Metrics

Huge backing for Salah captaincy as Wildcard template for DGW19 forms

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) was handed the armband by huge swathes of the top 10,000 Fantasy Premier League managers in Gameweek 15.

The Egyptian has accrued the largest captaincy backing in a single round at this level so far in 2020/21.

A whopping 82.8% of the top 10k chose Salah as their skipper ahead of an appealing home meeting with West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies have conceded 29 goals in 14 league matches this season, an average of 2.1 per game, while Salah has blanked just once at Anfield in 2020/21.

As a result, it is no surprise to see so many high-level managers captaining him for Gameweek 15. 

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) was the second-most popular captain among the top 10k but still only managed the support of 5.2% for his home meeting with Newcastle.

That makes for a majority of 77.5 percentage points between Salah and De Bruyne.

And those who handed the armband to the Belgian had no joy on Saturday, with the City playmaker taking only appearance and clean sheet points away from the 2-0 win over Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, we can expect the top 10k to deploy a flurry of Wildcards in Gameweek 16 considering the chip usage for the latest round.

As you can see from the bar chart above, only 1.9% of these managers assembled a new squad for Gameweek 15 – a fact perhaps influenced in some part by the proximity to Christmas Day and a desire to leave Blank Gameweek 18/Double Gameweek 19 planning to the last possible moment.

That takes the total usage for the Wildcard to 81.6% among the top 10k with just one deadline left before the first one expires.

That means almost one in five of the top 10k have less than two days left to use the first Wildcard.

As is to be expected with some of the early frontrunners at this stage of the season, a fair chunk have already eaten into their chip allowance.

Almost one in three of this leading bunch have used two or more of their chips, with 2.9% now only having a second Wildcard in their locker.

But what of the 191 managers who played their first Wildcard ahead of the Gameweek 15 deadline?

As the graphic above illustrates, many of them have Double Gameweek 19 – and a possible Bench Boost – on their minds.

Ten of the 15-man template above have two fixtures in Gameweek 19, while Son Heung-min (£9.7m) and Harry Kane (£11.0m) have very favourable matches in the shorter term.

Almost two-thirds of the Wildcarders kept hold of Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), interestingly, although what many may have deemed a favourable match-up against Sheffield United on Boxing Day may have been his last hurrah and the blank at Bramall Lane may hasten his departure from some of these teams.

De Bruyne and Chelsea defenders are the big losers in the above squad.

As for the most-owned players in the top 10k overall, there were two changes to the ‘template’ squad above from Gameweek 14.

Ben Chilwell (£6.1m) and Reece James (£5.1m), who were both flagged with injuries before blanking at the Emirates, have been replaced by Stuart Dallas (£4.7m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.3m).

Chilwell and James’ ownerships both dropped by more than half among the top 10k ahead of Gameweek 15.

Statistics taken from LiveFPL.net

1,489 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Looks decent

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Delete

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

      Top top post. And thank you 🙂

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers, always happy to contribute

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

          I would need more than one hand to count my top page fails.
          And I usually have an autocorrect per post.

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

    Not a kneejerk to Watkins doing a lumberjack impressions today he was always gone based on fixtures
    So for 16 and 17 only I need a two week punt on a forward for 6.4 or less.
    I am thinking Wood with the fixtures.
    Any better ideas?

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

      Watkins did well against Pool and Arsenal. No tough fixture for him

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

        Even in isolation as a 2 week punt you would not go Wood?

        The other point here is I will be shy on 18 players as I will not free hit, but again the 18 fixture for Villa is not great. But maybe taking an 18 player for a non 18 player ain’t wise and will be another transfer down the line.
        I am doing Grealish to Son anyway and this would be for a hit.

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wood on paper has amazing fixtures. But if you watch Burnley, it becomes clear that scoring goals isn't part of their game plan.

      Adams is probably a better alternative, as Saints do play an attacking style.

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

      Thanks food for thought.
      Do I really need to take that hit. I might just do Grealish to Son and leave Watkins.
      With no WC and I have decided not to FH so transfers are so valuable to me right now.

  3. Orion
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cmon KDB, al least make me proud and survive a price drop tonight

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He isn't near a drop tonight?

      1. TRIPOS TOPPER
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        -85 and falling faster than a pair of kecks in freshers week

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

      KDB is a hold - his medium term fixtures are too good.
      One on one today should he have dinked Darlow or gone for the far corner earlier. Tbf Darlow closed him down quickly and did well.

      1. TRIPOS TOPPER
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        haven't people been saying this for about 5 weeks?

    3. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It will be wildcarders, i don't think he'll drop.

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

        Good point.

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

    DCL to Vardy -4

    Yes or no?

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

      Yes

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes but what's the other half of sacrifice?

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

        KDB to Son

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Fine that

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

      Yeah I'm planning to do it.

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

    Chip strategy is WC16 FH18 BB19. Losing players like Grealish, DCL and to a lesser extent KDB has the potential to backfire of course, but I think I have to use the WC to target the DGW.

    I have poor TV so can't pull together as flash a team as most.

    0ITB

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Zouma TAA Taylor Dallas Balbuena
    Salah Bruno Son Raphinha (trap?) Soucek
    Adams Vardy Bamford

    Any obvious changes I'm missing?

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

      I've got Zouma and have made 0.3 on him but I'm thinking about switching him to Reece James. I know James hasn't don't great recently but the game today showed me why I need to have a full back and not a centre back.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        But Zouma also had two very good chances from corners in this game. Chelsea looked a threat for the corners.

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Two decent chances * I think it is more accuratè to say

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

          He always looks a threat from corners but over the course of the season I think James has more routes to points.

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

        Yes, good shout I've gained the same value from him. Could allow me to do TAA > Robbo or Balbuena > Coufal

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

          That's part of why I'm thinking about it. That 0.3 saving means I can just afford TAA.

  6. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Was that lfc team leak bulls£&t then?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No quite a reliable source from what I understand

    2. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yhh

    3. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What leak

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

        Trent, Mane and Firmino benched

        1. Jam0sh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ok, sounds good

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

      Leak was real. The damage control after is fake.

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

      Yes.

  7. SuperG
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    My dilemma this week:

    KDB —> Son

    or

    Grealish and Zaha —-> Son and Saka (or similar) -4

    Thoughts?

    1. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      In the same position, leaning towards Zaha/Grealish > Son/Raphinha

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

      Kdb to Son ez

  8. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Alioski a risky pick on WC?

  9. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez (Nyland)
    Chilwell Maguire Coufal KWP Taylor
    Salah Rash KDB Son Grealish
    Adams Bamford Brewster

    Plan is to do 2 transfers a week to get loaded team for DGW, so how does this sound?

    Martinez > Meslier
    KDB > Bruno (Doubling up on United)

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

    Is Justin likely to lose starting place anytime soon? Or safe to bring in at least until week 19 double?

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

      He's been on the verge of losing his place since the bronze age.

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

      IMO he's honestly been one of Leicester's best players.

      Would feel harsh to drop him from the XI based on recent performances.

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

      Pereira possible return on Physio room is Jan 9th. Think that's return to training. Add a few weeks for matchfitness. Even then there's no guarantee he'll take Justin's place cos he's doing well. Is set to rise tonight per Football fix but that can be unreliable.

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

      I believe it less and less with every game that passes. And many have passed.

  11. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is it time to replace chilwell with cancelo?

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

      Chilwell with a DGW coming up

      1. Tosa86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        But with a BGW and a series of fixtures more difficult than cancelo

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

          If you are Free Hitting in the blank then keeping Chilwell is a no brainer. If you have another strategy for gw18 then its up to you

          1. Tosa86
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            I have the FH for GW18...so i can not chance chilwell but the fixtures is not good for Chelsea

    2. Tabasco
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Did it the other day; went well but didn't know he'd be back already so might be best to use the transfer elsewhere (depending on your chip strategy)? Tough one.

    3. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think I'll do it after the double

  12. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Arsenal are not a team to trust defensively, but with Gabriel out for perhaps 2-3 games with COVID, is Rob Holding at 4.4m an option as 5th defender? Moreso if you need someone to play BGW18.

    His next 4 are: bri, wba, CRY, NEW.

    Has also hit the post twice in last few matches. Or....just got to bed?

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

      Night dude

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I must still be drunk from Christmas. I shall see myself out. 😀

  13. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Could do DCL to Martial but not super convinced - maybe better downgrade DCL to Rodrigo or someone like that?

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Downgrade

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn’t surprise me if cavani gets a start soon....

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

      Martial is a horrible player

  14. MarvelouSuccess
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone know why Kane is at -82 to drop in price? His fixtures are really good despite having no double GW.

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lots probably sold to fund Salah or Fernandes

      1. MarvelouSuccess
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thank you

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Many sold Kane this week after last GW's blank to get in Salah / KDB this week. Would not read too much into it. If looking to buy, would wait just in case you can save 0.1m

    3. Veggente85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm my wildcard I found more interesting to have Adam - Bamford - Calvert + Son rather than Kae - Adam - Calvert + 5.5m midfielder.

  15. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who scores more?

    A) Kane - FUL(H) + LEE(H)
    B) Vardy - CRY(A) + NEW(A) + SOU(H) + CHE(H) + 4 Points
    C) Kane - FUL(H) + LEE(H) + Vardy - SOU(H) + CHE(H) (-4 Points)

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

      Forget A

    2. MMN
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not A

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

      A

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

      B

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

      B

    6. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Shouldn't it be -4 for or +4 for the other and not both? Or are yout taking 2 hits, one to get Kane and one to remove him? If that's the case, stick with Vardy. If it's just one hit, I would do it.

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

        Yes messed up there, it's just a single hit

        So basically it's:

        Vardy - CRY(A) + NEW(A) + 4 Points
        Or
        Kane - FUL(H) + LEE(H)

  16. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kdb is ruining my life right now 🙁

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

      Same here. So many in my league don't have KDB but have Vardy. KDB isn't hurting non owners. 11.6M returning 15 points in 4 games v MUN, WBA, SOU and NEW is not good. Not good at all.

  17. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2 FT, planning for the double

    KDB, Wilson -> Vardy, Raphina?

  18. Mile Plankton
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    My main ML rival did Salah -> KDB.

    Self implode.

    1. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He captained KDB too.

    2. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not a rival then

      1. Mile Plankton
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I was worried for a minute that he knows something I don't.

  19. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hello guys. What would you do with this lot? Any ideas are welcome. I think the choice is pretty much between keeping the Villa assets and KDB or going for Kane (and Free Hit gw18).

    Meslier
    Robertson, Dias, Coufal
    Grealish, Fernandes, Salah, KDB
    DCL, Bamford, Watkins

    Subs --- KWP, Bissouma, Bernardo --- 1 FT, 0.6 ITB

    A) Save FT
    B) Watkins and KDB -> Kane and Maddison/ Bowen (max 7.4)
    C) Something else, what?

    1. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C. Similar players as me and I’m doing Grealish and KDB to Son and Rashford.

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers. That actually sounds also really good. Would allow two big midfielders and sort possible Spurs captain for GW16. Only thing that wonders me in those moves is that I'd really like to keep Grealish over Watkins. Have to give some more thought for that

        1. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, same issue with Watkins here. Maybe additional -4 to get Adams in but he actually looked quite good today..

  20. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is anyone who bought Justin @ 4.5 & is wildcarding this week keeping him?

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      undecided. I can downgrade Son and upgrade Justin with Robbo/TAA but i think i will sell him

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No, i've just sold him. He's done well, but i don't fancy Leicester's fixtures. Better alternatives in Coufal, Dallas, Taylor etc.

  21. MarvelouSuccess
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Should I do KDB and Douglas to Raphinha and Robbo for a -4 hit? I'm planning for a BB in GW19.

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I probably wouldn't downgrade KDB to get Robertson for a hit

      1. MarvelouSuccess
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I won't be captaining KDB though and he's not doing the business. It's the only way I can get Robbo in.

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’m considering these exact moves. Will see how Leeds and Pool play tomorrow

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

        Doing it for free following week

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

    Son or Kane and why? Thx in advance.

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Toss a coin. Hard to tell.

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

      Both if you can. Tough to choose between them. Son is clearly very underpriced (especially for those who got him early when he cost ~9m). Probably a season keeper for me unless he gets injured or form drops off badly. Both him and Kane are on course for their best ever seasons if they can keep up the momentum. Spurs don't score loads of goals but pretty much everything goes through them.

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

        I could do KDB+DCL to Son+Kane but isn't that an overkill?

    3. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son slightly better value imo

  23. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dgw19 best time to use BB ??

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

      Yes if you have teed up a good bench that is. With a WC or otherwise

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

    All set to pull the trigger on this move tonight

    KDB Grealish Chilwell >> Bruno Son Stones -4. Exact funds.

    Or go -8 and get the extra funds to turn Stones into Cancelo who can play in either full back position?

  25. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which of these moves do you prefer (both -8)?

    A) Adams -> Vardy
    De Bruyne -> Son
    Grealish -> Raphinha

    B) Chilwell -> Robbo
    De Bruyne -> Mane/Son
    Grealish -> Raphinha

    C) Neither

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C. (I'd just do KDB to Son though)

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

    Got the exact money for this on WC:

    Martinez McCarthy
    Taylor R James TAA Dallas Balbuena
    Soucek Salah Raphinha Bruno Son
    Bamford Kane Adams

    FH18 BB19

    May possibly go Kane > Vardy in 19.

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wow that's really nice

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

        Adams is worrying me a bit. I'd love Antonio up there but I'm not alone in that.

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm 1.5m off that team. Ahhh

  27. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Justin (price 4.7)
    B) Dier

  28. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    My transfer options for this week was Watkins to Adams or KdB to Salah, guess which one i did?

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

      You did Watkins to Adams didn't you.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I did

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

          Sorry about that mate. I've always liked your username if that cheers you up.

  29. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best MID up 7.5 on WC. Have Salah, Bruno, Raphinha and Soucek...

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

      Can't get excited about any of them

  30. Davros
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    FPL broken

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

      Who broke it?

      1. Davros
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Back up again now