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What Spurs’ pre-season friendlies mean for their FPL attacking assets so far

Fantasy Premier League managers have now had the chance to watch Spurs on three occasions ahead of the new season – so what have we learned?

Jose Mourinho’s men come into 2020/21 with one of the most appealing set of fixtures, so interest in their attackers has been high.

Making sure we are invested in the right assets is important, so I have assessed some of the key talking points from pre-season, using some information from 2019/20 and Project Restart to back it up.

As this article uses Opta data, only those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout Membership package can access it in full.

Son’s Position

David’s Members’ only article comparing Son to Kane can be read here.

The Scout Notes for the friendly against Ipswich Town can read here. The extended highlights can be viewed here. And the full match can be found on the Spurs website.

Highlights of Spurs v Reading can viewed here.

The Scout Notes for the Spurs fixtures played during Project Restart are linked to below:

Gameweek 30+ Manchester United
Gameweek 31+ West Ham United
Gameweek 32+ Sheffield United
Gameweek 33+ Everton
Gameweek 34+ Bournemouth
Gameweek 35+ Arsenal
Gameweek 36+ Newcastle United
Gameweek 37+ Leicester City

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611 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I think Messi is pretty screwed now that La Liga have made known the clause which states to other clubs, pay up or no visa...

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

      His argument is that he's already not a member of the club. There's going to be an ugly legal battle. But either way, there's no way that Messi plays for Barcelona next season. He's crossed the line. Worst case he does a Bale. Best case, he wins the case, gets to leave for free.

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

        Players have done for worse and still played for the club. It's a huge political power move from all parties.

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He's still under contract though, has an obligation regardless of personal opinion, and could lead to costly litigation.

        Wouldn't work for either party and I wouldn't see it going there, but with one year left on his contract he could just 'sit it out' as in 'work to rule'. No bonuses, but would result in a free transfer which would equate to a HUGE wage 🙂 which may even put Sanchez in the shade ...

        1. Stef rocks
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Bro Messi current wage is almost 1M per week. Yes you read that correct per week. So how much do you expect him to earn when he will be 35 next year ?

          1. Pep bites Kun
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Have to say I didn't realise that. It's an enormous sum of money for one guy regardless of talent. I thought the PL was out of whack, but this is not market average and is into the ridiculous zone. Exactly how many shirts or TV time do you have to conjure to make a margin!?

            As I stated already he's a supreme player, but not in my book worth 1m per week as a business. I'd expect at least a brace or hat-trick per game for that kind of money. I know he plays and scores well at Barca, but among strong competition in EPL I doubt he'll reach the same heights and it is with this reasoning I hope he stays at Barca to see out his own legend.

            We play FPL with 100m. That itself is a ridiculous budget for a football team. The goal is to score goal in a wide net. The game is beyond itself in player value.

            1. Pep bites Kun
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              *apologies for the rant, but 1m/week? 🙂

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

          His wage already dwarfs what we stupidly paid Sanchez, apparently he's on close to £1m a week.

          1. Pep bites Kun
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Had no idea. I knew his buyout clause was Euro 700m, but 1m a week is beyond my comprehension as a fan of football 🙂

  2. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How is this draft ?? Any suggestions are welcome....

    McCarthy
    Davies/ Vinagre/ Robbo
    Salah/ Auba/ Son/ JWP/ Pereira
    Mitrovic/ Werner

    Bench:: Nyland/ Justin/ Mitchell/ Davies

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

      Nice team

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nice team, but could be 2 short come gw1 - is Vinagre nailed? Pereira flagged through knee injury ETA Oct. So you may be using bench - good enough cover?

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

        Periera plays for WBA and isn't a defender.

  3. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I'm planning on winning FPL this year and yeah it feels good.

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

      Fair enough - can I finish 2nd?

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

        Fair enough - can I finish 3rd?

        1. Surfeit of Lampteys
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          You've got believe you will finish second and third respectively but then yeah sure.

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

            I do, I've done it before 😉

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

      I'll come 3rd (again) then...

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

        Podium’s taken - might as well give up.

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

          😆

      2. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Bloody hell! You did! Nice one. 😎

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

          Haha, thanks - it has taken me 4 years to get over it....

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'd like to offer congratulations in advance 😉

      Shouldn't that be SUNNY AND SCHAR?

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

      What's your team so i can copy it?

  4. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Are Arsenal going to continue with the formation they used in the community shield? Tierney as LCB is not staying in my team.

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

      I think so

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

      Yes formation wise but Gabriel when he signs will likely slot in to that LCB slot allowing Tierney to play wingback.

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

      If AMN goes to Wolves he will shift to wingback

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

        That deal is off 🙁

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

    Expected Goals on Target?? Another completely nonsensical term...

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

      Things created to make Salah owners feel good ....

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        And then we actually watch him and want to pull our hair out every time he misses a chance 🙂

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

          They should add bps for Shots On Stadium !

          1. Blues for Salah
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            The Bobby Zamora stat.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 7 months ago

                xZ

                Expected Zamora's

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

                  hahaha

                  Love that.

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It's not non-sensical though, is it? If you rate a player as a good finisher but he's not getting the chances, then you can use that stat to ignore them and pick someone better.

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

          Stats are like bikinis.

          What they show is great, what they hide is greater.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            stretch marks?

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

            People like me are earning meals by selling what's inside the Bikini 😆
            (Data Analytics Companies & their employees)

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

          'Expected Goals on Target' is complete nonsense, its gibberish.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            From a given shot position:

            xG = expected goal
            xG on Target = expected shot on target (ignoring the quality of the keeper)

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

            Having a stat that adjusts xG so it takes into account finishing ability is of course good. It's just the term is bollocks, it's like the person who coined the term doesn't speak English as it makes no sense

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              If xG on Target is effectively an indicator of how many shots from that position go on target, then I don't have a problem with this nomenclature. It's a stat that tells us if the player is being given shooting opportunities in good positions, and not a stat that says they will score that many goals.

              I could have the same xG as Henry (or higher), but I'm not going to score as many.

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

                I'm not sure you get what I'm annoyed about..

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Ah, your point has probably gone clean over my head.

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

        lmao, agreed. What's xG then, expected goals off target?

      4. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Lies, damned lies, and statistics

      5. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Why is it nonsensical?

      6. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Lies, more lies and then there are statistics 🙂

        They're not bad indicators for comparison purpose, but they can mislead when taken out of the context they were meant for or more so in isolation

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

      This is where I'm at for GW1

      McCarthy, (Nyland)
      TAA, Doherty, Vinagre, (Justin, Mitchell)
      Auba(c) Salah Son Saka Soucek
      Vardy Carroll (Mitro)

      GW2 Salah to Bruno(c)
      GW3 Vardy to Aguero

      Any thoughts, please?

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

        Vardy, Carroll Mitro is not a forward line I've seen very often.

        Prefer Werner, Adams, Mitro myself but the rest of the team is pretty sound.

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

          Werner - bri, LIV
          Vardy - wba, BUR

          Planning to make it Aguero for GW3 .... obviously I'd prefer Adams over Carroll, he's unlikely to still be in my team in 10 days time 🙁

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

        I love Vardy pick !

        Different team. GL

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

          Cheers, Vardy is a big gamble it seems given how bang average Leicester were and with their injuries/transfers at the moment...

          Not sure how brave I'll remain.

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

            He has best XGI after restart.
            Good 4 out of 5 fixtures & a City team vulnerable on counters.

            I'm most probably joining you. Trying to find Money to upgrade Ings to Vardy

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

            Also currently on him.

            May switch but the downgrade is always easier than the upgrade and Werner has an absolute stinker in GW2.

            Can’t see sense in Mitro on bench really. Are you keeping for around 6/7 when Fulham do get slightly better fixtures? Or does he rotate with Soucek? Value is being spread thinly imo

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

              Yeah that's a good point, it's mainly that Saka may miss a gameweek so I feel I need the additional playing player....

              Carroll may not be the best way to go though....

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

      Hamesh Rodriguez lost the ball in the attacking third .... Hojbjerg did excellent recovery tackle ....

      La celso found Irish Wing Back Matt Doherty who's running away on a counter like a madman .... Crosses the ball & Sonsational finish !!

      (Wakes up*)

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Clearly a dream. Son would be at LB 😛

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

          Perfect scenario.
          Kane dropping deep to push wing backs forward

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

        1-0 Holgate OG, carbon copy of the restart

    4. Tashi Tshering
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Hey peoples I'm new to FPL.
      Can you guys give me some tips and advices
      Here is my team.

      McCarthy
      TAA Egan Vinagre
      Son saint-Maximin Lundstram Auba salah(c)
      Werner Ings
      Bench--- Nyland Davis Mitchell and Branthwaite

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

        Considering your new to FPL, your structure is very good.

        I'd swap Lundstram for someone else, rest is ace.

        1. Tashi Tshering
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Thank you!!
          Who would you swap Lundstram for??

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

            Armstrong

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

        Get rid of Lundstram to begin with. But team looks pretty good

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

        Yeah looks good - agree with Berbs, Lundstram has to come out (was a defender last year, no chance he gets as many points this year).

        Personally I'd get Soucek in for him for 5.0 and upgrade one of your bench players to somebody that plays...

        1. Tashi Tshering
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Thank you for your suggestions guys and should I rotate Salah with KDB or Auba with KDB in GW 2.
          Or should I bring in bruno
          I'll be very thankful if you suggest me this...

      4. Lucas8406
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Lundstram for Soucek, ASM or Armstrong

    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Great article. Thanks.

    6. Will J 256
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Hi guys. Thoughts on this current draft?
      McCarthy
      Trent, Vinagre, Justin,
      Salah, Son, Auba, Ziyech, ASM,
      Werner, Mitrovic

      Steer, Mitchell, Brewster, C Taylor

      Need to monitor Ziyech’s injury but apart from that feel quite settled?

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

        Looks good for GW1...

        What you planning after that?

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

          With similar team I’m planning Auba to KDB for gw3, and Son to Rashford. I have Ings up top too though, and could opt for Martial over Ings too.

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

      Which is better?

      McCarthy Steer
      Trent Lamptey KWP Vinagre C.Taylor
      Salah Auba ASM Periera Anguissa
      Kane Werner Mitrovic.

      McCarthy Steer
      Trent Lamptey KWP Vinagre C.Taylor
      Salah Auba ASM Son Soúcek
      Ings Werner Brewster.

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

        What are the differences?

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

          Forward is comletly difference 🙂

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

            Werner has a brother?

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

        A

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

        Later team because you used THAT c in Soucek 😀

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

          Ù i mean*
          FFS

      4. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        B

      5. Tashi Tshering
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm new to Fpl can you tell me who is ASM??

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

          Saint-Maximan (Newcastle)

    8. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Different

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

        HHahhahahahahahah

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

          You fine bro ?

    9. Blues for Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Wondering if anyone is willing to address this question of general strategy . . .

      5.5/4.5 mids (one on bench) knowing that the 4.5 mid is generally useless.
      5/5 mids (Soucek and Matt Ritchie - one on bench) having the flexibility to play matchups and a little additional cover in the age of COVID and fixture congestion.

      Is this just a variation of the 4.5/4.5 GK vs 4.5/4 GK debate?

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

        Do you have three playing strikers and five playing defenders?

        If not, I'd want that 5th midfielder to be playing.

        1. Blues for Salah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Currently five playing defenders (AWB blank week one, but the other four start the season with regular minutes).
          Currently two playing strikers plus Brewster.

          After the week one blank from AWB the only question mark left is over Brewster, but at some point I'll have to address Vinagre and/or Justin.

          After I've made my United/City transfers, I should be looking at this going into week 3

          McCarthy, Steer
          TAA, AWB, Saiss, Vinagre, Justin
          Bruno, Rashford, Sterling, (ASM/fodder or Soucek/Ritchie)
          Werner, Jimi, Brewster

      2. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        5.5 and 4.4 for me

        The main reason being that there are more options at 5.5 to switch. It seems there are only 2 x 5 mid options Soucek and Richtie, unless you plan on holding and not wasting transfers on

        1. Blues for Salah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I don't know. I'm kind of liking the idea of the collection of Vinagre, Justin, Soucek, and Ritchie knowing that I can choose two and bench two depending on matchups while having the security of cover in case one of my regular eight outfield players gets an unexpected day off.

          If there's a 5.0 defender that makes moving off Vinagre/Justin in favor of 5.0/Ben Johnson a clearly superior move, I'm not seeing it. When Wolves and Leicester return to full health, I will make the switch to 5/4; but for now I don't see the concentration of value being worth more than the flexibility. It's also part of having to cover the AWB blank week one. Maybe I'll go to the 5/4 combo when Ferguson returns to full health and establishes himself as a regular starter.

          Same thing with Ritchie/Soucek. Keeping an eye on Newcastle's preseason to see if Ritchie is sticking in a more forward position, but I don't know if the upgrade to ASM is worth losing Soucek over who I see as a season-long guy but with nightmarish fixtures that I'd like to avoid early in the season.

    10. Tashi Tshering
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Currently in my squad I have Salah and Auba both in my midfield. Can you guys suggest me if I should bring KDB for Salah or For Auba. OR should I bring in Bruno in GW 2 since he have good fixture.

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

        I'm probably doing Salah to Fernandes gw2 then Auba to KDB gw3

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

      This makes me think about Son to Ziyech, Ings to Kane (sacrificing a little elsewhere)

      No doubt someone can talk some sense into me.

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

        Ziyech picked up a knee injury in Chelsea's friendly. Son is a better price point for multiple midfield options. Striker options there are not many replacements for Kane (aguero and Vardy is all I can see). Kane has had 0 minuted in pre season

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

        For that very precise, I've been avoiding Son while everywhere here seems to be on a bandwagon.
        I really like Son as a player and would have snapped him, just like in previous seasons, had it been a Poch team or a more attack-minded manager team. Unfortunately, Son will be hugging the sidelines for too much for a 9.0 mid.

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

      Thoughts on this?

      McCarthy
      Robbo Egan Vinagre Justin
      Salah Son Soucek Pulisic
      Werner Ings

      Nyland Johnson Rashford Davis

      Cheers

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

        I wouldn't want Vinagre and Justin, both transfers waiting to happen at some point.
        Pulisic still injured no?
        Apparently Steer is ahead of Nyland in the pecking order.

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

      One slight tweak and the team is perfected! 1.5 ITB for Son to Bruno.

      McCarthy
      TAA Doherty Egan Vinagre
      Salah Auba Son Soucek
      Vardy Mitrovic
      Steer Brewster Anguissa Johnson

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

        Perfection is in the eye of the beholder.

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

          Haha

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

        At least Auba and Vardy shoot straight - so not all is lost 🙂

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

          What do you mean bro?

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

            Neither Mo or Mitro are very straight shooters - need plenty of XG. Auba Vardy balances it out

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

              Out of interest, how do you think Mo’s career xG delta stacks up vs Auba’s?

              1. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Should look at his last two seasons rather than career because he's been a different player since. No one is debating that he was clinical in his debut season.

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

                  If we’re cherry picking stats, we can look at Mo last season vs Auba last season? The narrative was exactly the same then.

                  Auba hasn’t suddenly massively improved his finishing - last season was a period of over performance. Same with Ings. Same with Salah in his first season at Liverpool.

                  Looking at career stats is the fairest way to do it IMO.

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

                    Sorry, season before last. 18/19.

                  2. Cok3y5murf
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    I'd rather look at most recent eye test.

                    If you believe Salah will improve his finishing and his xG Delta this season, that's a totally fair opinion. But I would base that opinion on actually watching him play and looking for signs of improvement in his finishing rather than assuming that since he ONCE did it three years ago, it's going to happen again due to variance. Players change.

                    Auba is on fire right now to be scoring against Man City, Chelsea, AND Liverpool. Are you going to ignore that and assume his xG Delta will reduce again just because it was lower a year ago? Remember that their season totals don't matter. What matters is who you think will score the most points between Salah, Mane, and Auba in the first 1-5 weeks (however long you're planning for), and season stats won't help you nail that.

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

                      That’s cool, I disagree on eye test being the best route, but that’s fine, plenty of ways to skin a cat.

                      I was just disagreeing with the narrative that Salah is a poor finisher - I’m not expecting him to overperform like he did 3 years ago, but I would expect him to perform at or slightly better than xG as per his career.

                      On Auba scoring against good teams recently - I don’t put much stock in recent results to be honest, variance happens in short spells no matter what the fixtures look like, and I don’t really believe in ‘form’. Long term sustainability for me, and I wouldn’t expect Auba to score the same number of goals from the same xG this season. Doesn’t make him a bad option.

                      1. Cok3y5murf
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        How long do you mean when you say long-term sustainability though? Because long-term sustainability is exactly what to look for in FPL Draft, but in FPL, we plan for short blocks of fixtures and hop between players based on form and fixtures to maximize on points.

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

                          So I use that to create a baseline expectation in an ‘average’ fixture and then try to apply a multiplier based on fixture strength. I agree taking into account fixtures is really important - I’m not expecting to own anyone for the entire season really.

                          So by long term sustainability - I mean good enough previous underlying stats (ideally over a large sample) to make me believe that a player is the real deal within the realms of realistic xG overperformance as opposed to drastically over performing and super likely to regress.

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

              Oh yes I see what you mean. Salah will be KDB shortly

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

      Doesn’t look to be a difference in quality when you’ve got a 5.0 like Soucek, so I would say 2 5.0 players could be quite good, maybe you could split the difference and go for the extra budget giving you Soucek plus ASM?

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

        Reply fail

      2. Blues for Salah
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        but much appreciated nevertheless.

        West Ham's early fixtures have me off Soucek right now, but if Ritchie is going to play on the left of three behind the striker, then Soucek/Ritchie would be an intriguing upgrade over my current selection of ASM/4.5 fodder.

    15. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Any more news on Button, please?

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

        Probably stays at Brighton.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Bother. Thanks.

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

        No news = Good news

    16. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      right, i've got my squad sorted at last, one place left, just need a playing -3.5m midfielder and i'm done 🙂

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        😆

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

        Lingard must be somewhere around that price?

        1. SAY MY NAME
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          perfect! knew there had to be an option 🙂

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

      Anyone else thinking of parking Ayling/Dallas on bench for just in case? The CB has been brought in.

      Cheap 6 pointer in week 2 anyway when hosting Mitro 🙂

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

        Too many options in Defense tbh

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

          See the preseason pool of 4.5 certs shrinking slightly 🙂 Vinagre, Justin and Saliba all seem popular but wouldn’t really fancy being on them

          Suspect I’m going to end up with 5.0 with a 4.5 standby. Not really rotation- only for big 2/3/4 matches.

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

            Taylor Vinagre KWP stands out.
            Shaw is great price point.

            Taa VVD is where my heart is set. Doherty looks like might be THE player to own from Spurs ...

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

              You reckon Shaw will be fit. Love it if he is.

              Going a bit off Wolves right now. Doubt Vinagre starts anyway. May ditch KWP as I can’t bring myself to go Ryan again.

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

                I'm considering 4 atb very seriously.
                Soucek as 7th attacker.

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

                  That’s what I’m on pretty much - think I’m prepared to “punt” on Man U defence to GW9 WC. Huge upside if they maintain form and prepared to risk the 0.5/1 mill extra in defence.

                  Wrinkle is Doh. If I forego him it all becomes very affordable. But instinct says he’ll be a hit at Spurs and Mou intends to use him in his Wolves role. Put him in and cash becomes tight

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

                    Exactly !
                    It's very difficult to manage everything with Doherty.

                    I'm being forced to go with only one Pool in Defense due to that

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

                      Tbh think one Liverpool defence is smart play.

                      General form fell off before lockdown. Also there’s a major fixture turn falling conveniently after City match up which looks good for a rejig to power defence if they’re looking good by then

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

                        You're right.

      2. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, but longer-term, I think I'd prefer Burnely, so I'm on Taylor

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Burnley*

    18. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What's the feeling on Bale - will he play in PL again and would you see it as a positive?

      A. Yes
      B. Past his sell by date

      *posted in an earlier article, at end

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

        Don't think he will. The only teams that could afford his ridiculous wages don't need him.

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

      Large question: Kane+ Ziyech or Ings+Son?

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

        K+Z easy

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

      Can you afford Kane and Ings?

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

        I have Werner and Kane, so possibly.

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

          Werner and Ings*!

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

            My front three is exactly that: Kane, Werner and Ings.

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

        I currently have the current draft:
        Ryan/Button
        TAA, Doherty, KWP, Justin, Mitchell
        Auba, Son, 8.0 (Ziyech/Willian), JWP, ASM
        Kane, Ings, Davis
        1.0 ITB

        Ings could be Jimenez, of course.
        Kane could become Martial
        Son could become Bruno
        Auba could become Salah/Mane or KDB/Sterling

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

      Is it overly ambitious to plan for 3 GWs worth of transfers, if two of them are for key City/United players?

      I know what happens - early bandwagons emerge, and all those carefully laid plans go out the window once people start looking at price rises. If it was anything beyond three I'd be highly doubtful myself, but I think it's a realistic timeframe with which to work with. Thoughts?

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

        Why not? Just be flexible if plans don't pan out as expected due to other circumstances. Have fun with it for now and be ready.

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

        It's too much. The only plan I have is to roll GW2 and then in GW 3 I will see what has to be done. If that means doing a mini WC I will do that. But the aim is to have a team to roll a transfer in GW2.

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

          Fair enough, I figured one or two was expected but three was still achievable. Thanks!

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

      Is this THE template?

      McCarthy
      TAA | Doherty | Vinagre
      Salah | Auba | Son | ASM | Soucek
      Werner | Mitrovic

      4.0 | Justin | Mitchell | Davis ; 1.5ITB

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

        Pretty much

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

        Not sure I'm convinced the impact Doherty will have at Spurs

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

        It sure is. Nothing wrong with that

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

        Yup

      5. Chazz69
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Templates don't work

    23. 2004
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      RMT
      McCarthy
      Trent Vinagre Justin
      Salah Auba Son Soucek
      Ings Vardy Mitrovic

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

        Identical to my starting 11!

    24. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Doherty is better than any 6.5 mid or forward and will score more than every 5.5 and below defender, but people will still call him a bad option.

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

        Will he score more than all the 6m defenders?

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

          that is the question. I think yes.

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

          Most probably

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

        Will he perform as well in Mourinho's system?

      3. Blues for Salah
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Will he outscore AWB enough to merit the marginal 0.5? That was the question that moved me off Doc.

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

          can't compare AWB to Doherty offensively

          1. Blues for Salah
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            and that is the question that's driving the discussion. How much will Doc's attacking numbers suffer under Mourinho, and does that regression make the marginal points difference such that a player who is 0.5 cheaper becomes a more attractive option given the change the money allows elsewhere.

            Of course, if you see the move to Spurs as being points neutral you should stick with Doherty. If you expect some level of regression, that invites the question of whether he remains the best 6.0 option and/or whether there are 5.5 defenders who are "close enough" to Doherty in expected production that your overall productivity would be improved if you invested the marginal 0.5 elsewhere. I think you're seeing a lot of discussion about Doherty because people have become much less sure about that answer.

            I had Doherty rated as a must have before all the transfer talk started, but now he's much more in the "I wonder" column of my fantasy mind. Given that there are some budget entries into Wolves defense, I did a little rearranging and decided that I liked having the money to afford Werner more than I wanted to see how the Doherty story will pan out with Spurs.

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

              I have also tinkered, and I'm struggling to fit Doc in with my current template so may just go without. If Aurier stays I almost certainly will avoid Doc, don't need the further threat of rotation on him.

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

      What is better? Trent and a 8-9 mid or a 4.5 def and Auba?

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

        Auba and Trent are both essential, try again

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

          Okay thanks buddy. Helped so much

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

        A

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

        If you 'had' to pick between the two, then the former gives you the greater flexibility and likely combined points return. If you don't have another one or two solid captaincy options, then B.

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

        The option with Trent.