Football Index

The best Football Index players to consider this weekend


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We spoke to Adam from Football Index Trader to get the latest tips and advice ahead of the weekend’s action


The football calendar is causing havoc with Fantasy Premier League teams right now, and has definitely had a big impact over on the Football Index too.

The erratic fixture calendar plus some important recent changes to the way we win dividends on Football Index has my brain working overtime. Something I am sure anyone trying to navigate recent gameweeks on FPL can understand! 

On Friday January 8, Football Index announced that “In Play Dividends” were to be removed and replaced with an as yet unknown win mechanic that should encourage more medium to longer term trading.

In Play Dividends were a simple mechanic that meant players got payouts for goals, assists and clean sheets (for a period of 30 days from purchase).

Suffice to say, as attractive as In Play was, it has contributed strongly to some short-term trading behaviour in recent months that wasn’t good for the market overall. I am hopeful that whatever FI come up with to replace it will be better for the longer-term. 

But changes like this do mean a strategy adjustment, which is worth considering…

FI Strategy

Does early FPL team news really provide an advantage?

A good tip for sustainable success on FI is never to stray too far from the original concept of the platform. FI is designed to be a longer-term, slower burning alternative to traditional betting. 

In my opinion, it is more intellectually satisfying than punting on a goal at the bookie or backing a horse. In the same way getting your Captain choice nailed on in FPL feels great – FI can be full of those deliciously smug “I told you so” moments. And they reward us with real money, not just bragging rights.

Trends come and go on FI. In recent months a combination of factors ranging from COVID to the fixture calendar to FI doubling our payouts caused many people to chase short term rewards and move away from that longer term, slower burn approach.

Those trends can (and when backed by good research – should) be leaned into. But completely reworking our player choices and extending too far away from that original purpose of FI is always very risky. It is likely that at some point FI takes steps to reinforce the original purpose of FI in those situations as they did last week.

My second tip for sustainable success would be in a similar vein – stick reasonably close to real quality players that are actually relevant to the FI scoring system and are at a reasonable price.

It’s often very tempting to chase hyped “wonderkids” or similar, and people will do this often based on little to no evidence that they are in any way suitable for FI.

This can be good whilst people are in that kind of mood, and I definitely participate when I can see an advantage, but we need to be aware that in any market turbulence such players are likely to struggle.

At least when you have quality players at value prices – you know that even if the price dips temporarily – you have a bet that is worth something solid as they can win you dividends.

We can’t always predict what the market will do week to week – but we can put ourselves in a strong position by holding good quality players. And the key to that is great quality research – something good FPL managers are no stranger to.  What FPL managers and FI traders are looking for is a bit different – but the skillset is very much the same.

My suggestion when thinking of building an FI portfolio for the months ahead would be to focus on some of the proven quality players that are strong in the existing FI scoring system and win mechanics. Many of these are at surprisingly good value prices right now. 

There is currently no need to go chasing the 16 year old “next Messi”. 

What we want is big ticket players with a Champions and Europa League campaign ahead, and ideally with a spot at Euro 2020 too.

I hope that such players benefit from the new win mechanic that FI will introduce, at least on some level. We don’t know exactly what that is yet. But given that these players should already offer value, if we happen to be putting ourselves on the right side of any new way to win, we’re doing ourselves no harm.

Example Players

Let’s pick out a few examples of players who would fit that description, and examine the reasons they might succeed or fail. To make things easier, I’ll focus mainly on a few that will be familiar to FPL managers.

Harry Kane

Werner, Son and Kane kept quiet as FPL's two best defences impress again

Strengths

The appeal of Kane for media dividends as we head towards Euro 2020 is obvious. Many traders are very short-sighted and simply getting in early whilst the price is suppressed has an obvious appeal.

In FI performance scoring terms, he’s ok, but is frequently beaten by slightly more FI suitable players. But he’s not too far away from wins as it is, and if we do see a new win mechanic that lowers the winning bar slightly it could benefit him strongly. 

It’s a small bet on the outcome of the announcement here but I don’t think it’s a reckless one because even without this help the current price would be reasonable.

Spurs also have a tasty Europa League Round of 32 match up on the way and could go far in that competition. Those late stage knockout games can be very lucrative on FI as they come with big payouts and a high chance of winning because only a few teams are competing that day.

Weaknesses

He is far from the world’s most suitable FI player and will usually need more than just one goal to get a really competitive score. But he can be explosive and is also adding a lot of assists this season.

Value

For the current £3.29 to £3.65 there are a lot of positive factors in his favour with the Europa and Eur’s on the way. Obvious media appeal. Still just 27 with years ahead. And a factor not to be underestimated on FI – just a plain old obvious name traders (and new traders) are just going to be familiar with and want.

Memphis Depay

Football Index

Strengths

Well in range of FI performance wins at Lyon. Has a potentially good move on the table possibly to Juventus or Barcelona most likely at the end of the season which could combine nicely with optimism for him as Holland’s leading man at Euro 2020. 

Weaknesses

Not many, still just 26. He’s playing below his potential right now yet is still in contention. He’s fine at Lyon, a move to Juventus or Barcelona probably only improves him.

Value

Fantastic value at £1.48 to £1.74, with the only dampener the lack of European competition this season. But you don’t always need to tick every box, just enough. Euro 2020 gives a nice late season reason to hold.

Mason Mount

Mount has massively improved this season in underlying FI numbers. In the past on FI, people were far too optimistic well before he was ready. Now? They are likely too pessimistic. And he looks ready.

Strengths

Looking very strong for FI scoring these days. We have seen one performance win this season but he’s unlucky not to get more. Poor Chelsea form hasn’t helped, and his goal output needs to improve. He gets plenty of chances though, far more than his current scoring rate would let on.

Weaknesses

If he can just improve his finishing he could be a regular FI competitor. And such players at big EPL teams and in the England set up are rare. And potentially very valuable.

Some uncertainty around a possible new coach coming in, but it would seem harsh to sideline him after good performances this season.

Value

Still young and available between £1.18 to £1.34 I think he is a bargain. There are of course risks – what if he doesn’t start finishing the chances he gets? What if Lampard is sacked and a new coach doesn’t fancy him?

But if he did reach his FI potential as a Chelsea and England regular I don’t think he’d have any problem clearing £4. So a good balance of risk reward here in my view.


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800 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JP\'s
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A or B?
    A) Targett and Grealish
    B) Mings and Mount or Foden

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Reluctant to double up on teams with covid lurking. So B with either imo. Mount more nailed to start but Foden an exciting pick...

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Both Targett and Grealish are on 4YC, you'll be having a party if they get it against City. And because of Covid, don't buy and don't sell Villa.

  2. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How many weeks will people keep saying 'KDB keeps getting chances, he's going to score sooner or later'?

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

      As long as he keeps getting chances. Sell at your own peril

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm not going to sell but I think TCing him is madness.

        1. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          a statement that extreme is ironic...

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Ironic?

            1. *Reformed-Character*
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yes - Its madness to suggest considering captaining KDB is madness!!!

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Erm, still not there yet 🙂

      But avoiding him for TC at least. That is progress from where I was at last week

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

      He's only scored 3 this season. Better options for the price

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

    Kane + Dallas -> Vardy + Cresswell surely a no brainer!

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do it.

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

      Yes

  4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I think this is it. Good to go? 0.4 ITB for Holding to Dallas next GW or a Mitchell/ Davis upgrade. TC KDB or Salah?

    Martinez
    Stones James Coufal
    TC - Salah/ KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Vardy Bamford

    Steere Holding Mitchell Davis

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg. Don't know...not keen on TC this week

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why is that? Owing to the individual state of each of the pretenders?

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

      You're G2G.
      If you're set on a TC this week - it's really a coin flip - Salah (c) for me but not going with TC personally.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why no TC?

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

      Wouldn't TC KDB as he's likely to be rested

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I am sure there will be a day when he will be benched. And you would not stop bragging, And that would be any day between now and GW 38. Keep taking your chances.

    4. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg, hold the TC for an other 2GW

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

    Hi all,

    Quick question

    OUT - Vardy, Son and KWP

    IN - Antonio, KDB and Dias ( - 8 )

    Really want in KDB but struggling to do so otherwise. Is it worth the -8 :-)?

    Thanks!

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm considering bringing Vardy in...

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

      No way

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

      No

  6. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Hey fam!

    A. Play Targett
    B. Play Dallas
    C. Get City defence (-4)

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City

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

      C

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

      C

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

      C

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers everyone

    6. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cancelo/Stones
      Can advixe me.below bro?

  7. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dier -> Cresswell (-4)

    Y/N

    already on a hit

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Might even go crazy and captain him over KdB

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

      If you are already on a hit, that gets you to a total of -8 then doesn't it? In which case, no

      1. Igz08
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, exactly. I've been quite anti hit recently, but Cresswell could easily score 20 points, and I dont see more than 6 for Dier

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

      Its effectively 2point hit as match extra so worth a punt. Can advice me below?

    4. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For -8, no

    5. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Given his attacking threat, worth a shot.

      1. Igz08
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep.. defenders have a tendency to score high in dgw .. any news on Fabianski ?

  8. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who do you think will score more for GW19?
    A. Saka (NEW)
    B. Barnes (SOU, CHE) -4
    C. Soucek (BUR, WBA) -4

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

  9. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Previous years there has been a DGW37... is that likely ?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This year is a bit different.

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

    What to do from these 3 options?
    1) Play Bamford vs BHA
    2) Play Justin SOT CHE
    3) Do Justin to Cancelo(-4) for CRY AVL

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd go with option 2.

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

      2

    3. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd probably go 2 for the extra fixture. Leeds are fun to watch though

    4. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1

  11. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who do you think will be the top 2 scoring West ham players in gameweek 19?

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

      Soucek + Cresswell

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah agreed.

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

      Bowen Cresswell

  12. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What's the latest on Taylor? Is he likely to start?

    Considering swapping him for a -4

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

      Presser later today

  13. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My actual WC draft for DGW19, long term plan::

    Martinez - forster
    dallas - cancelo - WalkerPeters - cresswell - struijk
    kdb - fernando - son - soucek - smith rowe
    vardy - kane - bamford

    any feedback and why?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not overly keen on Smith Rowe - simply because I don't feel he'll keep his place long term.

      I'd probably prefer Bissouma's steady 2 pointers with maybe a goal or two throughout the season.

      Also, I do feel that Stones has played so well that I can't see him getting dropped anytime soon, so I'd find a way to get him in for sure.

      Rest looks good

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

    Son to drop tonight. On -104 on FPL Statistics. Excellent - haul incoming! 🙂

  15. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Essential Strikers for DGW19?

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

      None really. Vardy probably the closest to "essential"

    2. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      None essential in my eyes but if I could choose any it would be Vardy, Antonio, and Werner (have a feeling although he has been off the boil he will do well in the DGW).

    3. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers Cheers. Antonio for me then. budget

  16. hustler7
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really unsure whether to use any chips now (all in tack except FH). I was going to do Brewster to Watkins for a -4 and bench boost but have decided against this now as Southampton's DGW is off. Dallas to WHU defender for -4?

    Johnstone*
    Dias* Zouma* Dallas
    Salah * KDB* Soucek* Bruno* Son
    Antonio* Bamford

    Bench: McCarthy KWP Mitchell Brewster

    2 million in the bank no free transfers. Going to captain KDB but unsure whether to use TC! Dallas to Creswell or Coufal for -4? Would lose 0.2 on Dallas if I wanted him back. Help appreciated as always! Good luck everyone.

  17. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wood to Antonio (-4) ?

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wood

    2. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  18. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Robertson and son
    B) Soucek and salah -4

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      B

  19. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane Grealish Taylor to Antonio KDB Stones -8

    Yay or nay?

    Would give me a bench boost of:

    Mccarthy Bissouma Coufal Alioski

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nay

  20. Dog and Fox
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son or Kane out for Salah? 2fts and want salah, so one must go!

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Personally think Son.

  21. Marcin the Pole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi folks, considering the following DGW options. Advice much appreciated:

    A) Son + Adams +4
    B) Gundogan + Vardy
    C) Foden + Martial/Werner (or any below that price)
    D) Grealish + Antonio

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

      D

  22. TAT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I really don’t know what to do with my team for this GW. BB is out of the question with the weak bench I got. Probably need some City coverage, but is it worth getting anyone besides a def? Got 1FT and 3.7 in the bank. Suggestions?

    Martínez
    Chilwell - Robertson - Coufal - Dallas
    Son - Raphinha - Fernandes - Salah
    Watkins - Bamford
    (Button - DCL - Taylor - Anguissa)

  23. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lamptey (inj) & DCL (inj > Cresswell and Antonio - No brainer right? -4

    1. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Or look at Watkins and go West Ham defence and Villa attack?

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

      Yes.

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

    Which pair is best for the double and beyond?

    A. Robertson and Antonio

    B. Cancelo and Grealish

    Martinez
    Dias Coufal
    Salah Fernandes KDB Soucek
    Vardy Bamford

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B easily for the long run.

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

        Thanks

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B) for me.

      Cancelo is a must and Grealish has plenty of doubles and is looking sh*t hot this season

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

        Thanks

  25. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Morning everyone.

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

      Morning, Rupert

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hello mate

  26. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB with Meslier Bamford Mitchel and Lookman ?

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm. I think I probably would yes. Mitchell is the only worry though, could you upgrade?

      1. boombaba
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        1m in bank so would have 4.9m to play with -4

        1. Marcin the Pole
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Worth a hit to bring in Coufal (or another Wham defender if you already own). Konsa, Targett also decent options.

  27. FATGFC
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think I know the answer, but;

    No BB right for a team with a bench with no playing keeper and Bamford/Raphinha/Alioski?

    Postponement screwed my 15 doubles plan 🙁 (just like everyone elses)

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unless you have both Free hit and wildcard still left, planning for another Bench boost will be such a pain. Honestly dont think its a bad idea to just go for it

      1. Marcin the Pole
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This is my stance too. If you have 4 playing options at this point in time, do it and get some of that money reinvested back into the starting XI.

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

          I don't - I have 3. No keeper, as I'm on a Forster/McCarthy double up and can't afford anyone who plays to replace Forster as only 0.2itb.

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

    Stones over Cancelo as Walker down to play against Palace. Cancelo may switch to the left

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

      Or Walker at CH like against Birmingham.

      In which case Stones is rested.

      Do not underestimate Pep!

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

    Would you do Balbuena+Adams->Stones+Antonio/Watkins (-8) for BB?

  30. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg??
    Johnstone
    Coufal James Dias
    Son Sterling Foden Salah Fernandes
    Antonio Bamford