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. Lukakus Unit
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Obviously waiting until after tonight’s game, but barring no injuries, what are people’s thoughts on the following?

    DCL + Gross > Son + Brewster (or other sub-5.0 forward) for a -4

    If Son doesn’t get rested (fingers crossed), I could see him putting up double digits vs Fulham.

    1. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Should mention that Brewster will be 2nd bench.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Sounds decent.

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

      No interest in 3 of those 4, but Son has good fixtures so I'd choose Son + Brewster.

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

    Clarification here please, memory escapes me. Can you make a transfer to your normal team on the same week you use the free hit?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      All part of FH

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

        So .. how it works the transfers for gw19 when should be done ?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          You get the team from the GW before the FH.

        2. djman102
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          If you FH18, whoever is in your team at the GW 17 deadline comes back right after that. You then make your usual transfer(s) up to the GW19 deadline

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

        FH is temporary.
        I am asking whether you can make a transfer to your normal team the same week you choose to FT?

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Nope. If you FH, you lose the FT.

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

            I swear when I make a transfer the FH button is still normal and not locked.

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

          No

  3. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    LMS EO's left above 20

    Salah 187, Bamford 85, Son 56, Coufal 48, Kane 37, Robbo 36, Dallas 33, Soucek 21

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      TM taking hits for fun this season it seems. 😮

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        2020, makes FPL interesting.

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Being usually an impatient manager myself, I haven't taken a single -8 this season. 😀

  4. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Survived without having KDB last night.

    Now need Kane and Son to go berserk today!

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

      I have both the Spurs assets too.
      Although I think Wolves will set up for a shut out. The best chance for them to win without Jimi.

    2. 1lifesoccer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Im 100% with you, Ive kept Kane and Son through the turbulence of the last few GWs, with the Ful & Leeds fixtures in mind. It would be great if they could get going 1 week early vs Wolves.

  5. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Will Cancelo get rest vs Everton.
    Thinking to bring him or Stones in
    Thoughts on the same

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Stones more likely to rest.
      No Walker so Cancelo should play.

      1. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. I am replacing Walker. Does he come in by Jan 12. Then I will keep him plus Cancelo.
        Thoughts

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Don't know.

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I am wondering why are people going for the City defence rather than DGW19 players unless they plan to FH DGW19.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Guaranteed clean sheets.

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

        Because their aren't any defenders worth picking from teams with DGW. It's same number of games anyway, 2 each.

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I would bet on triple West ham defence. or double Liverpool defence to outscore them easily.

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

            WHM's defense is not same anymore but we will see. Having one of them is fine, especially looking at long term. Triple or even double up is asking for trouble.

            1. Rolls-Royce
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              I think double up is a viable strategy for DGWs. Has worked well in the past for me.

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

            You lose lots of money betting ? 🙂

            1. Rolls-Royce
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Will see about that cowboy. You better hope that City defence will keep you inside top 2m 😉

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

          Liverpool defenders too expensive.

          Burnley, Chelsea, Fulham, Leeds, Leicester, ManU, SOU, WBA probably won't keep more than one CS.

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

          Plus you get CS after 19 with the amazing fixtures that follow. Same logic that says don’t sell KDB.

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            We all have different approaches. Only time will tell.

      3. Ayew Holding Mee Cork
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Because a single week City defender can easily outscore lots of DGW defenders. Also stop tunnel vision in the DGW. Take a look at the City fixtures after GW19.

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Fair enough. Personally, I would feel uneasy without at least 12-13 DGW players for my bench boost DGW19.

  6. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How does Grealish + DCL -> Raphina + Vardy (-4) sound folks? Gives me 10 DGW19 players with two more FT left until GW19.

    Martinez
    Coufal Matip James Alioski Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Soucek
    Kane DCL Bamford

    1FT; 0.8m inb

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

      Looks fine to me, only issue being you will have 2 less players in BGW.

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        FH in BGW.

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

    If FHing 19 and not getting Kane this week, is it worth getting him just for LEE/avl? Fixtures are pretty ropey after the DGW.

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

    Looking only at TV as a factor for getting a better bench out, the next dgw wins right? Sure there are lots of unknowns but one is for sure I will have more TV.
    I am thinking of leaving the sheep behind and not going TC either and lose about 1 mil OR rank before clawing it all back.
    Is utd and bur really that good for TC?

  9. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Now that Arsenal are back in the title race, Ozil is surely worth a punt over Kev?
    KdB to Ozil confirmed

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Get Siggy instead.

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Throw in Kane & Bruno to Laca and Auba for a -8 and you're talking.

    3. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Get Pogba. The wages he's on, he's bound to score points.

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

    What's happened to Lewis? Is he likely to become a starter again?

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

      I heard there's interest to bring Willems back in Jan.

    2. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jamal?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No, Hamilton.

        1. Neo-Viper
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I slept just for four hours, what did I miss?

  11. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Kane for the next 3 but can't get KDB for GW18 (-4).
    B) Roll with just Son and swap him for KDB in GW18.

    Cheers.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Watch the game 🙂

  12. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with Mahrez? Shirley he starts next game?

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

      Keep, its not like we have loads of options anyway...

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

        Ummm.... Salah, Bruno, Son, Grealish all amazing options. Mahrez is an awful pick

    2. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      As an owner, I think so. But I've thought that the past couple of games. He's clearly done something wrong in Pep's eyes, so who knows.

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

      Who’s Shirley?

  13. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which are the Non DGW players to own on WC other than the Mancity ones?

  14. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which goal.keeper best for gw 19 (double gw)

    A. McCarthy
    B. Fabianski
    C. Meslier
    D. Mendy
    E. De Gea

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

      B

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

      Johnstone would be another shout, as a cheaper alternative.

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

        M hood one but away matvh eith whu and wol but a thinking one

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

        M hood one but away matvh eith whu and wol but a thinking onei think i can keep Martinez so i am looking for main one

  15. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys non fpl question currently who is better Bruno or kdb?

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

      Non FPL? It’s easily KDB, not even close

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I get it that Bruno has been fantastic this season. But he aint better than KDB. That mans range of passing is unmatchable and he has no weak foot.
      KDB easy.

    3. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bruno better goal scorer and finisher.

      KDB best passer in the world. KDB can't finish his dinner though.

      Bruno has the potential to be an all-around better player but I would say KDB is still a tier above Bruno.

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

      KDB of course

  16. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH GW19 team. First draft.

    Fabianski
    TAA Robbo James Cresswell
    Salah Bruno Bowen/Benhrama
    Vardy Ings Bamford

  17. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Are City deliberately playing slower this year and looking to keep the ball as a defensive strategy?

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Possibly. They play a lot safer this year.

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

      It's like Spain 2010 - defense prioritized, keep it reserved with two deep lying midfielders to protect the defense. Having tons of possession helps, your opponent can't score if they don't have the ball.

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

      Pep is certainly trying to be strong at the back, far greater ability to win games this way for them at the moment.

  18. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I know most are considering KDB out.

    To put it in perspective I’ve always had KDB as a captain option, but considering the consistency of salah and Bruno I don’t think that’s necessary any more.

    If KDB became grealish (after his tough fixtures) then you could have taa, Robbo, Chilwell & Dias as a back 4. Instead of a load of 4.5-4.7 defenders. Surely that makes sense??

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      With the current performance level of KDB, I definitely agree.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Im selling to finance Kane/Vardy

    3. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You can do that. Your points can come any way. But if i had to pick one player who has been unlucky to pick up points it would be KDB over last 4-5 weeks. If he scores that one on one yesterday y'all would not be talking KDB out.

    4. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      12m for a player who has zero goals from open play wouldn't inspire me with confidence. Selling is a viable option.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I am Freehitting GW19 so i am keeping.

  19. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo looks better for DGW19 please?

    A : TAA, Robbo, Vardy, Adams
    B : Justin, Ogbonna, Vardy, Kane

    Kane is SGW, but SHU (A) looks good.

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A. That Kane downgrade boosts up rest of the team.

  20. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez,Peacock-farrel
    Robortson, Coufal, Dallas,Taylor, Mitchell
    Bruno, KDB , Salah, Podence,Bissouma
    Adams, Kane, Bamford
    bank: 0.1m, FT: 1

    Based on gw 19, KDB, peacock -> Son, fabianski(-4) is worth?

    my plan is to replace kane to firmino for gw 19 so son will be my spurs asset even one game

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

    Looks like Vardy will get rested for Palace, if he does that's gutting for owners - that's a double digit haul game

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Did you get an inside source or something?

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

        Yeah, called up Rodgers. Told him after Watkins' fraudulent finishing a Jamie haul would be too much to take. He understood, real nice guy.

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Bootiful human being with great character, that Rodgers guy.

  22. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you play the FH if going in with only 5 players for gw 18?

    Currently have Kane, Son, Martinez, Konsa and plan to add Stones to the list.

    Can still manage to get 12 dgwers out for gw 19 and play BB.

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

      Definitely.

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

      Yes, a perfect time to use it gw 18.

  23. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Fwiw, qualifying for the FPL Cup starts in GW16.

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I don't remember making past 2-3 GWs in the Cup

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

      Bad GW incoming...

  24. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is it a good idea to buy Kane for the next two home matches against Fulham and Leeds, as well as for the blank GW (For which I am anyways going to free hit)
    And then switch him to Vardy for DGW 19
    Or should I go for Vardy from now itself given his decent away form

    The thought of not having Kane for Fulham, Leeds at home scares me.
    Correct me if I am wrong
    Please help
    Thanks

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

      Would go for Kane over Vardy for next 3 GWs.

      Atleast on paper, he should outscore Vardy.

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

      I have exactly the same dilemma! Was going for Vardy but after reading the following I think I'll with Kane for this week and "burn" a transfer...

      Rodgers on whether #LCFC can afford to rest Tielemans/Vardy in #GW16: "Yes. I'm not prepared to put a level of risk in that means they're going to miss six weeks to two months with an injury. We'll make changes - the number, we'll have to wait and see."

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes for next 2 then keep on FH then switch to vardy DGW

  25. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Current GW rank 3.2m with 6 already played..

    Not had a worse GW rank than 4.4m all season but looks like its coming

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

      Nowhere to hide?

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

        Absolutely

  26. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mahrez owners keep him for one more gameweek just for GW 16 ?

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

      No. Unless injuries to other players become more important to deal with.

    2. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Of course. Since we keep mahrez for so long.might as well

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

    Anything standing out here?
    McCarthy.
    Robbo, Stones, Dallas, Coufal.
    Salah, Son, KDB, Fernandes.
    Bamford, DCL.
    Forster, Lookman, Brewster, Ferguson.
    1ft, 0.6m ITB. FH 18, TC 19- Have 8 atm and hoping for 9/10.
    Stones, Son, Single weekers in 19 for now.

    1. Dallas or Coufal-> James.
    2. Ferguson-> Taylor.
    3. KDB-> Mane or Rashford.
    4. Something else.

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

      1. definitely no, not sure how that's a consideration
      2. approve
      3. possibly Rashford
      4. Grealish value for $ as a perma is an option.

  28. Party time
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Kdb to Son??

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

        See how spurs play against wolves first?

        1. Party time
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks. I have just decided to keep Kdb. Fingers crossed for a haul against Everton

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

              But i have sold him for bruno..

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

          Feel like KDB will do much better with Aguero back but patience has run out.

          1. Party time
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Thanks

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

          Do you think Kane > Vardy will be worth -4 for DGW19?

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

            If today kane score 2, will u still do that

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

            No but you might be able to generate cash for both.

            Depends how Kane performs in next 3 games.

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

          OR drop to 500k, luckily kwp first bench will come on for mahrez..
          Still left with kane dallas salah cresswell and bamford.. 31 pts.. totally not doing well because i end up thinking kdb will haul against newcastle):..