Pro Pundits - Andy

Should we own Man United attackers for FPL Blank Gameweek 1?

As a Manchester United fan I am super excited about a new season where our options are among the best in Fantasy Premier League.

Based on their own ability alone, the Red Devils’ attackers were among the most popular options during Project Restart and I am expecting a similar dynamic in 2020/21.

However, the fixtures for next season have certainly thrown a spanner into the works. We all know we’re going to own Manchester United midfielders and/or forwards this year, but when will they be in our team?

With a Blank Gameweek for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the opening round of action, that’s a difficult question with a complicated answer.

Before the fixture release, David wrote an article for our Premium Members comparing the top United attackers on points potential, but I’ll be taking that research a step further.

I’ll be assessing each player based on their Project Restart form but also considering how best to invest in Manchester United in light of Blank Gameweek 1, when we should buy-in more heavily and see if there’s any alternative players in the Premier League who could make for an easy placeholder…

The Prospects

Fernandes haul raises the bar for top 10k's most popular captain Salah

Usually I like to look at the whole season when assessing the previous campaign, but in Manchester United’s case there was a key turning point for them. When Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) arrived and Paul Pogba (£8.0m) came back from injury – which mostly coincided with Project Restart (Gameweek 30+ to 38+)

Before we delve into the stats I should provide one caveat. Manchester United’s fixtures in this period were not the most difficult, which could potentially have skewed the figures a little. They faced Brighton, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham and only one member of the so-called big-six (Spurs).

When comparing to other teams we should also consider that the title was wrapped up, and perhaps teams like Liverpool didn’t perform to their normal ability.

should-we-be-planning-for-manchester-united-fpl-attacking-players

For shots in the box as a team, Manchester United were seventh during this period, with West Ham, Southampton and Leicester all above them, and Aston Villa and Watford not far behind.

should-we-be-planning-for-manchester-united-fpl-attacking-players 1

When we look at the quality of chances however, things look a bit better with non-penalty xG the third highest in the league, only behind Chelsea and Manchester City.

So things do look promising, even with the slightly easier fixture schedule to some teams.

should-we-be-planning-for-manchester-united-fpl-attacking-players 2

Looking at the attacking players individually it might surprise some people to see that Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) comes out on top in this period. A player that frustrated owners at times, and saw them switch to Mason Greenwood (£7.5m).

Not only did Rashford have the best quality chances, he also created some of the best opportunities as well. He may have lost penalties for the most part, but his reclassification to a midfielder will provide extra points, and like other players in the team he’s going to massively benefit from Pogba and Fernandes if they are both available for Gameweek 2.

There is no doubting that Fernandes is a great player, but he did overperform last season, at least in terms of the underlying statistics, with penalties being a huge benefit. A total of 14 were awarded to United last season, a new record. In 2018/19 they were awarded 12. In the four seasons before that they were awarded 15 combined.

You could argue that United now have an attacking line-up with pace and skill that will win more penalties, or you could put it down to huge variance and that penalties just can’t be relied upon. It’s worth noting that Neale wrote about this in his Premium FPL Midfielders article, and even without penalties, Fernandes was still coming up with some big FPL points.

The player that stands out to me in terms of price is Greenwood, and I still can’t decide exactly what I think of him as an option. It can’t be ignored that he did overperform a bit last season, scoring 10 goals for just 2.91 non-penalty xG.

On the flip side, he’s playing in one of the best attacks in the league now, and without a new right sided winger being signed by the club, you’d imagine he’s in for 30+ starts this season, playing in the same position as Rashford who is £2.0m more expensive.

With the other options limited in and around the £7.5m price point I still think Greenwood is worth a shot. He’s certainly the easiest Manchester United attacker to bench in Blank Gameweek 1. He’s not going to continue scoring 10 goals for every 2.91xG, but he’ll likely keep getting chances in this team, and we know he’s a decent finisher.

One player that is perhaps being slightly overlooked is Anthony Martial (£9m). We rarely like it when a player is moved from a midfielder to forward position, but he’s just had a season scoring 17 goals. As I’ve previously mentioned, a lot of those goals came when Manchester United were playing without Pogba and Fernandes so it could be exciting to see what he can do with those two playing more regularly behind him for a full season.

At just £0.5m more than Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m) and Danny Ings (£8.5m) he could be worth a look if you can stretch some extra cash out of your squad.

For those looking into under/over performance, Martial’s non-penalty expected goals (nPxG) last season was 11.31nPxG and he scored 17 goals, the season before it was 6nPxG, scoring 10 goals, and the one before was 5.59nPxG, scoring 9 goals in total. So he has history of out-performing his xG, and I would hope that this season the players behind him will carve out even more chances for the number nine.

The Fixtures

should-we-be-planning-for-manchester-united-fpl-attacking-players 4

Looking past the blank for a second, I sometimes like to look at the fixtures and have a gut feeling for whether they look good or not on paper, before I even look at the stats. From Gameweeks 2 to 7, I think they look okay, but not out of this world amazing, but this will depend on how far in advance you want to plan which I’ll come onto later.

Having to play Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea in the space of six Gameweeks could be difficult, and they aren’t fixtures I would usually look to target, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are much more reliable for goals these days.

Either way, these games will still be tougher than what they faced during Project Restart. While transfers for clubs haven’t been locked in, we know that Arsenal will have additional centre backs to bolster their defence, with Kieran Tierney (£5.5m) now fit and available and performing well at the back end of last season. There is also plenty of buzz about William Saliba (£4.5m) and Bernd Leno (£5.0m) is back from injury.

 1

Spurs are currently rumoured to be bringing in Matt Doherty (£6.0m)  to bolster their defensive options, and with Serge Aurier (£5.5m) potentially on this way out, this could make them a stronger unit, especially with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£5.0m) already being brought in. Since Jose Mourinho joined Spurs, they were the eighth-worst team in terms of expected goals conceded (xGC), but since lockdown they were the ninth-best, showing some improvement, although they still have some way to go before being considered a “traditional” Mourinho team. My Pro Pundit colleague Sam covered this subject in more detail in a recent article.

Chelsea on the other hand are signing every player under the sun, and have already added Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) to their defence and Thiago Silva following him to Stamford Bridge. It remains to be seen whether they will sign a new goalkeeper, although given the limited number of quality chances they actually gave away last season it may not matter. In terms of xGC Chelsea were the fifth best team, at just 38.84, despite conceding 54 goals. You’d expect that to regress a little this year.

should-we-be-planning-for-manchester-united-fpl-attacking-players 3

Crystal Palace, Brighton and Newcastle will be easier fixtures in this run from Gameweeks 2 to 7, but as a whole they don’t necessarily scream double and triple up which we saw at the end of last season, especially with the new price points.

It is worth noting that the above will depend on how long term you want to plan. Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea are all included in the opening six fixtures for United, but only Spurs feature in the first four and in that space of time there could be a lot of attacking points up for grabs.

Planning Ahead?

One of the key questions if you want United players, is how to plan for them with the blank in Gameweek 1. Do you start and bench, or plan to use transfers?

I’m usually a fan of having all my money on the pitch as often as possible which means having a cheap bench. I’m also aware that transfers are precious, especially at the start of the season. This is a time we might see different formations, line-ups and form than we expected and being able to change players around is key.

That being said, points are also key. And because of that it’s probably perfectly fine to plan to use transfers in Gameweek 2 and 3 on Manchester United players (and even City!), given the upside they can have on your team. You just need to be prepared that you may have to forgo the latest bandwagon, or be happy taking the odd hit here or there, unless you want to activate an early Wildcard.

I’m not settled on a draft yet, but I’ve found that benching Greenwood doesn’t feel that detrimental to the overall team, especially with a lot of cheap defender options, or maybe someone like Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) if you’re willing to spend a little extra on your fifth midfielder.

If I was wanting Rashford, Martial or even Fernandes, I think I’d prefer to start with another player who might get me big points in Gameweek 1 and then make the transfer in Gameweek 2.

The Alternatives

As someone who can’t usually wait to shoehorn Manchester United players into my FPL team, I’m not as excited (yet) as I maybe usually am. Not because I don’t expect the team and players to do well, but because there are so many alternatives, that play in Gameweek 1 when Solskjaer’s men do not.

Jamie Vardy (£10m)

 1

He’s not getting any younger, but he hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down yet. Post-lockdown was a poor time for Leicester City, however there were down some key men due to injuries and suspensions.

We’ve seen Vardy hit the ground running before, and with West Brom, Burnley, West Ham, and Aston Villa to play in the opening five fixtures he could provide an alternative to Martial, with the option to downgrade later as needed.

Timo Werner (£9.5m)

Even as a non-Chelsea fan, it’s been hard to ignore their transfer business this summer, adding some great players to a team that as shown above, had the second most shots in the box and non-penalty xG from Gameweek 30-38.

They were already one of the best attacks in the league and only look to have gotten better with Werner arguably the best of the lot. Like Vardy, he is priced higher than Martial so always opens the option up to downgrade later.

Son Heung-min (£9.0m)

Son and Kane more of a goal threat in Mourinho's 4-4-2

Although post lockdown saw some people favour Harry Kane (£10.5m) over Son, I still think there’s lots to like about the Spurs midfielder. 11 goals and 13 assists was his most productive season since he came to the club, with Mourinho there for a good chunk of that time as well.

Priced lower than both Rashford and Fernandes he could be an alternative that lets you spend money elsewhere and for those thinking of going to a United player later on, you wouldn’t have to find too much cash to upgrade to Rashford at least.

Conclusion

As a Manchester United fan it’s great to see some of our players be genuine considerations once again. It has been far too long since that was the case.

There are some exciting options and the price points make for some tough decisions. Do you back Fernandes to continue to perform well, with or without penalties or do you spend less on Rashford, although he is currently an injury-doubt for England’s pre-Gameweek 1 international break. Will Greenwood be able to increase his output without overperforming to such an extent?

It’s hard to turn down an attack that now looks so potent, and even with Martial projected to have fewer points with the midfielder to forward switch, he now also has Pogba and Fernandes behind him full time, for a lot of last season that wasn’t the case.

For me I currently own Greenwood. I understand the output isn’t sustainable, but he’s a young player that will improve with more playing time. At £7.5m I’m not seeing many great alternatives and it does allow me to save a transfer for Gameweek 2 if I hold onto him.

I may not start with other Manchester United players (at least at the time of writing), but I have players in like Son and Werner who can be used to bring in United players easily enough.

Best players by position:

824 Comments Post a Comment
  1. reason17
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is Ben davies nailed on to play?

    I don't know much about spurs and i'm worried about rotation

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Pretty nailed from Prem. Maybe get rested for Europa.

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

      Nailed but a bit of a dull pick.

    3. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He will compete with Sessegnon most likely. Foyth can also play there, but only really in an emergency. Plus Danny Rose hasn't gone yet, but this is reasonably likely before too long.

  2. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    hows this to start off with?
    by gameweek 3 hoping to have this
    auba to kdb
    williams/bernardo to taylor

    ryan
    taa, nec williams, kwp, doherty
    salah, auba, son, soucek
    werner, mitro

    subs- button, bernardo, greenwood, davis

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Why don't you just get the 4.5s you want to start with? Wasting FTs shuffling those about.

  3. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Vardy+Greenwood
    B) Barnes+Bruno

    Which one is better?

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

      A - but which Barnes is that?

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A of those, but not keen on either combo.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A

      1. Ravers Rovers
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        A every week

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

    I seem to have a lot of the Pro Pundit's picks.

    Zophar so good....

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

      unlimited transfer makes it quite Andy though

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Could be a case of so Mears so far. He has a terrible habit of doubting himself. Then as a result talking himself out of transfers.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Have an uptick.

    3. Penzardlife
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Started to lose my mind thinking my team was terrible, they've restored my confidence.

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

    Cheeky one gameweek punt?

    A) ASM (whu)
    B) Keita (LEE)

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Naby

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

      A for the tweets

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

        He does seem a top fella

      2. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Bigger fan of St Max's social media than as an FPL option.

  6. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Why are people desperate to transfer in Bruno in gw2? Is it because of his ownership? Is it actually given that mun will steamroll palace? I don't think so.

    Do we really need to have a plan to get a mun attacker in gw2? I have Son but not looking forward to moving him out before NEW in gw3 unless I really have to. Auba has great couple of fixtures too and looks like a placeholder for kdb or raheem in gw3 or 4. Maybe Salah if he doesn't get good points. But then salah is salah.

    Kane I'd like to keep for his potential and the great flexibility he brings to my team. My point is, stick to your guns unless your initial pick shows horrible form or display and you're certain that the replacement has greater potential.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      One issue is that his price (currently undervalued) will skyrocket if Utd start well. Utd players always do.

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah at 10.5 he's kinda easy to fit in compared with other premiums in midfield. But then I think he overachieved last season given his stats. Regression is highly possible.

        Anyone can start well in that mun team. I'm keeping 0.5 to do son to rashford if needed

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

      Both Kane and Son is too much Spurs IMO, if i'm understanding you correctly. I will be rolling with only one from Auba/Salah/KDB most probably. Think Bruno can match if not outscore them easily for 1-1.5 less.

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        KDB or raheem for auba in gw3 is almost given based on turn of immediate fixtures, and probably price changes.

        Yeah Bruno can easily match them, but I don't people should rush over him.

        Son plus Kane sure look excessive but we'll see. 🙂

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

      Personally I have a structure that can get to a 'big 4' United player with one transfer, be it up or downgrade. For all we know an injury or a surprise benching could make the transfer almost mandatory rather than planned.

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Same strategy here, keeping a bit itb for greater flexibility.

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

      "My point is, stick to your guns unless your initial pick shows horrible form"

      Absolutely agree with this. But one of my guns is Fernandes. I think he's underpriced at 10.5m. Even if he scores at 70% of the rate he was last season he'd get 240 points. That's elite.

      Hence why I'm starting with him on the bench.

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Underpriced surely given his potential among the elites, but why not take son's brace before eventually getting bruno? 😉 Even if he fails, 4 points should mean nothing to you given your confidence in Bruno

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          This. Mané can also place-hold for Bruno, stands a good chance to haul in first GW, and has a GW 2 fixture that may prompt less advance regret about shipping him for Bruno than Son’s might.

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            True that. Salah Auba Mane Kane have been in my team for many, many days.. Going Son over Mane atm as I can strengthen other areas with tge extra 3m. Really don't mind starting with Salah Mane though..

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

          Because I want Son as well not just for one week...

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Then get him on board. Surely you can fit him with bruno as well.

    5. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I am veering towards your way of thinking. It is all about points at the end of the day. Not who the player plays for.

      If you can get 'the main man' from a lower or midtable team with a decent run of fixtures should do ok.

      I am actually looking at Pulisic (gw2/3/4) because he is likely to be out/injured. Could get a price drop and people will have forgotten about him.
      I decided to start with JWP instead of a Leicester mid as it gives 1.5 itb and plenty of choice.

      However think for those who are set on a Man U player transferring out Salah gw2 is a decent choice.

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The 'main men' should help us greatly in maintaining the slots for the premiums. Finding them is key obviously.

        The beauty of Son is that not only he is a placeholder for a mun midfielder if one cannot resist, his price means easy route to a che midfielder as well when we get a better picture of lamps' new setup. Yep, i really don't mind doing salah to bruno in gw2 if i really need to.

  7. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Going with a big at the front tactic at the moment. Thoughts?

    McCarthy
    TAA KWP Vinagre Davies
    Auba(c) Mount Keita
    Kane Vardy Jimenez

    Steer Greenwood Dallas Anguissa

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

      Looks great and like Greenwood on the bench

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes, very much the type of team that could do well

        I think strategy is going to be all important this year, given we can't have everyone

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Your MF makes me sad. Sorry.

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

        Mount Keita... sounds Biblical

        1. barry custard
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          sounds osbscene

        2. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Dallas Greenwood sounds like a p*rn star or country singer

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Mount may not start competition for place?
      Besides that clever use of funds based on fixtures.

  8. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A simple question...

    Who will be the top scoring defenders?

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

      The three usual suspects

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

      TAA, Robertson, VVD, Laporte... then AWB, Boly, Doherty

    3. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Pool laport doh
      Simple answer

    4. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      TAA, Robbo, VVD, Laporte

    5. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      To be honest, I think that the prices are a pretty good reflection (maybe Doc has dropped off now he is going to Spurs).

    6. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Much appreciated everyone

      I know that may have ostensibly been a futile excercise

    7. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The Liv lads obviously

    8. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Liverpool lads and Doherty
      Chillwell outside bet for Chelsea

  9. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    £1.5m in the bank for Son to Bruno in GW2...

    Anywhere else you could see it being used in GW1 instead? Hate leaving money on the table...

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo KWP Vinagre
    Salah Son Auba Soucek
    Werner Mitro

    Nyland Douglas Stephens Wickham

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

      It's only a week. I'm leaving 2.5 ITB to do Pepe > Bruno in GW2

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not much else you can do without rehauling the lot

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      One of your 4.5s to tot defender, or else gtg.

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

      I've gone at length to explain why I don't like Son with 1.5m in the bank for Fernandes as a strategy. But if you are set on it, this is a pretty good team for that...

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Why you don't like it Camzy?

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Camzy rates Son. Combination of FOMO about shipping him and disliking being committed to a GW2 transfer.

  10. Teror
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Quite happy with this team. Left 2.5 ITB to upgrade Pepe to Bruno in GW2. Keita the only real question mark.

    McCarthy
    TAA - Saiss - Egan - Lascelles
    Salah - Auba - Pepe - Keita
    Werner - Mitro

    (4.0 - Mee - Bissouma - Vasilev)

    1. The Legend Squad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Would you not prefer Son over Pepe? Son a proven FPL option, Pepe a proven FPL flop?

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

        Exactly this. Also you may end up keeping son and dropping Salah/Auba gw2

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

          I'm definitely not dropping Salah or Auba in GW2. I'm not convinced that a slow, ageing Silva is going to sort out Chelsea's defence so I have no reason to drop Salah for that one. Auba is playing West Ham at home. Pepe > Bruno in GW2, Auba > Sterling/KdB in GW3.

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

        I'd diversify with Son

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

        It's only a week punt. Son has looked a terrible FPL asset under Mourinho. Everton have been decent under Ancelotti and I only expect them to improve, so don't expect Spurs to smash them on opening day. Probably a 1-0 or a 2-1. So for that reason I'd rather gamble on Pepe for a single gameweek in the hope that he settled now after a year and might smash a Fulham side that are probably certain for relegation.

        1. barry custard
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          everton were dreadful. hardly troubling defences.

          son 169 pts 11 goal, 7 assists from 2400 mins is not “terrible under mourinho”

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

            Get Son then if you're so convinced. I'm not, which is why I'm going with Pepe.

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

              All the best, anyone going Pepe is brave.

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

      It's different and I like it

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

        Thank you, I am sure I would like your team as well if I saw it.

    3. Ravers Rovers
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Willian over Pepe?

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

    Leeds fans? Struijk or Douglas tp start?

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

      to*

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not a Leeds fan, Struijk might play centre-half if nobody comes in, Douglas a bit part player.

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

    I'm putting together a list of free to enter FPL prize leagues. Does the recent FFS post about giveaways mean the money is going to the winner of the league, is there any sort of breakdown?

  13. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Fellow United supporters, how frustrated are you at the current transfer situation?
    Seems to be the same old s**t again, we will probably end up with 4 points from our first 3 games and sign Douglas Costa on loan on deadline day... Terrible business yet again.

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

      Im not worried just yet. If bruno and martial can stay fit and var keeps assisting us we shd finish top 2 easily

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        No depth in that squad though. They will tire again pretty quickly and we're one or two injuries away from having to start one of James, Pereira and Lingard again. Not good enough.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      WE have already had 6 "new" signings:

      Henderson new contract and Pogba soon to have new contract - like new signings

      Two young Spanish lads and even younger Norwegian.

      Bruno was a summer signing in advance

      Ed's doing great

      (sarcastic face)

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

      Ideally we’d need a CM, CB, LB and a winger to be used in rotation but I’d be happy enough if we sign players for 2 of those positions.

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

        Also if Man City signs Messi, I think we realistically can’t challenge them for title for the next 2 seasons anyway so probably better to be patient and invest in some young talent with potential.

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

      Your biggest frustration should be not pouncing on Poch when he's available. You'll stick with a mediocre Ole until he leads you to a sixth place finish either this season or next and then when you go looking for Poch he'll be at Madrid.

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

      Very.

    6. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Try being a preston North end fan

  14. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is there an article on teams clusters of fixtures? Eg pool, villa, sheff Utd 9-16. Ideally for each team?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not yet as far as I know. Maybe just have a play with Crellin in the mean time?

      https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pY6OQPf-toGsWCOfw5OJ_omCCj6IldLYYOuPYIGxZ1w/edit#gid=17744560

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

        Appreciate that, cheers FNC

      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Why didn't he use red for the really difficult fixtures?
        Hard to see.

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

    When does the FFS Cup start and how does it work?

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

    stupid question

    if none of your FW plays, does your formation switches to 1-5-5 ? or you need to have at least one playing FW?

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

      No. Great idea - but it won't happen.

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

      You'll play with 4-5-0 or 5-4-0

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

        thanks
        I'm really considering 4-5-1 this year..

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          The one would have to be Jimi - they say he is a machine.

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

      NO = you have my forward that gets points

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

        one forward that gets 0 points

  17. pierri13
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Brilliant article Andy!

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Indeed, great for those of us (myself inc) whose circumstances or personality stop us from joining.
      A kind of free sample/gateway article I suppose.

  18. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What do we think?

    McCarthy Steer
    Trent Lamptey Vinagre C.Taylor KWP (whole defence has great rotation.)
    Salah Auba ASM Periera Anguissa
    Kane Werner Mitrovic

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

      PerMit > AntArm

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

        Are you going for Martial out of united assets?

        1. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Have a guess

        2. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Ofc I am going for Tony

          But how will I get him in haha

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      By jove. I think he has cracked it.

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Just what I need to hear!

        You really think Fullchester?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, if the def pans out as you want it to and WBA are more of a SHU or Wolves and not a Norwich or Fulham then yes, looks strong.

          1. Champions League Varane
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Let’s hope! Thanks mate

  19. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Another simple question...

    Put these in order please:

    Auba
    KDB
    Bruno
    Sterling

    That's my take, in that order

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

      For the season or to have in your team for the start of the season?

      For overall points potential/value:
      KdB, Fernandes, Sterling, Auba

      To start the season:
      Auba Fernandes, KdB, Sterling

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Perfect, thank you

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Was all set on getting KDB and Bruno ASAP, but not so sure now.

      This article really made me reassess Auba:

      https://whogottheassist.com/talisman-theory-2019-20-report/

      Maybe Auba, Kev/Raz, Bruno at the moment.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers, good insight

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Same, to start the season.

      For whole season, kdb raheem auba Bruno

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers Nabil and yes, think you've got a point on Sterling

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

    Spurs 1st Half team vs Reading
    Lloris - Gedson - Toby - Dier - Davies - White - Hojbjerg - Dele - Bergwijn - Lucas - Son

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

      Where is Kane?

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

        14 days quarantine

      2. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        At home self-isolating I think.

      3. Andy'81
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Is he not still self quarantining after holiday.

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That's confirming Davies and Dier starting spots for me. Delle too. Bergwjin as well

  21. mark@22
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Wolves no europe anyone think jimenez could hit 200+ points this season

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

      Nope. Team seems to be losing Doherty and no new signings. I can't see them getting top 6.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Jimmy is in an awkward price for me. Not explosive enough for almost 9m.

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

          This

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

        Plenty of time for that to change Camzy, squad not back from Holidays until Tuesday.

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He'll be excellent again, I'm sure. Once they've got in gear after the 13 months slog and recovered from the loss of FBs, they'll be as golden as their shirts 😉

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    OFFICIAL: UEFA confirm that 30% capacity for fans will be allowed at the UEFA Super Cup between Bayern Munich and Sevilla in September.

    PL to follow ? It should be doable with having the proper distance

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

      The $$$ is talking but the virus ain't going away and second waves are almost certainly on there way. It's not going to be over until we get the vaccine

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

        Fear mongering again! OMG the waves, the waves.... cant sleep anymore... FFS...

    2. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I've seen it mentioned that Brighton are allowing fans in for one of their friendlies though Celtic were rejected in their bid to allow fans back in albeit by a different government. Fingers crossed we'll be getting the fans back sooner rather then later though the EPL games will still likely have the non-league type of atmosphere.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It can influence players performance from FPL point of view imo

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

      Rising new UK coronavirus cases could be a hurdle, yesterday was the highest for three months.

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

    I know a most will disapprove of the lack of Liverpool but I'm very happy with this squad for the opening fixtures.

    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA, Bellerin, Vinagre , Justin (Ayling)
    Auba (c) Son, Ziyech, Barnes (4.5)
    Kane, Werner (Brewster) -£0.5m ITB-

    GW2 Son > Rashford (+ Ayling in for Vinagre)

    I've taken on board advice from various expert articles regarding player selection and tactics. Barnes is my only real differential pick but with wba + BUR opening fixtures he seems a pretty safe bet. I will then look to ditch him and distribute a bit more of my budget into defence. You could argue Ziyech is a differential too but with his insane creative stats I believe he is massively under-priced at £8.0m.

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

      When are you planning to WC? GW3?

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

        After GW8

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

      Too many potential future transfers imo. You should set up your team looking long-term, not just 2-3 GWs ahead

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

        the majority of this team have good fixtures up to (and including) GW8 so will only be needing the odd transfer every week or two and certain no points hits.

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I like it

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

        Thanks.

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No liv to start is okay if you feel like it, especially if you're a maverick kinda guy.

      Same here, 0.5 for son to rashford if needed

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

        Probably more of a Goose than a Maverick 😛

  24. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ruins the team if you have Bruno on the bench? I don’t think so...

    McCarthy
    TAA,Dier,Saiss,KWP
    Salah,Auba,ASM,Armstrong
    Werner,Mitrovic

    Fabri, Ferguson, Davis, Bruno

  25. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is KWP nailed?

    If not, who would be a nailed 4.5m defender who doesn't have a GW1 blank?

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

      Vinagre

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He's nailed

  26. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How's this, lads?

    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA - Doherty - Egan - Vinagre (Johnson)
    Auba - Alli - Salah - Soucek (Greenwood)
    Mitro - Werner (Brewster)

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

      Alli very punty, apart from that nice team

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Could easily swap to Alli. Would like Son, but no real way of getting him in, unless I downgrade one of the forwards.

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Could easily swap to Ziyech, even.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Love the alli pick. Good team

  27. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ings and Soucek
    Greenwood and a random select... Maupay

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ings and Soucek, easy.

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

      I have a good vibe about Brighton starting well this season.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        You could be on to something with that train of thought. Completely dislodge Chelsea's new firepower

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

    Spurs starting XI:

    Hugo Lloris
    Toby Alderweireld
    Pierre-Emile Hoejbjerg
    Heung-Min Son
    Eric Dier
    Dele Alli
    Steven Bergwijn
    Lucas Moura
    Gedson Fernandes
    Ben Davies
    Harvey White

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

      Harvey White Nailed! 😉

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nice.. if Alli play centrally and well again, might even consider him over Son.

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

      Likely starting 11 bar Harry?

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

        Close, but I would love to see Sess be a starter. If Aurier moves, he might well be.

  29. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Which combo to start with?

    A)Salah - Werner - Mitrovic - Pereira

    B)Son - Martial - Greenwood - Richarlison

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

      A comfortably. Can't bench two MUN players, hurts the team too much.

  30. Soto Ayam
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Which man utd mid option to complete team for gw1 and on do you fancy?

    1) Fernandes + 0 itb
    2) rashford + 1 itb (can move ings to Werner later)
    3) greenwood (if no new options are signed) + 3 itb (can upgrade Def and ings.

    Mcarthy, steer
    Taa, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 4
    Auba, Salah, ziyech, soucek, ???
    Ings, mitro.

    Thinking rash as the extra 1 itb is good for Werner upgrade in gw3

    Thought please?

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

      Why not just get Werner + Rashford right away?

      Looks good overall.

      1. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It's an option. Am thinking to see how Werner settles in first, and ings Vs palace is a nice fixture. Not convinced he'll hit the ground running, but at least I'll have the option to make that move if it happens.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      2 or 4. Something with martial if you're set on benching a mun attacker.

      Soto ayam.. sedap tu 😉

      1. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Rashford and martial? Could do, it is palace.

        Yeah most indo food is great really, except I turned vegetarian about a year ago, so I'm pretty much restricted to karedok and lotek in a resto. Damm I miss nasi padang though haha

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Palace not on the beach anymore and it's still RH there. Not expecting an easy match up for mun.

          Haha been to indonesia too and Javanese food there was really nice. Come to Malaysia for a different take of the menu 😉

          1. Soto Ayam
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Palace defence wasn't exactly good before the restart, and they've got a somewhat depleted defence. At least I've got optioms though.

            Malaysia should be next year as I've just graduated my uni there, but only for a long weekend. I live in Bandung so it's an easy flight. So much similar , yet so much different between the 2, aneh ya

            1. NABIL - FPL otai
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Depleted I agree, can't fault people stocking up mun attackers. I think palace can frustrate mun, but maybe that just me.

              I live in KL, good to know that you're familiar with our place. Ya memang aneh, but brothers are like that lol.