Selection

Increasingly reliable Mahrez can exploit weakness on Leeds’ left in FPL Gameweek 4

Last week we highlighted a weakness down Chelsea’s left flank, which as expected, was exposed by one of our differential picks Matheus Pereira (£6.0m). 

The Brazilian playmaker ended the Gameweek with an assist, while one of our other selections Chris Wood (£6.5m) found the back of the net, only for assistant referee Scott Ledger to have already flagged for offside.

This time, we’ve selected three differentials from Manchester City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur who we think have the potential to make a big impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Riyad Mahrez

  • FPL ownership: 4.0%
  • Price: £8.4m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: lee | ARS | whu | shu | LIV

After his pre-season preparations were affected by a positive COVID-19 test, Riyad Mahrez (£8.4m) has now completed 90 minutes in three successive matches.

The Manchester City winger made his first appearance of the season in last Thursday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth, and followed it up with a 12-point haul against Leicester City in Gameweek 3. He only needed four minutes to open the scoring and also supplied an assist for Nathan Aké’s (£5.5m) second-half goal.  

Interestingly, against Burnley in midweek, Mahrez took up positions on both flanks, and grew into the game showing quality to lay the ball on for Ferran Torres’ (£6.9m) goal.

When selected last season, Mahrez delivered. He ended the campaign with 11 goals and 14 fantasy assists, which highlights his points potential as both a goalscorer and creator.

Up next for Man City is a trip to Leeds United, in what is sure to be an intriguing tactical battle between Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa. Both coaches’ positive approaches tend to be non-negotiable, which suggests we could see an entertaining, open spectacle. That should leave plenty of space for both teams to exploit, and in particular Mahrez, who is excellent in transition.

It’s also worth noting Leeds have conceded 15 chances from their left flank this season, the highest total in the division from that side of the pitch, which was highlighted by Neale in this week’s Big Numbers article. That vulnerability in their system further heightens Mahrez’s appeal, who could be an explosive differential in Gameweek 4.

Leandro Trossard

  • FPL ownership: 1.7%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: eve | cry | WBA | tot | BUR

Leandro Trossard (£6.0m) has started the season strongly, providing returns in each of the first two Gameweeks.

He should have had more too, having been denied by the woodwork on three separate occasions against Manchester United last weekend.

The statistics also suggest there is more to come. Amongst midfielders, only James Rodríguez (£7.7m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.1m) rank higher for expected assists (xA), while his eight shots and seven created chances highlight his growing importance to Albion’s attack.

Tactically, he is starting to take a more central role, linking with Neal Maupay (£6.5m) up front, which is a key reason behind those improving numbers.

Despite picking up just three points, the Seagulls have played some superb football so far this season and can consider themselves unlucky not to have come away with anything against Chelsea and Manchester United. However, those performances will give them confidence ahead of a testing trip to Goodison Park in Gameweek 4, with enticing games against Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley to follow.

Last season, Trossard struggled with consistency both in terms of form and selection, but now he’s settled in at Brighton, is a key man there and you would expect him to improve. The early signs are certainly positive, with Albion boss Graham Potter, somewhat surprisingly, making minimal changes to his line-up so far in 2020/21. That’s great news for Trossard, who was hard to predict starts for last season.

All things considered, that makes the Belgian one of the most appealing options in the budget midfielder category, and an exciting differential for those willing to roll the dice. 

Sergio Reguilón

  • FPL ownership: 0.4%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: mun | WHU | bur | BHA | wba

Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing Sergio Reguilón (£5.5m) is a player very much on the rise.

In the 2019/20 campaign, he caught the eye in La Liga and the Europa League, which he went on to win with Sevilla. Starting 29 league games, he established himself as the primary left-back ahead of Sergio Escudero, and performed well in metrics like expected assists (xA) and crosses. 

Spurs’ midweek penalty win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup saw Reguilón make his debut, and despite an error which led to the Blues opener, he looked lively, helping himself to an assist to set up Erik Lamela (£5.9m).

Going forward, you’d expect Jose Mourinho to settle on a 4-3-3 formation, but seeing as both Reguilón and Matt Doherty (£5.9m) are also comfortable playing as wing-backs, it opens up the possibility of moving to a 3-4-3, which would further heighten his appeal.

While some will suggest his selection in this column comes a week too early, Man Utd’s weakness down their right-flank comes into our thinking. Against Brighton, time and again Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m) was left exposed due to a lack of protection offered by teammate Mason Greenwood (7.4m). It resulted in the Red Devils giving up five chances and numerous shots from that zone, which is surely something Moutinho and his staff will look to exploit on Sunday.

Following Ben Davies’ (£5.0m) runout against Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League last night, we expect Reguilón to start at Old Trafford, where he will look to take advantage of those United weaknesses.

868 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play, Ayling or Mitchell ?

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

      yeah that’s a tough one. I’d probably go with Mitchell

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

      There’s a small chance Chelsea don’t score, whereas can’t see City not netting

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ayling for me

    4. gorgeousgeorge
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Short term i'd say Mitchell. Palace at Chelsea i'd say is more chance of a clean sheet than Leeds v City. Plus Chelsea defensively is shaky, so more chance of an attacking return also. I know City are not the best at the back, but can see a response from them, dominate possession.

  2. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    RLC and CHO likely to be loanes before the transfer windows shuts. Could be good options..

  3. gorgeousgeorge
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Do i keep hold of Ashley Maitland Niles? Adam Lallana? Alternatives for the two please? Happy to change my formation.

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

    bottomed
    Haven’t used my free transfer. What would you do? Is Werner likely to price drop anytime soon?
    A) Werner —> Ings
    B) Werner —> DCL
    C) Keep Werner for the Palace game
    Have R.James and Jhames Rod
    Cheers!

    1. Pies Have Come
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B, closely followed by A.

    2. D-Fens
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      My dilemma too. Tempted to save the FT as the international break will almost certainly throw up fires to put out

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

      I’m tempted to hold onto Werner as think he’ll come good especially when Pulisic and Ziyech start playing. Just don’t want his drop to drop really

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

      I'd save so you have 2 FTs for the IB.

    5. gorgeousgeorge
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimenez?
      I'd go B out of those options. Werner is pushed out wide, not penalty taker. Ings has a decent fixture, and is penalty taker.

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

        already got Jiménez. Cheers for the advice lads !

  5. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Frank Lampard confirms that Christian Pulisic is in the squad for tomorrow but "won't start the match". Hakim Ziyech is "not quite fit enough to be on the bench".
    https://twitter.com/FFScout/status/1312010795157520389

    The real Chelsea are coming...

    1. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ziyech should be fit by the time Pussylic is injured again

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ouuuu yeaah

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

    Any Podence news yet?

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Asked about Daniel Podence and Marçal, Nuno Espirito Santo revealed both players would train before a final call: "We still have some issues, let's see".

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

      Nuno being a lil btch as ever. Gives nothing away

      Podence was pictured in training and then the picture was taken down.

      Would imagine that means he is in contention but they didnt want to give that information away through a photo

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I didn't know they took it down. That is interesting. It strongly suggests they're playing a game...

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Playing games about wether bloody Podence is ready for fulham LMAO@wolves

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

      Cheers guys

  7. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on wildcard team?

    McCarthy 4.0
    TAA Saiss Justin Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah KDB Rodriguez Klich Burke
    Ings Jimi DCL

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wouldnt go Burke now Brewster is coming in

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

      Bissouma over Burke and for me Barnes over Rodriguez

      1. MattysFantasyFooty
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Likely going to go Barnes over Rodriguez so I have some money to play with

    3. 824545201
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't like it.

      Justin will lose his spot, Lamptey might move to Bayern, i'm not convinced Rodriguez will be a consistent FPL scorer.

      I'm on a WC as well and the first thing i bought was double LIV def.

      1. MattysFantasyFooty
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Pereira still out for a while how you affording both pool defenders, two up top?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Or weak midfield

    4. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looking at your comment below.

      If you go Saiss/Justin -> Robertson/Dallas you then have to save 1.5

      Jrod to Trossard/Perreira is a way to achieve this

      1. MattysFantasyFooty
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Midfield with Trossard and Klich is was too weak in my opinion even if it is two liverpool defenders.

    5. gorgeousgeorge
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Superb! Mitchell may not play when Patrick VA Holt comes back, apart from that, spot on.

  8. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this perma back 3?

    TAA / Robertson / Lamptey

    1. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like would have the same if I could find a way to afford it, how are you doing this going light in midfield or attack?

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It's ok if Lamptey doesn't get signed by an outside club.

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would like Leicester full-backs there too and maybe Spurs defense down the line. Chilwell as well

  9. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Now I’m in a pickle as a Son, Richarlison and Podence owner... I’m tempted to hit the WC button late but what do you guys think?

    McCarthy
    Digne Saiss Justin
    Salah KDB Son* Podence*
    Werner Richa* Mitro

    Ryan KWP Bissouma Ferg*

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't panic!

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

      Don't panic. Team is fine.

      Rich > DCL should tide you over. Podence should be fit. Son if not fit this week will be back next week.

    3. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just replace 1 so you can field 11...Rich to DCL, Ings or Jimenez

  10. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Reece James? Best 5ish defender?

    1. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Saiss way better option with those fixtures and same price

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

      Seems like it but his nailedness will always be an issue

  11. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence update slightly less positive than I hoped for.

    Reckon he starts? Thanks

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bench at least.

  12. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Repost. Better option this gw?

    A. Davies > James/ lamptey for free
    B. Play one of davies / Mitchell / Egan and save ft.

  13. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez (Ryan)
    TAA Saiss Justin (Dunne, Mitchell)
    Salah KDB Rodriguez Podence (Alzate)
    Jimy Mitrovic Werner

    0.2ITB, 1FT

    What would you do?

  14. fplfansss
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?
    McCarthy
    Justin, Robbo, Dunne
    Salah, Auba, Barnes, Foden
    Ings, DCL, Jimenez

    Subs: Button, Stephens, Lamptey, Mitchell

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bold going without one of KDB/Sterling

    2. The Truth Is...
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Dunne wont start

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

      Play which one? I’m currently on Lamptey for potential attacking returns.

      A) Lamptey - EVE (A)
      B) Shaw - TOT (H)

      1. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

    4. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pulisic is back. Can we score 5 goals now with him in the squad? We are on a completely different level no. Maybe CHO on the right, Werner as a striker, Haverts "in the hole" and Pulisic on the left. yummy yummy yummy

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He's on the bench, give him time.

      2. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wont start. but goes straight into my team after IB.

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          He was on the bench against City and still had 3 goal involvements last time if you recall

          1. Limbo
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Still think I'd wait.

    5. Olesathewheeel
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A. Robertson and Mahrez (0.3 itb)

      B. VVD and Mahrez (0.8 itb)

      C. TAA and (8.2 mid)

      Which combo would you go for?

      Thanks 🙂

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

        Or B

      2. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

      3. Steve-ooo
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        C. Mahrez not guaranteed minutes, full 90 min mid week and Foden did not play. B Silva with 30 min.

        1. Olesathewheeel
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          who would you get instead of Mahrez?

    6. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      All clear on Vardy. That's my WC front line settled then:

      DCL — BRI
      Jimi (c) — FUL
      Vardy (vc) — WHM

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I've got them but I I'd captain the other 2 first.

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I've got a good feeling about Wolves taking Fulham apart. Ideal team to play at home on a damp Sunday afternoon.

    7. cuppatea78
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Suggestions on who to bench?
      A) Foden (Leeds A)
      B) Lamptey (Everton A)
      C) Justin (West Ham H)
      D) Mount (Palace H)

      1. ElliotJHP
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        B for sure

      2. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        B

      3. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        B

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

        Everyone is going to say B but I really feel that Lamptey will outscore Justin.

        West Ham defence has looked a lot better than you might expect so far

        Plus Everton have a lot of injuries

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Allan Out. But sounds like Richarlison and Gomes will start. Still think there's no CS for Brighton (nor for Everton for that matter - but home win).

        2. cuppatea78
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I have Lamptey as sub at the moment but the exact reasons you gave is what made me ask the question.

    8. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A) start Son and have Mitro first sub
      B) use FT for Mitro to Adams and bench Son? (No Saints players)

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

        1. Abra Dubravka
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers Miguel. Just worried by how bad Fulham were in the last two games.

    9. 11TOKAJJ
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A) Salah and Greenwood
      B) Mane and James Rodriguez

      ?

      cheers!

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Salah

      2. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A if you have other Everton attackers

      3. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Always Salah. The pens, the pens!!

      4. Steve-ooo
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        B for this GW, A long term

      5. 11TOKAJJ
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        you're all magnificent creatures, thank you!

    10. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tempted by Pulisic on a WC. He is basically a 10m player

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        So soon after injury, Frank confirmed he will start from the bench but could have some join in 20 minutes vs Joel Ward.

      2. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Just make room in your plans. I've got an easy upgrade from Hamez.

    11. Joey Barton and Friends
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      So tempted to do Wilson (Burnley H) to DCL for a minus 4.

      1. Steve-ooo
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Will DCL outscore Wilson by 4 points this GW? Not guaranteed in my opinion.

      2. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I think it’s late now, missed the rises. Plus if Wilson scores and DCL doesn’t which both are likely to happen, you ll have lost like 10-12 pts

    12. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not seeing much love for Jimenez captain this week.

      Salah and KDB are the more popular picks (I have both) but Fulham look awful and Jimmy is really tempting.

      1. MattysFantasyFooty
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Probably because he very rarely get double digit hauls

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

        Ive got a sneaky feeling Fulham will get something

    13. grennans2
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Vinarage > Lamptey for a -4 worth it?

      Would have to play Bissouma otherwise

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not for a hit.

    14. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Considering I'll be choosing a captain from these for the next few weeks, which one would you drop on a WC?

      A. Salah
      B. Sterling
      C. Kdb

      1. Joey Barton and Friends
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not Kevin anyway. If pushed probably Salah but would want him back soon

      2. Steve-ooo
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Salah plus 1 City. Sterling possibly playing number 9 for next few weeks, considering ownership could be rewarding option.

    15. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Start Podence or Taylor(new) ?

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

        Podence and hope for the start. upside is bigger for me

    16. TeddiPonza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Martinez
      Saiss RJames Justin
      Salah KdB Son! Podence!
      Werner! Jimi DCL

      subs. Forster Lamptey Burke Mitchell

      What to do?

      A. Son to Mahrez/Barnes/Zaha
      B. Son and Werner to Sterling and Bamford/Maupay (-4)
      C. Son and Werner to Zaha/Barnes and Vardy (-4)
      D. Safe transfer and trust bench
      E. Something else

      Thanks...

    17. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Is Foden still good pick?

      1. Muller Reus Corner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yes he is

    18. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mitchell's days are numbered. If PvA is training he'll prolly be ready to start after the IB.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        It's possible PVA plays at LM instead of Schlupp. Mitchell has played very well, and Roy has been gushing over him, comparing him to Wan Bissaka.

        1. teneighty
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          This is good news! I was ready to perma-bench him until WC.