Pro Pundits - Lateriser

The key underlying statistics I consider when picking my new FPL squad

I think I’ve written about enough subjective theories and opinion until now. What I’m doing with this article is I spent some time in the Premium Members Area and I thought I’d give you some relevant handpicked stats that are simple yet relevant.  

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

Without wasting any more time, let’s dive in.

Who are the best and worst defences?

All of this data is but a snippet of the notes I take whenever I spend time in the Premium Members Area. Hopefully you found this information helpful as you prepare your team for the new season.

Best players by position:

715 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Shane Duffy (TC gold two years ago for some) has joined Celtic on a year long loan

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

      Good news for Ryan owner like me

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

        Highly rated Ben White should be further up the pecking order

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

          Played brilliantly against CHE the other day

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Brighton could be decent with white and lamptey, just dont play dan burn and youre fine, i think they would need a lb still, solly march cant play there

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

        Pretty interesting rotation with McCarthy which has only 4 weeks out of 38 when the worst sides (best sides) you have to play one against are Man U and Wolves.

      2. Greasy Grealish Gang
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I got both Lamptey and White in my team. Lamptey is such a pleasure to watch.

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

    These people picking non nailed players for wk 1....and taking hits for a ManU player in wk 2...

    Ask yourself: Will LR12 do it?

    NO.

    🙄

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

      Maybe.

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

      I only ask myself: how to maximize upside chasing? Seriously.

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What if you want multiple gw1 blank players?

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

        its doable. I had a draft with Lindelof & martial on the bench. Obv need to leave out the likes of Werner etc.

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

      I’d take a -4 factored over 10 gameweeks to bring in two MNU for GW2. Easily.

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

    I've always been against the benching united players idea, but I'm finally on board. Rashford benched, and gives me that extra transfer early on to make a quick fix, jump on bandwagons or an earlier/cheaper mini wildcard if it all goes wrong.

    What's the general consensus on this now?

    A) Benching a United/City player
    B) Transferring United/City player in for GW2
    C) Other - explain?

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

      D. Ignore for now and stick to my guns

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

        Brave, good luck!

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Really depends ur team tbh, seen some really weak GW1 teams.
      I think both options are viable, benching one or bringing one in for GW2.
      On paper benching one seems like a bad decision, but if you can still get a decent GW1 squad out then it’s not so bad. I’m using Soucek to facilitate it, he has a good GW1 fixture so he can play that then Bruno off bench for GW2.
      If I wasn’t happy with my GW1 team though I wouldn’t do it

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

        With Bruno on bench does that mean you only have one of Auba/Salah?

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, my attack is:
          Werner - Ings - Mitro
          Auba - Alli - Soucek - (Bruno).

          No immediate plans to get Salah, Auba >KDB for GW3.

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

            Solid, I have an almost identical setup and transfer plans atm

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

        True, seems some questionable teams trying to force a united bench.

        My team would not be much different, I can either play JWP and bench Rashford, or play an upto 11m mid and transfer them out for Rashford.

        This way allows me to have who I think will be a good playing 12th moving forwards, and I'm confident in my JWP pick 🙂

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

      C) Both

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

      I seem to have found myself with both Martial and Bruno benched for GW1.
      Obviously I'd be mad to stick with it, but XI on the pitch don't look too terrible if looked at from the right angle and 1 playing sub too.

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

        Interesting. Care to share?

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

          McC

          TAA/KWP/Davies/Vinagre/Mitchell

          Auba/Ritchie/Soucek

          Werner/Kane

          Steer/Bissouma/Bruno/Martial

          Ok, actually does look terrible, but could downgrade forwards a bit to beef up rest easily enough.

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

      -Benching Bruno GW1
      -Auba to KDB GW3
      -Doherty to Laprote later on

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Benching Bruno and playing mid 4-3-3 gw 1

        2.5 itb for Antonio to martial

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

    McCarthy
    TAA | Vinagre | Thomas
    Auba | Salah | Armstrong | Soucek
    Vardy | Werner | Ings

    Or.

    McCarthy
    TAA | Vinagre | Thomas
    Auba | Salah | Alli/Ziyech | 7.0 | Armstrong
    Werner | Ings

    *Option A will take an extra hit (-4) to get to ideal team in GW3/4*

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

      Armstrong and Soucek to Mane and Alli for free.

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

        what?

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

          200m budget chip?

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

      Option b looks really bad specially mid.
      Auba - Salah - unproven - bad price point - Budget
      Better to go for 3-4-3

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

        Alli isn't unproven and 7.0 is an effective placeholder for me.

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

          Alli is ok but who would buy for 7?

    3. Forlorn Hope
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Great team! I have basically the same team (Justin instead of Thomas). For me it gives great balance and a bit more excitement up front.
      I am moving Vardy to Martial week 2 and Aubameyang to De Bruyne week 3.
      That’s when the problems start as I have 1.5 million to spend and not sure if I boost the defence or upgrade Armstrong to Foden for example.
      What plans do you have?

  5. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    If trent doesnt play for england its a huge concern for gw1 no matter what klopp says.

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That’s why I’m hoping to just go Robbo. Robbo has great form post COVID, and will start and 0.5 cheaper.
      Not saying this is long term, but to start off it will be hopefully be fine.

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

        Not concerned about Tsimikas rotation?

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

      Yep, simple switch to Robbo and an extra .5 I'm not complaining

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

        This ^

        Hopefully he doesn't play, and everyone has them in their GW1 team.

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

    Alli or Greenwood?

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

      Alli first.

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

      Alli.

      I have doubts over Greenwood. If he plays the first few games, and plays well, then I'll consider getting him in.

  7. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Son or Ziyech?

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

      Both of Z is fit

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

        *if

      2. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Nah but if you had to choose?

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

          Ziyech

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

          Son.
          Proven.
          Better fixtures.

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

        Not interested in Alli?

        1. BIG TONES
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          No particularly, would rather Son or nothing for Spurs attack. Also have Doh

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

    Any feedback, good or bad really appreciated.....

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Taylor Justin Vinagre Mitchell
    Aubameyang Salah Greenwood JWP Soucek
    Kane Ings (Brewster or Wickham)

    GW2 - Ings > Martial
    GW3 - Auba > KDB
    Whenever......Mitchell > Targett

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

      Not bad. JWP has been on the cusp of being a decent asset for about 10 years though.

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

        Yeah he’s the problem ....do I just go ASM or Armstrong and use the cash to upgrade somewhere?

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

          Armstrong I reckon.

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

        Hold your ground on JWP. Under the radar pick imo.

    2. Alchim1sT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      looks decent, I like the JWP punt ... easy switch to upcoming 5,5 bandwagons
      Mind Brewster ... you might be blocking a potential important third pool slot

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

        Yep...if he doesn’t get a loan then it will be Wickham / Davis

  9. Kizza_10
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Can I get people’s thoughts/advice on this team please.

    McCarthy
    Saliba Trent Doherty Robertson
    Ziyech Aubameyang Salah Saka
    Mitrovic Werner

    Subs:
    Button, Vinarge, Reed, Davies

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

      Ziyech, Saka, Saliba all a bit risky to start GW1

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

      Would pick Alli over Ziyech. Saka is also transfer waiting to happen so maybe go with Armstrong.

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

      Saliba not a risk? Rest seems decent enough. I like Saka and first two fixtures good, but then goes a bit sh*t shaped.

    4. Alchim1sT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      not keen on Doherty after Spurs switch ... Davies might safe you a million with also decent offensive flair

  10. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Son & Dier
    B) Son & Davies
    C) Alli & Doherty

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

      C

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

      C

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

      Son + someone else. I am not convinced with Tottenham defence from start.

  11. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Fairly settled on this lot. Thoughts?

    Ryan
    TAA Dier Vinagre
    Salah Auba Alli Soucek
    Werner Martial Adams

    (Steer KWP Mitchell Bissouma)
    0.0m

    GW2: Salah to Bruno (maybe)
    GW3: Auba to KDB
    Reinvest the funds from these downgrades in GW4/5

    Ryan & KWP or McCarthy & Justin?

    Cheers! 🙂

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

      McCarthy and Justin 100%

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

        This.

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

          Its good mate.

          You have obvs weighed up Adams....I don't know if he is nailed...but sure you done some research.

          The Ryan pick unusual around here. But I like as it allows kwp.... I may do that myseld

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

            Adams is a great selection best of that price bracket.

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

      Ryan and KWP by far for me

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

    Sergio Romero is now on the transfer list. United are asking between £8M and £10M to part with him. Aston Villa is said to be the club that has shown the most interest in the keeper.

    Romero is 5.0 in FPL.

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

      pass.

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

      I'd rather they put DDG on the list

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Good signing for a number of teams in the prem, fpl wise a non option unless he moves to Chelsea

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

          Which is exactly where he ought to go. He's damn good!

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

      Is anyone aiming for the Salah, KDB, Fernandes trifecta by GW3?

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

        no, not salah.

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

        KDB yes. Salah maybe (could be Auba). Fernandes seems expensive when Rashford is 9.5?

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

          Quite like the look of Martial instead of Fernandes. Salah is a must-have for me given who I support

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

            First mistake, never let club loyalties sway FF selection

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

        One of salah,auba combined with kdb and Bruno

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

          It looks very tempting

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

          Too restrictive without seeing them play yet. Only KDB (GW3) for me.

      4. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The premium forwards won't let you do this. They will offer much better value imo.

      5. hustler7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That's the plan

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

      1) Bench Rashford/Greenwood and play 4.5 defender GW?
      2) Play Son GW1 and bench 4.5 defender.

      With Greenwood on bench I could also upgrade 4.5 defender to e.g. Doherty, or spend the money elsewhere.

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

        Easy 2

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

      Any news on Ziyech's fitness? Or not, as the case might be?

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

        Also waiting Doos....

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

          🙁 Wtf happened to pre-Season???

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

            Getting cancelled for most teams, not sure why though.

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

              Pointless international tournament, that's why.

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

      A. Dier + Son or
      B. Doherty + Alli ?

      Son/Alli to Chelsea mid later...

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

        I have the same dilemma, leaning towards B

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

      I'll be wildcarding week 2 so I'm going for the best possible gameweek 1 team. Here are my picks so far, what do you think?

      Alisson
      Alderweireld, TAA, Justin, Doherty
      Soucek, Auba, San Max, Mount, Salah
      Kane

      1. Alchim1sT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Is Mount nailed? ... would prefer Werner for the Chelsea offense
        If you wc GW 2 I would add Robbo instead of Doherty
        Free up funds be downgrading Toby

      2. footballfreak
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Am wildcarding too this is my team
        Mcarthy
        TAA robertson justin tierney
        Auba salah saka
        Werner ings antonio

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

      Launching my own Patreon account under the name FPL CON MAN. Offering:

      - Meaningless, misleading and useless statistical analysis
      - Subjective Match of the Day notes compiled using my own biases
      - Pointless early reveal of my stab-in-the-dark weekly transfers
      - Obvious captain pick recommendations
      - Other stuff you could’ve worked out for yourself
      - WhatsApp group where everyone who can’t make their own minds up can panic together

      £9.99 a month. Get in while you can!

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

        Link?

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

        I’d like to pay in rotten tomatoes and eggs

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

        Does it involve Fanteam too?

    10. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A) Armstrong (3-5-2)
      B) Adams (3-4-3)

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

        If you already have Mitro then A

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

      A. Robertson + Rashford
      B. Doherty + Bruno

      have TAA

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

      For those interested in Kun, he is BACK to training.

      https://twitter.com/aguerosergiokun/status/1300501599446618113

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

        puuuuurfect...

    13. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      would you make any changes to this? Not sold on Justin....

      0.5mitb for ings to martial gw2.

      Mccarthy (4m)
      Taa vinagre justin (taylor 4m)
      Salah auba armstrong soucek (greenwood)
      Werner ings mitro

      Thanks

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

      Son, Ziyech and Ings
      or.
      Salah, Greenwood and Che Adams
      ?

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

        A if you have alternative captaincy options every week

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

          I would have KDB, Fernandes, Werner & TAA

    15. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Quality article, easily digestible stats. Great work mate.

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

      Good morning everyone. Is there anyone playing also fantasyleague.com out there?

    17. Lotus flower bomb
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts on this team lads.. Thanks

      McCarty 4.0
      KWP TAA Vinagre Mitchell Doc
      Salah Son Auba Soucek Anguissa
      Werner, Mitro, Bamford

      1.5 ITB - Plan to move Son to Bruno GW
      Still hesitant on losing Salah/Auba for City Assests, dont want to lose Son either
      Rodrigo could limit bamford now or play together - Doc can be downgraded to Dier to free up 1mil

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

      Ready for GW1 - Key decisions being no Salah, Auba captaincy and Bruno benching

      Ryan
      TAA Doherty Tierny KWP
      Auba (c) Son Ziyech Soucek
      Ings Mitrovic
      - Vinagre Davies Bruno

      - Will get Brewster if he gets his loan move
      - Will monitor Ziyech's fitness close to the deadline
      - TAA to Robbo if the former isn't fit

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

        No such thing as a "ready for GW1" this far out.
        Key transfers could change a few things.

    19. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If west ham sell Diangana on the cheap to West Brom...
      1. He's a decent pick at 5.5
      2. Then Gold and Sullivan will once again have their pants pulled down. Awful owners.

    20. fplfansss
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      RMT pls

      McCarthy, Nyland
      TAA, Vinagre, Doherty, Taylor, Mitchell
      Salah, Auba, Son, Armstrong, Stephens
      Vardy, Mitro, Ayew

    21. apprehensivepipe4
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      RMT HELP PLEASE!

      McCarthy (Button)

      TAA, Vinagre, Walker-Peters (Dallas, Bernardo)

      Salah, KDB, Son, Saint-Maximin (Stephens)

      Werner, Martial, Mitrovic

      OR

      McCarthy (Button)

      TAA, Robertson, Vinagre, Walker-Peters (Dallas)

      Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Son (Stephens)

      Rodrigo, Mitrovic (Davis)