Pro Pundits

Best FPL replacements for Digne according to FFS Hall of Fame leader Fábio Borges

Fantasy Premier League has become a difficult game in the last few weeks, with managers at all levels of the overall rankings struggling with the unpredictable nature of the 2020/21 season.

I have also fallen foul of the frustration. After an excellent start to the season, my team massively underperformed in the last two Gameweeks. I fell from a place inside the top 10,000 to an overall rank of 177,000 in the span of just nine days, mostly due to a horrible Gameweek 6, in which I only got 35 points.

Even though I have some big decisions to make before Friday’s deadline, I am still eager and ready to prepare my team for Gameweek 7.

My team in Gameweek 6

Even though I never worry that much about rankings this early in the season, I am slightly concerned that my transfers haven’t been working at all. In fact, out of five transfers in so far, only Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) delivered an attacking return and everyone else either blanked, got injured like Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) or, in the case of Reece James (£5.0m), fell victim to Frank Lampard’s rotation.

Ahead of Gameweek 6, I decided to use some of my money in the bank to upgrade Michail Antonio (£6.3m) to Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) and, even though this decision made perfect sense at the time, it immediately cost me seven points.

Antonio scored an incredible goal with his only shot against Manchester City while Calvert-Lewin looked like a shadow of what we have seen in the first five matches of the season in Everton’s defeat Southampton. And, of course, a yellow card in the last minute was the cherry on top of a poor overall performance.

Injury and suspension dent Everton's FPL appeal and expose squad depth issues 1

I bought Calvert-Lewin in because he was a nice set-and-forget option until Gameweek 11 at the very least, thanks to a combination of great underlying statistics and a decent run of fixtures. 

Unfortunately, without Richarlison (£7.8m) in the side, Lucas Digne (£6.2m) suspended and James Rodríguez (£8.0m) perhaps still managing that injury which messed so many of us about last week, Calvert-Lewin’s appeal has already decreased a bit. However, I am sticking to the plan and hoping he still manages to deliver good value over the next five matches.

WHO IS THE BEST DIGNE REPLACEMENT?

As I was writing this, I caught confirmation that Digne’s three-match suspension has been reduced to one. It means he won’t play against Newcastle and will return in Gameweek 8, when Everton host Manchester United at Goodison Park.

Despite the reduction in his length of absence, I still don’t hold out much hope for Digne’s appeal over the next two Gameweeks. Unless something bad happens with my players in midweek matches, I think it is time to part ways with the French left-back.

Fixtures is the first thing i look into when I am comparing defensive options, focusing mainly on the next five or six matches and using longer term fixtures as a tie-break to separate two similar options. 

So, let’s see which teams have the easiest short term fixtures from a defensive perspective.

Teams with the best defensive schedule in the next five matches

From this list, I am going to exclude Crystal Palace (due to uncertainty about how they will shape up with players returning from injuries), West Bromwich (based on their poor showings in the early Gameweeks) and Southampton, since I already own Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) and Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m).

Here are the best options from each of the five remaining teams.

EVERTON – Michael Keane (£5.1m) – He has already scored twice this season and seems to be a decent value option if I am to keep trusting Everton’s defence. However, Keane is no Digne and his best fixtures are away from home, which I am not thrilled about. Having plenty of money in the bank, I am probably going with someone else.

CHELSEA – Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) – With great fixtures ahead, an impressive attacking threat and some set pieces in his arsenal, Chilwell seems to be the best Chelsea defender to have and, simultaneously, the logical replacement for Digne. I do worry he could be rotated with Marcos Alonso (£5.8m), Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.9m) or even Reece James (£5.0m) once in a while though, especially with a hectic winter schedule ahead. Nevertheless, his upside seems too good to ignore and I think he is a great candidate, even if he might be rested by Lampard here and there.

LEICESTER – Timothy Castagne (£5.8m) – The Belgian full-back has impressed so far with four attacking returns in just six matches but he does seem a bit too expensive for someone who will have to play against Leeds, Wolves and Liverpool next. I think Castagne will be a great option from Gameweek 10 but right now it is a bit too soon to rely on him.

ASTON VILLA – Ezri Konsa (£4.7m) – After watching Villa’s shocking performance against Leeds, and with plenty of money to spend, Konsa is not someone I’m all that interested in right now but I think he could still provide decent value in a rotation with a West Ham defender, for example. Something I would probably consider if i was Wildcarding this week.

MANCHESTER CITY – Ruben Dias (£5.5m) – He seems to have nailed a spot at the heart of City’s defence but they will play against Liverpool and Tottenham in two of the next three fixtures so, just like Castagne, it doesn’t seem to be the right time to get Dias in.

OTHER PLANS

Werner fails to convince owners as Chilwell impresses for Chelsea

Despite poor performances in the last two Gameweeks, I still think my team looks pretty good and except for Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.8m), and possibly Timo Werner (£9.3m) if it seems he will lose his starting place, I don’t have plans to sell anyone else for now. 

I still have my Wildcard available, which is great but, unless an injury crisis comes up, I don’t think I will need to use it in the next few Gameweeks.

Not having Harry Kane (£10.9m) has been a bit stressful but it is hard to justify using a transfer to sell Werner with such a great schedule ahead of him. I don’t mind having the German international (plus £1.5m and one spare free transfer) over Kane, even if he still doesn’t look like the goal-scoring machine we saw in the Bundesliga.

Thanks for reading and good luck with your transfers for Gameweek 7.

1,579 Comments Post a Comment
  1. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Fabio bringing in Chilwell for Digne then

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

      Congrats, you was faster

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

    First 🙂

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

      Nopeee

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

        I already congratulated 😉

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      When I did this, it got removed...

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

        Usually does especially when first, maybe left for the shame affect. 🙂

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

    Do I need to get rid of Barnes this week? Any ideas who I should go for?
    Or roll an FT ?

    Martinez
    Robbo Saiss Semedo
    Salah Son Grealish Jrod Barnes
    DCL Kane
    Steer Lamptey Mitchell Brewster

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

      Can you aford Zaha?

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

        I sold him for `Grealish. Hames or Zaha imo

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

          could do Barnes to Zaha altho he has Wolves this week? is that much better than Barnes against Leeds?

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

            Its significantly worse

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

            It is not...but if he want to keep him- YES it is 🙂

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

      Weighed up moving Barnes to Zaha/Grealish but doesn't feel like the week for it. Rolling FT opens up more doors too

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

      cheers all will roll this week. Seem to be more damaging taking players out at the mo anyway!

  4. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How was Kane and Son doing in Thursday league loss?

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

    A few people think Werner could be benched this weekend..?

    Taa + Werner to Dias/Cancelo + Kane? for free

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

      why would he be benched?

    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Out of interest, what people?

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

        People on here, based on how much he’s played and Fat Frank’s comments about needing to rest players

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

      Sure, sure....Werner will be benched, Saiss will be benched....
      Who is next Son or TAA?

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

    Novice question alert!

    My fpl team does not show the fixtures under each players like in the pic above (website version)

    Is that on the fpl site?

    1. Clam. ☘️
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chrome extension. 'FPL Tools' or 'Better FPL'.

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

    2FT + 2.4ITB

    Mccarthy, Steer
    Robbo, Saiss, KWP, Mitchell, Ferguson
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Podence, Pereira
    DCL, Werner, Davis

    A) Pereira --- Grealish + save FT
    B) Davis + Podence + Pereira --- Ings + ASM + Bissouma (-4)
    C) Davis + Podence + Pereira --- Adams (leader has bamford) + Grealish + Bissouma (-4)
    D) Ferguson + Pereira --- Dallas + Grealish
    E) ...........

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

      A

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      KWP to Coufal ahead of their fixtures and then Periera to Zaha next week?

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

        If I take KWP out now then coufal has to play

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Mitchell, Saiss and Robbo to start this week? Go 343. Or do Mitchell to Coufal if you’re worried about minutes?

  8. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have I missed something ? Why is Hamez Rod dropping in price tonight ?? I know he is yellow flagged but have we heard some news that he is out ???

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

      Article about his testicle injury in the Daily Mail...Google his name and the word “testicle” and see what happens

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

      It is indeed a 'testicle injury' or, to be grammatically correct, a testicular injury.

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

      He's been flagged all week and people don't have patience. No news at all so far - will hear tomorrow

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

      He should ask himself, “What would Lance Armstrong do?”

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

    Lamptey Hamez Maupay to Kilman Rashford Bamford -4 would be too crazy?

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

      Not if you think those 3 will be better over the next few weeks...or if Hames is out

  10. Hooky
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This is much lighter reading than the last thing I read by Borges.

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

      Stick to Peter Hook’s stuff, more enjoyable

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

        That's mostly just moaning about Barney though. Think I've read enough of that for this lifetime!

  11. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Tempted to go Son (c) over Kane.

    Anyone else?

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

      Was on Salah with bus team, then Sterling, now Son. Might end up with Kane though!

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kane has a better home record

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

    I watch one video Kane is the best captain I watch another its Salah.

    Who is your captain and why?

    1. Party time
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mamadou Sakho. Why not

      • Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Salah. I thought he was unlucky more than anything last game. I think there could be some goals in that game and West ham will have a go which could be good for Salah

      • Reeker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        There's no wrong option between Salah, Son, and Kane until after the gameweek when one outscores the others

        1. Party time
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Hehe

      • Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Can't decide who to captain this week. Went for Salah last week, with Kane vice. Tempted to do the same again.

        West Ham could easily cause Liverpool problems though. Tough call.

        1. korbendallas82
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          yes, West Ham have caused trouble for 4 strong teams now. Not a captain choice that seems much better than the others.

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

          Salah

      • Kip
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        As a Bale owner i guess it’s time to get rid after another lazy performance...

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

          His, or yours? 🙂

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

            Haha probably both 🙂
            Got him as a WC punt during the IB after declared fit by mou, but its clear by now he wont hit the ground running...

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

          You're definitely ahead of the curve with that pick.

      • MoeZe3bi
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ryan-McCarthy
        Chilwell-Robbo-Konsa-Lamptey-Mitchell
        Salah-Son-Zaha-Grealish-Jrod
        Kane-DCL-Brewster

        2FT - 0ITB

        Any suggestions on what to do with the transfers?

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

          Ryan=>Forster to free up some funds?

          1. MoeZe3bi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Wouldn’t it be better to rotate two 4.5 keepers rather than sticking to one?

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

              Personally i prefer to set and forget.

              1. MoeZe3bi
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Thank you ☺️

        2. Garth Marenghi
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Hamez to foden maybe (tho his minutes may be a concern) if you’re worried about injury, but generally gtg.

          1. MoeZe3bi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            It feels wrong wasting a transfer hahaha

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

              Mitchell has a knock and will be assessed tomorrow if he will be in the squad

        3. F4L
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          You could switch both of your keepers to Mendy if you think that'll be an upgrade.

          Really nice team.

          1. MoeZe3bi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Good option
            Thanks

      • JfA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Castagne out until after international break, too expensive to bench, who to bring in.

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Article above may help you decide.

        2. Garth Marenghi
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Chillwell ?

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

            Already got him.

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

              Masuaku

      • Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Any help appreciated. 2FT:

        Ryan
        Robbo - Chillwell - Saiss
        Salah - Son - Grealish - Pulisic
        Maupay - DCL - Kane (C)

        Steer - Dallas - Stephens - Douglas

        A) Save 2FT
        B) Maupay > 6.5 forward or under
        C) Maupay + Ryan out for Adams+Mendy
        D) Pulisic > 8.3 mid or under
        E) Maupay + Puli > Zaha and 6.8 forward?

        Cheers!

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

          B

        2. Garth Marenghi
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Maybe look into saiss replacement, read he might be benched for marcal, but that’s speculative. Think your team is basically gtg

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

        Play one:

        1) Bamford
        2) Podence

        A) Mitchell
        B) Dallas

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          1
          B

        2. Party time
            3 years, 5 months ago

            1B

          • Garth Marenghi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Whoops 1b

          • BeWater
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            1)
            B)

            And it's not even close for me! I've got Podence in my team and can't wait to get rid.

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

          Arsenal is rapidly becoming a Burnley without the set piece or aerial threat under Arteta.

          1. Garth Marenghi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            3D

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

              Reply fail 🙁

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

            Or the flair.

            Bit like saying an actuary is like an accountant, but without the sex appeal.

          3. Garth Marenghi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Needs to sit xhaka

        4. Garth Marenghi
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          1b

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

            2C

            1. el polako
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Hold

          2. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            3d

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

            36D

          4. Darnell Nurse
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            e2-e4

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

          8K

        6. Heisenberg W. W.
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          McCarthy
          Chilwell-saiss-mitchel (lamptey+4m)
          Son-salah-jrod-grealish-zaha
          Kane-dcl-bamford

          Need to take an attacker out- Zaha or Grealish?

          1. Garth Marenghi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Why?
            But I’d rather keep zaha

            1. Heisenberg W. W.
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Because I've got an extra attacker in the lineup ...need to bench one

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

          Who would you keep for this run?

          1) DCL - Fulham, Leeds, Burnley
          2) Ings - Wolves, Man Utd, Brighton

          1. Heisenberg W. W.
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            1

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

            Ings defo

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

              Even when you compare the opponents?

          3. Garth Marenghi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Ings higher floor dcl higher ceiling.
            Richarlison will be back for those games, so #1

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

            1

        8. jaguar shark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Best replacement for Maupay with 2 FT and 0 ITB?

          A. Bamford
          B. Wilson
          C. Downgrade Robbo to get Ings.

          1. Heisenberg W. W.
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            C

          2. Mile Plankton
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            B

          3. Garth Marenghi
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Short term A, long term C

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

            A

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

          Anything needs changing? Thinking of saving the FT

          McCarthy
          TAA - Justin - Targett
          Salah - Bruno - Son - Podence
          Kane - DCL - Adams

          Subs: non playing fodders

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

          Do we think Foden continues to start? Am tempted to get him in for Barnsey?

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

          Castagne owners. Stick or twist?

          1. Heisenberg W. W.
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Twisted it for Chilwell

            1. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Naughty

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

            Depends on your bench and value tied up in him

          3. Pompey5
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Twist. Chilwell obvious candidate

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

              Have Chilwell

        12. Pompey5
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Ryan
          TAA Saiss Castagne
          Salad Son JRod Foden
          DCL Bamford Jimenez
          2FT 2.5 ITB

          TAA to Chilwell
          DCL or Jimenez to Kane?

          1. Party time
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Castagne is injured

              1. Pompey5
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Thanks. Just seen.
                Castagne to Chilwell then

            • Veggente85
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              It seems that Castagne is injuried. Maybe Chilwell on him instead than on TAA?

          2. Veggente85
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I'm on the point to do:

            Grealish -> Soucek (will be remplacement with Adams as a starter)
            Vinagre -> Chilwell

            What you think about? Grealish is overperforming (imho) and with the freed cash I may upgrade Adams to Bamford or Antonio next gw...

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

              Over performing? Unlucky to blank twice, great fixtures.

              1. Veggente85
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Statistics for expected goals and assists are very low despite the multiple goals and assists he scored.

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

            Set up ok?

            Martinez
            TAA James Dallas
            Salah (C) Sterling Son Foden
            DCL Ings Bamford

            Steere Podence Mitchell Lamptey