Pro Pundits - Ash

Which relegation-threatened FPL players will be most motivated for season run-in?

Fantasy Premier League managers would do well to consider players at the wrong end of the table when picking their squads for Project Restart.

Even in a normal season, Gameweek 30 is usually when we start identifying which clubs have more to play for than others, and those in danger of relegation always fall into this category.

The fact that we have all been given unlimited transfers makes considering these options even easier.

After all, the form book has been chucked out of the window but the league places remain unchanged. 

Those hovering around the bottom end of the table will do everything possible to secure top-flight survival during their final run in. 

So, it’s time to look at what’s on offer with a fresh pair of eyes…

Jack Grealish 

  • Price: £6.4m
  • Ownership: 21.3%
  • Next four fixtures: SHU + CHE | new | WOL | liv

A player under £7.0m with 14 attacking returns in less than 30 games is one that simply can’t be ignored. 

In many ways, it’s puzzling to think how a player of Jack Grealish’s (£6.4m) calibre is playing for a 19th placed Premier League team than one challenging for European honours. If things had been different he would have been a full England international by now. 

In my view, he is a must-have for the final run-in, for several reasons. 

Firstly, Aston Villa will be featuring in the Double Gameweek with two games at Villa Park. Of course, the ‘home factor’ may be less significant with the absence of fans but they are must-win games for Dean Smith’s men. 

At this stage, they cannot afford to sit back and hope for the best. They will have to go for goals, even if they concede a lot in the process. 

Since August, among all sub-£7.0m players, Grealish is top for goals scored, second for final third touches (836) and second for shots. 

He the absolute talisman for Aston Villa too, having been involved with 41% of their Premier League goals this season. You would need to have a really good reason not to have him in your FPL team.

Teemu Pukki 

  • Price: £6.5m
  • Ownership: 12.9%
  • Next four fixtures: SOU | EVE | ars | BHA

At the start of the season, it seemed that Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) could do no wrong. He began his Premier League career by scoring six goals in the first five games, becoming the first real bandwagon of the campaign.

But by Gameweek 13 Pukki and the Norwich attack seemed to be finished, as he failed to score in eight consecutive matches. 

Since then it has become clear that the Norwich forward likes to score in batches, going on a run of goals before tailing off again. 

This kind of pattern is frustrating but at least we know that his next purple patch could always just around the corner. Will we have to wait for long? 

He may be completely overlooked by many FPL managers as Norwich don’t have a Double Gameweek but their fixtures in the next few weeks do have some appeal.

And, as far as value is concerned, he compares well with similarly-priced assets this season. 

Among forwards priced at £6.5m or less, he ranks second for penalty area touches (158) and second for goal attempts (74). 

Only Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.5m) has scored more goals than him in that price category. 

In keeping with the theme of targetting players with something to motivate them, I think there could be a strong case of sacrificing a Double Gameweek 30+ player for Pukki. 

Norwich cannot afford any more slip-ups and face a Southampton team who appear to be relatively safe from relegation first-up. 

But even after that, the Canaries face Everton, Arsenal and Brighton, all of whom have had defensive issues this season, so even if you were to go all-in for the Double Gameweek, I think you could consider him beyond it if you’re Free Hitting or Wildcarding in the near future.

Ismaïla Sarr 

Watford and Wolves double-up for Gameweek 22 Scout Picks
Ismaila Sarr celebrates a goal for Watford
  • Price: £6.4m
  • Ownership: 2.7% 
  • Next four fixtures: LEI | bur | SOU | che

Ever since Nigel Pearson was appointed manager at Vicarage Road, Watford have defied the odds and have shown their strength as a tough unit to beat. Their win against an unstoppable Liverpool team was a sign of how far they have come.

One player of the most influential players for the Hornets pre-lockdown was Ismaïla Sarr (£6.4m). 

Since Pearson arrived in Hertfordshire, the winger has scored four goals and registered four assists. 

To give you an idea of just how tricky he has been to defend against, he has attempted more take-ons than the likes of Harvey Barnes (£6.2m) and Todd Cantwell (£4.7m) this season, despite not being a first-team regular for much of the campaign and missing out through injury too. 

Also, Sarr has only scored one less goal than Mason Mount (£6.2m) despite registering almost half as many minutes as the Chelsea man. 

As with Pukki, there’s a strong case to have Sarr in your team as early as next week. 

Watford may be out of the relegation zone but they will certainly need to score more goals to keep afloat and if there’s anyone that will be producing substantial attacking involvements for them it will be the Senegal international.

Callum Wilson

  • Price: £7.4m
  • Ownership: 4.7%
  • Next four fixtures: CRY | wol | NEW | mun

It has not been the best of seasons for Callum Wilson (£7.4m) or Bournemouth, but he did show some promise just before March’s coronavirus outbreak.

In the last six matches before the league was suspended, the mid-priced forward found the net three times.

Now, whether Wilson can instantly get his scoring touch back after a long break does remain to be seen.

That said, his struggles in front of goal haven’t been for lack of trying this season. 

After all, he has more penalty area touches than the fellow forwards Troy Deeney (£6.2m) and Calvert-Lewin this season. And for strikers priced £7.5m or below, Wilson is fourth-highest for big chances created, hinting at some assist potential too. 

Bournemouth are due to face Crystal Palace and Newcastle United in two of their first three games back from lockdown and perhaps those tests could be an early indication of where Wilson is at.

In the last 12 months we have seen two different sides to the England international.

Last season he registered 26 attacking returns as Bournemouth finished 11 points away from the relegation zone in 14th place.

But despite some early promise in 2019/20, Wilson went on a completely barren spell between Gameweek 8 and 23 with his price duly falling by £0.5m in the process.

But we know this is a man with proven Premier League and international pedigree, so maybe all he needed was some rest and bit of luck on his side again. Only time will tell.

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

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757 Comments Post a Comment
  1. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Last weekend without footy! Can't wait.

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

      +1

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

      I’ve tried watching the Bundesliga and i just can’t get into it without the crowd. Im confident it’s because i dont have any interest in it. Hopefully not the same with the PL

  2. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on Duda @ 4.7 mil?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good

      1. barton fc
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Better than cantwell?

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          No

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

      Looks a decent bench option.

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

      Would like to find a way of squeezing him in. He may be on pens.

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks all

        Looks much better option than Cantwell

  3. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    No Lewandowksi today for Bayern, or Davies. Hopefully doesnt affect my bet!

  4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which option looks better on FH?

    A) Leno, O'Connell, Vardy
    Or
    B) Henderson, Alonso, Jimenez

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

      A with Jimenez.

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

        this

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

      A

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

      B all day long

    6. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Different opinions here. Hmm...
      Thank you all though!

  5. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Bench boost

    Krul McCarthy
    Trent [Laporte] [O'Connell] [Stevens] Boly
    [KdB] [Grealish] [El Ghazi] Bruno Son
    [Aguero] Pukki Jimenez

    B) TC Aguero

    Krul
    Trent [Laporte] [Stevns] [O'Connell]
    [KdB] [Grealish] Son
    [Aguero] Pukki Jimenez

    McCarthy Bruno Sarr Boly

    Will FH GW31 🙂

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

      Bench Boost

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

      Laporte is too risky for the money

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Why?

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

          Why?

      2. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Sterling cost even more and he’s a risk too.
        Wherever you go with City barring Ederson there’s a danger of loss of minutes.

        Pick three of Ederson,Laporte,Sterling,KDB,Mahrez,Aguero or Jesus and hope for the best.

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

          Agreed, Ederson over any City defenders. With the way Pep switches up a lot and the 5 subs and Laporte coming back from injury

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      BB

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

    Bottomed

    Question, does anyone knows if City gonna play any friendly before restart? Tks

    1. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes they are check their website

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

    No WC, FH and BB left. Quite happy with present side. What’s your thought on this plan for next 2 weeks

    FH Week 30 +

    Henderson
    TAA Lundstram Doherty
    Sterling KDB Grealish Fleck
    Aguero Aubameyang Abraham

    3.9, Douglas Luiz, 3.9, 3.9

    Lundstram to Robertson on free and BB Week 31 +

    Leno Pope
    TAA Doherty Maguire Fernández Robertson
    Salah KDB Bruno Barnes Cantwell
    Jota Jiménez DCL

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

      FH team looks good.

      I’m thinking very similar but I may have Mount and Jimenez instead of Tammy and Doherty.

      Why do you prefer Doherty and Tammy?

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

        Thanks. I like that combo too but did not want to triple up SHU in defence, or get any other DGW defender and see Doherty as good single week option with attacking potential and can see Tammy doing well v Villa defence

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good free hit. Probably change Lund to O'Connell though

      Also nice BB

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

        Thanks for that- if only Lundstram was nailed!

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah I like your teams and plan

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

        Cheers

  8. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Sterling + Nketiah
    B) Mahrez + Jimenez

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

      B

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

      Jiminez Sterling 😀

  9. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best 5m and under midfielder on bench boost?

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

      Douglas Luiz possibly, or Saka

      1. barton fc
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Is saka likely to play?

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

          With Tierney fit probably comes on as sub in City game but may get to start Brighton game but no certainty

  10. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For anyone out there who is saving their BB and FH, what's your plan for when to use them?

    1. DickFranDyke
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      FH 38 when you know who's got to play for something. BB dependent on player and fixtures at the time, probably 35.

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

    Who to score more this week? (Draft league)

    A) M. Antonio (possible OOP)
    B) M. Targett (DGW, leaky defense, takes a few set pieces)

  12. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Laporte or Doherty?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Laporte is the king of the DGW

      But Doherty is my choice

  13. Sike
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Duda or Saka?

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

      I'd say due to Arsenal having such a quick turnaround Saka will get at least one start, given that might be on the wing as well, I'd say Saka

      1. Sike
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you

  14. Wally711
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hey everyone great to talk football again. So I just wanted to see opinions on my FH team also with bench positions.

    Henderson
    Baldock-Stevens-Doherty-Alonso
    KDB-Mahrez-Grealish
    Vardy-Aguero-Aubomayang

    Bench:Saka, guenduzi

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

      I'd go Jiminez ahead of Vardy when you go head to head with Wolves and WHam stats, eg, most shots in the box and most against.

      1. Wally711
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I have Jimenez after I revert back to my team I just feel Vardy is more explosive, and gets more double digit hauls.

        1. Wally711
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Would anyone play saka over anyone in the starting 11?

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

            Unfortunately not, be a right result for anyone brave enough to pick him if he started two on the wing.

  15. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Salah Nketiah Saiss
    or
    McGinn Jimenez TAA

    With the first one i will have the choice next week at Soton to choose one from Saka and Nketiah and if i choose not to WC beyond i might have already a cheap bench in a 442 System

  16. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Soyuncu still worth it for 4,7?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Is he not 4.9?

  17. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Am I right to BB this?

    Leno McCarthy
    Trent Doherty Lascelles Justin Egan
    KDB Bruno Martial Saka Grealish
    Vardy Jimenez (K)un

    1. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think u need 3 city for sure.

  18. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is Lundstram out of favour?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Was it fatigue or was it the big money singing Berge

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

        Berge

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

      He hasn't signed a new deal either, he's out of contract this summer.

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      The Lord is fully committed to making fantasy managers happy

    4. nedsmula
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He's banging them in just now in freindlies. I'm on the verge of chucking him in.

  19. Beeson123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this team? WC in the next gameweek btw

    Henderson
    Laporte Baldock Stevens
    Martial* Bruno Grealish KDB
    Jimenez* Aguero (TC) Auba

    *Does anyone have a better alternative for these two? Rashford is ideal but don't want 3 MU attackers

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

      Aguero TC is very risky, especially with the games only 4 days apart

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

    Please pick two from the follwing mids FOR THIS WEEK ONLY

    A) Mount

    B) Sarr

    C) Cantwell

    D) Barnes

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

      a and c

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

      Aye, A&C

  21. JfA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Baldock or Stevens, going on points, price and the fact he hasn't missed a game it should be Baldock, but all the talk points to Stevens, any thoughts as to why that is?

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

    How am I looking? BB this week, WC next week.

    Team value is awful so not a lot to play with and quite a way behind in my leagues, so any suggestions appreciated! 0.3 remaining itb.

    Ederson Leno
    Stevens O'Connell Egan Targett Lascalles
    KDB Mount Saka Grealish McGinn
    Aguero Auba Tammy

  23. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Better option for bb this gw - Cantwell or Saka?

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

      I'd say Saka as he'll start at least one game, possibly on the wing.

  24. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Someone on here mentioned earlier that Cantwell has better scoring odds than Son or Fernandes for the gw30 fixtures.

    I'd therefore go Cantwell.

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

      (Meant as reply to above).

  25. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Suggestions for this BB side? ? WC in 31+

    Ederson Leno
    Stevens Egan TAA Lascelles targett
    Kdb mane grealish Fleck cantwell
    Ayew Aguero Aubameyang

    Targett can be mings/Stephens
    Cantwell can be sako/Douglas Luiz

  26. Warbling Wendy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I feel saying Callum Wilson has proven international pedigree is somewhat pushing it in this article, but overall a nice read all the same.

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I've seen him play 2-3 times this season and had really bad games each time. Was surprised how deep he came to get the ball as well. Bournemouth not having a great season compared to previous ones makes a difference ofc.

  27. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    The current thinking behind using unlimited transfers and BB this gw, then WC in 31 is pretty solid. For that that kept the WC this long that is.

    Have FH and BB left but not WC. Same strategy without WC? It will make GW 31 tricky but thinking yes..

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Without a WC you are probably best using these unlimited transfers to set your team up for the rest of the season this week

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

    jimmy owners, keeping for dgw ? thanks (would lose 0.1 in value)