Pro Pundits - Zophar

Zøphar on £4.5m Brewster, the keep-or-sell De Bruyne dilemma and budget mids

Six-time top 5k finisher Zøphar shares his thoughts on a turbulent Premier League season so far.


The dreaded first international break is finally over and another FPL weekend lays ahead. I had hoped the arrival of FIFA 21 was going to prove a distraction, but art ended up imitating Premier League life far too well, serving up relentless goal-fests and bringing me right back to the chaotic first month of Fantasy Football.

For someone who values a clean sheet and defensive solidity, this has been uncomfortable viewing on both fronts, and I am hoping that a more ‘normal’ order is restored in the coming few weeks, in FIFA via patches and in the Premier League with some good coaching. 

Putting aside the avalanche of attacking hauls in Gameweeks 1-4, I decided to use this article to reflect upon some of the other interesting developments that have transpired thus far and their potential impact on the long road ahead.

Is Brewster worth his £4.5 millions?

Looking back over 10+ seasons of FPL , I can’t remember a single time we’ve had a first-choice striker available at the £4.5m base price. Perhaps Pavel Pogrebnyak back in the day but he was hardly a reliable pick, something I fully expect Brewster to become. A clinical finisher who has no interest in dropping deep and building up play, he is truly a gift from the FPL gods in a season where there are so many big hitters available.

As I mentioned on the FPL Wire pod, I don’t see Brewster purely as an eighth attacker or occasional sub. At a price of £4.5m, even if he only gets a return every third game, he’s more than justified his value.

Yes, Sheffield United do have several options up top, but this was a ‘statement’ signing from an otherwise prudent coach and in terms of goalscoring quality, Brewster promises to be head and shoulders above the others, so it’s hard to see him not cementing a spot in Wilder’s side early on at least.

Naturally, you could argue that it is worth spending a million odd more on another value pick such as the in-form Patrick Bamford (£5.8m) or Ollie Watkins (£5.9m). But I’d counter that you could also use that instead to upgrade the likes of Tyrick Mitchell (£4.1m), Jimmy Dunne (£4.0m) or another cut-price defender to Nelson Semedo (£5.5m) or Ben Chilwell (£5.6m), who are far more explosive picks. This quote from an excellent article by Hedge backs up the point (thanks for the heads-up, TopMarx!):

Overall, 0.5m spent upgrading at the back almost always nets you more points than spending it in midfield or attack. In the last three seasons, the best approach would have been to get the highest-scoring defenders, no matter the cost.

Bring on the budget differentials

Who has the best and worst upcoming FPL fixtures?

Whilst there’s no shortage of premium options in midfield, it’s the budget boys that I find more interesting to consider. Daniel Podence (£5.6m) has proved a popular choice after his performance in the first two Gameweeks, but I am not so optimistic on his prospects going forward. Wolves struggled without Adama Traore (£6.4m) against Fulham and Pedro Neto’s (£5.5m) improving displays cast a shadow on Podence’s security of starts. His xG per 90 of 0.10 is hardly inspiring either. Fortunately, there are several other options in this bracket to pick from.

Ross Barkley (£5.9m)

Whilst the more world-weary FPL managers may already be rolling their eyes at the prospect of another annual Ross Barkley bandwagon, I think this year it really could be different. As my podcast co-host Lateriser mentioned, Barkley thrives on being a big fish in a small pond.

As the shot map from the Liverpool game shows below, he was playing almost as a support striker and actually got in far better positions than Jack Grealish (£7.1m). His xG/90 this season (0.39) is second only to Jorginho (£5.1m) (1.13), and this includes some minutes which he played for Chelsea where he was never going to see as much of the ball.

Conclusion

It has been a frankly maddening start to the season and a true test of mettle for seasoned FPL managers, so it is easy to get carried away with frustration. Despite many of us finding more ‘spare’ time than usual, due to the pandemic and work-from-home scenarios, it remains vital not to overthink and obsess with your squad. FPL is an incredible game, offering much-needed distraction in these difficult times. Of course, selling Son before a 20+ point haul definitely hurts, but it’s not the end of the world – so please do prioritise your mental health over chasing points!

If your squad is struggling, you’re certainly not alone – many of the world’s top players are in the same position. But it really is very early days, the vast majority of the season lies ahead of us, so don’t let one or two decisions that have had unusually high variance outcomes shake your confidence. Forwards will tire, defences will tighten, crowds may even come back at some point and proven quality will out (even without a patch from EA!). So keep faith in the tried-and-tested process that has delivered for you, a top 10k rank is very much achievable even if you are residing at four million in the world now. 

Thanks for reading. 

The arguments for and against using a Wildcard in FPL Gameweek 3 1
494 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence position in the 11 is uncertain, risk playing Podence or start BIssouma or Ayling?

    0.8itb 0ft
    McCarthy
    Robbo TAA Taylor Justin
    KDB Salah Son Podence
    DCL Jimenez
    (Peacock Bissouma Ayling Vassilev)

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

    Hi fellas,
    Would you bring Jorginho in for Podence for -4?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No, do you have any bench players to cover for this GW only?

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

        Saint-Maximin that I'm playing this week, Ward-Prowse that I'm benching and James(CHE) that I'm also sitting this week.

    2. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Is he confirmed out?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He is not out, might not be in the 11 with Neto and Traore supporting Jimenez

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

          that's what worries me

  3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA Lamptey Justin Saiss
    Salah Zaha KDB*
    DLC Jimi Werner
    SUBS Podence Mitchell Burke*

    2FT 0.1m itb

    A KDB to Son (Roll a FT)
    B to Maupay/Son
    C Werner/Podence to Bamford/Son
    D Werner/Burke to Son/Brewster

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B Werner/KDb to Maupay/Son

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got to keep Werner for the SOU game. Podence to Soucek

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

    Nailed it finally!!!

    Martinez
    Chilwell KWP Robbo
    Salah Son Pulisic Rodriguez Grealish
    Kane DCL

    Martin Brewster Kilman Mitchell

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bench is awful.. Kilman not a safe starter and neither is Mitchell

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You've got two benched defenders who probably won't be playing. Is it worthwhile downgrading Robbo to say Semedo and upgrade your bench? Otherwise a great team.

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

        Consider it and fixing bench yea.

        Cheers

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Robbo -> TAA
      Rodriguez -> Fodder
      Brewster -> Maupay
      Kilman -> 3.9
      Mitchell -> Lamptey

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        KWP -> Saiss

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

        No no no no and no but thanks

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

          And no

      3. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Isn't that just your team?

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

          Um no. Wc draft

          1. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            lol, I know, that wasn't to you.

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

    *bottomed
    If Soyuncu is out and with James not nailed should i take a hit?Coleman/James/Soyuncu are my three defenders with Targett/Douglas my subs.

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

      Wildcard

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

        Anyone?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      James should start this weekend with Chilwell most likely out. Azpi LB and James RB.

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

        Cheers.Is Chilwell out?

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

        Alonso could also play.

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

          Alonso is finished

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          He dropped out the ENG squad and is a doubt. Not sure if it is a doubt. Alonso could play but I don't think he is favoured by Lampard at the moment.

    3. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not for a hit, no. Take one out if you have a FT, Targett will come on if more than one player doesn't play. James should play.

  6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play 2: R. James, Lamptey or Dallas
    Play 2: Brewster, Foden or Podence
    Captain: Salah, Sterling or KDB

    Thanks a lot!

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      James, Dallas, Brewster Foden

  7. icanseethroughyou
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Urgent surgery required or can I get a decent game week with sticking in Salah for KDB? Not convinced either Kane or Son are going to score big myself.

    McCarthy, Ryan
    Digne, TAA, Justin, Holding, Egan
    KDB, Podence, Foden, Zaha, Greenwood
    Werner, Watkins, Richarlison

  8. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    On WC, 1M in bank. Have Castagne, Saiss, Taylor, Coufal and Mitchell. Will leave Mitchell as fodder. Who would you consider upgrading Taylor to, 5.5m or less?

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

      I prefer Semedo over Saiss

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. Do you think he could bring as many FPL points as Doherty did when at Wolves?

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

          He will need to settle first, don't think he will bring as many as doherty this season but he has shown lots of attacking potential already but will need Wolves to start clicking again.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Semedo, Dallas and Ayling. Maybe Masuaka instrad of Coufal.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Punting on Coufal. Has some potential, just not sure if it's good or bad!

        1. Fit_to_drop
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Will you post up your current WC team. I am working on mine this week also.

  9. ObiDadKenobi
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Quick question: I have made 4 transfer already for a hit -8 (I had 2 ft). If I now activate wildcard will I still get -8 hit for the transfers I already made?

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

      No

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      no once you activate you will wipe all the hits

  10. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Retry

    A. Guaita + Ollie Watkins OR
    B. Ryan + Maupay

    Why?

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

      A cos Ryan can't keep any clean sheets ever.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A - Both Palace and Villa have some good fixtures coming up. PAL seem to keep CS when playing against non top 6 teams.

    3. Unfathomable Ruination
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would rather have Guaita.

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Even with Butland now at Palace?

  11. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Van Anholt is not an option is he? ruled out ?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He is available for selection but may not be ready to start games

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        cheers

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I am looking at him in a Wildcard set up due to Palace's good run of fixtures

  12. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If anyone is considering Doulas as a 4m defender, don't. He's gorn to Blackburn.

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

      *Douglas

  13. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is there any chance at all that Pep does a Mourinho and KDB starts?

  14. Darragh82
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi folks,
    Any feedback welcome.
    352
    McCarthy
    Robbo, Chilwell, Saiss
    Salah, Son (c), Grealish, Pulisic, Rodriguez
    DCL, Jimenez
    4.0, Konsa, Brewster, KWP
    Thanks!!

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

      SOLID

    2. Shayben
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Quality team

    3. Unfathomable Ruination
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, pretty solid.

  15. DOGS
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best Midfielder around 5.9m

    Thinking:

    A-McGinn
    B-Barkly
    C-Klich
    D- ASM

    currently have podence

    1. Darragh82
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      One of the villa boys, take out the Leicester and arsenal fixtures, they have a lovely run right up to Christmas.

    2. Unfathomable Ruination
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have Klich and Podence. I would say probably Klich cause he's on pens (or at least has been).

  16. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling or Kane?

  17. Shayben
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Great article!

  18. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have already taken a -4... is this worth a WC?

    McCarthy
    TAA Chilwell Justin
    Salah Son Prodence KDB*
    Kane Wilson Brewster

    Nyland*; Shaw KWP Bissouma

    1. Unfathomable Ruination
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nah man, don't be hasty.

  19. Unfathomable Ruination
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Alright he's my team:

    Guaita
    Digne - James - Castagne
    Son - Salah - Klich - Podence - KDB*
    Werner - DCL

    4.0, Saiss, Davis, Dunne and 2FT.

    WHO DO I TRADE KDB FOR? James and then upgrade Podence to the likes of Grealish?

  20. Louis123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Just a quick one.....

    Werner, KDB, Soucek OUT
    Kane, Grealish, Rodriguez IN

    -4 Yay or Nay?

    PS. Already have Son, Salah & DCL.
    Many thanks.