Pro Pundits - Az

Why I advise holding onto your FPL Wildcard despite a frustrating start to 2020/21

In his latest article, FPL BlackBox co-host and Scoutcast regular Az urges caution on an early Wildcard in Fantasy Premier League.


I really hoped to be writing this article from a stronger position. Typing away, nestled in the top one million, would have made me feel a lot happier. But it’s looking like another tough start as I try to improve on my current rank of 2,951,645.

I’m taking some encouragement from the slow starts of some fellow top managers. My BlackBox co-host Mark (current rank 2,588,564) has just four points more than me. Joe (current rank 3,847,620) has 11 points less than I do. Lateriser (current rank 4,503,321) is bottom of FPL General’s Elite 64 and, despite being an advocate of a patient approach, hit the Wildcard button last week.

It’s not just Lateriser, though. Wildcards are being activated all over the place; I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t considered it. But after an inquest into what’s gone wrong up until now, I’ve decided to step away from the button.

Reflecting on a chaotic start to the season

With Everton and Wolves getting off to promising starts, it seems illogical to be going forward without any assets from either team. The likes of Raul Jimenez (£8.5m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.3m) look like great picks, and I don’t blame anyone for finding ways to get them in their team.

However, it does feel like people’s strategies – along with all sense of order and meticulous pre-season planning – have been thrown out of the window somewhat after a truly crazy start to the season.

Instead, I’m trying to remain positive, patient and back the plan that I put into motion pre-Gameweek 1.

New shiny objects are coming and going each week. People are being drawn to them like moths to a flame. I’m not here to say that Wildcarding is wrong. I’m not saying that filling your team with Everton and Wolves players, for example, is a bad move. But just don’t forget, it’s a long season and the Wildcard is the most powerful chip in your arsenal. There are going to be Double Gameweeks coming, likely before the New Year. The transfer window is still open. Players are still finding their fitness, managers are still tweaking their tactics.

The most important thing to remember at this stage is that it’s been two weeks. We’ve already seen people stocking up on Manchester United players, with players like Son Heung-min (£9.0m) being sacrificial lambs to get ahead of the curve. In came Anthony Martial (£9.0m), Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) and Marcus Rashford (£9.5m), all of whom looked off the pace and blanked.

But going into Gameweek 3, those who remained patient with Son are enjoying their 23+ points, while those who flocked to United are wondering if they jumped the gun – with many already looking to offload their men in red.

Incredibly, people are going straight back to Son. He lost nearly 400,000 owners last week and has now gained that back and then some at the time of writing.

But, I can’t help but think, other than a half-time tactical masterstroke by Jose Mourinho, Spurs looked ordinary again against Southampton. Have they really turned a corner? Newcastle will sit deep and won’t echo the high line we saw Southampton play. I want to see evidence that Spurs can unlock teams before I bring in their considerably pricey attacking players. They won’t be playing the Saints every week.

It’s clear from this example that what we want one week, can dramatically change next week. While Wildcarding to get ahead of the curve is a viable strategy, for me, I would only be using it at this stage if I could see at least four first XI players that I couldn’t bear to own any longer. There are so many good options in the game currently. Getting out players who I think have chances to deliver for other players that I think have chances to deliver… well, it’s bound to lead to trouble.

With so many players performing, you simply can’t keep chasing last week’s points. You need to build a core squad of players who you feel are likely to deliver over the coming period, give them a chance to repay your faith, and tactically tweak to give yourself the best chance of scoring points. Certain players will haul one week while others blank. It’s inevitable. Next week, the reverse can happen.

Of course, I understand that people feel victim to price rises. Waiting too long on a player can be the difference in upwards of £0.2/£0.3m – and this is important. But I’d argue that getting the timing right on your Wildcard sets you up with the best possible chance of maximising your points from that point onward. The best time, logically, to Wildcard? When we have the largest amount of information at our disposal.

Wolves and Everton

For example, let’s not forget that the transfer window is in full effect. This week, people are flocking to Daniel Podence (£5.5m) of Wolves. Certainly an attractive price, with a great run of games. But is his place in the team threatened by the inbound Nélson Semedo? If Wolves go 3-5-2 as they have done in the past, Podence is going to be up against Pedro Neto (£5.5m), Adama Traore (£5.5m) and Fabio Silva (£5.5m).

Podence, of course, has the potential to far outscore his price tag over the coming period, but do I think he is that much of a better option than Matheus Pereira (£6.0m), who is nailed on, demonstrated his ability with a double-digit haul against Everton, and plays Southampton, Burnley and Fulham between Gameweeks 4 and 7? Not really. I’d rather wait, make sure Podence has got that spot nailed down and then move for him a bit later down the line.

In fact, I’d even argue that alongside Jimenez, Romain Saiss (£5.1m) is the standout option from Wolves. Let’s not forget, they aren’t scoring machines, having plundered as many goals as Southampton in the league last year. In fact, it may be better for us to target their defence. A £5.1m defender doesn’t exactly feel like a player you should be Wildcarding for, however, when a minus four may suffice.

Moving on to Everton. They looked great against Tottenham but, in the first half against West Brom, arguably the best match of the season so far, they looked vulnerable. The red card changed everything. I’m not denying the appeal of their options, but nor do I feel the need to tear my team apart to bring in Calvert-Lewin or James Rodriguez (£7.5m) when they play a Palace side that has only conceded one goal in two games, and then a Brighton outfit who have started the season brightly. They then play Liverpool. They will likely continue to do well, but so may players in my own team, who are finding their feet and many of whom have good fixtures to come.

Looking at my own team


FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 2

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,089 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    First

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

      woo!

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. I'd like to dedicate this first to all who died trying to come first

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

      Pat on your back lad

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers big ears

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

    How would you rank these 4 assets in terms of importance on a WC:

    1) Jesus
    2) Jimi
    3) Werner
    4) Son

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jim Jesus Son Wer

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

        Jiminez 1st? OK

        1. FPL price manipulators are …
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Well the two below seem to agree

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

      Jimi , Werner, Son, Jesus

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

      2413

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2
      1/3
      4

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

      Jiménez best, then the other 3

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

      Jimi, Jesus, Son, Werner

  3. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    The Martinez interest way over- board? Cheap and good but it’s villa

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

      He's got horrible fixtures after Fulham. Personally don't see the hype

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If not him who else

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

          Ryan or Guaita

          1. Champions League Varane
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Ryan? Lool

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

              ? Anything to add there?

              1. TKC07
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Ryan overlooked due to Lamptey taking BRI def spot.

                If I didn't have Lamptey, would have picked Ryan ahead of Martinez on WC.

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

            Guaita is not the same price so can't really compare.

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He will get save points

  4. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Semedo this weekend?

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      Probably. If he's 5.0, he's straight into my team.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He´s coming from Barcelona and he is portuguese international, there is absolutely no way he will cost the same as Boly, Coady and Saiss...

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

    On Wc, please help.
    What's better out of these two options:
    A) VVD + Salah + 4.5 attacker
    B) Taylor + Sterling + DCL

    Rest of the team looks like this:
    Martinez ( Steer )
    TAA - Saiss - X - Lamptey (Mitchell)
    KDB - Hamez - Podence - X ( Burke )
    X - Werner - Jimenez
    0.3 ITB

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

    Harry Wilson(5.4) on Burnley set pieces hmmmm

  7. Reddonkeyham 42
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    WTF is blackbox?

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

      The pod I co-host with Mark
      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJ8-xqhOLwyJNuPMsVoQWQ

      Live tonight if you fancied checking it out. 9 p.m.

      1. Reddonkeyham 42
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for the response dude, I'll be locked in. Gutted to only just be finding out. Keep up the great content!

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

          Thanks bud! See you tonight if you can make it.
          If not, you can catch up at a later date on YT, Spotify, iTunes, Google podcasts.... 🙂

    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      FPL Food

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

    Cheers for reading guys (if you did!).

    Really enjoyed writing this one, was quite nice taking a step back and assessing things so far.

    I'm really keen to get any feedback you might have on these articles.

    If you are enjoying them, great. If not, what can I do to make them better?

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

      I'm doing a WC this week, but I do agree with you on your points.
      My team with Egan, Nketiah, ASM and Che was just too awfull not to pull the trigger.
      Cheers 🙂

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

        you got at least 4 you have no faith in, passes my test! 😀

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

          Also I really wanted to get KDB for Auba, and Jimenez for his good run of fixtures. Even a -8 hit wouldn't get the job done and I wouldn't be satisfied with my team...

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

            First time I hear this argument if you dont like 4 starters WC. Interesting approach. Does that matter with any price point ? Do people like ASM qualify?

            And please keep it up Az you have been the only hope when Mark was taking a break. Now we have the Blackbox, we have the Wire and Jonthy has been amazing lately, so this year it is way better.

            Btw, your thoughts on upside chasing?

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's nice to read that we've only had 2 GWs. Some on here panicking like there's no tomorrow

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah good read. Still haven't gotten over doing Son to Bruno. Would have got over 100 points if I hadn't made that single move. That's the worst tggmgwaamtt been on this site. Sometimes you lose the ability to think for yourself. Still love been on here though.

    4. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good read mate and some good points. If I didn't have 3 or 4 absences and players like ASM and Adams then I wouldn't activate my wc either.

    5. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Articles great and goes a long the same lines as my thinking.

      I haven’t hit 100 pts yet, but I still really like my team.

      I’m a fellow Pereira owner too and like you was very happy with the 10pts and I am expecting some good returns in the next few weeks.

      Just one more thing, that photo mate, looks like something straight from Crimewatch. 😆

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

      This definitely deserved to be hulked

    7. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      AZ...I thought it was a needed alternative view. When everyone was clamoring for ManU assets I stuck with Son, M. Pereira and profited. Havertz hold has not been so lucrative...but he and Werner might rack up some points against WB. Patience is in short supply, people react impulsively and I appreciate the more measured approach you advocate in your article.

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

        Thanks Pasta! Let's hope it works out for us, hey (although already has for you!)

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

          Not expecting much...no Salah or KDB so disaster week incoming! Hoping for more chaos and tragedy for last week's point chasers!

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

      I have wildcarded this early for the first time ever...normally I hold my wildcard for as long as I can. Last 2 seasons I held it until the last possible GW.

      I agree with your points...
      I went through all my players on Monday to see if keeping them would be fine over the next few gameweeks, but definitely more than 4 had to go. So it seemed obvious that the wildcard would be the best way in this case. Not easy for me to do as I really like the comfort of having a wildcard as long as possible!

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

        Absolutely. You need to act when it suits your team, can't just hold onto players for the sake of it.
        Good luck to you!

    9. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Really enjoyed reading this one Az. Not least because I decided to hold onto my WC despite my double SOU def (McCarthy + KWP), Davies and others who have yet to deliver. I decided to take a -4 to strengthen it a bit anyway. I'm at a similar-ish rank to you - 3.1M - lowest I've ever been I think!

      I personally like these 'stream of consciousness' style articles - the criticism from the stats junkies will be that you aren't backing things up with data but it's good to hear more of the "gut feel" stuff sometimes!

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

        Cheers Don!

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          GL to us both mate! Plenty of weeks left for more disasters 😆

    10. DazF90
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice read, thank you, keep it up! Can’t think of any suggestions off hand just keep doing what you’re doing, like the way you explained all your decisions. (Did spot that you have Adama down as 5.5 instead of 6.5 if you want to change it)
      Regarding holding the wildcard, I agree. Usually I hold mine as long as possible to assess the stats. This season I feel is slightly different though with the 4 blanks at the start, many of us (myself included) were always planning to get in City and United assets this week.
      However after playing mine this week I only have KDB from Manchester haha
      I am however much happier with my team than 2 weeks ago as there were 6 players I wanted in and I caught some price rises and falls at the right time
      Nice team and good luck for this week!

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

      Would have loved to hang on to my WC but had Che Auba Wilson kwp Biss and Ramsdale.

      Prices still allow to get players i want on WC

    12. All de Gea no iDier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good article AZ. Shame the RMT / A or B brigade can't have a playroom of their own to leave threads like these for the grown ups.

      One of the things I picked up on was your seemingly distrust of Son going forward. I appreciate that things will get complicated on the left wing when Bales arrives but what do you think the chances are of Kane playing the No 10 role and leaving Son up front? He has a great points per minute record and a good finish.

      Also, how does Castaigne feature as a Doherty or Digne replacement? Once Perira is back he may be first choice LWB displacing Justin.

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

      Hard to argue with the king of comebacks. Keep up the good work.

    14. hoddlesboot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good article. I'm with you - holding until I have more information. Its hard work staying away from the price change sites though...

    15. Groot the Leveller
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Excellent article, please keep up the good work.
      Every year I wc in week 2. This year I felt I had a justified reason, to bring in man u (rashford/martial) and took advantage to get wolves, and Everton too.

      However, I lost son along the way, man u blanked, and looked rubbish... (Like spurs).
      Mahrez- didn't play....
      Time for a rage transfer or two, or three...

      I should have just waited...

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

      Very nice! I like the way you discuss the general issue first and then only address how it applies to your team farther on.

      By the way, Reguilon is easier than you think; it's pronounced reg-ee-LAWN. There is no U sound -- u in Spanish "gue" or "gui" is only to indicate that the G is hard, unless there are two dots over the u, like Agüero. (If there were no U in Reguilon, the G would be pronounced like an English H, e.g. Atletico Madrid have a player named Gimenez, which is pronounced the same as Jimenez.)

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

    How the actual F has James Rodriguez not risen in price. I get that he was new to the game but his ownership has basically tripled, is now owned by over 1/5 of the game and he’s underpriced anyway. Seems silly

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

      Price protection?
      I was asking the same question for Werner. Amazing how he's not already 9.4. His ownership percentage is almost by 10% lower.

      1. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Werner has a couple of factors

        1. Wildcard sales
        2. Flagged last week for a bunch of his transfers out, and I think the thresholds are reset when a flag is removed

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

          Also the most important factor.
          C) Price manipulation to appease all his casual owners

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

      +1 - I don't mind the lack of visibility around the algorithm, but it's the inconsistency and manual intervention that's clearly happening that pisses me off.

      1. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        How do you know it’s inconsistent?

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

          You can see the relative ownership rises and falls, and players with higher proportional changes are not changing.

          1. Goonsquad245
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Wildcard transfers play a big factor, as do flags etc. We also don’t know if they do anything different with players who are new to the league (for example)

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

            You haven't factored in WC transfers though.

  10. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Above article made me laugh - I gained 40 points on my WC.
    Planned a -4 (Rashford and J Rod in) but wildcarded instead would have had Double saints and spurs defence plus Alli!

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

      Exactly. So you had 5 players you wanted rid of. I said that if you have 4+ I'd consider it.
      Other people wildcarded and lost points. There's the case of one manager who posted in "Rough with the Smooth" who is already 50+ points down from his decision to WC last week.
      Of course it can work, I'm not saying it can't. Just encouraging people to have a think about whether they truly need to use it is all.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Fair point my team was in bits needed way more than four! It is very important to consider players you are transferring out v the ones in. But can be unlucky
        I remember one year I waited few months on WC. Got Morata in instead of Batshuayi who lost his place.
        Batshuayi comes of the bench gets a brace or goal assist or something wildcard ended up being a -40 ish overall.
        So people can be unlucky in fairness. But I think if there is a lot of value players you want/see I say wildcard - never much point in hanging on to it very long imo. An early WC can set a team up and catch those price rises.

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      So you picked a really poor gameweek 1 team and had to blow your wildcard to rectify it?

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I had. Made a couple of wild punts, ended up with 10 players returning, one of them 1 pt from the bench.

        Really finding hard to balance the team now, because - of course! - I already want to make another 5 or 6 changes.... jeeezz

      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        As a lot are finding now gw2 they picked the wrong players as well. How many had the everton lads/ Podence or Zaha/Townsend for example?
        How many of those lads were even spoken about on these forums?
        Plus I planned to WC gw3-4 anyway. I just went 1/2 weeks early since I saw value all over the place. While it also allowed me to improve team (as you say) and bringing in Man City KDB and Man U.
        I basically brought Man U in as blockers just in case. I knew many had Fernandes or Martial in bench gw1. Turned out I need not have worried.

  11. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    VVD criminally overlooked. Essentially has matched Robbo the last 2 seasons at a 9% discount to Robbo, and a 14% discount to TAA

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Him or TAA)

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      In my team from the start and will be in there all season barring injury. Expecting even more attacking returns from him this season since he has looked a bigger threat every season

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

      too close to Robbo's price IMO

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robbo wasn't on set pieces till after end of the last season.. Robbo shooting is improving, i would guess robbo may match TAA more than VVD this season

    5. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am thinking about getting him in couple of weeks because I feel VVD and .5 itb might be worth more than Robertson

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

    I like this article. Used my WC and many of the same concerns over Spurs and Everton are with me, therefore I have 1 from both. As useful as the patient approach can be, I favor the advantages!

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

      Good luck to you my friend! Not trying to tell people how to play the game, just to make the most informed decision possible.

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

        Absolutely, and I like the presenting of an alternative. Good luck to you too!

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

      Made 14-15 changes in my WC squad though, so I was in a different situation to most.

  13. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Robbo and VVD been within 5 points of each other the last 2 seasons. TAA obviously a bit more, but not sure either eclipse VVD for value. One of those things that will be very close at the end of the season.

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reply fail @Tony Martial

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

        Still a good point in isolation.

  14. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Captain:

    a) Salah
    b) Son
    c) Fernandes

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

      a

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      Not Son or Bruno

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

      B

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Current wildcard midfield is:

    Salah kdb foden podence and burke

    Given the fixtures, thoughts on ditching salah for sterling and going with 3 City mids for next few? With cash itb for sterling to salah for when needed?

    Or just stick with salah? Thanks

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

      Nothing wrong with ditching Salah for Raz if you back the latter.

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Captaincy is the most important factor.

      I wouldn’t sell salah myself, but he’ll be my captain most weeks. If you’re never going to captain him over KDB, there will be better value elsewhere (and probably better value than sterling tbh)

  16. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Currently on 8pt hit.

    WC or stick?

    Mcarthy
    TAA Dallas KWP
    Salah KDB Rodriguez Podence
    Werner DCL Mitro

    steer mitchell bissouma justin

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hold

  17. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What would be realistic target for the season? Currently 1.8m OR
    GW5: 1m
    GW10 500k
    GW15: 200k
    GW20: 100k
    GW25: 50k
    GW30: 25k
    GW35: 15k
    GW38: 10k/5k

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

      OR1 GW37 is still feasible for almost every layer right now

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

        GW38

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

          *player

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

      I think you should be able to climb into the top 500k faster than that, the battle down to sub 50k may take longer. Last 8 weeks looks about right.

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

      Reach for the sky mate, 5k at this point is a mug's goal

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

      Top 2K

  18. Goonsquad245
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really good article. I think we’re all guilty of recency biases early season, combined with price changes it can be mayhem when different players are performing one week to the next.

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

      Thanks bud 🙂

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

    Will Stephens play at Burnley (assuming it happens)?

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

      Depends if wilson comes in too , if not then brownhill will go out on the right paving way for Stephens. Jack cork is also on his way back to fitness.

  20. Slurpy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play James vs City
    Or ASM to 5.5-5.6 mid for (-4)

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

      Do you mean Justin?

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

        That's the one

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

          Ahahaha my bad

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

            Can’t see a clean sheet but could get a goal/assist.

            Podence could be worth a hit with his fixtures.

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

              Yeah Podence is top of the list but like the look of klich on pens and annoyingly .1 off the more nailed Perieia.

  21. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Frustrating week and rage WC, but feel nice here. Let's take a look

    Martinez (Steer)
    TAA James Taylor Lamprey Mitchell
    KDB Sterling Greenwood Podence Burke
    Jimenez Werner DCL

    0.5 itb for Sterling to Liv asset in a week or two

    Still, some confusions I have:
    A. Too risky to miss out on Son?
    B. JRod over Greenwood?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If It's son +Saiss vs werner+taylor i would be leaning towards SS.
      Greenwood will be a good option once we know if united are going to buy a RW or not so i would prefer other options atm myself.

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

    Kudos to anyone who has picked Sterling. Pretty convinced by KDB's post-match that he will not be playing as a no.10 except against teams with 5 at the back. Also said that he's happy to primarily play "attacking players" in and doesn't "know if my output will improve". KDB most likely is going to some way off Sterling's goal tally. Lot of nonsense with heat maps for Mendy and the like.

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

      Everyone knows KDB will score atleast 10 lesser goals then Sterling.
      What about the assist tally though?
      What about bps?

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

        Nope. He'll be maybe 2-3 goals less than him seeing as he's on pens now and he'll get 15 more assists than him probably. Plus all the Baps he gets.

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

        If he's primarily assisting Sterling it's still not the best pick. He's not going to be able to keep those energy levels of getting into the box up from a midfield 3 and we have seen from past seasons that he loves the "assister of assister" role. Watch the interview if you don't believe it.

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

      You know that KDB has consistently scored well even when not number 10.

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

        What about sterling and kdb. But no salah?

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

        Yeah but it's about the comparison with Sterling. Top-level midfield goalscorers are dynamite and there are plenty of lower-priced midfield front 3 players that will match KDB if he's back in a 4-3-3 system.

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

      Problem is Sterling is treated by Pep as a most valued possession and rightly so. He will rest him in the easiest games again. I am getting him this week just because he dint haul last match but kdb did.

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

        There's just as much competition for either place. Bernardo and Foden are both proven top-quality competition for the midfield 3 spot along with Gundogan as a left-field pick. Sterling is the only wide player with pace who can get in behind teams now apart from unproven Torres. Mahrez will also most likely play in the front 3 but he's the same type of player there as Bernardo/Foden.

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

          Foden and Bernardo are used on the wing way more than that midfield spot just so u know. KDB is usually never rested. Maybe 3-4 times during the whole season.

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

        Yeah he gets benched a lot for a first team player.

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

      Look sterling is great fpl asset. But KDB would match him throughout last year and years before that too and now he's on pens. There really isn't any comparison to who's the better fpl asset with KDB on penalties.

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

        You are actually right about pens and last season. 2 seasons before that Raz was miles ahead in terms of goals +assists. I would love to have both but will alternate.

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

          He wasn't miles ahead in points though. KDB was injured 1 season and only 20 points behind him in the other.

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

        I think that we are already seeing signs that Sterling's assist tally is going to significantly improve from last year and KDB's will probably go down. KDB's goal tally may go up slightly on pens but unless he's the next Lampard I thought that interview was pretty emphatic.

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

          Are u really saying his goal tally will go up slightly? City had the second highest amount of penalties last season and the way penalties are being given every other match i wouldn't be surprised if they got even more than that this season. Yes sterling's assists will go up but kdb will still outscore him in points imo. And on what basis do u think kdbs assists will go down? He's consistently given us 23, 18, 21 assists barring the injury season.

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

      Yeah, not like he played as a #10 against Arsenal, Liverpool and Madrid twice each....

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

        Why are CL games relevant? For big games, Pep will try and make things unpredictable for his opponents. For the bread and butter of the Prem (where Man City will get most points for the game we all play) Pep will try and keep his starting formation and XI consistent. Fewer proven players year-on-year with City so less chance of rotation for the Prem as well.

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

          Because you said KDB won't play as a #10 against 4ATB team, a completely incorrect statement.

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

    Absolutely agree with your sentiments Az. A team like yours is not worth a WC even though you have had a lackluster start.

    Personally I was trying my hardest to keep WC but Egan and Bissouma both getting RCs along with ASM and McCarthy looking garbage and Davies about to lose his spot was too much for me. When you are looking at a -8 without your team feeling more than "just ok" then you might as well WC.

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

      Completely understandable. Good luck bud!

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

        You too, Ill be tuning in tonight, my favorite (and only tbh) podcast 🙂

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

    Why has Mahrez not been starting games recently? ( End of last season and against wolves)

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

      Fringe player because of poor work rate

  25. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any suggestions on this WC, guys?

    Martinez
    TAA Lamtey Mitchell
    Rodriguez Mane KDB Son Podence(C)
    Jiminez DCL

    Ryan Taylor, Davis, Justin

    0.1m itb

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

      Podence C? Really?

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ryan > 4.0, mane > salah

    3. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have a sneaky feeling that you’ll regret not having any Man U and Chelsea after this weekend.

  26. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is ur C ??

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

      KDB vs Leicester

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

      Kdb or salah

    3. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling

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

    Do we think Werner could be on pens as Jorginho missed his last one and Werner needs to get his tally up??

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

      Hard to tell, I doubt it based off of one miss. That being said, I hate how Jor takes his pens, those will be figured out soon enough.

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

    a) VVD + Klich/Podence + Werner
    b) TAA + Foden + DCL

  29. TheOx95
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking of transferring out Son. Have no Everton and was going to get rid of Son before his 4 goals. Still don't think he's a great pick against teams that sit back.

  30. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) robbo soucek (4th mid)
    B) vvd podence/Klich (4th mid and have jimi)
    C) gomez foden (4th mid)

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

      A