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

    Congratulations Palace.

    Best £19.5m you’ll ever spend. You’ve got a good one there. Look after him.

    Eze is a phenomenal talent, glides past defenders, tracks back, right attitude.
    If he stays healthy he’s going to end up in a top 6 side.

    So looking forward to seeing him on Match of The Day every weekend now.

    1. FPL Joker
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      And Millwall released him. Mugs

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

        Doing the business already.

        https://mobile.twitter.com/TheFLZone/status/1299359812845740033

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

          He looks so good... why couldn't he be 5.5 smh

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

            He really is that good, believe me.

            Palace will be a good place for him to reach the next level and he has more levels he can hit yet.

            If Palace are selling Zaha he’ll more than fill in for him.

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

              The prospect of Zaha and Eze countering down the wings is a tasty one

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

      With him added how should palace line up in the attacking areas to benefit his game ?
      I have heard a lot but with the caution of him being wet behind the ears and learning still.
      That said I’m hoping for a good price
      He could be a catalyst for them points wise ; how many think ASM will be for the toon this year

    3. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm buying him based on this comment alone

  2. FPL Joker
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know who is likely to play left back for Spurs?

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

      Ben Davies

      1. FPL Joker
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

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

        Is Rose competing for left-back at Spurs?

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

          He's been wanting to leave for years.

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

          Technically yes but he should leave as he will be third choice behind Davies and Sessegnon

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

    Is Werner - Mitro - Ings too heavy on the attack?

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

      No, it's perfect.

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

      No

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

      Good balance

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

      Nah. Perfect

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

      It's nice but there are 8.5s in midfield I'd rather have than Ings

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

        Who? Pulisic?

        1. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Mahrez?

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

    G Lamela
    A Son

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

      What?

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

        Spurs vs Reading friendly

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

          Ahhh... apologies. Got ya

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

    Dier and Davies off for Sess and Carter-Vickers, stop teasing me Mou

    1. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      How did they look while they were on?

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

        Didn't watch but from what I heard Davies looked attacking and Dier was not even mentioned so I assume a decent, no-nonsense performance

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

    How come Kanes not playing pre season?

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

      Self-quarantine

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

      Quarantine. Does anyone think this affects him negatively as an option? He's clearly gonna be on a rigorous training programme but, being away from the team... It's putting me off

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

        I'm inclined to agree

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

    FanTeam pricing is absolutely horrendous compared to FPL, puts me off playing

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

      Some of the midfield and attack are overpriced. Some bargains in defence though. Vinagre 4.0, o’connell 4.5

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

    Son preseason form highly skewed by a position he won't even play in.

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

      Won't be deceived by his preseason form either way

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

      Stop trying to convinced yourself Son isn't a quality pick

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

        Never said he isn't.

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

          Great value too especially being that much cheaper than Kane

    3. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Better have some form than no form id say.
      Hope he keeps it up.

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

      This

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

      Son without Kane > Son with Kane

    6. redsallstars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      As mentioned from one of scout articles, he’s been less threatening since lockdown with kane improved massively the way spurs set up. Kane for me for the extra £1.5m

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

        The heat maps though... Kane looks like a CAM

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

    The Athletic stating Leno is fit to resume his spot and Martinez will be allowed to leave, likely Spain.

    Surely Arsenal can do Chelsea a favour after all the stellar players that have been sent in the other direction

  10. Bullet Eder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed: Have settled on a squad bar four places:

    A. Kane, Bruno, Mitrovic, Soucek

    B. Werner, Martial, Ziyech, Keita

    A allows me to start with big (expensive) hitters, which makes jumping on form players much easier and allows me to try Lateriser's upside strategy of using free transfers to switch between Kane, Aguero, Auba, Bruno, Sterling, Salah and KDB for captaincy depending on fixtures.

    B looks stronger on paper but is less flexible, with funds more spread, and leaves no plan to get the likes of Bruno or Sterling in should they start firing.

    Any thoughts?

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

      A

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

      A. Certainly. Keita could be a great early WC option but with Hendo coming back and the likelihood of Thiago, his minutes won't be great. The midfield is where we rotate. Pool fan

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

        A with Werner + 1m. Find 0.5 and get Foden

  11. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    No Salah draft with Auba as captain for first two GW:

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Doherty Vinagre (Johnson)(Struijk)
    Auba Son Zyiech Soucek (ASM)
    Kane Werner Mitro

    I could also downgrade ASM for a couple 4.5 defenders with good fixtures in GW2 (Saliba + Justin)............

    1. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Seems pretty good if you want both Kane and Son. Could downgrade Kane to a Martial/Ings/Jiminez to spread more funds to upgrade spots in mid/defense

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

        I want them both! Well priced and the fixtures are amazing

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

      I have almost the same team. Only difference is Jimenez for Kane and a 4.5 for ASM so I can save for Ziyech to Fernandes

  12. Booked4Dissent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ok so Wolves have signed Maitland-Niles, if they sell Doherty to Spurs and don’t buy another defender, will Vinagre get starts????

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

      Yes, but they are very likely to buy another right back.

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

        Vinagre plays LB?

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

          Possible that AMN moves to LWB

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

      Should do yeh. If Doherty doesnt leave however I'll be very sceptical

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

      I thought Doherty transfer confirmed? According to talk sport anyway. Doesn’t make sense for wolves to sell him though, £15m that’s peanuts in today’s market. AMN has played LWB, think he will play RWB if Doherty goes

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

        Such a bargain for Spurs

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

      Vinagre starts regardless I think. MN can play in a host of positions. I read on here that apart from the FA Cup final and semi, he's played left back 9 times ever. I don't believe they bought him as a left back. Jonny will be back at some stage too. I would go as far to say Vinagre is nailed. Wishful thinking possibly...

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

        AMN wants to play in midfield too

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

          Yup

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

      Arteta wants to keep

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

      I think I remember reading somewhere that AMN prefers the holding midfield spot. Maybe he's adding depth to an aging midfield rather than replacing Doh?

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

    RMT- Been set on this since a few days now:

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Vinagre Saliba Johnson
    Salah Son Ziyech Foden Gordon
    Kane Werner Mitro

    4.5 Defs could be swapped around based on whos best close to the deadline.
    Any of Kane, Son, and Ziyech could become Man United players GW2.

    Thoughts?

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

      Quality team

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

    Here's my current draft:

    Ryan button
    TAA Egan KWP (2 x 4m)
    Auba, Mount, Salah, Soucek, Pereira
    Kane, Werner (4.5m)

    Auba and Mount to become KDB and Greenwood.

    Any thoughts?

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

      Wouldn't wanna be forced to start Egan, Kwp, and Soucek every single week. Downgrade Pereira to 5.5 and get another 4.5 def imo

    2. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      $0.5 ITB to facilitate the transfers or are you risking it?

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

        Nothing itb... A risk definitely.

  15. Kobayashi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Despite the '1' next to my username, I've been playing Fantasy Football for several years now so thought I'd share some advice for people who are more new to the game:

    Regardless of your final starting XI, there will be an inevitable tension around GW1 on 12th September once the game starts to update all the way through to when the first match kicks off as you watch with eager anticipation for your players names to appear in the form of a goal or assist.

    Sometimes I try to imagine what that situation would be like during GW1, if Salah (C) or Kane (C) blanked only for Aubameyang to grab a brace and an assist, when all of a sudden you see a familiar situation where there is a sudden rush to switch from one premium to another before you're priced out (even by 0.1m), effectively throwing away your carefully planned GW2/3 transfers for United and City players which you may then have to take a hit for.

    For me personally when creating a team, I generally think 'who am I most afraid of not owning', which I know may seem painfully obvious, but there is nothing more frustrating than taking out a player you had fixed in your team for weeks only to take them out in the last couple of days because you found another who happened to have more shots in the box post-lockdown, while the former nets an opening day hattrick.

    That's not to say you shouldn't pay attention to historical data when picking your team, but most importantly make sure you are happy with your selection despite what may come in the first 2-3 GWs, unless you're planning an early WC anyway of course. As many other experienced FPL players here will tell you, the season is long and sometimes getting off to a bad start isn't the worst thing if you can keep calm, stick to a plan and have faith in the players you selected. Good luck!

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

    Burnley have been absolutely invisible so far. Not a hint of a transfer deal, not a single friendly played, it's been ages since I saw their name in the news, even more so when you take out Pope to Chelsea. Dyche isn't going to be happy in the slightest, this has a strong chance of being his final year.

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

      Agreed - A lot of talk about there being chaos at Burnley at the end of last season, still got the results mind

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

      I think there are good players they could attain for cheap also
      Ex . Lerma ; buendia
      And some nice loanee options to cover from arsenal ; Liverpool

      They don’t have much depth
      Yet I still see them more than okay

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

    Where are the other friendlies
    Are the team’s that occupied Europe not going to bother with them
    If he interested to see city; United ; chelsea and wolves especially
    And I don’t think arsenal (bar the shield have even played)
    Difficult to get any ideas
    But does anyone know if the international calendar has made teams rethink friendlies ?

  18. Bullet Eder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Interesting piece in The Athletic saying Brighton's Ben White is on the cusp of signing a long-term deal as Potter plans to play with a back three of Webster, Dunk and White next season. Would push Lamptey into a lovely RWB role. My guess is that Alzate (4.5) would play LWB, shame he's listed as a midfielder as he looks quality.

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

      White has already signed a contract with BHA

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      4.5 mid playing wingback is still better than Dale Stephens though...

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

    draft#5

    mcarthy

    trent /vvd /davies

    gordon /son /armstrong /(s)alah /soucek

    mitrovic /kane

    steer / strujik / martial / taylor

    2.5itb,son to kdb gw2

    no auba cos im capt, salah

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

      Decent but do you plan on playing Soucek every week. Fixtures couldn't be worse

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

      NVM. Martial off the bench. I'd be happy to start Armstrong until the fixtures change if I didn't already haven. Good team

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

        if I didn't already have Ings*

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Gordon is good for 1 or 2 points a game at the moment.

  20. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    4-4-2 with Ings, Mitro and Davis up front, CTaylor, Dallas and Webster at the back....

    Yeah that isnt right

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

      Your midfield must be majestic

  21. nelluckram
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Posted this team yesterday but I need more opinions.

    McCarthy

    TAA, Doherty, Vinagre, Johnson
    Auba/Salah (c), Son, ASM
    Werner, Ings, Mitro

    Nyland, Ferguson, Greenwood, Foden

    1m ITB to do Auba/Salah & Son -> KDB & Bruno

    Have I gone mad?

    Also Auba or Salah (first 2 only)?

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

      Not keen on Foden due to rotation.

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

        I think he plays as much as Mahrez who's 8.5. City = rotation

  22. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I think I found 5-4-1 I like

    TAA Robbo Lascelles Stevens Vinagre
    Salah Auba Son ASM
    Jimenez

    (could theoretically stretch Jimmy into Vardy or Werner, but bench would be garbage)

  23. NASIR
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    been enjoying the exclusive content since upgrading to a premium member. keep up the good work.

    some players like de bruyne and Greenwood are just clinical though and they will continue to outperform the expected goals model.

  24. DavidboubaDiop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    RMT

    Ryan
    TAA-Robertson-Justin-vinagre
    Auba- Salah-son-Soucek
    Vardy-mitro

    4-Ayling-stephens-vasilev

    I guess I don’t really get why to go for Werner over Vardy? Also everyone seems in love with ziyech, why? Do people think mount will play? Am
    Considering him

  25. Aubamazette
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) TAA + Dier
    or
    B) Robbo + Doherty