The Promoted

What to expect from Leeds’ defence and attacking full-backs in FPL

Leeds United have the potential to offer some defensive returns upon their return to the Premier League, but much hangs in the balance ahead of 2020/21.

The Whites won promotion with some exciting full-back options and a possession-based game which could favour their centre-backs, but Fantasy managers still have plenty of unanswered questions.

What tactics will Marcelo Bielsa deploy in the top-flight? Which goalkeepers and centre-backs will still be at the club come September 12th?

We spoke to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who has covered the entirety of Bielsa’s reign at Elland Road, to get the inside track and have taken a look at the Whites’ Championship-winning data.

What is Leeds’ clean sheet potential?

Leeds come into the Premier League with some potential for clean sheets in 2020/21, but we may have to wait and see how they adapt to life in the top flight.

That’s because their defensive credentials for the new season are reliant on several variables which are difficult to assess over the summer, specifically relating to the manager’s tactics, the future of key personnel and any transfer window recruitment.

“As with many title winners, United conceded the fewest goals in the Championship. Like Premier League viewers are used to see with Manchester City, the Whites were able to carve out many of their clean sheets from having such high possession numbers and dominating territory.” – Beren Cross

This style of play enabled Leeds to win the Championship with 22 clean sheets, five more than any other side. They also conceded just 35 goals in 2019/20, the lowest total in the league, averaging at 0.8 per game.

Unsurprisingly, it was Elland Road that helped the Whites to most of their defensive returns. They kept 13 of their clean sheets there (59.1%) and were breached just 14 times on their own turf. That’s four better than any other Championship club managed at home, and an average of 0.61 per game.

Naturally, Bielsa’s men weren’t quite as tight away from home but were still one of the second tier’s best defensive sides on the road in 2019/20.

No Championship side kept more away clean sheets than Leeds last season (nine), while only West Bromwich Albion (18) and Brentford (20) conceded fewer times than them on the road (21).

Title WinClubGC (title-winning season)RankingGC (first PL season)% increase
2010-11QPR32166106.3%
2011-12Reading4117378.0%
2012-13Cardiff City4527464.4%
2013-14Leicester City4325527.9%
2014-15Bournemouth4526748.9%
2015-16Burnley3525557.1%
2016-17Newcastle United4014717.5%
2017-18Wolves3914617.9%
2018-19Norwich City5787531.6%
2019-20Leeds United351TBAN/A





AVG = 50%

Furthermore, as you can see from the table above, Leeds come into the top-flight with the best Championship-winning defence since 2010/11, when QPR conceded just 32 goals on their way to the second-tier title.

Of the last 10 sides to win the Championship, only five (including Leeds) have done so with the best defence, so Bielsa’s men are certainly on the right side of history as far as defence is concerned.

Meanwhile, if we were to feed Leeds’ goals conceded tally into the average percentage increase between title-winning seasons and first in the Premier League, it predicts them being breached 52.5 times in 2020/21.

Based on the goals conceded tallies of top-flight sides in 2019/20, that would be a total similar to a mid-table Premier League club, certainly an achievable and realistic total considering how many times Newcastle (47) and Wolves (46) conceded in the first campaign after winning the Championship.

These numbers in isolation suggest that, if the factors mentioned below go in their favour, that Leeds could offer some clean sheet potential in the Premier League, certainly more than former champions Norwich last season.

As you can imagine, the reality is rarely as simple as that. You only have to look at the table above to see that while QPR have the best defence of the last 10 Championship winners, they also posted the worst percentage increase in goals conceded from that campaign to the next.

In Leeds’ case, we must consider the tough tactical decisions Bielsa has to make before the September start-date.

Dominating possession in the Championship is an entirely different ball-game to replicating that in the Premier League but it does sound as if Bielsa will have his players attempt it anyway. According to our Leeds contact, that means we are perhaps unlikely to see too many cagey affairs involving the Whites.

“As a team which likes to attack, United will leave gaps for the world’s best attackers to exploit, though. They will not be a defensively rigid, functional, pragmatic side like Sheffield United. Bielsa does not do ‘set up for a 0-0’.” – Beren Cross

Meanwhile, there remain questions over important individuals in Leeds’ defence, most notably the future of Ben White, who spent 2019/20 on loan from Brighton.

It is also tough to predict which of Kiko Casilla or Illan Meslier will be handed the number one goalkeeper jersey after the former was handed an eight-man batch for racism in February.

“Much depends on whether they get Ben White, star centre-back, back from Brighton & Hove Albion and how young goalkeeper Illan Meslier copes with the step up if experienced stopper Kiko Casilla remains out the picture.” – Beren Cross

Player-by-player

Kiko Casilla | Illan Meslier

  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Starts: 36 | 10
  • Substitute apps: 0 | 0
  • Goals: 0 | 0
  • Assists: 0 | 0

As already mentioned, the goalkeeper situation at Leeds is a rather uncertain one heading into 2020/21.

It was 33-year-old Kiko Casilla who started the 2019/20 campaign as the first-choice but missed the end of the season due to his racism ban.

Illan Meslier filled in admirably, starting each of the last 10 games of 2019/20 and keeping five clean sheets in the process.

However, given how much Leeds dominated the ball during their Championship title win, it is somewhat difficult to make detailed comparisons between Casilla and Meslier from a shot-stopping perspective.

The Whites faced an average of nine shots per game last season, the best of any team, so neither goalkeeper was called into action particularly often compared to the rest of the division.

Both Casilla and Meslier averaged two saves per match last season, with a staggering 39 goalkeepers producing more than that – such was Leeds’ control of proceedings when in possession.

Whoever gets the number one spot next season is likely to face more goal attempts than that in 2020/21 but it is difficult to determine how either shot-stopper will cope with that.

It is also difficult to separate the two based on what they offer Leeds when they have possession of the ball. Bielsa likes his goalkeeper to join in with that tactic much like Pep Guardiola asks of Ederson.

As a result, both goalkeepers finished the 2019/20 season inside the Championship’s top-three for accurate short passes per match among the division’s shot-stoppers. Casilla was the slightly better option with 19.1 for every 90 minutes he was on the pitch, Meslier just behind him on 18.6.

Therefore, if Leeds can control some games next season, as they have some practice of at a lower level, the role that the goalkeeper plays in making that happen could prove a potential source of bonus points.

Luke Ayling | Stuart Dallas

  • Position: Left-back | Right-back
  • Starts: 45 | 35
  • Substitute apps: 0 | 2
  • Goals: 5 | 4
  • Assists: 3 | 4

“Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas played as the team’s full-backs for much of the campaign. Theirs will be the first United prices I check when the game launches. While the clean sheets will surely diminish at a higher level, they may deliver the best value across the squad. Ayling has surety of starts at right-back. He delivered four goals and four assists. Whereas Dallas, a makeshift left-back, is likely to start the new campaign there, but may come under threat from more natural options. The Northern Ireland international has spent much of his career as a winger. If the game registers him as a defender, he may well become an out-of-position asset later in the season if Bielsa decides to push him forward.” – Beren Cross

There is a lot to like about the Whites’ full-backs ahead of the 2020/21 season, as you can see from what our Leeds reporter thinks of them.

Whether they can offer value to Fantasy managers will, of course, depend on how the pair are priced and, in Dallas’ case, whether he is classed as a defender or not.

In terms of separating the two from a Fantasy perspective, they represent the age-old dilemma for picking between two players.

Ayling is the much more nailed-on option in terms of starts, considering he is a natural right-back and the fact that Bielsa is unlikely to change things too much next season.

That may, of course, be something Dallas can boast as well, although he is not a recognised full-back based on his career thus far. Despite being slightly less certain of consistent starts for the whole campaign, the underlying data suggests Dallas can offer much more than Ayling going forward, which could be especially exciting if he were to play in a more advanced position later in the campaign.

The Northern Ireland international may have registered the same number of assists as Ayling in 2019/20 but he outperformed his full-back colleague when it came to key passes.

Dallas created 43 chances in last season, more than any other Leeds defender, even ahead of Ayling when we consider the slight disparity in game-time. It made for a key pass every 91.4 minutes compared to one every 109.5 for Ayling.

The quality of Dallas’ delivery is also worth noting. In 2019/20, he produced 11 big chances for his team-mates, only attacking midfielders Pablo Hernández (13) and Jack Harrison (17) managing to create more across the season.

The makeshift left-back also offered a greater goal threat when compared with Ayling. His total of 32 shots in the box was the most of any Leeds defender last season, 12 more than his right-back colleague.

Crucially, 10 of these were considered to be big chances by Opta, the joint-third highest total in the whole squad. Only Harrison and leading goal-scorer Patrick Bamford were afforded more high-quality opportunities.

Finally, Dallas was incredibly accurate in the shot too. He registered a total of 26 shots on target in 2019/20, the second-best tally in the whole squad, bested only by Bamford (56).

That’s the dilemma that faces anyone considering a Leeds full-back. Ayling is more assured of his place while Dallas carries slightly more risk with potentially greater rewards, considering his attacking credentials and experience playing further up the field.

Ben White | Liam Cooper

  • Position: Centre-back
  • Starts: 46 | 36
  • Substitute apps: 0 | 2
  • Goals: 1 | 2
  • Assists: 2 | 0

The centre-back position is another department of Leeds’ defence that hangs in the balance ahead of the new season.

The future of Ben White is likely to dictate whether or not the Whites can offer clean sheets in 2019/20, the Brighton loanee top for clearances (122), blocks (25), interceptions (118) and recoveries (301) among Leeds players last season.

But the centre-back also played a crucial role in Leeds’ domination of possession, as did nailed-on colleague Liam Cooper.

Both players were top for passes and accurate passes among Bielsa’s squad in 2019/20. It was White at the summit of both charts, attempting 2,582 passes with 2,184 of them reaching their intended target.

Cooper was in second place for both statistics, 1,940 of his 2,367 attempted passes finding their way to a Leeds team-mate.

Somewhat similar to the goalkeepers mentioned above, such impressive passing statistics could be an important factor in bonus points if Leeds were able to control some games and keep clean sheets next season, although they will still have to compete for those with the very capable full-backs and attackers, of course.

Out of the two centre-backs who helped Leeds to the title, it is
Cooper who offers the slightly greater threat in the box. He registered 21 shots there compared to White’s 15, despite playing fewer minutes. That meant a goal attempt in the area every 148.9 minutes for Cooper and one every 276 there for White, while neither played more than nine key passes.

Brighton have been rather bullish over White’s status during the summer though, and it is likely to be a saga that winds on for the duration of the transfer window.

Manager Graham Potter has insisted the centre-back is one of their players, that he is ready for Premier League football and will be competing for a place in the Seagulls’ squad in 2020/21. Meanwhile, the club’s CEO Paul Barber recently issued a ‘not for sale’ statement on the player. Perhaps then, Leeds’ best chances of securing White’s services for the new season lie in the loan market.

“He’s contracted with us and he’s on loan at Leeds. He’s our player. It’s fantastic he’s had this year with Leeds. I think everybody won. Ben got some great experience, Leeds achieved their goal of promotion. But we rate him highly. I followed his career personally when he was at Newport and Peterborough. As I’ve said before, we were aware of him at Swansea, we were probably trying to sign him ourselves if we were still there. We like him a lot. He’s a really good player and thankfully he’s our player. (Next season) he’ll be competing for a place like everyone else.” – Graham Potter, speaking in July

Best players by position:

725 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jernau M Gurgeh
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Nice article

  2. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Nice. Thanks David.

    Given the range of % increases, it looks like how many goals a team concedes in the Championship has little correlation to how many goals a team will concede in the Premier League. We're blind to the promoted team's defensive chances then, right?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      We conceded so many because as soon as we came up we spent money on utter s*****.

      If you can get the balance right there's no reason to do as badly as we did.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I haven't checked the stats you mentioned but I think looking at the stats and getting an idea of the manager's overall mentality (emphasis on attack vs defence) is usually a good indicator of how they might perform.

    3. Jönny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The big thing for me is Ben White. If we sign him, Bielsa will start with the same back line as played the whole last season together. In fact I would say the whole team is likely to be pretty close to what we had last season, at least for the first couple of months. That continuity is what makes me think we're likely to be closer to a Wolves than a QPR.

      If we don't get White - which is a fairly strong possibility - I expect we'll see the young lad Struijk in there. He made a couple of appearances toward the end of the season (albeit sometimes in midfield - classic Bielsa) and results were... mixed.

      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Having said that, depending on what's happened by the time the game is launched, Struijk could end up being a cheeky little 4.0 starter...

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I agree. If White is at Leeds I might be interested in a couple of defensive assets at the right price. If he's not there I might steer clear altogether.

  3. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Tricky

    Reading above Dallas sounds as if he might be the Doherty to Ayling's Jonny. But it's Ayling who had the edge in returns. Unthinkably they could of course might have nothing to do with Doh and Jonny 🙂

  4. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So Dallas possibly OOP...

    Lund mk2...

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He's not completely OoP though like Lundstram was. He's a LWB like Alonso.

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      At 5.0 perhaps?

  5. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So.. This is what I draft..
    Please rate it.
    Finally, I go to mid price striker.

    4,5,1

    5.0 Pope or Hendo etc

    7.5 TAA 7.0 VVD 6.5 Doc or Boly 5.5 Tarkowski / Egan / Soy 4.0 starting if exist

    12.5, 12.0, 8.5, 6.0, 5.5

    7.0, 4.5, 4.5

    Is that ok? Thanks in advance

    1. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No room for 9.5? He's looked good in pre-season.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        😀

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      7m forward is more like budget next season. Not going to be anything spectacular in that price range.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ollie Watkins, if and when he goes to Villa, might be a decent 6m striker.

    3. Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Too heavy in defence. Isn't it a rooky mistake to spend so much on defenders? I prefer something like

      GK 4.5x2
      DF 6.5, 6, 4.5, 4.0, 4.0
      MF 12.5, 9.5, 7.5, 7, 4.5
      FW 11, 8.5, 6

      Depending on prices of players of course.

      1. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah.. Maybe too big in defence. I should reduce it. Thanks .

      2. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Way to light in midfield.
        Who are you hoping to get at 9.5, 7.5 & 7?

        In my world atm you're only getting 1 of: KDB, Bruno, Sterling, Auba & Salah.
        not even because you're going nuts with TAA & Robbo in defense.

        going with 2x 5-6 mil forwards and 1x 4.5 forward to get 3 of those above-mentioned midfielders and fit in a double pool at the back.

        1. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I did say it depends on player prices. I love balance, is the thing, and playing price points. It means I can make changes using fewer hits hopefully. Having said that, this is more geared to my preferred 3-4-3 but will change accordingly if I decide to go 3-5-2.

          1. Salarrivederci
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah and that is a fair point. I get the balance and stuff.
            But when you wrote those prices you must have had some ideas around which guy/guys you could afford at that price (give or take within a +/- of 0.5)

            was just curious as to whom you though of at 9.5 and 7-7.5 🙂

            1. Nimby
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I was thinking about last season. Living in the past. KDB, Martial, Pulisic. Just hoping there will be good options at those prices next season!

              1. Salarrivederci
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Fair enough 😉

                Well I think it will be hard to find good solid midfielders at 7.5 or 7.0 you would prefer playing > a premium defender tbh.

                1. Salarrivederci
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Maybe Pogba if he goes much down in price.
                  Could be a good punt.

            2. Salarrivederci
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Cause if I were to estimate you're midfield I would go with something like:

              KDB - Mahrez/Rashford - Richarlison - Grealish and Kouyaté

              1. Nimby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                That would be ok! Sorely lacking Salah, Mane or Sterling but hey, you can't have them all.

                1. Salarrivederci
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  True.
                  I want 3 premium midfielders of Salah/Auba/Bruno/KDB & Sterling.
                  If one fails to deliver and one is hot, then I change between them.
                  I also want premium defenders. 3 if possible.
                  Willing to go ultra light in attack in a 5-4-1 or 4-5-1 to start with.

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

      I owned Boly at 4.7 from gw27 till end.

      He ticks over lovely but I will not be returning at 5.5 - ceiling is not high enough.

    5. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This is similar to the format I will be utilising next season.

    6. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks all. 😀

    7. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Way too much in defense imo.

      There are also inevitably a few really hot budget forwards to start the season (Pukki, Ings etc.)

      Go 3-5-2.

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

      Think those 2 GKs will be 5.5M.

    9. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What are you drafting exactly ? You are using prices that don't exist? I am confused.

  6. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    THREE direct quotes from Beren Cross, what a scoop

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      World exclusive quotes from his mate.

  7. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Dang it. This was the big one. Really needed Neale to cover the Leeds defence.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Is there anything in the article you disagree with or think is omitted?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Someone needs to ensure that the website strives for excellence and pursues an aggressive strategy of continuous improvement. In case you hadn't noticed, an epic war for subscribers is being waged online between the scout and the hub.

        1. Thug
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          The article is great... it is always good to learn about the newbies...

          Also: Could you (FFS) please write some kind of filter that drags RMT posts and drops them at the bottom of a very deep pit?

          Because once they start dominating the conversation this site becomes much less interesting.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Bloggs (Bloggs)
            Bloggs Bloggs Bloggs Bloggs Bloggs
            Blogs Bloggs Bloggs Bloggs Bloggs
            Bloggs Bloggs Bloggs

            Who would you play this week (smile)

          2. Hangman Page
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            That’s been an issue for *at least* five years. If there was a real desire to encourage proper discussion there’d be a forum.

        2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          i'm not the biggest fan of the way this site has gone but the hub or any other site has nothing to this site as an overall package. It's a no contest

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            You have tried both ?

        3. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          You didn't answer the question... What is wrong with the article that made you insinuate someone else would of done a better job?

        4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Both sites have cons and pro's

          There are a few decent articles here but way too many , the quality suffers a bit because of it and i try and
          mean that constructively .

          I am not a fan of the pro pundit articles personally. I thought that was a slide downward ( i know others will not agree) . Apart from LR ( who i like as a person) and Simon March who won it so has actually achieved more than them all put together , i don't see the appeal . I don't like how you never hear from most of them apart from the articles either and as soon as they do post anything it gets hulked. Then they crawl back to twitter. It would be better having writers who have that comminity spirit.

          I also think the c

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I also think that the stats table could be more user friendly for members who use the phone more than the pc. I don't use stats much at all, if ever, so the members table here is wasted on me . It is advanced though so it is decent and both sites are easily worth the cost

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

            I know what you mean regarding the Pro Pundits, but they are always going to be a bit marmite; they are magazine style opinion pieces as opposed to general reporting.

        5. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          never heard about the hub, I used to frequent fantasyfootball24/7 years ago. Theres some old dinosaurs on there. The place isnt very active but still has some very good players amongst its posters

  8. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Nice article. I guess Ayling will be 5.0, so it’ll partly depend on prices elsewhere and fixtures in terms of how attractive an option he’ll be. 4.5 would be silly.

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

    Re-post from dead thread...

    Jamie Shackleton. Box to box midfielder by trade but also deployed at right back at times. I'd expect him to either by listed on FPL as a £4.0m defender or a £4.5m midfielder. He usually only come on at the end of matches but always looks like doing something. Ended the season strong with consecutive goals. If Klich or Ayling get injured/suspended he will likely get their spot.

    If Leeds sign Buendia from Norwich do you think his price will remain at £6.0m?
    His stats last season were incredible:
    4th most chances created in the league (83)
    2nd best (KDB 1st) for chances created per minute played.
    3rd most successful dribbles per 90minutes (4.1)
    He created 29 chances in one month (December), an all time premier league record.

    Heck, Patrick Bamford might even win the Golden boot with all these chances!

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It’s a good point about Buendia. My issue is it’s who is getting on the end of the chances and Bamford is not an elite level finisher at all.

      1. LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I think Bamford will come good. Yes he missed a lot of chances, but he also scored 16 goals with some very tidy finishes.
        I'm also tipping Helder Costa to notch close to double figures as he has been going from strength to strength.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Trouble with Bamford is that this will be 3rd time around with a PL side. Hateful record so far - 1 in 27.

        2. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          In his two previous Premier League seasons Bamford made 27 appearances for Crystal Palace, Burnley and Middlesbrough but only scored one goal.
          Leeds are very much in need of a decent striker.

          1. LangerznMash
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            He has come on leaps and bounds since 2015-2016. Loads of strikers have had slow starts to their careers in the Prem then suddenly exploded into reliable goal scorers. He is now coming to the age where will be at the peak of his powers. Says it all the Bielsa is willing to stick with him through thick and thin. I think believe Bielsa is a better judge of quality than us.

        3. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Costa was very poor when he was last in the PL.

        4. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Bamford: good luck with that one.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He'd probably be priced around 6.0 but not sure how nailed he would be.

  10. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What about that Alioski bloke? I hear he can also play both LB and LW, not many talking about him.

  11. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Just signed in to FPL and it made me do all my personal preferences etc.... then went back to this years game. Had my hopes of a super early FPL launch!

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Haha I was exactly the same last night Mate too!!

    2. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It saves time by doing them now, so that you don't have to waste time later when FPL does actually launch.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Would've saved more time if they had a 'no change' box.

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It would save time on launch day for some, but not for others or for new teams.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yes, I mean tick the box of you're one of the 'some' and go the long route if you're new or want to change stuff.

            1. RedLightning
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              OK, it would save time now for those of us who don't want to change any of our details.
              Some supporters of the relegated or promoted teams might perhaps then forget that they needed to change their favourite PL team.
              But I suppose it's more about what notifications we want to receive from which clubs, and we don't have to provide other details such as which country we want to be assigned to till after we've entered our team for the new season.

  12. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So if Manchester City win tonight they will miss GW1 of the PL along with Manchester United, Wolves and possibly Chelsea, and if any of those teams make the CL or EL final they will miss GW2 as well (because it's less than 30 days after those finals), and possibly GW3 as well because we don't know if GW2 is going to be midweek yet, do we ?

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      How much of that is confirmed?

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Chelsea's not, but looks likely even if as expected they get knocked out of the CL this weekend, as 30 days rest will not give them time to play any preseason friendlies due to the international break before GW1.

  13. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    If Auba gets classed as a mid and is priced the same as Salah and Mane, but you can only have one?

    1. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Right now tempted to go Auba if signings looks decent and stuff.

      Want:

      TAA - Robbo
      KDB - Bruno - Auba

    2. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Auba and triple Liverpool defence.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Nice idea

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Probably swerve all three & get KDB + Bruno

      At least two Pool defs though, maybe three

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That's what I'd do although I might sniff out Auba if Coutinho joins.

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Auba won't be a mid. I'm pretty sure. If he is, he should be 12m.

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Even at 12m as a mid he would be hard to look past.
        I think TAA, Robbo, KDB, Bruno and Auba is possible if you sacrifice your 3 attackers.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Choosing your captain would be a bit of a nightmare.

      2. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The Scout: "But Aubameyang's role on the left wing for the Gunners could potentially result in a change of position from a forward to a midfielder in FPL next term.

        That would be similar to players such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Raheem Sterling, who also play out wide for their respective sides."

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        You want to bet on this?!? I believe he is going to be mid.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I think it's about 50/50. It really depends on what FPL Towers wants to do to balance. Auba and Rashford would both have to move if they did that and I think it would imbalance the game.

          Also, forget FPL for a minute. In what world would anyone consider Aubameyang as a midfielder?

          I think it's best if they just moved the usual suspects Richarlison, Antonio, Martial > FWD and keep Rashford, Auba as FWDs.

          1. Klaren
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            The reason you wouldn't think of Rashford or Aubameyang as midfielders (or wingers to be more specific) is because they have played as strikers for majority of their careers up till last season.

            But it would be inconsistent to keep them as forwards while Liverpool and City wingers playing in the same formation (and even in a more attacking role in Salah's case) are all classed as midfielders.

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Shouldn't the fact that they have played as strikers for the majority of their careers not inform their categorization? Who's to say that tactical evolutions next season or injuries won't make them revert to playing as number 9s?

              1. Klaren
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                If they have started some games in the forward position last season, I'd agree but they started literally every single game on the left wing last season so I think this is enough evidence that they are left wingers under their current managers as things stand.

                We could argue the same about Martial and Richalison as they've played as wingers for the majority of their careers but I think most will agree that they should and they will be reclassified as forwards.

                1. Klaren
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  If they had*

                  1. Camzy
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    That's blatantly untrue in Aubameyang's situation. Rashford also played upfront in all the games that Martial missed at the start of the season.

                    They both played upfront last season...

                2. Greek Freak
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  I agree with both views - if they want to apply their system consistently, FPL should classify them as mids. But I happen to think those wide forwards are, well, forwards!

    5. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Salah easily. He is the highest scoring player for 2 seasons and 2nd highest scoring for the other season since he's joined Liverpool. I think a lot of people are forgetting about that and is just impacted by recency bias based on the last few matches of previous season.

      Although I do hope not many will go for him and he has relatively low ownership at the beginning of next season at least.

    6. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If Auba had been classed as a mid for the season just ended, he would have scored 230 points at 6.4ppg according to FPL POKER PLAYER.
      That compares with 233 at 6.9ppg for Salah and 221 at 6.3ppg for Mane.
      Other things being equal, out of those three I'd go for Salah, unless I needed to free up a position for a third Liverpool defender.

      1. SweepaKeepa
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for this useful nugget.

      2. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        On purely that basis and if Auba is reclassified as a mid its a no brainer for me. Rather have a more likeable and an Arsenal asset myself

      3. LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        PPG in respect the starting price would make Mane the better value pick.

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          The question was which will be the best pick for next season if they are all 12.0m mids, not which was the best value pick for last season when they had different starting prices.

          Their records from last season, adjusted to what they would have scored if they had all been classified as mids, are just an indication of how many points they might get next season if they don't improve or deteriorate.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            interesting thanks, thought Auba would have more points then that as a mid

            1. RedLightning
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              He would have had 237 if his bonus points were the same, but gets 7 fewer as a mid according to FPL POKER PLAYER.

    7. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      TAA VVD Robbo
      Aubameyang

  14. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    FanTeam Draft

    Fabianski Nyland
    TAA VvD Laporte Rudiger Mari
    KdB Salah Fernandes Soucek Mount
    Ings 4.0 4.0

    Considering:
    1) Ings + Mount
    2) Greenwood/Ziyech + Antonio
    3) Rashford + Hojbjerg

    FanTeam has some weird scoring quirks. Mid or Fwd plays the full match, they get a bonus point. If the team wins, they get a bonus point too and if the team loses you lose a point. End result is picking players who are nailed on and play for good sides.

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Hojbjerg closing in on a move to Spurs...

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        True but he's a CDM and not sure yet if he'll be nailed on? Surely he plays over Sissoko?

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You need budget somewhere of course but two times WH seems a big call given bonus point for win quirk. Are there save points for goalies hence Fab?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Two saves for a point in this game though. I reckon Fabianski is worth the slot for that alone. Choices are: Pickford, Ryan, Fabianski, Guaita, McCarthy. Will probably switch to whoever has the best first few fixtures.

        Soucek costs 4.5m in this game. He had 14 shots in the box and 3 goals since restart. He's about 1.5m underpriced imo and is also a locked in 90 minutes.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yep that could add up I guess and Soucek is very underpriced assuming same budget constrictions.

          As saves are so highly valued I'd draw your attention to Guaita and saves. Had he played all 38 last time he would have likely matched Pope for save count and perhaps have bettered him looking at fixtures he was injured for. Also Palace have developed a very very in out record against top ten and bottom ten over the last two seasons. Bottom ten means decently over 40% cs record. There may be better somewhere but I suspect they have the best consistent budget record given a favourable fixture run. Equally they're horrid with top ten.

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Fair enough. Yeah Guaita could be good especially if Palace get over all their injury problems.

            1. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I imagine the injury problems are there to stay. It’s a chronically old defence and at least 3 have been out at any one time for 12 months now. Currently 4 🙁 Don’t see that changing anytime really. But really you’re buying the system and collective if you go there

              1. SweepaKeepa
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Agreed. I don’t think Hodgson can wring another survival out of the collective aging bones of Palace.

                1. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Hoping for one last fling before Southgate - newly sacked by England - takes us down - just in time to enjoy a spanking new stand in the Champo.

                  Made this prediction a couple of years back and it seems only too plausible

                  1. SweepaKeepa
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Good luck to you with that!
                    But, really, what is the long term strategy at a Palace? You’re just so old all over the pitch with no youth and no new signings. Is there secret investment in cryogenic technology perhaps?

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Soucek is my key 8th forward in my draft side. A very good talent.

    3. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I would prefer McCarthy to Fab.
      And keep tabs on Marì’s injury / Arsenal CB shopping.
      Antonio is a forward so can’t swap for Mount.

      1. SweepaKeepa
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Oh, but Ziyech is...

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Ziyech is 8.5m. Mount is 6.5m.

          Mari is 4.0 so a great deal and I fully expect him to start under Arteta once fit. Can also take Ben White at 4.0 just in case - I expect he'll sign for Leeds after all the kerfuffle.

          1. SweepaKeepa
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I agree on Marì... just keep seeing links to yet more centre backs. All good for now. Nice team.

            1. SweepaKeepa
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              My (just for fun) draft:
              Lloris
              Doherty - Tierney - Stephens
              KDB - Fernandes - Mahrez - Saka
              Werner - Antonio - Adams
              Meslier - Marì - Soucek - Dallas

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                You not playing? It seems fantastic value to me. I think anyone from FFS if they enter has very good chance to at least min cash.

                I reckon I can really do well in it especially since a lot of people aren't going to pay attention to the detail in scoring which gives me an advantage over people who just try to build an FPL team not taking into account the lack of bonus points and how that makes forwards terrible and also extra points for playing 90min and winning the game.

                1. SweepaKeepa
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  I can’t sign up from Oz. And I’m already ignoring your excellent tactical advice to not invest too much in forwards. So, no hope!

              2. Our Tiny Windows
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                No Liverpool at ALL!

    4. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I don’t know if Rudiger will be first team.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm assuming he will be. If not, Zouma is also 4.5m. Great value all around.

  15. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I was thinking yesterday about the pods I listen too and how diverse they are when talking about FPL that can be fairly limiting content wise.
    I would be interested in your views after I pluck out some that i listen too regularly.

    Stevo from Elite FPL: If I don't expect to learn anything and just looking for entertainment, he is the guy to listen to. A likable guy who keeps things simple and talks as if he is one of the crowd. I am not always enamored with Elite FPL mods who like the exposure but Stevo seems to create a bond and makes content more interesting.
    Andy from Lets Talk FPL: Now this is a guy I put at the top of the list. He is very knowledgeable but freely admits his own faults. Once again very accommodating. Judging by his followers, many feel the same way.
    James from Planet FPL: At first glance he can be a bit overbearing. Anyone would think Suj was the employee and James the boss. When he gets over his alpha male attitude, you can find out he has a considerable depth of knowledge and has a memory like an elephant. I find him to be very aware of tactics and positioning. His player analysis is top notch from an on the pitch point of view and as an eye test type of person I can enjoy his eye test analysis.
    There are others I enjoy but I tend to be put off by ones spouting xg xgc and over the top stats information.

    Who are your favorites guys?

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      FML FPL and planet FPL. Rest are not for me

      Firstly i don't listen to pods for advice at all, i listen to them for entertainment and the two above offer that. James's actually knows football more than any of the others, maybe he can't translate it into FPL but he is knowledgeable about the game. They also all do their own thing and avoid the noise. The rest of the pods are just template managers really and lack personality so don't bother with them

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Completely agree on Planet FPL - it worked nicely for me as a general footie pod. It was a fun listen too and informative if you’d missed some matches.

        That they couldn’t apply their knowledge to FPL success never bothered me a bit. The turn off for me is FPL shows that more or less ignore football altogether - that generally applies to the casts on this site sadly

        Will likely go back and listen again next time if I have time on my hands.

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes i agree. I often wonder if most of the others actually even watch games and the heavy use of stats is nothing different. There are not hardly any pod guys who you would class as having good records but again that doesn't bother me one bit. FML really do make me laugh so they deserve the praise they get . They don't hold back with their language either which i think helps them relate a bit more as its like talking to guys down at the pub and gives them more personality which the other lack massivly imo

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      agree with all that xG , xA , XXX rated crap too. I don't think even OPTA class it as a useful real stat do they

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep x=expected that implies the future. They should use my user name.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          And football is such a low scoring and unpredictable sport, nothing at all in it is "expected". Its not like athletics when you can expect someone to run a certain to a reasonable accuracy for example. It's a game of moments and inches and instincts.

          1. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            and feet

          2. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            But yeah that's it, in a nutshell

        2. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Personally I think xG is useful. All it says is “this situation results in a goal X amount of the time,” and is modelled on thousands of examples.

          It’s a reasonable measure of the quality of chances a player is getting.

          Like anything, taken in completely isolation it’s meaningless.

  16. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    City losing tonight would be good to avoid a early WC

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nope we need some turmoil , hiya fella

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Haha fair point

        How's it going fella, hope all is well

        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Well enough thanks grinding along , Covid still hectic in these parts

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Stay safe fella, there's better days ahead x

            1. Debauchy
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Aye , and you too mate , still a long haul ahead but we'll get there

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'd rather they progress.

      https://youtu.be/PxlIraEV8n4?t=139

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No City assets going for +- 3 GW's will spice things up considerably.

      Add no Wolves or UTD and it will get really interesting 🙂

    4. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      City's gonna win the Champions league mate.

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Robin van pu*sy

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ah ah ah

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        😆

  17. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Go on prove me wrong.

    There is no more depressing sight than seeing Benteke modelling next season’s kit for you 🙁

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      love the away kit!

  18. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So what will your zero City, UTD and Wolves team look like for the opening GW's 🙂

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I read that UTD vs Wolves in semi final will be in 17/8 if both qualified.

      If this is true so at least one of them has to play gw1, right?

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Well then at least 2 of the 3 will not feature. We could also get a huge surprise and all 3 are knocked out...

    2. Pedersen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Probably won't take it into account at all. Just gonna have some players w

      1. Pedersen
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        With blanks I guess*

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          You may loose quite a bit of ground having KDB at 12 on your bench.

          1. FPL Theorist
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I agree with this. I'm looking forward to seeing Lateriser take a -12 or -16 to do the mother of all heavy hitter transfers, unless he decides to just wildcard. If it's a DGW then watch him get a GW score like 160 (-16), making the hit a small price to pay.

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Not a biggie if it's one gameweek. Wouldn't have him for two - I'd put in a placeholder like Son.

    3. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A lot of football to be played - I thought all these teams have to reach their respective finals to have a blank GW1? In which case one of United and Wolves will play. And City can well lose before the final of course.

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

      Get assets from Pool, Chelsea, Spurs and Auba.

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Exactly. People way over-thinking it.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Someone already mentioned they will pick blankers and deal with it...

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I said in the right circumstances I'd be prepared to sit 2 on the bench, but it depends on all the usual variables.

      2. jtreble
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Might work.

      3. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes, I'll just figure out the team that I would like to have from GW3 onward. Then work backwards to replace the blanking players with players who actually play for the GW1 team. Then likely take a -8 to make 4 transfers to switch them out in GW3.

        Definitely not leaving any premium players on the bench for the first two weeks. Possibly a defender could sit on the bench since they're not that expensive, but not premium attackers.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Reverse engineering! That's kind of what I'll be doing, but there are still issues there.
          1. Some of the premium players might require rest that week.
          2. The transfer window will still be open
          3. GW4 is followed by an international break.

          I might coast along rather than work towards my ideal squad until after GW4.

    5. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Depends on price and fixtures, duh.

      BUT TAA, VVD, Robbo. And 8 others.

  19. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    The GK is an non-issue tbh. Casilla is horribly overpaid and it's being average and make things easier (from LUFC point of view) is also a racist pric*k. Bielsa has already given the order to get rid of.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah but there’s talk of Leeds going into the market to buy someone like Romero.

  20. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So..Ben White @ Bri makes Ryan more attractive ?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Slow down. Potter says he'd be in the squad, not that he'd be a first-teamer.

    2. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I would be more than happy to own Ryan or a Brighton defender next season but not paying 5.0

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Same here, depending on fixtures. Dunk will be 5m, so he's not on my list.

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Dunk is a starter. Veltman has just been signed by Brighton so not sure White going to feature much if he hangs around.

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

      Ben White will make the Leeds GK more attractive imho.

      1. jtreble
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        ... also look at Lamptey.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeh, he'll be a viable 4.5.

          If White is at Leeds, it makes Meslier and one of the fullbacks viable options if 4.5. But without White, I think I'd stay clear of leeds altogether.

  21. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    would anyone be interested in Antonio as a FWD next season? If he is a FWD his price will be alright, maybe 7.5/8.0 but he is so patchy and certainly not guaranteed to even start up front. Maybe if they have a nice run of fixtures and he is starting up front?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      At 7m I might be but above that probably not, but it depends on fixtures. A striker in that bracket is one you bring in on the basis of form and fixtures but don't expect to keep for too long.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        7 would be nice, wont be surpirsed to see 7.5 tho. Thinking about it he wont be 8, Ings is likely to be 8/85 and Antonio is no where enar Ings

        If he is a FWD I think he will be a very popular pick, given the lack of cheap FWDs available

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I'm thinking Jimenez 9.5, Ings 8.5, Antonio 7.

          I'm looking to go big at thhe back and midfield with one mid-price and 2 budget strikers. So the 6.5-8m bracket will be my main striker. As I say, he's one I might change frequently until I hit on the surprise package.

          1. RubberDucky
              3 years, 7 months ago

              It comes down to early fixtures but if Wolves have an easy early run, if Jimmy is 9.5 would would be tempted to stretch for him.

            • have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              yea might do some Mitro/Antonio switching about depending on fixtures. Quite keen on starting with Mitro given good fixtures. Most people interested in mids, I can however can see myself possibly going for a 4-3-3, Ings,Jimi and one of Mitro/Antonio. But it will likely revert to a 4-4-2 soon enough

              Ings and Jimi I certainly want, I know that

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Mitro/Antonio - yeh, that's the kind of thing I have in mind.

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

        I'm interested, he showed some nice form at the end. But where does that leave Haller? Can't see him frozen after the money they spent on him. So I expect Antonio to play some games centraly and some on the wing, and if classified as a forward, that lessens the appeal somehow.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          If Haller's not good enough, Moyes will leave him out. Moyes will know he has to make a solid start or he's out of a job. He won't mess about.

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

            Hope you're right and he'll go with the Antonio, which worked great for them.

      3. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Antonio post lock-down was incredible. If we get that version of Antonio he would absolutely be worth that price tag.

        With a good set of fixtures I might go for him...

      4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He won’t get to play Norwich every week (40% of his post lockdown points came in that single game)

        But outside of Norwich he did return in 4 of the other 8 games, only blanking 4 times in the 9 post-lockdowngames

        Pretty darn good for that price range

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          What I have in mind is a low-mid price roundabout with Antonio, Mitrovic, Wood and Adams, playing the fixtures. Might even chuck in the likes of Nketiah if he does a nice supersub turn.

      5. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I suppose Haller muddies the water a touch. I think he’s a good player and maybe Antonio moves back out wider in “easier” games.

        I’ve always liked Antonio though. He’s a threat on the break, you probably don’t mind having in tougher away games as there’s always a chance of him nicking something.

        7.5 might be pushing it a touch, though, as I am not sure he’s ever been *that* consistent?

      6. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        No chance. With Haller fit Antonio will be poo. So he isn't worth even a 6.5 then

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

      Bold prediction: Bamford will be this season's Mitrovic/Pukki, starting with an overperformance and then turning to his actual championship level as the season progresses

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I hope Mitro will start like Pukki

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Mtro will be the trap this year..this price will plummet after his first YC and 1 point finish.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            9 yellow cards this past season.

    3. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Any guesses as to when they will start revealing some prices?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        very soon imo, any day I think they could reveal one

      2. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        yesterday, you aint seen em yet?

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      BBC reporting Willian to Arsenal is close.

      Decent FPL option that. I imagine he'll be nailed, on corners + FKs. Hopefully 6.5m but probably 7m.

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        How do you think their attack lines up?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Pepe Auba Willian

          If Cout signs too then I imagine Arteta will ditch 3 defenders

          1. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Ha if Cout signs will be worth a watch for sure, he will fit at Arsenal

        2. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Much as it was this season , to begin with anyway

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

        Auba reclassified as a winger, playing centraly, that would be great.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Hope not. Be nice to have FWD options, too many MIDs atm!

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

            I think it would be easy to switch between him and Salah/Sterling/Mane/KDB/Bruno from captaincy without hits.

      3. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I don't think he will be nailed Berbs. I really expect Pepe to push on this season. But guess the powers are looking to hedge their bets with getting Willian in

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I think Pepe might be great this season

          1. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            hoping , I see potential , has to kick on

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              he will be cheap as well, 8 or 8.5

              1. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yep should be around 8.5 I think will wait on him though, plenty of desirable Mids,

        2. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Willian off the left, Auba CF?

          Moving from Chelsea's bench to Arsenal's doesn't make sense but of course his contract is probably more attractive

          1. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I hear you. Auba just looks better coming in from wide though.
            Willian would get plenty game time at Arsenal , can slot in in a number of positions. Just think they need to keep some faith with Pepe , hope so

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I suspect the primary reason to chuck so much money at Willian is to lure Coutinho. I can see Laca up top, flanked by Auba and Pepe with Cout in the hole. Willian, Ceballos, Saka all hitherto decent FPL prospects left floundering on the bench or cycled in and out.

      4. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        In what world will the 8th highest scoring mid be 7m after his highest scoring fpl season? 8m+

    5. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I agree that's the starting 3 up front. Not sure that Ceballos will be left floundering though , if they secure him. I think he may go back to Barca , they would be foolish not to take him back

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        To Andy S

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ceballos could play deeper in a double-pivot with Xhaka, but unless Arsenal strengthen their central defence I think it'll leave them a bit exposed. But if Ceballos played there he wouldn't be attractive as an FPL asset.

    6. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Whaddup guys.

      Got a £5 free bet for the game tonight.

      What do you fancy?

      3-1 city @ 9/1

      Madrid to qualify @ 11/2

      KDB LGS @ 13/2

      Gimme your suggestions!

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I had Donckers in my squad from GW1 until January. He only got 11 points for me as he was rarely off my bench.

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

        another doncker

    7. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      But will he be as prolific in front of goal whilst on the bench?

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Reply fail to the above post

    8. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Starting XI | Ederson, Walker, Fernandinho (C), Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Foden, Sterling, Jesus

      Subs | Bravo, Stones, Zinchenko, Bernardo, Mahrez, Otamendi, Garcia, Doyle, Harwood-Bellis, Palmer, Bernabe

      David Silva injured? Not in the squad for some reason

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Hmm, I can see Real putting 2 past that back line. Hope to forwards can do something.

      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Silva is on the bench? Dunno what you're talking about.

        https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1291797575935447040/photo/1

        1. 7shadesofsmoke
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          thats all well and good but is he wearing a tearaway tracksuit?

          Asking for Beric

        2. Bury94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          They've changed that, he wasn't there before.