Scout Notes

Can £4.0m defender Kilman nail down starting place in Wolves defence?

Leeds 0-1 Wolves

  • Goals: Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m)
  • Assists: Max Kilman (£4.0m)
  • Bonus points: Kilman x3, Jiménez x2, Romain Saïss x1 (£5.2m)

A View to a Kil

Max Kilman (£4.0m) has made a meteoric rise to the top of the budget defender pool with a second successive start and second successive points haul.

The Wolves centre-back has only played two from a possible five matches this season but has already scored 21 points, the joint-most of any defender priced at £4.5m or below.

Incredibly, the player has secured maximum bonus points in each of his two performances so far and he added an assist in the 1-0 win over Leeds.

“He deserves (the man of the match award). He’s been brilliant. He’s been with us for years. He’s listened. He’s a great lad. He gives us a bit of balance on that left-hand side. All the time. He loves having battles with Adama. Nobody goes near Adama in training but he full-on fights with him.” – Conor Coady

“He has become stronger as time has gone by. I’m proud of the response he has given and the credit goes to him. When the chance comes, you have to respond, and Max did that.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

The question facing Fantasy managers is now whether or not Kilman can nail down a regular starting berth in the Wolves side.

Even though he has been praised by captain and manager alike, unfortunately, it is difficult to say with certainty that Kilman will retain his place. This particular issue certainly one that requires more data.

The reason why Kilman has enjoyed starts in each of the last two Gameweeks is that regular centre-back option Romain Saïss (£5.2m) has been forced to cover the left wing-back role in light of injuries to Jonny (£5.4m) and Marçal (£4.9m) as well as the departure of Ruben Vinagre (£4.3m).

With the arrival of Rayan Aït-Nouri (£5.0m) and Marçal returning from his knock on Monday night, there are more options for Nuno Espirito Santo to choose from in that position moving forward.

While Saïss has enjoyed his time bombing forward as a wing-back, which we’ll highlight in more detail shortly, he has looked exposed at times playing in a wider role, caught out by the pacier wingers and full-backs.

Therefore, with left wing-back reinforcements on the way, Nuno looks set for a tough decision between Saïss or Kilman to start in the back-three alongside Conor Coady (£5.0m) and Willy Boly (£5.5m) long-term.

Do as the Romains do

While there remain uncertainties about Wolves best back-five, Saïss continues to offer excellent value for his increasing ownership.

Nuno’s men have kept a clean sheet in three of their five matches this season, and the Moroccan has walked away with bonus points on each of those occasions, even though he only has one attacking return to his name. A total of six in that department puts Saïss behind only Lucas Digne (£6.2m) on seven among defenders after five Gameweeks.

That has taken him to a tally of 31 points for the season thus far, more than any other defender and sure to induce more price rises ahead of home meetings with Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

Saïss was unfortunate not to walk away with attacking returns at Elland Road, whose incredible rifled effort into the bottom right-hand corner of Illan Meslier‘s (£4.5m) goal was chalked off for an offside in the build-up.

He was also denied an assist in the first half when Leeds’ youthful goalkeeper produced an impressive stop from a Daniel Podence (£5.6m) effort.

However, while Saïss has looked exciting in the last two matches, we have to bring Wolves’ selection dilemma at the back into the conversation. If Aït-Nouri or Marçal slots in at left wing-back against Newcastle and Saïss returns to the back-three, he will almost certainly enjoy much less time in the opposition half.

Dear Podence

Podence owners were asked to show a little more patience once again as he proved one of Wolves’ most dangerous players at Elland Road but came away with a second successive blank.

His powerful first-half shot forced an impressive save out of Meslier, who sprawled to stop a left-footed curling effort in the second half too.

While neither of those chances went in, the fact that a Newcastle that has conceded seven goals in the last two Gameweeks is up next for Wolves is perhaps enough to hold Podence. 

That said, he was replaced by Adama Traoré (£6.4m) in the 64th minute with Pedro Neto‘s (£5.5m) involvement continuing until the 89th.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Dallas, Struijk (Hernández 75′), Koch, Ayling; K Phillips; Harrison (Raphinha 82′), Rodrigo, Klich, Costa (Poveda-Ocampo 71′); Bamford.

Wolves XI (3-4-3): Patrício; Kilman, Coady, Boly; Saïss, Moutinho (Neves 82′), Dendoncker, Semedo; Neto (Marçal 89′), Jiménez, Podence (Traoré 65′).

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1,379 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anybody know what the situation is with PVA? Looking for a Van Dijk replacement who is no more than 5.5m and given that nobody seems capable of a clean sheet it needs to somebody capable of attacking returns. I thought he was supposed to be back from injury but he was only on the bench against Brighton.

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

      Seems he will start somewhere (maybe on the wing) within a game or 2

    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Reguilon

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

    I have Castagne.

    So.. Justin -> Kilman?

    I was never playing Justin, and Kilman should be good for 2 weeks and maybe a price rise or two.

    Yay? Nay?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Is Perriera back ?

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

        I don't think so. Either way, I would be benching Justin every week. At the moment he's just a spare whereas Kilman has 2 decent fixtures coming up and saves me a few quid

  3. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    G2G??

    Martinez
    Robbo Justin Kilman
    Sterling Salah (c) Son Podence
    Jimenez Ings DCL
    - RJames Bissouma Ferguson

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

      Sterling will be a good pick I think. Salah (c) is right

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

    Bottomed, sorry

    I'm confused for the coming round. Stick with Havertz, or switch to Willian, Bilva/Foden, Lucas or even Grealish? (Favour the latter the least)

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Stick

  5. He Kane He Saw He Conquered
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1.Havertz/Pulisic & DCL
    2.Foden & Werner

    ??

    Thanks.

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

      1

  6. Right In The Stanchion
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bamford > Mitrovic?

    Have a feeling Mitro is going to be hyped up for a brace

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

      Mitro definitely play better then he did last game

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

      meh... but if you are dong it, I'd wait a bit as Mitrovic might drop 0.1 before gameweek starts.

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Even better. Will hold on

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

          Just keep an eye on Bamford too.. he's also dropping, but at a much slower rate than Mitro.

          Mitro is -91.4%
          Bamford is +16.4%

          Both seem to be getting sold at the same rate so you should have a day or two in between.

    3. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He is getting plenty of chances, it's time he starts finishing some

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

      Im personally holding him till he plays West Brom. Hes going to be fired up to make up for last GW.

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

      Keeping

  7. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling (C) anyone else going for it??

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

      If I had sterling, I'd definitely consider it. Would be a great differential.

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

        Naaaah. He is not even in top 5.

        Salah Mane Kane Son Rodriguez etc.

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

          He's definitely in the top 5 imo.

          I'd have him 4th ahead of Son.

          In this same fixture last year (first game of the season), he hit a hat-trick.

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

            It's not last year though.

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

              Sure, but any player that has history hitting a hat-trick against a specific team on a specific ground should be highly considered as captain.

        2. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Currently have Salah V but also considering Kane, Son or TAA

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

    Thoughts?

    Are these good moves??
    Have Kane already.

    This week= Wood and VVD ➡️ Cahill Targett and Kun -4.
    Following week Maupay ➡️ DCL.

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes!

  9. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Have now been broken and looking at WC.

    What do we think of this crack?

    Martinez
    Robbo Targett Balbuena
    Sterling Son Bruno Salah
    DCL Wilson Brewster

    Steer Romeu Vestergaard Kilman

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

      Needs Kane

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Son not enough?

  10. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one??

    A) Kane & Soucek
    B) Grealish & JRod

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

      Try to have all 4 of them imo

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not possible. Otherwise I wouldn’t have posted this question

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

        Kane thann

      3. Silva’s Left Nut
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        why does everyone fancy soucek? hasnt really done anything this season

    2. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      A...Grealish is a trap

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Trap is my style

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

          Are you talking about a different kinda trap?

  11. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Another ineffective performance from Pulisic on the right wing?

  12. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Am I wrong in considering Foden over Grealish/Barkley as my Barnes replacement?

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

      No. But I think Grealish is worth the extra because he's nailed on and a chance creating machine.

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

        But his SoT arerealy low. Can he continue with hauls?

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

      McGinn, and save some money

      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Save money for what?

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks for your input everyone! Cheers!

  13. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is it nailed that at least one of Saïss or Kilman plays each week?

    I have TAA Robbo Saïss (C.Taylor Mitchell)

    Taylor >> Kilman frees up 0.5M
    Mitchell >> Kilman frees up 0.1M

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

      I thought Saiss was nailed and Kilman is not.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        But if Saiss gets injured/suspended/rested is Kilman his automatic replacement?

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

          Well both have been playing the past 2 games so they are not replacements of each other. I don't know for sure though.

        2. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          It's really unclear who is nailed. Marcal was back from injury and came on late on. He can play LWB or LCB.

          You also have Ait-Nouri, who is a highly rated LWB. And Jonny will return from injury eventually.

          Not room for everyone.

          1. Sheffield Wednesday
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I may have to keep Taylor or similar on my bench then as Mitchell looks less and less likely to provide cover for my three at the back.

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

    Which one would you pick over next 2-3 weeks?
    A. Lamptey and Sterling
    B. Lamptey and Fernandes
    C. Lamptey and Aguero
    D. Reguilon and Grealish
    E. Reguilon and Jimenez

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

      A or B. Probably A

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

      Honestly, probably E. Better fixtures for both wolves and spurs.

    3. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably D. But depends on which forward/mids are the options with D/E.

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

    Finaly Lampard puts Cech into the squad. Amen brother, you should have played him against WBA and Southampton we would have had 4 pts more

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

    Is VVD gonna drop tonight?

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

      Sell sell sell

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

        Wood and VVD ➡️ Cahill Targett and Kun -4.?

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

      Hold and see if he’s passed fit for the weekend

      1. Party time
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Lol

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

      Saiss owners I don't think we double up on Kilman right?

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Or do we? 2 decent home fixtures.

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

          I won't be surprised if Saiss is dropped in the near future

          1. El Matador
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Lol on what basis do you make such a comment?

            1. Paul Psychic Octopus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              I'll repost from up above...

              It's really unclear who is nailed. Marcal was back from injury and came on late on. He can play LWB or LCB.

              You also have Ait-Nouri, who is a highly rated LWB. And Jonny will return from injury eventually.

              Not room for everyone.

            2. Paul Psychic Octopus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              So the worst downside for this double-up is Marcal at LCB and Ait-Nouri at LWB. It may well happen.

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

          I have Robbo and Lamptey as my other two and I can't drop any of them this gw 🙁 so I will wait one more week because Saiss or Kilman can be dropped

      2. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Saïss owner here, I'm thinking of adding Kilman instead of Mitchell on the bench (see my post above) rather than starting in three man defense.

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

          Oh yes I thought of this too but I say that I need one more week because in case Saiss is benched then we sell Saiss and we buy Kilman. Because if we double up on them then if Saiss is dropped we have wasted a transfer and have less money to spend...

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

        I planned for this fixture run with Semedo + Saiss so doubling with the cheaper Kilman seems a no-brainer.

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

          Yeah not much to lose for you but better go for Semedo Kilman combo

    4. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Should I do this transfer now to catch prices? Also for who?

      Davies —>

      A) Kilman
      B) Lamptey
      C) Targett
      D) Ake
      E) Regulion
      F) Cahill
      G) Saiss

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

        E

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

        Think I'm going C

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

      Take VVD our for -4 or hold off and play Lamptey and one of Taylor/Mitchell?

      Would most likely be bringing in either Dias or Chilwell for VVD

    6. 1569Tippins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin and Jiménez to Van Arnholt and DCL -4?

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

        No

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

        Not bad. I nearly would but Jimenez has 2 good fixtures coming. Probably not worth -4

      3. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        No

      4. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        If you've held Jimi until now, you were probably holding for the next two fixtures.

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

      Any news on whether Antonio trained ? Sell him or ride the fixtures and wait for the WBA game?

      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He's on -66 on FPL Stats. I would probably sell and buy back in 2-3 weeks, if you haven't any other pressing transfers to do

    8. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Which team??

      A)
      McCarthy
      Saiss / Chilwell / Mitchell
      Salah / Son / Bruno / Soucek
      Kane / DCL / Werner

      B)
      McCarthy
      Saiss / Chilwell / Mitchell
      Salah / Son / JRod / Bruno / Grealish
      DCL / Werner

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bump.

    9. Zlatan F.C
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A. Jimi to Kane FT
      B. Jimi and Podence to Kane and Rodriguez (-4)
      C. Brewster and Podence to Kane and Bissouma (-4)

      Martinez
      Robbo Saiss Lamptey
      Son Salah Grealish Foden Podence
      DCL Jimi

      Bench Brewster James Ferguson

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

        Save FT

      2. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        B

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

      Anyone has a team in FanTeam UCL? Any advice who to pick ?

      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Plenty of advice - but one week too late for some of the best picks

    11. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Reguillon nailed or wait and see?

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

      Best VVD replacement?

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        MBE Rash

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

          He’s not asking about his fantasy Europa League team for next season

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            United hater alert.

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

              Just a realist, they will finish 5th

      2. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Digne

      3. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Chilwell
        Regulion

    13. Will J 256
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thoughts on this -4?
      Jimenez and R James to Kane and Ayling?

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

        Not worth.

        1. Will J 256
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks!

      2. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not worth it this week. Jimenez can easily match Kane. Maybe R James to a Villa defender?

      3. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Phillips out injured for 6 weeks won't improve Leeds defence.

    14. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bellerin a decent defensive differential? Basically playing a wing back so gets very advanced and only 5m. Not convinced by any particular defenses so worth a punt?

    15. FPLMACKEM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Best Aston Villa Asset to own for the good run? Possibly a replacement for Podence.

      A Grealish
      B Watkins
      C Barkley
      D Mcginn

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Barkley in my opinion. Yes he has trolled before but he seems nailed and in form. With excellent fixtures until boxing day, there is no reason he cannot continue bringing in the points.

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

          Barkley is the one who i am leaning towards tbh. He just seems the better value pick. Maybe this could be his year.

          1. El Matador
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            May be on pens too. He did take some for Chelsea last season.

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

              That would seal it for me. In terms of underlying numbers he is not too far behind Grealish. Plus he is quite a selfish player when it comes to taking shots.

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

        D

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

        Grealish.

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

        Grealish.

    16. Kragbaek
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      My team:

      Ryan - McCarthy
      Robbo - Castagne - Saiss - Walker-Peters - Mitchell
      Salah - Son - Havertz - Rodriguez - Jorginho
      Kane - Wilson - Brewster

      Any obvious changes I should seek? Not too sure about Havertz. Would also like to save money where I can, perhaps in defence. Also bringing in Sterling at some point.

      Advice welcomed and let me know how I can help you 🙂