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

    Any defender max 5.6M worth starting ahead of Hamez (flagged) this GW?

    1. snow pea in repose
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cancelo/Dias ?

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

        Maybe cheers

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

      Dias?

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

        Ta

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

    KWP Sterling Jiminez >
    Chilwell Zaha Kane for -4

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

      No not for me

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

      I wouldn't want to lose Sterling this week with KDB back or Jimmy with Palace at home even if its the only way to Kane

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

      wouldn't do that +4

  3. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who are some good short term punts before a GW10 WC?

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

      Wilson

    2. AF90
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bowen GW8

      Richarlison & a Man utd attacker GW9

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

      Pulisic, Zaha, Lookman...and a risky punt, Jota

    4. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Zaha

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

    Repost, as want to make my moves now:

    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

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

      2

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Shitkins > Bamford

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

      If you're happy with Watkins over Bamford, I'd burn FT...nice squad and would give Sterling this game at the very least!

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

        To be honest I think I’d want Kane v WBA, so rather than waiting it is perhaps best to get him now

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

          fair enough but as you well know there's a good chance that Sterling outscores him this GW and then Kane only has one good fixture remaining...GL mate

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

            I know mate... I just haaate owning sterling

            Don’t get me wrong he scores well and he’s great to own when the points are rolling in

            But he is the most frustrating player to watch when you own him

            GL to you too buddy

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

              totally agree, I currently own him and so so so frustrating watching him at times!

  5. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy
    Castagne, Chilwell, Lamptey
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Hamez, Soucek
    Kane, DCL

    Steer, Brewster, Mitchell, Branthwaite

    2 FT, 0.2 itb

    Replace Castagne for who?

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

      Same issue here haven't got the answer myself and may end up benching him

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

      Cancelo

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

    digne replacements are so unexciting i m nearly tempted to keep him. cresswell a decent shout? thanks

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

      Creswell or Coufal GW8; Cancelo if maverick

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

        cheers

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Like Cresswell but not this week.

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

        yep i would bench him though. have 2 ft so would save other. thanks.

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

      Yeah he could be especially as he takes set pieces, could be decent as Liverpool's height from defending set pieces potentially being exploited which could lead to assists etc

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

        And obviously after this week their fixtures are decent going forward

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

          yep very much so. thanks again.

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

        thanks a lot for input 🙂

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

      Do you have Chilwell?

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

        yes i do 🙂

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

          I would get someone from Villa or keep Digne.

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

    What would you do here with 2FTs?

    Martinez
    Robbo TAA Semedo
    Salah Grealish Son Podence
    Kane DCL Wood

    4m - Lamptey Mitchell Reed

    0.7m ITB

    A Wood -> Bamford Roll 1FT
    B Wood Podence -> Bamford Barkley
    C Something else?

    Cheers

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence > anyone

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

        Keep Wood?

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

      I'd do Wood to Ings and roll the transfer personally then maybe downgrade Semedo to Coufal next week and upgrade Podence potentially to a Chelsea mid

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

        Cant afford Ings mate

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

          Sorry my mistake, when I seen the 4m at the sub keeper bit I presumed that was in the bank. Time for bed I think haha

          Wood to Bamford could be decent shout then let Podence have one more game and review next week with 2 FTs

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

            Thanks a lot

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

      a but some tough fixtures for Leeds.

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

        Cheers

    4. AF90
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A then do Podence & TAA out next week & get someone better than Barkley....I wouldn't want double Villa attack

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

        Cheers mate

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

    Is Cancelo best City def? Is he nailed on?

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

      Dias looks nailed

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

      As long as Pep is there, I don't think any full-back will ever be nailed on.

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

      Nope, prob Diaz most nailed on

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

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

  10. AF90
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Maupay -> Bamford? Have 2 FT's & no other moves to make

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

      yep

  11. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anything to do here?
    1FT 0.9ITB
    Martinez
    Saiss Kilman KWP (Mitchell Lamptey)
    Salah Sterling Son Barkley (Burke)
    Werner Jimenez DCL

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

      I'd probably roll the transfer this week then review with 2 FTs next with with the intention to bring a West Ham defender in

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

    Which one would you do/
    A. Hamez > Foden
    B. Castagne > Dias
    C, Both for -4
    D. Play Hamez save FT

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

      Personally not sold on the City defence. Definitely wouldn't be taking the hit, do you have Kilman or Mitchell on your bench? If so I'd just play Hamez this week then decide next week with 2FTs as theres no defender in the 5.6M price bracket I'd be using a FT for this week in particular.

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

        Ta, Mitchell is my saviour

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

      I'm going D I think, have him at SP and he might be perfectly fine so I don't want to be buying him back for 0.3 more for Fulham, Leeds & Burnley from GW9!

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

        Sensible and it’s my original plan until Castagne pronounced out, will stick thx

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

      Foden is good idea, the ballsy move is Jota

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

    Play 3 of:

    A) Kilman (CRY)
    B) PVA (wol)
    C) Ayling (LEI)
    D) Trossard (tot)

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

      ACD

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

      ACD

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

    antonio out for a month ;(

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

      Sad but we saw that coming

      TAA might get that clean sheet finally. All the true believers to rejoice!

  15. luk46
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Maupay > Bamford or Adams?

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

      I'd personally go for Adam's but can see the appeal for either.

  16. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to ship first Bale or Digne and to who?

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

      Bale for me, Digne should come back in the team next week and Everton have a decent run of fixtures after the international break

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bale to who?

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

          Rashford

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

            This

  17. Dain Bramage
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Keane is no Digne! Every time I read it l start rapping.
    Love it

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

    A. Rashford, Pulisic
    B. KDB, Foden

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

      A

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

    So with Antonio out for 6 weeks how has this changed your plans for GW8 onwards?

    Still bringing in West Ham players?

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

      just cresswell i think

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

      Is it 6 weeks?
      In my plan to afford city players but now have to change somehow !!!

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

      Coufal in week 8

  20. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2 FT. Holding > 4.5 Def and save FT?

    McCarthy
    TAA - KWP - Justin
    Mané - Salah - Son - Zaha
    Wilson - DCL - Jimé

    Nyland* - Mitchell - Stephens - Holding*

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

      Holding -> Dallas

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

    repost

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

      Maupay -> Bamford/Adams

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

        Think Maupay out vs spurs is a week early?

        I feel like Spurs is a good fixture for him

  22. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What time are price changes? Just remembered clocks changed!

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

      In about 10 minutes.

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

        Cheers Waldo.

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

    Cheers

  24. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mitchell (wol)
    KWP (avl)
    Justin (lee)

    Who to start of these three?

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

      Probably Justin, I only just noticed Mitchell is flagged.

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

    I've got two freebies and only looking to use one this week.
    Leaning towards Taylor out for another similar priced defender. Would you go one of the Leeds duo or choose someone like Coufal instead? If Antonio is out does this impact buying West Ham players? Any other replacement or moves stand out this week....

    Martinez
    Robbo Saiss Mitchell
    Salah Son Grealish Foden
    Kane DCL Jimenez
    Steer Lamptey Soucek Taylor*

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

      Justin or Kwp imo.

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

        Thanks. Justin because of the injury to Castagne or you think fixtures look ok?

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

          He is playing as a winger and i think Leicester has some nice fixtures.I forgot Castagne's injury though.Dont know if their defence will still be solid.Leeds has tough fixtures.Coufal from gw8 is a really good pick.

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

            appreciate it. Tempted by Leeds or could just do Coufal now and play Mitchell this week

  26. 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 if I should just save?

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      GTG , Mitchell might not play, see the press

  27. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I wildcarded last week and had another rubbish week. Can I get some help?

    Martinez
    Lamptey / Saiss / Reguilon
    Grealish / Salah / Son / Rodriguez
    DCL / Kane / Werner

    Bench: 4.0, Kilman, Stephens, 3.9

    1FT and 0.1 itb

    Should I do Reguillon to someone as he didn't even play!

    Any suggestions

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

      Chillwell over Reguilon but seems silly to make a defender move straight after wildcard
      Otherwise if you expect Kilman to hold his spot then just roll the transfer

  28. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Risers: None

    Fallers: Agüero (10.3) Mount (6.8) Pope (5.4) Fernandinho (5.4) Moutinho (5.3) Dalot (4.8) Dunk (4.8) Maitland-Niles (4.8) Dann (4.4) Sessegnon (4.3) Davis (4.3)

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

      Thanks mate

    2. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks

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

      Cheers raga !!!

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

      Cheers Ragabolly.

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

      shifted Aguero ... what an awful purchase that turned out to be

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

        Same here I transfered him out for Ings for a hit

  29. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one?

    1) Keep Castagne benched for 2 weeks, Play Taylor Chelsea (H)
    2) Castagne>Kilman [-4], let's me do Podence>Zaha free next week

    Think 2 is good. I owe Robertson so I can downgrade him to Castagne later if I want him back.

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1

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

    Any palace fans know if Riedeweild is nailed?

    Got 2 FT with no moves to do so I'm thinking of getting a nailed 4.4 5th mid

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

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

      doubt it and he plays out of position as a defender at times

      Bissouma or Romeu, maybe Anguissa