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

    Is there a case of Vardy (c)?

    Both Saints and Chelsea will likely to have a go at Leicster and Vardy could get something in both games.

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

      Possibly, but not for me.

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

      Definitely a good diffential option

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

      Home vs Away form could be an argument?

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

        Yeah, these two games are like away games where they could sit back and counter??

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

          He will definitely have space to run in against those teams yeah

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

      Yes, I think so.

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

      Good option, but think I'll probably go Salah. I'd say owning Vardy is enough

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

      I’m waiting on united press conference. Hoping for news martial is out so I can get vardy without the inevitable martial hatrick based on my general transfer luck this year

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

      Would have been my captain if I had him...

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

      I think he's a good shout but KDB is the stand out pick for me (and I own neither btw)

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

    DGW19 only ... A or B?

    A) Gibbs (wol, whu)
    B) Bamford (BHA)

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

      B

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

      B

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

      Thanks, I was thinking the same

  3. lawsy009
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Given the fact Grealish has the uncertainty of 4 yellows and potential COVID issues around him, whose the better option for this week (and going forward..)

    Grealish or Barnes?

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

      Still Jack I think

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

      Barnes

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

      I wouldn’t bring Grealish in but with loads of value tied up, ok upcoming fixtures and more DGWs he’s in my team forever

  4. Migs1906
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A. Dallas to Coufal
    B. AWB to Coufal
    C. Holding to Coufal
    D. Save FT

    Im leaning towards shipping out AWB and saving the £ for next weeks. Any thoughts?

    Also, anyone worried about KDB being rested?

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

    Is BB for Johnstone Anguissa Dallas Watkins worth it?

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

    Bamford to Antonio?

    Yes or no?

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably not.

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

      I'm considering this move.

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

      Nah

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

      I wouldnt

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

    What combo to go for:

    A) Robbo + Stones + Son (Free, Lowton on bench)
    B) Lowton/Dallas + Stones + KDB (-4)

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

    Eagerly anticipating Pep's presser

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

      Any particular reason?

      Don't usually get much from a Pep presser. And, sometimes you even get misleading info like when he said Sterling is fit and which would easily lead you to think Sterling will start... then he's benched!

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

    g2g? good luck, hoping my villa guys are ok

    Ederson
    Dias Stone Robbo Coufal
    Souckek Grealish Mo(c) Bruno
    Watkins Antonio

    Johnstone Son Bamford Targett (BB activated!)

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

      Triple City defence! Wow, you go DBeck! First draft I have seen on here with that. GL and good BB 🙂

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

        they could clean the next 5 fixtures, easily the best def this season. Thanks

        Hows your team shaping up?

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

      I like it. Gtg.

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

    KDB won't be rested until Cheltenham FA Cup

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

      (TC)??

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

    Bench Boost with Johnstone/Bamford, Adams, Dallas. (-4)
    Yes or no?

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

    Morning guys, does selling Wilson for Antonio make sense ??

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wondering the same thing.

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

      Yeah I would Newcastle look terrible

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

      I dont like it, I would hold Wilson for the double and give you more time to make a call on Antonio.

  13. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    BB team looking okay?

    Areola - Meslier
    Canchelo - Dias - Maguire - Coufal - Tierney
    KDB - Rashford - Fernandes - Son - Soucek
    Bamford - Wilson - Watkins

    Would you take a hit to do:

    1) Wilson/Watkins ----> Antonio

    2) Tierney ----> Justin/R.James

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

      I wouldnt hit, team is great

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

        sorry just saw the news on Tierney, a hit to James or Cresswell seems fun

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

      Good team. 1 imo. Not sure which one to lose. Probably Watkins.

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

      1 with Wilson unless Tierney looks to be out

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

    What’s better this week?

    A) Son and Pulisic
    B) Salah and Bamford

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

      B

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

    Watkins or Antonio?

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

      Antonio

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

    Looking like I'm gunna do

    Sterling > Salah
    Dier > Stones

    with my two FT tonight before Stones goes up in price.

    Then on the eve of the deadline I need to decide on whether to take a punt on my hero - Antonio (for Bamford) - for a -4. Also need to decide whether Salah is worthy of my TC chip or if to just leave it for later in the season

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

      Also have Sterling, but not sure (I know sounds ridiculous) if I bin him for Salah. Sterling can easily match Salah this dgw

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

        Long term it's a no brainer for me. Sterling is sh**e this season and that penalty just rubbed salt in the wounds.

        Besides, I need the 3rd City spot for Stones so it's an easy decision for me

      2. Mufc202020
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Although sterling had a poor 10 mins the other day. I can see him playing the full 180mins this month and getting a fair few goals as he is well rested. Massive differential

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

      I'm thinking to get in Sterling but yeah Salah is the best player in the game.Everyone is suggesting to keep Bamford but i think it's worth to go different especially for a player like Antonio especially with a dgw and also much better fixtures than Bamford.

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

        Yeah, I agree about Bamford > Antonio.

        It's a punt at the end of the day and a player like Antonio can go really big over those two fixtures.

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

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

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

      Yes with antonio

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

    I will make 1 prediction this game week (and we all know how accurate they usually are). There's going to be a lot of salty West Ham asset owners around. As you were

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

      Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but if I was FHing, I'd probably have 3 WHam assets - 2 certainly (Antonio + Coufal/Cresswell + Soucek).

      I think they'll do really well with the fixtures they have

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

      So you’re saying I shouldn’t TC Cresswell?

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

    I like Wilson up front but Newcastle are playing Tripe at moment

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

      They are but both headed chances they had fell to Wilson vs the Blades

  20. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why is Bruno on 3 yellows according to the suspension tightrope?

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

      Let me check

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

      FFS incompetence

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

        Ha. Strong.

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

      That is weird.

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

      Someone made a boo boo

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

      Some jerks will say its cause its Manutd

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

    Adams to Antonio for free?

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

      Yes

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

      Yep good move, don’t expect 180 mins though.

      90 / 30 or two early subs

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

    I am set for one more transfer - any ideas?

    MARTINEZ
    MAGUIRE STONES Dallas
    BRUNO RASH KDB (C) Son BOWEN
    VARDY Bamford

    STEER, TAYLOR, Lamptey, Brewster

    Thanks 0.9itb

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

      Dallas > Cresswell?

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

        Thanks Popey

        I am worried about no Liverpool - you reckon just ride it out?

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

    Dier to Stones worth (-4)? yay or nay?
    If no, I would play Bamford

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

      I have Dias

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

        Or instead to Maguire/AWB?

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

      Yes

  24. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys team

    Martinez
    Robbo dallas kwp balbuena lamptey
    Salah son bruno grealish bissou
    Kane bam Adams

    A) son robbo to kdb stones -4?
    B) son adams robbo to kdb Antonio stones -8?
    C) lamptey to coufal free?
    D) robbo son Kane to cancelo kdb vardy -8?
    E) adams kane son Robbo to Antonio vardy kdb cancelo -12???

    Need suggestion guys....

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

      A

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

    Please advice guys,
    1) DCL to Vardy SOT CHE eve LEEDs ful
    But it prevents me upgrading Son to Debruyne in future
    2) DCL to Antonio BUR WBA CRY liv eve ful
    3) DCL + Son to Antonio + KDB -4

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

      1

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

      i like 3

    3. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Might have to do 3 myself. Not too keen on getting rid of Son though.

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

      Do you want to be one of those salty West Ham owners?

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

      3 imo

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

    Help me decide: YES or NO

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

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

      Yes without Wilson transfer. Can advice me abive bro?

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

      Just first two transfers. Not Wilson

  27. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Reece James or Justin?
    can't decide on that one :-/

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

      Reece

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

      Justin for me. Chelsea crap atm.

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

      Medium term I still worry that Justin will lose his spot. So, I'd just go for James (Chilwell better if have the funds)

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

    Not FPL, but play 2 from 3:

    A) Castagne
    B) James
    C) Martial

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

      add D) Wilson to that

  29. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hey legends need a bit of help please.

    How to get KDB in this team? Dont really want to get rid of Son/Robbo but might have to.

    1FT 2.0 ITB

    Marti
    Robbo Chilwell Coufal Stones
    Salah Son Grealish Bruno
    DCL Bamford

    Forster Brewster Alzate Taylor

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

      DCL > Watkins/Antonio
      Son > KDB

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not too keen on Son vs SHU?

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

          yes, but more keen on KDB vs CPL and AVL.

          FYI I'm doing Son > Salah

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

      I dont think your team needs KDB, just do DCL to Antonio/Firmino and not hit

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

        actually the post above mine nails it

      2. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks lads. It is the only move im considering tbf. Just have a weird feeling Son might haul.

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

    A) Kane and Soucek
    B) Son and Antonio

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

      A for me

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

      A