Pro Pundits

A strong bench and going for broke: the ways FPL bosses can tackle a busy December

In his latest column, three-time top 5k finisher Az looks at the strategies to consider as we get ready for seven Gameweek deadlines in the space of a month.


I’m writing this on December 1 and having just received the news that the Aston Villa v Newcastle game, originally set to be played on Friday, has been called off.

In a way, it’s remarkable that, given the situation that’s happening across the globe, this is the first Premier League game to be postponed this season. Hopefully, it will be the last.

With many people holding two to three assets from Aston Villa and/or Newcastle, this comes at a bad time for our squads, especially as the focus for many is on juggling around their heavy hitters. 

For a lot of managers, there simply isn’t the wiggle room to consider shifting the likes of Jack Grealish (£7.7m), Emiliano Martinez (£4.8m), Ollie Watkins (£6.1m) and Callum Wilson (£6.5m) for one week only. All of these players have decent fixtures and are doing enough to justify their selections in our teams. It’s a shame to have to be putting out fires when we are trying to maximise the points potential.

As we look for ways to give our FPL squads the best possible chance of returns during an unpredictable month, one way of playing is to turn relatively defensive. This means ensuring that our teams are strong and healthy and that we can dip into our benches if and when needed. 

Alternatively, people might be looking to go for the jugular. This means trying to juggle heavy hitters and squeeze out as many points as possible during this busy period. While this poses a considerable risk, it of course may lead to huge returns if you can nail it.

Time to strengthen the bench?

Hunt for £4.0m FPL defender takes a turn as Ferguson ruled out through injury

The news of the postponement at Villa Park does serve as a bit of a wake-up call that a bench of players who at least play regularly for their teams seems a pretty good idea going into the festive schedule. With Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) now seemingly doomed to watch on from the sidelines, many of us are down to just two players on our FPL benches. 

The continued threat of coronavirus, as well as a packed winter schedule, means this may need to be addressed. Many of us are carrying players who seem likely to be at least in some way rotated over Christmas. For example, any of the Manchester City assets, Reece James (£5.1m), Timo Werner (£9.5m) and maybe even now Liverpool midfielders, with Diogo Jota’s (£6.8m) emergence, all look a little vulnerable. Now might be a good time to make sure you are prepared for any omissions.

Upgrading Mitchell to a £4.5m defender may seem a bit boring, but it might put you in good stead in the weeks to come. Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) looks the standout option at this price point for me. Five goal attempts over the last four Gameweeks puts him up with the likes of Reece James (£5.1m) and Ben Chilwell (£6.2m) and Leeds have a great run of fixtures to come, with only Manchester United looking like a potential banana skin right up until January 2.

Luke Ayling (£4.5m) is also a consideration, with the right-back boasting nearly double the number of penalty area touches (13) compared to Dallas over this time. However, despite promising stats, he has yet to register an attacking return this season, whereas Dallas already has a goal and an assist.

If one of the Leeds defenders doesn’t float your boat – or you already own one – then the other options to turn to are Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) or Vladmir Coufal (£4.6m). I really like how West Ham are currently set up under David Moyes, who is doing a fantastic job when many (including myself!) had written them off. 

Both Coufal and Masuaku have just 2.3% ownership at the time of writing, and once Manchester United are out the way this week, have a great run of fixtures right up until the end of January, with only Chelsea in Gameweek 14 looking like a good time to bench whichever defender you bring in.

Going for broke

The less conservative strategy at this stage is to accept whatever state our “fringe” players are in and really try and hammer the assets who have the biggest upside.

Mohamed Salah (£12.2m), Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£10.8m) all delivered in Gameweek 10. Many view these three as the “holy trinity” – players we should get in our squads no matter what.

However, is this perhaps doing a disservice to the likes of Harry Kane (£10.9m), Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Jamie Vardy (£10.2m), who have all had stellar starts to the season? For many, these are the sacrificial lambs as people look to pastures new.

I feel that a case can be made for any combination of the above, which really reflects how exciting this season is, with so many players being worthy of our consideration. However, out of all the options, I really do feel that Fernandes has done enough to make him immune from any form of “hokey-cokey”. If you don’t have him, he’d be the one that I’d look to get in before he’s out of reach.

While the likes of Jota and even Riyad Mahrez (£8.3m) may be good value for their price – and this is how you should look at them, not as “coverage” for their more prestigious team-mates – I worry that the bubble could burst at any minute and we could be left with egg on our face. 

Salah and co look set to continue to deliver points all season. The trick is going to be knowing when these hauls are likely and when to get on them.

I brought in Vardy this week and a poor Leicester performance is making me consider whether he can really keep pace with the other players in his price bracket. An away game at Sheffield United, who have made the worst start to a Premier League season from any team in history, looks a good match-up for the Sheffield Wednesday fan so I’m not panicking just yet.

But, depending on whether you think Brighton is a tough game, Vardy’s fixtures are a lot less rosy thereafter and so the short-term pick of the Englishman may prove to be a costly one. He looks set to depart my team after being given little time to truly impress.

With no Salah or De Bruyne in my squad, and both with Fulham on the horizon, I am getting jittery. I think Son and Kane who will simply struggle to match De Bruyne and Salah over the next five Gameweeks, until Spurs themselves play Fulham in Gameweek 16. But moving these players out will require a hit, so timing feels like everything. For those that made the move before the Chelsea stalemate, well played. I think this was the time to do it. 

With games against Arsenal and Crystal Palace next, it feels risky shifting out the Spurs assets, so if you think they can continue to deliver points, then holding might be a sensible strategy. That said, can you really afford to ignore the upside of both De Bruyne and then Salah against Fulham? 

It’s hard to argue with a move for De Bruyne this week, which may be even better if paired with plans for another switch to Salah for the Gameweek after. Jiggery-pokery at its finest. 

My decision

The best Man City players for appealing fixtures after 5-0 win over Burnley

I’m toying with the idea of acquiring Mahrez for the Fulham game, which would mean ignoring De Bruyne entirely and looking for a way to bring in Salah for Gameweek 12. 

Getting a City player in feels a priority this week and a rest for the Algerian in the Champions League and some very, very promising comments from Guardiola about how “players who score will start” certainly bodes well for his chances of a start against the Cottagers.

This means I could hold on to both Son and Vardy this weekend and potentially move them both on next week to get Salah and Bamford, who have Fulham and West Ham respectively in Gameweek 12. Alternatively, I could lose Son this week and keep Hakim Ziyech (£8.3m) for his home match against Leeds.

Salah is the player who I’m coveting for the long term. Simply put, not owning him in my squad just feels… wrong. Okay there is the increased chance of rotation now that Jota is doing such a good job, but put simply, the Egyptian has proven over the last few seasons that he is the player most likely to register huge returns and if I’m ever torn between who to captain, he’s my go-to. 

As a captaincy option, while I’m happy with Fernandes if I need to, games against Fulham, Palace, West Brom and Newcastle in quick succession provide a perfect platform for the Liverpool double-up of Salah and Jota. City’s fixtures do also remain excellent, but there is the higher chance of rotation, a slight risk of De Bruyne dropping deeper to control the midfield in “tougher” games and from what I’ve seen from Man City, the high likelihood of a spread of points across their very capable forward line. 

Turning my back on last season’s top FPL performer doesn’t feel great and I know what he’s capable of. But you can’t have them all and this feels like something we are all going to have to put up with this season. Hopefully, we’re about to see the Mahrez of old who is more than capable of scoring 200+ points this season if he plays a decent number of minutes – although I also appreciate that he’s someone that can cause misery for those who take the punt on him. We’ll see what happens.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck for the following weeks. It’s going to be a wild ride.

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,832 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Twisted Melon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Kilman still a reliable bench option or has he lost his place?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      We can rely on the fact that he can be benched (by Nuno).

    2. FPLHaggis
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hard to say. We can only assume he's 3rd cb in the pecking order, so still in the starting XI in a 343.

  2. Damsko
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have 2 free transfers (1.0 ITB) and was considering Ziyech to KDB and Kane to Adams, but now I am not so sure. Ziyech will play against Leeds and I expect it to be the perfect game for him.

    Alternative is Bruno to KDB and save one transfer. However the thought of not owning Bruno scares me.

    Perhaps making changes in defence instead? I have no clue what to do, kind of want to leave it as it is : /

    McCarthy

    Coufal Dallas Chillwell

    Salah Bruno Ziyech Grealish

    DCL Kane Bamford

    Bench: Steer, Kilman, Taylor, Soucek

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Stick, if you think this week will suit Ziyech give him that, see how he does and decide next week if you want to make the move

      1. Damsko
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers, think I’m leaning more towards that too. Plus I can still carry one free transfer over and make two changes next gameweek.

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think u need kdb...so bringing for ziyech or even grealish is what I'm thinking

      1. Damsko
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks, I hear you. KDB against Fulham is one hard to ignore. Will have to sit on it some more.

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think you need to go with your gut. You dont want to lose bruno then dont lose him.

      I dont have kdb. I find owning city a lottery anyway. Any one of them could haul and anyone of them could fail.

      Bruno appears more valuable as he is almost always amongst the goals. Your team looks decent for this week.

      1. Damsko
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I appreciate the feedback! I think going with your gut is always the best thing and City is indeed a lottery. I actually ditched Sterling in GW6 and have been without a City player since. I have been rising the ranks every week, so still competitive with the other teams in my league. I am actually first in two of my work league’s. Thanks!

  3. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Gutted to lose grealish but no choice so going to use the opportunity to get rid of deadwood . Best replacement midfielder

    A: Jota...allows me to upgrade Burke >> Soucek
    B: Bowen ..same as above (Burke > Soucek) but allows me to move KDB > Salah in gw12
    C: Barnes/Maddison...allows me to upgrade Mitchell >> Dallas

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Short sighted to lose Grealish - it's only one game and AV have great fixtures coming up

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Agree with this, if you really want to do it and spread the money around Jota is the only one that appeals but if you want Grealish back in in a week you're stuck then

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

    Suddenly Giroud sounds great for DCL which would allow me to go for Salah if he is back in form.

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

      DCL replacement*

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He is not nailed. For me, if not in isolation for next week, the best DCL replacement is Wilson. Nice fixtures too.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Supposing no another cancellation also.

    3. Plant Based FPLer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      When Pulisic is fit, the front three is Pulisic, Werner, and Ziyech. When Pulisic is out, it's Werner, Abraham and Ziyech. Giroud just plays the oddball game here and there on the tail end of his career.

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

      champions league specialist

  5. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Great news about Ricardo Pereira

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Justin could be out you mean?

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Ricardo and Soyuncu back so very possible (Justin might have played in one of the CB positions if Soyuncu took longer which was expected), I'm definitely going for Pereira after this week

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

        Im expecting Fuchs to not play now. Justin will probably still start unless they go back to back 4. Then he's out

  6. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Watkins > Che Adams a no brainer?

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

      Could work.

    2. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah. Che has two good next fixtures.

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

        3

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't say no brainer.

  7. stevehaigh84
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have Wilson, Grealish and Watson and Mitchell is my third sub. Do I stick and hope the fixtures are rearranged for this game week? Or do I twist and transfer Wilson out and bring him back in next week? Also Cancelo for Diaz due to security of starts?

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cancelo to Dias isn't worhh a hit. Pep could rest Dias for Al we know

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You might see Cancelo start and Dias benched. Well, Mendy is the one to get now if someone.

  8. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez**
    Robbo * Chilwell Bellerin Ayling
    Salah Bruno Jota Reed
    Kane* DCL
    Steer ** Grealish ** Wilson ** Dunne

    1ft 0itb
    My original plan was Mo to KDB(c) hokey cokey but with the state of the rest this week I don't know what to do

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

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robbo Zouma Dias (Dunne (Mitchell))
    Bruno Son Ziyech Bowen
    Kane DCL Watkins

    A) Son > KDB & Martinez > McCarthy
    B) Bowen > KDB & Robbo > Taylor (BUR)

    Options B would leave me with 10, no starting keeper

  10. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Giroud is so much better then Abraham.

    Should defo start this weekend, bet Werner thrives with his layoffs.

    Any news on Villa DGW!

  11. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I own Grealish. Is he really worth the 0.8m more than Jota?

    Could rather boast my defence with that.

    Thanks.

    1. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      * really

    2. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, but only because Grealish is a guaranteed starter.

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I've both.

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

      Doubt it. Jota is not the talisman, but plays for better team, so long term he looks "e"ssential. Maybe.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Bruno, Salah, KdB, Jota, Graelish

        ^is probably one sort of template target. Power 3 + 2 value players atm.

        1. OLLY G
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Got:

          Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Grealish

          Bamford, DCL, Wilson

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

          The ultimate front 7 is
          Bruno KDB Salah Son Grealish
          Ings Bamford

        3. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Leave Son out at your peril.

    5. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish brings you peace of mind. He will always start. I think Jota is a bit over talked here. I have him but i am concerned about his gametime this week and that will be the same going forward. I rage transfered him in last week for zaha. If zaha is fit he is a more stable option also. I will eventually move him on for a sure starter but i have other probs at the minute not least 3 villa...

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Grealish could take over penalties too

  12. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    0.2 in the bank 2 free transfers. What would you recommend?

    Martinez* (button)
    Chilwell Cancelo Cresswell (Ayling Mitchell)
    Kdb(c) Bruno Jota Ziyech Grealish*
    Vardy Calvert (Brewsterr)

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cancelo and Mitchell out?

    2. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Tough. Maybe just Martinez out for McCarthy and have 2 FT next week?

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Mitchell to Neco W? Ayling has bad fixture.

      2. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That team looks good for "next" week, so I wouldn't worry about it too much, Grealish is back then.

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Evening all.....I have exact cash for cancelo and burke to dallas and jota - 4 and plan to do it now before jota rise.

    Gives me 10 outfield players this week. Current team below. Sounds like an OK plan? Thanks

    (Martinez)
    Chilwell james cancelo lamptey (Mitchell)
    Kdb Bruno ziyech burke (grealish)
    Vardy dcl (watkins)

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sound moves

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not a good move. Will create benching headache later. Cancelo might play. Or bringing in Dallas for -4 i can easily see as not paying off.

      I would just do burke to a sub 4.5 playing mid.

      1. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes Cancelo might play but he probably won't and he doesn't have the luxury to take the risk with no bench players available.

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

    Looking at one week punt replacements for Wilson.

    Haven't seen Tammy Abraham mentioned. Is there really any risk from any of the players who played tonight?

    1. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Giroud scored 4 goals

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        he doesn't play in the league

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

      Cheche

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

      4 goals from Giroud tonight?

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Like 3 from Rashford some weeks ago... Giroud looked like the opposite of his unlucky brother that we have usually seen.

  15. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Cancelo, KWP, Kilman
    KDB, Bruno, Ziyech, Soucek
    DCL, Vardy
    (Forster; Grealish*, Watkins*, Targett*)

    2FTs, 0.0itb - Kind of at a loss with 3 Villa and two question marks in Cancelo and Kilman. Open to suggestions.
    1) Watkins, Targett > Bamford, Webster
    2) Watkins, Cancelo > Antonio, Lamptey
    3) Watkins, Targett, Cancelo > Welbeck, Lamptey, Reece James (-4)

  16. Twisted Melon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Walker or Antonio

  17. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Those with Martinez & Steer, what’s your plan? Replace Steer with a playing keeper i.e McCarthy? Replace Martinez? Or just play this week without one... Already done my transfer this week so would require a hit

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

      I getting meslier

      1. chelseabrad
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        For who?

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

          Martinez

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Getting McCarthy most likely.

      1. chelseabrad
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        For who?

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Martinez

    3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Was going to get Meslier but I have Ayling and would want to play him most of the games I would with Martinez so will go for McCarthy I think

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

      I have Darlow & Martinez (don't ask!). Going Darlow >> McCarthy downgrade for a hit + cash.

    5. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      likely play without keeper, low ceiling whoever I bring in
      other issues and would ideally like 2FT next week

  18. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What a giroud masterclass. Pulisic back as well. Werner minutes in danger?

    1. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Pulisic still doesnt look match fit so safe for now I’d say

  19. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bruno rest likely with important CL game midweek and City on weekend?

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

      He never rests

    2. Chrisitis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Reminds me of last christmas when son and auba played every single game.

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

        Except when I brought son in and he got sent off

  20. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Surely Bruno is due a rest? They have a must win game against Leipzig next Tuesday then City on the weekend

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

      Maybe. Who knows. A rest once in a blue moon to anyone who has owned his for any period in time is pretty much nothing given what he's doing. Barely even remember I own the guy he is such a perfect asset

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

      Hahaha Ole never rests his players

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

      Also its a must not lose game. They can still draw.

    4. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      They were resting most of last week game against sou and they did the same tonight. They rest while playing. Bruno seems safe. More important maybe to go for three points this weekend than save them for city.

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

        Yeah, Utd don't have the luxury of prioritising a run in the CL. They have to finish top 4 first.

    5. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why would United rest their best player for a Premier League game?

  21. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who scores more in next 2 gws:
    1. Kdb & adams
    2. Mahrez & Jesus

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

      I have 1 so i say 1

      1. FantasyHero
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Factoring in captaincy, definitely 1. I wouldn’t captain either Jesus or Mahrez but would definitely captain KDB.

      1. FantasyHero
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

  22. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Welbeck or Adams?

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

      Surely only welbeck if you need the extra funds...

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

      Dear god no not welbeck

    3. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Adams all day.

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

      I’m leaning Welbeck, will eventually be the 9th attacker and has good fixtures and has form.
      Ings return makes me think no on Adams now.
      I’m likely moving Mitro to Welbeck this week to ensure 10 outfielders (grealish, asm, targett on bench).
      Other option is ASM to a 6.0 mid but not seeing upside there.

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

        Why is it no on Adams? Ings returning is good for Adams. He won't be partnered with Walcott anymore

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Just a vibe. Theo looking good too, maybe they rotate a little?
          I like the punt on Welbeck. Seems more fun would have both over Bamford even though he seems the most popular.

          Also I will WC in wk16 so it’s a short term move. Oh also $ difference.

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

            Nono. Walcott was playing on wings before this. Ings and Adams are first choice. Walcotts finishing ability isn't good enough for him to continue playing there

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

            Welbeck is a giant trap. Trust me. I've seen him play many times

            1. RogDog_jimmy
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Ha. Appreciate the advice! Not doing anything till Friday so who knows

  23. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane + Wilson + Stephen’s —> Davis + Bamford + KDB (c) (and play a 3-5-2) worth -8? Imo sets the team up well for the coming weeks.

    Next week can downgrade Ziyech or DCL to free up some funds to upgrade defence/bench

    Rest of team:
    Martinez
    Chillwell / KWP / Dias
    Salah / Fernandes / Ziyech / Grealish
    Kane* / DCL / Wilson*

    Button, Kilman, Michell, Stephens

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

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robbo Zouma Dias (Dunne (Mitchell))
    Bruno Son Ziyech Bowen
    Kane DCL Watkins

    A) Son > KDB & Martinez > McCarthy
    B) Bowen > KDB & Robbo > Taylor (BUR)

    Option B would leave me with 10, no starting keeper

    1. Szczajuszka
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B)
      Son's got Ars/Cry next and Bowen has Mun/Lee - fancy more from Son.
      Wouldn't upgrade a 2nd keeper.

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      if you're desperate for playing keeper then A is far superior option

  25. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo owners what's the plan?

    A Hold
    B Sell and to who?

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I might hold because I need Mitro gone. If I didn't have that problem I would use my FT on Cancelo to Reece James.

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

      B. Done. To James. Will rise tonight so get him if u want at current price

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

        Already have Chilwell. Not keen on the double up.

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

          Whaaa. But why. Its new Trent and Robbo

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

            You've put that idea in my head now.

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

              🙂 it'll help youu

  26. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane to Vardy now? Probably Vardy rise in price tonight.

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

      Jeez, quite a tough one. I think I would hold personally

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What's wrong with Kane. Did I miss some news?

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

        I'm not sure either. Apparently he has a minor injury and may not play.

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

    Martinez*, Forster
    Chilwell, Dias, lamptey, kilman*, Mitchell*
    KDB, Sterling, Grealish*, Jota, Bowen,
    DCL, Kane, Brewster

    1FT, 1.8m ITB

    What to do here lads? Original plan was to save and then do kane and Bowen for salah and Watkins next week but I'm stretched a bit now with the villa game called off and no keeper.

    Should I do Forster to Johnstone for free to get a playing keeper and then take a hit for salah the following week?

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think you need to sort out mitchell sooner rather than later. I would consider a (-4) as a playing bench is needed now more than ever. At least two playing bench and the cheapest way is in defence.

      Plenty 4.5m defenders about

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

        You may be right. Food for thought, I'll wait to see if kilman comes back in for wolves first though. Cheers for the comment

  28. RealSocialDads
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Choose one move to fund KDB

    A. Vardy -> Jesus
    B. Werner -> Bamford

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

      A but depends what you will do with the cash from B

      1. RealSocialDads
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Probably do Mitchell -> Walker for free in a week or so or could do DCL -> Jesus

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

          In that case maybe B is better

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

    KDB, Bowen & Robertson

    OR

    KDB, Son & Taylor

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

      A, but B in 4 GW

  30. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Have to get one of these out to fund Jota due to price rises. Who would you prefer to ship?

    Ziyech or Rashford?

    1. RealSocialDads
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hmm would ship Rash out of those