Football Index

The best Football Index players to consider this weekend


Sponsored by Football Index


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.


Sign up to Football Index today and take advantage of their seven-day £500 money-back guarantee.

T&Cs available on  https://trade.footballindex.co.uk/moneybackguarantee/.

18+. Please gamble responsibly. http://begambleaware.org. #ad

800 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I’m considering taking a minus 12, getting D/G week players in but also players I want for the next 4-5 weeks.
    They’ll be a lot it managers out there that are nervous about taking hits and sticking with a relatively mediocre team but if you get them in on a D/G week, the chances are you’ll more than make up for your loss if you get decent players in.
    Risk v reward hopefully 🙂

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

      I took a -12 last week and I am very pleased with the results, I agree a lot of people adverse to taking hits. If it feels right, go for it!

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Absolutely, there’s been a few weeks where I’ve taken a minus 8 when I’m almost certain I’ll get my minus back and more, currently on 1062 points, not the best but certainly not the worse 🙂

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

          A lot better than my 968, was over 4 million 5 weeks ago though now 1.6m. Bench boost this week to hopefully get back in the top 1m. Horrible season!

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

      Go for it mate. This is the season to take some risks and have some fun with it

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Hiddenpaw and Ron, think this season is definitely the one to be taking risks as there’s been so many variables. Good luck fellas for the rest of the season...

  2. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish & Son to Salah & Soucek for the DGW @-4...

    Good or bad?

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

      Good if Grealish gets suspended for the newcastle game.

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

      Yes

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

      Yeah I like it.

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

      Meh. Gut feel is no as I think Son is due a haul and Grealish can play well v anyone.

    5. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks Guys...

    6. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good
      Grealish risks suspension at his next yellow

    7. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good. I'm most likely taking those 2 out for a hit as well

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

    Mccarthy to Martinez (-4) ?

    Or wait for updates if Martinez is fit?

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

      wait

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

      wait

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

    Would you bench boost with bench of Martinez, Bamford, Raphinha and Dallas if you had both wildcard and free hit left?

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

      Yes. Expect Leeds to score 3 against Brighton

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

        Thanks mate!

  5. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I don’t think McCarthy will play personally. Just trying to decide whether him to Martinez for -4 is worth it or not hmmm

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

      Why do you think that?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No need to rush him straight back in after covid and a couple days training

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

      Why what's happened with McCarthy?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Covid?

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

          Dam

    3. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      would also like to know why

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He’s just had covid

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

      I started Forster just in case

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

        Doesn’t matter who you start does it? If you have them both

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

          I don't have mccarthy though.

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If he's been asymptomatic, he's probably been training virtually as normal in his back garden.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Still think he’d want him in first team training for longer before returning

    6. Hiddenpaw
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do we know for certain that Martinez didn't have COVID?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No

  6. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Are these moves madness for -12 and using my BB? Robbo + Balbuena + Raphinha + Adams > Stones + Dias + Foden + Antonio.

    Johnstone - McCarthy
    Justin - Robbo - Coufal - Balbuena - Alioski
    Salah - Son - Bruno - Soucek - Raphinha
    Kane - Adams - Bamford

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just save the BB mate

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

        Worth TC instead?

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

    Please Help: YES or NO

    Bowen, Dallas and Adams to Soucek Stones and Wilson for -8

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      no

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

      No

    4. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bit ordinary for a -8 i prob wouldnt

  8. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking to do Kane, Son and Grealish to Vardy, KDB and Foden/ Bowen for -8. Any thoughts?

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

      Personally I would want Son long term. Grealish & Kane to Antonio & KDB?

  9. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Expected EO of Salah and KDB?

    Can I enjoy either without Captaincy?

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

      Don't think so 🙂

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

      I think Salah will definitely be under 100, KDB maybe just over? I don't expect Salah to haul massively in either tbh

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

    guys you think kdb will play both games? Is son to.kdb worth a -4?

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

      I did, but yeah, he may not start one.

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

      Considering the upcoming games for him probably.

      I'm pretty set on not doing it though personally.

  11. Muller Reus Corner
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is my bench boost gtg?
    Johnstone, McCarthy
    Cancelo, Dias, Zouma, Coufal, Dallas
    KDB (c), Bruno, Salah, Son, Soucek
    Antonio, Adams, Bamford

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So bench boostin McCarthy (might be out), Dallas, Bamford, Adams (fit?)

      Definetly not

      1. Muller Reus Corner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Adams is fit, and with Ings out he's the only striker in the team!

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

      Yep, gtg

  12. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For those not BBing, are you TCing?

    im tempted to bring in KDB and TC him, i have a feeling hes going to go off

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

      I think there's a good chance he'll not start one of those two games though.

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Undecided, might TC KDB or Vardy, but likely to be a few more DGWs coming up, will give it until the deadline

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

      I'm going to hold my chips this week, question marks on all the big 3 for captaincy.

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

    I’m pretty sure I played my free hit but on transfer page it’s showing active chip as “wildcard” so worrying clicked wrong button!

    Can anyone confirm whether it shows the active chip as “free hit” when played or is this correct cos technically I have a one week wildcard.

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

      It should highlight the Free Hit pink if you are playing it. Sounds like you clicked Wildcard by mistake.

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You played your wildcard mate.

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

        Doesn’t show as pink as on mobile (not app)...

        I’m hardly inexperienced either.

        Annoying but can’t be undone so will have to adapt fh team slightly to longer term approach..

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

      This is brutal to read.

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

    Is BB for Johnstone Anguissa Dallas Watkins worth it??

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

      probably

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

      Yes

    3. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

    4. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  15. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can I quick vote on who you think scores better this week out or Kane or Son?

    I've had Son most of the season and built up good value in him and he's been great. However not sure if Sheffield game suits Kane better?

    My gut says Son is the one to keep but thoughts??

    Need to lose one to upgrade Brewster!

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son based purely on value

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

      Son is a season keeper, especially if you have loads of value tied up.

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think Kane scores more when Spurs should be dominating the ball vs. son. But probably want to keep the value in Son if you anticipate buying him back. It’s only one GW.

    4. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane - better option vs bus parking imo

  16. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores more:
    A) Salah + Antonio
    B) Vardy + Cresswell

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably will be Close. B is much cheaper.

  17. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whose playing their TC this week? KDB is the only candidate for it imo, Salah and Bruno will both be embroiled in a drab Liverpool v Man U 1-1 draw affair so can't see either hailing big this GW.

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

    For DGW19 and therefater,supposing all fit;
    A. Son+Foden+Martial
    B. KDB+Raphinha+Watkins
    In A need to captain Salah, in B captain KDB...

  19. Lost in fantasy
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bring in instead of Lacca?
    0.4 itb.

    Have Bam and Antonio.

    Thanks!

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio

      1. Lost in fantasy
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bam and Antonio is already in the team 🙂

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

      Punt on Martial or Cavani?

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

      Cavani?

  20. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How to fund Son to KDB?
    A) Firmino to Antonio (-4)
    B) Robertson to Stones (-4)
    C) Wood and Taylor to Davis and Mitchell (-8) - don't play BB?

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Robbo Cancelo Coufal Dallas Taylor
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek Raphina
    Bamford Wood Firmino

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A for sure

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

      A

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

      Yeah, A.

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

    I have 10 DGW out field players. + son

    Bench is Johnston (DGW), Bamford, Dallas, mitchel

    Should I Bench Boost??.. Y or N

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

      Y - just to get it out of the way haha!

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

        Haha

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

      Yes

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

      I would, yes

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

        So banking on Leeds? , not confident on mitchel or Johnstone

  22. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    One of the most ridiculous argument I'm reading to play BB this week is 'To just get it out of the way'. Seen people playing BB even with non playing GK and even Brewster!

  23. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    MC carthy and Dallas to Forster and Stones for -4?

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have I missed some news about McCarthy ?? Keep seeing people posting stuff about playing Forster and selling McCarthy....

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

    A) Kane and Stones

    B) Vardy and Cancelo

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

      B

  25. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    think Im gonna roll with this BB for a -4. Any major issues here?

    Johnstone Meslier
    Justin TAA Maguire Coufal Dias
    Salah (c) Bruno Son Soucek Gundog
    Antonio Vardy Bamford

  26. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Steer, Dunne, Son, Kane OUT

    Areloa, Dias, KDB(c), Antonio IN

    for a -8?

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

      Yes but Perhaps leave out Steer to Areloa? and save a hit

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

        So bench boost without a keeper?

  27. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Johnstone, Adams, Bednarek, Dallas

    Good enough for BB?

  28. Redcat1
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    would you play Justin (SOU/CHE) over Dier (shu) or Bamford (BHA) or not at all ?

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

      Not over Bamford

  29. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this worth BB??

    McCarthy Adams Dallas KWP

  30. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you get rid of from Adams or DCL? DCL injured but probably someone I’d want more longterm. Is there any update on his fitness? Or is it stupid to keep him? Cheers