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. Apwilkin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Has there been an update on Wilson’s injury?

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

      Not seen any yet

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

      Could make this gameweek but sounds 50/50 at best

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

        Thanks

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

      Cheers. Probably hang on to him. Other fires to deal with at the moment

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

    Going to be quite a tough cap decision out of Bruno, Kane, dcl and salah

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

      Chilwell (C) 😀

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If I had Bruno in wouldn't hesitate a second

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

        Fair shout Alex, I’ve brought him in with bamford for a -4 so it makes sense to cap

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Still don't get why you call me Alex though?? Which striker did you lose ?

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

            The first 100x I read your username I genuinely read it as Alex, it’s funny but embarrassing

            I lost jimmy and rather than sit with 4m itb, took a hit to do foden to Bruno

            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Nice moves. Gl.

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

    With West brom and fulham stiffening their defences since past few weeks.Who are the new whipping boys?Against whom should our captaincies be directed??

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think I will keep on Salah most weeks

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

      Arsenal

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

      Even fulham?

    4. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sheff Utd

    5. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Leeds have conceded the most goals.

    6. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      leeds, arsenal, sheffield

  4. Bielsa Murderball
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed, trying to get more responses...
    Who do you prefer, and why (price not an issue) ?
    A) Ziyech
    B) Grealish

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

      Grealish because price is always an issue

      Also because he has absolutely nothing going against him: price, fixtures, form, goal threat, assist threat, rotation, talisman status, possible penalties, team goal threat, fixture proof status, stats and heatmaps...

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry to hijack post but would you double with Watkins ?

        Grealish out of these 2 as well

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

          My issue with Watkins is the alternative in Bamford

          Zaha is Jack's alternative, and Jack beats him comfortably

          Does Watkins beat Bamford? Not really... And that's it for me. When it's close, I just go for the talismans with stats: Bamford + Jack

          Watkins in isolation? Good asset. If you can fit him in with DCL and Bamford as a front three, awesome

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Had Watkins since gw3 so would be reluctant to sell and not overly keen on double villa attack. You don't think I have missed the boat with bamford ? Thanks again 🙂

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

              When it's between keeping who you have and switching in a 50:50, I'd always advise keeping. Is there a reason to sell Watkins? Nope. So, keep

              Can't have them all

              It's more of a decision when you're choosing who to buy, imo

              1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Yep I agree. Gl ze Austin thank you so much for taking time to reply

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

              Mathematically, I'm not sure how you would expect to get more points by picking a guy like Bamford with poor fixtures over Watkins with great fixtures just to avoid a double-up.

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

                Here's the issue: Bamford has been fixture proof (not points, but stats) this season, while Watkins' stats have been considerably better in tough games where opponents come out than in easier games where defenders sit back

                So the fixtures somehow weirdly cancel out for them individually as FPL assets, but not when you consider if their teams will win the games or not

                1. Kindness
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    This is a great point, Bamford's three big chances against Leicester (none taken of course) really caught my attention and one of the reasons why I decided to go him over Watkins

      2. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I’m thinking of doing Son and Trossard to these two boys for a -4. Was also considering Zaha. I think Grealish->Ziyech->Zaha in that order for me.

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

      On a WC, will have to play 2 regularly.

      A) Fernandes - Watkins - Berge
      B) Rashford - Grealish - Brewster

      PK takers or go the differential route??

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

        Would really try to fit in Bruno and Grealish if on WC.

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

          Just can't fit them both.

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

            Ofcourse you can

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

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

              Help me Ole!

              1. Trilly
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Richarlison, PVA and even Vardy should be downgraded if it means getting Grealish into that midfield.

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

      Will Martial keep his place in the UTD team do we think? If they do decide to go with Cavani I could see Martial playing on the right wing as seems Greenwood is dropped.

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

        Greenwood was ill this GW, not dropped. He trained normally but told Ole in the morning that he couldn't travel

        At least, that's what Ole said. Could be lying, but that's the data available

        As for Martial.. Could still play on the LW with Cavani ST and Mata/Greenwood RW if Rashford is out

        Not sure I'd consider Martial in FPL with the many cheaper options with form + stats + fixtures available, mind

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I don't trust anything said about Greenwood at the moment.

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

            Fair point

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

            Yes i same i read something the other day about how he isn't training that well. I haven't gone into the full depths of the article but think he could start being a problem child if he doesn't sort his act out quickly. Hopefully doesn't go down the Ravel Morrison path.

      2. caldracula
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He'll get plenty of minutes but definitely not nailed.

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

      It's a fascinating gameweek this one isn't it.

      massive FOMO re Ziyech, Grealish and Bruno is temping many to act now and that could be a great move or a sister

      Spurs swing is creating an interesting differential between sellers and holders

      Internationals and Covid may come to nothing at all, or create some big winners/losers

      Expecting to see a lot of fallout after this GW one way or another

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

        *disaster, not sister :0

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

          Well it's a sister now

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yep true . Am "fearing " not owning Bruno but no way to fit him in my team unfortunately

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

          I wouldn’t be losing my head if I didn’t have bruno, I’ve brought him in but only because I felt it pretty much essential to get rid of a 6.5 mid (foden) who wasn’t even starting with so many options that can hurt you in mid

          Could easily see it being quite a tight game and Utd have been poor at home

      3. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I wildcarded all three of them into my team this week. Bruno is the one I genuinely fear the most, he’s capable of hauling at any time.

        Also finally cut bait on TAA, Tierney and Mahrez who were all stinking up my team.

        I really can’t see how my WC team can possibly fare any worse than the utter shower I’ve had up to now. Had to do something different, as the definition of madness is doing the same thing and expecting different results every time. Well, week upon week of red arrows........

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

        If I fear a player's points, I buy him

        If I hope my player starts doing well to justify my patience, I sell him

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

          Fortunately have owned Grealish and Bruno a long time, but Ziyech is still a distraction. And Kane and Son, well, wait and see...

          I think I'd be panicking more if KdB and Vardy didn't both look to have the potential to be must have players for a few games starting 10.

    5. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      not a popular topic to discuss given the horrible pen miss, but with Soucek getting air time and selection, are we over looking lookman?

      Same price, nailed and last four GWs, far exceeds soucek in the xGI, attempts in and out the box and xA

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

        I don't want either. Ew

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

        Replied to your post on the last page. I'd say the jury is still out on whether Lookman is a good shout. Soucek is a known quantity with a decent record and is 100% nailed in that WHU starting eleven.

        1. dbeck
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          cheers, just read that, great post. I'm just trying to make myself feel better as a lookman owner!

          I agree with Zimo, first bench option at best really. I am working on Brewster to Watkins in a 343 so lookman can sit on my bench

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

        Not even sure Lookman might start after that horror show right at the death that cost a bottom table team 2 valuable points against a (currently) high flying team

        His morale. The squad around him. A lot can happen in the two weeks behind the scenes before GW9

        I'd just take Soucek or simply forget the spot (Riedewald at 4.4) on the bench and get a cheap firing striker very likely to outscore both in a 3-4-3

        1. dbeck
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          you'll laugh at this, 3 weeks back had 2ft and nothing to do with them, moved Soucek to lookman as a punt, figured it was sideways but lookman slighlty more upside and better than not using a FT. Felt like an idiot with Soucek scoring and lookman pen miss at the weekend

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

            Not your fault, that. Lookman looked a good asset and you'd have been happy now to have a 5.0 asset on pens if he had, ya know, had some sense with the penalty. See what happens in GW9 and then decide

            1. dbeck
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              think i'll move Son to Ziyech to allow me to move Brewster to Watkins/Antonio and play 343 so lookman can stay on my bench

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

                That works just fine. Good luck

      4. Detweiler
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Fulham are a poor side - the upside of Lookman isn't great. I thought I would be clever bringing in Brewster but I think he has one shot in his last two games - even a good player in a poor team is a poor pick.

    6. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Crellin had a thread on chip strategy recently: https://twitter.com/BenCrellin/status/1325871248631623680

      Did anyone understand why he thought the missed GW1 fixtures would not go into GW19? Or why the GW29 postponements would likely go into mini-DGWs instead of one large one?

      Don't they still want to avoid scheduling league games opposite UCL when possible?

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        all good questions, can i add, does anyone have insight into why holding WC until GW16 has an advantage?

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          In theory, it should pay off in a similar fashion to using WC late in the season in preparation for DGWs. Maybe it won't. If it doesn't, then lesson learned.

          Ideally, though, I was hoping I wouldn't have to waste FH in BGW18. If MCI/MUN/AVL/BUR have a DGW19 not preceded by a blank, then I could save the FH until later and still field a good team in GW18. It's rare for things to work out that well, but since those four teams already got their BGW out of the way in GW1, I thought it should work out.

          1. FPL Theorist
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Personally I really don't like the idea of using BB in DGW19 and then getting stuck with a lot of money on my bench for a long time until I actually play second WC. That really hurt me last year when I BB'd in DGW30+ and then had no WC left to get rid of my bench players and re-focus the spending into my first XI.

            I would much rather play TC in DGW19, then WC shortly before a BB near the end of the season.

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

        Something to do with free midweeks

        If the clubs involved don't drop out of some domestic competitions, there won't be a free midweek for the games until GW19

        There's a high probability that clubs like City, Man U and Villa stay in all competitions, hence the high probability of the DGW waiting until GW19

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          That's what I thought, that the DGW would be in 19 for MCI/MUN/AVL/BUR as well as some other teams that get a blank ("mini-winter break") in 18. But Crellin seemed to think the BUR/MUN and MCI/AVL fixtures were more likely to go into GW24/25, which is opposite UCL.

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

            Oh. I misread your initial post. Pardon me

            I don't know why he thinks that, then

            1. FPL Theorist
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              I guess maybe he just thinks that MCI/MUN/AVL/BUR could successfully argue that it's unfair for them not to have a mini-winter break at the time that everyone else gets one.

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

      Finally have my next moves figured out.

      GK: Martínez
      DEF: Kilman Robertson Chilwell
      MID: Zaha Son Salah Grealish
      FWD: Calvert-Lewin Kane Bamford

      BENCH: Forster Saïss Bissouma Mitchell

      2FTs, 1.9m ITB, TV: 103.7

      GW9: Saiss >> Cresswell
      GW10: Robbo & Son >> Cancelo & KDB
      GW12: Zaha >> Ziyech

      Can't have Bruno for now. Can do Kane >> Vardy or Werner in future if I wish.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Keep Robbo.

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

          Ha! I know you like him. He has next GW to prove me wrong or else its time to cash in!

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Next gw is vs Leicester. After that rainbow fixtures. They kept City down to one goal at Etihad.

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

        Looks lik a well thought out plan. GL.

      3. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        GW9: Son + Saiss -> Bruno + KWP
        GW10: Save FT
        GW11: Kane + Bissouma -> KDB + Brewster

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

          No transfers on GW10 when City are at home to Burnley and start a very good fixture run? No way.
          Brewster? A waste of time. I bought Bamford for a little bit more and he is up there with the rest. I prefer 343 at the moment. Thank you though. Glad to get opposing views.

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Burnley have all Theis defenders fit again. Will not be a walkover for City as Burnley will park the bus

          2. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            You could do the GW11 transfers for a hit in GW10 so that you can ship Zaha for GW11

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

        What's the point of getting in Ziyech in GW 12?

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

          Getting out of Zaha as his fixtures turn. Ziyech may still be amazing value at low 8m if he continues to perform. Will also perform against top teams - has proven that in CL in recent seasons.

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

            Tough fixtures after 11. If there is a time to get him in, it's now.

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

        I'm a Bruno FPL stan, but I do appreciate this plan. Good luck

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

      Have Salah Sterling
      Which one of these would you get in from gw 10?
      A. Vardy
      B. Bruno
      C. KDB

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        C

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

        C

        See my post above for any Feedback.

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

        Bruno.

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

        No point trying to work out out now. One or two of them blank or haul this GW and that's almost certain to inform the decision

        KdB hits 15 points and all of a sudden people talk him up as essential, KdB blanks and city struggle to score again and really how many people are going to be shelling out 11.5m

    9. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Building towards the team below. 3 spots up for grabs.

      Martinez Forster
      Robertson Chilwell Lamptey (empty) 3.9
      Salah KDB Ziyech Grealish (empty)
      DCL Watkins (empty)

      Fill the gaps:

      A) Werner, 4.5 mid, Cancelo/Dias
      B) Brewster, Fernandes, Lewis (rotate with Lamptey)
      C) Vardy/Aguero, 4.5 mid, KWP (or max 4.9 Def)

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

        A Probably best.
        B. Dont like. Rotation plans often dont work out (injury, team loses home form etc)
        C is an option if you prefer Vardy over Werner. I like Vardy but I am seeing that Tammy up front may actually HELP werner now more than I thought it would. .

        See my post above. Thanks.

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Rotation Gk often dont work out. Defenders however is another case.

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

        Ideally Vardy + Cancelo + 4.5 mid.
        I'd downgrade Robbo, not worth 7m at the moment.

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Just brought in Robbo for TAA. Will deffo keep him as funds not needed anyway. Much better pick than Cancelo

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

            Also 1.5m dearer than Robbo. Whilst Robbo may have more assist points over next 10 games than Cancelo, I think City will have much more CS's and for 1.5m less, I will take that.

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

              My typo. Cancelo 1.5m cheaper than Robbo.

              1. FC Hakkebøf
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                We don't know if Cancelo is nailed or not.

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

                  True. I think he will get League games and Mendy/Zinchenko will get CL upto Xmas. Then it might change.

                2. FC Hakkebøf
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  You're forgetting Ake. Currently 4 people from City can play the LB position atm

                  1. FC Hakkebøf
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Having Cancelo requires that you have a good bench to cover for him.

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

      Looking at a -4 to attack the next few GW's before WC.
      1. Son + Jimenez -> Bruno + Bamford. Maybe KDB + Grealish in the GW after.
      2. Podence + Jimenez -> Grealish + Richarlison (my punt) or Bamford.
      3. Barkley + Podence-> Grealish + Ziyech.

      Think I am fancying Number 2. Want to take a couple of risks before WC'ing.

      McCarthy.
      Cancelo, Chilwell, Mitchell.
      Son, Salah, Barkley, Podence.
      Kane, DCL, Jimenez.
      Button, Ayling, Justin, Bissouma.
      1ft, 3.8m ITB.

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

        3

    11. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would you do Son and Reguilon to Bruno(c) and Targett for a hit?

      It would give me this team for gw9:

      Mendy
      Chilwell, Coufal, Targett
      Salah, Bruno(c), Ziyech, JRod, Grealish
      DCL, Kane

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

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

        Go for it

      3. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        But I would still Captain Salah regardless.

        1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Really? You don't think Bruno can return some points vs Brom?

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I do. But Salah is a better option imo. United are so on and off this season. Wba almost shut out Spurs

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

        Given its international break and Covid I would err on the side of caution with any early -4 and ask myselff would this be worth it for a -8.

        1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Tamagotchi I took that risk unfortunately because I would be priced out of these moves

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

            It's a fair gamble and they are good moves. Fingers crossed your men get home fit and ready to go

            1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Thank you mate!

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

      And so it begins

      Gomez apparently injured in England training

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Oooh Pool will have no center backs lol

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

          Only ones they have are made of glass as it is

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Nightmare. But will Fabinho be fit for next GW?

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

          I think Fabinho - Matip is a strong partnership tbh (maybe being a biased Liveroool fan)

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

            Yeah not bad, tough for Matip to come straight back into 90 minutes twice a week

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

            Is this going to be like when all the MOTD pundits were raving about fenandino being so incredible he could play anywhere after one performance but then in coming games it turned out after all that he couldn't and they were dire ;-0

            (I don't know much about fab)

          3. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Fabinho never played as a CB before this season. He played RB but never CB. He conceded a pen recently when played CB for Liverpool against SHU. Matip is an injury prone footballer who never has shown the amount of quality he has been brought for. I bet you all are missing Lovren now.

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

              Fabinho played CB against Bayern in the CL and won MOTM.

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

              Klopp pictured lurking outside St Marys

            3. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Also played CB vs Chelsea

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

      A) Cresswell + Bissouma
      Or
      B) Soucek + Lamptey?

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

        Depends if you need to play Bissouma or not

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

          Will have to play him 2-3 times in the next 10.

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

            Then prefer B - prefer Coufal over Lamptey though

    14. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Where can you see Player Values that are about to drop? (as distinct from those that are about to rise on FPL statistics)

      Cheers.

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

        Go to last page of fplstatistics

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

        sort the Target column as 'ascending' so you see the lowest (negative) values first

    15. tbhogal
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who's still waiting for before making any changes?

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

        Have to. First of many injuries just announced.

      2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I couldn't wait anymore because I would be priced out so I did the transfers a bit ago.

      3. Assisting the assister
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Tried to wait but failed. Price rises got me again

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

        I am - could even save a FT but doubt I'll do that once the fallout from the IB becomes apparent

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

        the clever people

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

        Spent all mine on Sunday, it’s stupid, but I keep doing it

      7. AnfieldLad
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I used 2FT and if I get injuries I’ll wildcard.

        The transfers I did I would have done for hits anyway as I didn’t have enough defenders and needed Grealish

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

      Homes huh. Jamie Vardy is licking his paper thin lips and going down Iceland for the spread

    17. Party time
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Vardy(C) against Liverpool seems to be a no brainer

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

          Hmm. Was looking at Kane out after city but this could be an appealing swap

          1. Party time
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Yes it is

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

          Vardy boys looking to make the move a week early it seems

        3. Wolfman180
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Best City defender to own for the upcoming GWs??

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cancelo or Laporte

            1. Wolfman180
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              How nailed is Cancelo?

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

            Cancelo over Dias for me

          3. Detweiler
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cancel the best creative stats, but a potential rotation risk once Mendy is back.

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

              Pep would be really stupid if he still played him. He's the worst leftback for a top team i've ever seen

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

                Pep likes Mendy

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

          On a WC | 0.4 ITB

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

          How do I fit in Grealish?
          Do I need to?

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

            Richarlison and Berge to Bamford and Grealish

            1. Detweiler
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Solid moves.

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

              Probably falls a bit short - might need to downgrade PVA to help

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

          Whats the point of a friendly during a pandemic. Bit silly

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

            *international football

        6. J to the T
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ok a wild card and it comes down to

          A)
          McCarthy Forster
          Lamptey Targett Chilwell* Coufal Kilman
          Salah KdB Bruno Grealish Ziyech*
          DCL Watkins Brewster*

          352 Play Chilwell with two of Lamptey Kilman Target and Coufal
          Ziyech in midfield
          Brewster bench fodder

          B)

          McCarthy Forster
          Lamptey Targett Mitchell* Coufal Kilman
          Salah KdB Bruno Grealish Riedewald*
          DCL Watkins Vardy*

          343
          Play three of Lamptey Kilman Target and Coufal
          Vardy effectively replaces Ziyech
          Bench is weaker with Mitchell and Riedewald.

          What do we think?!

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

          Pep roulette or injury roulette, hmm

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

          Has James Milner ever played CB? Pretty sure he is one of those players like John O'shea who has filled in at every position at least once in his career.

          1. Detweiler
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Think it might be about the only position he hasn't played!

        9. Detweiler
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Who would you rather pair with KDB - Sterling or Fernandes?

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

            Debating the same, Sterling has been very off form and he relies on that a lot. Fixtures are incredible though

            1. Detweiler
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah - WBA fixture this week aside, Man City have the better fixture in most weeks over the next few. Sterling has looked out of sorts though, and stats reflect that. Feels a pretty pivotal decision....

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

                FPL Review backs Sterling a lot over Bruno, interestingly

          2. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I'm going Bruno

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

            Fernandes - City attack not quite clicking

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

              You said Sterling 3 hours ago smh

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

                Was that with KDB as well?

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

                  No

          4. Il Capitano
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Fernandes based on current form

            1. J to the T
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Bruno for me

        10. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          My God what is happening to Liverpool defence. Joe Gomez is apparently seriously injured now too

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

            Trying to hand City the title but they're refusing to take it