Pro Pundits

India’s reigning FPL champion answers key Gameweek 9 questions

Given how chaotic the last few days have been for Fantasy Premier League managers, I would like to start by focussing on something more positive and wishing everyone a Happy Diwali!

Even before the frantic December schedule, many of us now face a sea of red, orange and yellow flags for Gameweek 9. At such a time, you could be forgiven for worrying about what to do next.

As my Burning Questions from the last international break was well received, I figured now would be a good opportunity to bring it back again. 

QUESTION ONE

Who is the best defender under £5.5m? And is it a mistake to forsake a premium forward right now?

(from @Northernqwerty)

There are a lot of defenders emerging in the price bracket you have mentioned. Before I get to that, I just want to mention that, in my opinion, Ben Chilwell (£6.0m) is the best defender in the game at the present, even in light of his current yellow flag. 

Chelsea have drastically improved in defence, with the additions of Thiago Silva (£5.5m) and Edouard Mendy (£5.1m) in centre-back and goalkeeper. 

Chelsea have conceded the fewest big chances of any Premier League team in the last six Gameweeks and, on top of that, Chilwell is always very far forward, has great goal threat and assist potential too. He also cuts in a lot as well and is present in the box quite frequently when either Hakim Ziyech (£8.2m) or Reece James (£5.0m) are delivering crosses from the right hand side.

Now coming to your question, there are three standout candidates priced at £5.5m or under, namely João Cancelo (£5.4m), Aaron Cresswell (£5.1m) and Hector Bellerín (£5.1m). 

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

Out of the three, the Manchester City man is comfortably my favourite option. In the last four Gameweeks, no defender has created more chances than him while his team are second only to Manchester United for big chances conceded in the same period. 

Statistics aside, Cancelo is a key outlet for the Manchester City’s attack on the left-hand side and he has now started the last four Premier League matches in a row with some minute-management in the Champions League. 

The most important thing for me was his all-action man-of-the-match performance against Liverpool where I thought he did a really good job defensive and offensively, while Pep Guardiola’s comments were also encouraging.


“[Cancelo] played exceptional, with and without the ball with his quality. Up front he has a special talent, defensively sometimes he needs to be consistent but when he is consistent and focused he is a fantastic football player and guy.” – Pep Guardiola

The only concern is how nailed-on Cancelo moving forward now that Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) is back in training. Personally, I think he has made that left back slot his own. Yes, Guardiola might bench him for the odd game or two during the December crunch period but getting an extremely attacking defender from currently (in my opinion) the best defence in the league only at £5.4m is too tempting to turn down, especially given Manchester City’s fixtures. 

What also helps is that they the Citizens have almost secured their Champions League knockout place already easing the need to bring key first team options into midweek European action any time soon.

Cresswell and Bellerín both make a very good case for their inclusion in their price bracket but Cancelo’s upside is far greater in my opinion. In case you want to read about Cresswell, I wroten an in-depth analysis of West Ham’s best Fantasy assets a couple of weeks ago. 

With regards to your second question and whether it’s a mistake to forsake a premium forward, my answer is definitely not. First off, this game is very subjective and there are definitely no wrong or right answers and I always say there are many ways to play it. 

So whether you pick a premium forward or not depends on how you are spreading your funds elsewhere, as there is always value in every position. 

Harry Kane (£11.0m) has been the stand-out premium forward this season although he goes on a difficult run of fixtures this week onwards. Thankfully, we have cheap alternatives in the form of Patrick Bamford (£6.1m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.8m), Ollie Watkins (£6.1m), Che Adams (£5.9m) and Michail Antonio (£6.2m) offering more than enough points potential to allow greater spending in midfield. 

Given how many of these value options are in-form and have appealing fixtures of their own right now, I certainly wouldn’t consider it the gravest mistake to go without a premium forward.

QUESTION TWO

How De Bruyne and Sterling compare as FPL assets for 2020/21?

Is owning both Sterling and De Bruyne during this great run of fixtures bit of an overkill? 

from @Manav04543906

Thanks for the question Manav. I wish you and your family a very Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.

In my opinion, a double-up during a great run of fixtures is one of the best ways to play FPL. I never think it is wrong to double or even triple-up in attack from premium teams who score a lot of goals. 

I have doubled-up on premium Liverpool and Manchester City attackers many times and it has often paid off handsomely. Those that owned both Kane and Son Heung-min (£9.6m) this season have benefited massively as well. 

So it all comes down to whether you think Manchester City will come back to form again and start scoring a lot of goals in the easier fixtures. 

Let me give you some data to assist your decision. In the last two Gameweeks, City attack has started to show some form as they appear in the top five in the league for big chances. In addition, they have played most of this season without Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) and a recognised striker with Gabriel Jesus (£9.3m) out injured for the most part.

Both are now available and I personally expect them to improve in attack quite drastically. Also, just some data from last year which also helps here. This is an article I wrote assessing data last year and below is the relevant information from the same.

What this basically tells you is that, against the relatively poorer defences (The Bramble Teams), De Bruyne and Sterling averaged 1.28 and 1.13 Goals + Assists per 90 minutes. These numbers are drastically better (especially for Sterling) in comparison to their performance against better defences. 

Most of the teams Manchester City face after Gameweek 9 certainly count as ‘Bramble teams’, which is why I have no qualms about that double-up. Generally speaking, I’ve always been a fixtures guy and with Manchester City, I’d be even keener. 

QUESTION THREE

For people selling Kane, do you recommend moving to Jamie Vardy, or downgrading to the £6.0m range and investing in midfield?

from @rpick86

Great question this Rob. I’m likely doing the same for what it’s worth, as I love playing the fixtures. That said, injuries could change that. And, as you know, there are a lot of them right now.

First off, let me say that there is no wrong or right answer to your question. What I will do is arm you with some relevant information to help assist your decision. In the last four Gameweeks, Leicester are in the bottom five in the league for shots in the box and total goal attempts. 

Teams like Leeds United, Aston Villa, Southampton and West Ham United, who all have cheap striker options, are all doing better. 

That said, Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) has three goals and two assists in his last three games. I personally feel that so far, Vardy has been heavily dependent on penalties. The non penalty xG stats for selection forwards so far this season is as follows:

  • Bamford – 5.51
  • Calvery Lewin – 5.28
  • Wilson – 3.76
  • Watkins – 3.55
  • Antonio – 3.07
  • Adams – 3.06
  • Vardy – 2.57

What this tells me is, so far, Vardy has been dependant on penalties and I don’t personally see that as sustainable (unless you are Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m)). 

Given these stats above, it is fair to say that we can see the cheaper strikers (some of who have really good fixtures upcoming) should be able to match Vardy. 

That said, Leicester’s talismanic striker is the definition of a flat-track bully, is very streaky and is as reliable as they come against the “Bramble” teams I mentioned earlier. 

We know that Vardy is a stats-buster and his next four fixtures are against Liverpool (who have four first-choice defenders flagged), Fulham, Sheffield United and Brighton. These games are against not so formidable defences so I fully expect him to get a few returns in these games. 

Last season, he averaged 0.28 Goals+Assists/90 against top tier defences, 0.68 Goals+Assists/90 against middling defences and 1.24 Goals+Assists/90 against bottom tier defences. So, historically speaking, the upcoming fixtures are against bread-and-butter Vardy teams.

I’ve tried to present a balanced argument for and against Vardy. If you’re looking for my opinion, I think that Goals + Assists in the past do not always indicate Goals + Assists in the future. It is underlying statistics that play a greater role in predicting these. 

I am personally leaning towards going cheaper strikers who have better underlying data and similarly good fixtures and pump that money into attacking midfielders from Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. 

That’s it from me for now. In case you want more, Zophar and I will be recording and publishing this week’s episode of The FPL Wire on Tuesday late-afternoon UK-time and you can find the same on YouTube and all popular Podcast platforms. We have the amazing Tom Freeman on again whose appearance last time around was hugely appreciated. Until next time!

819 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Help - seeking rule clarification:

    If both defenders Robertson, Chilwell (and Mitchell) don't play this GW does midfielder Podence still autosub one of either Robertson/Chilwell?
    - I can see a situation where only a couple of defenders take the field.

    Or should I start Podence and risk benching a premium defender who ends up playing?
    -----------------------------------------------------------

    Martinez(BHA)
    Chilwell(new) Cresswell(SHU) Robertson(LEI) Kilman(SOU)
    Zaha(bur) B.Fernandes(WBA) J.Rodriguez(ful)
    Watkins(BHA) Kane(MCI) Bamford(ARS)

    [Forster Podence(SOU) mitchell salah 0.4itb]

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

      No

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Does that imply it's safer to start 3-4-3 with Podence already in midfield?
        e.g.
        Martinez(BHA)
        Chilwell(new) Cresswell(shu) Robertson(LEI) Kilman(SOU)
        Zaha(bur) B.Fernandes(WBA) J.Rodriguez(ful) Podence(SOU)
        Watkins(BHA) Kane(MCI) Bamford(ARS)

        [Forster Robertson(LEI) mitchell salah 0.4itb]

        - my initial thoughts were if starting with four at the back that it won't breach the rules if a midfielder autosubs the first missing defender (but not the second)

        1. Sheffield Wednesday
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          * sorry let's try that 3-4-3 again
          Martinez(BHA)
          Chilwell(new) Cresswell(shu) Kilman(SOU)
          Zaha(bur) B.Fernandes(WBA) J.Rodriguez(ful) Podence(SOU)
          Watkins(BHA) Kane(MCI) Bamford(ARS)

          [Forster Robertson(LEI) mitchell salah 0.4itb]

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

            Yes I would run that team. Hopefully Chilwell pulls through and you have a full starting XI.

            1. Sheffield Wednesday
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Rumours are Robertson may be ok - hopefully he gets a rest from the next Scotland match.

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

      No, every week you must field a minimum of 3 defenders. Midfielders cannot be subbed in instead of a 3rd defender.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It seems strange that if I name four defenders, and only two play, that a midfielder can't replace the fourth defender.
        Thanks for your help. Looks like I'll have to go 3-4-3.

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

          If you play 4 at the back, and two of your defenders don't play, then a midfielder will replace one of the defenders. The other one will stay in your XI

          1. Sheffield Wednesday
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            thanks

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

          it’s the rules intended to balance the team ...

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

          Think the question may have been misunderstood - if you play 4 defenders and one does not play, then your first sub will come on, regardless of what position he plays

          1. Sheffield Wednesday
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Yes, I should also have explicitly stated that I was starting with four at the back - which is the formation of the team shown in the OP. Thanks.

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

          Not too strange. Otherwise I could buy the 3 cheapest defs who never play, knowing I'd be able to play 5 mids and 3 forws every game (and get away with 253 every week, which wouldn't be fair).

          1. Sheffield Wednesday
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            No; you have misunderstood my question. I'm not looking to play 2-5-3.
            If I start with 4-3-3, but only two defenders play (out of the five total) then my first sub (in this case Podence) should autosub the fourth defender. I accept that the third defender won't be substituted.

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

              Ah I see. In that case, as others have said, a mid would replace a def by autosub, if two don't play.

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

      If you start 4 defenders, then a midfielder can sub on for one of them. If both Chilwell and Robertson (and Mitchell) miss out then you would wind up with a 10-man line-up of

      Martinez
      Cresswell Kilman
      Zaha Fernandes Rodriguez Podence
      Watkins Kane Bamford

      If you start the 3-4-3 below and the same players miss out, you would wind up with the same 10 players.

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

    Aguero have a chance of playing vs Spurs (source: goal.com)

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

    Worth dong Salah to Bruno on free pre Salah price drop tonight or keep Salah?

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

      Sell

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

      Just sold him myself ... and hope Bruno gets through the week unscathed

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

      There’s an outside chance Salah might be back in liverpool on Thursday and could play v Leicester

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

          Weird that the article doesn’t explain why

  4. AD105
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts on this one chaps?

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell Cresswell
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha
    Kane DCL Bamford

    1.6 ITB, 1 FT

    I’m thinking Son + Salah > Bruno + KDB this week, or would you prioritise any other moves?

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

      Don't like Uniteds fixtures. I would do Salah to KDB now. Then Son to Sterling the following week for a double up. My main worry right now is if I should do Kane to Werner (C) or wait and do Kane to Vardy (C) next alongside Son to Sterling for a hit

      1. AD105
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Think City and Vardy can wait a week given the fixtures, might do Salah to Bruno this week then Son/Kane to KDB/Vardy the following week

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

      just Salah to Bruno this week for the great Utd fixture

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Same

  5. Yippeekiyay Mertersacker
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    First I would like to stress that I am not trying to be clever nor catch anyone out with this post.

    But I'm curious - there are a few prominent posters on here who often point out that there's too much 'group think' amongst active managers; constantly picking the same players from a small pool and perhaps lacking in sufficient imagination to take the initiative with their teams.

    I think it's fair to say that the 'group think' options so far have largely been a bust this season with many of us still on 7-digit ranks despite several weeks of toil.

    So my question is: presumably those of you on here who rail against such thinking are doing much better (and I'm not talking about maverick managers, I'm talking about those who genuinely look at the same old players being discussed, roll their eyes and think 'Emperor's New Clothes')?

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

      I'm doing well this year, 14k, but I wouldn't consider myself a maverick in terms of the players I choose, but rather the decisions I make. The start of the season everyone was so caught up in taking hits and taking out players after blanking for one week, but I'm a firm believer in sticking with a player for at least 3 or 4 gameweeks before I get rid.

      Sticking with Son after his blank in GW1 was good, as well as keeping him through his "injury". Not hitting the WC button and keeping Southampton defence proved good. It's small things but I think people, especially at the start of this hectic, unprecedented season, were too keen to take hits when really no-one knew what was happening. If you have no concrete info, do nothing.

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

        Wise words.i would certainly be better off if I hadn't have rushed to WC in GW3. I also made the mistake of tripling Chelsea, city and wolves despite the fact that all 3 hadn't really got going. Patience is a virtue.

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

      I'm in top 130k ish. Mainly because I had DCL since gw1 and got on the Son and Kane wagon early.

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

      Most top players around the world are also struggling and the "group think" on here ultimately come good at the end of the season. I am confident In a few weeks most of the posters on here will start climbing the ranks.

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

        Yeah, I don't really think the players with good histories will stay at 7-figure ranks for the whole season. I want to aim high and so I try to emulate the style of the absolute top players, which often go against the template. These are things like ignoring ownership, saving the first wildcard until later and playing it in a more differential fashion (like Magnus Carlsen last year), and avoiding actions based on fear or loss aversion as much as possible.

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

      Woohoo, Mahrez in!

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Are you leaving the Templates?

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

          Never! Just holding auditions.

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

      Since my profile says "Resisting groupthink", I am probably one that you're alluding to.

      I'm still at about 2m OR. I've done very poorly on captain choices, which was an area of strength for me last season. My relatively non-template GW1 team avoided certain mistakes (e.g. Werner), but that didn't guarantee that I wouldn't make different mistakes (e.g. Doherty, Egan). A lot of the GW1 template teams' mistakes were corrected with GW5 wildcards, which managed to avoid many of the failures of GW3 and GW4 wildcards. I had hoped to hold onto my WC until GW16, but with the need to respond to constant injuries, I haven't been able to repair certain parts of my team, so I'm playing it now.

      I have said here that I expect the template to improve over time as it gets refined by a form of "natural selection". As the season goes on, I don't expect the groupthink to be as far off base, and my team may become more template as a result. I do believe that the first few gameweeks of the season should be a golden opportunity to capitalise on the mistakes of the template team, so I do plan to try and do a better job of seizing that opportunity next season. Clearly some managers like BenDavies here have done really well at that, and hats off to them!

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

        Please let me know when you have a template team and you will be added to the honours list.

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

    Hi Guyso which option is best ? Have 2 free transfers.

    A) Foden > Ziyech + Saiss > Coufal
    B) Salah > Bruno + Foden > Jota

    Martinez (Steer)
    Chilwell, Robbo, Lamptey (Saiss, Mitchell)
    Podence, Salah, Son, Grealish (Foden)
    Bamford, DCL, Kane....

    1. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would sell salah before drop 12+ on bench for who knows how long is not good

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

      Just Salah to Bruno ...

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

    Why you guys selling salah now.. because you have to buy him again after that gw ???

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

      It's not mandatory to buy him back

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

        Okay my mids are:

        Sterling salah soucek son bruno

        What to do ?

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

          No need to sell IMO

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

    Has there been any update on Rashford's injury, apart from him being sent home from the England squad we don't seem to have had any news

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

    I'm getting that urge to drop salah for a few weeks again but he always punishes me when I do. Any news on when he'll return?

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

      Nothing you haven't already read.

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

      Control your urges please.

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

      Urges overcame me; Salah out, Ozil in!!!! Let’s gooooo!

  10. OneArseneWenger32
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    isnt salah price locked since he's "red"

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

      Red doesn't mean price lock and technically it's orange as he has 25% chance to play

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

      No

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

    First time logging in to my team in a while, not a pretty sight with Sterling, Rashford, Salah, Chilwell and super-sub Brewster all doubts. Guessing there's a few in a similar boat?

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

      Yep, it's called the Titanic.

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

    He said don’t go without a premium forward, but shut down Vardy as an option... there a no other premium forwards left lol

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

      But he didn't say that though?

      "With regards to your second question and whether it’s a mistake to forsake a premium forward, my answer is definitely not."

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

        Whoops... Too much fish and chips for me, I think I’m seeing things now

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

          😀

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

    Tough one:
    A) mcCarthy and Zouma
    Or
    B) Mendy and Vestergaard

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

      B if have Martinez

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

        Huh!? No, going for Mings.

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

          With Vestergaard you won't need McCarthy in goal.

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

            The other keeper is fodder in both options...

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

      Probably A, McCarthy should be able to get a good number of save points and bonus points to close the gap with Mendy.

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

        Cheers

  14. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah > Mane/KDB tempting...

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

      Done it for KDB. Getting KDB anyway in GW10 and Salah could drop by at least 0.2 by the time he plays next.

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No balls,need to him to drop to 12.2m to get him back.

        Think he will stay at 12.3m

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

          I think possibly drop to 12.3 tonight and then 12.2 on Saturday.

          1. FFSbet.com
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Love hits but will keep him now,dont want to gamble to go without.
            Hope he plays vs Bri

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

    Best budget forward in this situation?

    A. Watkins (double up with Grealish)
    B. Bamford
    C. Other?

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

      A has the fixtures but I like Leeds attacking style which will always provide Bamford with chances, so B for me. One or two bad weeks and Watkins quickly become Shitkins.

  16. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Risers: None

    Fallers: Salah (12.3) Fleck (5.6) Schlupp (5.4) Tuanzebe (4.4)

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

      Thanks my man.

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

      Salahhhhh

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

      Ooof Salah just over the threshold

      Thought he’d hover for days.

      Second drop might linger on

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

      Nice, Salah drop. Looking forward to another before Brighton.

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

      Hate this. Missed the Fernandes price rise and now the Salah drop, but have to wait till pressers as I have 6 flagged players and I need to find out if any have a chance of playing or are definitely out

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Decided not to worry about Fernandes as was likely to get rid after WBA, and with the schedule the players are on, how would we predict how much he'd have to give at the weekend anyway?Could easily imagine scenario where they score early doors and he comes off after an hour. Salah drops more worrying!

    6. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      damn i lost 0.1 on salah

  17. The Alli Way
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robertson Zouma Lamptey (Dunne (Mitchell))
    Salah Bruno Son Bowen (Bissouma)
    Kane DCL Watkins

    What do you think of this plan? Already on a -4 so this would be for a -8.. think the plan helps balance out my team in the long run whilst taking advantage of KDB two home games (C)

    GW9: Salah > Ziyech
    GW10: Son > KDB
    GW11: Robertson > 4.5
    GW12: Bruno or KDB > Salah
    GW13: Upgrade Bowen

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

      What trade will you be doing in GW25? Just curious.

      1. The Alli Way
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        KDB > Salah (C)

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

          Cheers, can't argue with that.

    2. theoldgit
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I fell into the Martinez,Steer,Watkins trap.
      Means no room for Grealish.

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

    Is Grealish captainable this week? Struggling for captain options and thinking to do salah -> Grealish and give him the armband.

    Could also do salah -> Bruno or salah and son -> Grealish and Bruno (-4) but not convinced by United's long term fixtures and it will limit my options to get KDB next week

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

      Very much so

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

        Thank you sir

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

      I'm contemplating Grealish or Ziyech for Cap this week.

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

    Would you do Son -> Fernandes for a -4 this GW?
    Thinking of doing it for the captaincy.

    Grealish + DCL the other capt options. The thing is I may end up going for KDB soon from Fernandes so not even sure it is worth the hit.

    Team.
    McCarthy.
    Justin, Ayling, Cancelo, Chilwell.
    Barkley, Grealish, Son.
    DCL, Jimenez, Kane.
    Button, Mitchell, Salah, Bissouma.
    0ft, 1.8m ITB. WC in hand- may use soon.

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

      No for me. Cap DCL against excreble Fulham.

  20. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you opt for as GK on WC? Like the look of a chelsea double up

    1) McCarthy
    2) Martinez
    3) Mendy

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

      Martinez for fixtures.

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2, 1, 3 my current preference, although I have McCarthy myself (considering you have 1 Chelsea defender already).

      Chelsea's fixtures aren't that appealing for a double-up. I think attack potential is more attractive in Chelsea defenders than CS alone.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        They are making it a habit of clean sheets since losing Kepa and their xGc is best in the league during that period. They can clean in Europe, they can easily clean in the league. Between Mendy and Martinez, but I like the differential..

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

      2 perma keeper

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        May lose his position to Heaton?

        1. ppv
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          No way Martinez loses place bar injuries

    4. Vlekz
        3 years, 4 months ago

        4) leno

      • FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        mendy

      • RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        All decent options mate. Problem with Mendy is what happens if you want double attack. Imagine you have Ziyech and you might want Werner or Pulisic. Chilwell is also a must. For that reason I could go either 1 or 2. Probably 1 for value

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

      Guaita Steer
      Chilwell Targett Coufal Justin Mitchel
      Salah Son Zaha Grealish Reed
      Kane Werner Dcl

      1m itb 1ft

      Do i need to drop Salah here? Son?

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

        I'm keeping both for now.

      2. Maeki2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        12m on bench, i would drop. A player can play with minor injury but not with minor covid. Never know when he will be back

    6. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who would you captain out of the these?

      A) DCL
      B) Grealish
      C) Werner
      D) Zaha
      E) Kane

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

        DCL for the hatrick against Halfham.

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

        Timo>Dcl>Grealish

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

      McCarthy
      Mings Zouma Cancelo
      Grealish Bruno Ziyech KDB
      Vardy DCL Watkins

      Steele Coufal Lewis Bissouma

      0.1itb, WC active

      Any glaring mistakes? Bamford over Watkins maybe?

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

        Prefer Bamford myself but could go either way. Perhaps $4.5m Targett over Mings the Merciless? The money saved will get you from KDB to Salah, if required.

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

          Good ideas, cheers.

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

        Consider Forster?

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

        I'd try keep enough money ITB for a Bruno to Salah direct swap

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

          Could go Targett over Mings.. Would give me enough for KDB to Salah in the future.

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

      Did Salah > Bruno (C) before the deadline.

      I really didn't want to get rid and was willing to hold him but I have Mitchell, Stephens, Chilwell, Robertson + Wilson all as potential injury doubts so there's a good chance I'm going to have less than 11 playing this week.

      1. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Same. Sold before Bruno rise as I’ve exact funds for son to KdB next week

        Hard to rid but could be ok

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

        Chilwell, Robbo and Salah here, happy to wait for further info. Can ride out a drop or two with Salah, he's good for it.

    9. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      wow so if salah test negative on thursday, he can play against lei?

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

        Where did you hear this?

        1. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          everywhere?

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

      would you do a -4 to get out TAA?

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

        Absolutely not

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

        If he is not fit, yes

      3. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I would

        1. Sheffield Wednesday
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Not now, but I did earlier, in part because the player I wanted was rising in price and TAA price was about to fall in addition to him being injured.

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Yes, depends on the replacement very much, and potential price swing

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

      Risers: None

      Fallers:
      Schlupp (£5.4M)
      Tuanzebe (£4.4M)
      Salah (£12.3M)
      Fleck (£5.6M)

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers Vazza

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

        Thanks

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

      Play Cancelo or Lamptey?

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

        Why would you have Cancelo and not play him?

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

          Haha good question
          He'll be playing every single week after this 😛
          Because Lamptey and Coufal rotate well but this week they both have decent games while Cancelo has a tricky one.

          Actually thinking about it, I could have played both and kept Salah on my WC...
          But already lost 0.1 on him now

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

        Lamptey

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

          Look up

      3. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        C

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

        I would play Cancelo despite the difficult fixture.

        Are you still satisfied to have wildcarded?

    13. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hey ya DZ.

      No price changes today?

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

        Scroll up

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers man. Usually just look at hot topics.

          Salah finally.

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

        No change for Bogle.

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

      A lot has been asked about whether people are keeping Kane or Son but when the fixtures turn good again will you look to bring in Kane or Son? Or both? I know a lot can change by then but who do people think as a better pick long term taking prices into account?

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

        Going without. Time to catch that top10k rank.

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

          I'm also going without now on WC, but I'm asking when fixtures become good again, maybe they become differentials themselves by then?

      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Kane is a better pick.on PK, nailed for 90, bonus friendly and now has assists in his locker. That's why I started the season with Kane and not Son, thinking Alli could cover his points lol.

        One might say Son gets a point more with a goal, CS point and probably more explosive. I still think Kane edges it, being the talisman for the team and all.

        Having said that, I plan to keep them for as long as possible. Hopefully no serious injury, no stupid RC or severe loss of form.

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

        Yep, will bring them back.

        Obviously depends on how likes of Salah and Kevin are performing.

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

        It will be GW16 before the fixtures turn and by then we will need to be planning for dgws.
        You need some decent single week players for dgws and these 2 could definitely fit the bill.

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

        Kane currently but I feel Bale may change things so it’s a wait and see