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. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A. Bale to Rashford, Antonio to under 6.3 forward

    B. Bale to Bowen, Antonio to Werner (possibly to Jesus, when fit)

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

      A

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A and Watkins/Bamford looks a very solid even for hits!

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

        2 frees, not too interested in the Bamford hype. Looking into Watkins, Adams or Haller

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

          Aside from the big hauls, Bamford looks like he’ll score pretty regularly...maybe Wilson too...Watkins has scored in one bizarre game

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

          Certainly more to suggest Watkins is a less reliable Fantasy asset than Bamford.

          Not too sure there's a lot of hype around Bamford, more the realisation that his PpM is pretty sizeable and due to being the main man in a very attack-minded Bielsa team he's like to get regular hails.

          Less evidence to suggest the same of Watkins. You take Grealish out of that side and nothing happens.

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

          I’d go with the forward with the 0.78 per90 npxG + xA; no. 5 in the entire EPL.

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

    which option is best guys ??

    A) Brewster > Bamford
    B) Brewster > Wilson
    C) Save FT

    Martinez (steer)
    Saiss, Robbo, Chilwell (lamptey, Mitchell)
    Podence, Foden, Son, Salah, Grealish
    DCL, Kane (Brewster)..

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

      A

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

      C imo

      Who would you bench if you go A or B?

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

        Podence

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

    Trossard + Castagne out for

    A) Grealish + 4.4 Def
    B) Barkley + 5.7 Def

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

      Barkley or McGinn and Creswell or Coufal if you can afford to bench them this week, or hope for attacking returns

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

        or Chilwell

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      needs context, such as if you need to start the 4.4 defender or will be bench player

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

        Martinez, Steer
        Lamptey, Coady, Castagne, Mitchell, Cooper
        Trossard, Zaha, Son, Salah, Sterling,
        Kane, DCL, Brewster

        Is my current team. 3 defenders now injured so would probably need to start the 4.4 this week. I like Balbuena's fixtures long term so wouldn't be overly fussed starting him most weeks with Lamptey and Coady.

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          B and I'd be tempted by a Cancello punt, Chilwell or Cresswell also could be great puntd

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

          B with Chilwell

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

            Can't afford Chilwell, he's 5.8 now 🙁

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

    What are Mitchell’s chances of starting this week?

    I have 2 red flags defenders and would like to avoid a -4.

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

      just play him

  5. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Feel sorry for WHU losing Antonio after their good start...enter Hapless Haller!

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

    It's unfortunate we don't get early team news anymore. The first match is very important RE: Saiss/Kilman

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      only fair as it's a 4am ko where I live mate

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

      It’s more fair this way for players not in the UK time zone...early games kick off here at 4:30am

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

      Its more right than unfortunate

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

        I agree for the record on that. No need to white knight, can check my comment history.

        Purely for selfish reasons & it's a widely asked question!

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

    Ahh forced to make transfer with Castagne is out. Which one folks?
    A. Play Taylor (CHE) and save FT
    B. Castagne > Dallas
    C. Castagne > ?
    Other defenders: Chilwell Saiss Mitchell

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

      A I reckon and open up your options with 2ft next week.

  8. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    James Saiss TAA
    Podence Salah Son Foden
    Kane DCL Jimenez
    (Steer Burke Lamptey Mitchell)

    1.3ITB + 2FT

    a) James > Chilwell (then perhaps Podence > Bowen next week?)
    b) Podence > Barkley
    c) James & Podence > Coufal & Grealish

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

      It's a toughie because James didn't play in Europa I believe?

      Since your team is well set I'd move him to Chilwell. You've no other issues and a transfer burning your pocket so seems a good move

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

    Struggling on this one guys. Should I:

    A. Move TAA to Chilwell for free
    B. Keep TAA one more week and decide next week who to replace him with

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

      B

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

      b

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

      B

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

        Thanks guys. Was my natural instinct too but seeing Chilwell's price going up and up and up was doing similar to my blood pressure.

  10. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What would you do? 2 ft, 0.6ib

    McCarthy
    Trent Chilwell Saiss
    Salah Son Grealish Podence
    Kane Jimenez DCL

    Bench: Justin & cheapies

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

      Team looks very well set for this week. Maybe swap out a cheapie for a more viable one?

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

      Or Justin to someone

  11. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Capt salah anyone?

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

      No one.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      that would be pretty out there 😉

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

    A. Watkins
    B. Adams
    C. Haller

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

      D

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

        Ha ha ha

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

          That was my way of saying Bamford or Wilson

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      E

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

    Rashford + Jimenez
    Or
    Bruno + Bamford

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

      A

  14. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wilson owners, holding?

    Thinking of Bamford

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

      Holding for one more week. Hoping Everton may be brittle .

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Holding for now.

  15. Kloppen Schloppen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench order ok?

    Brewster / Balbuena / Lamptey

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

      Lamptey over Balbuena for me.

  16. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz and Saiss
    To
    Foden and chilwell?

    Yes or no? For a hit?

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

      No

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

      no for me

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

      Keep Saiss

    4. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ?syawediS

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

      No

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

    Wilson or Adams?

    1. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wilson. Better finisher, better PPM and PPM/£ so far this season, better upcoming fixtures, and better xG due to pens. Adams has slightly better underlying stats (i.e. more shots on target, touches in final third, and xG non penalty), but a worrisome -xG delta (i.e. bad finisher). Put another way, if FPL gave points for blasting wide open shots directly at the keeper, Adams would be essential.

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

        Wow that is an awasome reply!Thank you.Appreciate your analysis.

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

    Bulgaria Thursday night, then West Brom Sunday 12pm for Spurs next week. Maybe Kane/son may not be the best captain choices after all

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

      I doubt playing 45 minutes bothered them much

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

        No, not today, next week. Mourinho said today that he won’t rotate as much next week and they’re maybe playing the hardest team of the group

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

          I’d wait and see how much they play...it it’s a full 90 then maybe not captain

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

          Ludogorets is the weakest team of the group. If it was 2-3 years ago, maybe they wouldn’t have been, but they got worse while LASK and Antwerp have getting much better in the last few years.

          Regardless it could be a consideration for WBA match, it has no impact on Brighton.

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

            Yes, this week I think they are good options

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

          Not many good options though...I’d be tempted by Chilwell

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

    Salah is 6 goals in his last 6 v WestHam

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

    Leicester back from a trip to Greece against one of the most energetic presses in the league, only sounds good for Bamford

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

      They play Monday night, 4 days to recover is enough.

  21. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you save FT with this band of stragglers?

    Martinez
    Robertson Saiss Coady
    Sterling Son Pulisic Hames
    Kane(C) DCL Watkins
    (Forster Lamptey Burke Dunne)
    1FT
    1.4itb

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I reckon I would save, probably look to rid yourself of double Wolves defence next week.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        tempted to punt on Cancelo this GW with FT but will most likely save and address it next week...cheers!

  22. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kane or Son captain?

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

      Kane. Penalties

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

      Kane here, 4th in a row.

  23. 11SPECIALONE11
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone think Rashford will rise tonight (currently on 95%).

    Also what time does it tick over?

    Cheers

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

      Doubt it

      1. 11SPECIALONE11
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

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

      In 40 minutes

  24. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    News on Hamez? I have only Mitchell on my bench, transfer Hamez out for Foden or Zaha? Yes or No?

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

      I would, sounds like a lingering problem

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

      I was thinking of buying him. I wouldn't sell if I owned.
      Don't know if there were some news on his injury.

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

        He has a bruised testicle, I’m not joking

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

      Hmm very tempted thx folks

  25. LucasMoregametime
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pickford (ryan)
    Rjames, Saiss, Robbo (justin, mitchell)
    Salah(C), Son, Hamez, Zaha, Podence
    Jimi, Kane (brewster)
    1ft 0.0 in bank
    GTG?

  26. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So I am thinking cresswell as replacement to digne, good move? thanks

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Antonio out a concern but yeah he has been looking good

    2. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      so weird taking a westham defender against liv and also digne 1 match ban only

  27. 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

  28. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Keep or sell Harvey Barnes?

    0.0 itb, so can only get a replacement who's 7.0 or under.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      i d save transfer

  29. ClaireT
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Button, McCarthy
    Justin, TAA, Lascelles, Saiss, Holding
    Salah, Foden, Reed, Son, Pereria
    DCL, Kane Jimi

    1 FT, 1.0 ITB. Also still have WC

    What would you do with this team for GW7?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      save imo

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

        Thank you 🙂 Who would you bench along with Holding?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          has to be lascelles.

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

            Cheers 🙂 Would you also play Pereria over Reed?

            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              of course. the only reason i have kept perreira so long was for that game v fulham. who is your c? i m going salah

  30. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do here? Completely stuck

    Johnstone, Forster
    Robbo, Lamptey, Targett, KWP, Dallas
    Salah, Sterling, Grealish, Barnes, Stephens
    Kane, DCL, Maupay

    2 FT, 0.0 itb

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      get rid of Maupay

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

        I agree