Sky Sports

The best goalkeepers and defenders for Sky Sports Fantasy Football

With less than a week to go, the time is now to decide on which defenders will and will not make your Sky Sports Fantasy Football backline.

Goalkeepers and defenders are an integral part of any team, but they have become increasingly important in the art of Fantasy Football, and even more so in Sky Sports Fantasy Football.

Rewinding to the 2018/19 campaign, I reported that there were five defenders among the top 10 point-scorers in the game, but fast forward to last season, and there were four goalkeepers and defenders combined who achieved the same feat, those being Dean Henderson and the Liverpool trio of Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

There are some potential bargains, and there are some which will come out of the woodwork, but two, or three of these five defensive players should be at the heart of your consideration when building your starting XI.

John Egan – £7.2m

Claiming an impressive 146 Fantasy Football points in his debut season in the Premier League, John Egan was value-for-money during Sheffield United’s successful campaign. Even with an increased price tag of £7.2m, he comes in as one of the cheapest assets in defence who started the majority of games last season.

This is reflected in his selection percentage, which currently stands at 11.75%. The price caters to accommodate those bigger players in defence, but at one of the value or budget picks, you will not go too far wrong with Egan, a solid defender who kept 13 clean sheets last term, scoring twice and picking up two man-of-the-match awards too.

Virgil van Dijk – £10.9m

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

For the second season in succession, Virgil van Dijk recorded the most points out of any of the defenders, and of any player in Sky Sports Fantasy Football, despite racking up 31 points less (268) than he did in 2018/19 (299). This does still equate to 7.1 points per game, a fitting average for the most expensive defender, his price inflating to £10.9m for the new season.

It does not seem to have put many off, with van Dijk making it into 32.37 per cent of Fantasy Football teams. With 15 clean sheets, five goals, and hitting tier two passing bonus points (70+) on 21 occasions last season, it seems that even £10.9m is not beyond the extreme to have the Dutch skipper in your side.

With just four games to navigate before the Overhaul (unlimited transfers within the £100m budget for a set period of time), van Dijk looks a good route to get your season off and running emphatically, starting with new boys Leeds on Saturday, despite Chelsea and Arsenal following afterwards.

Nick Pope – £6.7m

The Burnley stopper registered a whopping 215 Fantasy points last season, just three behind Dean Henderson, who topped the charts. Nick Pope kept 15 clean sheets, just the one behind Ederson who claimed the Golden Glove. He has since earned an England call-up off the back of his solid performances between the sticks.

Burnley’s ever-resolute defence only let in 50 goals last campaign, and this level of consistency is expected to continue next year. After a tough trip to Leicester on the opening day, Burnley face Southampton and Newcastle before the international break.

Pope tallied tier one bonus points (three or more saves) on 15 occasions and tier two (five or more saves) six times, so even when clean sheets may be hard to come by, there will still be averages coming in from your number one.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – £10.6m

Trent Alexander-Arnold finished fourth in the Sky Sports Fantasy Football charts last campaign with 245 points. He made double figures with assists for the second consecutive season, ending on 13 from that department. Trent cruised his way to the Young Player of the Year award, and is set for another enjoyable term in the red of Liverpool.

Perhaps it is the fact that the English full back comes into the game £0.3m cheaper than his teammate Virgil van Dijk is the reason behind a higher selection percentage, which stands at 37.07 per cent. Will Alexander-Arnold make it into your starting XI for the opening day?

Kieran Tierney – £8.1m

We really started to see the best of Kieran Tierney towards the back end of last season, and the Scotsman played his part in Arsenal’s FA Cup final success. With a pre-season under his belt, he should be fit and raring to go ahead of the new campaign.

His statistics may not look the most promising, but his ability to get down the flanks and right to the byline before delivering inch-perfect crosses should account for an upturn in assists from defence. As well as this, Arsenal’s defence should (should) be a bit more solid and sturdy with William Saliba coming back from his loan spell and the introduction of Gabriel, so clean sheet points could be easier to come by.

Only a short period of time awaits until the first match of the season, with Fulham hosting Arsenal at Craven Cottage. 

Change and amend your team, and who knows, you could land yourself the £50,000 jackpot!

Best players by position:

2,968 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Bench Bruno GW1 and play Bissouma

    B) Have Son GW1 and use a transfer to bring in Bruno GW2

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    Better combo?

    A: Ings, ASM (0.5 itb)
    B: Adams, Havertz

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A for now. Both nailed + extra money

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

    Anyone else considering a WC in GW3? Here's what I am thinking...
    - GW2: Salah to Fernandes

    GW3 Wildcard:
    - Auba to KDB
    - Barnes to Havertz/Pulisic
    - Justin/Thomas (replaced by Pereira) to Davies, which avoids Tottenham's tricky initial fixtures of Everton and Southampton. [If Saliba is nailed then I may opt for his opening two fixtures of Fulham/WHU over the Leicester 4.5 and then make the same trade to Davies]
    - Mitchell (replaced by PVA) to Ferguson who is back from injury(?).
    - Lewis [own for his initial two fixtures of WHU & Brighton but then has a difficult run of games between GW3-9 against Tottenham, Burnley, Man Utd, Wolves, Everton, Southampton, Chelsea] to Taylor who doesn't play GW1 and a GW2 fixture against Leicester can be avoided.

    Other options:
    - If Martinez stays at Arsenal and is given the opportunity to start the season, own for first two fixtures then trade to McCarthy, which avoids Southampton's fixture with Tottenham in GW2.
    - Darlow should be 4.5 and if he was I would be targeting him for Newcastle's opening two fixtures then the same trade to McCarthy
    - Starting Vardy and then trading to Werner, which avoids Chelsea's fixture with Liverpool.
    - Arsenal 8.0 over Alli, which avoids Tottenham's harder initial fixtures of Everton and Southampton.
    - ASM over Armstrong for GW1&2

    Proposed Wildcard team in GW3:

    McCarthy | Nyland
    TAA | Davies | Taylor | Ferguson | 4.0
    KDB | Fernandes | Pulisic/Havertz | Alli | Armstrong
    Werner | Ings | Brewster

    Thoughts?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      o/

      That's why I'm probably starting with ASM, Nketiah, etc.my WC GW3 team would probably feature Jimmy

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sorry not ASM but Bowen

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t know about planning a WC.
      I want to keep it til 16 could be handy for the GW 19 doubles
      Your GW3 team is basically the same as my GW1 team. Except I will have Salah and Adams for Bruno and Ings.
      I don’t expect to get off to a flyer in the first 2 GWs but I don’t want to take hits and want to keep WC.
      Also I have come to the conclusion I want Che over Utd attack and also need Salah and KDB / Sterling so something has to give. I might get an UTD player for GWs 2 and 3

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

        do we know when the doubles will be?

      2. Society
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Planning is ok, planning to be flexible is even better.
        My plans are subject to change.
        eg, I just went thru my expected line-up for the first 11 gameweeks & found ;
        352, 442, 442, 352, 352, 442, 352, 352, 442, 442, 343.

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

          I usually don't change too much between formations, unless it's a playing bench option providing a different option.

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

      Some will plan, some will not - but for certain - many will WC for GW3 (or earlier).
      Just like every season...

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

    Rodriguez scored a scissor kick on his first day in training, no wonder this beast is in my team!

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jay Rod?

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

        Heard that ten times already, you're late.

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well I would have him before DCL, still doesn’t mean it’s a yes

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

        I'm fully confident in him, have already explained the reasoning, understand the "wait and see" mindset but that's also the "wait for everyone else to get him too" mentality.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Might be my Alli replacement in gw2 or 3

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think you get 10pts for that

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

        +3 for the gorgeous goal bonus.

    5. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      To be fair his combined goal and assists stats are pretty good. I know he was at some of the best teams in the world but still the lack of any consistent run in these teams puts me off.

  5. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tinkering and struggling to make decisions:

    A) 442 with:

    Salah, Auba, Son, ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner, Adams (Davis)

    B) 433 with:

    Salah, Auba, Alli (Bissouma, Reed)
    Werner, Adams, Wilson

    Expecting to do Salah to Fernandes/Rashford and so will likely upgrade some players when more info is out.

    Thanks!

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      a

      1. Johan Queef
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for confirming what I currently have!

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

    1. AWB & mitro +0.5M
    Or
    2. Davies & DCL

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      oddly id prob go Davies and Mitro or 2 with Wilson over DCL

  7. Joggers Nipple
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Cheers for the input this morning,
    currently on this

    Ryan
    TAA/KWP/ Davies/ Mitchell
    Son/ Salah/ Auba/ ASM
    Werner/ Ings

    4.0gk/ 4.5 mid/ Taylor/ 4.5 fwrd 0.5 ITB

    Ings to Martial and then wait with Son to Ch mid and Auba to MC in mind. Cash there can make 4.5 def to 5 and if not priced out Ryan to Ramsdale later

    Thanks for any thoughts

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

      Nice team.
      Decent plan.

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, really wanted Greenwood as he seems value but wavering now. This team seems more solid/ dull but happy with it for now

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

          Yeah same thought process for me with Greenwood. Can downgrade to him if needed.
          Only drafts today have him gone and not sitting on the bench for GW1. I get the good fixtures in GW 2 and 3 but after they don’t look great.

    2. Johan Queef
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like this a lot. Quite a similar plan to mine but I like how you're using my Robertson money to make the Martial move instead.

    3. john25
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m on exactly the same team, with only one exception, Lewis instead of Taylor. Considering Lewis have a better GW4 fixture which do you think is better?

  8. Jackson99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on this team would be appreciated

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Vinagre
    Son Salah Auba Rodriguez ASM
    Ings Mitro

    Martin Justin Mitchell Davis

    Slightly worried about not having Werner.

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

      Werner is an unknown entity so could go either way though most are betting he hits the ground running. Only issue with not owning him is if he goes off, his price is going to go up quick.

  9. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pulisic trained and looked good today

    Straight into teams?

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No rush for me, Son is great player to have and keep for a few weeks while looking at CH mid.

  10. Heskey Time
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) JWP 352
    B) Pereira 352
    C) Adams 343

    Attack is looking like:
    Auba salah Havertz ASM *****
    Werner ings ******

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

      A

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

      B

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

    Is Bowen and Soucek starting?

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

      Neither is a possibility

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

      We will know by tomorrow

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

    Structuring my team a bit differently this year. Thoughts on this?

    McC
    TAA, Doherty, Egan, Mitchell
    Salah, Aruba, ASM
    Vardy, Mitro, Werner

    Bench: Shaw, 4.5,4.5

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

      If Mitchell starts, you are good

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

        Mitchell will make his way to the bench for Shaw gw2 and if he doesn’t start gw1 than Stephens comes in for his 2 (not the best, but better than nothing)

  13. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So the my team tab got changed to pick team on FPL
    or I am losing it

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

      "My Team" was miles better ffs

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yes

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

      Didn't even notice. Meh 🙁

  14. Var Var Voom
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any advice on this team? I am planning to wildcard gw2 or gw3 so this is only short term. Nketiah is a risk but can't seem to take him out.

    1) Does anyone know how likely Vinagre is to start the season at LWB?

    2) Who would you change in this team in order to get a Spurs player in?

    Ramsdale
    Trent, Justin, Kwp
    Salah, Aubs, Mount, Barnes
    Werner, Ings, Nketiah

    Subs: Steer, Mitchell, Stephens, Johnson

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

      1. I’ve jumped ship, not worth the headache.
      2. You don’t really have an easy way to get Spurs players in, would mean losing two of your current squad

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

        are spurs opening two fixtures really that good, no. and you're wildcarding so get a spurs gw3.

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

          I didn’t say get spurs, the op asked how to get them in and for who, I was simply stating that there was no easy way.

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

            no, I am just following on from your statement... that there's no easy way to get one in.

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

      for a gw2/3 wildcard team, it just doesn't feel very fixture based apart from Nketiah.
      - Lewis and Saliba over Justin and KWP
      - Wouldn't have Mount in a WC
      - Could grab Werner gw3 and avoid Liverpool

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

      I think Saka can offer better value for Barnes and use the 1.5m to improve elsewhere
      Also feels like Mount is a transfer waiting to happen
      you did say plan for early wc which is also risky when transfer window is still open

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

    Best 4.5 gk for the first 2 GWs?

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

      Any of them, likely all to score in and around the same. McC the best of the bunch imo.

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

        Personally don't like Southampton CS chances first two weeks.

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

          None of the 4.5 have two great fixtures in the first two. Rather a defence I know in Southampton than any of the promoted teams.

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

            Martinez no chance to start the season?

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

              I don't mind Leeds, potentially save points v 'Pool and then good chance of CS v Fulham

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

                I never pick a keeper just for two games (I never wildcard early) so this is foreign territory for me. Trust me when I say no matter which one you go for, it’s the difference of a max 6-8 points. Not worth losing sleep over.

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

                  no but the season doesn't usually start without teams not playing either.
                  I think a lot of people post looking for small differences to make their sides "better"

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

                    I’ll take McC + a transfer and make those points up other ways if he isn’t the top of the 4.5 pile (which he will be come end of the season)

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

                      oh certainly my 4.5 gk of choice after a wildcard. I'm just not convinced of a CS in the first 2

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

              If he does, it's more likely to be at Villa - which sits out GW1

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

      McCarthy is your only choice

  16. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Decided on a more “balanced” draft.
    Want to avoid hits early. So I don’t think it will do great in GW 1 or 2 but trying to think medium term
    Don’t really have a utd plan unless I drop Salah to Bruno or Rashford for GW2 and 3
    Usually a 442

    McCarthy

    TAA Saiss Davies KWP

    Salah Auba Alli Havertz

    Werner Adams

    Nyland Bissouma Taylor Davis

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

      Not sure why it wouldn't perform well in first 2 GWs.

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

        Got a lot of players in pool v Che
        And Tot v saints in GW2
        Maybe 7 players in just those 2 games that could be a disaster.
        But high scoring with defender attacking points would be ok 🙂

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

          It could be as high as 9 it those 2 games - might make me re think the entire draft

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

      Very close to mine....Davies or Dier? Might prefer Brewster instead of Davis, probably goes on loan. Is Havertz nailed from the start?

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

        Interestingly I have the same questions about my own draft and not sure on any of the answers.
        I might hold off on Havertz til GW3 and look for a placeholder until then.
        I won’t risk Brewster til he is confirmed out on loan cause I will probably want a pool triple up at some stage.

  17. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Soucek still in quarantine, Wilson against disharmonious WHU in GW1, aurier still at Spurs, feeling-good everton not looking like whipping boys anymore..

    Think I need to forego my 4 Spurs team 🙁

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

      4 spurs? I can barely fit one!

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Got Doherty Dier Alli and Kane here for the sea of greens.. not feeling confident anymore

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

          Why's that?

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Kane and Doherty looked flat, feeling good Everton might spoil the party (Allan is a beast) and Ancelotti may finally got the team he wants..

            Still confident of starting with dier and alli, but not the other two

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

              My opinion is that Spurs will keep a CS and win, it will be a very low scoring game. 1-0, 2-0 at most. Keep in mind that most of the new signings for Everton have had 1-2 weeks and little match fitness so they won't be the attacking beast they have the potential to be until later on.

              I do believe 4 Spurs is insanity though, as one of the biggest Jose second season backers around. Stops you from making other transfers and the new signings are appealing.

              1. NABIL - FPL otai
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Yeah everton conceding 3 goals in pre season look like a distant memory..the team needed a little push and maybe the feel good factor can provide it.

                Yeah still going with 2 for now but can't hold onto Antonio and soucek no more.. can't believe the mess they got themselves into

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

              Doherty will come good, agree re:Kane

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

      We always knew you would!

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        🙁

        If only EVE would stay quiet off the field

  18. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really like this team.

    McCarthy
    Alexander-Arnold Saiss Walker-Peters
    Mane Aubameyang Havertz Bowen
    Vardy Adams Nketiah

    - 0.5m ITB
    - 2 GKs
    - 2 4.0s
    - Saiss starts over Marcel at LCB, I assume? Decent attacking threat last season, 0.9 shots per game, only beaten by the Wolves attackers and Doherty.
    - Bowen is an easy switch to Foden (reckon he only gets an International ban rather than a club ban). Probably switch by GW2/3
    - Aubameyang becomes DeBruyne (Im not in a rush though, maybe GW3/4 I switch him)
    - Adams can match Ings.
    - Vardy is an easy cash cow to get Werner/Martial/Kane
    - Don't mind Nketiah as a risk. Might try to find a way to get him up to Richarlison. Laca looks like he could be the makeweight for Arsenal to get Aouar/Partey.

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

      don't mind you overall logic. except for Adams matching Ings - I'd be very surprised if the later is fit

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nah, i have faith in Che. He's a long term pick. ready to keep him for the long haul.

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

      I would hope you have 2gk

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

        Also Adams cannot match Ings. I don’t personally get the hype, he scored 4 goals in 1000 minutes, every time I watched him play he seemed flat.

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

          his form post restart was good, that's the hype. but ings will outscore him by 10+ goals

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            His form + his confidence is key. Think he starts with Ings, his spot to lose now.

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

              Ings or no one imo. His form was 4 goals, plus like I said, every time I watched him he seemed flat. I’d rather have Mitro, but that’s just me. Hope he does you well none the less.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Might be going with Salah Auba Bowen Nketiah Vardy saiss (Dallas to cover in gw2) too. If everything fails, will WC early

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I sure hope I don't find myself in a position where I have to WC early! Planning to hold till GW16.

    4. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bench is Ryan, Reed, Mitchell and Johnson, btw.

  19. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Fleck might not be a bad punt with those fixtures...

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Prefer Lord

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

        If only he was nailed...

        haven't signed the contract till now, sigh!

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Totally understandable. Would walk straight into the lesser teams, and Berge around is a factor for him

    2. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Considering Fleck looks like a typical overthinking.

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

        Really? Suggest a better option other than Saint Maximin for atleast four GWs?

        Hopefully you won't say likes of Armstrong, Ward Prowse, Trossard etc...

  20. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT - / 10??

    McCarthy
    TAA Coady Justin
    Auba Son Willian JW-P
    Richarlison Mitrovic Werner
    Taylor Ward Bissouma

    2.5 ITB

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

      Not a fan of a few of your picks just think at the same price their are better options to Coady, JWP, Willian, Rich.

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

      too much money itb put that on top of Mitro and get Ings or something of your liking

  21. GOATMEAT
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    New draft plan:

    McCarthy

    TAA Davies Vinagre*

    Auba Salah Havertz ASM Bissouma

    Werner Adams

    Bench: Nyland Taylor Struijk Brewster

    3.5 ITB

    GW2: Adams -> Martial
    GW3: Auba -> KdB
    GW4: ASM -> Foden

    This would give me the following GW4 team:

    McCarthy

    TAA Davies Vinagre*/Taylor

    KdB Salah Havertz Foden Bissouma

    Werner Martial

    * Vinagre could become other 4.5 if he leaves Wolves before GW1

    I'm pretty sure on Havertz starting and having a great season...

    Any comments? Madness? Of course price changes / injuries might prevent the plan... Might consider early WC (in that case land stronger GW1 team of course).

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

      3.5 itb makes no sense. you may as well be picking Ings over Adams or 8.0 midfielder over ASM

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

        Absolutely, some kind of early morning hiccup there. Cheers mate!

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agree. My team is almost identical but ASM is Alli.
        But then again I really don’t have a plan for a utd asset in GWs 2 and 3 unless I drop Salah short term.

  22. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on the 5.5m mid bracket?

    I originally had Armstrong but am warming to Doucoure as an option who's good for 8-10 attacking returns / ~120 season points

    ASM and Saka also good options but will wait on Saka based on fixtures.

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

      I actually like Doucoure most, but I'll hold back a couple of games to see how Everton set up. In the meantime, I'll start with ASM - the first couple of fixtures are tasty and Toon have more firepower with the latest couple of signings.

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

        I'm tempted to go for Wilson over ASM, is there a chance he's on pens?
        yes I could wait on Doucoure just depends if i'm planning early WC

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

      Is Doucoure 5.5? 😮

      I don't like Armstrong either. Have him due to Soucek's health.

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

      I’ve never owned Doucoure, could ever figure out how he would ‘get me points’ but he does tick over. I think Saka and ASM have the higher ceilings but Doucoure might be worth the punt.

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

    Feels weird to feel such little hype before a PL season starts.

  24. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I know this won't be popular with just one heavy hitter in midfield (for a bit of upside-chasing), but I think this is a nice, flexible squad (and definitely Covid-proofed):

    Werner to Martial GW2
    Ings to Werner & Auba to KDB GW3 (thanks FISH&CHIPS for this suggestion)
    Zaha will become Grealish GW6

    Ramsdale Button
    TAA Robbo Doherty Saiss Taylor
    Auba Zaha Pereira* Saka* Soucheck
    Werner Ings Wilson*

    * positions where I can have a bit of fun with, the rest are long-term holds (hopefully)

    1.0 ITB

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

      I don't like trading out and then trading them back in a week later, that's 2 transfers wasted.

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

      You've gone super-big at the back - I like that; others won't.
      I think one premium mid is okay (other's won't) BUT I think you need a sub-premium alongside - priced 8.5-7.5 so that you can jump on a Chelsea mid, Spuds mid, or one from Everton, United.
      For me, that might mean upgrading Zaha and downgrading Pereira. However, it looks like you particularly fancy Zaha, so downsizing Pereira and keeping a little more itb might do the trick.

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

        Oh. I missed your transfer plans. Too rigid for me. You can't 2 Werners - some mistake there, Martial maybe? As I say, rather than Z>Grealish, give yourself a price-point with multiple options.

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

          Aargh, confused again with your hokey-cokey. I'd rather respond to events instead of pre-determine every transfer before a ball is kicked.

          1. Phil's Stamps
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Ah sorry, Ings to Werner is GW3.

            I think that back 5 and GK are potential season keepers (maybe Martial and Werner too) which means I can concentrate transfers in midfield on those mid-price positions which are trickier. That's a fair point about the sub premium mid. I really like Grealish (Villa fan here too) from GW6 but that's a fair point about having money for the likes of Havertz.

            I've had pretty much the same draft all week but came up with this half an hour ago because I just can't decide between Martial and Werner.

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I agree with most of this but I just don’t have the balls to go super heavy at the back.
        I would add if looking for players to keep it wouldn’t be Zaha - which links into the point of definitely needing a 8.0 - 8.5 mid spot.

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

    GW3 wildcard.

    GW1
    Martinez (pending selection)
    TAA | Saliba | Lewis
    Auba | Salah | Alli | ASM
    Vardy | Ings | Wilson

    Nyland | Mitchell | 4.0 | Gordon

    *Free transfer in GW2 will be used on Salah to Fernandes*

    GW3
    McCarthy
    TAA | Davies | Taylor
    KDB | Fernandes | Pulisic/Havertz | Alli | Armstrong/Doucoure
    Werner | Ings

    Nyland | Ferguson | 4.0 | Brewster

    A total of 10 transfers... thoughts?

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

      I'm not sure you can plan GW2 transfer now, let alone GW3 wildcard.

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

        GW3 team looks good though

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

        Nah that's ridiculous I completely disagree with this argument.
        My gw1 team is purely picked on fixtures... People are already planning Utd/City transfers across GW2&3 fixtures.
        My gw3 team is my ideal projected team in about gw5, wildcard allows me to get to it early, avoid missing out on price rises, not cop a hit and also cash in on better 4.5 options in gw1 and 2 such as Saliba and Martinez.
        1 or 2 games are not enough of a form guide, do all your informed pre season selections just go out the window then when someone scores a better score in 1/38 gameweeks?

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

          What if all eleven players in your "projected" WC team get injured/suspended/infected etc etc?

          My preseason selection will obviously go out of window if they get injured or suspended or blank 2-3 times or get benched or... (Many other possibilities)

          Having a plan of "when" to WC is different thing, having a WC team ready without looking at their respective performance/circumstances is pretty "stupid" in my opinion.

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

            even if the likes of Saliba and Lewis keep a clean sheet I won't want to be keeping them at the turn of their fixtures.
            As for Salah / Auba I am only starting them because KDB and Fernandes are missing who I deem to have more value for the price. The wildcard is there to use and this looks like a perfect opportunity with clubs missing and not being able to have an ideal setup gameweek 1. Never have been one to wildcard early but this is an exception with the unprecedented circumstances of the season.

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

    Very confident and set on my team, Doherty's chances of starting the main issue. Hopefully Jose comes in and gives reassurance, but if he's bigging up Aurier than I'll have to say goodbye!

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

      He'll send one of them to Bulgaria. Will it be 2nd-choice Aurier, or 'show me what you've got' Doherty?

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

        Probably going to be Doherty in PL and Aurier everywhere else, yeah. Hopefully Telles can hurry up to Wolves, even if he doesn't start GW1.

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

          Yeh, I'd be excited if Telles arrives.

  27. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any Wernerless team here?

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

      I was yesterday, but news of Pulisic and Havertz likely starting caused me to put him back in.

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

      o/

      Happy with Martial, Jimenez and Wilson/Dom frontline.

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

      on a gw3 wildcard yes. avoid the pack and avoid the pool fixture, vardy differential early could be valuable

    4. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane+Vardy for me, although he's in from week 3

    5. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      o/

  28. tom66
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Current WK1 Team - What do you think? (I know eyebrows will be raised at Ayew but am set on a one week punt) - Thanks!

    McCarthy
    Robbo - Davies - Saiss
    Son - Salah - Auba - Barnes - ASM
    Werner - Ayew
    (Ryan - KWP - Mitchell - Brewster)

    WK 2: Salah > Bruno (or Rashford)
    WK 3: Brewster > 6.0 (or Ayew to > 7.5)

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

      Barnes to 8.5 chelsea an option?

      1. tom66
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Certainly worth exploring - but will judge after WK 1. Getting Utd cover is my priority.

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

      Looks good

  29. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering Minamino?

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

      Too risky until he gets a run in the team I think

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

      Any Liverpool player would have to be nailed, and he very much isn't.

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

    Pretty happy with this draft. Any gaping holes?

    McCarthy
    TAA, Robbo, Buur, Egan
    Auba, Havertz, Alli,
    Wilson, Werner, Ings

    4.0, Doucoure, KWP, Bissouma

    0.5 ITB

    Don't know if Buur will play but cover on the bench if he doesn't

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

      I've not seen any credible source suggesting Buur is in the mix, but you have that covered. Damn fine squad there - shows what you can do with no Mancs on the bench.

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

        Thanks!

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

      "That comment was slightly tongue in cheek...Traore far more likely to start at RWB on Monday imo"

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

        Thanks for this. Maybe I should swap him for Ferguson to get ahead of the curve

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

          You could do that. You've got enough bench cover to have a player who won't be fit for 3 or 4 weeks.

    3. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This is the kind of squad that gets you in the top 10k, keep it on the down-low. Burr the only ?

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

        Top 10K in GW1, you mean? Very possible. I think the draft is as good as it gets without Mancs on board. Presumably, Auba will become your first one - others can come in as and when. If they come out GW2 all guns blazing, you'll lose ground, but that's by no means certain.

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah. I'm looking at Havertz now after your suggestions on the last page. Start with Alli and money in the bank and upgrade in GW3 or 4 depending on form.