Scout Notes

Budget midfielder Gundogan a goal threat in new role as De Bruyne stars as a striker

Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City

  • Goals: Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) | Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m), Phil Foden (£6.2m), Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m)
  • Assists: Kai Havertz (£8.2m) | Foden, De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling (£11.4m)
  • Bonus: Foden x3, De Bruyne x2, Gundogan, Foden x1

Manchester City chose an opportune time to deliver what was arguably their best Premier League performance of the season.

One of 12 top-flight clubs in action in Blank Gameweek 18 and then among a dozen teams who enjoy two fixtures in Double Gameweek 19, City are high on the Fantasy Premier League watchlist in early January.

And if their clash with Chelsea on Sunday was an audition of sorts, then Pep Guardiola’s troops passed it with flying colours.


Pepped Up

Manchester City’s defensive aptitude hasn’t been in doubt for some time.

Callum Hudson-Odoi‘s (£5.7m) late, late consolation goal for Chelsea on Sunday was the first time that an opposition player had scored against the Citizens since Gameweek 9 and ruined what would have been a sixth clean sheet in seven.

What has been called into question is their attacking prowess and the lack of value for money being provided by their FPL forwards and midfielders.

From Gameweeks 4 to 15, City scored one goal or fewer in nine of their 12 matches.

Even plum home fixtures against Fulham and Newcastle United returned only 2-0 wins; these were games in which City would have traditionally run riot and matches in which Fantasy managers would expect hauls from.

At Stamford Bridge, we saw the City of old return.

First-half goals from Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m), Phil Foden (£6.2m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) saw City sail into an unassailable 3-0 lead, while there were other chances beyond those strikes: De Bruyne spurned a one-on-one opportunity after a quarter of an hour, Gundogan flicked an effort wide from six yards just before the break and Rodri (£5.4m) wasted a De Bruyne assist with a 53rd-minute header.

Guardiola agreed that this display was more reminiscent of City of yesteryear:

We had a plan, we tried to play in a certain way that we did in the past and it worked. The players were incredible, fantastic in all departments.

We are a team that has to play in one certain rhythm. A lot of passes and, in the right moment, attack. We won Premier Leagues in that way, and we miss a little bit for many reasons this tempo, and today we got it. The way we won the League titles, it was because we were like today.

The question now, of course, is whether the “tempo” is here to stay and whether it can be as effective against teams who won’t employ Chelsea’s high, aggressive press.

Brighton, a more possession-based team who are not renowned for their backs-to-the-wall approach, might just well be the ideal Gameweek 18 opponents – Graham Potter’s troops lost by an aggregate score of 9-0 in their two league meetings with City last season.

Belgian Waffle

With City unable to call upon Gabriel Jesus (£9.1m) and Ferran Torres (£6.9m), and with Sergio Aguero‘s (£10.3m) game-time being carefully handled, Guardiola turned to De Bruyne to lead the line in west London.

We have seen the Belgian playing in a more advanced position anyway this season but this was a step beyond a number 10 role, with De Bruyne veering between ‘false nine’ and outright centre-forward.

Explaining his tactical decision after full-time, Guardiola said:

Kevin can play in many positions. We wanted more solid players in the midfield and Bernardo is more solid in those areas.

[De Bruyne] is so good, with his energy to run in behind. He did it really well. He can play there, as a winger, attacking midfielder. There is no doubt about this.

De Bruyne himself said of Sunday’s role:

A little bit bizarre in the beginning. I’ve done it a couple of times in my career. Obviously, there are lot of strikers, forward players who are out. The coach asked me to do this job, so I tried to do it the best as possible.

We have different players, so we play a little bit different this year and we adjust to the personnel we have. The team is finding the rhythm in the last month so we’re playing better and the difference today when we have the chance we took them.

In Formation, Entertainment

It should be pointed out, of course, that the deployment of De Bruyne as a striker may just have been a needs-must, one-off experiment.

Jesus ought to be back from self-isolation by Gameweek 18, with Torres likely available for Double Gameweek 19. Aguero may also be closer to a start himself by the time next Wednesday’s clash with Brighton comes around.

So long as the attacking swagger is here to stay, then starting positions might be less of a concern for Fantasy managers.

Indeed, De Bruyne had three fewer big chances in the whole of 2019/20 than he has managed in Gameweeks 2-17 of the current campaign, yet still found the net on 13 occasions, with five of his goals coming from outside the box.

What is worth keeping an eye on is Gundogan’s role within Guardiola’s team.

Part of the double pivot with Rodri for months in the more conservative 4-2-3-1, we have seen the German allowed a bit more attacking freedom of late.

Gundogan and the excellent Bernardo Silva (£7.4m) were the two number eights stationed either side of Rodri on Sunday, registering six shots in the box between them.

After the match on Sunday, Gundogan said of his more advanced role:

To be honest, in the last few games where I scored, I played more of a number eight than a number six. Before that, I played more of a holding midfielder role together with Rodri.

It is different and every position needs a little bit of adaptation. I think I am a player that can adapt quickly and well into a system and the manager knows I am quite flexible.

Also, me personally, even though I like to be included in rotating the ball, when I am playing as a number eight and more offensive position, I try to put myself in the spaces where I think something could happen or I feel like the space is not occupied by a player of ours or the opponent.

Both goals I scored in the last games were similar in the way they were from the right side and Raheem assisted me both goals and I tried to be in a space where I am free and able to get the ball and finish with one touch. It worked out quite well and as long as I am playing in that position I try to continue like that.

The Self-Isolating Six

The visitors were missing six of their squad because of positive COVID-19 tests.

The unavailability of Kyle Walker (£6.1m) and Jesus we were already aware of, while social media posts from Ederson (£6.0m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.4m) all but confirmed that they too were among those self-isolating.

Torres and Eric Garcia (£4.7m) have reportedly been added to that list, with the latter still struggling with injury, too.

Nathan Ake (£5.4m) was absent on Sunday because of “fitness issues”, while Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) missed out because of a tight hamstring.

All of that meant a start for reserve goalkeeper Zack Steffen (£4.4m), who will drop to the bench once Ederson is fit again, and Foden, who featured in Guardiola’s XI for only the second time in 11 league matches.

Foden produced a superb display from the left flank, leading the way for chances created in Sunday’s game and having three shots in the box of his own.

The hard work starts now with players expected back from illness and Riyad Mahrez (£8.1m) waiting in the wings but Guardiola was enthused by the youngster’s display:

So proud. He never dropped one, nothing for his energy, how he helps. He can play up front in all four positions and again he has a sensational goal, he scored a fantastic goal. He is a guy, we rely on him incredibly, national team for England will be a top player because he’s so clever, so calm, he did a good performance today.

Got the Blues

While the wheels haven’t completely come off, the Chelsea bandwagon has been seriously derailed in recent weeks.

One clean sheet in seven, and four defeats in six, has seen FPL managers slowly drift away from previous high-achievers like Ben Chilwell (£6.1m) and completely desert the misfiring Timo Werner (£9.2m).

A bright start against City couldn’t be sustained and they had managed only one effort on target until second-half injury time, when substitute Hudson-Odoi popped up to ruin a clean sheet for Joao Cancelo (£5.7m) and Ruben Dias (£5.8m) – the former also seeing a projected bonus point go up in smoke.

A run-out in a central position couldn’t end an eight-match goal drought for Werner, while a hitherto solid backline – who were again missing the injured Reece James (£5.2m) – has now shipped seven goals in three matches.

Easier tests await, of course, starting with a Double Gameweek 19 home fixture against a Fulham side who have scored just two goals in their last five matches, which should provide encouragement for Fantasy managers still sitting on Chilwell.

Lampard cited youth and unavailability as mitigating excuses when interviewed after the match:

One month ago people were asking when I’m signing a new contract, and now people will be saying different things because in a tight, busy period we have lost four games of football in quick succession. The pressure remains constant in this job.

The reality is a lot of the players who have come in are new, are young, have been injured, haven’t played together. It was the first time I’ve been able to play Ziyech, Pulisic and Werner in the same team.

Without a doubt, we have the character to get out of it, because we went 16 games unbeaten. What we can control is what we do tonight and tomorrow and the next day and what we do against Morecambe and what we do against Fulham.


Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kante (Gilmour 64), Kovacic (Havertz 77), Mount; Pulisic, Werner, Ziyech (Hudson-Odoi 64).

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Steffen; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko; Gundogan (Fernandinho 75), Rodri, Bernardo; Foden (Mahrez 86), De Bruyne (Aguero 86), Sterling.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 17

867 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Always wanted to make this joke - Play Up Pompey

    1. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Joke?

      POMPEY PLAY UP!

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lol! 😀 Certain traditions need to be kept going and I quite like this one

        1. Kryptonite666
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Can someone explain me the meaning ? I just know its a chant.

          1. Ron_Swanson
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Pompey is Portsmouth

            1. Kryptonite666
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yes - but what is the significance of Play up Pompey for the top post ?

              1. Pacer.
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                It it far too complex to explain you will just have to have faith that it is a brilliant joke

                1. Kryptonite666
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  FFS

                2. El Presidente
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Ah ah ah

  2. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will Rashford play in that awkward right wing position this week?

    1. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it'll be especially awkward if no other football is going ahead

  3. Napoleon IV
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bojo the Clown to address the nation (again!) tonight on more severe lockdown measures. Will they include the cessation of professional sport?

    There will be more than a few FPL managers who have already hit the free hit button hoping not!

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt it with the money involved in football and the levels of testing they do

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BBC doesn't seem to think so https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55534868

    3. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        When is it?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          8pm

          1. Party time
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks

            • Bushwhacker
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Bojo against Southampton vs Liverpool? Looking for low audience I guess. . .

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

          My mate says his cousins wife who works in the government has told him that the PM will announce tonight that all FPL chips played ahead of week 18 will be reinstated should the league go back into lockdown.

          1. ‘Tis the Season
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            😀

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

          Kettle... Black

        4. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Doubt it ... Scotland go into full lockdown tonight but have confirmed professional sport will not be affected ... so I’d image England take a similar stance.

      • Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Darlow
        Stones Holding Yedlin
        KDB Sterling Bruno Rashford Son
        Laca Wilson

        *The most attacking FH team I could have

        1. Kryptonite666
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Solid. But for double toon

        2. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I managed this on FH as my most attacking:

          (Ryan/Steffen/Sanchez)
          Stones, Mitchell, Yedlin
          Auba, Son, KDB, Saka, Bruno
          Laca, Kane

          Fodder bench

          I’m seriously tempting with how this season is going to just keep it haha

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

          Whats up with random free hit teams having yedlin in? He's not a regular starter at all for newcastle

          1. DandyDon
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Best toon player last few games if you watched them. Outside chance of assist

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

              Not a chance, I've watched toon play plenty of times a yedlin is rubbish. He has pace, but he has no quality of cross and terrible at defending. He's only been playing becauae of covid injury and squad rotation

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

          3 toon to much I think, could easily see Utd getting their first win in this game.

      • Kane and Ablett
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The premature free hitters can’t complain if it’s wasted - if the last couple of weeks don’t teach you to stop and think in this game during a pandemic nothing will

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Elite sport will be untouched. Lot's of scaremongering on here when most sources and the example of Scotland say the opposite.

        2. Napoleon IV
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I agree and I've held on for that reason.

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

          I’d rather play as normal and not let covid affect my decisions. Don’t see why sport would need to be stopped

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Well because nothing of this f nonsense makes any sense anyway.... full lockdown for what???? Where are the f numbers for that??? Let's ruin what's left of people's livelihood...

      • Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Smith Rowe to score more than 4 points vs Palace next GW?

        1. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Probably not

      • Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The play no chips in 18/19 strategy looks more appealing to me, having looked at my team. Could chose this over WC18BB19 or FH19. However, do I really want to pass up a strong opportunity to use chips and maximize the double and blank? Lots to ponder.

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

          I was all in on FH18 BB19 after my WC in 16. I just don't trust all the fixtures will go ahead in 19 now which makes it far less appealing. Also got big doubts about Balbuena and to a lesser extent McCarthy.

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

          Arguably a better opportunity to use chips in 24, 26 and 29. Blank 29 will be really tough to navigate if like many you aim for maximising double 26 and WC in 24/25. Whereas if your team is in a decent position now for blank 18, and 19, its doable to navigate. The thing about blank 18 is that everyone will have a core of Bruno, Son, Kane, KdB. If you have those already? Then how much do you really gain from the fillers. Blank 29 will likely have very few big hitters if they progress in the cup, therefore if you plan without a chip for 29, your team will be awful, full of players from non top teams and without any premiums. The free hit is way more useful in my opinion in 29

        3. A.J.
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          The added fixtures to the 2GWs was the clincher for me. Was never using BB in GW19 even with a FH18 strategy, so happy now to play 9 in GW18 and 11 Dgw players in GW19.

      • BeWater
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Che Adams definitely needs the night off. Even being on the bench wouldn't be enough of a break for him. He's been working very hard for weeks now. I'm genuinely concerned for him. Nothing to do with 11 Soucek points on my bench.

        1. Kryptonite666
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Poor guy was kicked in the face quite badly too.

      • Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Score predictions for tonight?

        I'm going 1-2

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

          1-3. Thiago inspires

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

          1-3. Ings, Salah, Firmino, Mane all to score

          1. ilikewud
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            All the favorites... that must have been hard to come up with

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

          0-4

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

          With my FPL head on 0-7 with a Salah double hatrick and TAA 30 yard special.

          In reality, 1-2. Henderson and Gini with the Liverpool goals.

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

            🙂

        5. drughi
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          1-4 salah hattrick

        6. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          1-2

        7. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          0-1. Robertson

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

            Head - Pool edge it 2-1, tight game
            FPL - Pool win to nil for my double D, lots of points for Mo (not capped but ML leader doesnt own at all) and TAA attacking return

        8. DandyDon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          3-1. Mane double, Salah and Adams would do very nicely!

      • My neck my back my Saed Kol…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Out of interest what actually caused this blank and next weeks doubles?

        1. Ron_Swanson
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Winter break?

          1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I thought that but then it doesn’t seem to be much of a break

          2. JabariParkersEyelid
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            This.

      • wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Only for gw18.Which one?
        a)Kane+Holding/Clark
        b)Martial+BSilva/Zaha

        1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          a, Holding

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            cheers

      • Bob_the_builder
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thinking of getting KDB for Salah as one week punt but his getting him is dependent on a price drop by the next GW. Good idea or bad?

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’m considering this move but think It is a risk going without KDB for the DGW. What’s your team like

          1. Bob_the_builder
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Front 7 is Son-Bruno-Grealish-Salah-DCL-Wilson-Kane

            1. ‘Tis the Season
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Same as me albeit Wilson and DCL. I’m thinking getting rid of Jake, it’s hard as he is pivotal to everything going forward for Villa. I’d also have to Kane. Otherwise Son for KDB if you have spare cash

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

          Exactly same as me. Go for it. Looks like Salah will drop before next GW at least once

      • Enzo the Baker
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is it worth using FH to get just these 5 players?
        - Grealish
        - Saka
        - Wilson
        - Tierney
        - Saiss

        I already have the rest:
        Martinez, Cancelo, KdB, Bruno, Son, Kane, (Mitchell, Brewster)

        1. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          (But no Free Transfers left.)

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

          Nope, won't FH if I was you

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

          I wouldn't use FH

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

          No you see this is the trap. You have the core best premiums assets already. A free hit would be way better when teams have to be made up of no son, no kane, no kdb or bruno etc. Thats way more likely to happen in 29 since the big teams are more likely to make fa Cup quarters

          1. Enzo the Baker
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Exactly, that makes a lot of sense. Cheers FPL_Motty

        5. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks Umer, KT, and Motty! Appreciate the response

      • umerlfc
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        On FH, which would you rather go for?

        A) Rashford + Son
        B) Sterling + Grealish/Zaha

        1. Saka_me_sideways
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A

      • Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        For those not using the FH chip..

        What sirt of Rank drop would be acceptable for u?

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

          With every highly owned asset bar DCL in my team, I'd want a very negative rank drop.

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

          not sure what rank drop that would equate to, but up to 30 points behind is ok.

          1. Nightcrawler
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hmmm i was thinking maybe just 10-15

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

              That would be much better 🙂
              I don't have Kane though, so one worst case scenario is everyone in my league captains him and then be already 30 points ahead.

          2. JabariParkersEyelid
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            For context 30 points is the difference between 220k and outside 500k according to livefpl

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

              Thanks!

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

          I honestly don't really see much of a rank drop. I can go into 18 with Kdb, Bruno, Son, Kane and Dias. Plus a couple random for 9 players. But who else am afraid of out of those core premiums? Random arsenal players? Zaha? Wilson? Dcl? Neto? Maybe q of those will score but not all, and nobody can predict which of the mid priced fillers will score big perfectly. I expect a rank drop of a normal below average week, I guess that could be around 50-100k depending on existing rank

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

            I feel that you'll be looking at a strong green, as will almost everyone on this site that has prepared for 18 - even if not FHing.

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

              Yup tbh, a green is likely if you nail the captain! Thats honestly more important than using free hit or not

            2. JabariParkersEyelid
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I agree with this. I'm mainly using the FH to prevent a drop in rank, not to make gains as I only have 4 for 18.

              The benefit should come to my rank the following week. That's the hope anyway.

          2. Nightcrawler
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Im in a very similar boat with the players u mentioned with probably stones instead of Dias

            Not FHing becuase i think backing against DCL, Grealish and arsenal might be actually work this week

            Dont see other players hurting the rank

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

            I basically agree with you... but Sterling and Rashford are more likely to do damage than the non-core premiums you listed. If they stay quiet, I’ll be very happy

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

          I'm not playing any chips or taking any hits over gw18/19. I've got 10 good players for gw18 with lamptey, bissouma and Dallas on bench (so no bench really) and 10 dgw's + kane for gw19.

          I would be happy to hold my present rank (312k) over the two gameweeks but I do expect a drop, due to the large number of FH and BB chips that may be played. I have considered playing TC on either Kdb or sterling in 19.

      • Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Taking out Salah for GW18. Hope he doesn't punish. One can never be too sure

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Might di the same for sterling(c)

          Inky way i get a green arrow that week is with differential (c) that dies well

          1. Nightcrawler
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Only
            does
            **

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

          I’m taking him out for KdB but just for that gw. Transferring him straight back in for the DGW.

        3. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Before Christmas I was triple captaining Salah in GW19. Now the guy isn't even in my team and probably isn't coming back.

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

            He will come back.

            1. SHOOTER MCGINN
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Back for GW22 most likely. Until then City double up looks perfect.

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

                My thought too.

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

          Yeah ghost salah will score 5 goals haha

        5. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’m so conflicted ❗ see above..
          I’m was now I’m not... so annoying not know which is best

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

            Take a few hours to look at your team, ignore the noise on here and elsewhere. Use LiveFPL's team planner to help you map out your team for future GWs. Relax and take the time to think, I'm sure you'll have much greater clarity afterwards.

            1. ‘Tis the Season
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Fair point. Salah or KDB for the double

      • R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Loads of rumours floating around that Fat Frank has been sacked

        1. Digital-Real
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          with 3pts off 4th place?
          that would be the mother of all knee jerks

          1. Nightcrawler
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Or just 3 points above arsenal

          2. R.C
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            You know how the owner is. Not good enough after spending 200m

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

          Sources?

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Why do you people ask for sources when I've mentioned its rumours

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

          Nah not yet. Article published on athletic that discussions are now being had about exit strategy for likely frank sacking but this has only been leaked so very unlikely they have got someone in place already. I dont agree with it personally but this is how Chelsea have been historically. Apparently even if Frank improves the form he's still likely to get the sack by the end of the yr, theyre just doing the work in the background of who to replace him

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

          When you spend £225m of a Russian gan....er....oligarch's laundry money then failure isn't really an option...It's like he's never even played GTA

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

          If Arteta and Ole can survive I'm sure Frank can.

          1. Camino Aleatorio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Unless you Mouth Off or Sass your Employer, you do get fired.

            Arteta and OSG are probably not living the lifestyle of Frank Lampard, so they would be more polite under stress.

            Frank probably lives like a Lord. True global super star.

            He does not need the job. Plus, it's indignant for a player as good as he was to be a manager. The manager job would be cats like Gareth Southgate, the spineless, shifty, political, intriguer, backstabber, mentally weak guy that missed a huge PK.

        6. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No way Frank is getting sacked, he will have the season

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

        Is this enough for GW18?

        Martinez
        Targett Stones Mitchell Cancelo
        Son KDB Bruno Burke
        Kane

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes definitely.

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

          I think you'll get by

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

            Thanks both

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

          Yes you have the core of best players. Kane, son, kdb, bruno and double City def. Thats good enough, save your free hit for blank 29

        4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No gundogan?

        5. Kun Tozser
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Needs Brewster

          1. Camino Aleatorio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            The 1-Point Legend - Brewdogg!

        6. Camino Aleatorio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes

          Don't waste the FH, you got 95% of the week already

      • RealSocialDads
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can get to this team with a - 4:

        Cancelo Dias
        KDB Bruno Son
        Kane Wood

        A. FH
        B. Save FH and take - 4 for above team

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          This is really close, I'd probably free hit but I understand holding it with your big hitters.

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

          Interesting - I'd probably B

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

          i'd just keep personally. (i'm playing 8 + Brew and no hits)

          Better hope that Brighton and Villa dont turn up 🙂

      • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Minimum 2 city attackers needed I feel now. Need to adapt quickly

        They looked to have clicked into gear and looked brilliant attacking wise

        Kdb and sterling. Possibly gundogan/aguero (if fit)

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Nah Kante was poor and had a bad day

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

          I think Cancelo is playing in such an advanced position he counts as an attacker with the bonus of being a defender. It’s Stones/Dias, Cancelo and KDB for me.

        3. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Given their prices I think you can get by with just KDB and a defender or 2. No need to rip up the team sheet quite yet.

        4. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'll be going KDB and Sterling for GW19 and holding them for a few weeks after. The fixtures are great. Salah making way as it stands but City and Pep seemed far more upbeat after that Chelsea game which was encouraging.

          If City labour to a 1-0 win over Brighton though it might change my thinking.

      • rubberdignerapids
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        my FH GW18 Team

        Is the defence too weak?

        Darlow
        Stones / Holding / Clark
        Sterling / KDB / Son / Saka / Bruno
        Lacazette / Kane

        Subs: Steer / Davis / Mitchell / Douglas

      • Espanyolie
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Finally some good news.

        Brought Fabs in for a non playing goalie to play him this week as McCarthy is playing Pool, but also with an eye on the DGW.
        Just to see him get injured at warm up and later the McCarthy Covid news means I don’t even have a playing goalkeeper this week...

        Hoping this article is somewhat trustworthy and he will indeed be back for the double..

        https://www.google.nl/amp/s/www.hammers.news/injury-news/west-ham-insiders-deliver-very-welcome-lukasz-fabianski-news/amp/

        1. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Unlucky re: Fab.

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

        What's better?

        A) Holding + Cancelo
        B) Stones + Tierney

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

          A

        2. R.C
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B

        3. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          How’s it mate. Tough one. I’d say A as Cancelo is direct and playing as an attacking mid

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

          Dias and Tierney. Or dias and holding

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

            I don't like Dias compared to the other two. Prefer Cancelo and I'll take Stones because he's cheaper.

            I can't do Dias + Tierney because it's budget dependent.

        5. Runaway
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Very close but I would probably go A as I think Cancelo is due to explode but Tieney already did

        6. Ron_Swanson
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A

      • sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Better to transfer now and avoid price changes or to wait up until we're closer to GW18 and avoid risks (injuries, covid, you name it)?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Ask yourself 🙂
          0.3m & worry about everything or enjoying ignorance till deadline day

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Guess you're right. Thanks, mate

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

          For me, wait. Unless the price changes are forcing you out of a key player such as KDB. If you can afford to though, hold and wait - cup matches to be played.

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Appreciate it, sir.

        3. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Too many risks with COVID. HHHOOOOLLLLDDDD

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers!

        4. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Hold, week till deadline after all.

          1. ‘Tis the Season
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            It’s way to risky to make transfers until deadline day (1 hr before)

      • wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Any thoughts on my current FH team?

        Darlow
        Tierney/Cancelo/Shaw
        Fernandes/Son/Kdb/BSilva
        Martial/Laca/Richarlison

        Steer/Burke/Mitchell/Douglas

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

          Is that Bernardo silva? What on earth..

          Theres no kane? I also wouldn't risk csncelo with city having 2 games to play before, totally pot luck if he plays. Dias more nailed. Not bad but doesnt really inspire a huge score

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            cheers.BSilva is a good punt imo.Do you suggest anyone better up to 7.5?Villa's defence is quite good and i think Son is the better pick.

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

              If I can give any advice its 100% don't pick bernardo silva. He hasn't scored or assisted all season long. He has absolutely no confidence in front of goal.

              Grealish, Zaha, saka or neto are your better alternatives

              1. wulfrunian
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                cheers

        2. Klopp's Kids
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'd Steer clear of Cancelo and B. Silva

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            cheers

      • ChickenTikkaMoSalah
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would you FH this team:
        Martinez
        Dias,Stones,Kilman
        KDB,Bruno
        DCL,Brewster

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I would yeah. If Spurs go off your rank gets massacred.

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

          Yes because unfortunately you don't own either kane or son and they can totally ruin you with their massive ownership. You're really down to just 4 or 5 good players there with kdb, bruno dcl and dias, stones.

      • Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FH team good to go? I like Rashford and Lacazette as options too.

        Leno
        Dias Yedlin Holding
        Son De Bruyne Fernandes Saka Sterling
        Wilson Kane

        1. rubberdignerapids
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          not sure about the Yedlin pick tbh

          1. ‘Tis the Season
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            He is American after all 😀

      • Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thinking about doing Salah and Rashford to KDB and Sterling. Would leave me without United though...

        1. rubberdignerapids
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You need a bit of Bruno

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            That would mean getting Bruno for Rashford. A bit sideways...

            1. rubberdignerapids
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I assume you're not using the FH

              1. Bobby Digital
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                No, got 9 players for GW18 and 2 freebies.

            2. JabariParkersEyelid
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Hard disagree. Bruno is a far, far superior option to Rashford.

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

              Not sure the state of your team or your future plans but 1 things for sure. Rashford to Bruno is not sideways because Bruno has absolutely destroyed rashford this season. There's no comparison, and the gap will keep getting bigger

        2. rubberdignerapids
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I would prob just do Salah to KDB and then bring Salah back for GW19 and bank the other transfer to get another DGWker in 19

      • Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm so so disappointed in Bissouma. He had ONE job, a nice 2 points and 11 players in 18, and he couldn't even manage that, the fraud. Disgraceful.

      • rubberdignerapids
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        How is this looking for a FH 18 squad?

        Darlow
        Stones / Holding / Clark
        Sterling / KDB(c) / Son / Saka / Bruno
        Lacazette / Kane

        Subs: Steer / Davis / Mitchell / Douglas

        0itb

        1. Klopp's Kids
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          nice insane tv