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. DagheMunegu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have 2 ft but I really don't know what to do. Would you burn it ?

    Martinez
    Taa Robbo Zouma
    Salah Son Pulisic Trossard
    Watkins Kane DCL

    Button Lamptey Stephens Branthwaite

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

      Money itb?

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

        0 itb

    2. ajk1211
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Transfer out one of TAA or Robbo?

      I know it’s a good fixture but no assurance of Liverpool CS and frees up funds

    3. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Could lose Tross

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

        Who would you get ?

    4. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Trossard > Soucek

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

    Rashford or Bamford likely to rise tonight?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rashford possible, Bamford nowhere near.

      But stranger things have happened.

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

      Outside chance of rashford.

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

      neither according to FPLStats

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

    press conference times anyone?

    1. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      They're listed in the "Tweets" section on the home page.

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

    GTG? 1FT & 0.9itb

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

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

      Save

  5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Lot of trolling going on. Not least, from the author ... 😐

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

      Lol, it was a strange article. Opening with its time to ditch Digne, and then explaining how he's not out for very long and Everton have good fixtures coming up. I was left feeling like some had just tried to sell me tartan paint.

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      +1!

  6. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with Werner? Do we expect him to start again Saturday?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have no idea, Sir. And neither, I suspect, does Lampard ...

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

    Should I play Dallas ahead of anyone in this XI?

    Martinez,
    Robertson, Chilwell, Kilman
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Hamez
    Kane, DCL, Maupay

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

      First on the bench

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

        My thoughts too. More attacking potential than Kilman making me doubt a touch

    2. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Listen to the Everton presser tomorrow re: Hamez, may make your decision for you.

  8. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA Mitchell Justin (Kilman, KWP)
    Fernandes JRod Grealish Son (ASM)
    Jimenez Ings DCL

    1FT, 2.3ITB

    Any obvious changes or should I save?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin to Chilwell?

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        You feel comfortable without Salah or Mane? Maybe get one of them in.

  9. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson, Chilwell, Semedo
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez, Foden
    Ings, Jimenez, DCL

    Steer; Mitchell, Lamptey, Stephens.

    0 FT 0.4 ITB

    If James is out:

    A) let someone come on from my bench
    B) Rodriguez -> Pulisic (-4)

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

      A

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

      I’d play mitchell

    3. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bench definitely unless he's ruled out for multiple matches

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

    Martinez
    Lamptey Trent Saiss Ayling (Branth)
    Son Salah(c) Sterling Rodriguez (Bissouma)
    Kane Wilson (Brewster)

    Good to go?
    Save transfer?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good to go.

    2. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

  11. In Bale We Trust
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Saint Max?

    He's dropped to 5.3 I've seen, and in the longer term actually has very very good fixtures. Kind of player who if he scores will find casual buyers in the masses too for price rises. I'm thinking of having him and Brewster as a cheap 3rd striker/5th mid rotation. Thoughts?

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

      No end product unfortunately, so lacks any real attraction

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

    "All in all, Chilwell does offer decent value when he is on the pitch, as you can see from the table above.

    However, the fact that he has played fewer minutes than those around him shows how it is difficult to say he is completely nailed-on as a regular starter at Chelsea."

    Not buying this, he's as nailed on as nailed on can be. Might get the odd rest over the packed schedule, but can't worry about that too much - anyone can get a breather now and then.

    Don't think we can say his fewer minutes is anything to go by, he was injured after all.

    I'm excited to own the man 🙂

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah don't get that at all. He's played fewer minutes because he missed the first three games of the season. Completely nailed on.

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Oh fine I’ll get him then

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

      I’m definitely getting him before he’s out of reach

    4. LarryDuff
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He has played fewer minutes, yeah he was injured. Do the pundits not research at all?

  13. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimenez to Kane for free is a no brainer, right?
    1FT 2.3ITB

    Martinez
    Chilwell Saiss KWP
    Salah(c) Son Grealish Pulisic
    Jimenez Ings DCL
    (Steer Lamptey Bissouma Taylor)

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, easy transfer.

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

    2ft 1m itb - No fires this week so...?

    A Forster/Martin in for Nyland GK
    B Podence to Fornals
    C Podence to McGinn/Barkley
    D Burke to Bissouma

  15. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Press conference times anyone? thanks

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Instead of asking 50 times why not check yourself?

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

        Couldn't find it, hence why I'm asking. Cheers pal.

    2. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      They're listed in the "Tweets" section on the home page. You might have to scroll down through them a bit.

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

        I just had a look, but can only find the ones from today. I was interested in the ones for tomorrow, unless they are on there too but can't see it, sorry

        1. All Hail K
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          You're right. Keep checking the Tweets I guess.

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

            Thanks for the help mate, appreciate it

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

      Times will be available tomorrow morning, check around 9ish.

      1. All Hail K
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks bud.

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

        Cheers pal

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

    Martinez
    James - Saiss - TAA
    Pulisic - salah - Son - Foden - Podence
    Watkins - DCL

    Steer - Lampty - Mitchell - aguero

    1FT

    Any suggestions or save?

  17. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2 ft, don’t know if to burn one, any changes you’d recommend?

    Martinez steer
    Coady Saiss James lamptey Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Rodrigues son Burke
    DCL kane Watkins

    0.2 ITB cheers

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

      I was going to say Mitchell to Kilman but you already have double Wolves defence! Rodriguez to Grealish maybe. Not sure how much you want to keep JRod.

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

        Actually you can't do Grealish because you have triple Villa!

  18. yalala
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    (C) Grealish gang

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

      Good shout

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

      He will (lol) blank.

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

      Not a bad shout

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

    Martinez
    Robertson Chilwell Saiss
    Salah Son James Grealish Sterling
    DCL Watkins

    Forster Dallas Brewster Ferguson

    2 FT, 0.0 itb

    Best use of 2FT:

    1. Sterling >> KDB (save 1FT)
    2. Sterling Watkins >> Foden Kane
    3. Other

    Thanks.

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

    Who would you rather get rid of, A) Maitland-Niles or B) Reguilon? Both seem rotation risks.
    What about keeping 1) Bissouma or 2) Brewster?

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

    Martinez McCarthy
    TAA Doherty KWP Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Son Barkley Podence
    Kane Mitro Brewster

    1FT 0.3 ITB

    I'm thinking Doherty will play Sunday so roll a transfer and then do something about Podence, Mitro and Doherty next week.

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

    Predicted Wolves's lineup:
    Patricio; Boly, Coady, Kilman; Marcal, Neves, Dendoncker, Semedo; Podence, Jimenez, Neto

    what to do with Saiss?

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

      Who’s prediction is that mate??

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

        sportsmole

  23. WrightnBright
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Losing patience with Mahrez, not entirely sure why I have him!

    Ditch for Zaha?

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

    Talksport breaking news, Antonio out for 4 weeks.

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

      Say it ain't so

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

      My plan to get him in for Mitrovic up in smoke.

    3. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds about right. Got him on Last weeks wildcard.

    4. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Really wanted to get him in next week for Fulham at home.

    5. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B*llocks. Was looking forward to buying him next week 🙁

      Salah (C) looking better now though...

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

      So possibly only two GWs

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

    TAA is due a big double digit haul. Might give him the band before i sell. One last hurrah

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

    Start Leno(mun) or Ryan(tot) in draft

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ryan

  27. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Antonio our for 4 weeks.

    Not sure if that’s already been covered.

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ah I can see it has above

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks didn't know this

  28. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Should I?

    a) Trossard ----> Bowen/Barkley/someone else

    b) Rodriguez ---> Grealish

    c) -4 Trossard + Rodrigues/Jimenez/DCL ---> Grealish + 6.9mid/7.5for/6.5for

    d) Save

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

    Who will I bench?

    a) Podance
    b) ASM
    c) Barkley

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

      ASM