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

    Agüero and Dunne ➡️ Ings and Chillwell -4?

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

      Yes yes yes

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

        For -4 tho hmmm

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

          Well the first two are sure to get you no points...

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

          Who would you play in defence without getting Chilwell?

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

            Lmao Mitchell Targett Saiss

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

              Targett is going to start. Saiss we don't know. Mitchell may not and even if he does he's probably on borrowed time. Might be worth a -4 for Chilwell as he can get you something at both ends.

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

      Absolutely

  2. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So much dross in this team I could weep. Now I hear Rodriguez is out... 1 FT, 1.3 ITB

    McCarthy / Button
    TAA / Lamptey / B Davies / Justin / Mitchell
    podence* / Rodriguez* / Salah / Son / Grealish
    Brewster / Werner / Ings

    1) is B Davies likely to play?
    2) Podence hasnt done anything. Get rid?
    3) will taa ever keep a clean sheet?
    4) Rodriguez > ?? Have 9.0 to spend

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

      4) We sure Jamez is out and maybe pulisic?

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Has there been confirmation James is out??

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        *Rodriguez

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

      1) I don't think Ben Davies will play.
      2) Give him this week then get rid.
      3) Yes
      4) Pulisic

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

    My bench is only Lamptey, I need to swap Castagne for a -4 if I bring Kane in for Jimi as well, have Chillwell already, is a double Chelsea defence for the next three out of the question, can't think who else to bring in.

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

      Masuaku

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

        I want to bring in Cresswell GW8

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

          Then start lamptey!

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

    Set up alright?

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

    Steere Podence Mitchell Lamptey

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

      Yup - I would captain Sterling if I had him this week

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

        Looks tempting. Away, against a struggling Sheffield. But. his form!

  5. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Save Lamptey or bring Justin in without pang of conscience. Have 2ft

  6. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have Rodriguez, Cooper and Mitchell in my line up. Anyone know who of these are likely to start?
    Bissouma, Cresswell and Lamptey on the bench, so not looking good.
    Thanks

  7. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hey all,

    Mark and I recorded FPL BlackBox Episode 9 – The Goals Gone last night and there's lots of ways you can watch / listen if you missed it.

    The idea of FPL BlackBox is to reflect back on the mistakes we make during the season to try and become better managers.

    YouTube: https://bit.ly/30077OM
    Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30l8xnp
    iTunes: https://apple.co/303zvzo
    Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RU2S2S
    Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/3046ST4

    Remember to like and sub on your chosen platform! It really helps us out as we look to grow the channel.
    Cheers

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good episode, think I prefer watching when you’ve both had a stinker, not sure why !

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

      Az, is a double Chelsea defence for next three madness?

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

    How does everyone have 2ft??!?!?

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

      Saved last week.

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

        What’s that like

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

          Handy. Going to use one so I'll have two next week also.

      2. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        After wildcarding the previous week.

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

      No idea.

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

      Good bargaining skills

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

    Has anyone else considered bringing in Antonio and captaining him vs LIV?

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

      Isn't he injured?

    2. CAPTAIN MO
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I really hope you bought him in serves you right for this comment

  10. Pickle juice
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence to foden for free
    Or keep transfer for next week

    Thanks

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

      Foden yes

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

      I will rather keep him.

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

      I would do this if I could. Unfortunately I have Podence and only 0.3 ITB.

    4. Pickle juice
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      My only thinking is podence home to palace ...Does he deserve 1 more chance

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

    Digne replacement?

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

      Chilwell or Cresswell

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

      Chilwell if you don't need funds elsewhere. Pick a 4.5 if you do need funds elsewhere.

  12. Warbling Wendy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any updates on Jrod or Antonio?... And if not will we hear any more from either Carlo or Moyesy Boy before the deadline? Thanks

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

      Press conferences tomorrow

  13. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Castagne injured until November International break... Is that true?

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

      Just 9 days left till November international break. Since Rodgers said he is injured, probably.

  14. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone any idea when a 3.9 keeper shows up??
    Need 0.1 to get Coufal
    Otherwise its Balbuena.

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

      Walton is at 75% but unlikely to drop anytime soon

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Fingers crossed lol
        Thanks mate

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

    Ward to ?
    Have 4.8 to spend.
    Already have Lamptey Dallas Chilwell and Mitchell.
    Any help appreciated.

    1. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Or Coufal

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

    Would you save FT here? 1FT & 0.9itb

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

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

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

    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Isn't rashford a bit of a trap once martial back from suspension?

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

      Yes it would.

  18. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1 FT; 0.0 ITB

    Martinez, Steer
    Regulion, Chilwell, Saiss, Lamptey, Ferguson.
    Salah, KDB, Son, Trossard, Anguissa
    Kane, DCL, Watkins

    A) Save
    B) Watkins > Bamford/Adams

  19. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence to Foden for free?

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

      Yes

    2. Pickle juice
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That's my question

    3. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes as long as you can handle the occasional rotation. I am very happy owning him since he remains a durable differential -- many content creators say they can't handle it themselves, so they don't recommend him to the whole community.

      My philosophy is, you don't try to second-guess the Pep roulette, you just start him every week, let him get auto-subbed when necessary, and don't sell unless injured. At the end of the season, hopefully he's given you around 170 points for 6.5m.

  20. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Dallas or Lamptey for Justin?

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

      Dallas.

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

        Or Ayling.

  21. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Players are going to drop like flies with relentless eague/europe/Internationals schedule. Corona or injuries. Season like no other. Seems a lot of hard work right now

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The positive side is the casuals currently up at the top will take loads of hits, if not give up entirely.

  22. lugs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    great goal from Pepe, first time i've ever seen him shoot with his right foot, he should do it more often 🙂

  23. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to get in for Castagne? Chilwell the standout option but I already have him...

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

      I got Chills . . .Cresswell has a nice run after this weekend.

  24. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will Foden and Podence play from the first minute next GW?

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

      Likely.

  25. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Evening all, these moves yay or nay?

    Robertson + Brewster > Chilwell + Bamford

    Current team;

    Martinez
    Robertson Saiss Justin Mitchell
    Salah Mane Son Foden
    Kane DCL

    Subs; Steer Lamptey Bissouma Brewster

    £0.1ITB

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

    TAA(WHU) Roberston(WHU) Saïss(CRY) Kilman(CRY)
    Salah(WHU) Son(BHA) J.Rodríguez(new) Zaha(Wol) Podence(CRY)
    Kane(BHA) Mitrović(WBA) Bamford(LEI)

    Which two players should join Mitchell on the bench?

    - Rodríguez(new) has injury concerns and Everton are away without Richarlison.
    - Podence always looks likely to deliver but hasn't really.
    - Kilman has great form.
    - Mitrović(WBA) has his best and possibly last chance to score before I sell him.

    Captain choice is between Salah and Son.

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

      Podence is pure impodence

  27. Ini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    My friends, I have exact change to do one of the following:

    A. Ryan -> Martinez
    B. Wood ->Maupay

    Which should I prioritize?

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

      B

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

      Both sideways moves really.

  28. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Are Grealish and Zaha basically the only options if Rodriguez has to be sold? Can't go up to a more expensive player (e.g. Chelsea).

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

      Yep pretty much or Foden I guess

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Foden

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers guys, I've got Foden already. Wish there was a legitimate WHU or Leeds mid option but it appears there's not (apart from ultra-cheap Soucek).

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

          Klich on pens?

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

      Bowen

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I usually can't resist the temptation of this type of differential options. My template rating is up to 73% and I hate that.

        But Lateriser's article said Bowen's stats were not substantially better than Soucek's, which put me off.

  29. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Team for GW7 is:

    Martinez
    Robbo - Chilwell - Saiss
    Salah - Son - Hamez - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    Soucek - Mitchell - Dallas

    2 FTs
    0.1 itb

    Just not to burn a transfer, what should I do here?

    A) Mitchell ➡ Kilman
    B) Dallas ➡ Coufal
    C) Dallas ➡ Masuaku
    D) sth else..?

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

      A

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

      A

  30. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is this team G2G or are there any other changes that you would make to it

    Martinez

    Chilwell Semedo Keane

    Son Havertz Grealish Lookman

    DCL Kane Jimenez

    Areola Trossard Dallas Lamptey

    0FT No WC 2.2 ITB

    Any ideas would be welcomed