Scout Notes

Rüdiger forcing way into Chelsea picture ahead of appealing fixtures

FULHAM 0-1 CHELSEA

  • Goals: Mason Mount (£6.8m)
  • Assists: None
  • Red cards: Antonee Robinson (£4.4m)
  • Bonus points: Mount x3, Antonio Rüdiger x2 (£4.5m), Thiago Silva x1 (£5.6m)

OUT OF THE BLUE

Rüdiger forcing way into Chelsea picture ahead of appealing fixtures

Ahead of an appealing run of matches, Chelsea kept a much-needed clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Fulham.

It was the first time the Blues had kept out a Premier League opponent since Gameweek 14 and only their second shut-out since Gameweek 11 – but the signs of improvement were there at Craven Cottage.

And, of course, defensive returns were bread and butter stuff for Frank Lampard’s men earlier in the campaign, with achieved five clean sheets from a possible seven between Gameweeks 4 and 10.

Based on Saturday’s win, the next few weeks could see a return to that sort of form.

When sorting the Season Ticker by defensive potential over the next five Gameweeks, no team ranks higher than Chelsea, who face Wolves (home), Burnley (home), Sheffield United (away) and Newcastle (home) between now and Gameweek 24.

While Wolves have managed to score six times between Gameweeks 17 and 19, they have failed to find the net in every away match at a side inside the Premier League top seven this season (Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester United).

Meanwhile, Burnley (nine) and Sheffield United (nine) are the division’s joint-lowest scorers and Newcastle have scored just once in their last four league outings.

Against Fulham, Chelsea did, of course, benefit from a first-half sending off for Antonee Robinson (£4.4m) but the centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva (£5.6m) and Antonio Rüdiger (£4.5m), despite only making a second Premier League start together, mostly looked in control.

However, that fact does introduce the main problem for Fantasy managers considering the Chelsea defence: how to invest.

Between Gameweeks 6 and 13, Lampard deployed Silva with Kurt Zouma (£5.8m), Ben Chilwell (£6.1m) and Reece James (£5.1m) seven times from a possible eight but that consistency has wavered since then.

Injuries to his full-backs and minute management for the centre-backs have made Lampard’s back-four harder to predict of late and Rüdiger’s form has further complicated matters – although it does provide an opportunity for Fantasy managers looking to take a cheap risk.

Despite Zouma’s consistent presence this season, the German international has lasted 90 minutes in two of the last three Premier League matches, paired with Silva in each of those appearances.

Rüdiger went close to scoring a headed effort at the far post on Saturday too, denied only by a superb diving Alphonse Areola (£4.5m) save.

Considering that James was only an unused substitute upon recovering from his injury, and Silva has required regular rests this season, Chilwell appears the safest route into the Chelsea defence in the coming weeks.

That said, the £6.1m defender has seen a drop-off in creative output recently, registering just one key pass in the last four matches.

MOUNTING AN ATTACK

Chelsea’s attacking options offer a similar challenge to Fantasy managers as Lampard continues to shuffle his pack.

Timo Werner (£9.2m), who missed a golden late chance, Tammy Abraham (£7.2m) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) had to make-do with second-half substitute appearances while Olivier Giroud (£6.7m), Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) and Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) all blanked.

The Moroccan international is becoming increasingly influential for Chelsea again, taking his fair share of set pieces before Hudson-Odoi replaced him in the 74th minute. He is still without an attacking return since Gameweek 8 despite making five appearances since then although he was denied from the edge of the box and hit the post on Saturday..

Mason Mount (£6.8m), who also struck the woodwork at Craven Cottage, has been a relatively consistent performer, and starter, so may receive some consideration. That said, his Double Gameweek 19 goal was a first attacking return since Gameweek 14 and his first goal, and double-digit haul, since Gameweek 3.

“I thought it was very apt Mason got the goal. I thought he was fantastic.” – Frank Lampard

But considering the wealth of options Lampard has at Chelsea, and the fact that finding a truly devastating combination has proved difficult with just one goal scored in each of their last four matches, we may need more time before a real attacking Fantasy option emerges ahead of those appealing fixtures.

That is especially pertinent considering that the busy schedule played a part in Lampard’s most recent team selection and there are certainly plenty more matches to come in quick succession.

“It was difficult and I was speaking about Callum (Hudson-Odoi) specifically because there has been an uplift from him recently. But Hakim gives us something different. I did have Leicester in mind and we will see how some do over the next day or two.”

Frank Lampard

FULL CIRCLE

While Fulham suffered a ninth defeat of the season against Chelsea, they continue to prove themselves harder to beat than some Fantasy managers might be led to believe.

Despite losing Robinson on the stroke of half-time, Fulham still held Chelsea at arm’s length for much of Saturday evening.

Their 1-0 loss means they have conceded either one or fewer goals in each of their last six Premier League matches.

The last time the Cottagers gave up two or more goals was the Gameweek 11 defeat at Manchester City, which serves as a reminder to anyone still targeting them as Premier League ‘whipping boys’.

Manchester United are among their next opponents, although Fantasy managers can do nothing about that match as it forms part of Double Gameweek 19, while Leicester’s Gameweek 22 trip to Fulham should probably not be seen as much of an opportunity as it might do on paper.

In fact, with Brighton (away) and West Bromwich Albion (away) two of the Cottagers’ next three opponents, Parker might fancy their chances of adding to the two clean sheets recorded in the last five matches.

“I thought we defended heroically and we defended very well. It’s a shame they got their nose in front but overall nothing but admiration for the way the team played.” – Scott Parker

Scott Parker

Whether they can offer the same level of attacking potential remains to be seen, especially as Robinson formed such a big part of their threat against Chelsea and Bobby De Cordova-Reid (£5.3m) will miss Fulham’s second Double Gameweek 19 match against Manchester United.

The left wing-back set up Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) in the first half, who was denied by a Rüdiger block, before spearheading a move that saw Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.3m) spurn a gilt-edged chance.

“First half limited them really and then ten minutes before the sending off we were in the ascendancy and missed a big chance with Cavaleiro when really when your us, those chances need to go in. Sending off changes the game obviously.”

Scott Parker

That Cavaleiro opportunity was created by Kenny Tete (£4.4m) who has shown signs of promise since returning from injury. He has now started each of the last three matches in all competitions at right wing-back for Fulham and looks in good form.

In fact, across his last four matches, he has created more chances than any other Fulham player, despite only featuring for 286 minutes in that time.

“I thought it’s the best we’ve seen Kenny (Tete) today. I thought everything about him today has been first class. He’s an attacking full-back and at times in the first half, we saw that getting in the right areas. In the second half, there were limited chance to go forward and he has to defend and put a shift in for the team. Defensively he was very good as well. He’s been out for a long while and we’ve asked him to play two games in a short space of time, that’s where it is and we’re going to need him fully in the next few games as well.”

Scott Parker

Fulham XI (3-5-2): Areola; Adarabioyo, Andersen, Aina (Bryan 83′); A Robinson, Zambo Anguissa, Reed, De Cordova-Reid (Kamara 83′), Tete; Lookman, Cavaleiro (Onomah 79′).

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): E Mendy; Chilwell, Rüdiger, T Silva, Azpilicueta; Mount, Jorginho (Abraham 65′), Kovacic; Pulisic, Giroud (Werner 75′), Ziyech (Hudson-Odoi 75′).

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1,148 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Feel I really need a City defender, is this worth a -4 ?

    Still have WC, so I can get Leeds players back in GW25 if I need to.

    Ayling, Rodrigo > Cancelo, Brewster ?

    Brewster would be bench fodder.

    Cheers.

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

      Good move

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

      Yeah it looks fine. Although if you still have BB I would consider holding onto Leeds until that game is played (likely to be in GW23).

      1. Ronnies
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Any idea when we will know this for sure ?

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

          After the FA Cup games. We want Southampton to be knocked out by Shrewsbury (unlikely) or Arsenal.

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

      Looks good to me

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

      Yep looks like a nice transfer to me.

      Brewster will come good in the next few months too I feel ('come good' for a 4.5 bench player I mean - not match the big hitters)

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        There has been no sign of it so far. He is not good enough or mature enough to flourish in a failing team that has an idiosyncratic way of playing. If picked he is purely an enabler to buy more expensive players, similar to buying Davis.

    5. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth it IMO.

      Also Cancelo not nailed.

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

      Never buy Brewshite

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

    Planning to roll FT (barring injury/ban) and switch to 4-5-1 the next week by bringing in Chilwell for Wilson with 2 FT. What do you think?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Grealish
    Bamford Wilson
    Forster Dallas Dier Brewster
    1 FT 0.2 ITB

    1. Ronnies
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Great team.
      How about Wilson to Antonio ?

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

        Considered this but I want to hold on to Wilson for GW20 game against LEE and Antonio plays LIV, avl in 21-22 so not sure about that. I may consider DCL for GW21 onwards though if comes back from injury by then.

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      stick with 352

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

        Not a fan of 4-5-1 actually, mainly because of eliminating two bench spots but can not find a good budget forward between 21-24 and do not want to change my midfield. If DCL is back, I will do Dier>Mitchell and Wilson>DCL otherwise Chilwell looks better than any other forward option during that spell.

        1. Tambling5
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Forward picks are depressing at the moment. Would be much easier if could play extra midfielders: Barnes, Foden, Mount, Zaha, etc all much more likely to score than most of the so-called strikers!

  3. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1 FT 0.0m ITB

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Coufal Stones Dallas Justin
    Salah KDB Bruno Soucek Bissouma
    Vardy Bamford Antonio

    Thoughts on the FT? Salah to KDB if Salah blanks?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You already have KDB?

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry mate, I have Son and not KDB. My bad

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

    By the way, Cancelo owners...

    NOW IS OUR TIME!

    The best time to own him is right now. He's gunna start getting some big points from those ridiculously good underlying numbers. And, he's not going to get another rest for a fair few games I would think.

    And, a Dias rest is coming on of these weeks, I can feel it in my water 🙂

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

      Bloody hope so mate

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

        Quite nice having played Stones though. A very unexpected boost.

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah it can be argued that he's got his rest out of the way. I'm considering the triple up (got Dias and Stones this week, one of the few good decisions I have made this season 🙂 )

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

        Triple up? What about KdB?

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          World class player but he's looking tired at the moment and he's twice the price of the defenders, much more than twice in the case of Stones.

          I'd rather alternate the captaincy between Fernandes and Salah and invest the moolar at the back right now (not that either are in form of course...)

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

            It's not a bad shout to be fair. The amount of corners and fks that City force make the CHs a genuine threat and Cancelo is dangerous all the time. High risk reward obvs...

            1. Make Arrows Green Again
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yes there will be GWs where City concede in the 88th minute and I will probably throw my phone across the room, but they should balance out over the course of a few weeks.

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

                Hudson-Odoi, 92nd minute springs to mind. Lost 8 points right there. But the Dias-Stones combo more than made amends this week! Massive rank jump.

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

            Could work. Not for me though. KdB is the only certainty in my team. Tired or not he always ends up Mr reliable. And what a fluke Stones scoring not his first of the season but second in same game. Even more of a fluke I had him. Def bumped me up my minileagues.

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

      Poker players know it frequently happens a good decision results in a bad outcome.
      But on the long term, variance is flattened and I trully believe Stones haul is an "anomaly' (GG to the Stones owners though) but Cancelo will come good, and even better oever the course of the next 5 GW

    4. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Think of cancelo as a defender version of Foden- not nailed, never has been under pep, good performance doesn't matter either they'll be benched

        Nothing has shown me that walker isnt first choice, that said cancelo gets healthy minutes due to versatility and is close to a haul

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

          Cancelo will punish this comparison with a 20 pointer next week 😛

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I'll worry if he starts 😉

          2. Make Arrows Green Again
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            What do you make of Zinchenko as a slightly cheaper option? More nailed?

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

              less nailed. cancelo can play left back, and mendy is likely to chip in with the odd horrible performance.

              Zinchenko is also useless.

              1. Make Arrows Green Again
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                OK thanks, doesn't seem like he's worth the 0.3m saving then

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

            He’s played 90 minutes in 13 of the last 15 matches. Won’t be rotated any more than Stones or Dias IMO.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 2 months ago

                There's a context to things, injuries covid walker out, zincenko Mendy both out. He managed to become temporarily nailed because of that, like I said I don't see him as first choice over walker and I'm pretty sure pep prefers a left footed lb as his team selection history proves

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

              Not nailed???

              That's plainly not true.

              'Not impervious to the odd rotation in a busy period' is a much more accurate description of the Cancelo situation (2 rests in 14 games!).

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

                Walker had Covid though.

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    This, literally was nailed at RB at the start of this season

                2. Make Arrows Green Again
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  I agree with your your point, although this speaks to the way that the word 'nailed' is misused here. Nailed implies pinned to a board like an beetle on an entomologist's plank, never leaving the team except through injury and the occasional essential rest. (Bamford, KdB). I don't like to see it used a comparative - a player is nailed or he is otherwise more or less secure 🙂

                  1. Make Arrows Green Again
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    And I see the irony of asking "more nailed" in my own question above hahaha

            3. Crouch Potato
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I'm getting rid, gonna get Diaz and Stones. with KDB on corners there is always a chance of one of them scoring from his delivery. Diaz should have yesterday.

            4. CABAYE4
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Cancelo could well haul given his attacking stats.

              But he’s still more likely than Dias or Stones to be rotated given lack of CB options.

              Don’t own Dias but wouldn’t be surprised if he started every game.

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

            Due to BBing this week I'm left with a benching headache for GW20

            Leno
            Stones, Cancelo, Shaw
            KDB, Fernandes, Son, Barnes
            Antonio, Bamford, Cavani

            (Areola, Robbo, Souchek, Ogbonna)

            Should I change bench? Want to save a transfer? Cheers guys.

            1. Yankee Toffee
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              That's a tough one. I wouldnt bench Robbo, but who to bench instead? Barnes, maybe

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

              Save FT & then start your makeover next week with 2FT's

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

              Seems like a real headache. Benching Robbo does not feel right regardless of opponent. Maybe I would play him over Barnes.

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

              Think I would bench Barnes or Bam over Robbo. I'm.in a similar boat since BB with a full 15 team.now and benching dilemmas!

            5. jayzico
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yup. My thoughts exactly re Robbo - problem is his assist/goal potential and Barnes is just a meh who I flukily opted for as part of my -12 (which was Barnes, Robbo, Antonio, Cavani in).

              Paid off bar Cavani

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

              Bench Barnes for Robbo no brainer.

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

                OK. That's good enough for me. Done.

          5. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Boom 9K with 15 players left this week! Joining the official John stones fanclub

              1. Yankee Toffee
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                GL!

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Cheers!

              2. Yankee Toffee
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Bottomed.

                Next week play:

                A Mitchell (WHU)
                B. Justin (eve)

                Cheers

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    I'd go Justin if dcl isn't back

                    1. Yankee Toffee
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      thanks

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

                    B

                    1. Yankee Toffee
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Cheers!

                  • aleksaa2
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    B

                    1. Yankee Toffee
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Thanks!

                  • Runaway
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    B

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

                  early benching dilemma this week..Who to.bench?

                  Currently Soucek Justin Coufal.

                  Martinez Johnstone
                  Maguire Dias Stones Justin Coufal
                  Sterling Bruno Salah Raphinha Soucek
                  Bamford Vardy Antonio

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

                    Bench Raphinha over Soucek - Palace seemed surprisingly vulnerable to crosses and set pieces yesterday so Soucek could flourish

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

                      Good shout mate cheers

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

                    Johnstone-Raphinha-Justin-Coufal any of them may backfire though

                  3. Cruyff's Eleven
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    No matter what your pick is, you will have more points on your bench than this week.

                    Facts...

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

                  BBC Sport saying "Is Ruben Dias the new VVD" He & Stones best Defenders in Prem League

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

                    it's a lazy comparison. Dias is very good, but VVD is head and shoulders above all the others when he is fit and on form.

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

                      No he isn't. Van Dijk is the best but not much better than Dias. He has his weaknesses like everyone else. Look how badly Van Dijk has been exposed in certain games, he has flaws.

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

                        complacency towards the end of last season. don't see what specific flaws he has in his game?

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

                          VVD also has the pleasure of having to babysit an absolute liability in the form of Gomez and a right back who can't defend.

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

                            But you could say the same about Dias with Stones and Cancelo to be fair

                        2. @persecuted_by_mods
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Is complacency not a flaw? And it may have started at the end of last season but it certainly continued into this season

                            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                He's the best CB in the world for me, but nobody is flawless

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

                                  I'm just genuinely interested what people view as his specific flaws. It's hard to think of any.

                                  His complacency at the end of last season was understandable. This season was more about Gomez and Trent in my opinion. That side was a free pass for opposition teams.

                                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                      3 years, 2 months ago

                                      True true, him and robbo basically carry the def along with Alison. I think the complacency did continue into this season but again that's natural when you've won everything can't be too critical of him

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

                            I don't think VvD is THAT good. Especially post lockdown last season and before he got injured. Remember that he was part of that backline that shipped 7 vs Villa.

                            He has amazing range of passing and is dominant in the air and fast too, but he does have a tendency to get complacent and relies on his speed to bail him out of certain situations.

                            I think there is genuine argument that Dias is the better defender. Although his range of passing is not as good that's for sure.

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

                              villa made a mockery of the Gomez and Trent flank.

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

                          Long way to go but he's definitely on the right path.

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

                        Walker only 85% due to Covid & looked it against Palace

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

                        Keeping my back 4 - KWP Stones Dias Shaw

                        1. @persecuted_by_mods
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Robbo not worry you? Hate not owning him looks so threatening every game

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

                              He poor

                        2. The Mantis
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 7 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Cut my losses with Vardy?

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

                            Not yet unless injured, couple of fixtures coming up he could do very well in

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

                            Not with his fixtures

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

                            Keep and get Kane back after Liverpool game

                            1. The Mantis
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              I've actually got Kane as well. Kane / Vardy / Bamford atm - might do Bamford to Antonio now

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

                          From now till gw 24, which differential/semi differential picks do you think can help cover up ground on template teams?

                          I feel Antonio and Chelsea defence are good options

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

                            Ziyech

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

                            Is Antonio not template?

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

                              Depends how you define differential. Less than 10% ownership.

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

                                Wow. He’s huge on here.

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

                            Antonio in 1/3 of top tier teams already and not great fixtures (blue on the ticker but tougher than it looks IMO).

                            I think:
                            - Leicester attack outside of Vardy. Leeds coming up and both Barnes and Mad look good
                            - Some sort of Chelsea attack. I think Mount might be worth it - clearly wants to score more
                            - Palace. Wolves, Newcastle, Leeds is a good run (if Zaha is fit)

                          4. CABAYE4
                            • 12 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Chilwell will get a double digit haul in that period.

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

                            Vardy R.James DCL ( no one serious owns him anymore) Zaha

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

                          Will Stones play in the second game? Worried owner 🙁

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

                            This is so transparent.

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

                              😉

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

                                You’ll get a couple things f bites though I’m sure. I wish you the greatest of luck with your endeavour.

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

                                  😀

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

                            Ake and Laporte still out so looks safe

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

                              😎

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

                            Stop with the greed Jafooli!

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

                              We want more, we want more 😛

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

                            I hope so, 21p in a DGW would be a massive letdown from him.

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

                              This

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

                            Worried here too, total fail unless he beats the all-time GW score.

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

                              Need him to haul this GW....

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

                          Any early thoughts here? I'm thinking a United defender & Martinez in goal for long term moves.

                          McCarthy
                          Dias Cancelo Dallas
                          Grealish Fernandes KDB Salah Son
                          Bamford Antonio

                          Subs: Konsa, Dier, Brewster

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

                            Yeah UTD defender.

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

                          KDB went off after bad tackle from Ward the Palace full back. Has to be a doubt for Wed v Villa

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

                            Nah.

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

                            Only thing I'm doubting is whether he'll get 20 points or 19

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

                            yawn. KDB went off smiling after the 3rd goal went in.

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

                            As an owner, non-capper, I’m fine with that. Time to step up Salah (c) and Foden 😎

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

                            I'm sure if you give him some of your spinach he will recover by then...

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

                            You're overthinking mate.

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

                            He'll play against Villa, but imho, very hot take, he'll be a doubt for Cheltenham.

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

                              I’ll whoop him.

                        7. Oooo Matron
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 7 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Is there any argument for big at the back again? Lots of clean sheets happening now.

                          Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Wan Bissaka, Chillwell, Robertson, Castagne all looking attractive options long term.

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

                            by the time we all decide it's time for big at the back, we'll have missed the boat and it'll be all about the big hitting mids/fwds again.

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

                            Medium at the back is the way to go. Every season. Unless you have a run away big hitter like TAA last season....

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

                            You don't need to spend lots to get good points though. I wouldn't pay more than Cancelo on DFers and can still do well I think

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

                            Don’t need to spend much and most are already big enough at the back.

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

                            Clearly this season is all about defenders priced between 4.5 to 5.5. Obviously some of them are no longer in that price bracket because they went up, but my strategy of not going crazy in defence has paid off nicely so far.

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

                          Yawn all you like. KDB having treatment on his ankle this morning at City

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

                            I don't think any player in the history played a game after a treatment on his ankle. It would be a miracle.

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

                            They probably won't risk him for Villa with that mammoth task v Cheltenham coming up

                        9. CABAYE4
                          • 12 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Has TAA been as defensive as he was yesterday lately or was it a one-off to counter Man Us pace on the left/exploit Pogba on their right?

                          Felt like TAA was often tucked in with Robertson playing high and wide.

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

                          Took a punt on Firmino and fairly certain that I want him out immediately......is Bamford the only good option? Other 2 are Antonio and Wilson.....

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

                            I own Antonio and Wilson

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

                            Bamford first choice, then Antonio if his fit

                          3. Tambling5
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            I did too - didn't look good. Let's hope he gets a couple of jammy goals against Burnley. Really tricky this forward lark. Wilson was ok earlier in season, but Newcastle looking poor without St Max. Leeds form also getting worse - Bamford barely a touch in the box the other day. Antonio always an injury doubt. Picking Kane unbalances finances. I think I'm going to aim for DCL w hen fit, Watkins as will have a couple of games in hand, and possibly Davis as fodder as likelihood of three subs needed due to covid starting to diminish perhaps?

                        11. The-Red-1
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Currently on this for next week. Have I got my bench right?

                          Martinez
                          Stones Dias Maguire Chilwell
                          Bruno Rashford Sterling El Ghazi
                          Vardy Bamford

                          Bench: Antonio Soucek Coufal.

                          I'm comfortable having the value on the bench this season in particular, 2 of the United boys on 4 yellows, and there's always the risk of Covid, so chances are my bench will be used. But assuming everyone plays, is this good to go?

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

                            interesting team, what is your overall rank?

                            1. The-Red-1
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Shocking, over 3m. So really I suppose this question doesn't matter! Haha.

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

                                can still pull it back and get a decent rank, was just interested as it is a very different team.

                                wouldn't bench antonio.

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

                            No way I'm benching Antonio.

                            Would rather bench one of the defenders. Maybe Chilwell. Really awful bench headache you've given yourself.

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

                            I would play Antonio ahead of El Ghazi

                          4. Don Kloppeone
                            • 6 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Start Antonio and Soucek over El Ghazi and Chilwell I think

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

                          BB19 causing me some serious benching headace for GW20.
                          1.8 itb and 2FT

                          DDG
                          Dias, Stones, Coufal
                          KDB, Son, Bruno, Soucek
                          Bamford, Vardy, Antonio
                          (Martinez - Zouma, Dallas, Raphinia)

                          A) DDG -> Button (Going with Martinez long term, but DDG has SHU in GW20)
                          B) Zouma -> Mitchell (Zouma now a doubt with Rudiger back)
                          C) Vardy & Raphinia -> Brewster & Salah
                          D) Anything else?

                          1. Don Kloppeone
                            • 6 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Similar benching dilemma to me.

                            I'd do either A or B - coin toss tbh as you need to do both at some point!

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

                              Cheers mate

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

                            B, I'd roll another GW with DDG against SHU, high possibility of a CS. Then in GW21 A, but maybe with Steer if he is a backup keeper, just to be safe in case something bad happens.

                        13. Tim Canterbury
                          • 12 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          When Stones and KDB(tc) get you 21 point apiece

                          https://images.app.goo.gl/UAEwN19bzzZZDeea9

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

                          Not surprised at all that KdB is a doubt for the second game. That makes it 14 captain fails in 19 game weeks for me..

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

                            put that rod away

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

                              What? If your captain plays one game in a dgw and doesn't even outscore single game week Kane then it's s massive fail

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

                                where is the source that KDB is a doubt?

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

                                  No source, just vibes

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

                            Not a totally fail though.

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

                            better than Salah C atleast

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

                              cue salah brace v burnley

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

                          Anyone own Tierney? First on bench this week but wondering what to do with him next few weeks. Fixtures could be better.

                          1. Dion D's Solo Shower
                            • 6 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            I do o/

                            Don't think Arsenal's fixtures are worth owning him.

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

                            I own and don't plan to sell. Just bought him despite a SGW and knew the fixures at the time.

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

                          triple captain should be called 1.5x captain.

                          1. Deulofail
                            • 8 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            I disagree 🙂

                            If you could play a captain chip, then play different chip for 1.5x the points (regardless of whether you captained that player), then you could say it's a 1.5x chip. But if you have to play it on a player you captained, then you could call it a 1.5x captain's poits chip, maybe, but it still feels like it makes more sense to call it a second captain chip, as it's worth the same as the first.

                            But the TC chip is not distinct from the captaincy chip. You can't play them independently. So I think it makes more sence to call it a double captain chip, as it's worth double a captain chip (the same number of captain points again)..

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

                          Today is essentially irrelevant with Arsenal Newcastle being the only match played, right?.

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

                            There are quite a few with Arsenal players. GW18 WC'ers like Andy have them.

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

                            I guess some ppl that WCed in GW18 will have the likes of Laca,Tierney and/or Saka

                          3. bitm2007
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 9 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Wilson owner so a key differential day for me, many others brought in Arsenal assets for last GW that are still in their starting 11's.

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

                            Tierney highest at 7%

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

                              Wilson at 20%

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

                                I find it hard to take Newcastle players seriously lol...

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

                              Basically irrelevant though, thanks

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

                            Some have but I dont think any of those players will break the points bank anyway...

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

                          What do you think of Harvey Barnes as an FPL asset? Is he a trap like Maddison?

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

                            gets in to a lot of good positions. horrible end product. results in the odd haul.

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

                            I rather get Soucek and save the money

                          3. Tambling5
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            He's been playing really well, and more likely to haul over a long period than Soucek I think. Not sure if he would be so if Vardy ever can't play.

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

                          Chose KDB(-4) over Kane so I don't know if I want him to be fit to make my move worth or be out for the AVL game to damage all those who captained him.

                        20. Don Kloppeone
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Same benching headache as many. Looking to save FT. Would you bench different players/ change the order?

                          1FT 0.2itb
                          Martinez
                          Robbo, Dias, Stones
                          Bruno (C), Salah (v), Son, Soucek
                          Vardy, Bamford, Antonio
                          (Johnstone) (Raphinha, Coufal, Dallas)

                          Cheers!

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

                            Easy save. Bench looks fine. Maybe Dallas ahead of Raphinha

                            1. Don Kloppeone
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Thanks mate!