Pro Pundits

My Digne replacement and why I’m changing formation for FPL Gameweek 10

Gameweek 9 was an amazing Gameweek for me. After taking my first hit of the season, I managed to get a total of 88 points and a Gameweek rank around the 20K mark, which was one of my top ranks in a single Gameweek ever. 

Consequently, I got a massive green arrow that propelled me to inside the top 30K in the overall rankings with the Wildcard still available.

Out of my starting eleven, four players delivered a double-digit haul and only my two Aston Villa assets blanked. Even Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) managed to get seven points without a clean sheet or a penalty save so I could not be happier with my boys.

Even though I mentioned in my last article I was planning to keep Mohamed Salah (£12.2m) in my team, ultimately, I decided to sell the Liverpool star for Bruno Fernandes (£10.8m). There was plenty of doubt if Salah would miss one or two matches due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and it coupled with the appeal of captaining Fernandes against West Brom, made me change my mind.

And so, on Friday night, I decided to pull the trigger, bringing in the Portuguese maestro and trusting him with the armband. This decision worked pretty well after Fernandes scored yet another penalty and collected three bonus points in a tougher than expected home match for Manchester United.

Nevertheless, Salah could start at Brighton after playing against Atalanta on Wednesday night and we all know how he can punish his sellers in any given week. However, after Brighton, he plays against Wolves and both these opponents are well-organised teams. 

For this reason, I will take my chances without Salah for two Gameweeks, looking to probably bing him back in Gameweek 12, when Liverpool play against Fulham (possibly by using my Wildcard in that exact Gameweek).

Additionally, I needed a defender to replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) and Lucas Digne (£6.2m) was the standout choice to me. Everton’s three immediate fixtures were excellent, his assist potential is only second to the Liverpool fullbacks and I thought he had good potential for clean sheets or attacking returns in the short term.

I was very happy to see him bombing forward even more than he usually does, playing as a left wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation against Fulham. This new system suited him perfectly and he delivered two assists in a crazy first half at Craven Cottage. Sadly, for Everton and for his fantasy owners like myself, he suffered an ankle ligament injury in training this week and will be out for the foreseeable future.

Gameweek 10 plans

How Kane, Son and De Bruyne fared in midst of FPL fixture swing

Looking at my team ahead of Gameweek 10, I am a little bit concerned about the fact that I don’t own any Manchester City players for their back-to-back home matches against Burnley and Fulham.

My initial plan was to get Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) in for Son Heung-min (£9.5m) but I find it hard to justify using a free transfer to sell such a reliable source of points, regardless of how bad Spurs’ schedule may be. 

I think Son was clearly underpriced by FPL this season, especially if we compare him with other heavy-hitters such as Raheem Sterling (£11.5m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.6m) or even De Bruyne, who costs £2.1m million more than the Tottenham superstar right now.

Another thing we know about Son is that he is one of the most clinical finishers in the world and he doesn’t need many chances to score goals, as we saw in Gameweek 9 when he scored with the only real chance he had in the whole match.

And so, given Son’s price, form and overall career numbers, I decided I am going to keep him in my team for now. This way, I can use my transfers to improve weaker links in my squad, even if it means going without De Bruyne for their match against Burnley. I will re-assess this decision ahead of Gameweek 11 and if Guardiola’s team looks better attacking-wise than they have looked lately, I might decide to get him in by then.

CHANGING FORMATION

Even though 4-3-3 has been working pretty well for me so far, I think now is the time to finally switch formation and get back to the more conventional 3-4-3. There are several factors that clearly make me think this is the correct timing for a change:

  • 1) Two of the best defenders in the game (TAA and Digne) are injured for an unknown period of time;
  • 2) Clean sheet potential for good defensive teams such as Wolves, Tottenham and Burnley doesn’t look good in the short-term given their tough schedule;
  • 3) There is, finally, a cheap midfielder who I think will be able to compete with the best defenders in the game in terms of expected points and value.

With all these factors in mind and with £4.4 million available in the bank, I decided to bring Diogo Jota (£6.7m) in for Mario Lemina (£4.5m). The most recent Liverpool acquisition seems to have settled perfectly into Jurgen Klopp’s plans and, priced at £6.7 million, I don’t think he even needs to start every match to be worth every penny.

Since joining the Reds, his expected goals and assists per 90 minutes are pretty close to what Salah and Mane have been doing for years and, even if these excellent numbers decrease over a larger sample (which I doubt they will), I think he will have no problems justifying such a cheap price tag. To me, he is the clear front-runner for the award of best value player in the game this season and if he manages to nail a spot in Liverpool’s starting eleven, I think he will be pretty much an essential pick for every fantasy manager in the world.

With my free transfer locked in and, after taking no hits in the first eight Gameweeks of the season, I am now considering taking my second hit in a row to get rid of Digne for Rúben Dias (£5.5m). 

However, I am still debating if I should play Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) and sell Digne next week for free instead. Dallas played out of position against Arsenal last weekend and he was pretty close to scoring his second goal of the season while bombing forward the whole match. Unfortunately, Leeds travels to Goodison Park and Anfield next, which means the chances of him getting clean sheets anytime soon are very slim.

Manchester City’s defence, on the other hand, looks really good this season and I think Dias could be worth four extra points over Dallas in the sum of the next two Gameweeks. In fact, bookies give Manchester City a 55% chance of getting a clean sheet this week and he also offers a decent threat from set-pieces. 

If I decide to take a hit for Dias, I will be able to field a very strong defence with the Portuguese centre-back alongside Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) and Ben Chilwell (£6.0m). This will allow me to use my free transfers in midfield and attack in the next Gameweeks, which I think is really important.

Anyway, this will definitely be a late call for me and it’s possible I decide to just get Jota this week and hope that Marcelo Bielsa plays Dallas as a box-to-box midfielder again.

CAPTAINCY

Having made the decision of going without De Bruyne this week, I have no choice but to trust Fernandes with the armband yet again. Since joining Manchester United, he delivered more points away from home than at Old Trafford and I expect Southampton to play an attacking style of football (as they always do), which hopefully will benefit Fernandes’ potential for points.

FANS ARE BACK

Other than that, I was very pleased to know that half the Premier League’s clubs will be able to welcome back fans starting in Gameweek 11. For now, only 2,000 supporters will be allowed in the stands but, after almost six months of empty stadiums, it’s definitely a nice improvement.

That being said, I don’t think this change will have any impact on my FPL decisions. I don’t think there will be a huge advantage for the 10 teams allowed to have fans in their home matches and I will only consider this factor whenever there is a really close decision between two possible transfers I might be considering for my team.

Thanks for reading and good luck this week!

1,060 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kuyt Hero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Pretty set on doing Kane to Vardy (C), now just deciding whether to do Son to KDB too for -4... Can't make up my mind!

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

      I'd just do the first one.

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

        Yep this

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

      I would hold

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

      I wouldn't lose the 2 highest scorers in the game! Especially for a hit!

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

      Same as me. Just need someone to convince me.
      Dont feel right to loose both Son and Kane.

      1. Kuyt Hero
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yea, saving seems to be the most sensible choice at the moment so leaning towards that I think for now

    5. Kuyt Hero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all! 🙂

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

      Vardy close to essential this weekend, KBD not so much. Burnley have Ben back which does solidify their back line...and city aren't looking like a threat.

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

    Mccarthy (Button)
    Zouma Holding Justin (Konsa Mitchell)
    Bruno JRod Son Grealish (Bissouma)
    DCL Werner Kane
    1FT and 1.8itb

    Werner > Vardy sound sensible as my FT? Or save?

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

    G2G?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Chilwell, Dallas, Coufal (Mitchell, Dunne)
    Salah, Son, Ziyech, Barnes (Grealish)
    Kane, DCL (c), Bamford

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

    Seriously need help for wildcatting this lot.

    McCarthy Nayland*
    Zouma Saiss* Egan Justin Mitchell*
    Fernandes Son Geralish Zaha* Stephens*
    Kane Jimenez DCL.

    1) Not much money locked in Kane (will you loose him to get Salah/KDB ? )

    2) Jimenez to Vardy ?

    3) Zouma @5.1 (will you loose him to get Cancel ?)

    4) Biggest question Salah or KDB ?

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

    Why did KDB miss Olympiacos match?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Rest

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

        Thanks. Nothing to worry about that we know of then.

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Was resting, laying on his couch, writing down his plan, plotting to destroy Burnley...

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

      Tired so rested. He’ll play tomorrow.

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

    What's the most urgent bit for a move right now ? Doing pretty decent in ML and overall but missing a lot of the "good fixture" guys?

    A. Zaha -> Grealish / Jota
    B. Son -> KDB
    C. Kane -> Vardy

    B&C will be captain as well - at the moment there is no Liverpool and City coverage. Happy to combine some to -4.

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

      Zaha has to go since "zero points out - good player in", but B and C are just "good player out - good player in".
      Im sure you can find a good captain anyway.

  7. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    week leading up to weekend goes fast, but deadline day goes slow af, what is up with that

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

    The BIG question: Will Zaha play?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Roy said he's out vs Newcastle

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Woy said no

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

    Wilson Pva or Chilwell bench?

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wilson

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

      Tough one, probably PvA.

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

    How's this looking?

    Mendy
    Chilwell, Justin, Cancelo
    KDB, Bruno, Ziyech, JRod, Grealish
    DCL, Vardy(c)

    Coufal, Targett, Brewster

    Already on -4. Should I go James to Jota for another hit ?

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

      Yh nice jrod to jota whilst he is still cheap

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

      I think you're fine, wouldn't take a hit to take Hamez out before he plays Leeds, could be a goalfest.

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

    Repost:

    Guaita
    James - Targett - Chilwell
    Sterling - Rashford - KDB - Grealish
    Bamford - Kane - Watkins

    Forster - Lamptey - Burke - Mitchell

    £0M ITB 1FT

    Was set on Kane to Vardy but now with doubts over Rashford is the better moves Kane > DCL & Rashford > Salah for a -4?

    Thanks!

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

    Is KDB Still on penalties?

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

      no one knows

  13. Thewonderfulgame
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Dallas
    B) Courfal

    ?

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

      B

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

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

      B

  14. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Kane to Vardy worth a hit? Also own son.

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

      no

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

        Cheers bud. Mind helping me out here? Which transfers look better?

        A. Kane zaha > kdb bamford
        B. Ziyech zaha > kdb soucek

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

          A every day and night of the week

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

            Done. Cheers

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      same issue here lol.

      feel i should do Kane > Vardy but still very unsure.

  15. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this guys?

    McCarthy 4m
    Chillwell Taylor Justin Targett Saiss
    KDB Fernandes Son JRod Podence
    Kane DCL Brewster

    A) Kane to Vardy (C)
    B) Saiss to a defender up to 5.8m
    C) KDB to Salah

    Got 3 playing defenders so could hold Saiss for another week if needs be

  16. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who you think score more this GW?

    A) Ayling & Rodriguez +4
    B) Dias & Bamford

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

      B for me, Dias highly likely for a clean sheet and I think Bamford will score at least one against Everton.

  17. Champione
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What's the latest on Trent? Ready for next week?

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

      Who? 🙂

  18. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Yay or Nay for -8

    Grealish, Rodriguez, Jimenez & Kane > Jota, KDB, Watkins & Vardy

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nay

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

      No way

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

      No no, its just some random fine players out and in. I would lose just Jimenez and at most 1 other, for free.

  19. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Vardy exploded this time last year in the 9-0 game. To repeat this GW?

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

      Sterling rested vs Burnley(H) in last 2 PL games. To repeat this GW?

  20. Crucipicks
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Fernandes to KDB worth a -4 hit? Got 2,7 ITB

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

      No

  21. wijohnson85
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy
    Chillwell justin coufal
    Salah bruno Soucek grealish
    Kane DCL Jiminez

    A) Jimi to Bamford
    B) Jimi and Semedo to Bamford and Dias -4pt
    C) Kane, Jimi, Reed -> Bamford, Antonio, KDB -8pth

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

      I like B

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

      Just A for me.

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

    Finally settled on this :
    Mccarthy
    Chilwell James dias
    Mane(vc) Bruno(c) grealish jota
    Kane DCL Bamford
    Button soucek ayling mitchell

    Good luck all!

  23. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son, Semedo > KDB, Coufal -4?

    Martinez
    Coufal, Kilman, Dallas
    KDB, Bruno, Ziyech, Grealish
    Kane, Vardy(C), DCL

    Dunno whether it’s worth it or not 🙁

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

      Not for me

  24. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here?
    Already did Zaha to Jota, my next move should be Kane to Vardy (C) for -4 but Digne injured in the meantime.
    So should I proceed with my plan and gamble with Mitchel starting/stealing few mins or just Digne to ManC def for -4 and which one?

    Mendy
    Chilwell Cresswell Mitchel
    Salah Bruno Jota Ziyech
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Forster Anguissa Digne** Lamotey**

    0 FT
    0.7 IDB

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Digne to Dias

  25. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Exciting one...

    A) Start Mitchell
    B) Start Brewster
    C) Barkley > Soucek for -4 and start Soucek

    On B at present

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

      B

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

    Any chance Fernandes rises before Jota?

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

      Not looking likely atm.

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nope

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

    Dias or Cancelo, who's more nailed now with Mendy back?

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You already know 😛
      Diaz more nailed but with great risk comes great reward my friend, gl

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dias

  28. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Dallas
    B) Cancelo -4

  29. Henning
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Think im done.
    Anything worth a hit?
    3.9 m in the bank

    Martinez

    Coufal Chilwell Justin

    Son Fernandes Rodriguez Grealish

    Vardy DCL Bamford

    Steer Zaha Vestergaard Lamptey

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

      Dont think so since if you remove Zaha you just have a benching headache.

  30. Azzastaan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench wilson pva chilwell or justin