Pro Pundits - Lateriser

The best way to bounce back from a poor start to the FPL season in Gameweek 2

“Run the risk. If it works out, happiness. If not, wisdom” – Unknown

So then, one Gameweek into the new season and Fantasy Premier League managers already have big decisions to make.

For me, rolling the dice and going without Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) fell flat on its face. It would be naïve to think I was unlucky and those who owned the Egyptian were lucky ‘because penalties’ – FPL is not as black-and-white as all that. I think it was quite the opposite, to be honest. The quote above tells us one thing. If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you don’t gain ‘wisdom’.

I have a sneaky feeling that the Salah of 2017/18 is back. I haven’t seen him this sharp and fit for a long, long time and that it is why it is dangerous to have ‘pre-conceived’ notions in this extremely dynamic game. 

I have spoken a lot about ‘Upside Chasing’ and ‘Big Hitter Switching’ this season but I’ve also spoken a lot about ‘Adapting’. And when Salah puts in a performance such as he did against Leeds, you pay attention. You adapt. You re-align your thinking. 

We’re not talking about any old FPL asset here. We’re talking about someone who finished in the top two overall Fantasy scorers over the last three years and has a proven ceiling of 300 FPL points (which was achieved largely without penalties). 

Salah was struggling with an injury last season and I have a feeling Jurgen Klopp was playing him through it because there was a historic title on the line. It seems like he is over it now. 

Now, I am not going to buy him this Gameweek BUT I am not going to go without Salah for a long time and am working towards a plan to get him. 

He’s fit. He’s sharp. He looks hungry. Liverpool are due some penalties. He’s got increased assist threat. 

Being stubborn will not make you a good FPL player. You have to respond to what you see on that television screen. I wouldn’t stick to a pre-determined plan of chasing fixtures by selling Salah if you had such a plan. In Gameweek 2, he’s facing Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.0m) for what it’s worth. His troubles between the sticks are well-documented, most recently by David in this match report of Chelsea’s win at Brighton. Shooting on sight might be enough for Salah

For those that got off to a bad start like me (43 points), don’t worry about it too much. I always said Gameweek 1 was somewhat of a shot in the dark with more unknowns than any round of the season. It is how you respond beyond Gameweek 1 that makes you a good FPL manager. 

But, just a word of warning before we draw any drastic conclusions. We only have one week of data so far this season. We don’t know what the norm is yet, meaning we don’t know which match events are the anomalies either. 

If, like me, you went all-in against Salah, don’t forget that you knew the risks and the opposition had a really good hand (not a lucky one but a good one) that came through. You learn from it and move on. The key is that you do learn from it. This is a game of temperament that you need to hold for a season. 

There are a few other things worth mentioning about Gameweek 1 that I’ll take you through. There’s no structure here. Just think of it as me writing in my diary.

We need to talk about Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m). There are so many new ‘toys’ in the market when it comes to exciting, explosive strikers that we might tend to overlook the old, dusty pack of Uno cards which have never really given us a ‘laugh-riot’ game night but it’s never been boring either. 

There is not much to think about here. Jiménez has been reliable for two seasons now. Yes, he slowed down at the back-end of Project Restart but still scored a steady four goals in that run. And it looks like Nuno has decided to go ‘sexier’ with his team this season. They looked more formidable in attack at Sheffield United, Jiménez looked incredibly sharp and it seemed like they created more than they usually do. 

This did have a little bit of an effect on Wolves’ defence though and I thought they looked more open at the back than usual. As it was Sheffield United, they went largely unpunished. The upcoming fixtures pit Nuno’s men against Manchester City (home), West Ham (away), Fulham (home), Leeds (away), Newcastle (home) and Crystal Palace (home). It certainly looks like a night of Uno that’s going to be more fun than usual without the unnecessary disruption of European Football.

How Spurs and Everton's new signings fared in their FPL Gameweek 1 debuts

Remember that year in school when one of the less popular kids came back a changed person one summer before suddenly became a changed person one summer. Over the holidays he went home bought the best gym equipment, went on a shopping spree with a good stylist and became a cool kid virtually overnight. Well, in the Premier League this season, that kid is Everton. 

Everything you knew about them last year is irrelevant. Yes, a certain Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.1m) was a troll during Project Restart and went on a horrible run. But that kid named Everton accompanied by their suave new stylist Carlo Ancelotti went shopping and bought a completely new wardrobe (read midfield) and you now need to view this team completely differently. 

Out of nowhere, the Toffees look creatively competent. Having players who can switch the side of play so easily instead of others that are incapable of making a single forward pass makes a difference I guess. Add to that, they have one of the best ball-winners in Europe protecting that back-line in Allan (£5.5m). The team deserves our attention at both ends of the pitch and you must erase every bad memory you had with this kid last year when he trolled you no end.

Elsewhere, a pair of 4.5m defenders are already standing out to me as the pick of the lot. I’ve got Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m) and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) on my watchlist for this price bracket. 

Lamptey, in particular, has immense potential. Brighton looked very encouraging against Chelsea, with Graham Potter instructing much of his team’s offensive play to travel through the full-backs. Lamptey showed us what he can do last season with an impressive performance against Liverpool and seems proficient in creating chances with great reliability.

Someday, we might even get to purchase a nailed-on defender from Arsenal at £4.5m or below. Now that the Gunners are much more solid at the back, I will be keeping close tabs on William Saliba (£4.4m) and Rob Holding (£4.5m) to see who emerges as the better option long-term. It is worth noting that Arsenal’s fixtures don’t become incredibly appealing until Gameweek 8, so we do have time to judge them, which is helpful.

After a major captaincy-fail last week, I really hope this week is easier on me. I am currently having a major heart versus head debate as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) seems like the obvious captaincy pick, but I also happen to be a Manchester United fan. I know the Arsenal man has an easier fixture, based on the defensive prowess (or lack thereof) displayed by West Ham last season and in Gameweek 1 but I also own Anthony Martial (£9.0m) and Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m).

My co-host Zophar told me on this week’s episode of The FPL Wire that West Ham made Steve Bruce’s Newcastle look like prime Barcelona on Saturday evening. I trust his opinion and that has me worried about how much damage Aubameyang can do in Gameweek 2. That said, Manchester United were really effective going forward last season once Fernandes joined the team and Paul Pogba (£8.0m) was fit.

So, with all that to consider, I haven’t yet made up my mind about my next captaincy decision. Traditionally I always like captaining a Manchester United player in the first good home game of the season. And we do play this game for fun, right?

*Looks through post-season notes*

 “You love Tony gloves.”

1,967 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I've decided (thanks all for the advice) to start Adams. But who should I bench? ASM, Lascelles, or Ayling?

    Leno Button
    TAA Robbo Ayling Lascelles Mitchell
    Salah Auba Son ASM Bissouma
    Adams Jimenez Mitrovic

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

      Out of those options, I'd bench one of Adams/ASM.

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bench Lascelles

  2. Diddi89
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alli out and Jrod in?
    0m itb

    McCarthy
    AWB- Robertson-tierney-Davies (Mitchell)
    Auba-salah-Alli (ASM) (bissouma)
    Werner - DcL - mitrovic

    Risk to have Everton double up or any alternatives?

    Many Thanks for any opinion!

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

      I would've done it earlier. Now you lose the 0.1m on Alli. Oh well. Still worth.

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

        A simple 'yes' would have sufficed.

      2. Diddi89
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Noticed it! Didnt know the drop would be today, but was For sure a tickingbomb.

    2. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I did it last night. No point waiting, he wasn't even in the squad today which says a lot.

    3. Fero1905
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rodriguez better than Alli. You can double up everton they have a good fixture.

  3. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son, not delivering again today... Southampton is the last chance for me. Anyone else selling right away or keeping for longer ?

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

      I was planning to WC for gw 3 so that's when I'm expecting he'll go

    2. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would be hard to keep if City/United assets perform well.

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

      Selling today

    4. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping for Southampton, he could enjoy himself against that high line.

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

        RH would be stupid to again go with it.

        Think two defeats in a row and he will go for a more defensive unit. Won't be surprised if Adams is dropped and Ings plays alone up top and the midfield is strengthened. For SOU, aim will be minimum a one-pointer so I expect them to play on the counter. Otherwise, just sit deep.

        1. Gregor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe, Southampton’s home record was appalling last season though and it seems they are a team who don’t start well.

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

      I think keep and have an extra GW of data to decide what to do after. Its a good fixture for him.

    6. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping for Southampton and reassess after

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

    Either Ali or Havertz worth getting rid for a hit?

    Or hold until next GW?

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

      Alli but since you've missed the drop, I'd say hold.

      I think he starts given most of the Spurs 1st team played 90 minutes today.

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

        Cheers. Leaning towards hold. Wasn’t sure whether he’s got 0 chance of starting.

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

      Havertz is not the player from Chelsea v Brighton.

      Could easily end up around the 200 mark if played centrally and given big minutes throughout the season

  5. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    When does Thiago join pool?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      GW3 id imagine

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Do we have rumours / an estimate of price yet?

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

          Confirmed by Fabrizio
          30m euros

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Sorry mate.

            I meant in fpl!

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

    GW2 GTG?

    Martinez
    Digne Saiss Justin
    KDB Bruno(c) Rodriguez Grealish
    Martial Jimenez Richarlison

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

      Aye

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers boss

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      WC? I like it!

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Indeed

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Gtg. I see you dumped TAA.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Will get a pool defender back at some point, possibly Robbo though

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I did the same. For now.

    4. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will you get TAA later?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        See above, possibly Robbo

    5. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice mate.

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

      Have identical set up on stocks bar this. Very strong preference for Robbo over Rich.

      You could of course switch later but it’s a double transfer waiting to happen.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I’d kick myself if Rich hailed against WBA now

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          *hauled

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

      Thats very nice!

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

      Like the 3 Everton picks.
      Nice team overall

    9. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bench ?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Button R.James Bissouma Ferguson 0.5

    10. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jim AND Martial

      Grealish too

      Love the whole setup

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, glad you like the Jack punt

    11. Leelas legs 11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like that!

  7. Good Times
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Honestly think palace will give United a tough game. With the lack of preseason I feel its better to wait a game or so

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They don’t get beaten by much and Roy knows how to set up a defence...

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

        This

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

      Agree

    3. Party time
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah,I think so too

      • Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Amey disagrees with this post

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

          😉
          Tell them Pumpy !

          I'm going to stay quiet now. Let United speak ....

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            One of us will eat our words 😉

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

              I have Martial coming from Bench. I'm double biased here 😆

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

            2-1 to Palace again 😀

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

              Go and watch team sheets.
              Check who were attacking mids were then and now 🙂

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

                Do your attacking mids play in defence too? 😀

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

                  No .. Do your attackers attack too ??
                  😛

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

                    So many 🙂 and 😛

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

                    Not often but highest scoring other team just about in 2018/19.

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

                      😆

                      Not wishing you luck here Pingi bro. We need 3 points to start.

      • pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Won there last season of course

        But Palace were mixed away at top teams - effectively held City United Chelsea for a collective 5 goals - draw win defeat. Got clattered for 11 goals by Liverpool Spurs Leicester

        Roy defence away to big boys no more reliable than other teams

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

          3-1 or 3-0 looks likely result in honesty bro

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

            Sounds plausible but money on something tighter - last seen United were gash and no preseason and messed around by internationals. Palace looking drilled

            All depends on if early goal.

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

              Hmm
              Right ....

      • KGFC
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think too much quality in the front four.

        Maybe United won't be at their free-flowing best but still see them scoring at least 2 goals.

      • ThisPostsOnFire
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Don't know about this.
        Conceded a lot of goals in July.

      • Good Times
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Damn this post got traction! Honestly believe palace a gelling decent since preseason, not as easy as it looks! Did my alli and Davies swap out for willian and Justin... Will wildcard in a few weeks or so

    4. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A) Bruno and Wilson
      B) J.rodriguez and martial
      Leaning towards A with pens

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

        A hands down

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No certainty Wilson is on pens

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

          Decent chance he is though.

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            As long as Ritchie isn’t on the pitch

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

              Decent chance he won't be most of the times 😀

      3. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I agree 3-0 Utd!

        1. Party time
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Utd fan spotted!

        2. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Actually meant Bruno pens, bonus if wilson is too!
          Got exact cash and pulisic might drop. Do it anyway?

      4. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Are there any 4.0 defenders that will play every week? Aside from Mitchell (although not sure if his starting spot is guaranteed)

        1. Gregor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No mate, Mitchell for now and maybe Ferguson when he’s back seem like your best bets.

          1. COLLIN QUANER
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Okay that's good to know, thanks for the info 🙂

          2. R.C
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Ferguson is first choice RB?

            1. Gregor
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              He could be, though I see Nathaniel Clyne is also now training with Palace.

              1. Ser Davos
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Oh yes, didn't click with this when I noticed that earlier

        2. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Johnson might be the unlikely but possible to get small gametime 4m defender after Ferguson. Don't expect gametime for 4m but spend the 0.5m he brings wisely.

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

        Has Hodgson said when PVA is said to be back? Wondering whether Mitchell is the best 4.0 defender to have on WC

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Quite soon I think - maybe GW3 or 4

          I might go Ferguson over Mitchell on WC

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Is Ferguson definitely a first choice RB?

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Clyne I’m training but not signed. Pretty sure Ferguson is highly rated but young and raw so will need time. Hopefully by GW5 he enters the equation.

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

            Heard Clyne might sign for Palace if he does well in training.

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

        Already made Ings to Martial move- is this team OK to go or would you take hit for Alli to Rodríguez?

        McCarthy
        TAA Dier Egan Justin
        Salah Aubameyang (c) Alli ASM
        Werner Martial

        Button KWP Burke Brewster

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

          Stick.

        2. Garth Marenghi
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Hold

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

          Alli out now before he goes any lower

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

        Any thoughts on this team?

        Ryan (Steele)
        VVD / Saiss / Justin / KWP (Mitchell)
        Salah / KDB / Bruno / Jorginho (Bissouma)
        Vardy / Martial (Brewster)

        1. Right In The Stanchion
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yuck yuck yuck

        2. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Good team. Bissouma for KWP.

        3. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Will Jorginho play every week?

          Ft? Wc?

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

          Not enough TAA - Those attacking returns from a top defence are a must
          Too much Jorginho - Not nailed

      8. Hakaei lali
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Must rely now I have to deside
        A)Mitchel + klitch
        B) Hendrick + Dallas

        Which one better long term

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Neither - surely better combos out there?

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

            ^this

      9. Pit
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you for the excellent article as always. Your insights and thoughts are always great and appreciated. I find myself often thinking similarly to you... started without Mo as well. Was a tough one to take but we learn and move on as you say.

        I still think my squad overall looks great and after all it was only one gw. Yes we know it’s not really luck in choosing him, I almost always have him as he’s pretty much the best fpl asset. But you have to say two penalties was a little lucky especially one late on like that. Auba imo could and should have ended on more points but yeah that’s fantasy for you and also why we love this game.

        Sorry for the long post but the main thing not discussed imo about this performance was how gung ho Leeds were, it was insane! Played perfectly into Liverpool’s attack. It won’t always be like that. Sure Mo will be Mo and he will be up there again, especially with Thiago properly integrated. But I think we getting a touch carried away on that 1 and only game.

        All the best for the season!

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fortunately salah is up against Chelsea next

        2. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Post your squad so we can ruin your confidence

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

          Penalties converted are still goals in FPL. Points are points regardless of luck or lack of it.

          1. Eat my goal!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Pens aren’t luck with VAR

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

              When VAR plays in FPL I'll check his fixtures.

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

          Lol

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

            Reply fail

      10. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Foden a better option than Digne?

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

          No.

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Why not?

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

              Not nailed on. A bit overrated too, I think. Good pick if he is nailed on because he can improve attacking wise.

        2. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          He will get rotated

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

          until we see him get decent starts i'd say no

          great young player but will Pep start him alot?

        4. Ron_Swanson
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          He will be heavily rotated whereas Digne is nailed and will grab a few assists and clean sheets. Foden will frustrate you

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

        (0 ITB, 1 FT)

        What changes shall I make?

        Mccarthy/Steer
        Egan/TAA/Mina/Doherty (KWP,Mitchell)
        ASM/Auba(c)/Son/Salah
        Werner/Mitrovic/Adams

        A) Son & Mitro -> Rashford & Bamford (-4)
        B) TAA & Son -> Digne & Bruno (-4)
        C) TAA & Son -> VVD/Robertson & Rashford/DCL (-4)
        D) Doherty & Mitro -> Justin & Wilson
        E) Any other suggestions

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

        Wish TAA was priced higher, at 7.5 everyone owns him, if he was 8.5 it would make it a choice rather than a lock in. If he was 8.5 though I would still pay it.

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I don’t have him - fitness and fixtures will of course change that in time

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

            Chelsea away, meh, could be 1-0 Liverpool. After that, their fixtures are really good. So it's just 1 game really. 7.5 defender likely to get 200 points. We saw what he did at Leicester away last season, so I don't get taking him out.

            1. Eat my goal!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I didn’t start with him, figured defence largely takes time to settle - I expect chelsea and Arsenal to score. Taa looked awful for England - he’ll need to get back to his best to be an option - GW4 and onwards for me

        2. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not everyone owns him because over the first 3 weeks he probably won’t justify his price...then he’ll be brought in by everyone for 7.4 on their wildcards

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

          TSB is ~50%. So still many without him.

          But really value will be in doubling up on Pool defenders as most in top 10K will have atleast one Pool defender.

        4. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I don't and wouldn't have even bothered looking at him at 8+

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I’m sorry but this is nonsense

            1. Seanigula
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              What is nonsense?

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

            Wouldn't look at a player who gets 200 points at 8m+? This happens every season, don't know why people can't see it.

            1. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              That's a simplistic view. You can get the same 200 points by investing elsewhere. They won't come from a single player but from cheap defenders that you keep changing and investing the saving in attack.

              Not that I plan to do that for the whole season anyway, but I just started without him with a plan to get him in later.

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

              U gotta compare to the other value in defence tho, a good value 5mil player will only get 40 points or so less over the season which isnt worth 3M

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

            I won’t explain the math, but a player should score 0.6 points per million cost each week to justify their price...so for 7.5 TAA that’s 4.5 per week...over most of the season he probably will...but if you didn’t think they’d keep clean sheets in the first 3 games, probably not

        5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Robbo will outscore him this season

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

            I think that too

          2. Seanigula
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Maybe VVD will outscore them both...he’s on a pace for 38 goals

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

        Doing some FanTeam work.

        What's better from GW3?

        A) KdB + Soucek
        B) Jimenez + Foden

        KdB would be captain in GW3 as well.

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          A

      14. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Anyone here has any idea when Tarkowski will be back?

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

        Is there FPL Blackbox tonight?

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Has there been a plane crash again? (Terrible, I know)

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

          Yep, 9pm.

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

            Cheers. I'm loving the Wire and Blackbox of late. You watch just those 2 podcasts and you'll be a better manager.

            1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Agree! They are both so enjoyable. Don't wanna miss a second.

              1. FPL Daniel
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                +1

      16. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        So Mane ownership Is now less than 10%.

        Excellent. Well done knee jerkers

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          When he is down to 11.5 he’ll be great again

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            You’ll be eating your goals though

            1. Eat my goal!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              He’ll score against Chelsea no doubt!

          2. Ron_Swanson
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Make Mane Great Again

        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No wonder at that price!

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Let’s have a chat in 2 weeks lad. You actually think Salah will get those jammy penos for fun?

            1. Botman and Robben
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Did you watch the LFC game?

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Yes I did and Mané looked perfectly fine. Did you?

                1. Botman and Robben
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Oh yes, I liked Mo's 21 touches in the box.

                  1. R.C
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Touches in the box don't really mean anything in isolation

                  2. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    And converted only one from an open play against that fragile defence

                    Anyway, this is not a mane vs Salah Debate. Both are great picks but one of them is now own by less than 10%.

                    That’s all

                    1. Gt1996
                      • 6 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Mane converted zero

                  3. Cok3y5murf
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Touches in the box is a useless stat 😆 The game is about points

            2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I think Salah is better regardless
              I can see Salah scoring 4 goals in a game
              Can't see Mane doing that

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                How many points they scored last 2 years? What’s the difference? Even though Salah has penos.

                I’m disputing Salah as a pick, he is of course Great pick. But when Mane ownership is less than 10%, I see an opportunity knocking on my door.

                It’s so weird how quick people forget Mane as a player, he’s a beast and proven FPL asset

                1. La Roja
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I’m not disputing*

                2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Mane had his best season and Salah had his worst.

                  Glad for you if you like Mane over Salah but I don't and never have.

                  Good thing we all don't prefer the same players!

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

                Because you're a lot more used to owning Salah. It's like with Auba, people call him a troll because they never own him and he hauls and gets 200 points+. Same with Mane.

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

              PL seasoned teams won't defend as naively as Leeds did. Any contact in the box with an attacker is risky.

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

          gotta drop someone for City and United mids, and it’s not gonna be Aub this week

        4. Weak Become Heros
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Bruno.

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I’d rather to watch them and decide, I’m sticking with Mane. Chelsea defending is shaky and Mane is a beast away from home

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

              Didn't he score 7 goals away from home last season?

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                So this is bad?

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

                  7 goals in 16 away games, not really "beast" level at all.

            2. Seanigula
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              There will definitely be a run of fixtures where Mane is the better option, you’ll just have to figure out when

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I did

                Now.

                1. Seanigula
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  You just brought him in? If not, you are 18 points behind in that race...that time would generally be based off some trend that occurs, not just wishful thinking

        5. Party time
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Salah is the better fpl option between them. Those extra pens swings it for me. Also Mané hasn’t scored a hat trick since my gran died

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              My condolences.

              But without Hattie’s or penos, how many points they scored last couple of season? Is there a big difference?

              1. Gt1996
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Fair enough comparing their stats without penalties, but youre going to penalise Salah for being able to score 3 goals in a game while Mane cant? Salah is the better FPL pick theres no way around it

                1. La Roja
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I don’t think I penalize Salah at all. He is great pick like few others. I just feel people underestimate Mane all of a sudden because of one game against newly promoted team.

              2. Party time
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Lol...thanks, she is alive tho. I just do not think Mané will do that at Liverpool. Think he scored a hat trick at Southampton about 5/6 years ago & it never happened at Liverpool.

                  The fact Salah scores more fpl points every season, at the same price there is no point overthinking things & he looks really dangerous, judging from the Leeds game

              3. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Penalties that have got him 1 extra goal in the last 2 seasons combined?

                1. Party time
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Could be more this season but isn’t the difference in fpl points every season more important?

                    1. Cok3y5murf
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      There was no difference last season. The difference was one attacking return due to playing more minutes. The year before that, the gap was small. Don't know why you would go back so many years though. The last season is the most relevant to who they are as players right now.

                      1. Party time
                          3 years, 6 months ago

                          Haha... fair enough.

                          Either are good options tbh but I prefer Salah at the same price

                          1. Cok3y5murf
                            • 7 Years
                            3 years, 6 months ago

                            Didn't you go with Mane in the end though? Why then?

                            1. Party time
                                3 years, 6 months ago

                                Hahaha... I was really blind & stupid to have gone with Mané even gave him the TC this season & last.. 😆

                                Well, I have gone with Salah now because he will likely score more fpl points & it seems Liverpool will have a lot of pens this season, I simply don’t want to miss out on all the fun. Trust me buddy, Mo is the better option 😉

                  • Flair
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    When KDB is .5 less, Salah is the same price, Mane's ownership is only going to go down and for good reason. Outclassed.

                    1. Cok3y5murf
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      KDB has no relevance here. Their points per 90 minutes were 7.28 (Salah) and 7.24 (Mane) last season, hence why the same price. 0.04 is very insignificant.

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

                        Of course he does. When I'm looking at that 11.5M-12M bracket I see KDB as better value than Mane due to the extra .5 and penalties. I consider Salah the clearly better asset due to reliability at home for captaincy so I pick him, you may choose Mane and that's fine too.

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

                  A. TAA, Robertson, Rashford
                  B. Digne, Robertson, Fernandes

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    B for this Gw and long term

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

                    B till GW 6

                  3. Ron_Swanson
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    A

                  4. Leelas legs 11
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    B

                3. Will J 256
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Have had to take Alli’s price drop on the chin. Need to monitor Pulisic which is the reason I haven’t made the transfer from Alli to James Rodriguez now and hope Pulisic is fit or wait for Lampards press conference? Hope this makes sense!

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

                    Fair enough. Wait and see on press conferences and ignore price changes is one way of playing. Lots of great managers play that way.

                4. The Wizard of Ozil
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  A) play Havertz this week, swap to Bruno next week
                  B) Havertz-> Rashford this week

                  Auba -> KDB next week for the extra funds

                5. THFC4LIFE
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Gregor.... I clicked on your team link the other day and thought it was mine, identical team apart from Lewis to my Taylor lol

                  Made a move this week?

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Sheep alert. Baaa

                    1. THFC4LIFE
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      You tell him!

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

                    Ha, i’ve done Werner and Antonio to DCL and Martial as I wanted to cover those attacks this week and I can get Werner back later, how about you?

                    1. THFC4LIFE
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Just Antonio to DCL for me barring injury news. Good luck

                      1. Gregor
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        Cheers, you too!

                6. Gt1996
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  WC GW2 thoughts? 1.0m ITB

                  Martinez (Forster)
                  Digne | Saiss | Ayling | Lamptey | Mitchell
                  Salah | Auba | Fernandes | Grealish | Bissouma
                  Martial | DCL | Brewster

                  Doing the template Auba > KDB after GW2 leaving myself with either 1.4m or 1.5m ITB depending on what happens with KDB's price. Plan is to use this to go Digne > Liv defender or upgrade Biss if Soucek or one of the 5.5m Mids start shining.

                7. George James
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Play one

                  A) Soucek

                  B) C.Taylor

                  1. Botman and Robben
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    A

                8. FDMS All Starz
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Surely with Alli only playing 45mins and no mins in europa, there is something wrong behind doors and Alli is not likely to play this weekend as fitness or fatigue cannot be the problem for being left out the last 2

                9. Ron_Swanson
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Wolves losing to Stoke

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

                    Good. Means defense will be even fresher in premier league matches

                    1. THFC4LIFE
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Playing the first choice centre backs

                  2. R.C
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Guess they can't do it against Stoke on a Friday evening

                    1. THFC4LIFE
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Thursday*

                    2. GreennRed
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Or Thursday evenings

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

                  Wolves going out

                  1. Party time
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Wolves ay we!