Scout Reports

Can Werner offer FPL value compared to Chelsea midfielders in 2020/21?

Timo Werner (£9.5m) has the potential to offer Fantasy Premier League managers value during his debut campaign in English football.

The German striker arrives at Chelsea as one of the most sought-after in Europe and, if he were to replicate his RB Leipzig form of recent seasons, could make a mockery of his initial £9.5m price-tag.

With goals and assists a real possibility in 2020/21, Fantasy managers should certainly keep an eye on Werner.

We have examined his 2019/20 exploits to assess whether or not he can deliver on that promise, and compete with new colleagues Christian Pulisic (£8.5m) and Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m) for a place in FPL squads.

READ MORE: Our Scout Report on Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech

The History and Statistics

Werner joins Frank Lampard’s evolving Chelsea squad with a wealth of goal-scoring experience that not many players can boast at the age of 24.

This is a man who made 100 Bundesliga appearances before he hit 21 before going on to light up the Champions League too.

But for all his explosive potential as a complete forward, ‘Turbo Timo’ started his professional career as a left-winger in the youth setup at local club VfB Stuttgart.

During his three full seasons with Die Roten, between 2013 and 2016, he mustered just 13 goals in 95 senior Bundesliga appearances.

Despite earning a reputation for acceleration and pace, Werner was initially accused of being a selfish player who did not gel particularly well with those around him.

As a result, his quickness in the final third only yielded Werner nine assists for Stuttgart during those three years as a senior player in Baden-Württemberg.

However, a €10 million move to newly-promoted RasenBallsport Leipzig in 2016 propelled Werner into the coveted player he is today.

It was in Saxony that the player was converted to a striker, retaining a tendency to drift into positions on the left-hand side of the field but adding a ruthless accuracy to his game and increased awareness of how to link-up with those around him.

That unique style of play worked wonders for Werner and Leipzig as he scored 21 goals in his new role, the most of any German in the Bundesliga in 2016/17, adding five assists.

That contribution led to the newly-promoted club finishing second and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their relatively short history.

Across the continent’s elite competition and the Europa League, Werner netted seven times in 11 appearances during 2017/18, adding another 13 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga. After two years of impressing on home soil, he was called up to the German national team and has since found the net 11 times in 29 caps for Die Mannschaft.

In 2018/19, Werner started displaying his explosive potential. Reaching 10 goals for the campaign on December 16, it meant that every time he scored so far that season, he went on to complete a brace. Perhaps an interesting thing to look out for in the Premier League. Could it suggest a likeness to Harry Kane‘s (£10.5m) trademark feast-or-famine approach? Only time will tell.

It took the forward until August 2019 to get his first Bundesliga hat-trick, racked up in a 3-1 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. But he did not have to wait long for his second, netting three times in an 8-0 win over Mainz, adding three assists in the same match.

Those contributions helped Werner to his best-ever Bundesliga campaign, ending 2019/20 with 28 goals and eight assists in 33 starts and one substitute appearance. Robert Lewandowski’s 34-goal haul was the only thing that stood between him and the Golden Boot award.

As a result, Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich were all heavily interested in Werner, Chelsea turning heads by eventually winning the race for his signature.

Leaving Leipzig with 78 goals in 127 Bundesliga appearances, the German international arrives at Stamford Bridge as the complete forward, well-known for his explosive pace, accurate finishing and ability to play team-mates through on goal with his capability in wide areas.

Werner has also earned a strong reputation for penalty-taking, dispatching 13 competitive spot-kicks from a possible 16 so far, netting each one awarded to him since October 2018, the date of his last miss.

Comparisons

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

The Prospects

Werner is likely to fill a void in Chelsea’s attack, notably a centre-forward who can be trusted to link well with the rest of the front-three as well as delivering goals with ruthless regularity.

As you can see from the comparisons referenced above, the German compared favourably to Tammy Abraham (£7.5m) and Olivier Giroud (£7.0m) in 2019/20 when it came to goal threat.

Remembering, of course, that these numbers were not recorded in the Premier League, Werner shot more frequently last season than Chelsea’s two centre-forwards.

While there was not much to separate the trio for minutes per shot in the box (Abraham: 28.1 | Werner: 28.4 | Giroud: 29.4), Werner was the clear winner when it came to accuracy.

Well-known around Europe’s top leagues for composure in front of goal, Werner’s penchant for a shot on target will go a long way to improve on what Abraham and Giroud offered last season.

As you can see from the comparisons above, the German international registered an accurate attempt on goal every 43.9 minutes in the Bundesliga. By comparison, Abraham managed one over 63.5 minutes and Giroud was even further behind on 52.6.

Werner’s shots were often of high quality too. In 2019/20 he recorded an expected goals per 90 figure of 0.62. Lewandowski and Ciro Immobile were the only players across the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 to record a better score there.

We often apply something of a dampener on players coming to England’s top-flight from overseas, as the standard of football is generally higher across the division compared to others. However, in Werner’s case, it is harder to discuss this mitigating factor as we know the player is capable of starring in the Champions League and has already scored against Premier League defences.

Werner’s skill-set is also something that has been somewhat lacking from Chelsea’s attacking under Lampard. While he does know how to use his pace to burst away from a chasing defence, 2019/20 has seen Werner develop an excellent understanding of how to find space against deep blocks – something that Chelsea have struggled to break down under Lampard. The former Leipzig man has often been seen making runs across opposing defences, starting from an initially offside position, arriving in space in front of them, ready to receive the ball and turn, either to pass or shoot.

With Werner likely to improve Chelsea’s goal-scoring capabilities in 2020/21, his arrival is also good news for the attacking assets around him in terms of assists.

When Lampard has no injury concerns, Pulisic and Ziyech are the most likely to flank the German, the latter likely to be the chief beneficiary of Werner’s goal threat. The combination of both players could be exceptionally deadly when you consider how frequently Ziyech created chances last season and how often Werner landed a shot on target.

However, we should also consider the German’s own assist potential. As you can see from the table above, Werner was infinitely more creative than Giroud and Abraham in 2019/20.

He played a key pass every 53 minutes in his final Bundesliga campaign, which was also superior to Pulisic and Mason Mount (£7.0m) as well as Chelsea’s existing forwards.

Combining the strong goal threat, potential for assists and an important role in penalties (now that Willian (£8.0m) has departed and Jorginho (£5.0m) is out of favour), there is every reason to believe that Werner can earn his £9.5m price-tag and then some. Those comparing him with Pulisic and Ziyech will notice that the extra £1.0m/£1.5m is effectively spent on a greater chance of goals and a hand in penalties. That might be too much to pay for some, but if Werner does hit the ground running in the Premier League, he is sure to build up ownership quickly as a potential captain option.

There are Fantasy managers who have expressed concern about the German’s positioning, considering he is capable of playing on the left flank of attacking midfield or a front-three. Pulisic does appear rather nailed-on on that side of the Chelsea team so Werner is probably only going to play there if Lampard’s wider options are completely depleted. Do not forget that Kai Havertz could also be in the squad by the start of 2020/21 so it does seem unlikely that a wide role will be Werner’s regular assignment under Lampard. 

That said, as we already mentioned earlier on, he does still have a tendency to drift to the left. It will be interesting to see what impact this will have on the Chelsea team – and Fantasy managers watching on.

Could it initially cause some issues for Chelsea if he were to drift out of his furrow and tread on Pulisic’s toes and leave the team lacking its spearhead? This is certainly something Lampard will have to look out for.

By contrast, such runs could still have some advantageous effects from a Fantasy perspective with the right input from the Chelsea boss. Werner drifting left could result in a dovetail effect with Pulisic, whereby he drifts into the open space unmarked, not unlike the relationship between Anthony Martial (£9.0m) and Marcus Rashford (£9.5m). That could bode well for the American midfield asset, who is, of course, £1.0m cheaper than Werner.

Either way, Fantasy managers must remember that these runs from Werner have not massively diminished his activity in the penalty box, such are the effectiveness of his pace and movement. Even though he often drifts left, Werner averaged 6.6 touches in the opposition box per 90 in 2019/20. For some context, Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) was the busiest Premier League forward in the penalty area last season, registering 231 touches there (best among forwards), working out at 6.77 per 90.

READ MORE: Our Scout Report on Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech

Best players by position:

1,237 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any guesses for Ramsdale's FPL price if he joins Sheffield?

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

      5.0

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This.

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

      5

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

      6.0 = 1%
      5.5 = 15%
      5.0 = 82%
      4.5 = 2%

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Did some calculations and spoke to a few people...this is spot on!

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

          Thanks - I used the same algorithm that calculated the A Level results.

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            You see I too had a makeover? Hoping to win your heart...

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

      5.0

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers everyone

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

      4.5 would be so good .. ahh
      But realistically I’d say £5m

    7. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      5m

  2. BadaBing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Who scores more this season, Foden or Antonio?

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

      My Chrystal Ball says Foden.
      Antonio will be in midfield, penalties with Haller and because of two injuries, Antonio will miss half of the season;-)

      1. BadaBing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I’d say Foden if he gets a run in the team.

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

          Agreed. If he doesn't play him this season, he never will.

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

    Boredom has got the better of me and I have made my first official draft. Obviously my team will probably end up looking nothing like this but hey ho. What do you think?

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA, Vinagre, Taylor (KWP, Saliba)
    Salah, KDB, Greenwood, Trossard (Gordon)
    Werner, Jiminez, Antonio

    0.0ITB

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

      I like this a lot
      The drafts that catch my attention are the ones where the money looks wrong. You’ve done well with defence and filling out a good front three

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

      I know people will probably go "Trossard?!" but I quite like having one uber-punt/diff in my first line-up of the season

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Trossard really passed the eye test for me during project restart, I think he could do really well season

        1. Goonsquad245
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          If he gets the minutes he will smash it for £6m - love the pick,

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

      Nice balance with a good forward line.

    4. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      KdB over Sterling then Bubz? Same for me atm

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm undecided on this. Pens are swaying me toward KDB slightly but Sterling has been in better form imo, it's a very close call!

    5. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      And they said none of the elite managers have posted teams yet...

    6. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks a well balanced team

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

      Antonio 6.5 and injury prone
      VVD 6.5 200 points almost guaranteed
      Am I missing something?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Being injury prone isn't something I really consider. He's fit until he's not. If he gets injured then thats unfortunate but you just transfer them out. I fancy Antonio to outscore VVD if his fixtures are good

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

          Hi guys,
          Any chance of a few comments on this little lot?
          Maccarthy/ Ryan
          Taa/Vinagre/ Taylor/Ayling/ Mitchell
          Kdb/Fernandes/
          Greenwood/Harrison/Soucek
          Kun/ Werner/ Mitro

          I know Harrison has his doubters but he was pretty special in the mls

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

            Sorry posted wrongly

    8. L S P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I just don't know if I want to spend even 6.5 onWHAM

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        His stats were pretty ridiculous during project restart so if he keeps those up, he should be worth it even playing for west ham. He's a better option than most 6.5 mids put it that way. And can be swapped to Wood/Mitrovic etc if needed

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          i know where you're coming from.

          I do agree that the 6.5 FWDs have more appeal than the 6.5 MIDs but don't think they have more appeal than the 5.5-6.5 DEFs...

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            There's so much value in cheap defenders this season though. Vinagre at 4.5 for example is absolutely ridiculous value. I'd have Doherty without doubt if it wasn't for Vinagre

            1. L S P
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              TAA + 4 is definitely tempting but doesn't mean you should do it.

      2. L S P
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        sorry - I just don't know if I want to spend even 6.5 on WHU player...such a weird team

        Fixtures will probably have some say in it but i'd rather downgrade Antonio to a 4.5 and use that cash to strengthen my defense. I understand the appeal of TAA + 4.5s but I'd rather upgrade one of them to 5.5 or 6 at the very least for greater flexibility.

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

    McCarthy
    TAA - Vinagre - Saliba
    KDB - Son - Foden - Greenwood
    Antonio - Aguero - Werner

    subs: Ryan, Soucek, Ayling, Ferguson

    How do you rate the composition? from 1 to 10

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

      7. Huge upside if all play, but Greenwood , Foden, Kun all have questionable minutes.

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

    Sorry, just been told as they were due to be released a number of issues have came up with certain fixtures (this can be explained in due course).There is no set release date now until issues fixed.I will let you know when I hear further. Sorry for the false hope for fpl players

    Via : ExWHUemployee

    Should have been revealed tomorrow.

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

    So the £2m difference between Jimi(8.5) &wood/Antonio(6.5) is it worth it wanting Jimi ? this is my scouse defence draft without him

    Ryan
    TTA VVD vinagre
    Auba KDB pulisic* greenwood soucek
    Werner Antonio

    Button/ Brewster, Ferguson, Mitchell

    *mahrez if pulisic isn’t fit to wait for him

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Get Ziyech instead of Pulisic

  7. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Help me pick an option that I will change anyway in an hour or so:

    A. Martial, Foden & Armstrong
    B. Jimi, Greenwood & Soucek

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

    Minutes/Goal (Min 5 goals)

    Kun - 91
    Giroud - 124
    Ings - 127
    Vardy - 132
    Greeny - 131

    Who needs Timo when you have a donkey that can do this?

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

      Misleading stat

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

        Certainly is misleading but 4 of the 5 are very expected.

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

      Ah but how many minutes did they play is the question

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

      Also leDonk started at lone striker for the current world cup champs.
      That adds a little credibility.

  9. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A comparison between Dallas(1st) and Ayling for the spot in your team

    Matches played : 45 v 37
    G : 5 v 4
    A : 3 v 4
    Key passes : 43 v 29
    Shots : 58 v 28
    Big chances missed : 7 v 0

    Dallas played the majority of matches at RB and then LB. However, according to @Transfermarkt, he played 16 games in midfield. This means we could have an OOP player at some stage

    This settles Dallas vs Ayling Debate ?

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

      If we are execluding the eye test factor.. Yes

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

      Not at all.

      Ayling was injured to start the season and was a lot more nailed on after he came back from 10 games out at the start of the season.

      Meanwhile, Dallas has Alioski as genuine competition.

      Ayling is more nailed on, Dallas with higher ceiling but rotation risk. I'd rather have Ayling as my 4.5m Leeds for the nailedness personally.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This

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

        45 championship starts and you call him Dallas not nailed.

        Really? What am i missing?

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

          Alioski is what you're missing.

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

            Played second fiddle to Dallas all season

            What makes you so sure that Alioski will suddenly be a threat?

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

              Alioski started 39 games last year...

              Very decent chance that they get rotated considering Bielsa might change his system when coming up to the PL. But in any case, he's less nailed on than Ayling. And for 4.5m, I really don't want to have to swap because one of them lost their place...

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

                *correction, played 39 games. But yes, not as many as Dallas but still, he's more of a threat than anyone on Ayling's side.

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

                  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.

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

                    Correct. But for 4.5m, I'd rather the slightly more nailed on option. It's not like Ayling is a Joe Gomez who offers nothing going forward either. He's a fairly attacking RB by all accounts.

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

                      You could always sell Dallas if there is any signs of rotation

                      I tend to go with high potential players rather than safe especially at the beginning of season

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

      Yes. This settles it for me. I'm having Ayling (fan of the eye test). I just have a feeling.
      It's just great to be able to pick players from your own club after all these seasons. This is my 14th season so I'm allowed the luxury of a Leeds player for the first time.

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

        What does the eye test say.?

        Underlying statistics is more often more reliable than eye test

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

        This reminds me of last season when I decided to go with O’Connell over Lundstram and I doubt you need to be told how that worked out.

        I’m going Dallas all the way!

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

      Where did you get these stats? Someone posted a comparison yesterday with totally different stats. Ayling had double figure assists.

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

        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/07/what-to-expect-from-leeds-defence-and-attacking-full-backs-in-fpl/

        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).

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

    How is this shaping up lads?
    Few issues over sure starters tho

    Ryan
    Trent Taylor Vinagre
    Salah Mahrez Son Pulisic Greenwood
    Ings Jimmy

    Button Brewster Dallas Braithwaite

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

      Different and actually looks very good

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

      Your only major captain pick is Salah, and he has poor stats when playing away.

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        5 other solid captain picks at least

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

          Only premiums are 'solid' captain picks. What is he gonna do when Liverpool are away (Salah poor) and Spurs have hard game? Pick Mahrez for a possible 20 minutes cameo captain lol.

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ooooh looks great. Fixtures dependant though...

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

    1. Can Jimenez and Ings get 200 points again this season?

    2. There's no one who can be this season's Ings/Jimenez, is there?

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

      1. Jimi is super-consistent. Ings finally had an injury-free season. Can he have another one? Well if he does get injured you just replace him.

      2. A 6.5er, you mean? No one stands out, but neither did Ings before the season started.

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

      1. Yes, Ings is good finisher and is good for bonus points. Jimenez has two 180+ season, I can't see why he wouldn't do it third time.

      2. Slim pickings. Che Adams could eat up some of the Ings' goals, so that could be the caveat in the 1. Haller if he could rediscover Bundesliga form, Kean, but it's a long shot. Connolly (and Also Trossard as mid) looks good, but he'll be rotated constantly.

    3. Rum Ham
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      1. Don't see why not, both consistent performers with regular minutes. If Ings stays fit for the season he could come close to 200 again.

      2. Can't rule it out but nobody stands out to me.

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

      1. They can. But I don't think they will. All of the top 6 sides have strengthened. Don't see Wolves or Southampton doing as well.

      2. Mitrovic, new Villa forward, new Leeds forward, Kean, Antonio.

      Plenty that could deliver some serious points.

    5. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      1.Maybe
      2.Mitro could be if he played at a better team. At Fulham, I don't know...

  12. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Saiss, Rashford, Werner
    B) Doherty, Sterling, Antonio

    Have KDB, Greenwood, Salah FWIW

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

      B)

    2. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

  13. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Patricio/Doherty too much Wolves on defence? Also, Pope worth the 5.5 or overpriced?

    1. Rum Ham
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Double Wolves defence isn't a bad idea. Up to you whether you want to use 11.5 of your budget on it.

    2. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. And Pope is not overpriced.

  14. Rum Ham
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Fair bit of Mitchell talk to deputise in PVA's absence. Any reason why Schlupp wouldn't be deployed at LB instead of the youngster?

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

      Mitchell already started games since PVA's injury, even though Schlupp was fit and available

      Roy made that pretty clear for us, I think

      1. Rum Ham
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Schlupp started both games that Mitchell started, albeit as a midfielder. Would have been more telling had Schlupp been on the bench for those games I reckon.

        Plus, some context to consider is that it's easier to blood youth when you're already on the beach and safe. Start of the season is a different kettle of fish.

        I'm not for a minute saying Schlupp will play and Mitchell won't, but I think there's a seed of doubt that means I can't be ultra confident of either.

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

          I understand you there. There's always doubt when it's a young player filling in for an injured nailed talisman. I hope it somehow becomes clearer in preseason

  15. theswallow1965
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    OK, may as well post it, 1st draft which will no doubt change once fixtures are known: Likely 4-4-2
    No Utd concerns me but could jump on Bruno or Martial if need be.

    Ryan / Nyland
    TAA / Vinagre / C Taylor / KWP / Ferguson
    Salah / KDB / Auba / Maximin / Soucek
    Werner / Antonio / Davis

    What do you think guys?
    Cheers

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The quality suffers if you use 12, 12, 11.5 positions. Use 2 of those and transfers to maximise funds and squad depth.

  16. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Yesterday it was Martial now it’s Werner as go to FWD?

    Who tomorrow?

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

      Well no one seems to remember the Golden Boot winner is still around somewhere.

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

      Both

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

      You can have everyone in your team this year 🙂

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

    I can't safely predict Pep's plans for Bilva this season, and this worries me about Mahrez and Foden

    If Bilva plays regularly again, unlikely last season, Mahrez and Foden are where his minutes should come from

    But it's not easy to tell, tbh. I hope he's treated like Gundogan, but I'm not sure how much more of being the second choice in Pep's roulette these two World Cup starters can take

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

      Pep will always be Pep. Can see Sterling hattrick one week and benched next week against a relegation fodder. Same with Kdb.

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

      Pep says Foden is most talented player he coached so far and yet doesn't get regular game time

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

        He has to say nice things about a local young player. He doesn't necessarily mean it. He is talented imo and I can already see signs of him being ahead of Mahrez in Pep's pecking order.

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

      There could be a time & a place for Mahrez at 8.5 this season, maybe several times & several places

      It's just figuring out when the hell those times are that's the problem

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

        @MAXIMUS, I agree. Being hauls will come when he gets a chance.

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

          *Big

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

      I think Foden plays a decent amount of minutes this season but like with all city assets he will be rotated heavily as well. He'll probably get around 2200 or 2300 minutes

  18. Sif
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    If you saw Trossard in an RMT you'd advise them against it.
    Trossard scored more than Foden last season. Colour of the shirt and low price blinding people into buying a non nailed player who may only get 1000mins in a team where the points are always spread around.

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

      Trossard scored more because he played a lot more minutes. Foden's PPG and xG/90 are really high. And if Foden is played consistently on the wings, he's a far better option.

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

        Foden is not nailed though.Better to go for talismanic figures

        Expect big things from Trossard as he"s very direct and now got premier league taste last season

        1. Sif
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Or a Dwight McNiel, nailed on, goals, assists, set pieces.
          Easy swap to Foden if amazingly he becomes first choice.
          Otherwise it's 0s and 1 pointers from Foden until you rage transfer him on for the one week in 4 he starts and hauls.

      2. Sif
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Exactly my point, it all hinges on "If Foden is played consistently".
        First rule is pick nailed players, he's so cheap you can jump on him if he starts 2/3 in a row, not sure why so many want them in their GW1 team. Seems like picking due to price point.

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

          Oh I absolutely agree. Not gonna be in my GW 1 team. But one to watch and move early on if he begins to nail a place down.

      3. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        If Foden is nailed (or as nailed as you can be at city) he becomes a joke at £6.5m. If he isn't - it's a tempting price to get people to gamble on him for the upside.

        FPL have taken the gamble that he's not going to be a regular. They could easily have gone the other way and made him £7.5m or so to at least somewhat protect against him breaking the game - he started to get a lot more mins at the end of last season

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

      Yeah Foden is probably a non-runner for me - I said his price would be 6.5 & folks were skeptical - but it makes sense:

      His season really consisted of 2 games - Burnley & Liverpool (Arsenal was decent too) - and he was actually very disappointing from an FPL perspective either side of those

      The best way to bring some perspective with him (I feel) is to acknowledge the one attacking return from City’s 21 goals during the closing run of blue fixtures below (he appeared in them all):

      sou, NEW, bri, BOU, wat, NOR

      If you’re comfortable with him doing that, then you can go in with eyes wide open & give yourself the chance of hopefully also catching his upside e.g. catching the Burnley & (Drunken

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

        *(Drunken Liverpool Hauls!)

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

      He's in my RMT at the top of this page

      1. Sif
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Better pick than Foden, still prefer McNeil for 6.0

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

      Foden only started getting regular appearances after the restart so can’t really compare based on overall points.

      He’ll get rotated more but he’ll also orobably score higher when he plays. If you have a good sub, it shouldn’t be a huge issue. He won’t come in every game which he doesn’t start with the 5 subs rule not happening next season.

      1. Sif
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        "Foden only started getting regular appearances after the restart"

        Surely a reason to avoid, only started regularly in an experimental mini-season when the league was already lost.

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

          He did start against Madrid though

      2. Sif
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        "He’ll also probably score higher when he plays" - based on what evidence?

        Also of his 22 appearances last season 14 were one pointers. 14 times you'd be blocking your good sub.

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

      I wounding advise against it. He could be a great pick this season.

  19. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts? Quite like this. Depends on fixtures ofc but I like the balance...

    McCarthy | Nyland
    TAA | Dier | Vinagre | Dallas | Ferguson
    KDB | Salah | Barnes | Armstrong | Bissouma
    Kane | Martial | Mitrovic

    Can see the benefit in power up top... anything obvious I am missing? 🙂

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

      First time I've seen Dier and Kane.

      I don't hate it overall. I do however think Barnes is pretty bad pick. Much rather Greenwood, Foden, Mount, Grealish.

      I actually think Mason Mount is being slept on quite a lot. If Chelsea don't sign Havertz he will start. He already had the most outfield minutes of any Chelsea player last season (except Azpi) so I can see him playing just as much. Might be on some of the right-sided set pieces (Ziyech on the left ones) and can increase his goal output as well. Lampard favorite.

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Barnes probably wont be there tbh, that spot depends on signings, pre season and especially fixtures. But I really like him and if he starts and Leicester have nice fixtures he is definitely in...

        Fancy Dier at £5.0m (nailed at CB and good goal threat) and Kane scored 13 in 17 games under Mourinho despite coming back after not playing in 6 months (and I support Spurs 😉 ).

        Thanks for the Mount shout... quite like that idea. Will probably lose set-pieces though and I can imagine Chelsea scoring a lot with him not being involved...

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

        First time you have see Dier and Kane but not first time you have seen Kane dire. 😉

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

      Prefer Werner Greenwood/Ziyech over Kane Barnes

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I like Ziyech, been in a lot of my drafts. Werner is a wait-and-see for me

    3. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I've got Kane at the moment as well, I think a lot of people are dismissing him outright because of the midfield premium options. He scored 18 last season despite missing a quarter of it. If he's back to full fitness he'll be back in the 25 goal bracket.

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed !

  20. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So are Head & Shoulders the new training kit sponser for Spurs? Throwing in Hart as part of the deal

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

      Never mind that - how much is he? First name on my team sheet!

      [not]

  21. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else get the feeling that Soucek's returns will be quite hard to predict and he will need to be played most weeks to avoid benching his goals when they happen?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 7 months ago

        100%

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

          Talking to yourself?

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

            Oops

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Elementary

              • Zimo
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                You've been hoodwinked

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

          Yup.

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

          You can treat him as bench fodder and use him as 8th attacking player if required.

          I would just play him for 2-3 games and change him if it doesn't work

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

          See previous page

      • Holding Matip
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Had a go at a zombie team, rip it to shreds:

        Ryan (Martin)
        TAA - Gomez - VVD - Taylor - (Vinagre)
        KDB(c) - Fernandes - Ziyech - Son - (Stephens)
        Jimenez - Wood - (Wickham)

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

          Wouldnt get Vinagre in a zombie team considering Johnny will return at some point

          1. Holding Matip
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Easy enough to swap him out for another 4.5, probably Dallas

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

              Aha then it isn't a zombie team

              1. Holding Matip
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Obviously before the season starts!

        2. beatJI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Reason for not going with Liverpool attacking options?

          1. Holding Matip
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Liverpool attack (i.e. Salah) is only good "value" if you're going to captain, as each haul will be worth more. As I can only pick one captain, I've gone with KDB who's cheaper and will arguably get more total points

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

              Yes. Good point. I've put Salah first on my sheet each season and done well but think I'll try to permalinks captain KDB and balance my team out this season.

            2. beatJI
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Fair. I like the balance your team gets when doing so.
              I'm leaning towards giving up one of the two (KDB/Salah) as well. With both it just ends up a big mess anyway.

      • Matjes_taet
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Triple-up on teams with best defence and most goals.:

        Ryan
        VvD-Robbo-TAA-4,5
        KdB-Sterling-Mahrez-Ziyech-Greenwood
        6,0

        +4x Fodder

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

          Saliba is your £4.5m defender.

      • QUEN
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Just playing around with a new team that includes Son as a 4-5-1

        4.5
        TAA Vinagre 4.5, 4.5
        Son mane KDB Bruno Soucek
        Werner

        Bench - all fodder.

        Would be more balanced by getting cheaper United asset

      • Sharky’s Machine
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Apologies if asked already, is there a code for FFS league yet?

      • Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Which option do you like more?

        A) Auba, Mitro, Antonio
        B) Ziyech, Jimenez, Ings

        Is Auba worth it?

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          B

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

          A has Auba who could be gold. B looks more balanced. But I'd go A

        3. The Sarjeant
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          A

        4. Werner Bremen
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          A, yes

      • ash and swanson inc
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        any eliteserian experts about at mo? I was hoping someone knew how long junker is out for with his knee problem??

        1. Sloths
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I don't know but with all of the Bodo options in midfield who needs him?

          1. ash and swanson inc
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            hauge n zinck doing me proud but with hussain suspended, junker out and fridj flagged with head injury I was wondering if worth a -8 to get bodo midfielder in or -4 for boniface or other striker which is another tfr in near future! 27th in ffs league at mo and dont want to drop too far too quickly...and it is stopping me from 30th draft of 'real' fpl

      • Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Too much greenwood hype

        1. The Sarjeant
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          What don’t you like about him?

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

          Well no not really. If United don't sign another right winger then there's no one better at that price point

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

            And easy change to Ziyech if he doesn't play regularly

      • Sloths
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I don't know but with all of the Bodo options in midfield who needs him? 🙂

        1. Sloths
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Reply Fail 😀

        2. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Agreed.

      • Cak Juris
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        A. Ziyech - ASM
        B. Greenwood - Perreira

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Greenwood and ASM but only cause I have never seen Pereira play

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

          Hmmm......both full of uncertainty. Id probably say B though, as i feel Greenwood & Perreria will have more end product assured but its tight