normal GW, so we can still pick a decent week for the BB.

  19. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    One day pause between gw30 and 31. Will be a tricky wildcard...

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thinking this too. Going to be a manic 9 GWs!!

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You can start WC’ing as soon as the deadline passes on the Wednesday.

    3. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      U play your wildcard on wednesday....

  20. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hot Topic

    Who's stock has been boosted by the increase to 5 substitutions?

    Sane, Mahrez, Nketiah, Pogba plus I am very interested in any defenders who are more likely to get subbed off.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jesus?

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Good one. Plus we all think Aguero is unfit

    2. Sergeant Slaughter
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Greenwood

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Good shout

    3. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think it makes all centre-backs more attractive compared to wingbacks

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Because they are more likely to play the 90 minutes? I'm not sure I see that as a positive

        1. Jarnathan
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          they're less likely to come on for a 20 minute cameo

    4. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Greenwood, Nketiah, Williams, Saka, Martinelli ..

    5. Pulisic 4 President
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lundstram. Mendy. Bellerin.

      In terms of defenders who may get subbed off.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I worry those will get subbed on tbf. Cameo

        1. Pulisic 4 President
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Why wouldnt Mendy and Bellerin start?

          Lundstram more of a risk of this, but his sub appearances led to 2 goals IIRC

  21. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    No WC, but leaning towards making a BB team. May just have to take a hit or two over the coming weeks to rebalance it.

    Hendo Ramsdale
    TAA Doherty Bellerin Stevens Fernandez
    KDB Bernardo Grealish Fleck Cantwell
    Auba Kun Jimi

    How does it look? Feels like a new season so not sure what to base it on..

  22. reeceon
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    This week only:

    A) Sterling, Lascelles
    B) Mahrez, Doherty
    C) Pepe, Laporte

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That looks the right order.

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I've gone B, it's tight with A though. Definitely not C.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

  23. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any views on logic of doing a FH with kdb, sterling, mahrez and auba, laca, nketih to hedge yourself for subs/ transfers? Probably get 1.5 games from each being the logic but not being distraught at surprise rotation?

    Henderson, x
    TAA, stevens, Baldock (targett, lascelles)
    Kdb, sterling, mahrez, grealish (mccarthy)
    Auba, laca, nketih

  24. FPL Diet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    How's this looking for a BB in 30+ ahead of a Wildcard in 31+ ???
    Please advise... 

    Hendo Krul 
    O'Connell D.Luiz Belerin PVA Doherty
    KDB Mahrez Grealish McGinn Fleck 
    Auba Aguero Samatta

    All input is gratefully received 🙂

    1. reeceon
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn't back arsenal def other than leno for saves.
      Krul>Leno, Belerin> Fernandes/Lascelles
      then enough to upgrade mahrez>Sterling?

    2. FPL Diet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thank you

  25. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Evening all

    Welcome back. Quick question as I’m rusty. Is there anyway I can find if my WC is definitely available? I’m pretty sure I haven’t used it yet but want to be certain I have it ready for GW31 as am planning BB in DGW30.

    Any ideas where I can find out if I still have it?

    1. FPL Diet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Scroll down on Gameweek History

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Perfect, thanks so much for this. I used one in September so by right I should have another available yeh?

        I’m so out of touch. I’m pretty sure I left the new WC in January ready for the latter DGWs

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yes.
          2nd WC starts in January.

    2. FPL Diet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sounds good

  26. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    3 best outfield Sheffield united defenders ?

    Reasons greatly appreciated

  27. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    mahrez or pepe ? thanks a lot. for one week punt only

    1. FPL Diet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Mahrez for me

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Mahrez.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      thanks all

  28. Omar kamal
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    https://t.co/UyLQHtHcD2
    Football quizzes

  29. jesus jesus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Why is there no love for Pepe ??
    Know he didn't start last match - is he injured ??

  30. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    My current team:

    McCarthy (Button)
    TAA, Soyuncu, O'Connell (Sais, Taylor)
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Richarlison (Dendoncker)
    Aubameyang, Jimenez, Ings

    I have no WC. Should I:

    (A) play my FH in GW30 (and then revert to this team for GW31).

    (B) treat the unlimited FTs as an extra WC and set my team up for the remainder of the season.