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. FPL-(VAR)dy
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Captain Werner vs Newcastle away.Good idea??

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

      YES, if they play like they did against us

    2. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fortune favours the bold

    3. Meepers
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      sounds like a good idea

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

      Not a bad shout, would consider Werner as cap but rest or limited mins likely. Ziyechs a good call

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        If he doesn't play or plays limited time in internationals then I don't see the need for a rest.

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

          Neither do I, but Franks comments

    5. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not a dreadful idea but get the sofa ready for the rest of the GW if he underwhelms 😐

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

    Looking at 352 options instead of my usual 343
    A: DeBruyne + Brewster (bench)
    B: Soucek (bench) + Aguero

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

      A by centuries, solar systems and light years

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      Aguero is finished why bother

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

        that is not true lol
        and I'm a spurs fan

  3. theBoose
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any suggestions to my current WC team?

    Martinez McCarthy
    Chilwell Coufal KWP Cancelo Kilman
    Salah Bruno Ziyech Grealsih Soucek
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Will most likely move Kane on after City and upgrade Soucek.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ok with double Villa attack?

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

        Pretty content considering similar priced options.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good. Love the Soucek pick, just a shame you'll have to bench one of the others.

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

        Will look at rotating Soucek and Watkins.. bench points are the story of my season!

    3. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Template. Expect failure ;-0

    4. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How will you get city in there?

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

        Downgrade Kane and upgrade Soucek or even Ziyech. Got Cancelo for my City attacking returns anyway ;P

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

      If you do not plan to keep Kane past GW9 and are on a WC, why have him in your draft? Better off downgrading him to afford a City mid or Jesus

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

        I prefer Kane vs City over Vardy vs Liverpool or Jesus vs Spurs. Plus if he delivers against City, then I may even keep him. He also has a good scoring record against the teams he's about to face.

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

          The only issue I have with this approach is it will require a hit the very next week if you want KDB/Sterling for gw 10. If you are undecided on City attackers then i guess it would work. If you definitely want on of those mids from GW10 onwards, i would make the structural changes now on WC rather than pencil in a confirmed hit a week after the same.

  4. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Spurs smashing City 3-0 is really going to mess with people's heads here.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If it happens I hope Son scores all three!

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

        With KaneDB assisting all

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Do not want Kane anywhere near the ball...hahaha! No Kane here!

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

      3-1 or 3-2 to Spurs, but yea expecting Spurs to win. Could be like 6/7 goals in that.
      It’s averaged 2.85 goals per game since 2018 that fixture

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

      No chance. Either 2-1 City or 1-1

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        1-1 I can see. 2 for City...no chance.

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

      Not going to happen

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Everyone thinks this is the City of two years ago. This is totally different. Pep's final year, no David Silva, the wheels are going to keep coming off.

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

          and Spurs are all of a sudden 2013 Barcelona?

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Not at all. But that's not the point 😀

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

      City will smash Spurs

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

      The salty tears will taste good when spurs smash City 😀

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

        Those sellers can just buy back son and kane afterwards 😛

  5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Ok for GW9? Who do I captain?

    Martinez
    James Coufal Lamptey
    Salah Sterling Son Ziyech
    Martial Bamford DCL

    Steere Podence Dallas Mitchell

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

      Ziyech Newcastle defence isn't looking good

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dcl

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      if in doubt, Salah

  6. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son -> Bruno for a hit? (Already have Kane)

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

      Only if u captain

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

      Nah not vs Brom and ManU haven’t been convincing at home, do it the following week for free?

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

        If you are not going to back United at OT vs Brom, of all the teams, might as well give up on United assets for the foreseeable future.

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

          This

        2. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          ...because they have been stellar playing at home......

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

    WC draft... 1.0 itb. Anything to change or upgrade here?

    Martinez Forster
    Chilwell Cancelo Lamptey Coufal Lewis
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Romeu
    DCL Watkins Bamford

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No looks fine

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No Ziyech will hurt.

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

        Don’t think it will after Newcastle, fixtures are very tough for the next couple months for Chelsea

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah if I was on WC I think I'd only have Chil from Chel.

          If Antonio is fit, I prefer him to Bamford. DCL -> Bam/Rodrigo in GW12 looks like a popular move waiting to happen.

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

            Yep same thinking, not a big fan of Bamford so I’d rather Antonio if fit

    3. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Love that front line.........looks good

    4. djoker_nole
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good

  8. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Morning Guys, Should I hold Hamez Rodriguez, has three great fixtures or move to Ziyech before his prise rise goes through the roof.....

    1. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      My preference is favour the player who cost you less, has a good record so far, has good fixtures and won't cost you a transfer, putting you in a very precarious position before international break, during a pandemic

      All that is basically stacked against the possibility that ziyech might, might outscore James. For more money

      1. FPL-(VAR)dy
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        this

      2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Excellent response..........thank you

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd hold.

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

      Fulham, Leeds, Burnley. Keep him.

    4. LegendMoon
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      hold i would say, 3 good fixtures compared to Ziyech who may not explode like people are saying

  9. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    It's that time of the season when someone gets excited about PVA but forgets he plays for Crystal Palace

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

      i fell right into this trap yet again....but still easy switch to cancelo or dias if it doesnt work

  10. djoker_nole
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Waiting to do Jorginho,Son and Jimmy to Brewster,Kdb and Sterling in GW 10 for a -4

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

    Any changes here? 1FT and 0.3itb

    Mccarthy (Button)
    Zouma Holding Konsa
    Salah JRod Son Grealish (Bissouma)
    DCL Werner Kane

  12. Egyptian Giza
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/166533/event/8

    Current Rank 4700, 2M itB and 1 FT

    McCarthy

    Justin Chilwell Zouma Creswell
    Son Salah Grealish
    Kane Wilson Werner

    Steer Mitchell Saint Maximan Burke

    1. do Son and Wilson to Watkins and Fernandes for a hit
    2. play my Wildcard
    3. anything else

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You have 9 perfectly acceptable players.
      no more than a 4pt hit IMO

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who are you captaining this GW?

      1. Egyptian Giza
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        will definitely be Penandes if I get him instead of Son. If not maybe Graelish or Kane. What about you?

        1. FPL-(VAR)dy
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Have you given any thoughts on captaining Werner against Newcastle?

          1. Egyptian Giza
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I feel Penandes, Watkins or Grealish should be a better shout

    3. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are you planning Man City players in from GW10? I'd maybe look at using the WC for that rather than this week...

      Also folks are jumping on Man Utd which I understand with the fixture but they've struggled really badly against low block defences at home.

      1. Egyptian Giza
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        yeah that looks like the way to go. is it a good idea though to take a hit for only 1 GW?

  13. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Your opinions appreciated:
    Fabianski (Forster)
    Chilwell Robbo Masuaku Lamptey (Mitchel)
    Grealish Ziyech Son Fornals Salah
    Kane DCL (Brewster)
    .4 ITB Should I prioritise Citeh assets or stick with Spurs.

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Stick

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Seems to be the call. Would you rather have Son or Ziyech the next GW?

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Can afford to wait till GW10 if you want City assets, I think.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You have confirmed my feelings. I wish Spurs were not playing Citeh this GW

  14. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    The 5 - 5.5 mid area is a puzzler:

    ASM? Podence? McGinn? Armstrong?

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      what about none

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

      Get 0.1 more for Klich, otherwise one of Wolves wingers.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes it is. And frustrating. I have had Podence for a few weeks now. Benched him just once for Foden and he scored. Not going there anymore.
      Out of those four, ASM and McGinn have the fixtures. I would suggest ASM.

    4. DD
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Soucek

    5. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd prob avoid, but Harrison would be my pick. Fixtures not ideal tho.

    6. FPL-(VAR)dy
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No one,Soucek

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah just get Soucek at 4.9; ridiculous price for what he offers.

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

      All rubbish

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

      Just drop to Soucek

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Could be the best value mid this season IMO

    9. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I fancy Armstrong as he is over his injury and last season late form pushes me towards him.

  15. mitre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy (Meslier)
    Robbo Chilwell Coufal (Lamptey Mitchell)
    Son Salah Hamez Grealish Zaha
    Kane DCL (Brewster)

    0,6 ITB and 1 FT

    a) Son -> Ziyech
    b) Hamez -> Ziyech
    c) save FT
    d) something else?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Save.

    2. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B for me.
      Everton look poor, and you still have DCL if they perform well.
      Ziyech looked phenomenal - like a prime Mahrez - and all Chelsea attacks seem to run through him.

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

  16. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who scores more over next 3?

    Son - MCI, che, ARS
    Bruno - WBA, sou, whu

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Prob Bruno.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fixtures say Bruno. But you never know with Son. and United overall.

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

      Quite fancy Son to counter attack well in those games

    4. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Spurs will probably score one goal in each of the 3 games and one goal is enough for son/kane to haul.

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

        One goal isn’t enough to haul lol

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

          Depends on the scores, 1-0 could be 11 points for Son or 9 for Kane.

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

      Che and ars will be playing 5 at the back, not great for Son. Bruno by far

    6. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno......jose already talking about being more defensive and I think Bale is an issue for Son

    7. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Crystal ball time.

  17. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best captain option?

    Salah (LEI)
    Bruno (WBA)
    Werner (new)
    Grealish (BHA) (!)

    1. FPL-(VAR)dy
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I m very tempted by Werner v New.

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

      I like Grealish this GW - not many opportunities to look away from Spurs/Salah/Man City options but feel this week could be one of them. Posting some impressive stats and looking very dangerous every week.

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah.

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

        Cryuff loves his Salah captaincies almost as much as Magnus 😆

        Worked out very well so far too

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah, I don't feel comfortable giving it to players like Grealish, or Bruno or Rashford yet. I find it risky, as you don't know which Villa or United will turn up. Salah is just so consistent.

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

            Agreed. Any thoughts on Mane for captaincy and in general?

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah, I like him a lot, but I'd always find it hard backing him over Salah. Pens are huge.

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

                Thank you.

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

      Think I may go DCL

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

      Mo or Bruno, think I'd go Bruno if I had him

  18. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Accumulated a bit of cash from Ings -> Wilson then Trent -> Cancelo. Assuming Wilson is only out for a couple of weeks.

    A) Foden -> Bruno

    B) Foden -> Ziyech then Son -> KdB GW10

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

      B

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

      B

  19. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would anyone be surprised if Spurs-City is 0-0.

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

      I expect a cagey 1-1. Similar to Liverpool in a match both sides don't want to lose more than they want to win.

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

      Not at all

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, I'd be amazed, City don't really do 0-0's, but it's been an odd season so you never know.

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It's largely the timing of the game being on Saturday after IB, start of the intense domestic run. I think if it's 0-0 after an hour we might get a repeat of Sunday's tacit handshake.

        I'll have Son Kane and Kevin so I hope that doesn't happen!

    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. Neither defence are capable of keeping cleanies against good attacking teams. 2-2 for me.

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would. Both teams have good attacking options and neither defence is great.

  20. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    TAA. I watched the last few games (eye test is my favourite tool) and for me It is obvious and the stats back it, that Trent plays a lot of balls into the box. But for me it’s the position he does it from. He seems to be slightly further back when playing the ball in. He has a great cross on him but when he is closer to goal doing it he has more chance of getting M or S on the end. The deeper he is making the cross, the further out M or S are from goal so while it’s a great chance it’s not like the ones he has supplied in the previous 2 seasons where M and S only have to virtually tap it in.

    VVD is a big miss. He is obviously holding back just a little to help cover the back line (his heat maps show the difference between this year and last). Until VVD returns, for me it’s time for him to go and has done. TAA / Son / Romeo to Coufal / Bruno / Ziyech.

    However, as soon as there is a change in his positioning, he’s back in.

    What’s everyone else doing?

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

      Grealish for the same price, safe to say TAA is massively overpriced this season

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Agree. That’s what I’m thinking. Had Grealish for 4 weeks now. Even Zaha (who I also have) is better. Although he would be the first on the chopping block if I want TAA back or to upgrade to city.

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

      They were playing not to lose against city, so everyone was behind defending, even Mane was playing LB that game.

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I’m on about the whole season not just against city.

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

    Better bench to have?
    A. Soucek + 3.9 def
    B. Romeu + Lewis

    Going A would mean only 2 playing bench players...

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Weigh up the potential points each week.

      A between 3-11 & 0
      B 1-2 & 2-8

      If not playing the 3.9 I would go with A. If playing both them B.

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

        The 3.9 would be last on my bench however I am a bit concerned about the Christmas period... we may need to call upon all 3 bench players but I guess that’s a bit of a stretch

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          For me getting the players who are essential to their team ie the main man, lowers that risk. So players like Bruno, Grealish, KDB, Kane, DCL, Chilwell, Salah or Mane, Wilson, Vardy etc plus nailed defenders even if they are cheaper 4.5 - 5mil. If 3.9 is 5th on bench you must have a fair few of the above list so I think it’s a fair risk to take. I’ve got Mitchell. Unlikely to play again but so cheap I couldn’t give a damn. The extra 0.5 further up the pitch outweighs the 0 points if he has to come on.

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

            Agreed cheers

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Soucek will start to pay now

  22. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How many above 10mil players is the ideal amount?
    I have Mane, Bruno, Kane (and Son)
    I'm trying to upgrade Son to KDB to have 4 - but it hurts the rest of my team (squad value £99.0, itb £1.7).
    So, is three ideal? Or should we be trying to stretch to that fourth?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2 or 3.

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

      Entirely team dependant but I'll be going with three starting GW10 - Mane, KDB, Sterling/Bruno. Not sure how you'd fit four without compromising the rest of your team.

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hmm interesting. I think I'm trying so hard to keep Kane as well as getting KDB in. But maybe it can't be done (or shouldn't be!)

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Without sacrificing Salah you just can't do Kane/KDB/ Salah.
        Remember there is only 1 captain and anything over 10 mil should get a 50% opportunity to be captain. (Work out points per mil)
        I have done the perma captain route 2 from the last 3 years barring injuries and finished top 10k.
        \each time I bounce around the captaincy my overall suffers.
        With Son, Ziyech, Grealish, DCL, James etc there is great value for money anyway.
        I am keeping Kane for the sake of forward/mid balance.
        It would be great to have Bruno Salah Mane Sterling KDB and Son but impossible. Choose 2 Maximum and look at fixture proof options. I actually think Grealish is fixture proof too

    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’ve got 3. Good mid priced options across the mids and forwards so no need to over egg it. But. It’s a case of being on the right one at the right time, ‘cause you can’t hav’em all.

  23. ChelseaGuy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Sterling + Watkins
    B) Vardy + Barnes/Zaha (Anyone upto 7.7, have Grealish)

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

      KDB instead of Sterling

      1. ChelseaGuy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        KDB + Watkins over Vardy + Zaha?

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

          For me, yes.

          1. ChelseaGuy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers, TA!

  24. Akshatjazz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Do you think I should bring in Ziyech for Son (-8), already bought Watkins + Martinez for -4

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No.

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

        My team has (6.5 mil itb)
        Martinez, Mc Carthy
        Mitchell, Dallas, Chilwell, Robbo, Kilman
        Son, Grealish, Salah, Rodriguez, Bissouma
        Dcl, Bamfort, Watkins

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

      It is only for an additional -4 the Son to Ziyech move as the previous move is now a spent cost. But no, I wouldn't take that hit this GW

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not having bought those 2 in already. Ziyech / Son replacement should have been more of a priority. (Obviously I don’t know what the rest of your team is).

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

        My team has (6.5 mil itb)
        Martinez, Mc Carthy
        Mitchell, Dallas, Chilwell, Robbo, Kilman
        Son, Grealish, Salah, Rodriguez, Bissouma
        Dcl, Bamfort, Watkins

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Evaluate over 5 fixtures then yes. 1 fixture no.

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

    Cant decide which is better to accommodate bringing in Bruno

    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

    2ft 2.4itb

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

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Kane. 3-4-3

    2. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keep open that premium striker slot. Big midfields have a habit of misfiring and it's often a much longer way back than it appears

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      After last couple of weeks, looks like Kane is the safer place to be.

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Kane. PVA a little early to have even with fixtures IMO. Bowen to Ziyech?

  26. Nightrain_
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    If one has Robbo, is it better to hold against LEI or switch to :
    A. Creswell
    B. Masuaku
    C. Bellerin
    D. Dallas
    E. ???
    Backline is Chilwell / James / Zouma / Mitchell

    And the extra fund to swap someone to Bruno or KDB in GW10

    Thanks

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      if one has already made a transfer I would hold. However one should consider Creswell going forward.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A to move towards dream back line of Chilwell, Cresswell, Cancelwell

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cancello? Like the pun.

  27. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son to Grealish or save for this week?

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

      Tough one, like both this GW but probably a save

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Do it. Do it! DO IT!

    3. LegendMoon
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      i've done it

  28. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else seeing how Kane+ Son do vs City and if it’s not great there both gone?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ideally, yes. Not much point swapping to a City option (if that is the plan) when they play each other

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Will wait two or three games on them.

    3. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think I'm shipping them on a WC

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane a season keeper IMO. Injury is the only concern

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

    Sterling or Fernandes from GW10?

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

      Both

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      KDB > Bruno > Raheem

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cancello will affect Sterling IMO.

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

        Sterling plays wider to compensate Cancelo cutting inside? Makes sense, yes.

  30. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Chilwell justin lamptey taylor mitchell
    Son salah bruno sterling soucek
    Watkins dcl davis

    1.8 itb .. 1fT

    Son and Soucek to Ziyech and Grealish (-4) ???? Or wait

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wait, Soucek just getting started.

    2. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just wait. You can afford to do it at the last minute. The price rises aren't THAT important. Anything could happen in the meantime