Scout Reports

Can Thiago Silva improve Chelsea’s defence and become a viable FPL asset?

Thiago Silva (£5.5m) looks set to transform Chelsea’s defensive capabilities after completing a move from Paris Saint Germain.

Frank Lampard’s new-look squad is already shaping up to be much-improved from the side that showed so much promise last season – and now they have a sorely needed defensive leader in the ranks.

We have assessed the centre-back’s ability and compared him against his new colleagues to see what impact he will have on Fantasy Premier League in 2020/21…

The History and Statistics

Thiago Silva arrives at Chelsea regarded as one of the greatest central defenders of the last decade.

Between 2012 and 2020, the Brazilian won seven Ligue 1 titles with PSG, as well as five French Cups and six French League Cups, having also won Serie A and the Italian Super Cup with AC Milan before that.

The serial-winning nature of the PSG squad over that time has been heavily influenced by Silva’s stabling presence at the back.

The centre-back is internationally renowned for his ability to read the game well, possessing the pace to patrol his defensive area effortlessly. Very much in the mould of Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m), Silva is the calming influence on those around him, retaining his composure in even the most high-pressure situations.

Because he anticipates danger so well, he rarely ends up in situations that require desperate measures, which is why in nine Champions League games last season, he committed just four fouls.

Perhaps the best way to highlight his importance to any team is his role in Brazil’s infamous World Cup 2014 campaign. The host nation marched all the way to the semi-finals of the competition – but had to play that crucial match without Silva, due to a yellow-card suspension.

In the absence of their defensive rock, Brazil were completely blown away, thrashed 7-1 by a ruthless Germany side in one of the most humiliating results in World Cup history.

In short, Silva theoretically has the ability to transform any team from a defensive shambles to a tight and organised unit.

A key man for PSG over the last eight years, he has operated at a high level in the Champions League too. Although he has never won the tournament, Silva has made a minimum of seven appearances on the continent, in six of the last eight campaigns, taking his team to the final last season.

“With Thiago Silva, we are looking at a player I know very well, pretty much as we all do. He brings great experience for us, he is still playing at a massively high level, as we saw in the Champions League final and games towards the final, so I expect him to come and bring that, bring his experience, leadership and his qualities. It is going to be very important for us.” – Frank Lampard

Such experience in the Champions League means Silva also has plenty of experience playing against English clubs, which could prove key ahead of a move to the Premier League.

He has faced Chelsea six times in his career, losing just one of those meetings. Even when his PSG side were famously beaten at the death by Manchester United in 2018/19, Silva had spent much of the game as one of the best players on the pitch. He dominated that outing with his exceptional passing abilities, another feature of his stabling influence on any team. Incredibly, over the last seasons, the centre-back has ranked second-best among all PSG players for completed passes.

With these skills, Silva helps his teams command the lion’s share of possession and his composure on the ball is another reason why patrolling his defensive areas are often so comfortable for him. Anyone who watched the recent Champions League final will have noticed how well the Brazilian coped with Bayern Munich’s high press.

Silva also does offer some aerial threat at set-pieces but he does not necessarily come to this country as a prolific scorer of goals. In eight years at PSG, he found the net in nine league games.

Comparisons

2019-20Tackle win percentageAerial duel win percentageMinutes per clearanceMinutes per blockMinutes per interception
Cesar Azpilicueta71.9%59.7%39.9153.848.2
Andreas Christensen86.4%58.1%31.321960.4
Antonio Rüdiger75.7%60.6%30.5190106.9
Thiago Silva90.3%62%29.787.660.6
Fikayo Tomori82.9%54.8%30.8184.758.7
Kurt Zouma77.4%75.5%20.9167.340.4

The Prospects

It is clear that Silva will have a massive impact on Chelsea’s clean sheet potential for the new season.

As you can see from the table above, his percentage of tackles won in 2019/20 was significantly higher than anyone else who played centre-back for Chelsea last season.

Meanwhile, only Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) bested the Brazilian for the ratio of aerial duels won and minutes per clearance.

The former Everton loanee was also further ahead for minutes per interception, while Fikayo Tomori (£5.0m) and Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) were marginally better than Silva for this statistic.

However, the former PSG man comes to Chelsea having registered a better figure for minutes per block than any of his new colleagues managed last season.

Considering that PSG dominated Ligue 1 once again in 2019/20, finishing 12 points ahead of Marseille and conceding just 24 goals in 27, the fact that Silva offered such a favourable comparison with Chelsea defenders says a lot about how much of a contribution he can make in the Premier League.

While PSG let in an average of 0.9 goals per game in Ligue 1 last year, the Blues average goals conceded per game was 1.42. Plenty of work for Silva to get stuck into, then.

However, we should point out that until Lampard solves his goalkeeper problem, Silva’s presence may only go so far. After all, Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.0m) had the Premier League’s worst expected Goals Prevented score of any shot-stopper last season.

It also looks as if he can help Chelsea’s defensive prospects from a possession perspective as well. Not only will he likely increase the team’s ability to produce Clearances, Blocks and Interceptions (CBIs), but Silva will likely improve their command of the ball.

In an admittedly easier league, he registered a pass completion rate of 95.5% in 2019/20, higher than anyone else in Chelsea’s squad who played more than once last season. That mantle fell to Christensen, who completed 91% of his passes.

This ability, while also residually increasing the chances of a Chelsea clean sheet, could also be important for Silva when it comes to accruing bonus points.

Perhaps the only question hanging over Silva in terms of his own FPL appeal, is how often he will start games. At 35 years of age, he is certainly in the closing stages of his career, nor is he expected to stay at Chelsea for a long-term period.

Could that see Lampard use the veteran defender sparingly, especially considering the number of fronts Chelsea will be competing on this season?

Well, the 2019/20 campaign certainly demonstrated that Silva still has the legs and longevity to persistently perform at the highest level, considering he made nine Champions League appearances for PSG.

Among his colleagues, only Presnel Kimpembe and Juan Bernat (10 each) played more times in the competition.

Silva did play slightly fewer Ligue 1 matches, appearing in 21 and starting 20, but this was not due to rotation. He only missed some league action due to a groin injury in January and hamstring problem in February.

One other element not considered thus far is the impact Sila will have on those around him. Bringing a vastly experienced central defender, who leads by example and has won plenty of silverware, is exactly what Chelsea need in their young defence right now.

As a result, the other centre-backs in Lampard’s rapidly developing squad should, in theory, improve after spending time with Silva.

“We have a relatively young squad, we saw that last year, there were games afterwards when I was probably asking for more voice and some more leadership in different ways and he brings that naturally straight away, and also on the pitch he can help talk and be the player that he is which means affecting others. On those levels, I hope he brings that. I am pretty sure he will with the qualities we know he has, so I am excited for when he joins up.” – Frank Lampard

Following on from that, Silva’s arrival should also improve the FPL points potential of Chelsea defenders, as well as offering some clean sheets of his own.

With the Brazilian rooted at the heart of the back-four, Fantasy managers are now more likely to look to Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) and Reece James (£5.0m) in the hope they can nail down starting berths at full-back, although Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) and Marcos Alonso (£6.0m) are likely to cause complications there with so many competitions to compete in. So if Silva is able to retain a level of sharpness that allows him to play every game, he could also end up as the most nailed-on starter in Chelsea’s defence, especially helpful given his price.

Best players by position:

1,336 Comments Post a Comment
  1. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Choose one:

    A. Kane + Barnes
    B. Vardy + Alli

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

      I'm on A at the moment

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m on A, although I will monitor alli

    4. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B.Just.

    5. MGMT
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    6. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      A

    8. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't you also have 0.5 extra in A?
      That makes a difference too!

    9. Podge
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is neither an option?

  2. Kloppcorn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Does anybody on here have any idea how wolves will line up next season?
    Just read something about Traore playing RWB, and them having a forward 3 of jota, podence, jiminez

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

      Hard to say until they finalise their transfers

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Traore in quarantine for covid

    3. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They’ll likely rotate between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 like always I think. Expect them to sign a couple of wingbacks before the window closes.

  3. Freund88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would love some feedback on this team, if only so I can finally stop thinking about it!

    Ryan Nyland
    TAA Doherty Egan Pieters KWP
    Salah Auba ASM Armstrong Soucek
    Werner Mitro Davis

    1.5m ITB

    One question I have is whether that is too much ITB given likely Salah or Auba get downgraded raising more funds? But equally would like to upgrade Davis and one of the 4.5 defs depending on who emerges.

    1. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah and Auba will probably be sideways moves only right - Bruno, KDB, Mane.....Messi...... etc. I was holding 1.5 with Greenwood on the bench but have opted for a higher potential starting XI and switched him to Son. I wouldn't spread it about if I was you, I would upgrade one of the other 3 mids as its easier to maneuver in the future.

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Personally, I wouldn’t put any more funds in your defence. It’s strong already - TAA and Doherty...you even have perfect rotation between Egan and KWP as surplus...and Pieters as bonus. Invest that 1.5 to improve midfield. By downgrading one of 5.5 to 4.5 you will have 2.5 to spend. Spend it wisely 🙂

      1. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        So you want to a start a 4.5 mid?

    3. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm probably doing the same thing and likely downgrading Auba in GW3 with hopefully 2 FTs to have 2m or thereabouts to spend elsewhere. I could spend the extra in defence, but that's not where I want my funds.

    4. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      To many unreliables for me. ASM, Soucek, Mitrovic and evening Armstrong are all big chances. Any could be this years Wesley or King.

  4. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Vardy and Greenwood
    B) Ings and Son

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

      B

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B.

    3. MGMT
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    5. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  5. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    “In an admittedly easier league”

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Farming is a good profession !

    2. socho
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      As seen during Lyon-Man City

  6. marcus2704
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Whats Traore like as a pick, is he nailed or thereabouts?

    1. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well, he wasn’t nailed...maybe he will become more regular...although - must spend 14 days in quarantine first.

    2. Podge
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Likely playing at the back this season, I’m avoiding for now

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

    Predictions on Andy Carroll minutes?

    I know he's probably shite, but if he gets minutes I'd consider the punt

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

      If he gets minutes...

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

        Gayle's injured and no ones any the wiser to Muto or Joelinton's status, Andy's the only forward we've left.

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

          My issue is his fitness record. The last time he started three Premier League games in a row was September 2017

    2. Blues for Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keep an eye on the Callum Wilson story. That would seem to be a bit of a pin in Andy's balloon.

      1. Wild Card this!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He might become option if FPL towers give him nice price tag 🙂

        1. Phlajo
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Should be 6.5-7, right?

          1. Wild Card this!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Anything more than 6.5 would rule him out for me.

            1. Pep Roulette
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              This

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If we could be sure that he would be available every game week to play 90 minutes then @ 5.5 he'd be in a lot of teams, including mine. But we all know AC of old ... I wonder what % of his playing career he's been injured? It must be on of the highest of al professional footballers. Shame really - good player.

    4. Thug
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      he should get time with Maguire

  8. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I always come back to 3-4-3...
    Any suggestions?

    McCarthy

    TAA - Doherty - Vinagre

    Salah - Auba - Alli - Soucek

    Werner - Mitrovic - Jimenez

    (Nyland, Mitchell, Ferguson/Diop, Gordon)

    I really just need one of the 4M to start... If Vinagre stops being a starter I can easily switch to another 4.5M def, probably a Burnley asset..

    1. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It looks good if you disregard bench 🙂

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have gone 3-4-3 as well but more aggressive. - no pool

      McCarthy ♦ (Nyland)
      ♦Justin♦Vinagre♦KWP♦Doherty♦ (Targett)
      Son♦JWP♦Aubameyang♦(Gordon - Greenwood)
      Jiminez♦Werner♦Kane

      As regard your team has Alli only started popping up because of that staged Spurs documentary?

      1. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Had Son, but really needed de extra 1M to pick Jimenez instead of Adam. If given right minutes and playing behind de striker, Alli has proven several times that he could be a 170+ pts player, even 200+... at 8M seems a bargain.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I see. I was watching FF Hub just now and a Spurs fan pointed out that Alli has competition from Moura, Lamela, LeCelso.
          Plus Alli is consistent they said. They actually praised Adam as a pick

      2. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Really like the JWP pick... he is been massively overlooked, nice team.

        1. Sanchit
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          How many open play goals has JWP scored in his career?
          I only remember his set piece goals

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Good question I looked it up

            JWP has scored 16 goals from his 26 career goals in that ARE NOT - DFK or Pens

            JWP has scored 5 DFK's
            JWP has scored 5 Pen's

            https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-ward-prowse/alletore/spieler/181579/saison//verein/0/liga/0/wettbewerb//pos/0/trainer_id/0/minute/0/torart/0/plus/1

        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks trying to leave it alone now, don't want to overthink it. I view JWP as a half way house between Adams and Ings. Well capable of assists from corners or goals plus will always start.
          Great value.

      3. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No Alli comes in because of his pre season form and history where he delivers when he gets minutes.
        Looks nailed

    3. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Confident of playing Soucek for the horrible fixtures?
      Do look at his stats against the better teams.
      He has 0 shots and 0 key passes in most of the matches.

      1. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yup... The reward could be huge for such a small risk and it allows me to upgrade Adams to Jimenez

  9. Budgies
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hows this:

    McCarthy
    TAA, VVD, KWP
    Aub, Son, Ziyech, S Maximin, Armstrong
    Kane, Jimenez

    (Nyland, Saliba, Douglas, Brewster)
    £1M in bank

    1. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not feeling the pool double def myself. Great otherwise

  10. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's with this Foster-McCarthy situation?

    1. Phlajo
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Foster is coming back from Celtic after loan ended..

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Angus Gunn about too

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Forster will not push out McCarthy

  11. Bottleandahalf
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi folks. Please rate my first draft.
    352

    Button/ Mc carthy
    TAA/Coady/Taylor. (Ferguson/Vinagre)
    Auba/Salah/Son/Preira/Reed
    Mitro/ Kane. (Brewster)

    1. Bottleandahalf
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pope not button

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't waste your time, money or brain anguish (you'll get plenty of this anyway) by having two playing goalies. Pope+4.0 (Steer) will be fine.

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        *Or goalie of your choice

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bit much on keepers plus JWP better option than Pereira?

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

    G2G?

    McCarthy
    Vinagre TAA Justin
    Salah Son Auba Soucek
    Werner Ings Mitro

    Subs: Reed, Mitchell, Taylor

  13. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why all the Alli love?

    1. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      this.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Solid preseason

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      People trying to act clever and save 1m on Son.

      Personally never works for me (going for cheaper option for the sake of it)

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

        I strongly agree, but it's not like we're covering Vardy's return with Maddison - bad memories! Alli's been playing as a second striker, getting into the box plenty and also showing off his creative ability. Whereas Son was stuck on the wing during the restart and not very threatening, his xGI was less than 3 which isn't great over 9 matches.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Alli is out of starting 11 as things stand.
          He lost his place in last season. Unnecessary risk

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

            Rubbish, Alli has played a ton for Jose and was only out after the restart because of injury. Ndombele is the only threat and he's been dreadful and unfit. Perfectly acceptable risk to take, Jose loves Alli and plays him in the role he's excellent at.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Rubbish ?
              Lol
              Okay.

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                😀

    4. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They’ve all started watching the Tottenham All or Nothing documentary!

    5. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Easy sideways shift to Greenwood or a Chelsea midf, for me.

  14. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do we think of Digne?

    Look at his fixtures after spurs...

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Carlo is quietly improving Everton. Digne is a fine option, but for the same price, Doherty offers a bit more, imo.

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What about both

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'd also take Laporte over Digne. I've got 2 of the Liverpool big 3 and Doherty. No space for another big defender.

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

            Apart from the obvious offensive returns, Andy, do you believe Digne (and the other nailed Everton defenders) is a decent prospect also in terms of clean sheets potential?

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              My opinion is that Carlo appears to be building a solid squad, front, middle and back, but I'd want to see them for a couple of games first before committing. My main concern is not at the back - I think Everton will get clean sheets. But at the other end where Doherty is combining with Kane, Son and Alli, who does Digne supply when he's not scoring from a direct free kick?

    2. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I mentioned my concern earlier that if the James Rodriguez signing goes through Digne might be moved off set pieces. A situation just to be aware of.

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

      I can't justify him over Doherty, but I can over Armstrong + 0.5. If I can squeeze that cash out I won't have any qualms about making the switch. Allan is a big upgrade on Davies as a defensive midfielder and Ancelotti's a world class manager, add Doucoure and the defense looks even more tempting.

  15. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Asm or saka?

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

      ASM

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Armstrong.

  16. huwwilliams_
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know what southampton's back line will be next season?

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KWP Salisu Bednarek Bertrand

      1. huwwilliams_
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers man

  17. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who are the let's say top 5 best 4.5 defenders? GW1 blankers not included

    1. huwwilliams_
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vinagre, Taylor and any saints 4.5 defender up there

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vinagre, Justin (for now), KWP, Lampety, Taylor

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Bakery threatens KWP

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          *Valery

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not sure about Lamptey. Good player, but Veltman might play at RB

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

          Veltman is a very good player, smart and versatile as few PL defenders.

    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      See below

      That’s the best 5 I could come up with

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Standard names that are rotating around here in various drafts...KWP, Vinagre, Justin, Lamptey, Newcastle/Leeds (4.5), possible Salibe, etc...not sure, maybe I missed someone...

  18. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Slowing starting to settle on the following plan -

    Team for gw 1 -

    McCarthy - Steer
    Vinagre - Taylor - Justin - Lascelles - KWP
    Salah - Aubameyang - Son - Greenwood - Stephens
    Werner - Ings - Mitrovic

    GW 2 - Save FT
    GW 3 - Auba + Ings > KDB + Jimenez for free
    GW 4 - Mitrovic + Son > Vardy + Armstrong for -4
    GW 5 - Save FT
    GW 6 - Werner + Justin > TAA + Wood

    This lets me get all the big hitters for their plum fixtures. Only downside being not having TAA for the first 5 gws. 😀

    With Liverpool’s defensive form and uncertainty over TAA’s availability in gw 1, it is a sensible strategy?

    I know planning transfers is not wise but better to have a plan than nothing at all. 😉

    WC to the rescue if things go wrong.

    Thoughts please? 🙂

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Planning transfers for 6 GWs never goes well. Imagine Sancho or Messi come in. Or an injury perhaps. The whole plan goes to the bin then.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        WC then

        Easy option out

        What do you think of the plan in isolation if no injuries or Messi?

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think your plan shouldn't extend beyond GW3. But yes, it seems good with the exception of Ings > Jimenez.

      Ings is a better option than Jimenez. He scores more goals, he's more prolific. And you'd be removing him before: bur WBA.

      I'd probably look at just Auba > KdB and then see where you might need a FT, or else roll it again and have 2 in GW4.

      The team is fine with the exception of Lascelles. Would rather have Lamptey or Ayling for attacking threat.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Aye

        May as well keep Ings but like Jimenez fixtures more from Gw 3. Burnley away will be tough for ings

        Will have Armstrong later anyway. Thanks.

    3. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Too much planning ahead imo. It never goes as planned. Imagine TAA being on fire. I'd get him from the get go.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I like the fact that I get to cover vardy, son, Liverpool, city, united, Werner, Salah and Aubameyang, ings and Jimenez for all their great fixtures.

        Small price to pay is not having TAA for just 4 gws

        Just feel there is high reward with this plan rather than high risk

    4. Red Red Robins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Im more worried about prices rising whilst i wait. Even 2 players going up by 0.1 could mess your plan up

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I’m pretty sure that I will earn some profits from Aubameyang, Werner and ings.

        Should be fine.

    5. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ings to Jimenez for effectively -4 is bad.

      I don't mind looking at players you're going to want for certain blocks of fixtures, but this is too much.

      I'd rather just start with Vardy/Armstrong/Jimenez/TAA if you're certain to want them all.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

        That transfer may easily wait for a few gws. No rush actually.

    6. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Agree with comments above.
      Don’t plan too far ahead.
      Set it up for 3 GWs max and if it doesn’t work - WC is there to fix it 😉

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

  19. huwwilliams_
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pulisic or werner?

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

      Werner

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both will likely end up being the way

    3. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both. But will have to wait a week or 2 for Pulisic.

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well, we saw Pulisic and he can become great asset.
      Werner is extremely promising and I think that he might outscore rest of Chelsea players comfortably...but we will have to wait and see how it pens out.
      With Pulisic injury I would go initially with Timo.

  20. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    In search of commentary or MBM of the Boro vs Jongleurs game I find that Ritchie might be moved out as part of a deal for Wilson, and that the Barcodes might want Lingard from Utd.

    Any idea if the game even went ahead? One of the local papers had a MBM page ready to go, and that's magically vanished.

  21. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ryan
    TAA Vinagre Justin Lascelles KWP
    Auba Salah Son Armstong
    Werner

    Button; Martial, Gordon, Brewster

    Could also get McCarthy in goal but don't like the Southampton defensive double up. Plan is to play mostly 442. Of course if Brewster joins a team on loan it could be massive.

  22. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vardy is actually a pretty solid captaincy choice for GW1. I won't have him as not in my long term plans but WBA away screams Vardy goals

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It does rather

      Between him and Kane for me up top likely for first 4 or so. Think I’ll likely go Vardy in the end. Spurs have a long away trip between 1 and 2 and another quite possible between 2 and 3.

      Don’t see Spurs being razor sharp and weeks 1 and 2 are indifferent fixtures really

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        They have EL midweek matches. Could look at that two ways - extra match sharpness, or fatigue.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It’s away in Bulgaria - not ideal

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah - actually that's putting me off. If the draw had sent some GibraltaNS to London, the first teaM COULD SIT IT OUT, BUT pLOVDIV AREN'T WEAK ENOUGH TO SEND THE KIDS IN A ONE-LEG AWAY TIE. fATIGUE BECKONS.

            1. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Yep

              Some really tasty draws there including Irish and Welsh sides - got one of the worst available

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I wish I could fit him in but I'm prioritising Werner and don't want more than 1 'premium' striker - I think it'll cause me issues down the line personally.

  23. Conor20
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do people think of the following team:

    McCarthy (Steer)

    TAA Vinagre Justin or Thomas (whichever starts) (Ben Johnson)

    Auba (gonna switch to Salah after GW2) Son Maddison Greenwood (Stephens)

    Adams Kane Werner

    Any comments appreciated!

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to get excited about Maddison, one thing tho he seems nailed. Otherwise all good, do you think Adams will get the minutes to justify a strikers spot ?

      1. Conor20
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yea Adams should start, he scored in a friendly today and he looked good at the end of last season. Plus Southampton have a good run of fixtures. I have 0.5 in the bank to switch Son to Rashford after gw1 but there's a worrying lack of KDB or Sterling

        1. One Man
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Very good. Rash is a good move. I’d even switch Auba to Fernandes rather than Salah and use the 1.5 to switch Maddison to Pulisic or Alli. I like the idea of having 2 Spurs attackers during the opening 8.

          1. Conor20
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yea United have a great run at the start, there could be some big point earners. Very true re Salah, will see how he starts off. Although I also think Fernandes can't possibly get as many penalties as last season too! Maddison can be hit and miss too so will wait and see. Thanks for the info, much appreciated!

  24. One Man
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is there any reason to believe Adams & Armstrong will get the minutes to justify picking them this season ? Nice opening fixtures.

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both are great options and both will be in the staring 11 as things stand!

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. If Adams gets the minutes I think he could be a real steal.

  25. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So now the question is that does Alli provides enough differential potential compared to a properly nailed Mid?

    Thoughts?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Alli being Jose's favourite and doing good in pre season makes him somewhat nailed for the start of the season!

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        oh I didn't know about this, thanks

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Don't see how he can be nailed. There's only two spots up for grabs behind Kane in Jose's 4-2-3-1 as Son is a guarantee. That leaves Alli, Bergwijn, Lucas Moura, Lo Celso and Lamela fighting for two spots.

        1. NULL-X-VOID
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Exactly why I was confused then all this he's Jose's favorite trend started to float and that surprised me

  26. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mitrovic not playing in pre season due to fitness issues surely makes him a risk to start with?

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well spotted. Not his biggest fan, I favour Adams, but he may not get the minutes

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I thought the only worry was him being rubbish but now this as well.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Just sulking because Adams is getting a little attention - he’ll blast it

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nonsense. Just monitor the two matches Serbia play this week.

  27. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Jimmy

    B. Ings

    I’m seeing more going for Jimmy. But Ings scored about the same as him last year and has the better early fixtures no?

  28. owenwhyte
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT please

    Mccarthy
    TAA Vinagre KWP Justin Davies
    Salah Auba Son
    Kane Mitro

    Bench : Nyland(GK) Stephens Gordon Bamford

    1.5 ITB for the Son -> Bruno switcheroo

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty template. Weak bench tho.

  29. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this squad please? I'd love to be able to downgrade Lloris to McCarthy if I could establish whether Dier or another £5.0m defender from Spurs is nailed.

    Lloris Nyland
    TAA Vinagre Justin Targett Mitchell
    Salah Auba Son Soucek Reed
    Werner Antonio Mitro

    For the record, if you play two out of three each week from a LEI/WOL/AVL defence trio, you get outrageously good fixtures over the first 16 GWs.

    1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      £1.0m ITB.

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

    Would you prefer Robbo and Dier or Trent and Justin?

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yep

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Former are nailed long term. Depends on your time-scale.