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. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Do we reckon the return of Lewis Dunk increases the appeal of Brighton defence and Lamptey in general?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nah, their way of playing won't allow many clean sheets

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        True

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

    Saiss to Cresswell worth -4?

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

      depends on the rest of your defence

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

      yeah - any bench cover if Saiss doesn't play?

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

        Defence is Zouma, Taylor, Mitchell and Lamptey

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

          taylor and Lamptey is decent back up but I really want Cresswell now after re-watching the Fulham highlights

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

      Not if you have a backup

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

    Bottomed..
    Any city fans about? Is cancelo worth it long term I have him but wondering if hes worth keeping

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

      Being a City fan doesn't magically make me more knowledgeable than some of the guys on here but he looks worth it for now with his performances and excellent offensive stats. Don't expect him to be nailed with Mendy returning though

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

        No I know it doesn’t but you’d assumed most city fans who watch them week in week out and follow the general day to day news of the club would be knowledgeable.

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

          Assume *

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

        Appreciate the reply though

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

      Not nailed. No City defender is nailed unless your name is Laporte

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

        I wanted Laporte just worry hes so injury prone

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

        Dias is close

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

          you just never know. Pep loves Garcia so he may start a run of games if Dias has some shockers in a row. Not the case with Laporte

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

            I severely doubt that the chances of both happening tbh

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

    About to wildcard. Who is your first name on the team sheet?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah

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

      Salah

      Who I don't have, ugh

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

      Grealish

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

      Button

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

        Perfect

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

      Grealish

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

      Salah

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

      Bruno, 100%

      He has the same ppminute as Salah this season and is almost 2m cheaper. Pens, set pieces, goals, assists, team that wins pens

      Grealish is a shout but he plays for Villa. Son is fire but only has open play route to points

      Bruno is the dream and has been for 25 games now

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

      Thank you for your suggestions, unanimous. I have both already...

    9. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah

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

    I think making sure you have 5 playing defenders is more important than it has ever been coming into this busy period of games. Defenders can sub in for attackers but not always the other way round.

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

      Good advice

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That's why I'm switching to 4 at back, allows an attacking player to sub in. Won't make much difference though 😀

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I'm toying with a Chilwell/PVA/Cresswell/James backline and Justin as the 5th (who I've had a while).

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

      Interesting point. Very relevant to my current transfer plans. Wonder what your thoughts are on this?

      My current team is:

      Martinez; Forster
      Robbo; Chilwell; Coufal; Lamptey; Mitchell
      Salah; Son; Grealish; Rodriguez; Soucek
      Kane; DCL; Watkins

      £1.0m ITB and 2 FT...

      Thinking to use one FT and save the other so that I have 2 FT for GW10, when I'll probably be looking to bring in City players.

      Was thinking just to upgrade Mitchell to a playing 4.4/4.5m defender (e.g. KWP, Taylor, Dallas/Ayling, etc). But other folks here have advised me that this would be a waste given that I already have 4 good playing defenders. They suggested downgrading Mitchell to a 3.9m defender to bank the money (=0.1m) for future transfers.

      Neither approach seems like a strong use of a transfer but I don't see any other major fires to put out. Saving a transfer for GW10 so that I can potentially do a mini-wildcard into the fixture swing seems like the best approach. So probably looking to do a house-keeping transfer this week.

      What do you reckon? Cheers!

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

        Can anyone help me out with this ^ please?

      2. abhirup780
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'd just do Robbo to Kilman/Aying and wait till next GW to do a huge upgrade in Mid.

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

          For real? Robbo out? That's not something I had considered for this GW. What makes you think that's the best move?

          1. abhirup780
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            CS are unpredictable this year and lots of 4.5 def are returning well. With big whole in Pool def Robbo will be forced to play more conservatively. He may at best get 1-2 assists over the next few GWs. I'd just play Chilwell, Lamptey, Coufal every GW. 3.0-3.5m saved can give a huge upgrade in Mid, likely KDB.

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

              Fair play. Definitely worth considering. Thanks for that.

              1. abhirup780
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                And I don't like Soucek as 8th attacker. He should either be 7th attacker or should not be there at all. It is very difficult to bench him. 8th attacker should either be Brewster or Bissouma.

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

                  Ah well, we'll have to disagree on that one. This season having a decent bench is especially valuable. Would much rather have a decent mid capable of regular goals/assists on the bench for 4.9m than any of the 4.4/4.5m options. And Brewster is a non-option for me given the wealth of choice at 6-6.5m.

                  1. abhirup780
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    That is a personal preference. In case of a last-minute injury, I'd be happy to have 2 safe points. Probability of a forced benching of 7th attacker and probability of getting a return from the 8th attacker at the same GW is very little at this point of the season. A playing Defender and 4.5 playing Mid is enough for me for an injury crisis. I don't even have that at the moment.

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

                      Yup, personal preference. I'm happy keeping him. And I'll eat the bench points from time to time. Might get lucky and get a 9 point return off the bench. Not going to happen with Riedewald or Bissouma, etc.

  6. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which one would you have for next few gw's ??
    A. Vardy Rashford
    B. Son Bruno

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

      Would you prefer to*

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

      B

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

        Leaning towards same Mate
        Thanks!

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

      Rashford is injured, no?

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

        Pretty sure that's a IB injury mate 😉

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

          Debatable

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

            Of course.

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

      B

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

        Thanks buddy
        This is interesting
        I was expecting A to be popular 😮

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          If on WC, I would try to fit Vardy and Bruno though

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

            Not on WC yeah ...
            Can get Vardy Bruno but at the expense of City defender plan in future

    5. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks

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

      Ideally Vardy Bruno, with some downgrade elsewhere.

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

        Definitely mate.
        Can do that but would have to let go plans to land City Defender (cancelo) around GW 11

    7. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Another advantage with B imo is they are both long term holds for me, so if you keep them for the next few GW's then you can keep them long term

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

        Agree
        Son vs high lines ehh 😉

    8. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks !

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

      A

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

        Ha.
        Thanks mate 🙂
        You like Vardy as an option over Son ?

    10. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  7. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What is your team Sell Value? I mean the figure that you get on WC when you remove all your players and build a team from scratch

    Mine is just 101.1, wanna see is it really less?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      100.4

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        What is your team value? out of curiosity

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          101.8

          unnecessarily losing 0.1 every other week. Soucek, Rodriguez, Egan, Ramsdale etc

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mine's 99.6 lol

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ha!

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

      A measly 100.2m

    4. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      101.3 Sell v
      102.9 TV

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      101.2

    6. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      100.4

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

      101
      tv 103

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

      100.7

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

      101.1 too, down from 102.9 value.

    10. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      101.3 on wc

    11. WWW.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      102.0m

    12. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      102.1

    13. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      101.4

  8. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Cancelo playing any international games?

  9. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    We won't know for sure if Cancelo is nailed until a fully fit Mendy is back to challenge for the position. Even then I still feel Pep will rotate high energy positions when possible to reduce injury.

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

      yeh I'm steering clear. Would rather Cresswell tbh

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Shouldn't be an issue as long as backup is ready.

  10. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I haven't taken a hit since the 2018/2019-season. I own TAA and Wilson and only have the cheapest non-playing players on my bench.

    Looking forward to the feeling of a -4 or -8 hit (I also have Jimenez who I would like to get rid of).

    1. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Enjoy that dopamine hit, its gonna be a big one.

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

      Kudos for the discipline. Enjoy

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

      a man of culture

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

    Justin, KWP or Coufal?

    Justin has possibly the 3 best fixtures any defender could ask for in 10,11 and 12 - but I need them to play in GW9.

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

      Coufal for fixtures and assists.

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

        This ^ I think. Although Southampton's defence has been pretty decent barring the Spurs aberration.

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

      Wouldn't bring Justin in with Pereira & Castagne's returns looming, go Coufal & save the 0.3m

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

        tbh it would just be for GWs 10-13. I'm fairly confident Pereira won't return to starting XI before then

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

          If you're happy bringing him in knowing he'll cost you a FT down the line then go for it, can outscore Coufal in the short term

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

    Wonder if LFC move to a full wingback model now, since they might need 3 CBs, Windy on the right WB, Robertson to the left, Matip, Nico, Lawrenson in the centre... this is one of those Champ Man comical moments where you don't actually have a squad of 60 including academy, and suddenly everyone is out...

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

      No chance

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Drunk?

    3. Wrong Captain Again
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Absolutely crazy, I’m not buying this

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

    Would you rather have:

    A) Chillwell, DCL & Kane
    B) Lamptey, Vardy & Fernandes

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B for fixtures

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

        Is Kane not pretty much fixture proof though?

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

          Yes on current form. Chilwell a much better option than Lamptey (I have both). DCL could keep pace with Vardy this season and Everton's next three fixtures are sweet. A for me.

    2. Warbling Wendy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B all day long

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

        Cheers, it’s a close one though surely?

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

    Do you think DCL will score against Fulham?

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

      Yes.

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t see why not, but truth is nobody knows..

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

        We all know what we think.

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, with Richarlison back, you'd expect more attacking points

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

      Yaw

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

    bench 1
    grealish/bamford/jota

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe Jota but a tough one

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

      Bit early for this given how much can change over the IB (injuries, COVID, etc). Definitely not Grealish though. Probably Jota given that Bamford seems nailed and consistent. And Arsenal got taken apart by Villa last GW.

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      🙂 Bench your weakest player for the gw
      Imo Grealish & Bamford play because they're nailed - Jota is hard to call. Seems to play every 2nd game with limited mins in-between. Played 90 v MCI last time out, but I'd have a hard time benching him - who else you got to bench?

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

      You must have someone else surely . . . but absolutely Jota of that lot unless Klopp promises he's starting in a front three.

    5. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

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

      Bench Grealish?? Lol

  16. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    is Robbo to Cancello worth a -4?

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

      Naw

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

      No

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

      Nah. For free maybe. With Gomez' injury, Liverpool's defence is likely to be even more suspect. But wait a week and reassess would be my advice. City will probably concede vs Spurs.

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure if its worth it for free

  17. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez, (4.0)
    Chilwell, Saiss, Mitchell, Justin, KWP
    Salah, Son, Bruno, Zaha, Klich
    Kane, DCL, Brewster

    2FT, 0.6 itb, wildcard already used.

    Is the following strategy for the coming weeks good to go or should I do things differently?

    GW9 - Klich & Brewster out, Watkins (NEW) & Riedewald in
    GW10 - Saiss & Kane out, Vardy (FUL) & Cancelo (BUR) in
    GW11 - Son (ARS) & Bruno (whu) out, Ziyech (LEE) & KDB (FUL) in

    Think this covers the weak points in the team.....only downside is that I'd go into GW9 with a weak defence.

    Thoughts?

    1. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd have to take a -4 hit on GWs 10 & 11

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

      Planning is clearly important. But 4 planned transfers - in GWs 10 & 11 - for a combined -8 seems excessive to me. At this point no one has any clue how Spurs will perform vs City. Maybe Kane and Son rip it up? Then what? Bruno out for KDB in GW12 also depends on KDB finding form and you being sure that he will deliver better returns than Bruno in the following gameweeks.

  18. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you rather have for this week?
    A - Robbo and Son
    B - Cresswell and Bruno for a -4?

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

      Robbo and Son. 100%

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

        cheers Bojam

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

          No worries. Just think the -4 is too much. Utd/Fernandes may struggle vs West Brom's low block. Son could score vs City - his record against them is good. And will Cresswell outscore Robbo?

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

            Totally agree.

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

      B

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

      B

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

      A

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  19. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Didnt know that Bruno EO is < 10%

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

      Yep he is ballin' at a small house party, no club madness

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

    Would you rather:

    A) Bruno dives and is appealing for a penalty (successfully no doubt). As he is whining away being the scrawny Ralf Little-alike wasteyman that he is a bird swoops down and craps in his mouth. VAR is employed and it disallows the penalty and also establishes that it is the VERY SAME BIRD that crapped in Ashley Young's mouth. Bruno tries to assault the bird and is given a straight red 3 game ban for violent conduct as the bird is a protected species. He cries as he trudges off. You don't own Bruno, everyone in your mini league does

    B) Jesus is involved in a heavy collision that knocks his eyebrows clean off his face. KdB picks them up and sticks them back on upside-down, which turns out to look miles more sensible. In the ensuing spot kick KdB strikes the ball so fiercely that it rips through the net and hits mourinho who is inexplicably and conveniently for this scenario just behind the goal. The ball vaporises as it strikes mourinho between the legs and kds rises into the sky firing off diamonds and glitter from his fingers. The next day all the papers back pages are Mourinho with a big wet patch between his legs. You own KdB

    1. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C) Have what you are having.

    2. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fun read though

    3. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      Ha, I would love to see both! A as it is the most realistic scenario...

  21. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Gomez being out, who’s the Liverpool back line?

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

      Milner/Neco - Matip - Fabinho - Robbo

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

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

        Fabinho confirmed back after the IB?

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

      Babb Scales and Jones

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

      We don't even know what the injury is yet do we?

  22. 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 to ziyech
    Ehat i have to do with Soucek
    Somehow to bring city defence

    Tell ??

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

    How many hits have you taken so far this year

    I’m already on 4

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

      0-1

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

      7

      What I usually do is take the game seriously and chase rank and do pretty well, then get bored by about Christmas and tear it up and burn it down for the dopamine every week.

      For some reason I did it the other way round this year.

      Standard for 2020

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

        11

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

      3

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

      0, trying something new this year. I actually enjoy it more so far which is surprising but makes some sense. Theres a lot more opportunities for rage when taking a hit is considered a valid approach each week - the hit doesnt pay off, players you take a hit to remove haul, a hit you could have taken but didnt would have paid off massively etc etc.

      Contrary when all I do each week is "try to make most sensible long term transfer without taking hits", theres really not that much that can go horribly wrong.

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

        Yeah, I certainly don’t enjoy taking them or get a hit from it, actually makes me feel depressed thinking I’m already -4 for the week

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

          I always take too many. Trying to be more restrained this season. So far I've taken 4 (-16) but one of those for a -8 in GW5 really paid off and I haven't needed to since. Definitely not adverse to hits but I need to be more strategic and patient. The -8 in GW5 was when I had 2FTs already so made 4 changes that all significantly improved the team and helped me climb the ranks and build TV.

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      7

  24. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Worth bringing in Fernandes (C) just for this week instead of Son for a hit?

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

      Personally I'd say no, certainly not for a hit. WBA will sit back and not give United any space, that usually doesn't suit their one style of play.

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

        Agree with this ^. I'd say surely not worth it for a hit.

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

      Not for a hit

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

      not if by "just for this week" you mean you are removing him the next week

  25. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson - Semedo - Lamptey
    Salah - Son - Rodriguez - Zaha - Grealish
    Kane - DCL
    (Peacock-Farrell) (Dallas, Brewster, Mitchell)

    2 FT 0.1 ITB

    Thinking Kane + Son to De Bruyne and Martial (basically for West Brom game)

    or Kane + Son to De Bruyne and Watkins which gives me a clear pathway to Semedo -> Chilwell

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

      B if any, however I do think spurs will win that game 1-0 or 2-1

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

        Yeah - don't see City keeping a clean sheet and its likely that one or both of Kane & Son deliver. Definitely risky. Also KDB hasn't shown much yet this season. Wait and see for me.

  26. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anybody care to nominate the Liverpool back line moving forward?

    Robbo Matip ? ? Neco?

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

      Robbo Matip Fabinho Neco/Milner I guess

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

        Milner surely too old to start all the games. That 4m liv defence is tempting

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

          Yeah, Neco probably gets the lion's share of the minutes between the two

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

    Would you rather

    A) You go fishing with Ederson. He kicks the fishing weight out so far that you catch a world record stingray and you and Ederson are on the front page of 'Sea Angler' with your catch

    B) Charlie Austin takes you for a curry but halfway through he chokes on a goat bone. You perform the hemlich maneuver and save his life. In the next game he scores a perfect hatrick and celebrates with a team reenactment of your saving his life

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

      A

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B easily

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

    How do I fit in City in my squad for GW10? I'm stuck 🙁

    McCarthy
    Chilwell / Justin / Lamptey
    Salah / Fernandes / Grealish / Zaha
    Kane / Werner / DCL

    Forster / Kilman / Mitchell / Stephens

    0.0ITB.

    There's nobody I want to take out, not even Zaha for the next 3 🙁

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

      Just Werner to Jesus is your only move.

      But it’s like for like with Werner in better form

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

        Yeah and Werner has penalties too. Every combination I try to bring a City player results in a massive downgrade elsewhere, not sure what my plan will be

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

          Roll it then bro

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you're happy with your team, don't..
      Can't have them all.

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

        This ^. And if City continue to underwhelm then you might win big since so many other people will have been ditching good assets just to get on the City bandwagon!

  29. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Free hit team gtg?

    Martinez

    Cancelo chilwell Kilman

    Fernandes grealish son ziyech

    Kane Werner Watkins

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

      For context. I had 2FT and I stupidly brought in Pulisic (under the influence) so had to FH to save the -8 mistake I had made. The shame

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

        Good lad. Proper balls up. That's how I spent my FH this year. You'll never forget these great days

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

          I was sure it said Ziyech. It didn’t. I shouted at the dog. He knows now.

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

            11 years a player. 11 years a boob

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

            Laughing

            Imagine your face. Pulisic... Puli-what???

            No, no, log out. Log back in.

            HE'S STILL THERE

            email FPL towers I've been FPL burgled I demand an investigation

            Wife replays Security cam in the corner of the room of you staggering across the room with s bottle of buckfast, sitting down, loading up FPL smacking the palms of your hands together

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

      what is you normal team ?

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

        Not as good. The change has been made so it doesn’t matter anymore. I flumped up big time

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

          I would base the team around Everton, Utd, Chelsea & Arsenal with a few others thrown in

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

      Vardy is making up the coke floats as we speak

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

      How come you're free hitting this week out of interest?

      Seems strange to back Spurs attack versus City so strongly (with Kane & Son) and also include a City defender. Reckon you can play the fixtures this week (in isolation - cos it's a free hit) better than this.

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

        I agree. You think move Kane or son out? And go where. It’s a bad week to FH. I’m an idiot.

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

          Unlucky mate - I screwed my FT up last season in similar circumstances. TBH, not sure what I suggest. Can see Spurs scoring so maybe lose Cancelo. If you decide to lose one of the Spurs attackers, I'd say Son probably just cos Kane is more consistent and has pens. But Son has a good record against City so that might be the wrong call. Maybe go big with Utd players given the opposition, though I'm not convinced that West Brom are the kind of team Utd roll over. Or consider Salah/Mane cos they deliver so often and the opposition doesn't really matter.

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

      Not a single Everton player against Fulham? I would 100% have Digne instead of Cancelo. Double Spurs against City seems pointless. Rodriguez, DCL, Richarlison are all excellent shouts, Fulham are dreadful. I would also gamble on Telles against West Brom.

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

        Oh yeah this ^^. Forgot Everton were playing Fulham. Any of those three could haul.

    6. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Waste of FH, going to lose more than 8 points when others FH?

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

        Na, it doesn't have to be that bad at all. If he has a good week free hitting then the loss (bound to be a bit of a loss) doesn't have to be all that much

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Using his FH to rectify a -8 over IB, when some on here take a -8 just for laughs?
          Not as though he is top 10k.

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

            Done now though right? Can it be deactivated? If it can then I probably agree - save it for later and ride the -8.

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

    Wildcard squad - any thoughts appreciated!

    Martinez - McCarthy

    Robertson - Chilwell - Cancelo - Justin - Lamptey

    Salah - KDB - Rodriguez - Podence - Soucek

    Kane - Watkins - Brewster

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not a fan of 2x cheap keepers.
      Podence, Brewster & Soucek seems like trouble waiting to happen?
      Like 5 defenders but that sucks up the budget, elsewhere.

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

        Why is Soucek trouble? He costs 4.9m and based on last seasons stats averages about a goal every 4 games. Thats 9-10 goals a season. He's already scored once in 8 games - and those fixtures have been tough. And he can get the odd assist and he picks up a point every time West Ham keep a clean sheet (quite often this season). Name a better alternative in the sub 5m category....

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

      No Grealish is an error

      1. Joker91
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Agreed. Can't fathom a WC without Grealish in.
        Also don't think 7.1m in Robbo is the best use of funds, and bin Mccarthy for funds - when would you play him over the next 7 GW?

    3. jamie1972
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would avoid Liverpool defence altogether

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

      Martinez to 4.0, Robbo to Kilman, one of Justin/Lamptey to Coufal/Targett, Podence to Grealish, Brewster to Bamford? Play 343 rotating Justin/Lamptey & Coufal/Targett. Does that work?

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

      Meslier - McCarthy

      Mings - Chilwell - Dias - Justin - Lamptey

      Salah - Fernandez - Rodriguez - Grealish - Soucek

      DCL - Bamford - Antonio