Scout Reports

Creative Ziyech can improve Chelsea attack and offer FPL value in 2020/21

Chelsea’s new signing Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m) has the potential to be the most exciting Fantasy Premier League asset at Stamford Bridge this season.

The Moroccan Wizard arrives in London tasked with transforming the creative potential of Frank Lampard’s attack, offering excellent delivery from set-plays and frequent long-distance shots.

The fact that he has been priced cheaper than Christian Pulisic (£8.5m) and Timo Werner (£9.5m) could make Ziyech the key man for investment if he has the desired effect on Chelsea’s front-three.

The History and Statistics

YearAppMinsGoalsAssistsShots/gameKeypasses/g
2013/14282467994.33.1
2014/1533289613163.62.7
2015/1633295317104.92.8
2016/172827649125.63.6
2017/183430439154.94.2
2018/1929241316135.33.7
2019/202116196124.23.7







Average29.43259411.312.434.693.4

Born in the Netherlands, Ziyech started his youth career at the Reaal Dronten and ASV Dronten academies before joining Heerenveen in 2007.

An Eredivisie debut came in 2012/13, before a first full campaign in 2013/14, in which he netted nine times over 28 league appearances.

Ziyech was picked up by Twente the following year for just €3.5m and went on to notch 13 goals and 16 assists in the 2014/15 campaign. A sign of things to come as he managed 17 goals and 10 assists in 2015/16.

Those impressive seasons earned Ziyech an €11m move to Ajax in August 2016. Interestingly, switching to the Dutch giants saw Ziyech’s goal output dip in his first season, with eight fewer (nine) strikes, despite shooting more often (5.6 shots per game vs 4.9).

It was this move that brought out the best in the Moroccan’s key attributes though: creativity. As you can see from the table above, every season he spent at Ajax boasted a better key passes per game statistic than any campaign at any previous club.

It was 2018/19 when Ziyech was thrust onto the global stage as he scored 16 goals and assisted a further 13 in 29 Eredivisie appearances as well as registering six attacking returns in 11 Champions League outings.

It was his European exploits that started to turn the heads of the continent’s biggest clubs, finishing the 2019/20 Champions League groups stages with more assists than any other player (four).

Unsurprisingly, Ziyech left Ajax for Chelsea having featured in the Eredivisie team of the year three times, stringing together consecutive appearances in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20. Eligible to play for either Netherlands or Morocco, he chose the latter, currently boasting 14 goals over 32 international matches. 

Comparison

The general consensus on new signings from foreign leagues is to wait for them to settle in before investing from a FPL standpoint. However, there have been players in the past like Mohamed Salah (£12.0m), Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) and Hazard who hit the ground running from day one. Is Ziyech capable of emulating these Fantasy greats? Let’s take a look…

YearAppMinsGoalsAssistsShots/gameKeypasses/g
2015/16 (ROMA)3227391462.11.9
2016/1729248715112.62.3
2017/18 (LIV)342922321041.7
2018/193732622283.61.8
2019/2033288819103.91.8







Average332859.620.493.241.9

Prior to joining Liverpool, Salah managed 20 and 31 goal involvements with Roma. He averaged 2.4 shots/game and 2.1 key passes/game. Ziyech managed 24 and 29 goal involvements across his last two full seasons (2017/18 and 2018/19) and averaged 4.8 shots/game along with 3.9 key passes/game. 

The Egyptian upped his average shots/game to 3.83 per game with Liverpool and has been the player with the largest shot volume over the past three seasons. To give you an idea of how much Ziyech shoots, it is almost 30% more than Salah, although largely from outside the box. 

The Moroccan’s creative numbers are staggering too. To put it in perspective, Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m), the Premier League’s most creative player in 2019/20, averaged 3.9 key passes per game. The Belgian has averaged 3.2 key passes/game for his last three full seasons (2018/19 not considered due to injury). 

Ziyech averaged 3.86 key passes/game for Ajax over the past three seasons. That’s about 20% more than De Bruyne. While a move to a harder league could see a drop-off in his numbers, a 20% margin certainly looks big enough to ensure Ziyech can still impress in England, especially considering how well he has performed in the Premier League.

2019-20Mins per shotMins per shot in the boxMins per shot on targetMins per key pass
Tammy Abraham25.228.163.5105.8
Olivier Giroud25.629.452.6124.9
Mason Mount36.879.899.056.3
Christian Pulisic27.432.669.057.5
Timo Werner *22.828.443.953
Hakim Ziyech **18.255.852.220.8

As mentioned earlier, the Moroccan loves taking a shot. The majority of these efforts were from outside the box but it still makes him exciting and engaging to own from a FPL standpoint. As you can see, none of Chelsea’s 2020/21 key attackers unleashed a shot on goal as frequently as Ziyech last season, even Werner.

In terms of creativity, he is head and shoulders above any of his new team-mates, which bodes very well indeed. The frequency of his key passes should not only make Ziyech a potentially viable asset, it enhances the appeal of Pulisic and Werner, who are sure to fancy getting at the end of his signature crosses to the far post. 

The Prospects

Unlocking deep blocks was a problem for Chelsea last season, one that Ziyech can help solve. 82 assists in 165 matches in all competitions at Ajax, and an average of over 3.5 key passes per game for them, is nothing to be scoffed at, whatever your opinions might be about the competitiveness of the Dutch league. 

Lampard’s men were arguably too dependent on Willian for creativity in 2019/20. Mostly operating down the right flank, with very little creativity elsewhere in the team, the Brazilian’s work tended to define Chelsea’s attacking prospects. When he struggled, the team just could not break opponents down.

Furthermore, Chelsea fans voiced major complaints about Willian’s poor delivery from corners and free-kicks last season, which Ziyech is likely to take over (with the exception of penalties). The Moroccan is well-known as being one of the best strikers of a dead ball in Europe, so his presence is sure to improve Chelsea’s attacking prospects across the board.

With the Willian and Pedro departing, Ziyech looks locked in to fill the right-wing role, adding some fresh impetus to creativity from that side. His only real competition for a start in the front-three is Callum Hudson-Odoi (£6.0m), while Pulisic looks to have the left-hand side nailed down.

Encouragingly, Ziyech can also operate quite effectively as a number 10. That’s good news for Lampard who will arguably have more tactical options in terms of shape with Ziyech in the team – but also for the player himself. If he is struggling out wide in some games, he could find space to be effective by drifting into central pockets.

Another factor to consider with new players is how injury prone they are, how many games they have missed over the past few campaigns and whether these have been major injuries like an ACL or meniscus tear. Ziyech has played an average of 29 league games for the past seven seasons as well as featuring regularly in Europe which goes a long way to allaying any fitness fears.

Meanwhile, the fact he is 27 years of age means the players is more mature and developed than the rest of Chelsea’s young squad. The naivety of Lampard’s men was often cited as a reason for some disappointing results last season, so Ziyech is likely to be a key leader on the pitch in 2020/21.

There are some caveats though. Ziyech was allowed a huge amount of freedom to express himself with Ajax, often taking wasteful shots from range. As shared in the earlier table, even though he took a shot every 18.2 minutes, he only tested the keeper every 52.8 minutes. That roughly means only one of his three efforts was a shot on target, so while he might be an exciting player to own, prepare for some frustration. 

There is also of course the argument to be made about the Premier League being a much more daunting prospect than the Eredivisie but his performances against top sides in Europe do indicate this is a player of global pedigree. Many feared the same for Fernandes last year, but we all know how that turned out. 

Boasting an exciting mix of goal threat and creativity for a cheaper price than Pulisic and Werner, Ziyech is likely going to feature in my side for Gameweek 1.

1,932 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    hows this draft looking. Thanks

    McCarthy
    TAA Taylor Vinagre
    Salah KBD Bruno Greenwood Saka
    Jimenez Antonio

    Nyland Dallas Furguson Davis

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No Martial.Werner

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

        Surely Martial will get less pts as a forward & Werner is new to the league. So could tal
        Ke awhile to settle in

    2. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Werner I think will be on pens
      Chelsea will be a fun high scoring team I imagine

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

        Agreed. Chelsea and Wolves look like the value teams this season so far.

        1. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I don't see how Chelsea can look like a value team atm.

          We're relying completely on their new signings with Pulisic injured and don't know how they will do!

          Man Utd definitely better value imo - pretty clear from Martial being cheaper than Werner

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

            Well at those prices I’m willing to take the chance. Werner in particular looks like a bargain to me. I’ll eat everyone’s has if he doesn’t end up being the best value forward this season.

    3. hewittj1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      you wont field 11 in the first week

  2. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any Fulham fans here can shed light on Neeskens Kebano?
    Scored 5 in 800 mins since restart, started loads of games towards the end, including 2 whoscored MoTM performances and all thr playoff off game, but didnt play much before that. Looks interesting on paper but didnt actually see him play last season. Is he an FPL option?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Just no

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Oof, okay then. Why, is he streaky or anything?

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Sorry I meant 500 mins.

  3. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Tried a 451 draft. How is it?

    McCarthy
    TAA Gomez Taylor Vinagre
    Salah KdB Mahrez Bruno Greenwood
    Antonio

    4.0 4.0 4.5 4.5

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

      Looks good. I have tried one as well but have gone lighter up front and heavier in Def.

      Martinez/McCarthy II (Nyland)
      TAA – VVD – Doherty – Vinagre II (Ferguson)
      Salah – KdB – Bruno – Ziyech – Soucek
      Ayew II (Bamford - Davis)

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Very well done my friend. I think I might downgrade Antonio or Mahrez to upgrade defense as well.

        BTW, I'm not too keen on playing Soucek and also wouldn't buy a 5.5 player in Bamford just to bench him.

    2. Bank$y
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That’s pretty tasty. Hard part will be sticking to that by 12 September...
      I’m learning towards 3-4-3.

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I personally don't think I'll be going with 3 forwards this season. A lot of value in midfield especially with the high-end picks.

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I believe that Chelsea will be scoring lots of goals...for example -if you can fit Werner up top, that would balance your team nicely...
      Maybe downgrade Mahrez to allow Antonio to Werner?

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I thought that but just couldn't find value options at 5.5 in midfield. I suppose Werner has the potential to score a lot but I think Mahrez and Antonio will score more than Werner and a 5.5 mid.

        I am looking at Ziyech and Mount however. Greatly priced at 8.0 and 7.0 respectively.

        1. End of King Wilson
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It's quite hard to know when to play Armstrong as I believe Southampton tend to play better away from home while soucek's returns are less predictable as it's set piece related. But I guess most people have them on first sub?

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

            For those last picks of mine, the ones on and off the bench, I'll play the fixtures and wait for patterns of form to emerge. Hard to predict at this stage.

        2. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Or Pulisic once fit...

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

      Interesting

      I had the identical set up bar this

      Gomez is Jim/Ings
      Antonio is 4.5 defender

      Think Antonio was late season wonder probs and Jim/Ings has higher ceiling than Gomez and allows the option of that switch.

      Do like Mahrez

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That adds up to 1.0M more. If given the option, I'd easily pick Ings and 4.5 as well haha

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

          So it does 🙂

          That must have been draft fever.

  4. Young Lingard
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lazy question do not expect an answer but I’m abroad and couldn’t watch the football
    Are both Manchester clubs now certain to start GW 1? Or is this still questionable
    And also the planned international break Before, is this certain to happen ?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It's highly likely that they play now. We'll get the fixtures in 3-4 days to confirm tho.

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

      None of it is certain at the moment - we hope the PL authorities will make a decision today or tomorrow. The Manc clubs might play their first game on Tues or Wed of GW1, or start in GW2. No change to international breaks schedule.

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

    Stick to 343

    Ryan
    TAA Doherty Taylor
    Salah KDB Fernandes Soucek
    Werner Antonio Mitrovic

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Imo, this is the year of 352. There are too many quality mids to fit in.

      Prefer Pope 5.5 and a 4.0 as a set and forget gk.

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Pope is just so much less value than a 4.5

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

      Pretty goof, tbf.

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

        *er, 'good' 🙁

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Like it.

      Think I'd prefer Rashford over Werner and Adams over Mitro personally (fixtures dependent)

    4. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Werner out, Chelsea has heavy rotation in attack with european fixtures coming also. Werner is the clearest no go for me. Soucek may score 1-2 goals and love for him is plainly odd.

  6. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Are Leeds actually going to play Bamford every week? Or is there a new signing or someone listed as a midfielder who can start. I know he's not the greatest option but 5.5 for a nailed on striker looks quite tasty.

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

      Sheff United had 5.5 strikers last time - were no use.
      Would be great if they snaffled Watkins.

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Until they sign another forward, he is very likely to start. I follow Leeds and Bamford had 34 big chances last year. He misses a lot of chances. Only 1 PL goal in 27 starts.

    3. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      rumours of Bats moving on loan or permanently to Leeds from Chelsea

    4. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bamford starts in attack if no signings are not coming in and even if somebody would come Bamford will start the season for Leeds. Sure choice for first 4-5 weeks of season.

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

    It's dawned on mt after a few drafts with Martial as my main striker, that a fit and firing Aguero will smash any rival forwards out of the park. If he's not fit, 1FT beings in Martial, Kane, Werner or anyone else.

    So I've reluctantly compromised on my back line and lost my 3rd 'Pooldefender to get this:

    Martinez (i.e. 4.5 keeper)
    TAA, VVD, Vinagre, Williams (MU one)
    KDB, Bruno, Greenwood, Foden
    Aguero, Jimenez

    Nyland, Saliba, Gordon, Davis

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Salah or Mane need to be in there. 352 this year.

    2. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A troubling thought

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

      Did you not want to go 3 x LFC defence?

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

        Yes, I have all along, but today I was determined to fit in Kun, and given his price, I had to compromise somewhere. It's not set in stone of course; when Messi makes Foden dispensible in my squad I might get 3 Reds again.

        1. Baron Penguin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I have the three Liverpool defence ATM

          McCarthy
          Robbo VVD TAA Taylor Branthwaite
          KDB Sterling Bruno Foden Soucek
          Adams Wood Davis

          Compromise in strikers obviously!

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

      10.5 seems very cheap for Kun - fully agree

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

      Personally feel like Foden could be a real trap. His playing time after the break came on the wings, but now Torres has arrived to take up most of that time. Now he'll get time in the center, farther away from the attacking returns so he's a tricky one for me. Plus it means your first sub has to be a decent one as he'll be receiving 0 minutes more often than not, especially now that we're down to 3 subs. I'd rather have Pereira from WBA atm.

      I love the Aguero shout, I wonder if I'm overestimating rotation - if he's fit and at an amazing price of 10.5, surely we should get him whatever the cost! Magnificent captain pick too.

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

        I have put the armband on Kun for now, with KDB vice.
        I'm having the same thoughts about Foden, all joking about Messi aside. I'm not worried about Torres eating into his minutes early doors, but he might be up for too many one-point sub appearances again. I think I'll downgrade him to a 5.5 ASM or Armstrong and upgrade a 4.5 defender to restore my triple Pool defence!

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

          Hmm, 5.5 Mid is a tasty price point. Depending on form and fixtures, you have Saka, Shelvey, ASM, Armstrong, Klich, Podense, Lundstram, Schlupp.

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

          Sounds like you really want that triple Pool defense! Sounds like downgrading to Armstrong is a good way to do it, especially if Southampton fixtures are decent. Firmly off the Foden train for now.

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

            Ha ha, yeh. I've gone and done it!

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

        Remains to be seen if Aguero is still on penalties too. My gut instinct says yes but KDB has been perfect so far as well.

    6. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I would not pick any ManU player, Greenwood borderline maybe but I’d rather take Grealish for cheaper than Greenwood.

  8. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Manchester City are leading the race to sign Lionel Messi after he told Barcelona he wanted to leave the club immediately. (Source: Esporte Interativo)

    Barcelona will listen to offers for France forward Antoine Griezmann, just a year after he arrived from Atlético Madrid for £107m. (Source: SPORT)

    Bournemouth can confirm that club captain Simon Francis and vice-captain Andrew Surman will not be offered new contracts and have left the club. (Source: @afcbournemouth)

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Any LUFC goss?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thiago looks the only possible signing

      2. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        ah.. misread it as LFC

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

          I know Pep knows Messi inside out, but how long to gel with the rest of the squad? Could see it going less well than people might assume. And it would knock Foden out of my squad. And it's gossip with no legs, just 2+2=7.

  9. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Trying to build my team, it seems Auba, KDB and Bruno are essential. Which leads to a weak attack from what I can manage so far, maybe to the point of just playing 1 up front.

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      if Laca moves to At Madrid then Auba is 100% essential..

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

      It would, yeh. not that there's anything wrong with that.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think any of them are essential, yet.

  10. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Azpi news

    “I am hoping to be fit for the start of pre-season. ’ve been lucky enough not to have had many injuries in my career but unfortunately it happened against Arsenal.

    “I’m working with the physio now with a programme from the club, while also spending a bit of time with my family, but mostly training and working on the pitch to recover. If everything goes well, I will be ready to start pre-season as normal.”

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

    Anyone worked out what Ritchie's score would have been last year if a Mid? Thanks!

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lesser than before for sure

  12. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    The lack of 4.5-5.5m Forwards sucks considering the position changes and we have to go heavy in the middle

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Adams at 6.0 might be a decent punt for .5 more. He needs to nail down a place beside Ings but finished the season well so here’s hoping.

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

      Yes, that's no accident byFPL Towers, but it does force one's hand. Below a 6m viable option such as Mitro or Adams, you just have to get a hopeless 4.5 and perma-bench him.

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

    First draft that at least had some balance to it. What ye think?

    4.5 and 4.0 keepers

    TAA VVD Laporte

    Salah Sterling Pulisic Greenwood Foden

    Antonio Adams

    Taylor Ferguson Wickham

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      looks good, Che Adams can be great differential

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Pulisic is injured for the start isn’t he?

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah will check that thanks.

  14. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is this looking any good ??

    ryan
    TAA,Vinagre, Taylor
    Salah,Auba,KDB, Armstrong
    Mitro,Martial,Antonio

    nyland ,Gordon ,4.0,4.0

    I believe one of ferguson/mitchell will be starting at 4.0

    1. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks good to me, but you're gambling with two 4.0s.

      You may be right, but if not it's going to be hard to sort out that problem them without multiple transfers or a hit.

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        good point ..get back to some tinkering then, thanks

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I like that there will be some choices for a 4.5 keeper. I like 4.5 and junk 4.0
      Ramsdale to SHU or Martinez to CHE would be nice
      I would try to find .5 for Rashford over Martial.
      Martial is better but when the positional changes are factored in I think Rashford wins.

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think you need all three of Auba + Salah + KDB

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

        Don't need, but it is doable. It's a strong Starting XI providing Taylor gets the nod over Pieters (if any doubt, there are plenty other good 4.5 defenders) - but as others say, you leave yourself zero wiggle room.
        The tiniest tweaks I can think of is to convert those 4.0 defenders into viable 4.5s to cover injuries and rotation. The way to do that is Armstrong>Soucek and/or Antionio>Adams.

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe Auba and Martial for Bruno and Werner and spare change?

  15. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Who do you think will score more points this season?

    Martial or Rashford?

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

      Rashford

    2. amitmishr
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      United will be jaded by November and most of the front 4 will be injured or burnt out as there is no possible rotation. Also ole has shown that he will play a few first 11 even in
      irrelevant domestic cups, which will make them even more tired.
      Though when fresh, united will score plenty, but expecting only bruno penalties to save the day for them.

      Unless they buy someone, which is very difficult with Woodward at the helm

  16. Tomerick
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is Djenepo injury free now? He started really well last season and was on my ore season radar before promptly getting injured. If he hits a period of time with no injuries I reckon he could be one to watch. Especially at that price.

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

    Hello all.

    Do transfers made after a first draft, before GW 1, count against you in a tiebreak situation?

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

      Unusual question. I very much doubt it.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No

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

      Thank you.

  18. Chelsea91
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    McCarthy,Martin
    Taa,Lamptey,Awb,Taylor,Douglas
    Salah,Kdb,Auba,ASM,Soucek,
    Mitro,Davies,Martial

    Any suggestion on the above team guys?

  19. Fodderx4
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Morning All,
    Getting close to being happy with my team but it would be a lot easier with an extra million! I'm trying to get as many players as possible that I would likely be happy with for the season to save transfers.
    Quick 1, what scores more over the season......
    a) McCarthy or another 4.5 Ryan? & Doherty
    b) Pope and Egan

    1. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A, I reckon

  20. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    New article btw.

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

    It’s not exciting but for value I’m finding it hard to look past this kind of set up. Provided City United play week 1 it’s not even particularly fixture dependent and allows choice if 12.0 11-5

    McCarthy 4.0
    TAA Robbo Doherty 4.5 4.5
    Mo KdB Greenwood Soucek 4.5
    Ings Jim 4.5

    Until I change my mind it’s just a case of putting 1.5 into defence and Doherty or 1.5 into attack and Vardy/Werner

    There’s also a 0.5 that can be either second keeper or defender or upgrade in midfield

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

      Looks a solid set-up to me.

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

        Just slightly worried I’m living in the past by treating Jim Ings as core selections. One I can lose of course if I shift Doherty up top.

        More critically there aren’t many options for that 4th mid spot when Koucek turns out to be duff. It is light in midfield with a 5.0 4.5 where most will have their money

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

          Really like it except like you say Soucek.

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

          Not tempted on Auba over Mo? Especially with TAA Robbo?

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

          5m is troublesome, but look at the choice at 5.5: Shelvey, ASM, Armstrong, Klich, Podense, Lundstram, Schlupp.

          Up top, I'd say Jimi has proved his dependability, along with Vardy. I do have a slight concern that Ings may not repeat his form. At the same price point it's easy to take one and switch if he's disappointing.

          1. Hattrick Harry
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Or Leeds Harrison 5.5 in left wing, nailed starter.

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

      Pretty similar to mine draft atm.

      4.5 4.0
      Taa VVD Ayling Taylor Vinaigre
      Salah KDB Ziyech Greenwood Soucek
      Martial Adams 4.5

      Ziyech is placeholder for Pulisc.
      Can play 352/442/451

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

        I'm looking a way to avoid transfers in core team & swap Salah/Auba/Raz according to fixtures.

        Soucek & Adams are weak links in the team. Greenwood can be willian as well

  22. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    No Salah team?

    Ryan
    TAA Robertson Doherty Taylor
    Auba KDB Son Greenwood Mount
    Antonio

  23. GlasgowFF
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Why is Auba listed is a mid? Will this get updated?

  24. Onana….where’s…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Finding it tough....rip this apart but I can’t see how Auba isn’t essential now as a mid and Aguero seems value up top?

    Ryan (4.0)
    TAA Gomez Taylor (Douglas 4.0)
    Auba Sarah Mahrez Greenwood Soucek
    Aguero Adams (Davis)

  25. oyabbat247
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Hi everyone?

    I would like to get Matheus Pereira (WBA) intomy draft FPL team. However, he is not on the list of players on the FPL apps. At least i cant find him. he is supposed to be a midfielder. can anyone help.

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

      Not in FPL yet.

  26. oyabbat247
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thank you. Could you be knowing the reason. Just curious, since most of the players in the newly promoted teams are already in fpl.

  27. oyabbat247
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    He is now listed. thanx for your response.

  28. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What do you guys think of this team

    Ryan(Martin)
    Tierney,TAA,Vinagre(Taylor,Ferguson)
    Ziyech,Auba,KDB,Greenwood,Foden
    Mitrovic,Werner(wickham)

  29. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What is the love for ASM about?