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. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Greenwood start?

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

      Yes

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

      Probably for this GW, if you think Ole won’t care about his Icelandic exploits.

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

        Ole would care about the 3 points more am sure.

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

      May come off the bench

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

      I'd just get Rodriguez I'd you're planning on using your FT to bring a 7.5M midfielder.

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

    Start kneejerking Vardy in please

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

      🙂

      Am I allowed to knee jerk him out?

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

        Next week for Aguero is my current plan, depends on your team

        Let him riiiiiise

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

          Contemplating Jim and Martial plus change or even Werner if Chelsea look a bit better.

          Have the possible Kun switch on my mind too. Luxury (!) of choosing between him and Kane as fall guys. Both have captaincy matches going forward so not a slam dunk that either goes.

          Got them both in as my reading of fixtures is that most best captain options early on are up top and not in the middle - assuming decent Spurs Leicester form.

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

            We'll learn a lot more next week, that's for sure

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

      Start posting how he is overachiever etc...who knows? 🙂 it might work

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

        Ahahaha 🙂

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

    chances of ASM not starting next gw?

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

      10%

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

        why? 10% is low

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Chances of not starting

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

              lol. I had to read my question again. Multitasking..

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

        Bruce said he’s fine no? I can’t deal with another problem lol

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Mate you're not having any luck here

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

              Really not 😆 Auba and Salah saved me this week. Stuck with Alli ASM Vinagre all big doubts for starters, with only Mitchell on the bench.

              If only I’d stuck with gut on Wilson JRod v Ings ASM that would be one problem solved! Also wouldn’t have the temptation to take a hit for Alli to JRod lol

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

          Nobody knows

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

            am sure Bruce is a somebody. 😉

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

        Time to WC?

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

          No

        2. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 6 months ago

            With all the info you've given I would say 100% it is time

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

            Sad times

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

          People reckon Alli starts on the weekend?

          They missed him when he was taken off I heard

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

            Reckon he will

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I think he does yeah

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

              Nope. Don't think he'll start.

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

                Who then Cam?

                And why, you reckon he starts midweek?

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

                  Nope don't think he starts at all. In the Mourinho jailhouse.

                  They'll play anyone else. Lamela or Bergwijn instead.

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

                    I’ll come for ya if you convince me to ditch then he hauls and Hames blanks! 😉 hahah

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

                      Well, I've actually put my money where my mouth is and did that same move.

                      Team is linked. Alli > Hames done as my FT this week. We'd be going down together 😛

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

                        Hit for me so even riskier!!

                        If Hames makes it through tonight I’ll likely do it - just annoying we won’t know result of Spurs in Europe before Alli drops

                        Hehe I’ll let you know then mate

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

            Ings to DCL
            Son to Bruno
            -4 hit
            Sound good?

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Not for a hit

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

                Would keep son

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

              Can we expect Ferguson to be back by GW5? On WC and unsure whether I should just get Ferg for long-term or stick with Mitchell and take his price rises.

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

                Stick with Mitchell for now imo

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

                Stick with Mtchell. Who knows what happens in the next 4 gw's. When is PVA back?

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

                  He is training, so won’t be long...

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

                    Then Ferguson.

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

              Should I be looking to make any moves or forget it?

              McCarthy
              Taylor TAA Justin Egan
              Salah Auba Alli Soucek
              Werner Kane

              Subs: Button, Mitchell, Bissouma, Davis

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

                6/10 for gw2 missing Manchester Coverage

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

                  Cheers for the reply mate, who would you look to take out?

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

                    Possibly Werner/Kane for Martial?

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

                      Think I would want to keep both for the next gameweek minimum before making a decision.

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

                I'm thinking of Alli + Kane -> Bruno + Richarlison myself for a hit.

                it's seriously tempting

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

                  Richarlison is going to explode this season imo, looked much more threatening than DCL just the finish was missing. Its definitely on my mind too if Spurs dont turn up vs Southampton.

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

                    the potential Alli drop is annoying without knowing what's the outcome of the Europa fixture

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

                Werner to Martial for me..

              4. stat sifter 888888
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Midfield is the most pressing concern if transfers for this week. Alli/Soucek is not a convincing double-act, particularly if you already have Kane in your team.Lots of other tinkers that could be done but I'm sure that you're saving them for your WC.

            4. sully29
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              At the moment my thinking on Alli is "wait and see whether he looks likely to play" but another part of me just wants to transfer him to James for -4 and be done with it.

              He was always a punt given his form hasn't exactly been electric and neither the early substitution nor the links to being a makeweight for Bale bode well. Most importantly, I *hate* owning attackers in Mourinho teams.

              So at some point I want rid of him. Meanwhile, James is a *much* better footballer, nailed on, plays under a much less negative manager and has a nice run of fixtures, starting with a poor West Brom.

              Might be worth the -4 just to actually enjoy watching my players play.

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

                Exact same situation fella. Sucks

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

                Would hold and give him another gw

              3. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  The only thing that has changed is the 45 min sub, if I said Alli is 8.0 and playing CAM youd have him which you did, I did too and in the first half he had a good chance to score and was in the box for nearly every cross or cut back. Annoying that he's gonna drop in price and 45 min sub was very annoying and harsh from Mou. Thankfully it backfired on him

                  1. sully29
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Aye, the only thing that has changed since is the 45min sub but that in itself could be significant.

                    Also it's entirely possible for nothing to change but for us to realise we made a poor choice. As is I own the third best attacking player (at best) from a pretty turgid side whose manager I fundamentally do not trust when it comes to getting the most out of his attacking players. And the reality is a large reason for making the choice to include Alli was as a placeholder for better players anyway. Not exactly an overwhelming case for keeping.

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

                Anyone else contemplating holding Auba week 3 and not doing the KdB switch?

                (In my case it’d be a minus 4 likely - depending a bit on how my power front line performs.)

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

                  It's not a bad shout tbh. He plays Liverpool and Sheffield both of whom look shaky defensively. Only issue is, everyone and their dog will take Auba out for KdB/Bruno causing a fall in price. He's playing West Ham at home and already sitting at -30%.

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

                    I know

                    But one preseason strategy I won’t be binning - this early anyway - is ignoring price for transfers. Always a way somehow. Helps that I’ve also factored in regular mini WCs which makes swaps easier. One every 5 games or so is the idea

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

                WC time?

                McCarthy, Nyland
                TAA, Doherty, Reese James, Mitchell, Justin
                Salah, Auba, JWP, Son, ASM
                Martial, Addams, Davis

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

                  7/10 looks good

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

                  Nah, doesn't look too shoddy except JWP

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

                Ollie Watkins ... he's on of our own

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

                  Gah! *one* even

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

                  Had a poor end to the season and was no where to be found when the team needed him, hopefully can start off well in PL

              7. Captain Knackered
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Opinions would be welcome greatly!

                Ramadale
                TAA Robertson Shaw Justin
                Salah(vc) Havertz Auba(c) Pereira
                Ings Adams

                Button James Bissouma Davies

                0.0itb

                Havertz to JRodriguez or hold or another visable option?

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

                  Save FT bro

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

                If James makes it through the Everton cup game today I might just do Alli to James (-4) and be done with it

                Aghhh.

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

                  Would hold mate, James had a great game tbh but got 3 pts

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

                    He did, but better finishing from teammates he’d have much more. Plus they play a much worse defence this week! AND he’s at least guaranteed (essentially) to start!

                    Alli was unlucky this week but still

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

                    That's even better.

                    It means fewer players will get him in for when he actually scores and you don't miss any returns.

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

                      There is this, too....

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

                    Jesus christ once again here you are downvoting anybody who suggests taking a hit. Are you the most passive manager in FPL?

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

                  He may be rested or start on the bench as well. They have a few they can use inc Siggy, Davies, Iwobi, Bernard etc who will all vie for a start.

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

                    Was their best player from what I’ve heard though, so creative. Surely Carlo wants to keep that going

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

                Everyone is trying to get a United asset/s, which is understandable. But how many goals do you expect Utd to put past Palace? Won't be an easy game imo..

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

                  Exactly. Can see both Wolves and Palace making it difficult for the Manc boys.

                  Posted about this last night. - I’m not rushing to get in players for hits that haven’t even played yet. Giving it a week

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

                    That's the best strategy tbh. Maybe a few surprises will spring up with Aguero, Ake, Greenwood etc

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

                    Then you’re left with a couple of good fixtures and a load of iffy ones.

                    Brighton feels better than Palace to me - even if away - but actively contemplating zero United early unless I get Martial/Bruno in for long term value.

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

                  I'd say 2.

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

                  I reckon 3-1 to Manutd

                4. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    2-3 tbh, I wasn't that impressed by them in the Southampton game. More unimpressed with a Southampton not at the races.

                    That said, utd have had a disjointed pre season just like Spurs and look how they performed

                  • Oooof
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    I think:

                    Man Utd 2-1 C Palace

                    Wolves 2-2 Man City

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

                    3-0.

                    Rashford hattrick, all assisted by Fernandes.

                    Too much to ask? 🙁

                  • pingissimus
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Palace away to top 4 last time out only went down badly once - Liverpool in that fixture - special circs I think there given the emotion etc

                    Chelsea 2
                    City 2
                    United 1

                    Less encouraging is that Leicester and Spurs had good days against them. 3 and 4 iirc

                    Injuries a complete irrelevance imo

                    2 feels about right to me.

                  • pingissimus
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Other key point here is GI at United - it’s spread around a fair bit.

                    In restart when most had a double or even triple up you could be fairly certain of hitting most goals. Now if there’s only one in your squad very good chance of missing altogether unless it’s an avalanche

                    Grounds for Kane over Martial for me - just more likely to hit whatever goals Spurs do manage

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

                  Havertz & Son to Rodriguez & Rashford?

                  Or stick with for this week and have 2FTs next week?

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

                    Would stick imo

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

                    Very tough but safe bet is to stick and reassess

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

                    Stick with Son this week. Havertz to James or hold.

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

                    I actually took to hit to avoid getting rid of Son, I believe in the boy

                6. Wheato182
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Looking for some advice, current team

                  Ramsdale
                  Trent - Doherty - Justin
                  Salah - Auby - ASM - Bowen - Pulisic
                  Adams - Werner

                  Really unsure what to do, keep chopping and changing but not happy. Main concerns are

                  1. Need Everton coverage - Richarlison or JRod
                  2. Pulisic flagged, worth getting rid? looks like id want him back next week.
                  3. Bowen, West Ham looked dire a few options available at his price.

                  Any advice would be apprieciated.

                  Thanks

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

                    Would definitely focus on replacing Bowen but wait for news on ASM and Puli...they might become more pressing issues

                    1. Wheato182
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Cheers, i think waiting it prob the best option am actually playing with the idea of an early wildcard at the moment. Guess i'll wait until friday.

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

                    Bowen, that's a lot for someone who doesn't get many points and has terrible fixtures. He'd be my first to fix, but given you have 2 flags you might be in for a tough choice tbh.

                    I'd like to think one of Werner/Pulisic plays at least, so do you have a bench player?

                    1. Wheato182
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Thanks for the reply - Bowen defo on the radar to get rid now.

                      I'm gonna take Werners comments about him being fit as confirmation he'll start. Pulisic is a concern though, even if i were to keep him in and he plays then double chelsea against liverpool might be a stretch even if they did look dodgy against Leeds.

                      I'm thinking a hit involving Pulisic and Bowen is the way to go.

                      1. stat sifter 888888
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        You have Pulisic and Werner? Puli's a good transfer, just a gameweek or two early.

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

                  Hope Auba massively punishes sellers this week - it’s WHU, guys!

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

                    I’m on this train too.

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

                      Fingers crossed for low scoring in the Manc games too!

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

                        I don’t think Wolves (a) is an easy fixture even for Man City

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

                          Definitely not. They beat them twice last year and have already started strong!

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

                    Auba C please dont let us down

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

                      Yes fellas. Hope it serves us even better than GW1!

                  3. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Can't believe he's being sold by that many, United assets are good options but Auba is my captain

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

                        Potential haul not as valuable as 0.1m apparently.

                    • ZeBestee
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Very strange transfer. He is an automatic captain for me.

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

                        Yeah clear choice imo

                    • stxrty
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Signed da ting now to sign a hatty. 😉

                    • Utopsis
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      FPL tends to be emotions 1st, logic 2nd

                  4. LSK
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Pickford could be useful for wildcarders. Everton looked solid with the new midfield and he’s a decent penalty saver. Also, when he makes a mistake and costs them, it will cost the other defenders as well but they’re still being considered.

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

                      I agree. While I don't rate him highly as a keeper, he could be a good FPL asset this season. I still think Digne is the best option out of Everton defensive assets and worth the price though.

                    2. St Pauli Walnuts
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      4.5 keeper in Fanteam game, I'll be getting him when I WC there in a few weeks.

                  5. Ziko7
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Alli to James Rodriguez for a hit?

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

                      Only if its a med/long term play over the next 5 or so GWs - if not then better off saving the 4 pts

                      1. Ziko7
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        It is longterm, Everton have good fixtures + Alli's price will soon drop

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

                          Do it - but wait to make sure nothing happens to James in tonight's EFL Cup match 1st. Alli price drop (if it happens) won't occur until about 2am BST, so you have time.

                          1. Ziko7
                            • 4 Years
                            3 years, 6 months ago

                            Thanks

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

                    Those penalties being given has totally changed my mindset. Seems like if it hits an arm its a pen now regardless and I seriously think players are getting clever enough to draw handballs from defenders. Players also seem quicker than ever and more streetwise to con refs with minimal contact. Refs look like they cannot wait to give them to show they are on point with the new directive.

                    Basing my side around having 3 at any one time of Bruno/KDB/Salah/Auba as the 4 pen guys of the most attacking units bar Chelsea - and Werner is only a Jorginho dropping away from being a 5th.

                    1. stat sifter 888888
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Sounds great in theory but that's 57.5 million for 5 players. What's the rest of your team going to look like?

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

                      Can't have all 4 of them imo. Even at the expense of cheap defense. This is why I'm leaning towards value pen takers such as Rodriguez, Jimenez, Wood, etc.

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

                        Fair call just not sure those teams score as many and its strikers taking them not mids

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

                        I only said 3 plus Werner. Also have TAA and 2 x 6.x forwards who im prepared to give a chance to. Could squeeze a 7 mid in too with TAA and cheap rotations in my case Ayling and Lewis

                  7. fpl_tp95
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Ings to Richarlison..

                    Thoughts? Worried ings will punish me against a poor looking spurs

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

                      I wouldn’t tbh and btw - personally, would prefer DCL + 1 mil

                      1. fpl_tp95
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        Yeah fair enough, Richy looked good against spurs tho, should have at the very least had an assist. Probably safer to hold for a week though and reassess

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

                          Probably best option

                    2. Fit_to_drop
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      DCL had a long barren stretch at the end of last season. I wont be signing him again. Richarlison for me. Looks way more dangerous and Id prefer a pacey striker to a non-pace based striker any day.

                      1. stat sifter 888888
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        DCL is the focal point of their attack now though. Rich is more consistent but with good cover for DCL he's a good option.

                  8. I AM THE FPL MONSTER
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Who score more points in GW2?

                    A) KDB

                    B) SALAH

                    Thoughts?

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

                      Accurate. I should have done Saliba out last night and didnt and today Im priced out a deal for Martial by .1 and will have to wait to make the value back up.

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

                        Sorry, reply fail.

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

                    How accurate has the FPL statistics site been on the first few days of price changes?

                    Alli looks like he will fall tonight.

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

                      Accurate. I should have done Saliba out last night and didnt and today Im priced out a deal for Martial by .1 and will have to wait to make the value back up.

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

                        That’s what I figured.... was hoping it was wildly inaccurate so far so could sit on my Alli decision longer... haha

                  10. Wheato182
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Potential WC. Good to go?

                    Ramsdale
                    Trent - Justin - KWP
                    Salah - Auby - Fraser - JRod
                    Richarlison - Werner - Watkins

                    Bench - Martin - Saiss - Bissouma - Mitchell

                    1. stat sifter 888888
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Like Rich pick but Everton double-up already? Why Werner against Liverpool as well? Fraser and Watkins picks are also quite questionable.

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

                    Best choice to captain:
                    Auba home to WHU
                    Richarlison home to WBA

                    Im veering towards 2nd...

                    1. stat sifter 888888
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Rich was my captain in my first WC team but I had to redo it to avoid compromising too much on the midfield. Barnes had quite a lot of joy down that right side against West Brom and Rich is a very consistent scorer and probably hungry to capitalise on last match's missed chances.

                      B.

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

                    Rashford + DCL vs. Rodriguez + Martial?

                    1. stat sifter 888888
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Rodriguez is substantially unproven in the Prem against more physical teams. Really like Martial though.

                      A just overall for me but I can see the value of both options.

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

                      R+M

                      But not bad choices

                  13. jimmy.floyd
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    A Martial Rodriguez ASM (3-4-3)
                    B DCL Bruno Justin (4-3-3)

                    1. stat sifter 888888
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Tricky, tricky. Really like Martial but a DCL-Bruno combo might be more lucrative overall. Not a big fan of 4-3-3 though.

                  14. zman575
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    anyone else think im crazy for taking an 8 point hit this early. i already had planned a minus 4 to get bruno and martial in for mane and antonio but annoyingly had to get rid of saliba a week early as he wont play and went down in value last night

                    1. stat sifter 888888
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Personally not a fan of this points hit idea. Play the WC and make major tinkers if you back your ability or stick within your transfer limit.

                      1. zman575
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        yeah man i agree. my problem is i played last week with 10 men. still scored a respectable 73 points but both saliba and viangre didnt play. saliba to taylor was my planned gw 3 transfer but just did it a week early. a 4 point hit getting rid of mane and antonio with horrible fixtures to 2 critical man utd players with about 11 good fixtures seems fine. then i was calculating playing with 10 men so the added transfer of saliba to taylor technically cost me 2 points (3 if leicester score twice). thats my rationale lol

                  15. zizoo10
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    is there a chance vinagre doesnt drop pre deadline? god i hope he doesnt so i can bring saiss in immediately, otherwise no wolves defender for me 🙁

                    1. zman575
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      i think so but i really hope not!