Scout Network

Are premium defenders worth investing in from FPL Gameweek 9 onwards?

With clean sheets on the increase and the average number of goals scored in each game lower now than it was at the start of the season premium defenders are back on the radar of Fantasy Premier League managers.

Is now the right time to invest more money in the defence? Should we be looking to go big at the back? And which FPL defenders should we spend our FPL budget on – we asked the Scout Network for their thoughts on what is the correct defensive FPL strategy.

FPL BlackBox

Ben Chilwell playing for Chelsea against Sheffield United

At the moment, I can’t see any real logic in going big at the back – which surprises me considering I felt this was a very viable strategy after the first few weeks of the season.

Chilwell looks a must. He’s now risen to £6.0m, but looks worth the price. The double up with Reece James looks very viable, and you can get him for a cut price £5.0m.

With players such as Vladimir Coufal and Arthur Masuaku (both £4.5m), Tariq Lamptey (£4.7m), Matt Targett (£4.5m) all presenting good value, those with the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold (£7.4m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) must be looking at this and thinking that they can free up some real funds to jump on Manchester City and / or Manchester United players who now have a great run of games.

While I will continue to shirk premium defenders, Joao Cancelo (£5.4m) has caught my eye – and I’m looking at Alex Telles (£5.5m) too, depending on the results of Luke Shaw‘s (£4.9m) most recent injury. Both could offer good returns for their price

Az FPL BlackBox

Ted Talks FPL

Chances diagram from Ted Talks FPL – Statistics from the last 6 Gameweeks

As always with defenders, picking the players with the best combined clean sheet & attacking return potential is key.

In the chance diagram above, the top 10 players are presented for each type of chance in the last six Gameweeks. Small Chances are difficult efforts such as shots from outside the box or speculative headed attempts. Big chances are clear-cut opportunities, typically close to goal. The names that stand out are in two or more of the categories.

The Liverpool fullbacks are always pretty good statistically but a potential calf injury to Alexander-Arnold may be the final nail in the coffin for patient owners, especially as this may further reduce Liverpool’s clean sheet potential. Robertson may also suffer from Liverpool’s formation change. With Diogo Jota (£6.5m) making more starts, the left-back has been less inclined to maraud forward. This makes me wonder whether the ££7.0m+ price tag still offers good value.

Ben Chilwell’s popularity has risen over the last few weeks along with his price (£6.0m). 11 small chances created, five small chances and one big chance shows a good level of intent and diversity. Two goals and two assists in five games is his reward.

Along with Chelsea’s heightened clean sheet potential, he seems like the primary choice for our backlines. At £1.0m less, team-mate Reece James (£5.0m) is also showing a good level of intent with six Small Chances Created and five small Chances.

He will need to start adding clear-cut opportunities to his locker along with end-product, having refrained from returning attacking points since Gameweek 1.

James might have nailed down a regular starting position after playing 90 mins in the last 3 Gameweeks but Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.8m) always feels like something of a threat when it comes to rotation.

With West Ham’s recent defensive solidity, Aaron Cresswell (£5.1m) also stands out as decent mid-priced option. His team-mates Masuaku and Coufal may offer better value at £4.5m but 13 small Chances Created and two big chances created for the left-sided centre-back is certainly worth taking note of.

Sergio Reguilón (£5.6m) and Cancelo are the last of our premium options. The Spurs left-back has created small chances, been afforded six small chances and fashioned two big chances in the last six Gameweeks but the fixtures are about to get extremely tough. Is he still worth it?

Having started the last four Premier League games in a row for Man City, combined with some European rests, Cancelo seems to have claimed the left-back position for himself.

He is showing promise going forward and with City’s excellent run of fixtures from Gameweek 10, the clean sheets are likely to follow too. He looks most likely to be my replacement for Alexander-Arnold, if the injury is serious.

With regards to structure, I think three at the back is still the best, leaving seven attacking slots to lap up the prevalent attacking points. There’s an argument to say that those three defensive positions could be filled by mid-priced assets such as Chilwell, Cancelo and Cresswell.

Ted Talks FPL

FPL Family

Aaron Cresswell in action for West Ham

Defenders have been a key thinking point of mine over the last couple of Gameweeks. My latest Pro Pundit article, which comes out later this week, is all about restructuring to allow for an increased budget allocation to the defence.

The last few Gameweeks have seen fewer goals scored across the weekends and an increase on the number of clean sheets kept. We are also now beginning to see more consistency at the back, especially from teams such as Southampton and Chelsea and therefore the appeal of their defenders is on the increase.

Chilwell and Cresswell are the obvious defensive picks for me for the foreseeable future. Both have the form, fixtures and huge potential upside for attacking returns and thus at their price points offer exceptional value for money.

FPL Family Sam

FPL Nymfria

Vestergaard celebrates Scoring with Theo Walcott for Southampton vs Chelsea

I feel defenders are one of the toughest positions to call so far this season.

With so few clean sheets at the start of the campaign, we can at least now see some more filtering through. I was debating between Kurt Zouma (£5.3m) and Chilwell ahead of last Gameweek, and with the sale of Danny Ings (£8.4m), I was able to up my budget to afford the left-back.

Luckily, it paid off, but I still believe that Zouma and his cheaper counter colleague James, could be worth consideration if you can’t reach the ever rising Chilwell or you fancy the double up.

I still have a Romain Saïss (£5.2m) shaped problem, and I also have to have some serious thought on if Robertson is worth keeping going forward. The Defenders I’m looking at as key targets for possible replacements are, Jannik Vestergaard (£4.7m) who currently has four clean sheets and two goals.

After selling Southampton defence early doors, I am looking to get back on as their clean sheets really hurts my rank, so any cover there would be good.

I also think West Ham defence could be worth some consideration. Cresswell, with his three assists, has looked impressive and it usually reflects in the bonus points also. As a cheaper alternative, Coufal at 4.5m also looks like a decent option, with just one fewer assist than his left-sided, set-piece-taking team-mate.

FPL Nymfria

FPL Partridge

Patrick Van Aanholt celebrates Crystal Palace’s opening goal vs Leeds in Gameweek 8

Currently I still have Robertson and Alexander-Arnold. The main reason I still have both is because I couldn’t identify which one to offload. My indecision may help me in the long run though, as with Liverpool’s fixtures clearing up, I can still see both hitting form at some point soon.

The player I want however, is Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m). Watching the games it seems like he’s added some real threat and penetration down the left for Palace. He had a great assist ruled out last week, as well as being fouled for the overturned penalty. This week his deflected cross caused the own goal and Palace have a great run of fixtures that I think will result in more points for PVA. We also don’t know if he jumps ahead of Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) in the penalty taking queue, which would increase his potential even more.

FPL Partridge

El Statto

El Statto graphic to show the breakdown of Chilwell’s points this season by Home&Away/League position of opponents/Gameweek

Heat Map for Chilwell’s season so far by El Statto

With only six defenders currently in the top 30 highest scored players, currently it makes sense I feel to continue to allocate as much as possible budget into the midfielders and forwards. Also with the top premiums of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson both outside the top 50 it gives you more money than ever to use.

If I was Wildcarding over the international break, Chilwell would be the first name into my defence. After missing the first three games, he has since returned three clean sheets, two assists and two goals in five appearances, and is averaging eight points per match.

With a good run of fixtures against mid-to-lower positioned teams, I think you can expect some returns to continue. As he showed against Sheffield United, Chilwell will get into the box whenever he can, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the score sheet again over the next six.

He was on corners, but now Ziyech is in the side and taken over it is one assist option gone, but the way he has started this season is very Alexander-Arnold-esque.

El Statto

FPL Greece

Cancelo stars for City as Sheff Utd's weak right-side bodes well for Chelsea

Joao Cancelo puts in a cross for Manchester City while under pressure

With the current sample of eight Gameweeks, Chilwell is the most reliable and explosive defender in our view. With his marauding runs on the left and how often he gets in the penalty box, as well as his crossing capacity, should be a no brainer for all managers. A Wildcard draft should start from him leading the defence.

With the current lack of clean sheets for Liverpool, and the drought of attacking returns for both Robertson and Alexander-Arnold, it is hard to advocate for sticking with them, even though the underlying stats remain strong.

However, at FPL Greece, we consider having a big-hitting defender a big plus. Not only due to team structure (since upgrading a defender is difficult and usually requires hits), but also because historically, very few midfielders or attachers at the price range of £7.0 to £7.5m hit the mark of 180+ points. Neither of them will keep underperforming for the whole season.

Nevertheless, if one would move away from Liverpool defence, Cancelo keeps turning heads with his performances. He looks like he has secured his spot in Guardiola’s starting XI, his assist potential is high considering the number of crosses and his heat-map, and City’s schedule past Chelsea bodes well with his clean sheet potential.

That aside, it is hard to look past the favourable schedule of Aston Villa and the good defensive credentials they have given. Either as a cover, or as a double up to the amazing Emi Martinez (£4.8m), either of Tyrone Mings (£5.2m), or Matt Targett (£4.5m) would be a good be a solid choice.

FPL Greece

Mini League Mate

Leeds defender Stuart Dallas

My wildcard in Gameweek 6 was focused on taking money out of defence to secure the services of more of the midfielders and strikers who seem to be getting consistent returns. The clean sheets have started to come in thick and fast but there are so many budget defenders capable of attacking returns like Lamptey, Cresswell, Max Kilman (£4.3m), Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m), Stuart Dallas (£4.5m), Luke Ayling (£4.5m) – the list goes on. I have one mid/premium which is Chilwell who is widely backed as the next, or equivalent, TAA/Robbo.

Mini League Mate

Whats happening in the Scout Network?

El Statto

There were two new articles published this this week.

The first one highlighting the 26 players who furfill our own pre-set criteria (returns in at least three games/ a least one haul so far/ played at least 75% of the mins) Looking at what makes them good transfer options and then factoring in their fixtures.

The other article was by Jan Sienkiewicz, following their surprise defeat in Europe this week he takes a look at what is going on at Manchester United, whether the wheels are coming off the Ole-bus and whether his decisions are effecting the appeal of the Red Devils players as FPL assets.

FPL Family

Lee and Sam both had excellent Gameweek 8 results, although Sam spent Sunday evenings Live Stream regretting her decision to bench Ollie Watkins when he scored a brace while they were live!

Lee also appeared on last weeks Official FPL podcast in the build up to Gameweek 8, while you’ll be able to catch Sam on the FPL Show this week alongside Duncan Alexander.

Mini League Mate

Last week Mini League Mate had a special trial week for a select group of Fantasy Football Scout Members who received a Dossier for Gameweek 7 to enable them to try out the service Mini League Mate provides.

As a result many have FFS Members have subsequently subscribed to carry on recieving the Dossier moving forwards! The trial also provided Mini League Mate with some great feedback including lots of suggestions for how FFS Members would like to visualise their data – this is something that the guys at Mini League Mate will be looking into for the next few weeks and looking to deploy where possible.

FPL Poker Player

The usually weekly FPL Poker Tables blog was published this week ahead of the deadline for Gameweek 8. This blog reported on very encouraging results for the previous gameweek’s predictions, and highlighted the key points of interest regarding the upcoming GW5 scoreline predictions, clean sheet probabilities, expected goals and player points.

Exitingly spreadsheet sales for FPL Poker Player also went global with customers now from all around the world, including Indonesia, Slovenia, Malaysia, India, and Ireland. The development of a new sortable players expected points table was announced. As well as this, the betting arm spinoff account recorded a 25% Return On Investment in Gameweek 4, with three winning bets out of the four recommended to followers.

FPL BlackBox

On Wednesday ahead of the Gameweek 8 deadline Mark and Az hosted another episode of FPL BlackBox looking ahead to the game week and focused in on, amongst other things, the data surrounding the choice between Harry Kane and Heung-min Son for the Gameweek 8 captaincy.

This week FPL Black Box will be live on Thursday evening – don’t forget to hit that subscribe button!

If you are an FPL content creator, tool maker, social star or indeed any strand of the FPL community and you want to be part of the Scout Network you can get in touch here.

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,321 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Rip my WC team apart?

    Martinez
    PvA Lamptey Justin Taylor Lewis
    Salah KdB Bruno Berge Soucek
    Werner Richarlison Watkins

    1.2 ITB for Vardy in GW 10

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sander Berge wtaf

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        An expensive rotation, probably he'll play 2-3 games, but is on penalties and better ghan Brewster, maybe?

    2. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would move Richardson and Berge to another pair.

      Maybe Bamford and Grealish if you can afford that ?

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Don't want to triple up on AVL

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

      Too many premiums imho.

      I'd personally go with an all-budget attack (Bamford for Werner) and use the cash to upgrade Berge and your defence.

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Why would Berge need an upgrade, he's gonna be first bench most of the GW's

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

      Because I wouldn't want to be relying on Soucek each week I guess?

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That's the reason I have Lewis in my team.

        Surprisingly these 3 rotate well for the run in.

    5. TKC07
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      PVA => Dann
      Berge & Soucek => Jota & Bissouma

      1. jb1985
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Will Dann possible not lose his place to Cahill?

    6. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      second keeper 😉

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

      Rotation aside. I just feel the overall balance of the team suffers from having that 4th premium player.

      e.g. I'd prefer to have Bamford, Grealish and Cancelo over Vardy, Berge and Lewis.

      You can only captain one of your premiums which makes having four poor value overall, not to mention the captaincy headache each week.

  2. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Nice detailed article!

  3. Fpl_elstatto
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Here is the article about transfers mentioned in my weekly roundup
    https://jumpersforgoalposts.info/fpl-abctransferguide-tiersarenotenough/

  4. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Ayling Chilwell Coufal
    Ziyech Salah Son Grealish Rashford
    DCL Kane

    Steer, Brewster, Mitchell, Johnson.

    No pressing issues;

    Ayling > KWP FT? (After the break)

    A. Yay
    B. Nay

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

      Yay

      If we're sure Rash is fit, of course

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.

        If he isn’t fit, then I’m looking at Son & Rash >>> Zaha & Bruno

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

          That's sound too

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

    TAA out seems like an interesting argument against Mane or Salah (C). He's still the main creative force alongside Robbo for the team and attracts plenty of attention...

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He hasn’t been creating for Mane or Salah in the league this season though. Salah still a great captain most weeks regardless

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        2nd highest number of chances created for a defender, clearly he's posing a threat to the opposition that could be leaving more space for Salah to exploit. He's still a great captain, I'm just considering the factors here.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Have you seen Neco play? a converted winger and a more natural attacker than TAA

  6. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Used my two free transfers early to try and catch / avoid price changes. Wildcard to get out of it if goes wrong but if not all set?

    McCarthy
    Chilwell / bellerin / Dallas
    Salah / Fernandes / ziyech / soucek
    Kane / Watkins / Vardy

    Button / bissouma/ Mitchell / Justin

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yep all good

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      DCL ownership will burn you if he hauls ... and is up against Fulham, Leeds & Burnley next 😉

  7. Rash
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cant decide which is better..

    Kane in a 343 formation or Son in a 352.

    Martinez
    Lamptey chilwell PVA
    Salah son grealish zaha bowen
    Kane DCL

    4.0 brewster regulion mitchel

    Kane bowen to Bamford Bruno is what I'm thinking..

  8. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else playing in a draft league?

    I've got a dilemma re: Aubameyang and can't decide whether to get rid?

    I could use the money to upgrade other players to bring in the likes of Jesus, Cancelo, Harvey Barnes or Bale, who are available still?

    1. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I thought there is no player value in draft?

      1. BENOIT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        i'm in two draft leagues, one via FPL and the other run outside of FPL, which still has values - it is a 6 man league and we draft at the start of the season using FPL prices

  9. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cancelo or PVA?
    Defence: Chilwell Bellerin Lamptey Justin ____

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are you gonna play all 5?

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        my team value 104M and I feel a have enough on attacking

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Buy a 4.0 and spend the money in attack.

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        104.2M

        Kane Watkins DCl

        Salah Bruno Son Grealish

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          If you want to do Bruno or Son to KDB you will have fund issues. Go with a 3.9 defender

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

      IMO a City def is a must with the fixtures coming up.

  10. Ojpsan1
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Soo what to do with TAA?

    A) Chilwell
    B) Robbo
    C) City def

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  11. Catalan Rangers
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On WC:

    a) Zouma + KDB
    b) Chilwell + Son

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Easy A for me

  12. Finndr07
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I have Martinez
    Lamptey Masuaku Chilwell (Robertson)(Kilman)
    Salah Grealish Son Rodriguez (Bissouma)
    Bamford Kane DCL

    Any changes that I should immediately make? Thinking of rolling the transfer

  13. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best replacements for Son and Jimenez here?
    Thinking Bruno + Rich (as a short term punt).

    McCarthy.
    Cancelo, Chilwell, Mitchell.
    Son, Salah, Barkley, Podence.
    Kane, DCL, Jimenez.
    Button, Ayling, Justin, Bissouma.
    1ft, 3.8m ITB. WC in hand.
    Probably KDB + Grealish in the week after as well.
    Any ideas?

  14. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Neco Williams looks like a good enabler for 3.9m as according to the set pieces bit on FPL site, he takes corners and indirect free kicks as well.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Will he even play though... what about Milner

      1. jb1985
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        True that's the only worry, I guess will just need to ensure that have a good bench for the Brighton and Fulham game as I doubt I would start him against Wolves. He would be 5th defender anyway.

  15. thom830g
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who to have in this WC team?

    a) Zaha, Bamford, KWP
    b) Jota, Watkins, Bellerin

    McCarthy
    Targett - James - Justin - Dias - XX
    Salah - KDB - Grealish - Bissouma - XX
    XX - Kane - DCL

  16. tuvok
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who would be your best 4.5 defs, long term?

    Coufal looks good if we think west ham will maintain their defensive solidity

    Target is starting to offer more going forward & has a good run of fixtures, but villa seem to be quite erratic

    KWP is looking more and more like Mr Reliable, delivering in games you'd expect him to

    Both the Leeds full backs are attacking but they are so hard to predict they don't make for good rotation based on fixtures?

    Kilman still a steal at 4.3 & despite a tough run of games, Wolves can keep a clean sheet against anyone?

    Taylor could be an option now Mee & Tark are back for Burnley? He usually gets the BPs

    Any others?

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

      Given the rarity of clean sheets this season, I think I'd want someone who offers the possibility of an attacking return now and then.

      Dallas could be a good option, particularly once Leeds' fixtures improve in a few weeks.

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

        Yeah I like Dallas, he certainly offers a lot going forward but Leeds' defensive stats are among the worst in the league so I'm not considering him too much. Like you say tho, with better fixtures and when Phillips comes back, maybe they'll improve

  17. seaside
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    *long post alert*

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Lamptey Justin Coufal Mitchell
    Salah Son Grealish Hamez Bissouma
    Kane DCL Jimenez

    1 FT and 1.7 ITB.

    An obvious move would be Son > Fernandes now. But a part of me wants to see Spurs playing a top side to see if Son may perform running in behind...

    Saving a transfer this week also gives me greater opportunities to shuffle around next GW.

    I certainly want to drop Jimenez after next GW.

    I am even considering to pull my WC and get the following team with the exact money:
    McCarthy
    Chilwell Lamptey Kilman Coufal Mitchell
    Salah KDB Fernandes Grealish Bissouma
    Vardy DCL Bamford

    Any thoughts on this mess?

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good team do not use WC. Not pressing issues either. Maybe Son to Fernandes or save. Situation might be different next wednesday.

      1. seaside
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        fair enough, thanks!

  18. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Why on earth would you consider Reece James as an option again... especially as a double up? Did they not learn from last time when he was rotated...

  19. Lazaretti
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Feel that Fernandes or other ManU player as a captain might be huge trap.

    WBA being quite good in defending lately and ManU has been poor against weaker teams. Unfortunately there is not a really good alternative. Auba maybe but he is not in form. Same with Everton guys.

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah or Dcl look like the safe picks this week

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah against Fuchs sounds good to me

    3. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks both Salah sounds good. I hace 2FT's andI g ace Son & Kane, and no City or WHU players so I might use one FT (Pulisic to Ziyech) or to bring in city or WHU player

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

      I’d agree with this but I think the way he’s getting points and only being 10.5, he’s a lock in my team even if he doesn’t haul V wba

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        True also. Seems that everyone is going to pick Fernandes and C him so could be great differential to C someone like Salah.

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

      He's still the stand out captain pick for me next GW given the other options available.

    6. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      United not very good against parked buses for sure.

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        And if Fernandes can create a change for Martial or Rashford I wouldn't be too surprised if they miss it

    7. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I like DCL cap, will be probably be a differential too

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

      United's pattern right now is like a team of mercenaries that turn up for big games/when they feel like it. WBA at home, right after an impressive away win, is precisely the kind of game they'll flop.

      With no obvious alternative tho and a lot of popularity, we might be shielded a bit if Bruno does flop against WBA, with many rivals also giving him (or someone with a similar chance of blanking like DCL) the armband.

      And all the stats point to Bruno cap

  20. Newsman70
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On a wildcard due to Wilson, TAA, price rises and Spurs fixture swing. What do you think? 1.0 ITB
    Mccarthy Forster
    Chilwell Zuma Justin Kilman Bernado
    Salah Bruno Grealish Zaha Ziyech
    Bamford Brewster Kane

    Any thoughts most appreciated!
    Kane or KDB?

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good team Brewster and Zouma to Watkins and 4.5 maybe

      1. Newsman70
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks that is an idea. So Chelsea double up is too much? I would have a who to start problem then with 8 attacking players though.

  21. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you WC this team or just use 2ft?

    Mendy Steer
    TAA Justin Mitchell KWP Taylor
    Salah Sterling Son Romeu Bissouma
    Kane DCL Watkins

    0itb, 2ft

  22. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    lots of mid priced defenders starting to raise their hands form across many teams, rather than the 6 mill + premiums (although Chilwell is no longer a 5.5 defender) ... time to move into these guys ?

    Chilwell, Bellerin, Dias & Cancelo, PVA, Castagne, Cresswell (Coufal), Reguilón, the Villa guys ... two or three of those with some 4.5ers or even cheaper gives a pretty solid setup across the 5 defender spots

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chilwell + Cancelo + James/Lamptey for me most likely. The former two will probably be in the majority of teams soon.

    2. Kabayan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think i will to take that route. Will bring Chilwell (kicking myself, didn't bring him for hit before gw8) and one from City in next 2 week.
      Need fund for front 7 by downgrade Robbo.

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

      As others have said, Chilwell & Cancelo/Dias are surely the way to go right now. But further down the line I think Castagne, Digne and Reguilon will all be great options. Each play for a team capable of clean sheets in any game & offer really high assist potential. Still don’t feel I can trust arsenal or palace so would avoid PVA & Bellerin personally

      1. jb1985
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Dont agree on the clean sheet part for Digne, Pickford is rubbish and they don't keep many.

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I have Chilwell, Reguilon & Cresswell (just brought him in last week for Dias), will probably bring someone like Dias back for Reguilon next week for the easier fixtures

        It is quite easy to settle on a front 8 for a few weeks as the fixtures turn and swap a good defender to attack the fixtures - I know it’s not very popular using a transfer on a defender but it has worked quite well for me so far having brought in Chilwell, Reguilon, Dias & now Cresswell for immediate returns in their first or second games in my team

        It is such a mixed-up season that trying something different each week can really work

  23. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best combo on WC?

    A. Ziyech + 4.5 defender
    B. Bamford + Cancelo

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B if you can handle the odd Cancelo benching

  24. Donhush
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Guys, on my wildcard;
    Which of these for the next 2 game weeks;
    1. Vardy vs liv/FUL or
    2. KDB vs tot/BUR

    If I go 1, I will captain Vardy against Fulham and can easily bring KDB after the Burnley game

    1. thom830g
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2

  25. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    hmmm, just realized in Front8 I rely on 3 teams + Salah:

    - double Spurs
    - double AVL
    - double Everton

    I guess from GW10 I need to jump out of at least 1 Spurs and maybe also 1 EVE - thoughts..?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      City

  26. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I dont think anyone cares, but Mitro confirms he is back on pens

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      lots of keepers will be happy 😉

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        😀

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is Mitro the new manager of Fulham?

  27. thom830g
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed

    Who to have in this WC team?

    a) Zaha, Bamford, KWP/Coufal
    b) Jota, Watkins, Bellerin

    McCarthy
    Targett - James - Justin - Dias - XX
    Salah - KDB - Grealish - Bissouma - XX
    XX - Kane - DCL

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Antonio, Ziyech, Lamptey and KWP 😀

      1. thom830g
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Well.. That's just made my headache worse 😀

  28. dmcnam12
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A. Werner + KDB
    B. Kane + Rashford

    ?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. thom830g
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  29. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I hope I manage to save FT this week so for GW10 I can do this for (-4):

    Robbo + Zouma + Son

    Cancelo + Creswell + KDB
    (-4)

    Thoughts on this move for GW10?

    1. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      nice

  30. Party time
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Utd haven’t won at home this season. Hmmm... interesting

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        And you haven’t scored at home yet hmmm

        1. Party time
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Impressive stat. Imminent

        2. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Can't break down the bus. Also extremely bipolar. Considering Maguire said the squad got complacent after beating Leipzig 5-0 who knows what they'll be up to now