Pro Pundits - Sam

A whole new Spurs?

Following a comparatively anti-climactic end to 2019-20, pre-season in North London was brimming with promise. The arrivals of Matt Doherty (5.9m), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (4.9m) and Joe Hart (4.4m) seemed exactly what Spurs needed to suit Jose Mourinho more defensive-minded game and provide a platform to build. Yet the opening day defeat at home to Everton left both Spurs fans and FPL managers alike thinking ‘new look, same old Spurs’.  Fast forward three FPL Gameweeks, seven games unbeaten in all competitions and the arrival of Sergio Regullion (5.5m) Carlos Vinicius (7.0m) and the return of Spurs’ legend Gareth Bale (9.5m) and the feeling surrounding the team and their assets has most certainly changed. 

Looking back now on that opening game defeat to Everton it seems that this result was interpreted primarily as a Spurs failure, resulting in huge movements to sell assets like Son Heung-Min (9.0m) and Doherty. However, whilst Spurs weren’t at their best, perhaps a more accurate reading is that Everton’s new look midfield were giving a first show of their quality. 

This has been borne out on both sides by more recent results and now Spurs are poised to continue with their lovely run of fixtures, sitting second in the ticker when sorted by difficulty over the next four Gameweeks.

A whole new Spurs?

FFScout Fixture Ticker sorted by difficulty Gameweeks 5-8

What’s more, the fixture congestion that Spurs faced in the first four Gameweeks is beginning to ease now with a break in the League Cup and a return to more routine Europa League group fixtures. Couple this with the return from injury of Bale ahead of Gameweek 5 and Mourinho has an almost fully fit squad to choose from.

But which Spurs assets offer the best option for us as FPL managers?

Harry Kane (10.6m)

In all the seasons I have watched Kane play for Spurs, this is without doubt his best start. Last year many Fantasy Managers believed that he simply wasn’t worth the investment due to his on field positioning, but the arrival of Hojbjerg this summer has had a dramatic impact in this area.

A whole new Spurs? 1

Harry Kane Heat Map Gameweeks 1-4

With Hojbjerg protecting the defence and creating a bridge to the attacking players Kane no longer needs to drop deep to win the ball and as a result of that he is more often in the right position to release the likes of Son and thus dramatically outperform his XA – something which I believe looks set to continue. Kane’s understanding of the game and his relationship with Hojbjerg and Son can only lead to a wealth of attacking FPL returns and thus regular BPS points too.

A whole new Spurs? 2

Kane’s Expected Goals and Assists so far this season

Kane sits first in the ICT statistics for forwards in the Influence, Creativity and ICT index categories, only trailing the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin (7.6m) in Threat. Everything about Kane’s game right now makes him the perfect Fantasy investment. Even the arrival of Vinicius, I think, adds to Kane’s appeal as there is now a direct understudy who can play the final 20 minutes of matches when he needs a rest – hopefully protecting him from the sort of long term injury suffered last season and ensuring regular starts continue.

Heung-Min Son (9.0m)

Alongside Kane, Son has started the 2020/21 season with a bang delivering six goals in just four Premier League games. However he has also been the player that FPL managers have had the most ‘complex’ relationship with. He has been the most transferred out player twice this season, ahead of his 24 point haul in Gameweek 2 and again ahead of his 18 point haul in Gameweek 4.

Kane and Son celebrate Spurs’ 2-5 victory over Southampton in Gameweek 2

At 9m Son offers incredible value for money when compared against most other premium midfielder options. Whilst Mohamed Salah (12.2m) Kevin De Bruyne (11.6m) and Raheem Sterling (11.5m) may outscore the Spurs number 9 over the course of the season – the purple patch that Son is in during these early weeks, as well as the form that Spurs are showing across the team, means that right now he is rightly the midfielder of choice for many FPL managers.

Son has an XG of 1.81 so far – but has wildly outperformed this with six Premier League goals to date. Therefore leaving him sitting top of the goalscorers charts for midfielders. The clinical finishing displayed by Son in Gameweeks 2 and 4, coupled with a promising show in Gameweek 3 (hitting the woodwork twice before he was unfortunately withdrawn through injury) underlines just how hot his form has been before the break.

A whole new Spurs? 4

Expected Goal Table for Gameweeks 1-4

Whilst many managers may have been burnt by the Son hokey-cokey of points returns and transfers in and out – with his form, fitness and the flow of the Spurs attacking line (especially his relationship with Kane) Son will undoubtedly reward managers who remain loyal to him.

Gareth Bale (9.5m)

The day that many a Spurs fan had dreamed of, but few genuinely believed, will soon be upon us as Bale pulls on the lily white jersey once more. This debut won’t necessarily have all the pomp and a circumstance that it could have had were crowds allowed in to the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but it will be a spectacle nonetheless.

A whole new Spurs? 3

Gareth Bale during his first spell at Spurs scoring at the Etihad in 2012

It seems highly likely that Bale will play a part in Gameweek 5, and though seven years have past since the last time he took on West Ham (in February 2013), it can’t be entirely forgotten that he scored two goals in that particular match. In total Bale managed three goals in six games vs the Hammers in his first spell at Spurs, and Spurs won four, drew one and lost one.

Whilst this historical data maybe largely irrelevant, the more maverick FPL managers among you (and starry eyed Tottenham fans) will no doubt still be tempted to take a chance on Bale. For the rest though, a lack of consistent minutes over the last few seasons, coupled with a return from injury and a price that’s 0.5m more than his in form team mate Son will likely suggest a more patient ‘wait and see’ approach.

Bale undeniably has the potential to be a huge differential in these early Gameweeks and the rewards for those managers who move early could be season transforming. However, his low ownership and lack of match fitness for me means that it is worth waiting for Gameweek 6 or potentially 7 to see if Bale is up to speed and can fit in to his position alongside his new teammates in a predicted front three. Give it a couple of Gameweeks and there is potential that Bale is worth the additional 0.5m over Son for his Set Piece potential alone, but right now, even with my Spurs goggles on it seems the sensible choice to stick with those in form.

Hugo Lloris (5.5m)

Like the majority of Premier League defences so far this season, Spurs have not looked solid at the back – in fact they are yet to keep a clean sheet in any of their opening 8 matches in all competitions.

As a result of the lack of Clean Sheets across the league it is hard to advocate spending a lot of money on defenders currently and understandably the trend for either one set and forget 4.5m goalkeeper or rotating cheapies is growing. However, we’ve seen similar defensive weakness at the beginning of previous seasons and it’s never lasted indefinitely, so I believe we’ll soon see quality backlines start to return on investment.

Lloris has already made 9 saves this season leaving him joint fifth for goalkeepers in that category. He has also registered a mins/BPS of 7.1 minutes, meaning that when the clean sheets come there is potential for bonus points plus his record of 11 penalty saves is highly promising, especially if the spot-kicks continue at the current rate!

A whole new Spurs? 5

Saves recorded table Gameweeks 1-4

Overall: Which is the best Spurs option?

The 2020/21 season so far has been all about the attacking options. Whilst the number of Clean Sheets kept so far is largely consistent with the number of Clean Sheets kept in the same period last season, the number of goals is hugely inflated. This could in part be linked with the lack of pressure felt by strikers in empty stadiums (as touched on by Lateriser in his most recent article) – and if this is the case then it looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.

In seasons gone by Spurs had a far smaller squad and therefore rotation was never really a concern for FPL Managers who owned them. However with the squad that Mourinho currently has at his disposal there could be plenty of tweaks to the starting 11. The defensive unit seem most at risk here with multiple viable options in most slots – Aurier/Doherty, Regullion/Davies, Dier/Sanchez/Alderweireld all have the potential to cause FPL owners headaches. Dier’s slot is perhaps the most safe although, as he offers potentially the least attacking promise it’s unlikely there’ll be a queue of suitors. Regullion appears a great option especially with the freedom to get forward that Mourinho seems to have granted him, however at 5.5m you likely want more certainty of starts in order to invest and there is always Davies waiting on the bench to take his starting position.

For me then, its all about the attackers. Kane and Son offer the most surety of starts as well as delivering the greatest attacking returns across the entire game in their positions so far. Owning one or even both of these players over at least the next four game weeks looks like a wise and borderline essential investment.

However Gareth Bale’s pedigree and FPL record cannot be neglected and his points consistently increased during his first spell at Spurs before the big-money move to Madrid.

  • 2009/10 – 118 points
  • 2010/11 – 118 points
  • 2011/12 – 195 points
  • 2012/13 – 249 points

The video footage released by both Bale and Spurs over the International break shows a player back in full training, looking happy and sharp. He has personally commented on the quality of the care and the facilities at Spurs and, after being overlooked for a few seasons in Spain, may feel he has something to prove (see Rodriguez at Everton for an indicator of what’s possible). Hence I can see him exploding onto the FPL radar as soon as he is back to full match fitness and that could even be this week. So, if you are brave enough to be an early investor, Bale could be exactly the sort of FPL asset needed to catapult your Overall Rank, but for me right now the form of both Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min are just impossible to ignore, so you should make one or both your first picks from Tottenham’s assets.

Learning from the Great and the Good 20/21 – Community Special

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

596 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Click on the link below for my fixtures matrix showing the remaining full season schedule as it stands GW5 — GW38.

    Useful for short and long term planning including plotting possible Blank and Double Gameweeks ahead.

    - Premier League
    - Carabao Cup
    - FA Cup
    - Champions League
    - Europa League
    - International Break(s)

    https://twitter.com/legomane_fpl/status/1315910159613472773

    Colour friendly version:
    https://twitter.com/legomane_fpl/status/1315910171529486337

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

      That looks very useful - thanks for all the hard work.

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

    Kane or Salah captain?

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

      Kane

    2. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      tough call mate, toss a coin

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

    Hows this WC looking guys?

    Ryan Mccarthy
    Robbo Dallas KWP Konsa Ferguson
    Salah Sterling Son Hames 5.1 mid (Soucek???)
    Jim DCL Brewster

    Other option I had which was less balanced was Grealish Maupay instead of Jim + 5.1 mid...

  4. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    My guess is it's mainly those who've already wildcarded that are dismissing Brewster as he uses up a precious transfer. Funny thing is he could be absolute gold for them as Sheff U are very likely to have a dgw of NEWCASTLE SPUDS in gw19, name a better bench boost candidate than that

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yea see above, ive taken him in my WC

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Definetly don't want him for liv, MCI & che GW6-8.

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        happy as a bench fodder until fixtures get better

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          If you're getting him as bench fodder then it's a totally different case but there are other strikers who could do well during that period.

    3. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No, he collects a lot of 1p during the season, bench option only

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

        BENCH boost, not expecting the world for 4.5m

    4. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He's a uber enabler that allows 5 heavies in midfield.

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

        exactly

  5. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Just a thought but Brewster (4.5) and Soucek (4.9) rotate very well from about GW 8 onwards.

    Could be 2 to snap up for those wildcarding around that time. Frees up a lot of spare cash, allows a great rotating pair, who will likely provide good attacking threat.

    Also allows us some time before then to see how Wilder plans to use Brewster and how he'll settle in.

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

    RMWCT

    Martinez - Steer
    Robertson - Semedo - Lamptey - Dallas - KWP
    Salah - Son - Pulisic - Rodriguez - Bissouma
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

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

      Another day, another RMWCT. Looks fine again

      1. jam sandwich
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I have nothing better to do with my sad little life

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

          No worries, the dangers of WCing during an international break

  7. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Current Wildcard... what to change?

    Ryan Forster
    TAA Saiss Konsa Ayling Mitchell
    KDB Salah Grealish Podence Stephens
    Kane DCL Maupay

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

      No Son?
      Would like Podence upgraded to James.
      Rest are ok though.

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This is my second XI... so Son is in the first and Kane in this one

        Yeah I’d love to upgrade Podence just can’t find the funds

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

          Could Kane be a cheaper forward that takes pens?

  8. Patron
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Guys, Son or Vardy (c)?

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

      Son - fancy Villa to beat Leicester

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

        Thanks Mig!

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

      Son for me. Can't ignore his amazing form last 3 games (yes, even vs. Newcastle in GW3 he was outstanding but got injured). Vardy looked really bad vs. West Ham.

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

        Ye ure right ahout that. But I wouldn’t bet against Vardy gettin a peno or two haha.

        Son more reasonable I guess. Thanks!

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

          About*

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

          Vardy can score anywhere, against anyone. We've seen that multiple times. But even if you don't captain him you'll get a decent return of points if he delivers. Son is just a more secure option at the moment.

          BTW I'm curious about Bale's future contribution, now that he retired from golf. It's gonna be so much fun to watch the Bale situation unfold.

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

            Thanks, very appreciated!

            I would like to see Bale in action too, really fun watching Spurs play at their best like couple of seasons ago when all Kane, Alli, Son and Eriksen were banging!

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

      Son

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

        Cheers

  9. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts on my WC?
    Many thanks

    Ryan - McCarthy
    Mings - Justin - Robertson - Saïss - Zouma
    Bissouma - Salah - Grealish - Pulisic - Son
    Davis - Lewin - Kane

  10. Pommie22
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys just a quickie
    Living in New Zealand can you share any thoughts,advice, as to best place/site I can get team news,pressers before gameweek starts.
    Many thanks in advance.

    1. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I find this site the best place to be honest with you.

      If you click on the drop down menu along the top there is a section called “Team News” that is usually updated by Friday night UK time and has all the predicted line ups and a few paragraphs written up on each team. It basically consolidates all the information. By far the best source I find.

      1. Pommie22
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Scrap that i was looking at Rodriguez of Burnley duh!
        Start again....75% = good chance of playing?

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Team News then Predicted Line Ups.

      By Friday night there will be lots of commentary underneath each team consolidating all the news sources. Brilliant resource.

      1. Pommie22
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Awesome thanks for that Kev much appreciated

        1. Pommie22
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Mate sorry to be a pain but just had a quick look
          Chilwell 75% injury
          Rodriguez 25% late flight home from international
          Does this translate into Rodriguez is more likely to play?

  11. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ryan Forster
    TAA Saiss Konsa Dallas Mitchell
    KDB Salah Grealish Stephens XXXX
    Kane DCL XXXX

    1. James Brewster
    2. Podence Maupay

    Thanks

    1. Bolton’s Wanderers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Given BRI fixtures I like the Maupay pick. Still unsure on Podence And Wolves though. Could you stretch to Pereira? He has some decent fixtures coming up or Trossard another option.

      TAA - Robbo could free up some cash

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah maybe Pereira but wouldn’t be keen on Trossard and Maupay... especially with Ryan in goal...

        I’ve tripled up on Brighton before (and it didn’t end well) haha

        1. Bolton’s Wanderers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah wouldn’t triple up there. Could perhaps go Trossard and Antonio / Wilson but Maupay is my preferred option for the next handful of game weeks.

  12. Bolton’s Wanderers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Keen to hear people’s thoughts.

    On a WC and currently have defence of:

    Robbo Lamptey Chilwell KWP Mitchell

    With the Chil injury do people think a decent move is Chil - PVA and play him, if not fit yet then Mitchell subs in anyway.

    Or is it better to go a different route with Castange/Saiss?

    Can’t help but want to take advantage of the CPL fixtures but is £5.4m for PVA too much given how long he has been out?

  13. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is it reasonable to save a FT this GW? Far from happy with my team but would like to give KDB & Bruno another chance before swapping to Son/Salah.

    Martinez
    TAA Robbo Saiss
    KDB Bruno JRod Foden
    Jimmy Ings Mitro

    Fodder Burke Lamptey Mitchell

  14. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Maupay or Watkins
    TAA or Robbo
    Which combo?