Scout Reports

Can new Everton signing Allan improve the Toffees’ FPL clean sheet prospects?

Everton completed the signing of Allan (£5.5m) from Napoli a week before the start of the 2020/21 campaign, with the Brazilian putting pen to paper on a three-year deal.

The central midfielder will be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, who coached him for 18 months in Serie A.

While the subsequent capture of James Rodriguez (£7.5m) has perhaps overshadowed it, Allan’s move to Merseyside is still worthy of note from a Fantasy perspective.

The 29-year-old Brazil international likely won’t attract much interest in Fantasy Premier League himself, it should be said: a total of 12 league goals in a career spanning more than a decade is a strong indicator on that front.

The ex-Napoli man only once registered more than five assists in a single season in his eight-year stay in Serie A, meanwhile.

But it’s his potential impact on other Fantasy assets from Everton that we’ll be examining here, a topic that is perhaps even more pertinent given that Ancelotti’s troops sit near the top of our Season Ticker until December: the Toffees face all three newly promoted clubs and five teams who finished tenth or below in the Premier League last season in the first 11 Gameweeks of the new campaign.

PLAYING STYLE

A combative, all-action central midfielder, Allan was a much-needed capture for Everton given their woes in the middle of the park in 2019/20.

The sale of Idrissa Gueye and long-term absence of Jean-Philippe Gbamin (£5.0m) left the Toffees desperately short of defensive shields last season and Ancelotti’s persistence with a 4-4-2 only added to the problems, with Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.0m), Andre Gomes (£5.5m) and Tom Davies (£5.5m) all failing to convince when they were used in a two-man central midfield.

The immobile Sigurdsson especially isn’t suited to such a deep role in the middle of the park, while it’s no coincidence that Gomes’ form suffered without a Gueye-type anchor alongside him.

It soon became blindingly obvious that reinforcements would be needed in the engine room, especially if Ancelotti was to continue with his preferred formation.

He may not be exactly the same type of player as Gueye but Allan nevertheless fits the bill, with the player himself describing his playing style upon signing for the Toffees:

A strong part of my game is marking and the desire to go in to win absolutely every ball.

That is definitely a differential in my game and I believe with my desire I can put in really good performances to win over the fans.

I’ve been very competitive since I was a child; always wanted to win.

Everything we do in midfield and defence – winning a 50/50, winning a tackle or a one-on-one, clearing the ball – a lot of the time it’s like scoring a goal.

In the game, sometimes these things are very important.

At times it all seems so natural but a tackle, winning a one-on-one, clearing a ball; if it’s quite a tight game, we celebrate as if it’s a goal.

That’s about dedication and giving everything on the pitch.

Ancelotti said of his new recruit, meanwhile:

I think Allan is a fantastic player, he has fantastic energy and quality in midfield. I know him very well and he knows me.

Our supporters will love him because he plays with a lot of passion. He is a fantastic signing for us.

Tactically he is really good. Really strong defensively, he wins a lot of balls. He is aggressive and he is Brazilian, so he is able to do both – [contribute] with the ball and without the ball.

For sure, with Allan we are going to improve.

THE HISTORY

Born in Rio de Janeiro in January 1991, Allan’s senior career began in earnest with Vasco de Gama in his homeland.

After making 51 league appearances (without scoring) for the Brazilian outfit, Allan made the move to Udinese in July 2012.

Swiftly becoming a regular in Francisco Guidolin’s overachieving side, Allan spent three seasons with Il Bianconeri – helping them to a fifth-place finish in the first of them – before Napoli won the hotly contested race for his signature in July 2015.

His first three years in Naples were spent under Maurizio Sarri, with Allan very rarely used at the base of the midfield.

Rather, he was more commonly operating in the sort of role we saw N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) in during Sarri’s season-long stay at Stamford Bridge, playing to the side of a ball-playing ‘regista’ – namely Jorginho (£5.0m) – in a 4-3-3.

His attacking returns rose modestly as a result but, following Ancelotti’s appointment as Sarri’s successor in July 2018, the Brazilian was tasked with a more disciplined role in the central midfield two of a 4-4-2 – a system he may again be operating in on Merseyside.

Allan arrives in England off the back of his worst season in years.

A stop-start campaign that was littered with fitness issues ended badly, with Ancelotti sacked in December 2019, Allan falling out with new coach Gennaro Gattuso and losing his place, and Napoli slumping to their worst finish (seventh) in over a decade.

Allan in Serie A
SeasonStartsSub AppsGoalsAssists
2012/1333305
2013/1430303
2014/1533215
2015/1632335
2016/17191016
2017/1832645
2018/1928513
2019/2016721

Source: whoscored.com


Belatedly making his international debut in November 2018, Allan has been capped nine times by Brazil at the time of writing.

ALLAN V OTHER EVERTON MIDFIELDERS

Allan in Serie A
SeasonTackles won per 90 minsInterceptions per 90 minsClearances per 90 mins
2015/163.51.20.4
2016/173.91.40.8
2017/183.40.90.4
2018/193.61.30.9
2019/203.51.10.7

Source: whoscored.com




BEST PLAYERS BY POSITION:

1,314 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FredrikH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Changed it a bit. Thoughts?
    Johnstone (Button)
    TAA Egan Mitchell (KWP Buur)
    Mane Auba Son Zaha (Bissouma)
    Wener Mitro Wilson

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson for 2 gw's

    2. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who’s Johnstone?

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

        Fulham GK. Think 'Norwich GK double-up' from last season.

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

          Sorry, WBA. Same point.

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

        WBA GK.

  2. Ramsays Raw Steak
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So is doherty in gw1?

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

    Is this Buur fella going to start?

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      idk

    2. Sargasso C
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Buur starts GW1. Without doubt the most over looked player in the game. He could be this years Lundstrom.

      Wolves will probably buy a right wibg back but if they don't its his place to lose. Buur is no mug.

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

        thanks for the info

        has he played for the first team before? any pre season games ?

      2. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        'without doubt'? Rubbish

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

        traore can play RWB

  4. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Lascelles or justin?

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin for a few weeks

    2. Scout15
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin

  5. Scout15
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Kane + ASM
    B) DCL + Son

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      whos dcl

      1. Scout15
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        calvert-lewin

        1. Ramsays Raw Steak
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          B

          1. Scout15
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Boils down to captain choices. If you'll captain Kane, then A. Otherwise it's closer, but probably B.

      1. Scout15
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Probably wouldn't captain him every week. I was leaning to B, but am a little bit scared that Kane will continue with his after lockdown form.
        Cheers!

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

    A. Tierney + Dier / Justin on bench
    B. Coady + Doherty / Mitchell on bench

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B have better fixture
      But is doherty starting

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

    A. Foden + Wilson + Vinagre / Coady
    B. Ings + ASM + Branthwaite

    If I choose B, then will have two 4.0 defenders

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

      Two 4.0 defenders and the other three defenders starting

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

    Is Greenwood still a good pick or has this naughtiness downgrades his appeal?

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      he might be in coorinteen

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

      Still a good pick.

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Prob starts regardless of any possible transfer deals before then.

  9. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Egan taa doherty
    Mane auba son asm saka
    Mitro werner

    Subs nyland kwp justin davis

    Gtg?

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty much what i got

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

    Batshuayi 6.0 at Palace could be good value...?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yeah very imo

    2. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely. Straight into the squad for me.

  11. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    who will be the main GK for aston villa?

    steer or nyland

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nyland

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Steer was ahead of Nyland before he got injured himself. Villa fans rate Steer more highly. Bit of a lottery though.

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

        so will he be ready for gameweek 1?

        1. Tony Moon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes, he's fit now. But Villa linked with Martinez, so they seem to be trying to buy a replacement.

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

            thanks mate
            really appreciated

  12. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tossing up Salah vs No Salah

    Team A
    Ryan
    TAA Robbo KWP
    Salah Auba Saka ASM Bissouma
    Werner Adams
    (Nyland Mitchell Martial Taylor)

    Team B
    Ryan
    TAA Robbo KWP
    Auba Son Havertz/Ziyech Bissouma
    Werner Adams
    (Nyland Mitchell Martial Taylor)

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like B. Have something similar.

      McCarthy - Steer
      TAA – VVD – Robbo – Lascelles - Stuijk
      Havertz* – Aubamayang – Bruno – Soucek** - Bissouma
      Werner – Adamas - Mitro

      *Alli if not playing GW1
      **Upgrade to a 5.5 once Auba to KdB done.

    2. Sargasso C
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They are both superb.

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

        Thanks! Might lean to A unless I know for sure Ziyech or Havertz is starting. I think the Chelsea attack is a bargain, but just not sure who to buy in to

    3. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like B too. But wouldn't it make it harder to get Manchester players in? At least with A, you can downgrade Salah.

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

        Thanks. My plan is to go Auba to KDB. I guess with B I can move Son to a Greenwood or Foden type too

        1. Tony Moon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          True. I prefer Bruno, hence am starting with Salah and will switch to Bruno for GW2. Although if Salah explodes, that will make it trickier!

    4. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      So it’s Salah - Saka - ASM vs Son - Havertz - Ziyech?

      First one in that case

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

        Sorry Saka is in both. It is basically Salah & ASM vs Haverts or Ziyech & Son

        1. Soto Ayam
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          B

  13. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mo was my second pick after TAA and I've tinkered so much that I've taken him out completely. The team looks gorgeous but it just feels... wrong. I need the season to just start already.

  14. Humbuk
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alright here is the winning team straight from New Zealand.

    RMT

    McCarthy
    TAA, KWP, Justin
    Auba, Mane(Salah), Son, Soueck
    Werner, DCL, Adams

    Bench: 4.0 GK, Taylor, Dendoncker, Mitchell.

    Gameweek 2- Mane (salah) to Fernandes
    Game week 3- Auba to KBD
    Game week 4- Son back to 12.0 (Auba/Salah/Mane)

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doh I thought I had the winning team from NZ!

  15. Kobayashi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    (Assuming Ziyech is fit to face Brighton):

    A) Digne and Ziyech
    or
    B) Tierney and Havertz

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

      B

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

        Thanks!

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

        Thank you!

    3. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, simply because Havertz might not start GW1, due to only just joining.

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

        That's fair, although I see him having a stronger likelihood of starting over Ziyech currently.

      2. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Id wager that he'll get the nod with Pulisic out.

        1. Tony Moon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I hope so too. Just worried Mount might get played there, as he was for England tonight, until Grealish came on.

          1. Simon69
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I reckon Mount at 10 with Havertz on the RW for the opener. Depends on Ziyech I suppose - All very hush hush.

  16. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Auba nailed on in almost all teams (at least for the first two weeks)

    A high risk punt, but who else is going with Pepe instead of Auba?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah nah

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

      Do you think he'll definitely play? I was originally tempted to have both

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

      I don't even think Arteta is going with Pepe.

  17. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    if Bats goes to Palace is he a better 6.0 pick than Adams ??

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think so. Then we just need Brewster to go somewhere.

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

        Mitro Bats Brews would make for a juicy premo midfield wouldnt it

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

      Yeah think so, do see Mitro as the top bet in that price bracket tho

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

        yes, so you think Mitro still better than Bats ?

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

      Most likely.

      If Hodgson wasn't manager imagine how fun it would be, him, Will and Eze

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

        Wilf*

    4. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nah I think Southampton players are much better picks. Great stats from the restart onwards

    5. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If Adams gets the starts I think he's better.

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

        adams is a nailed starter

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I wouldn't go that far. Maybe to begin with but Long with be lurking if he doesn't start well.

  18. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which combo?

    A) Saliba - Son - Martial
    B) Saiss - Bruno - DCL

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

      B.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is Saliba nailed? B for me.

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

        Not too sure - seems to be? Going off the scout predicted line ups

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Outside of Auba the Arse starting 11 is difficult to predict - I'd take those FFS predicted lineups with a pinch of salt.

          1. FPL Theorist
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah, that lineup hasn't been updated since 25 August, before the Gabriel signing.

  19. stxrty
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Leaning towards the idea of:

    TAA — Digne — Tierney

    As a set and forget back three along with the best £4.5m options (most likely KWP/Taylor)

    Anyone doing the same?

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be wary of any Arsenal defenders as long term picks.

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

        Think they will be potentially boss this year defensively.

        Davies instead would be the other option, mind.

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I personally think Davies or another Spurs defender is far and away a better pick despite potential attacking returns from Tierney.

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

            Thanks. 🙂

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like Digne, would like to get him in, but can't squeeze the budget currently!

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

        He weirdly excites me lol.

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

    Who fills the void left by Doherty at Wolves? Or should we be looking at the other flank and to new signing Marcal?

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wolves fans reckon it'll be Adams until they sign a RWB.

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

        Thanks

    2. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      how much is Marcal ?

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

        £5m

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

    With Wilson in the game now, I feel more like going with Sin instead of Kane. But who makes way for Son? Saka or ASM?

    Current team:

    Johnstone
    TAA Robbo Lascelles Egan
    Salah Auba Saka ASM
    Kane Jimenez

    Button Vinagre Stephens 4.5

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

      Saka.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        this

  22. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Haven't touched my team in days but still a bit uncomfortable with Alli over Son...which is better iyo?
    A. Alli + Doherty
    B. Son + Davies

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like the Alli pick personally - He played really close to Kane in preseason.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah but he has always let me down big time over the years...guess he owes me lol

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Both decent picks tbf.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        leaning towards that alright mate

    3. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have Alli too, and think he'll do well. Son is scoring a lot in pre-season but is up front, and won't be when Kane returns. I read somewhere that Alli outscored Son when they were both fit last season, and Alli was tucked in behind Kane.

      I'd be tempted to go Alli and Davies and use the 1m elsewhere.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I do like this mate, I'm keeping 0.5 itb to do Ings to Martial but would prefer a little more itb...cheers!

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Get Son, mate. He's an easier 'downgrade' to Havertz and is less risky with Lamela and Lo Celso about.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, I know in my heart I'm going to throw out a BB team in GW1 though...can't resist the punt lol

  23. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Quick one for you

    A) Son and DCL
    B) Kane and Armstrong

    Cheers

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

      A

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

      A

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone A.

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

    Just noticed that after GW3 for quite a stretch, all the games start on same day and same time.
    What is this all about?

    1. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty sure they just haven't worked out TV fixtures yet, and they'll change.

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep. Nail on the head.

  25. Eddie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How come I'm seeing Adams in lots of people's teams now?

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheap route to a attacking team post restart that performed very well.

      Had a bit of form and is cheap

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Palace fixture. Price.

  26. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering Harvey Barnes as a punt? Leicester in general have looked shaky since the restart but those fixtures are excellent and the man is capable of hauling on his day.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Am avoiding Leicester. There's fresh COVID concerns after a positive test in the Belgium squad (which could effect Tielemans, Praet).

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Well that's a pain in the Arse. Torn between benching Bruno or finding a place holding for 1 GW. Could just play a 4.5 defender.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Current plan is to start with Salah and potentially switch to Bruno in GW2. I think I'd prefer Martial though.

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yeah, I'm going for him, for a two week punt.

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sounds like we have similar teams...

  27. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy (Steer)
    Bellerin - Davies - Digne (AWB 4m)
    Salah - ASM - Son - Aubameyang (Bissouma)
    Wilson - Werner - DCL

    No TAA or Robertson, obviously, but think I can survive without until GW4.

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

      It is nice, but I rather have a Liverpool defender personally. Love that midfield four, I am on that with Werner & Ings up top, playing 442

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I keep coming back to that midfield 4, so I agree 🙂

        I'm 99% sure that I'm going with Digne for Everton's fixtures between GW2 and 4. I think most people will be focused on bringing in United and City players so that could be fruitful. Keeping Digne makes getting TAA or Robertson difficult, but Wan Bissaka vs Palace in GW2 is infinitely better than TAA vs Chelsea but obviously there's attacking returns to consider.

        Wilson vs West Ham and Brighton seems a must if he's ready.

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Have you kept 0.5m ITB to do Ings to Martial btw?

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

          I do have 0.5m itb. My team is posted on the next page 🙂

          Also fair points on Everton. I love their fixtures, but have been burned in the past so I am happy to wait. Liverpool can concede too so you not having a defender can work out as long as others perform.

    2. spray
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How do you go about getting Robertson in?

      Are you happy with Steer in GW02?

      I'm seeing this a lot...
      Teams look great, then there's awesome bench folk from United.
      You're 4-4-3.
      I'm all for having a strong 1st bench, so 2&3 don't get a look in, but it seems like you'll want to rearrange funds before really making use of that sub well.

      Bellerin and Davies haven't played a lot or minutes last season, and that may put pressure on your backline (with the 4M).
      I think Davies will naturally play more, and I have him (though Sessegnon has been awesome).

      Two Newcastle?
      WHU look a bit soft, but the NEW draw and fire power last year don't jump out. Their team is in transition too.
      Vs. they are good value, your selections.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for the excellent feedback! I'll try and answer each point in turn.

        Robertson could come in after doing Aubameyang > KdB and Salah > Fernandes. I'm also likely to do Son > Havertz at some point. I think that frees up 2.5m to upgrade Bellerin or AWB.

        Plan is to play McCarthy every week.

        I'm not convinced Bellerin starts regularly with Maitland-Niles around so would like a decent first sub. If Luke Shaw looks like starting the season I may switch AWB to him and consider Tierney over Bellerin.

        Two Newcastle isn't ideal, I know. I'm purely playing the fixtures here (West Ham and Brighton) and I can't see better value than 12m for the pair prior to the season starting. Could easily cause an early wildcard lol

  28. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Are Fraser or Wilson worth a look? Both at awkward price points.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Have gone Wilson and hoping he starts vs West Ham and Brighton.

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

      I think there is a very high risk of them starting first 1 or 2 matches with them joining so late into the preseason.

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

      Not* starting

  29. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tempted not to go with Salah/Mane and Auba.
    Instead go with the 8.5 ish picks from the other top teams.

    Either I am gonna regret it and do an early WC
    or
    I might end up higher in the rankings with those ownership differential picks.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm considering going without Salah, but it's high risk. One option is to get KdB / Fernandes in now and bench but I'm struggling to see the logic when you can have Salah for a little bit more and use a FT to switch if needs be. Depends what you do with the extra 1.5m really.

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      could work out OK, but the downside is not being to get them easily if they haul. Plus, would you have reliable captain options?

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm going to go without Salah / Mané but I think Auba is a good pick for the opening 2 plus good to have a mid at high price point to switch to United / City assets if required.

  30. Lav
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone have two playing goalkeepers due to covid concerns? Looking at my side and I might seriously tinker to have players who are likely to always feature in case of covid.

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've never picked the right keeper in the past, probably would just suck it up and use the FT if I had to.

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think there's concern now with players away on international duty / players on holiday but should all settle down when they're back in respective camps - Wait for pressers but I would still say its fine to go with one playing keeper.

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

        Fair point. Could be a last minute decision. Just one to think about.