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

    I expect Kane will be this weeks top captain pick in the top 10k.

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

      i reckon son

  2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah or Mane?

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

      Mane

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

      Penalty boy.

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

      Mo

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’ve got both and going mane again

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

      Mane currently, lots of upside with his ownership

  3. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1 - KDB + Vardy + Saiss + Lamptey (4-4-2)
    2 - Havert + Jiminez + Rashford + Masuaku/Kilman (3-5-2)
    3 - Havert + Bamford/Maupay + Bruno + Saiss (3-5-2)

    2 FT with 2 existing with the starting 11

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

      1

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        What swings it?

        1. 2OLEgend
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          KDB

  4. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    watkins, sterling and TAA --> Kane, Zaha and Chillwell ? (-4)

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

      Not for me. I still like trent and Watkins

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

        I need to get Kane tho

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

          Don't like Watkins at all ; but you're right about needing Kane. . . just not sure that's the route.

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

      nah

    3. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Makes sense to chase form players

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

      Nope

    5. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You don't need Kane.

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

      A punt. That's all I can say.

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

      I think it could be worth it tbh

  5. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you ever go without a Liverpool defender in your back line?

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

      I don’t think I will

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

      I don't think so

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

      To be honest - I transferred TAA out about 2 game weeks back, and was considering Robertson/VVD but decided for cheaper options.
      At the moment attacking returns have been low and the general clean sheet potential of all teams seem low this season - so thought it would be better to free up some cash for more attacking players

    4. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nope.

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

      I just have, value isn't there at the moment

    6. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. Next week Robbo goes out and Rashford comes in. I ditched VvD just before his injury to Chilwell and TAA lost his place on WC.

    7. Aubamewho
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Been that way for last three GW. Working just fine.

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

      Haven't had a Liverpool defender all season

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

    Dallas or Ayling? And why?

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

      Dallas just because

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

      Coin toss. Ayling better bet long term but not while playing central.

  7. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    People keeping Jrod?? Do have Podence on my bench just in case I guess :/

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

      Any more news on his injury?

      Don't like the fact he may fall tonight but I'm pretty sure I won't lose sell value.

      If it's not confirmed he's out I'm holding but I suppose the presser will clear things up for us. That's the plan at least.

  8. Mirakuru FC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Captain choice is between Kane and Salaah.
    However I really fancy Grealish this weekend, thoughts?

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      How many more points do you expect Grealish to get over Kane/Salah? imo not worth the risk given the expected high ownership

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

      The last time they played against a high line, they scored 7.. But saints look good and are usually no drubbing boys after already getting their season’s drubbing out of their system

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

        When was the last time Villa scored 7 goals in one game before that?

        It was an anomaly. Take those points and head for the hills with them but I wouldn't read anything into them whatsoever.

        Villa have experienced good early form and there's every chance they can finish top half but I wouldn't ever look at any of their players as a captaincy choice.

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

      Salaah I’m scheming maybe a goal or assists - the hammers have been strong in the back and Liverpool have a bit of an injury crisis in the back and playing from the back is a strong point.

      I am abit weary of Brighton this weekend, they do play attacking ball but haven’t really conceded too many goals of late, albeit weaker opposition. So not expecting kane to get more than a goal or 2.

      I feel the villains and saints will both play attacking ball and this the punt on grealish

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

      Haha no way Grealish for captaincy this week..

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

      The real question is do either of you ever punt away from the main stream picks?

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

        I did a trent cap when he scored a -1, still hurts now

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

          That would hurt me - ever only captained a defender a handful of times in the past.
          Remember getting a -4 last year from my captain and stopped

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

    2 FT’s. 0.1 ITB. What should I do with no real pressing issues?

    Martinez/4.0

    Robbo/Chilwell/Dallas/Lamptey/Ferguson

    Salah/Son/Hamez/Grealish/Bissouma

    Kane/DCL/Maupay

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

      Maupay > Bamford and join the choo choo train

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

    Have 2 frees and need to use one:

    A) 4.0 to Kilman
    B) Maupay to Bamford
    C) Saiss to Reuben Dias

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

      A

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

      dont get rid of saiss

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

      B

  11. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling & Jiminez --> Zaha & Kane ? For a free

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

      Yes, but might be even better upgrades in your squad?

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

        It's better than the hit above IMO

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

          Cheers, I'm really stumped this week. I've posted my full team below to give you a better idea. How you getting on?

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

    Was planning Maupay to Antonio now I'm stumped.

    Martinez
    Robertson - Semedo - Dallas
    Salah - Son - Rodriguez - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Maupay
    (4.0) (Lamptey - Bissouma - Mitchell)

    2 FT - 0.8 ITB

    Just need some sparks to hit me somewhere

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

      Maupay to Wilson?

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

        What do you think about Maupay and Bissouma to Zaha and Brewster?

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

          For a free i deffo like it

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Adams

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

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Robbo Justin Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Son Rodriguez Podence Bissouma
    Mitro Ings Jimi

    A) Podence -> Grealish: 0.6 ITB + 1 FT
    B) TAA, Podence -> Chilwell, Rashford: 0.0 ITB
    C) TAA, Mitro -> Coufal, Kane: 0.2 ITB

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

      I like C

  14. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Evening...Views on best move here please? .....james isnt nailed. Saiss may not be either....1mitb

    Martinez
    Taa saiss james (Mitchell lamptey)
    Salah son pulisic foden (burke)
    Kane dcl watkins

    A....james to chilwell (james may start at weekend but will always be rotation risk)

    B....save ft

    C....something else

    Thanks

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

      Probably A even tho there's a chance I may end up having both lol

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

      B

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

      I would go A after pressers

  15. Tim2012
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best 5.5m midfielder?

    Prod
    Jorginho
    Klich

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

      Klich

    2. Mirakuru FC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Klich all the way

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

    Barnes to Foden this week?
    or save FT?

    Martinez
    Saiss Semedo Robbo
    Salah Son Grealish Barnes Jrod
    DCL Kane
    Steer Lamptey Mitchell Brewster
    0.3itb

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

      Save I reckon barnes certain to start

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Could be counter productive, I’d give Barnes the leeds game

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

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robbo Chilwell Mitchell (lamptey) (dunne)
    Salah son zaha rashford (mendy)
    DCL Kane Bamford
    1m itb

    Do you reckon its worth making moves to bring in city assets (kdb, sterling) or leave as is ?

  18. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mitchell to? Got 1.1m in the bank. Other defenders are Chilwell, KWP, Justin and Taylor.

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

      Cresswell from GW 8

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

        Yeah great shout or Coufal

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

        I’d pay a little more for cresswell just cos he takes all their freekicks and they are a physical towering side

    2. Mirakuru FC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Agreed - my plan is Creswell after this gameweek

  19. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to use a transfer on then?

    Martinez, Forster
    Robbo, Chilwell, Semedo, Dallas, 3.9
    Salah, Son, Pulisic, Grealish, 4.4
    Kane, DCL, Maupay

    2 FT, 0.0 ITB.

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

      I’m in a similar situation, thinking of doing Maupay > Bamford but feel like Maupay will burn me

  20. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys just need some advice

    My team is:

    Martinez Martin

    Chillwell, Saiss, Justin, Mitchell Bernado

    Salah Son(c) Sterling Grealish Bissouma

    Kane Wilson DCL

    (0.0 ITB) 2ft

    1. WIlson to Bamford for free
    2. Wilson to Adams and Sterling to Zaha for free
    3. Save
    4. Other

    Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!

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

    Sell Johnson or Ferguson?

  22. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ryan
    James / TAA / Saiss (Mitchell / Dunne)
    Salah / Son / Sterling / Foden (Burke)
    DCL / Jiminez / Watkins

    2FT / 0.1m ITB

    A) Sterling & Jiminez --> Zaha & Kane
    B) TAA, Sterling & Watinks --> Chillwell, Zaha & Kane (-4)
    C) Something else - please give suggestion

    Cheers.

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like jimmy to ings personally.

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

        I want kane, feel like he's essential

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          A then

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

      A

  23. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you take a hit to bring in a defender for either of Mitchel or Dunne if your defence consisted of a back 3 of which 2 of them are Lamptey (tot) and Saiss (potentially a non starter)?

    Or just ride the storm....?

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

      Why won’t Sais start?

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Marcal back for the LW slot, Kilman playing very well LCB.... Nobody knows.

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

          Marcal was already back and sat on the bench.

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

    Sooo, do we know know who will be in central defence for Liverpool with their injuries? Any chance of a £4.0 pool Def stepping up?

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

      Matip and Gomez ; if Matip really can't play then yes likely Rhys Williams could get called up.

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

        Wow, can't even buy that guy! (Have FT to burn and happy to punt on a replace for Mitchell)

  25. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Evening chaps

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

      Morning

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I’m UK lol

  26. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kindly asking for some advice

    Martinez (Forster)
    Robbo Saiss Mitchel (Lamptey C.Taylor)
    Salah Son Zaha Hamez Grealish
    Kane DCL (Davies)

    Really want to get in bamford or Chillwell but would need hits? Worth it or we g2g??

  27. rohan
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else thinking KdB (C) ?

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

      Lovely differential

  28. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Should I move early on a West Ham defender? 2FT and current GW7 team below

    Martinez
    Robbo Semedo KWP
    Salah Son Grealish Pulisic Trossard
    Kane DCL

    (Forster Lamptey Brewster Mitchell)

    A) Mitchell to Kilman
    B) Lamptey & Trossard to Masuaku & Foden
    C) Semedo to Chilwell (I still believe in Wolves though)

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

    Damn, Hames about to drop???

    Time to jump off and bank it???

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

      Nobody has an opinion of this? Nothing?

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

      I get 7.8 for him whether he drops or not ... but still thinking of selling and can just afford Rashford (could go up tonight)
      Would like to punt on a different player this week but no one is jumping out, maybe Mahrez

      Would also help to know what Hames' IB fixtures are like - will he come back knackered for the Fulham game

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

        I can't see anyone in the price range and already used my free.

        Problems. Probably just ride the drop and see what plays out this weekend.

  30. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    With no real pressing issues, what do I do here then? 2 FT’s, 0.1 ITB

    Martinez 4.0

    Robbo Chilly Lamptey Dallas Ferguson

    Salah Son Hamez Grealish Bissouma

    Kane DCL Maupay