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

    If Antonio is out is Bowen still a good option or will Antonio out definitely impact his returns.

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      There is a chance of him playing upfront which would be great, he did play there when Antonio was subbed off vs City

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

        Nice not that would be grear

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

      Pondering this myself, only way we can find out is watching the Liverpool game.

  2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play KWP or Justin?

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

    Keep barnes for one more week

    Or

    Sell for a hit?

    Can get ANYONE for him (5m+ itb)

    1. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got rid for Grealish this week. Had enough

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

    Morning one and all - is Antonio out actually confirmed now or are we still waiting for presser?

    I think if he’s out I’ll definitely be capping Salah and keeping robbo

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

      Confirmed out for 4 weeks.

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

        Morning flair, cheers mate - that’s a bit of a spanner in the transfer plans, never mind.

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

          Morning steve, same here. Wished to get him in but perhaps the easier swap to Bowen will prove a blessing in disguise, pending the Liverpool match.

  5. Rex Lapis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Antonio out for?
    A. Maupay
    B. Bamford
    C. Wilson
    D. Ings

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

      B

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

      Or purely points - D

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      D

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

    Best move here?

    A) Holding -> Chilwell
    B) Antonio -> DCL
    C) Holding & Antonio -> Zouma & DCL (-4)

    McCarthy
    Trent, Bellerin, Mitchell, Lamptey
    Salah, Son, Foden, Barkley
    Kane, Jimenez

    Steer, Bissouma, Antonio*, Holding*
    Bank 2.0m, 1FT, WC available

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C. I don't see any point in keeping either one if they won't play in the coming fixtures.

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

        Know what you mean, but Holding is back soon & could come back into the starting 11. A -4 for a cheap defender usually doesn’t end well!

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          As an Arsenal fan I wouldn't recommend an Arsenal defender to anyone 😀
          But yes, there's merit in avoiding a hit for a defender, if you can afford to bench Holding for a week or two.

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just A

  7. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts here? 2ft 0.9itb and no major issues. Original plan was to get Antonio next week but now injured?

    Martinez
    TAA Robbo Ayling
    Salah Son Pulisic Trossard
    Jimenez DCL Watkins

    Button Lewis Soucek Taylor

    A) Trossard to Foden
    B) Get in Rashford/Fernandes
    C) Get in KDB/Sterling
    D) Watkins to Adams/Bamford

    B and C would involve getting Pulisic out i guess.

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

      D or save

  8. laGan1n1
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kilman or Barkley this gw ?

    1. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      K

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wouldn't bench an attacker.

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

      Barkley

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

    Could Antonio return for GW9 after the international break?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Expected to be out for 4 weeks. So probably GW 10.

  10. Max City
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you lose for Chilwell?

    A) TAA
    B) Saiss
    C) Justin
    D) Lamptey

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

      C because Pereira is near a return

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      D, cause of fixtures comming up, and low score so far.

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin might have bought himself some more time now that the right back is injured.
      B, IMO.

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      D

  11. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best Midfielder for GW7 - 7.1M Itb
    a) Maddison
    b) Ward-Prowse
    c) Klich
    d) ???

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Foden?

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

      Foden or Bowen. Prefer the former myself.

    3. Denis Tueart on the wing
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks

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

      Bowen

    5. Alchim1sT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Foden

  12. spray
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Do I start Coufal (D4) or March this week?

    Not a sexy dilemma to be in. Coufal seems to have the better form, while March has been reasonable too.
    West Ham look like a better team, but my decision making is more centered around the fact that you bench defenders against LIV.

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

      Play March - Spurs defence looked very poor against Antwerp last night.

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

    Still haven’t settled on the captaincy between Salah and Son but FT done with Digne to Chilwell, GTG?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Saiss Kilman
    Salah Son(c) Rodríguez Grealish
    Kane Jimenez Ings

    Button Justin Bissouma Ferguson 0FT 0.3 ITB

    1. Alchim1sT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      sweet front 7
      g2g

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Rodriguez is now fit?

  14. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play?

    1. Soucek v LIV (A)
    2. Struijk v LEI (H)
    3. Lamptey v TOT (A)

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

      1

  15. Alchim1sT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez, Forster
    Robbo, Chilwell, Saiss, Dallas, Ferguson
    Salah, Son, Pulisic, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Kane, Maupay

    2 FTs and 0,1 ITB ... no clue what to do

    any sensible ideas to use 1 FT? thanks

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

      Maupay -> Watkins IMO

      1. Alchim1sT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        isnt a Villa Double Up at front a bit too much?

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

          Never understood the "double up" logic. You've got two individually great options, what's the issue? Are you going to ignore the probable scenario of Watkins outscoring Maupay for the next 5-10 GWs because having two players from the same team magically reduces points or something?

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

            Thank you. I keep shouting this

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

      Real tricky one with Antonio out and Kilman out of range from Ferguson.

      Could possibly suggest Saiss down to Kilman who I think is more nailed now. Looks a possible burn to me.

      1. Alchim1sT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        my planned move was Ferguson to Kilman before his rise ...
        got Saiss for 5.0 ... so far i am looking to hold

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

          Same with Saiss but the fixtures turn and he is at threat of being dropped for Marcal soon. I think it is time to take the value and points from him and run. I will be going for Cresswell next GW for Saiss but have Kilman to cover Wolves defence.

    3. NorthernMan
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Maupay > Bamford

  16. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, best move here? 2 FT and 2.4 ITB...

    Ryan Button
    Robbo Dallas Lamptey Saiss Ferguson
    Salah Son Grealish JRod soucek
    DCL Kane Brewster

    Was thinking of doing Saiss + Grealish to Chilwell + Rash?

    1. Alchim1sT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Saiss and Ferguson to Kilmann and Chilwell?
      Grealish looked pretty good and was unlucky not to score last week

  17. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Just noticed Mitchell is flagged now?

    Anyone got any updates on this?

    1. Cousin Greg
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      picked up an injury in training

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not too serious i hope? Not that I am playing him this week, on bench.

        Cheers for the update.

  18. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If Liverpool don't keep a CS against an Antonio-less West Ham Robbo goes. Probably still goes anyways

  19. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with Mitro? Give him another chance or swap him for Wilson? Plan was Antonio next gw, but that`s gone...

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keeping Mitro

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got to play him this week if you held him this long. Then time to go I'd say

      1. Alchim1sT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        this

  20. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play one

    A) lamptey
    B) Soucek

    How do we think Antonio's absence will affect west ham's overall play? I'm really tempted to captain sterling but wondering if this news makes salah an even better option than he already was

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ta

  21. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Tough times guys....

    Do I start Bale or Podence? Bale has been a bad punt so far

    Martinez
    Kilman, Zouma, TAA
    Salah, Son (c) Zaha, Bale
    Werner, DCL, Watkins

    4, Podence, Lamptey, Dunne

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd ship Bale for Rashford

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

        Great shout here

    2. -GK22-
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      For a hit?

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

        I'd take that chance, Arsenal defense is far from impressive.

  22. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A Robbo-Chillwell-Dias-Cresswell back 4 is the dream!

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

      Yup - with Kilman as the fodder option

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

        I like my offense too much though, unfortunate.

  23. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    With Villa's fixtures turning to a sea of green soon who would you want more out of these 2?

    a. Barkley
    b. McGinn

    Reason why optional but welcomed 🙂

    Cheers

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

      Barkkey by light years, solar eclipses and planets

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

        *Barkley

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

      Barkley - greedy player and wild try and takes penalties if they ever get awarded one

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

      Barkley for reasons stated above

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers lads

  24. stxrty
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA — Dallas — Chilwell
    Grealish — Son (c) — Puli — Salah
    Kane — DCL — Bamford

    Really looking forward to this GW. Looks great on paper...

  25. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Well, crap. Not able to focus here for a few days and now I see Davis dropped again, so no more Davis > Bamford. What would you do with 2FTs, 1.5itb?

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA, Saiss, Justin, KWP (Mitchell)
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Podence (Soucek)
    Ings, Jimenez (Davis)

    Podence > Foden & save?
    Mitchell > 5.6 or less & save?

  26. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A question for the DZers.

    I have Son & Salah (C) this gw.

    If I don't own Kane by now, do you think it's a good time to get him in, knowing that I'd probably want to get rid after 2 gws?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you can get him without ripping up your team then why not?
      He could do enough damage in the next two weeks.

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

        I could easily with 1 straight FT, 5.6m itb.

        Just wondering if it's a luxury transfer as it looks like I have other fires to put out.

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

          It's not a luxury transfer to secure the highest-scoring double-up in the league with the best next two fixtures

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

            thanks, that makes sense.

        2. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Depends on the other fires. I'm still getting him even if it's for 2 weeks but he could stay longer if he keeps performing.

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

            thank you mate.

  27. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    The underestimation of Haller in a working system continues...

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

      Hope you are right, want to bring in Cresswell next GW

  28. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FTs and current defence of:

    Chilwell, Saiss, Konsa (Lamptey, Justin)

    Who to sell for Coufal?

    a) Lamptey
    b) Justin
    c) another

  29. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I don't like the look of Ryan and Bardsley in my team now, and am willing to use 1 FT to replace 1 of them. Which keeper and defender should I bring in?

    1) Martinez + Targett (double villa)
    2) Martinez + Coufal (is Coufal nailed?)
    3) McCarthy + Targett

    Team:
    Ryan
    Robbo Lewis Mitchell Justin
    Salah Son Sterling Hames
    Jimi DCL

    Steer Brewster Bissouma Bardsley
    1.9 ITB

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

      Get Mendy now he is only 0.2 more than Martinez.

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Oh that's a good idea too. It seems like Martinez got some really nice fixtures coming along though. Dilemma as usual..

  30. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimenez to Kane for free?

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

      Yes

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

      Probably but don’t be too disheartened with another Jimenez 9 pointer this evening

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hope that you're right, but if PVA is back then I don't fancy Wolves clean sheet chances.