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. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martínez
    Cancelo | Coufal | Cresswell
    Soucek | Salah | Fernandes | Son
    *Kane | Firmino | Bamford
    ----------------------------------------------
    *Steer | Dallas | Raphinha | Mitchell*

    *Steer/Mitchell/Kane -> Darlow/Robbo/Watkins(-8) and BB?

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

      I dont like a -8 not including KDB this gw...

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

    PLay:

    A) Wilson (ars, avl)
    B) Son (shu)

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son.

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

      Son. Wilson barely gets the ball.

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

      B all day long.

    4. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

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

      Son

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

      B

    7. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son 100%

    8. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

    9. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

  3. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    People who played any chip(s) over GW18 / GW19 will find out how good their strategy was after the end of GW20 IMO. You should see a considerable improvement in rank if your strategy worked well.

    Way too early to say FH GW18 worked. What if you get stuffed in GW19 and so your OR is worse after GW19 than GW17?

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

      Completely agree that 18/19 need to be considered together.

      Those that free hit 18 should have teams specifically geared towards 19.

    2. Vlekz
        3 years, 2 months ago

        People who played their fh in 18 and were planning on bb in 19 already have most of the double gameweek players covered(atleast way more than the people who went chipless). The only way they are getting a red arrow is if son + kane go crazy and outperform the big double gameweek players

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          That doesn't counter my point that you will only know if your strategy worked if there is an improvement in OR after GW20.

          How can you say the strategy worked well if you go from OR 500k at the end of GW17 to OR 750k after the end of GW20 and you have used your Free Hit chip.

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

          Minute chance, how crazy is that going to be: 12 + 13? Premium DGWs will score min 6? So 12 pts deficit with many other DGWs punts ... it's hard to see a red arrow.

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

        Oh yeah of course. This is just the first act of a wild and expansive play.

      • Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hard to really put much stock in OR until GW30 I reckon

        By that stage DGW26 & BGW29 will be behind us & most chips will be gone

        That last 8 game stretch will be where things sort themselves out - although maybe here’ll still be a few residual/catch-up doubles for the likes of Villa

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

      Which combo for BB?
      A. Watkins Dallas
      B. Antonio Holding

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

        Either could be good. Probably B

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

          Antonio sways you?

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

            Yes

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

        B

    4. Scotty Dog
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Does Anyone know when DCL is back? I'm considering holding him @ 7.4

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

        Not sure, but I wouldn't hold.

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

        Isn't it hamstring? If so could be 3 wks, Carlo mentioned he has never had that before ...

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

        I got rid.

      4. Scotty Dog
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you

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

      Kane, Cavaleiro > Antonio, KDB(c)?

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

        Yes

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

        For [C] yes

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

        Yes

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

      Play Dallas (BRI) or Holding (NEW)?

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dallas

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

        Dallas as always a threat for attacking returns.

      3. Monya Meow Meow
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dallas

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

        Dallas

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

        Thanks all

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

      Anyone considering a Free Hit this week?

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

        Yes, if I had not used it last week

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

      If you have BB with 1 player with a DGW, two players with a nice fixture and 1 player with a hard fixture.... do you pull the trigger?

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

        ofcouse depends on the players

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

          Lookman, Meslier, Bamford, Mitchel

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

            Borderline. Perhaps no for me

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

      If you had to pick one option?

      A) DCL, McCarthy > Antonio, Ederson -4 (C on Salah here)
      B) Robertson, Son, DCL > Dias, KDB (C), Antonio -8

    10. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone here going without KDB? Would have to take a few hits for him with the expense of Son

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        o/

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

        keeping son and going without

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

        Yep, going without. Son has a solid fixture.

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

        Same dilemma. Look at post above.

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

        some people will be without salah but I guess hard to go without KDB

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

        Buy Foden

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

        Going without. Feels awful but not worth the hit for me.

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

        Keep in mind that you would be transfering out a player who has this season scored more goals in a single game than KDB has in all games combined

    11. Invincibles
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is TC this week a good idea or do people think KDB only plays one?

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

        risky

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

        Players with better form than him might be a better pick.

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

        Looks like people prefer to wait for Spurs DGW. At least we know Mourinho wont rotate Kane and Son.

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

          Yes good point.

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

        Don't think it's the best week for TC

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

        I think it’s a a fairly good week. It’s just all the cancelled games that I’d worry about.

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

        I'm considering it for KDB too

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

      Watkins or Dallas?

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

        sorry watkins or Bamford

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

          Bamford.

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

        Bamford

      3. Monya Meow Meow
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bamford

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

        thanks all of you

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

        Bamford

    13. NejiHyuuga01
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play:

      A) Neto
      B) Dallas

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dallas

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

        Dallas

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

        Neto

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

      Guys not getting enough replies

      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. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        almost all of your posts are questions, try answering some other people's questions.

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

          May be not as much as others but I gave answers also..

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        F) Adams & Lamptey to Antonio & Coufal

        Btw a ‘please’ wouldn’t go amiss...

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

          Thanks..

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

        I reply a fair bit on here.

        Not to this though.

        Best of luck.

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

          Thanks

      4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        We just da guys wid no replies....

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

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

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

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

        No issues

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

        Looks good

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

        thanks both

      4. Monya Meow Meow
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Go for it!

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

        Solid

    16. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Current GW19 team is...

      Martinez
      Robbo Justin Dias
      Salah(C) Bruno Grealish Soucek Son
      Wilson Antonio

      Steer Bamford Dallas Taylor

      1) Leave as is
      2) Taylor > Cresswell -4 and BB
      3) Steer > Fab -4 and BB

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

        2

        1. Monya Meow Meow
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks

    17. AgentFern
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would you guys recommend this...

      Robbo, zaha & Kane ---> stones, KDB & Vardy (-8)

      Leaves me with..

      Martinez
      Justin, stones, Coufal
      Salah, Bruno, KDB(tc), Son, Soucek
      Vardy, Bamford

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

      A) Kane + Mitchell > Vardy + Stones (-4) in a 442
      B) Kane + Saka > Vardy + Foden (-4) in a 352
      C) Kane > Vardy (FT) and play Bamford in 343?

      Which looks the better option?

    19. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Scary to think that we’ll know if a bb was worth it or not by about 5pm on Saturday with so many games still left to play. Will Raph, Dallas, Bamford all haul? Hmmm...

      That damn Southampton fixture 🙁

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's really thrown me. BB would be a no brainer if the game was going ahead. Now I'm stuck with a benching headache but I also can't really play the chip. Gah!

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Was a 60% chance that it would... ofcourse the 40% pulled through

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

        Wild that a lower league teams covid outbreak has messed up so many plans.

      3. SM001
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Looking at it now the success of your BB depends on 1 fixture; Leeds V BHA.
        I have 3 Leeds players on my bench too.

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          More or less Yh. Not the worst fixture though :/ tricky

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

      Does -16 a bit (or way) too much for a bench boost? Four DGW players in for four SGW players.

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Too much imo

      2. AK ⭐
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No way

      3. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        sounds like madness. guess it depends who the players are.

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

        Probably. But I feel like you’re not giving as much information as you could to trigger some sort of confirmation bias. Who are the players?

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

          Players in including FT: Johnstone (GK), AWB, Coufal, Foden, and Antonio.

          Now that I look at it, doesn't feel right anymore. Lol

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

        You're negating the bench boost with a minus 16. You'd need like 40 points on the bench to make it worthwhile.

    21. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas , Son , Adams >
      Mitchell Foden Vardy
      For -8 pts ?
      Yaaaaay
      Nope

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nope

      2. Monya Meow Meow
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No way

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

        Thxxx

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

        No

    22. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who scores more this week?

      A. Raphinha
      B. Soucek -4
      C. Antonio -4
      D Watkins -4

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

        C

      2. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

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

        B.

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

        Not mad about any of it. Antonio for upside I guess.

      5. AK ⭐
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C is the closest if Antonio plays both. B if not.

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

      Salah or KDB?

      1. Part-time Scout
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Both

    24. William.gallant
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Best defender for 4.1?

    25. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would you get rid of Son or Rashford for Kdb for free?

      A) Son (will lose 0.4 in value)
      B) Rashford (will lose 0.1 in value)

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

    26. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KWP > Stones -4?

      Alternative is starting Dallas with KWP on bench

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yup good move

    27. barton fc
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son + robbo > KDB + cancelo

      Will be priced out if Kevin goes up tonight, worth the hit?

    28. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane & Son > Vardy & KDB (-4) ?