Pre-Season

Five things FPL managers should look out for in the Community Shield final

The Community Shield final will provide Fantasy Premier League managers with an excellent opportunity to scout a number of key assets ahead of the new season.

Thankfully, the stars have aligned to show us two teams central to Blank Gameweek 1 plans on Saturday afternoon, namely Liverpool and Arsenal.

Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) and Sadio Mané (£12.0m) are sure to be heavily owned come the first deadline of the campaign, so watching them in a competitive setting beforehand will be of great use to us.

Meanwhile, the pricing, positional classification and fixtures on offer at Arsenal make Mikel Arteta’s men worth keeping a close eye on too.

In order to maximise what you are able to glean from the Community Shield final, we have picked out five key areas for Fantasy managers to monitor during 2020/21’s curtain-raising event.

What position will Aubameyang take up?

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 9

A large number of Fantasy managers are likely to be watching the Community Shield with their Blank Gameweek 1 captaincy in mind.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s (£12.0m) looks certain to be involved in that first armband debate of the campaign, fresh from his recent conversion to an FPL midfielder and ahead of a trip to newly-promoted Fulham on the opening weekend of the season.

35.5% of managers have already thrown Arsenal’s number 14 their side so far, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) and Timo Werner (£9.5m) owned by more than that, at the time of writing.

Whether or not Aubameyang manages to go into Blank Gameweek 1 as the best captain option could depend on how he performs at Wembley, but also what position he is deployed in.

With Alexandre Lacazette‘s (£8.5m) Arsenal future hanging in the balance and Gabriel Martinelli (£5.0m) injured, the only two options Arteta theoretically has for the centre-forward role are Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m).

Whichever one of these two the Arsenal manager elects to play through the middle of his 3-4-3 formation could have a big impact on Aubameyang’s Fantasy credentials.

If the Gabonese international can secure a centre-forward berth for a competitive fixture against Liverpool, it certainly strengthens the possibility that he could play there regularly in the Premier League this season. Such an eventuality, if he were to perform well, would do wonders for his captaincy credentials.

Although, do remember, even if Arteta were to station Aubameyang on the left at Wembley, that is still a position that he starred from in 2019/20, so it won’t be the end of the world to see him play there.

How will Liverpool’s defence look at Wembley?

Liverpool's FPL defenders struggle as Arteta hands out Arsenal goalkeeper clues

Liverpool defenders have some work to do if they are to convince us of elite-level clean sheet potential in 2020/21.

The league may have been all but won at the time but, during Project Restart, they kept three clean sheets from a possible nine, only six teams registering fewer than that.

Meanwhile, eight different teams, including Aston Villa, Everton and Southampton, conceded fewer goals than Jurgen Klopp’s men over the same period (12) and only five teams gave up fewer big chances (20). Certainly not double-up inspiring stuff.

Whatever issues Liverpool have been having at the back since June, they appear to have continued into pre-season as well, if their friendly against Salzburg was anything to go by.

Klopp had to travel to Austria without Alexander-Arnold due to injury but the right-back was the only first-teamer missing from the back-four that went 2-0 down in the first half earlier this week.

Fabinho (£5.5m) and Joe Gomez (£5.5m) were the chief culprits while Neco Williams (£4.0m) was caught out of position on occasion. Things went from bad to worse when Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) was taken off in the 55th minute with a head injury.

Klopp has since provided relatively positive updates on the captain and Alexander-Arnold, but the Community Shield final is still a big occasion at this end of the pitch.

Will our favourite Liverpool defenders be fit for the start of the season, and how will they cope against an Arsenal attack that has been steadily improving under Arteta? Answers to both of those could have a bearing on Fantasy line-ups for Blank Gameweek 1.

“Hendo and Joel looking really good. Ox early stages but good. Shaqiri good. Trent, very close, we have to make a decision about tomorrow. Harry [Wilson] looks good. Virg looks good, he has a little cut there but should be fine.” – Jurgen Klopp

What will Arsenal’s defence look like?

Who would have thought we’d be eyeing up Arsenal defensive assets at the start of the new season? Well, 2020 certainly has been a year of surprises.

The primary point of interest for Fantasy managers revolves around the goalkeeper position now that Bernd Leno (£5.0m) has returned from the injury that allowed Emiliano Martínez (£4.5m) to showcase his points potential during Project Restart.

The latter could offer exceptional value this season if he were to hold onto his starting berth. Between Gameweeks 30+ and 38+, no goalkeeper with nine or more appearances had a higher figure for saves per 90 than Martínez (3.84).

The chips might be stacked against him going into Saturday’s curtain-raiser as Leno and Matt Macey were both given game-time against MK Dons earlier this week, in light of Martínez having to quarantine following his holiday to Portugal.

While the former Reading loanee is injury-free and out of isolation now, he has not been able to train over the last two weeks, which is why he is a slight doubt for Saturday’s final.

But it’s not just the goalkeeper position we’re interested in. There has been plenty of hype around centre-back William Saliba (£4.5m) ahead of the new campaign and Fantasy managers should be on the lookout for him too.

Even though Arteta is very settled on deploying a back-three these days, the staffing of that setup is not yet set in stone. 

Kieran Tierney (£5.5m), David Luiz (£5.5m), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£5.0m), Sead Kolasinac (£5.0m) and Shkodran Mustafi (£5.0m) are all capable of playing there but do not offer as cheap a route into the Arsenal defence as Saliba.

Mustafi is red-flagged ahead of the Community Shield final but a number of the other centre-backs got minutes against MK Dons.

Rob Holding (£4.5m) is one of these, who could be worth watching as well as Saliba, although the latter is reported to have made a better start to pre-season.

If Martínez is indeed kept out of the team by Leno, then knowing that an improving Arsenal defence can be reliably tapped into by a £4.5m option elsewhere could be handy.

With enough good things being said about the Gunners’ defensive prospects for 2020/21, a meeting with last season’s Premier League champions is the perfect litmus test for them.

Who will feature in Liverpool’s attack?

Five things FPL managers should look out for in the Community Shield final

This could, of course, prove to be a rather redundant question given Jurgen Klopp’s team selections over recent seasons, but there are enough Fantasy managers interested in budget forwards that it’s worth asking the question.

Rhian Brewster (£4.5m) was initially linked with another loan move away from Anfield this season, after netting 11 times in 22 appearances for Swansea City in 2019/20.

However, as often happens in football, things have changed very quickly, especially since Brewster scored three goals across Liverpool’s two pre-season friendlies so far.

The young forward now looks likely to stay at Anfield this year, which begs the question: can he break into the first team?

Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) has been the first-choice centre-forward at Liverpool for some time and, while he struggled for goals more than usual last season, there is no denying he is a key cog in the Reds’ machine.

Brewster offers something entirely different, less of a false-nine and more of a natural goal-scorer.

“At the moment he is (in our plans), but we have to see what happens in the next weeks. We want to use Rhian, but we want to help him as well. It’s not decided yet – why should we? He will be involved tomorrow.” – Jurgen Klopp

In light of his pre-season exploits thus far, Klopp intends to use the player in some way during the Community Shield final. Fantasy managers will be hoping to see a start for the £4.5m man, but even if he were to star off the bench, it could still ask Klopp some difficult questions ahead of the start of the season. Or… it could only ramp up the interest in his loan signing…

Who are the Arsenal alternatives?

Nketiah straight back in Arsenal team after suspension

Fantasy managers may also find value attackers in Arsenal’s squad on Saturday afternoon, specifically those who join Aubameyang in the front-three.

As already mentioned, the rumours surrounding Lacazette’s future likely restrict Arteta’s options up-front to the Gabonese international and Nketiah.

If the latter can put in a strong display against Liverpool, it might just lock him in as the first-choice striker for the new season, which would certainly be helpful for Fantasy managers currently struggling to find too much to excite them in terms of forwards priced at £6.0m or less.

Nketiah has already made something of an encouraging start to pre-season, starting the win over MK Dons, finding the net and having another goal ruled out for offside.

There is more competition for the right-hand side of Arsenal’s front-three than there is for the striker slot, but Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) will certainly fancy his chances of regular game-time there this season.

The England youth international was involved in eight of a possible 10 matches during Project Restart, operating in a number of different positions, including on the wing or as a number 10.

That versatility seems to have helped Saka establish himself in the side and at £5.5m, if he stars at Wembley, it will be hard for Arteta not to include him for the Fulham game and could spark another year of value for the relatively cheap midfielder.

1,538 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SILENTWAR
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is Podence a good option for 5.5 mid? I don't have Jimenez in my team.

    1. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I think he is....was pondering him or ASM in team below.

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

      Far from nailed on so not for me

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Podencially

  2. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I like the Wolves, Burnley & Leicester rotation.

    Any thoughts on this?……

    Auba > KDB
    Kane > Aguero.....if required.
    Justin > Soy.

    McCarthy Nyjaland
    TAA Saiss Taylor Justin Johnson
    Salah Auba Bruno Soucek ASM
    Kane Mitro Brewster

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

      It’s poor rotation in weeks 1 and 2. Prefer a second “contender” at the back: with that lot you have cs and nothing else in the locker.

      In week 1 you could of course be fielding a 10 man team.

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I think you need to look at the bigger picture.....and Bruno could easily become Son.

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

          Suspect you need to consider whether United defence is the logical bench in week 1 🙂

          Bigger picture with added perspective perhaps. Love the attempted justifications of playing a 94 mill side 🙂

          1. Roy Rovers
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            98

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

              Bruno on bench is effectively 6 mill you’re choosing not to play

  3. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Mane or salah? And is doherty going to spurs? Oh man if he is means i need to find funds....

    1. steven8991
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, he is on his way to Spurs for medical check up

    2. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Cases for Mane:
      - Salah gets less points away from Anfield and 3 out of Liverpool's first 5 matches are away.
      - Mane started last year better.

      Cases for Salah:
      - has scored more points the last few years
      - GW1 is at home against a newly promoted side, so Salah could pull in a massive haul of points that week.

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

    A) Kane, Barnes, Antonio
    B) Mitro, Werner, Son

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I am on 2nd

  5. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Saka , armstrong or eze?

    1. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If Saka plays the Shield and you have a playable bench, Saka.

      If not, Armstrong.

      Not sure Eze will be worth the extra .5.

  6. Wag the Drog
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Trying not to WC early. Planned transfer in ()

    McCarthy
    TAA-Aurier-Egan-Dallas-Taylor
    Salah-Son-Ziyech(Pulisic)-Stephens
    Vardy(Martial)-Jimi-Maupay

    1. Wag the Drog
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Missing Armstrong as my 4th

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

      Aurier is going to Milan apparently
      Pulisic might not be fit for GW2

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Very similar to mine. I have Robbo, Antonio over your Vardy, mid priced def. Both good options, i also have same plan with Chelsea mid.

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

    Thoughts on this lot?

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Vinagre
    Salah Auba Armstrong Soucek
    Werner Ings Mitrovic

    Steer Johnson Mitchell Greenwood*

    GW2: Ings > Martial
    GW3: Auba > KDB
    GW4: Johnson/Mitchell > Taylor

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

      Two thoughts

      Just put Mitro in defence. You’re going to do it sooner or later anyway 🙂

      Other thought is Mitchell is still quite possible in GW1. If you go 4-3-3 you can do all sorts of interesting things - even keep Mitro if you really think he’s ok. United defence for example may be better than United attack!

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

    Thoughts?

    Ryan Button
    TAA Tierney Vinagre KWP
    Salah Auba JWP ASM
    Werner Mitrovic

    Button Rashford* Taylor* Davis*

    Flip-flopping with JWP and Pereira.
    Auba and Tierney to KDB and Shaw for GW 3.

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

    Thought on below team?

    Ramsdale
    Taa,saiss,davies,kwp
    Salah,Jwp,son,traore
    Mitro,werner

    Nyland ferguson Martial davies

    2.5 itb

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

      Not davies , Mc carthy crystall palace

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

        McCarthy Palace is an interesting call - not seen many going there as 4.5. Suspect he’s perhaps most nailed central mid when fit. Wretched FPL asset with bookings record but maybe safer than all other 4.5 mids right now

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

          Sure , is it the team looking good? Any changes needed?

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

            Not keen personally

            Traore I quite like but not with poor fixture and no bench cover.

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

              Traore to asm?

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

      You have Davies twice...

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

        I’m guessing that’s Davis

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

      2.5m and Martial on the bench.
      I’d only do one or the other but you’d get through wk 1.

  10. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone see Tottenham playing a 3ATB with Sessegnon and Doherty as WBs?

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

      It's a possibility but not sure if Mourinho likes that formation, especially for regular basis. He will probably use it in some games but unlikely to rely on it.

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

        Historically no... but surely he’s noticed that few teams are still playing the 4-2-3-1 and he’s adapting

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

      Don't see it happening anytime soon

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

      Probably not regularly but he played this in first friendly versus Ipswich. Gedson RWB and Sess LWB. BDavies in back 3. So definitely an option.

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

        No he didn't. It was a 4-2-3-1 with Davies and Gedson at LB and RB respectively while Sess was at LW.

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

          Misinformed, thanks!

  11. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Which City attacker are people getting in GW 3? And at whose expense?

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

      Aubameyang to Kevin is locked. Maybe Sterling/Kun. Not more than that.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Auba is a great captaincy option the following week.

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

          Sheffield are decent, going to captain Jimenez anyway.

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

          This and Wolves isn’t very enticing for week 2 City. Going KdB/Sterling then feels pounds over points decision to get KdB at base price

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

            File and forget - missed week 3 in post

      2. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        If he is deployed as a lone striker with Willian and Pepe around him .. Aint he a season keeper?

        1. The Son-dance Kid
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Auba likely to blank GW3 and GW5, possibly GW7 also which is why most folks (myself included) think he is the one to go. Can almost guarantee I'll have him back later in the season though at some point

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

          Won't keep anyone for full season at the price.

          With Aubameyang, I'm looking at following sets of fixtures:

          GW1-2: ful, WHM
          GW16-19: bha, wba, CRP, NEW
          GW29-35

          Form, injuries can change things but I have no plans to stick with any premium assets. After GW9 or so, have to target Manchester boys.

          1. Weeb Kakashi
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yes that is fine. But what if Auba hauls in the first 2 games?

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

              It's okay, take the points and leave. His purpose is to perform in first 2 weeks, if he do well, perfect! I would consider that as successful short term punt 😉

              It's personal preference tbh, some like set and forget strategy, some prefer playing fixtures. I belong to 2nd camp. Nothing wrong in sticking with Aubameyang for more than 2 Weeks.

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

          If Willian and Pepe are starting on regular basis, then I would go for one of them.

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

      KDB very likely. Kun I really want if starting, and raheem if salah disappointing

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

      Salah/Auba... Messi would change things.

  12. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft folks?

    ryan
    taa kwp vinagre saliba
    salah auba soucek
    vardy ings mitro

    nyland stephens GREENWOOD TAYLOR

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

      I like it. I'd try to fit in a spurs defender though

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

        Have 0.5m itb which I was keeping for ings > martial possibly next gw. But can use it now to upgrade one of the defenders to bavies. Cheers

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

          0.5m itb here too which I was keeping for son > rashford if needed. Good luck!

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

            Cheers bud, you too. Who do you prefer between ings and son?

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

              Son cause he's so greedy and I'm fixtures kinda guy (and patient too 😉 ). Ings overperformed imo and could regress despite the fixtures.

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

                Cheers

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

      Very close to my initial draft - still to be rejigged. Actually went AWB and 4.0.

      Think the quadruple 4.5 is better with 5.5 4.5 4.0 - or maybe 5.0 5.0 4.0

      Mitchell in week 1 is still very possible imo and Spurs and United have 5.0 and 5.5 options

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

        Will see closer to time if any of the 4m defenders seem nailed. Cheers bud

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

    Thoughts on West Brom's Matheus Pereira as a 4 midfielder in a 4-4-2 setup?

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

      Should be good

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

      High on my watch list. Could work instantly against depleted Leicester but I'd rather wait and see

    3. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I am in for him. A very good and skillful player. Plus he is their main man.

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

      6.0 seems a bit steep given there are 1 or 2 ok options at 5.5

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

      WBA strikers are not good enough for PL

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

      Nothing wrong with that pick

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

    Laporte and Taylor would be in a lot more teams without the blank? I don’t know if anyone is planning to get them in but I am thinking they represent some great value given their prices.

    Just tried a bit of a not so heavy at the back draft and included some possible first few week moves. What ye think?

    McCarthy

    TAA VVD Davies

    Salah Auba Son ASM Armstrong

    Werner Mitrovic

    Nyland Taylor Mitchell Wickham

    Possible moves
    Auba > KBD
    Son > Greenwood
    Armstrong > Foden
    Davies > Doherty / Laporte

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

      Taylor on my bench atm. Laporte can wait

  15. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Howz this 451 team looking for GW2 onwards?

    Ryan
    TAA AWP Saliba Vinagre
    Auba Salah Son Bruno Greenwood
    Mitrovic
    Subs- Justin Brewster Davies

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

      Too light upfront. Mid is glorious. Could work but not my cup of tea

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Other than Ings, no one looks inspiring to me, want to see how Werner settles down and jimenez will be without their two first team wingbacks

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

      Really tempted by something like this.
      A Brewster move would help a lot.
      I can’t go without Werner so my 451 drafts have a mod nowhere near as good as this.
      Son is a good punt to start. But if he is going to play wise I would downgrade him and get some cash up front or defence.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thnx for the advice mate, Sons fixtures look tempting and will track his preseason more to understand his role and will get Werner for him

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That’s bravery

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

      Wild. But it’s a game. Go for it.

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

    Whose the best non-Liverpool premium defender to own?

    Was on Doherty but his move to Spurs has made me reconsider, at least untill I see how he settles

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

      Same here, used to be Doherty. Now I'm just with TAA and a 5.0 from spurs

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If it’s not Liverpool or Doherty, premium defenders aren’t worth it imo.

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

        Liverpool / Doherty / 4.5 imo.

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yep but the more I think about it the less I like Doherty at spurs, would rather save 1.0 and go Davies

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

            Not sure Doh won’t be more powerful at Spurs

            Aurier had plenty of latitude to attack under Mou. Need to suppose Doh has been brought in to do the same job - another player who’s better in attack than defence

            Spurs have a better attack for Doh to link up with and I’m thinking Sours could well outdo Wolves in defence

            Suspect I’ll hold

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

              Yeah, I'm holding Doc for now. If Laporte had better fixtures and no blank, I might have switched, but for now he is not really an option. Might switch to Chilwell if Chelsea get a good GK, like I've seen Donnarumma linked.

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

      Laporte.

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

      Laporte - if he gets a full season and with KDB playing this time he should get a few more goals. Looks good for 180 points

  17. juho
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this team please?

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Vinagre
    Salah Auba Maddison Trossard
    Kane Mitro

    4.0 Brewster Justin 4.0

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

      * Forgot to add Ziyech

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

      Maddison injured, Barnes if you will as a punt

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

        Thanks!

  18. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft? 🙂

    McCarthy - Nyland
    TAA - Justin - Vinagre - C.Taylor - Douglas
    Salah - Auba - Son - Soucek - 4.5
    Werner - Ings - Mitrovic

    - Ings will become Martial sooner or later.
    - C.Taylor is already there as I want a BUR defender, I just won’t use him in GW1.

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

      Covered all bases and price points.
      A Spurs defender might be a good idea for 5m but can’t have everyone.

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

      Looks good for GW1. Not sure about Mitrovic with all his yellow cards and Fulham...although xG for his last Premier League season was over 16. And as you know, Soucek has bad fixtures at start, but could be a good pick for the whole season. Armstrong is an alternative at 5.5.

  19. Max City
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone thinking of going with double Pool attack?

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

      If Auba did have Fulham,West Ham to start and Liverpool had Chelsea GW 2 then I might have.

      It could work though.

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

        *didnt

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No

  20. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What does The Zone make of this...

    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA / Robbo / Tierney / Dier (4.0)
    Salah / Son / Soucek / Pereira / (Bruno)
    Werner / Mitro (4.5)

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

      That’s 100?

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

        Yes because only one 12m player.

        It’s a good team.

      2. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        On the nose mate.

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

          V good team.

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

      Why Tierney? Looks great besides that

      I'd also have Ziyech over Son but that's just personal opinion

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I really like Tierney, both as a player and an FPL asset.
        Just a question mark on his fitness.

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

        Tierney could be better than Robbo. A great talent. Except I think he’s more likely gonna be LCB than LB at Arsenal this season. The charity shield might give us more clues.

        1. The Wanton Trader
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I hope that’s not the case.
          Seems a bit of a waste if you ask me.

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

            I agree but let’s see. Just some theories I heard from a Gunner pal. I rate Tierney too.

      3. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        With Werner in my team already, I’m happy to see how Ziyech gets on early doors.

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

    Redmond or Walcott?

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

      Iwobi

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

        Don’t go there.

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

      Definitely Redmond.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Is that a punchline?

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

        Lol.

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

      Sorry guys I’m having flash backs to previous preseasons.

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

        We've all been there!

  22. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Aguero @10.5 looks tempting for a move in GW3.

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

      Just too many unknowns but fortune favours the brave, I guess.

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

    Just noticed Ryan/McCarthy rotation looks excellent... difficult enough to find the .5 for Pereira! McCarthy/Steer should be fine too though.

    https://twitter.com/FPL_Swe/status/1298738919668879362

    Useful thread on the rotation pairs

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

      Rotation should ensure the wheels stay on, but they never do.

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

        Depends on the teams, will be interesting to look back after GW10 and see what worked and what didn't. Not worth the extra .5 now though

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      .5 for rotation isn’t worth it, just set and forget

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

        Not true, it can be very effective if done properly. Henderson/Pope rotation last year was excellent

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

    Getting tired of having Werner in my team -- really just wanted Pulisic, but with him injured, I wanted a Chelsea captain option for GW4/5 and didn't feel Ziyech was captainable, so I went with Werner.

    Dropping Werner could free up 1.0m to upgrade Soucek to a 6.0 mid or forward. Unless Pulisic is fit for week 1, I guess I'd have to use Ziyech as a placeholder and then switch to Pulisic around week 4.

    A. Werner + Soucek (4-3-3)
    B. Ziyech + 6.0 mid/fwd (4-4-2 or 4-3-3) + 0.5 ITB - then Ziyech to Pulisic GW 4

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

      Planning captains for 4/5 seems like overthinking to me. More so when it comes to all new Chelsea. By that stage we’ll have some idea of form and initial fiddling for Manchester assets should be done - easy move for captain option likely

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

        A certain Argentinian may be set and forget too

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

          That would make things easier if it does happen. KDB + Werner -> Messi + cheap fwd.

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

        It's hard to do Upside Chasing when you don't have your eye on a fixture well in advance. In my mind, it's primarily a fixtures-based strategy. I don't want to have to make a double transfer to switch funds from forward to midfield.

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

          Mr Upside Chaser himself looks at -4 I believe. Other point is leaving 10.5 up front is rational anyway imo

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

            Yeah, I'm probably not doing Upside Chasing exactly the orthodox way -- if I drop Werner I'll probably captain exclusively mids for the first 1/4 of the season. I might try the Aguero captaincy later when City have a great run.

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

              Decent thinking imo - If you stay in midfield you get Sterling anyway.

              Still undecided on leaving big money up top early.

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

    Is Son a better pick than Greenwood? Would mean I avoid United for GW2 and possibly longer if Messi comes to City as an FPL midfielder

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

      Only if United make a signing that makes Greenwood not nailed.

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

      Greenwood is a wonderful prospect irl, and a great one in FPL .....assuming that no other forward like Sancho arrives. He would still get plenty of minutes but not many starts and that would detract from his goal involvement and bonus potential for me. Son in
      my team at the moment. (Greenwood on my bench)

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

      I’m gonna start with Son, and probably will get Pulisic/Zieych/ Chelsea mid and Greenwood later...

  26. Mike2795647
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft?

    McCarthy / (Nyland)
    Trent / Justin / Vinagre (Taylor / Mitchell)
    Salah / Auba / Son / Ziyech \ Saint-Max
    Werner / Mitrovic / (Brewster)

    Playing 352 at moment and set up based on Brewster getting loan move. Can move Son down to Greenwood if no Utd signings to get 2nd premium defender

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

      Ok but i'd maybe downgrade one of the untested chelsea assets and bump up a defender.

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

        this

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

      Very strong

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

    I would just like to say, unrelated to FPL, that the Scottish FA has bottled it completely. Cad grúpa clasání.

    In other news, that Doherty move surely gives Maitland-Niles an obvious berth on the right, unless Vinagre can switch wings. AMN isn't really the same going forward though, which sort of speaks to the sort of football Arteta is aiming for in 20/21.

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

      AMN is still a great pick for Wolves at 5.0 if nailed. Might have both him and Vinagre if they are both nailed.

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

        Two nailed Wolves fullbacks for 9.5 between them looks super value

        Considering Jonny & Doc were 11.5 between them - that’s not an inconsequential saving

        Saiss at 5.0 looks strangely low as well

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The only Scottish I know is Irn Bru.

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

    A thought about possible problem with owning Messi as a set-n-forget, perma-captain option:

    The football schedule is going to be insanely intense this season, particularly for clubs like City who will be going after 4 trophies. Injuries and rotation will come at us like never before. I can see Messi being rested for matches against modest opposition before CL midweek ties. I think this season our benches are going to be called upon like never before regardless. But with Messi, much of our squads are inevitably going to be made up of makeweights, leaving us either short of a Starting XI of with too many 2-pointers in our starting lineups.

    A better long-term strategy might be to have sufficient mid-priced players from mid-table sides, such as Wolves and Saints with no Euro commitments.

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

      The threat of perma-captain (like Suarez in 2013/14) might push his price up a little. I reckon around 14m, maybe more). Makes a big hole in the budget

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

        Yeah, that's my point. Huge numbers will go for him - maybe 80%. The canny player may be the one who desists.

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

      Messi doesn't really get rotated, he's an extremely fit player - and puts in about as much effort off the ball as Balotelli. I expect he'll start at least 34 games in the PL.

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

        And what about CL. The schedule will be a relentless 2 games a week, building up to an insane climax to the season if they are in semi-finals.

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

        Unlike City, Barca couldn't afford to rest Messi. They ran a serious risk of dropping points to bad teams if they rested him.

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

          No guarantee that City won't have that problem. It's more that Messi's reputation, fitness, ability and personal preference demand that he play every game. He hates being taken off or brought on too, it's 90 or bust. Guardiola can convince him to take a rest once in a while but not many times, hence the 34 in 38 prediction.

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

        I wouldn't count on Messi maintaining his fitness levels. He's getting long in the tooth. I can see him being rested for Mahrez or substituted off at the 58 minute mark.

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

      As most of us will go with Salah or Auba, Messi at 14 don't really wreck the whole team, for instance in GW3 - Auba/Son with extra 0.5 can turn into Messi/Greenwood and still a strong team

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

    Still two weeks to go

    Thought for a second there it was next weekend the madness starts up again 🙁

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

      Next weekend half our players get nobbled on international duty.

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

      Fascinating transfer window - and still loads of time left. Planning to hold in to my precious WC.

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

    Interesting that the 5 sub rule is back in the agenda - wonder if any of the no votes will swap sides.

    “Well give you Brewster on loan for a no :-)”

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

      Is it? That makes q

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

        oops.

        That makes quite a difference to me. Where did you see that?

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

          Cheers. The S*n, eh? Well it does say another vote is on Sept 3rd, so we'll know soon enough.

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

      I hadn't heard that ... that would make a big difference to rotation-liable players like Foden, Mahrez, Greenwood etc.

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

        Exactly.

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

        Make the Bette rot worse options?

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

          Worse. The likelihood of a 10 minute cameo (particularly for the likes of Mahrez & Foden) in one week and then 75 minutes the next does not appeal. Autosubs will become much less of a factor - which some people might say is a good thing too!

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

          If I interpreted that right, the big clubs can bring on the likes of Foden, Nketiah, Mount, Mahrez whereas a bench of Sheff United or Villa lacks that quality.

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

            Indeed - more polarisation between the bid clubs and the rest

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

              *big