Selection

The best budget forwards for the FPL restart

Our position-by-position analysis of Fantasy Premier League assets continues with a look at budget forwards.

With FPL managers granted the option of making unlimited transfers or deploying their Free Hit chip ahead of Double Gameweek 30+, many of us will be going big on the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.1m) and Sergio Aguero (£11.8m).

To afford these heavy hitters, we’ll need a cut-price asset or two to plug the gaps.

In truth, there isn’t an abundance of budget FPL forwards who are anything more than bench fodder – hence why we’re covering strikers all the way up to £5.8m in this piece and slightly eating into ‘mid-price’ territory.

A total of 57 players fall into this category, with the stand-out names discussed below.

READ MORE: The best budget goalkeepers
READ MORE: The best mid-price and premium goalkeepers
READ MORE: The best budget defenders
READ MORE: The best mid-price and premium defenders
READ MORE: The best budget midfielders
READ MORE: The best mid-price midfielders
READ MORE: The best premium midfielders

Mbwana Samatta

  • Price: £5.8m
  • Ownership: 0.4%
  • Next four Gameweeks: SHU + CHE | new | WOL | liv

Jack Grealish (£6.4m) is perhaps the only Aston Villa asset that many of us will agree on for Double Gameweek 30+.

The merits of the Villans’ defence, John McGinn (£5.4m) and Anwar El Ghazi (£5.5m) will be widely discussed ahead of Wednesday’s deadline and we can now add January capture Mbwana Samatta (£5.8m) into the mix.

With Wesley (£5.4m) injured, Samatta was thrown straight into the starting XI in Gameweek 25 and has played all three games since.

Scoring on his debut against Bournemouth, the Tanzanian striker looked fairly decent up top despite Villa slipping to four defeats in the games he featured in.

His aerial ability particularly caught the eye, with half of his efforts in a Villa shirt and his debut league goal coming from his head (he also nodded in his side’s solitary strike in the League Cup final).

Arguably the main concern would be the players behind him: Grealish aside, do Villa possess anyone who can supply Samatta with good enough service? The new signing has averaged only two shots per match in his four appearances so far, which is on the meagre side.

Had Villa not had a Double Gameweek 30+, many of us probably wouldn’t have looked at him – but then, that is likely true for a number of assets who will end up in our overhauled squads.

Samatta does at least have the advantage of facing Newcastle United in Gameweek 31+, which could be a decent match-up given how susceptible the Magpies have been to crosses in open play and at dead-ball situations.

Oliver McBurnie

  • Price: £5.7m
  • Ownership: 0.3%
  • Next four Gameweeks: avl + new | mun | TOT | bur

Sheffield United have been one of the most settled sides this season, at least in defence and midfield.

Rotation has been more commonplace up top, however, with Chris Wilder opting to frequently shake up his two-man frontline.

Changes were particularly rife when Sheffield United last encountered a period of serious fixture congestion in December.

Not one of the Bladesmen’s strikers has more than 16 starts to their name this season, although Oli McBurnie (£5.7m) and Billy Sharp (£5.6m) had been the preferred pairing before the suspension of play, having racked up seven and five consecutive starts respectively.

McBurnie had encouragingly accumulated a lot of pitch-time shortly before football ground to a halt, lasting 90 minutes in each match from Gameweeks 23-27 and then being substituted in the 89th minute of the Gameweek 29 win over Norwich City.

It’ll be a surprise to see any Sheffield United forward lasting the full duration in the first two fixtures back but, given that those matches make up a Double Gameweek for the Blades, McBurnie should still hit triple figures for minutes on Wednesday and Sunday combined.

Goals won’t come at a furious pace but then this is a sub-£6.0m forward we’re talking about and there is a reason that these assets don’t cost as much.

Only four FPL forwards, all of them way pricier, registered more shots in the box than McBurnie in Gameweeks 22-29.

Like Samatta, McBurnie is a perhaps a punt purely for the early Double Gameweek as the fixtures stiffen thereafter.

Eddie Nketiah

3pm team news
  • Price: £4.4m
  • Ownership: 1.4%
  • Next four Gameweeks: mci + bha | sou | NOR | wol

The search for a dependable £4.5m-or-under FPL forward has been a largely fruitness one this season, with Mason Greenwood (£4.3m) and Aaron Connolly (£4.3m) only briefly threatening to establish themselves as the go-to bargain-bin options.

The return to fitness of Marcus Rashford (£8.8m) looks to be a blow to Greenwood’s chances of starting more regularly in the run-in, although the increase in permitted substitutes from three to five will likely see the teenage Manchester United striker continue to make cameos off the bench.

Could Eddie Nketiah (£4.4m) be the snip we’ve all been waiting for, then, particuarly with Arsenal enjoying two fixtures in Double Gameweek 30+?

It’s too early to tell for certain and, so long as Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) remains fit and available, there will be plenty of jostling for the central striker’s role in Mikel Arteta’s new-look Arsenal side.

Nketiah had been given the nod ahead of the more experienced Frenchman in Gameweeks 26-29, scoring once against Everton, although was hauled off before the hour-mark in the narrow win over West Ham, with substitute Lacazette bagging the winner.

There have been some positive omens in the friendlies Arsenal have contested ahead of the restart, with Nketiah hitting a hat-trick in the 6-0 win over Charlton Athletic and then leading the line for the first half of the Gunners’ 3-2 defeat to Brentford.

We don’t anticipate that he will start every match (maybe not even the bulk of them) but then we can’t really expect too much anyway given the dirt-cheap price tag.

With Arsenal’s two Gameweek 30+ fixtures separated by less than 72 hours, he will surely get a decent number of minutes to begin the season with – and that might be enough for those of us who are only relying on him for this opening Double Gameweek.

Jordan Ayew

  • Price: £5.2m
  • Ownership: 8.8%
  • Next four matches: bou | liv | BUR | lei

While the likes of McBurnie and Nketiah are rotation risks, Jordan Ayew (£5.2m) has been an altogether more secure starter this season.

The Ghana international has made Roy Hodgson’s line-up in each of the last 27 league games and has scored more FPL points (108) than anyone featured in this article.

The loan capture of Cenk Tosun (£5.7m) and the return to fitness of Christian Benteke (£5.7m) has seen Ayew move to a wider position in Palace’s attacking trident but, as we discussed in our Crystal Palace team recap, the Belgian’s presence could be more of a help than a hindrance.

Ayew scored in back-to-back games shortly before the lull in proceedings, taking his total to eight for the season – again, a tally that can’t be beaten by any other striker in this piece.

The biggest downside to Ayew at present is perhaps the Eagles’ fixtures, with seven of their remaining nine games against teams in the top half.

One of their only favourable match-ups, against Bournemouth, comes in Double Gameweek 30+, when many FPL managers will have their eyes on assets with two fixtures.

With Palace heading for safety and mid-table obscurity, the question would also have to be raised over what Roy Hodgson has in mind for his peripheral squad players, minutes-wise, in the closing quarter of the campaign.

Still, with his versatility and work rate being huge ticks against his name in Hodgson’s eyes, Ayew remains one of the more trustworthy forwards in this price bracket, ready to be deployed as an emergency FPL substitute if needs be and perhaps even handed a start when the odd good fixture does pop up (Aston Villa in Gameweek 35+, for example).

Also Consider

→Based on expected goal involvement, who is the biggest

No, we’re not advocating a move for Joelinton (£5.5m) just yet, but it’ll be interesting to see if playing behind closed doors has a galvanising effect on the Brazilian, given that he won’t have the weight of 50,000 Geordies’ expectations on his shoulders.

He had quietly impressed in pre-season and has scored twice in unofficial kickabouts this week, so maybe the much-maligned striker can be liberated without the bellows and groans that plague his appearances on Tyneside – or maybe not.

The effect of playing with or without a crowd is one of those unquantifiable variables that makes the end of 2019/20 tough to predict.

The compact Selhurst Park can be an intimidating cauldron when the Palace ultras are making a din, so it could be that Hodgson’s troops are handicapped without their vociferous home support.

Then again, perhaps playing without a raucous audience is exactly the thing that Christian Benteke (£5.7m) needs to up an abysmal goal conversion rate of three seasons in the making.

A pest of a presence to opposition defenders, human wasp Shane Long (£4.7m) refuses to leave Fantasy managers alone at the budget forward picnic table.

Just when we think he’s gone for good he re-emerges afresh, despite our repeated attempts to swat him away.

Now 33 years of age, Long has impressed so much of late that he has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension by the Saints.

The Irishman has been a regular starter from Gameweek 15 onwards and his only absence from the line-up in that time (two no-shows and a substitute’s appearance over Christmas) were injury-related.

The physical demands put upon the front two will likely see the occasional refresh up top given the frequency of the fixtures, while Long has been substituted in 11 of his 13 starts so far in 2019/20.

Never the most clinical of strikers, we can’t expect a deluge of goals from the veteran forward either.

Like Ayew, though, he would seem to be one of the more dependable characters in the budget forward bracket should he need to be called upon as an emergency auto-sub during the run-in.

Graham Potter’s unpredictability puts us off Neal Maupay (£5.7m) to an extent, with the Frenchman having been benched twice already this calendar year.

Winless in 2020, Brighton and Hove Albion also have one of the worst fixture runs in Gameweeks 30+ to 35+, although things do improve thereafter and he might be one to consider in the final three match rounds.

Underlying stats haven’t been Maupay’s problem and he sits third among FPL forwards of any price for efforts on goal in 2019/20.

Making the most of those chances has been an issue, however, with his conversion rate of 10.1% well below what we usually demand of our strikers.

It’s worth keeping an eye on Sean Dyche’s press conferences over the next week, meanwhile, as both Chris Wood (£6.1m) and Ashley Barnes (£6.1m) are struggling with fitness issues at present.

That could open the door for Jay Rodriguez (£5.7m) and Matej Vydra (£5.3m) at Burnley, who have some agreeable fixtures from Gameweek 31+ onwards.

Rodriguez has started every match from Gameweek 23 onwards with Barnes on the sidelines and sits joint-fourth among FPL forwards for attempts on goal in that time.

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1,084 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mdm
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who score more week 30+:

    A. Baldock(avl; new), Pepe (mci, bha) and Samatta (SHU: CHE)

    B. TAA (eve), Fleck (avl; new) and Jimenez (whu)

    Thanks.

    1. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A) is having multiple raffle tickets at the fair

      B) is realising that the town fairs mayors hot mistress is smiling holding just one ticket

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

      B. Quality over quantity:)

  2. LSK
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Many going without Liverpool attack? This is my first draft. Nervous not having Salah or Mane though.

    Leno
    Egan Trent Stevens/Boly 3.9
    Mahrez KDB Son Grealish/Cantwell
    Jimenez Aguero Rashford

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Are you BB-ing?

      1. LSK
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Already used it. Only have Free Hit left

  3. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    How Villa's defence ranks statistically and Chelsea's prospects:

    https://twitter.com/BigManBakar/status/1271509702522875905

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

      It's good statistically but Chelsea haven't put enough chances away this season.

  4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    3rd City spot, Sterling or Ederson?
    Ta.

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      sterling

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

      Sterling. Bigger Ceiling.

  5. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A or B?

    A Auba, Basham, Luiz (villa)
    B Laca, Enda Stevens, Mcginn

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

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

      A for me.

    3. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A **
      ~ look to see if luiz is in villa starting eleven . I think he will be but McGinn snd hourinhan might take two places

  6. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pre-lockdown team (to return in 31+):

    Leno (Sou)
    TAA (CRY), Holgate (Nor), Maguire (SHU)
    KDB (Che), Salah (CRY), Fernandes (SHU), Mount (MCI)
    Auba (Sou), Jimenez (BOU), DCL (Nor)

    McGov, Aurier (WHU), Lascelles (AVL), Cantwell (WOL)

    Would you:
    A) FH in 30+ and get this team back for the run in (WC still available)
    B) Use BB to make more of the DGW
    C) Do A and then BB in 31+ with above team (use FT to get 2nd keeper)
    D) Other?

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      BB

    2. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Your team is better than mine except the second keeper
      If you can make it work
      C
      I might, just might try Trick and coast until end of season

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

      A if you have money tied up in players and can't afford/want them back next GW, B if you don't.

  7. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    BB or TC this week
    And yes I do still have my WC

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      BB

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

      BB of those.

  8. Young Lingard
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Besides a last minute lundstram confirmation. I’m locked into this free hit as I don’t have a WC and like my old team enough to save BB. Locked and no changes planned. Risk? yes, but well ...
    Leno
    Baldock Egan Targett
    Pepe Sterling grealish KDB
    Auba. Aguero. Samatta

    Bench fodder that won’t play ****

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Love it only thing is do you like Pepe and Samatta or Mcgin and Laca

    2. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I don’t know if McGinn could play twice coming back after a while
      And I guess Pepe might get a CS extra point and takes set pieces sometimes
      I don’t know I’ve pretty much decided this unless I hear injury news
      And put my tokens in

  9. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    With this team, no Wildcard but Free Hit and Bench Boost left, what would be your course of action? I think it looks semi decent going forward so am leaning towards Free Hit this week but would like a few opinions before I hit the button.

    Pope, Button
    Doherty, Alexander-Arnold, Otamendi, Kiki Femenia, Cathcart
    Fernandez, Salah, De Brugge, Saka, McCarthy
    Aubameyang, Jimenez, Jota

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tough one, you'd have to get a keeper in and prefer DCL to Jota perhaps (who is explosive but usually need games to get going).

      Otamendi? (rotation), I think Laporte needs games for CL, like the midfield.

      Good enough to FH though

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah there’s areas that need work but overall I think it’s worth persevering with and Free Hitting rather than ripping up with unlimited transfers.

        And obviously that’s De Bruyne. Just noticed the auto correct. 😀

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

      If you like that team going forward i would FH (I am) however if you you want to change more than 3 players then go BB.

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Honestly I don’t think it needs a lot, couple of tweaks here and there but most of them have reasonable fixtures from here on out.

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

          Agreed. Ota, McCarthy the only ones needing changing short term.

          1. Cilly Bonnolly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks man. Good to get another opinion or two.

    3. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      *Kiko
      *Fernandes
      *De Bruyne

      New iPad so it hasn’t learned names yet and autocorrect is jumping in and making an arse of it.

  10. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What would you rather have for the rest of the season?

    A) DDG, Martial
    B) Pope, Bruno

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      My initial instinct is B just because I think Bruno is absolutely the real deal but honestly it’s a tough call. De Gea should get more clean sheets than Pope going by fixtures.

      1. AD2110
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah it’s tough, plus unsure how Bruno will play with Pogba back. Will he sit deeper or maintain his more advanced position...

        1. Cilly Bonnolly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I think he has to continue with him where he has been. He’s been sensational.

        2. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          speculation that Bruno will play in a number 8 role, but not sure if it is good or bad for his FPL output. on pens, which in this case is actually a solid argument as United gets so many pens.

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

      B mainly because Bruno.

  11. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For this gw only.

    A. Vardy
    B. Ings
    C. Jiminez
    D. Tammy

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      C

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      D

    3. BENOIT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      100% not B

  12. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Starting to second guess the Lundy punt.

    I can see why Lundy lost his place

    Berge

    The 22 year-old was highly rated at his old club Genk, and the Blades acquired him for a club record £22m in the transfer window. Since then he has made four appearances in England’s top flight, as manager Chris Wilder slowly brings him into the starting eleven.

    He has shown some promise and his statistics show why supporters of the club should be excited for his return as he managed 2.3 tackles per game as well as 1.3 successful dribbles, per WhoScored. This highlights how he has been good at breaking up opposition attacks and then pushing forward with the ball.

    Anyone seen him play ? I know a season ticket holder who says he is good and Lundy has little chance of taking the spot ( although he is a fan fav)

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I have hes pretty attacking hed be 100% in everyones squad if he was to be guarenteed to play both games.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Do you think that could be the reason Lundy will not sign an extension?

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      if I had to bet I'd say Lundy won't start, but he will certainly be coming on for 30 mins both games - he has better attacking threat than most SGW defenders and doesn't cost much, hopefully he starts one of them though

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yer its weighing up the
        1 pt cameo that annoys the hell out of you vs the chance ( albeit statistically a small one) that he gets a goal. I was set on a punt now i just feel i am setting myself up for dissapointment

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          looks like I'm punting all over the place so I've already resigned myself to disappointment 😀 I think the 5-sub rule helps with non-nailed players (and also attacking full backs likely to be subbed at 65' with a CS intact - another boost to Lundy should he start)

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I'll just have to not be disappointed at the team sheets and just wait patiently for the subs to appear!

          2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Haha me too. I am so far behind i can't afford too many cameos . May have to look elsewhere myself but if not hopefully Lundy sneaks a start for the easier game

            Good luck buddy

            1. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I'm kinda hoping for cameo carnage, a Sane brace off the bench will do just fine 😀 cheers, good luck whatever you go with!

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think He's a great signing but playing in Belgium is quite different from playing the PL. Also Genk is a club that it's entire strategy is to make money from selling players not winning competitions, so zero pressure for young players.

      IMO I think Wilder got excited to get him - especially because other sharks were roaming around - and rushed him into the starting 11. Lunds was kind of showing signs of fatigue as well so it was a perfect combination, but I think Lunds is at this point in time a lot more important to the team than Berge. He has a great mental strength and now rested I think SHU will be the Lord +10.

      Definitely on my team.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If he isnt extending his contract would that not mean Wilder is more likely to priotise his big new assest. I dunno hard to say aint it. 3 out of the last 4 . I guess we will soon find out

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          That's a possibility yes. The problem was last season. Lunds went from a not that often used player in the Championship to one of the main stars of the team in the Premier League with one year running on his contract. Typical situation of the club thinks they should not offer more than X and player looking at what if scenarios because his agent is telling him he can get way more than X.

          Purely from the sporting perspective I think Lunds atm gives a lot more than Berge.

    4. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If you're free hitting or wildcarding straight out of this DGW I think Lundstram is a pretty decent "punt". It is tough and I'm thinking like you. WIll he do more damage owning him and not doing well or more damage not owning him and exploding? Probably the latter yeah?

    5. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Berge is a good player, but he told norwegian media that the tempo in PL was extreme. He was finished after 70-80 min. With 5 substitutions Wilder can let Lund and Berge share time. Maybe even 1 half each?

    6. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      in that system, Berge´s best qualities are not maximised, but there is no doubt he is much better than Lundy from a footballing pov, but Lundy gives the team a very important ingredient attacking wise. Berge is a more defensive minded CM, either as the anchor in midfield or alongside a partner in a 4-2-3-1 system (thats where he played in Genk). In the system SHU plays he would be best suited in Norwoods role.

      Being that different in kinds, i think Wilder might rotate due to opponent and/or fixture congestion.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I agree, in this system Lunds has an energy and stamina going io-io super important for the team.

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Good post. I was surprised that Berge threatened Lundstram’s role as their styles are like chalk and cheese; Berge is technically more gifted and can act as a playmaker from deep, while Lundstram is all energy, box to box. It may work in his favour that his fitness levels are so good - or he’ll be that 4th or 5th sub used to provide energy in the last 20 mins of games. It’s a tricky one.

  13. HP18
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Can I make unlimited transfers, to change my current team (X) to a new team (Y) and then use a free hit to change it for this week, before it reverts back to (Y) again? Or if you use a free hit, will your team will just revert back to what it is currently (X)?

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If you use your FH, it goes back to GW38 team. (check previous page 5)

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

      Free Hit wipes out all unlimited transfers (i.e. your team Y will be wiped out) . Your team will revert back to the old GW38 lockdown team (your team X)

  14. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    The way I see it Nketiah is a good enabler as 3rd striker IF and ONLY IF the other 2 are big guns (Auba/Aguero). But I think it's a huge mistake to play him instead of Auba for example. You'll get punished!

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thinking of those 3 up front TBH

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

      Yep. I would think those with low team value are the ones trying most to appear excited about Niketiah.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        It could be a good punt but not by replacing Auba. Of course this game has it's own way of turning everything upside down...

  15. Cahill
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    anyone else Playing FH this week even with unlimited FTs and a WC in the bag?

    made transfers during the lockdown so my team looks great for 31 and maybe beyond

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Put your team up Cahill? Thinking of doing the same thing

      1. Cahill
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Guaita Button
        TAA AWB Boly Taylor Egan
        Salah KDB Bruno Barnes Cantwell
        Kane Vardy Jota

        any huge disadvantage to using FH you think?

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I would use unlimited transfer then WC, and FH later.

          great team, but you will have to move your keepers on.

          Kane interesting pick, why over Son IYO?

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

          but i dont see the point in WCing back to almost the same team I have now, for a loss in value?

          just picked kane as i wanted to ditch Auba...would prefer son

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

      Good luck, I would feel guilty losing the opportunity to use my one -off unlimited transfers.

      1. Cahill
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        i effectively made my unlimited transfers over the break though?

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I did as well but after the first Gameweek back some of my players for next week may get injured, dropped and others perform better. With a WC for GW31+ I have an opportunity to sort this out without hits. E.g. Thinking of moving Mane and DCL to Son and Rashford early etc.

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

      o/

      I have lots of value tied up in TAA, Salah, KDB, Bruno, Barnes, Vardy, Ings & Jiminez and a FH will get the same amount of DGW players as BB and i wont lose 1m+ in team value.

      1. Cahill
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        agreed, cheers

        the 'pro pundits' are adamant the BB is the play this week and WC the next. But with so much uncertainty I wouldnt feel comfortable wildcarding next week

        not many players i feel im missing except maybe rashford and son

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

          BB is a perfectly viable option for some and i get why people are using it, it just doesn't work for me in my situation. Same for you.

          1. Cahill
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            hear hear

        2. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          yeah thats my problem, May ditch Salah after DW 31 for Son rather than TAA (for that reason).

          Like many other with just a BB And FH left

          Wk 38 team (0.4 ITB)

          De Gea/McCarthy
          Alonso, TAA, Boly, O'Connell,Tanganga
          Salah, Bruno, KDB, Barnes, Fleck
          DCL, Jiminez, VArdy

          Would you FH or a couple of Transfers and BB?

          No TC or WC left

          1. Crunchie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Would like Rash/Son for Salah and maybe DCL

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

            fh 100%

  16. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Why are we even thinking of Villa defenders?
    There guarenteed 0 CS

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Taggart assists only

      1. LLoris
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        What are the chances he gets an assist in these 2 games pretty low don't you think

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yes, that's why he is 4.4. Its a punt

          I may put him on the bench funds permitting, incase there is a Sheff Utd injury we have forseen

        2. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          It is yes but at that price point and a secure start... plus Villa is playing a cup final the first match vs SHU and I see them going full on forward

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1) He is 3rd among big chances created among defenders after TAA and Robertson.
      2) He has a DGW, even if low it means increased chance of CS
      3) He is 4.4

      1. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Also they actually kept 4 CS at home so far this season which isn’t terrible for a team in the bottom half.

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I dont think the home factor will be important in this context though...

  17. Rover
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would appreciate some advice in filling up my BB squad for the DGW30+

    Leno Henderson
    TAA Doherty Lundstram Targett Lascelles
    Sterling KdB Bruno ***** Fleck
    ***** Abraham Samatta

    A) Mahrez + Rashy/Jimi (I expect Mahrez to get minuts in both game with one start and Rashy loves playing, and does well, against top 6)
    B) Aguero + McGinn (Well, Aguero obviously, but I expect him to not start both given the Chelsea game soon after)
    C) Auba + Grealish (Auba minutes relatively secure but fixtures not the best)
    D) Aguero + Auba + Grealish + McGinn and boot Sterling & Samatta from my squad (not sure if Villa mid double is worth it, and afraid Auba+Aguero will become too templatey, plus I have the armband on Sterling at the moment)

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      D put go with another option if you want to go away from the templete

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

        Thanks 🙂

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Do you have a WC?

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

        Yes, but not necessarily committing myself to using it in 31+
        Could easily give it another GW or two depending on what I can do with my FTs to gather more info.

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I still prefer Aguero over Sterling so D (i like B too), but if you're catching up in mini league and playing long term then A is a good choice (if I had a WC i'd play it pretty early I think certain GW 31 or 32)

  18. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Sorry I know this question on teams has been asked alot.

    Like many other with just a BB And FH left

    Wk 38 team (0.4 ITB)

    De Gea/McCarthy
    Alonso, TAA, Boly, O'Connell, Tanganga
    Salah, Bruno, KDB, Barnes, Fleck
    DCL, Jiminez, Vardy

    Would you FH or a couple of Transfers and BB?

    No TC or WC left

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

      Tricky. I would say if you are happy with the team FH. Otherwise BB.

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

      Probably FH as the overall team is nice. Load up on City with the FH

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers, the ones i have in Team Value are Bruno, TAA and KDB (with a little bit of Salah on the side)

  19. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Reckon it is fairly safe to go without Salah / Mane on BB team if it means having Aguero and Auba?

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

      I am yes for the DGW only, gonna hit the WC straight after though to get one of Salah or Mane back. Not sure which one though!

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

      Only afford to drop one, have more value in Salah, so dropping Mane.

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

      Yes

    4. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Most people will have neither. I am worried as Everton were hammered 4-0 by Chelsea in the last game and defence not been that good but it frees up a lot of money to spend elsewhere on DGW players. The 'precautionary rest' in the last friendly also makes the decision easier.

  20. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    any obviously better SGW defenders at the same price as Targett/Reina?

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Fernandez / Lascelles.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        ta, Targett vs Lascelles..hm not an easy one

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

      Those and Lascelles sub 4.4

  21. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What is everyone's thought on Laporte?

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

      Ederson safer for minutes

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Need games for CL

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good player.

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

      Going for him. He is DGW specialist.

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

      Expensive but a decent pick. Think I’m going triple attack though

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

    Best two going forward after the DGW?

    A) Doherty or Alonso
    B) Bruno or Martial

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doherty and Bruno (Alonso not nailed, Bruno better points hauler)

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doherty & Bruno

    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      a

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

      Doh & Bruno

    5. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doh and Bruno.

  23. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best Single GW midfielder for this week only?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      mane

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

      Mané yeah

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

      Mount?

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

      Salah

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

    Morning all. Really torn on this one? Any other combo suggestions welcome too, thanks 🙂

    A. Sterling+Egan+Basham+Lascelles
    B. Mahrez+Stevens+Baldock+Doherty

    Hendo / Leno
    TAA / Targett / XXX / XXX / XXX
    KDB / Grealish / Mount / Cantwell / XXX
    Auba / Agüero / Samatta

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A (just)

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

        Appreciate the reply mate

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That’s tight, both Mahrez & Razz can go mental, IF they get the chances.

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

        Yeah. Sterling more likely would you say to get the chance? Which way would you go?

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

      B edges it for me.

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

        Cheers. Just the game time of Mahrez annoys me. He’ll only get 1 game won’t he. So makes the DGW less appealing for him. Sterling at least has a chance of two?

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          No worries. That's my problem i think Sterling will start both at least bt Mahrez (or Jesus) would replace him?

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

          Pep roulette means that most will get some playing time in both matches and Bernardo Silva is not the Pep fav from last year. If he only gets 1 game and its the game against Burnley then he could score well. Sterling been off form for a long time.

  25. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Looking through my transfer history - I have owned both Pogba and Hudson-Odoi this season. Not easy picking anything worse from now on.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Scary looking back, some have been in & out more times that I thought 🙁

  26. gryffsonofarthur
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    This game week:

    A) Lascelles / Jiminez
    Or
    B) Walker / Pukki

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

      A

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

  27. simong1
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Think I'm almost set on this GW30+ BB team. Thoughts?

    Henderson, Leno
    TAA, Doherty, Lundstram, Stevens, Targett
    Mahrez, KDB, Grealish, McGinn, Saka
    Auba, Kun, Pukki

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Nice you WC week after or running with that?

      1. simong1
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        WC week after

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lundstram a risk, I’m sure you know that. I’d play it safe with a starter.

  28. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    How would you restart this season in my position?
    Got all chips to play & team below.

    1, FH to get full squad of DGW, return to team below.
    2, Use unlimited trans to build new DGW team to Bench Boost, then WC
    3, Another scenario I have not considered 🙂

    Current team, 3M itb.

    Pope, McCarthy
    Trent, Alonso, Boly, Soy, Taylor
    Salah, KDB, Fernandez, Barnes, Starr
    Jimmy, Jota, Vardy

    1. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      same boat as me above. I think 1 is the answer

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        See my thinking below, we don’t know how the break has impacted on each teams performance?

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      3 Wolves, Bruno, KDB, TAA look good to keep after this week. Depending on how much value you have, you could easily keep 4 of those and load up on the BB30, WC31 strategy.

      A FH means you have to keep this LCFC triple up and double Burnley defence.

      Alonso now back to a doubt given we don’t know how Chelsea return.

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        So in short I reckon 2.

        Plenty of changes you’d want to make to avoid returning back to this team.

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Leicester & Burnley games are not bad going forward?

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I will reply to myself, thinking 1, get full DGW squad with FH, that way when I WC or BB still have 109m to play with?
      My main worry is we have all seen a SGW player thrash the DGW before?

  29. Mini Mahouse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    best 4.5 single gameweek defender?

    1. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      maybe lascelles

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Punt on Targett for assist potential?

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

    Preferred combo..

    (A) Leno Stevens Baldock

    (B) Henderson Tierney Egan

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

      A.