Scout Reports

Can Watkins transform Aston Villa attack and offer FPL points potential?

Ollie Watkins (£6.0m) landed at Villa Park last week for a club record fee of £28m, and could be the answer to many of their problems. Could he help Fantasy Premier League managers out as well?

The 24-year-old, who scored 26 goals in the Championship last term, has penned a five-year contract, and is in line to make his Premier League debut in Gameweek 2, when Aston Villa entertain Sheffield United.

Villans boss Dean Smith had been desperate to sign a new striker, and rightly so. Villa’s forwards contributed a meagre six league goals between them last season, and just two, via Wesley (£6.0m) and Mbwana Samatta (£6.0m), in 2020. 

Upon signing, Smith said of his new recruit:

“Ollie has developed into one of the most sought-after strikers in the country and we are looking forward to seeing him show his great qualities in an Aston Villa shirt. He is a hugely determined character who has both the ability and personality to succeed at the highest level.” – Dean Smith

Priced up at £6.0m by FPL, Watkins will be hoping to build on that stunning 26-goal campaign in the top tier, but for Fantasy managers, is he a viable option for our forward lines, and if so, when might be the optimum time to invest?

In this new Scout Report, we’ll attempt to answer those questions, and assess his credentials ahead of his debut.

History and Statistics

Newton Abbot-born Watkins started his career at Exeter City, where he progressed through the academy ranks. 

Having impressed for the under-18 side, a first-team debut followed in 2014, but it was a successful loan spell at Weston-super-Mare when he started turning heads, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances for the Conference South side.

“He has a lot of talent, he could run with the ball superbly with both feet and could do the bread and butter stuff very well. His talent eventually shone through and it’s proven to be the case at Exeter. He’s got speed and as well as playing up front, is very competent on the wing. You can also play him through the middle due to his great first touch. We played a 3-4-3 formation and he played in that top three. He was very flexible and offered us so many options.” – Former Weston-super-Mare manager, Ryan Northmore

Once back at Exeter, Watkins kicked on and racked up 21 league goals across the following two seasons, which was enough for Brentford to make their move. Signed for a fee thought to be just under £2m, Watkins was initially used as a wide forward, where he scored 10 goals in each of his first two seasons. 

However, it will undoubtedly be the 2019/20 campaign he’ll be remembered for most. 

After the sale of Neal Maupay (£6.5m) to Brighton and Hove Albion, Watkins made the switch to a central striking role. The change worked wonders, as Watkins finished joint-top scorer in the Championship with 26 goals, with Brentford only narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League. 

Amazingly, every single one of those 26 goals came from open play and when you exclude penalties, Watkins scored more league goals than any other player in English football last season. 

“I normally call him the beast. He’s a remarkable player and person. He’s so dedicated. Of course, he wants to be top scorer, but that’s not his main aim. He’s so dedicated to improve every single day, so he’s a coach’s dream because of course we want to focus on little details. We’ve been working very hard on his positions and how to run in the box and the link up play. Overall, he’s just improved massively as a player and also as part of the leading group. He’s driving the team. Look out there how hard he works – it’s a joy to have a striker like that. He’s one of the hardest, if not the hardest working offensive player in the league, and he’s also the top scorer. That’s not a bad combination.” – Brentford manager, Thomas Frank

Now at Villa, Watkins will be reunited with Smith, who signed him from Exeter City when he was Brentford manager, with the player adding:

“I am so excited to join Aston Villa and to reunite with Dean Smith as my Head Coach. I cannot wait to wear the famous claret and blue in the Premier League. I want to do something special here and score some goals.” – Ollie Watkins

SeasonClubCompetitionAppsGoals
2013-14Exeter CityLeague Two10
2014-15Exeter City | Weston-Super-Mare (Loan)League Two | Conference South2 | 240 | 10
2015-16Exeter CityLeague Two208
2016-17Exeter CityLeague Two4513
2017-18BrentfordChampionship4510
2018-19BrentfordChampionship4110
2019-20BrentfordChampionship4626

Profile

Watkins is 5ft 11, and is used to leading the line having been deployed as a lone striker in a 4-3-3 at Brentford. 

He is quick, strong and extremely hard-working, and is best summed up as a complete forward, who is equally comfortable running the channels, or dropping deep to link play.

When looking at Watkins shot map from 2019/20, what shines through is that the vast majority of his shots came inside the area, while the breakdown of last season’s goals also backs up his all-rounder tag: 16 were scored from inside the penalty area, eight from inside the six-yard box, with two coming from long-range. 

He is also capable with both feet – he netted 10 with his right-foot, seven with his left-foot and eight with his head. 

That heading stat is worth noting, considering Villa finished sixth in the Premier League for crosses last season, with 798, behind only Manchester City, Liverpool, Sheffield United, Chelsea and Everton.

It didn’t take long for Watkins to convert from a cross either, as he scored the winning goal in Saturday’s 1-0 friendly victory over Manchester United, with a diving header from Trézéguet’s (£5.5m) delivery. He also opened the scoring against Burton Albion on Tuesday night.

His fitness in recent seasons is also a huge positive. Brentford played 46 league matches last term, plus three more in the play-offs, with Watkins playing every single match and missing just 10 minutes throughout. The season before he missed just five league games, and a single fixture the campaign before that. 

Prospects

The prospect of seeing Watkins line up alongside Jack Grealish (£7.0m) is exciting.

Last season, barring Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m), no player created more chances than Grealish, while as a team, Villa ranked sixth for chances created, with 369, and tenth for shots (456). The issue was that they only managed 41 goals.

If Watkins can start converting some of those Grealish chances, then you’d expect Villa to push on and avoid another relegation battle this season.

Adjusting to Villa’s system shouldn’t take long, with both Brentford and Villa favouring a 4-3-3, while his position in the starting XI is also secure, as he will immediately move ahead of Samatta, Keinan Davis (£4.5m) and Wesley in the pecking order. Essentially, it will be his place to lose.

So, when might be the ideal time to invest?

I’ve seen some suggest Gameweek 9, but I think we should be looking at Gameweek 6 when Villa have six home ties in 10 matches, against Leeds United, Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Burnley and Crystal Palace. 

Add in a couple of decent looking away trips to West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion, and I think this run of fixtures looks pretty appealing.

Villa’s fixtures from Gameweeks 6 to 15

Villa have been crying out for a clinical finisher who is able to score with his head and feet ever since Tammy Abraham (£7.5) returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2019, and in Watkins, I think they may well have found their man.

That being said, the Premier League is a completely different level to the Championship, so some caution is required. 

Nevertheless, FPL managers have reason to be excited with Watkins coming in at just £6.0m. 

Right now, I’d suggest scouting him over the next few weeks, and if progressing as I expect him too, make a move ahead of Gameweek 6.

His statistics from the last campaign certainly suggest he should be able to make an immediate impression, and if he were to hit around 12 league goals this season, I think that would be deemed a success, and would no doubt go a long way towards helping Villa avoid another season languishing near the bottom of the table.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 1

1,855 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Villa Velour
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Worth taking a hit to do Alli -> Hames?

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      do it

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I could do that exact thing and I don’t think I will.

      Will change mind if Alli starts midweek game though

      1. Villa Velour
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm with you mate

  2. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC would you go Saiss and Mitchell or 2 (4.5) rotation Ayling/Taylor?

    1. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You wouldn’t be expecting Mitchell to start every week would you?

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If Saiss + Mitchell means 2 (4.0) then no

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

      I would go for A but Mitchell won’t be starter for much longer as PVA will return. If you don’t intend playing 4.0 - get Ferguson

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

    So yiu telling me i have to bring klich or harrison for asm after 2-3 gameweeks ?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If you don't we will delete your team

      • Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why? What’ve I missed

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

        Add Podence too

      • Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        for sure HaHaHa

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think I’ll keep Alli if it looks like he’ll play, to avoid a hit this week.

      Vinagre gotta go though. Out for Jamal Lewis is an appealing option...

      Have Trent Doherty KWP Mitchell currently. Justin is too short term imo

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If you're not worried about the price drop he can easily score against Southampton

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Price drop will be well annoying but is it really worth a -4

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 6 months ago

                No I wouldn't for a bit

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Hit

                  • Top Lad Dakes.
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Cheers lad. Unless it looks like he won’t start

            2. amol
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              In the same boat with Alli, think Mourinho made a real mistake subbing him off considering they no longer looked like a football team without him.

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

            In FPLStatistics, Bruno, KDB and Gabriel were all over 100% hours ago, but now they've been scaled back to 96%. Is this a tweaking of the algorithm or people converting their transfers to WCs, or what?

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

              I don't know why it happens but if a player over 100% doesn't rise, he is always scaled back to somewhere between 90-95 the next day.

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

                I noticed that as well...no idea why?

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

              Yeah, the algorithm is learning the values of the relevant parameters, so then it figures out that it needs to guess a different number. Might mean that it underestimated the number of WCs being used, as I think it only knows how many transfers there have been in/out and not whether they were on a WC. Like if you played your WC now, no one would know that you did until after the deadline.

            3. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Tweaking

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

            Did anyone watch the FPL Wire this week? Do they talk anything about Alli or Havertz? If they do, then I'll be watching it!

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

              Yep

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

                Cheers mate

            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 6 months ago

                They talked about Alli, not sure about Havertz

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

                  Cheers mate

              • Klaren
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                They do at some point, they all agreed on selling Alli over Havertz first (which is nonsense for me but respect it) and giving Havertz a 2nd chance over the next few.

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

                  Cheers mate!

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

                  Why is it nonsense? It makes perfect sense to me and helped guide my decision. Havertz has great fixtures, lots of potential even though he had a poor debut.

                  Alli got taken off at half time in a Spurs soul-less defeat.

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

                    Alli had a big chance so easily could have scored. Spurs was way better in 1st half with him in the team so can't see him being benched again unless there are other issues outside the pitch.

                    Havertz didn't get into any advanced positions (average position was further back from Kante, James and Alonso) and I don't understand the appeal with him to start with given his stats at Leverkusen playing as an attacking midfielder as opposed to right wing or central forward.

                    It's just my opinion though and I respect that they might have different views on it, there is no right and wrong here before we have more sample size to act upon.

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

                      'Unless there are other issues outside the pitch'

                      I think there are. The signs are there. Unrest at Spurs.

                      But yes, you are right. There is no right or wrong until we get hindsight. I think Chelsea's stats from last season encourage me though in terms of chance creation etc. I'd rather take a chance with Havertz than Alli on the displays of both teams.

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

                Cheers both

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

                Planet FPL covered Havertz and one of their hosts is a Spurs fan and he said he'd just avoid Spurs.

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

                  Cheers mate! I'll watch that as well!

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

              Is Digne worth a whole 1M over Keane?

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

                I'd say so

              2. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Comfortably

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

                Easily

              4. Warby84
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Not sure! Would certainly improve my WC but Keane doesn’t seem to look right.. Digne in the Set Pieces etc so think he as the edge, think 6m is a bit steep

              5. Respect My Authoritah
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Yeah

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

                Absolutely

              7. El-Kloppico
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                If you're buying for CS potential then no.
                But the attacking return that Digne can offer is indeed worth the 1M.

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

              After a decent week 1 I'm wildcarding, any thoughts?

              Ryan

              Bertrand/Justin/Targett

              Mahrez/Aubameyang/Son/James Rod/Fernandes

              Richarlison/Jiminez

              (Walton-Bamford/Mitchell/Buur)

              My transfer for next week should be a straight swap bringing week 1 skipper Salah back in for Aubamayang.

              1. Thinkering like a Boss
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                wow that front 8

              2. Hocus Pocus
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Always tricky with Man City players bar DeBruyne and Sterling... I think you could with upgrade in defence

            5. Fuddled FC
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              a) Alli > James R
              b) Alli > Rich
              c) hold

              1. Saka Punch
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                How would you do Alli to Rich? (he's a sticker this year)

                Think A could be worth a go

                1. Saka Punch
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Striker

                2. Thinkering like a Boss
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  hack alert!

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

              Will Bavies start this weekend?

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

                yep

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

                This weekend? Yes.

              3. Thinkering like a Boss
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                yes

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

              Bringing in Brewster on my WC is now surely a no-brainer?

              A 4.5m starting striker only needs to score about 8 goals or so to be the best value player on the game?

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

                Only if he actually leaves Liverpool (whether Loan or permanently). Otherwise I don't see him getting the minutes to be worth having.

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

                will he be nailed?

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

                I would

              4. Oooof
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I have him in the hope he’ll start somewhere else.

              5. Dion D's Solo Shower
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Sheff. Utd. rotates too often between strikers for me to consider this.

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

                  I can’t decide whether Wilder is deliberately rotating or just that nobody can nail the spot with consistent performances?

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

                  Sheffield ain't spending 25m on a player to rotate him

                  1. Bobby Reds
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    They broke their transfer records twice last summer to sign Moussett and Callum Robinson... both barely got a kick.

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

                      Didn’t Robinson pick up an injury though after starting at first?

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

                      Proves my point - that was 10millio n for Mousett, not 25!

                      25 is huge sums for Sheff Utd, they're not benching him on the regular

              6. Respect My Authoritah
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                A good option, but won't be the best value in the game, that's for sure.

              7. El-Kloppico
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                SHU have got 4 ATT, and I dont think he'll be 1st choice and playing week in week out there also.
                So, lets wait and see, don't overthink it.

              8. Saint & Reevesy
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Ok I’ll bite, who is he going to start for?

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

                  Sheffield UTd

            8. Doctor Evil
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Would you rather have

              Doherty & Justin

              Or

              Laporte & Holding

              1. Top Lad Dakes.
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                B but not holding

            9. Saka Punch
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Anyone know who's on pens for Everton?

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

                Nope

              2. Thinkering like a Boss
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                siggurdsson

                1. Saka Punch
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Yeah, assuming he doesn't start again

                2. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Can’t take them from the grandstand. I’m 90% sure it’s James

                3. El-Kloppico
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  He's on the transfer list.. means he's not 1st choice anymore

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

                Nobody knows

            10. Top Lad Dakes.
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              How do Spuds line up if they get Bale as well as Reguilon? 541 with wingbacks? Sticking to 4 ATB?
              541 with a DM?
              Lloris
              Dier Ald Davies
              Doherty Hojberg Reguilon
              Bale Alli Son
              Kane

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

                I think Lo Celso will play ahead of Alli.

                1. Top Lad Dakes.
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Interesting, really? Mou generally rates Alli I thought, and he was one of their better players before the tactical change (a mistake)

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Lo Celso is quality and first choice for sure, makes them tick

                      1. @persecuted_by_mods
                          3 years, 6 months ago

                          But he can be used further back so he and Alli can both play

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

                        Whilst Alli is a decent player, I think Lo Celso is far superior in terms of creativity - something which Spurs clearly lacked.

                        Lo Celso is also a better box to box player which I think someone like a Hojbjerg needs alongside him.

                        I for one am just avoiding Spurs. They're just too defensive and at the prices their assets are at, I'd much prefer Chelsea ones who despite conceding a lot at least go for goals all throughout the game.

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

                    My guess is they still use a 4-2-3-1.

                    Lloris
                    Reguilon - Dier - Alderweireld - Doherty
                    Lo Celso - Hojbjerg
                    Bale (!) - Alli - Son
                    Kane

                    Mourinho has never used 3ATB consistently so it seems unlikely.

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

                      I think you're bang on here. Just need to swap Doc and Reguilon.

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

                        I think Alli is done.

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

                          Couldn't disagree more, what's the reasoning?

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

                            Rumors of a bustup with Mourinho. There wouldn't be random talks of a Real Madrid move if he was still in Mou's good graces.

                            Getting taken off at half time is also a pretty bad sign. It's quite negative how Mourinho talked about Spurs post game and he didn't do a lot to protect Alli either.

                            Remember last year when Dier got taken off after 30 mins in the game against Benfica? Mourinho went all out with his apologies to the player publically blah blah. Just that post game conference after rewatching it, I think Alli is done. He won't start at Southampton. Back to the bench for lack of pressing.

                  3. el polako
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    I guess Bale will end in physios room after first game, swapping golf course for PL football must be a shock to the body.

                  4. il Brutto
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Lloris
                    Doherty - Aldy - Dier - Reguillon
                    Sissoko - Höjbjerg
                    Bale - Lo Celso - Son
                    Kane

                    1. SH1M1
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Lloris
                      Toby Dier Davies
                      Doherty Hojberg Lo Celso Reguillon
                      Bale Kane Son

                      or

                      Lloris
                      Doherty Toby Dier Reguillon
                      N'Dombele Hojberg Lo Celso
                      Bale Kane Son

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

                    Kane
                    Son Bale
                    Lo Celso
                    Winks Hojbjerg
                    Reguilon Dier Alderweireld Doherty

                    I'm thinking 4-3-3. With Lo Celso slightly more creative ahead of the other two central mids. Bale RW, Son LW.

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

                  Where's everyone at with their WILDCARD strategy?

                  I'm going GW8 for definite.

                  Some WILD fixture swings and Havertz will surely be into the centre and into the swing of things by then.

                  Now if none of the following could pick up any nasty injuries or infections that'd be great:

                  Martinez (Nyland)

                  TAA, Bellerin, Lewis (Taylor, Ferguson)

                  Salah, De Bruyne, Havertz, Greenwood (BIssouma)

                  Martial, Wilson, Antonio

                  1. Doctor Evil
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Just activated it. Got 78 points and my team was decent but you gotta get on those early price rises and this year even more so with getting city and United in.

                    Everyone thinks it’s silly and usually is but not this year with no city and United first gameweek

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

                      Depends on how many players you want to get in I guess.

                      I'm quite happy holding Davies (5.0) with the option of downgrading to 4.5. (freeing up 0.5 at any point I need to cover price rises/drops.

                      For now I'm happy to just bring in Martial and downgrade (pricewise) Auba to KDB next week.

                  2. Mighty Banana
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Earliest will be around GW9/10 as there's quite a few fixtures swings, such as Everton/Spurs/Mitro out and city/liverpool in, maybe villa/palace in too.

                    Likely want to reshape for those teams and I'm not sure how I'm going to get the team I want yet as it's a little too far out to plan in full, although would prefer to hold until the last few weeks.

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

                      My plans also concern Mitro. Restructuring to two 6.5 forwards w/ Antonio and Wilson is a must for me with their fixtures from GW8.

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

                    I want to hold on to it and pull the trigger at the right moment.

                    Still collating more info and trying to anticipate which teams/players are going to be right ones to follow.

                    Definitely planning at least three changes for GW3 using my two FTs and a hit.

                    A mini wildcard if you like and an idea borrowed off here.

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

                      I've never understood the mini WC when I can make 2 transfers then one the following week for the same cost. Maybe if you want to move money around a lot of positions but otherwise what is the difference?

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

                        I see your point

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

                          I guess you cover a fixture swing better maybe with the mini WC

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

                            ...say if you wanted 3 Wolves for GW4 then an FT held would be the better way.

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

                              Yes, I think you make a good point in thinking about it.

                              It’s bad to be too inflexible in your plans.

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

                  1. Alli >> Greenwood
                  2. Havertz >> Greenwood
                  3. Alli >> JamesRod
                  4. Havertz >> JamesRod
                  5. Save

                  Thanks All

                  1. Top Lad Dakes.
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Save imo fella. Or 4 if any

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

                    3) ahead of a nice fixture home to WBA if any.

                  3. il Brutto
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    3 or 5

                  4. Mighty Banana
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    3 or 4, maybe give them both a week and go for the double switch next week if still unhappy.

                4. Top Lad Dakes.
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  CTaylor or Lewis to replace Vinagre? Why?

                  Could potentially rotate with Mitchell fixture dependent. Both defenses missing key pieces (Mee, Dubravka), Lewis more attacking threat but probably poorer defence...

                  1. El-Kloppico
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Lewis

                    1. Top Lad Dakes.
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Cheers. That’s what the gut is telling me...

                      If Burnley doing well can always ditch Doherty later

                  2. amol
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Taylor imo, Newcastle have switched to a 442 from their usual system so remains to be seen how they fare long term + Taylors next 3 overall looks more appealing than Lewis'.

                    1. Top Lad Dakes.
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Cheers for the reply. Keep flip flopping but I think my gut is telling me Lewis - and I ignored my gut and went Ings ASM over Wilson JRod to start sadly...

                      Lewis was threatening last game and while he does have some tough fixtures after GW2 I could rotate with Mitchell for the worst ones.

                      If Burnley look solid Doherty to Taylor could also then be an option soon

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

                    I'd go with Lewis as a long-term option for the attacking returns and fixtures - from GW 7 - 14 his fixtures are fantastic with a couple of exceptions.

                    1. Top Lad Dakes.
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Cheers, that’s my thinking

                  4. il Brutto
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Lewis just. Don't really like the fixtures of either player, but the attacking threat of Lewis and the fact that Newcastle seem to have quite a few home games coming up.

                5. il Brutto
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Which Everton and ManU pairing do you prefer?

                  A) DCL and Rashford
                  B) Martial and Rodriguez

                  1. Top Lad Dakes.
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Probably B. Help above?

                  2. El-Kloppico
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    B

                  3. Mighty Banana
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    A

                6. el polako
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  If Dele and Mou fell out as Gabby Agbonlahor claims then I need to ship him out but the question is for who and how many hits I'm willing to take.
                  -4 to anyone or -8 to Bruno F

                  God I misser this game(not).

                  1. Top Lad Dakes.
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Fell out about what?

                    Id prefer to keep him if I could, cos likewise would require a hit to ship (and id probably punt on Hames)

                  2. Mighty Banana
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Fell out or not, Spurs have a tough run of games and don't really have depth to leave him out too much.

                7. AK ⭐
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Need a bit of help here. What do you guys think about this?

                  McCarthy
                  TAA Justin Ayling
                  Salah Auba (c) Alli Havertz
                  Mitrovic Werner Adams

                  Button KWP Mitchell Bissouma

                  0.0 itb

                  I am thinking about downgrading Alli to a 5.5m mid (Harrison atm), which would open up a few options for next week. Auba to KdB is set in stone and I'd have enough funds for Havertz to Bruno or even Mitro/Adams to Martial for a hit.

                  Alli could easily start and get something vs Saints, but Leeds just look very good and Harrison at 5.5 is value imo.

                  Thoughts?

                  1. The Sociologist
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Think I’d like another few game weeks to assess who from Leeds will be the best option. Think it’s not super risky giving them another couple of weeks. If I were to make a move this week it’d be for an Everton asset for their next few fixtures.

                    I might also be tempted to look at restructuring away from that double 6.0 pivot of doom in attack.

                    1. AK ⭐
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Fair points, James is an obvious candidate but again, it doesn't easily allow a United upgrade easily. Only Havertz to Rashford.

                  2. amol
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    I think if you're going to get rid of anyone it should be Havertz.

                    1. AK ⭐
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Willing to give him another go. Hoping Lamps will play him in an advanced position, Chelsea fixtures after this are pretty good if Havertz plays in front 3 or no.10.

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

                    Alli > JamesR is the move this week for me. Your team is pretty similar to mine. Basically the same midfield.

                    1. AK ⭐
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      What's your United and City plan?

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

                        Auba > KdB/Sterling first thing.

                        Then I'll consider Havertz > Rashford after watching the games.

                        1. AK ⭐
                          • 11 Years
                          3 years, 6 months ago

                          Fair. Makes sense.

                8. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Sterling or Auba?

                  1. Top Lad Dakes.
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Auba this week, Raz after

                9. Saka Punch
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Alli to JRod worth a -4? That WBA fixture looks so tasty and great fixtures after

                  1. Top Lad Dakes.
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Unless it looks like Alli won’t start, I’m hanging onto him one more week - otherwise could and would do that exact move for a hit

                    1. Saka Punch
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Yeah, I can't see Jose giving any useful info in the presser so I doubt we'll know either way. Would you not be planning a City move anyway next week? Difficult to see a time to get Alli out without a hit

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

                    Maybe... Everton look sharp, and the fixtures are good. But will Hames be the assisted of the assister?

                    Do you think Spurs are in meltdown and/or Alli is out of favour?

                10. checkit_j
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Bottomed*

                  I don't want to WC but maybe take a -4?

                  Ings + ASM -> Greenwood + Wilson?
                  Ings + Dele -> Bruno + Ayew/Watkins/Adams?

                  0.0itb

                  Mccarthy
                  TAA | Dier | Mitchell | Justin
                  Auba | Salah | ASM | Dele |
                  Werner Ings

                  (Steer, Mitro, Biss, KWP)

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

                    Dele -> James Rod

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

                      Not a bad shout. Gives me .5 for next week. But no united or city this week?

                      Could do ings to martial? -4?

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

                  Appreciate some input here.

                  A) Vinagre -> Lamptey
                  B) Vinagre, Ings -> Saiss, Rich -4
                  C) Ings -> Rich and move Vin next week

                  Team:
                  McCarthy
                  TAA - Davies - Saliba..
                  Auba (C) - Salah - Greenwood - ASM
                  Werner - Ings - Mitro
                  Steer - Mitchell - Soucek - Vinagre

                12. Shatner's Bassoon
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Guess Ben Davies is shot as an option then?

                  Or might Jose go for a 3-5-2 with Reg + Doh flying wing backs?? (Can't remember him doing so in his career so far!)

                  1. Top Lad Dakes.
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    I posed this above. Think it’s either that or the 4231 someone posted in response

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

                    Keep him for one more week, then get rid for Saiss.

                13. Top Lad Dakes.
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Vinagre is dead as an option right, realistically ?

                  No chance he starts surely, so safe to ditch now and avoid forgetting about price drop?

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

                    Certainly for me. If they didn't trust him in GW1, he's not coming back until at least Marcal has a couple of nightmare games.

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

                    Sadly, yes.

                14. Dynamic Duos
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Brewster getting his move?

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

                    Yes

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

                    Only in the news rumors so far...

                  3. DRIZ ✅
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Will he start?

                    1. Dynamic Duos
                      • 10 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      At Sheffield Utd ? He is better than anyone else there

                15. KUNingas
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Take a hit or not to take a hit?

                  A) Alli -> Bruno (will be stuck with Mitro and Adams)
                  B) Mitro + Alli -> Martial + James (-4)
                  C) Adams + Alli -> Martial + James (-4)

                  Salah, Auba, Alli, ASM
                  Werner, Mitro, Adams

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

                    B but only because Fulham are absolutely shocking.

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

                      Thanks. Leaning to B or C but tough choice between Mitro and Adams

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

                    I think B) edges you towards a better long term team structure.

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

                    B is preferable for sure.

                16. Doctor Evil
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  So I just did

                  Egan to Digne
                  TAA to VVD
                  Doherty to Laporte
                  Son to Bruno
                  Auba to KDB
                  Soucek to Klich

                  Now I know TAA is vital but not enough for me to let the rest of the team down as he won’t be captained

                  Also I know about Auba vs West Ham but he may not score and KDB just might

                  Now my team is

                  McCarthy Nyland

                  Digne VVD Laporte Justin Mitchell

                  Salah KDB Bruno Klich Bissouma

                  Werner Wilson Brewster

                  Anyone else you would change?

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

                    Hope you used WC 😉

                    1. Doctor Evil
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      I did indeed

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

                    Looks fine

                17. seewhyaxe
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Oh man, these Alli sellers.

                  Can't you just wait for the Europa fixture to start first before selling..?!