Scout Notes

Kane and Son both deliver returns in new formation as Spurs breeze past Sheffield United

Sheffield United 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goals: Harry Kane (£11.1m)| Tanguy Ndombele (£5.9m)| Serge Aurier (£5.2m)| David McGoldrick (£5.2m)
  • Assists: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£4.9m)| Son Heung-min (£9.7m)| Steven Bergwijn (£7.0m)| John Fleck (£5.6m)
  • Bonus: Kane x3, Ndombele x2, McGoldrick & Fleck x1

The Harry Kane (£11.1m) and Son Heungmin (£9.7m) double-up was on show again at Bramall Lane as Jose Mourinho lined his Tottenham Hotspur side up in a 3-4-3 formation.

Kane and Son, who had been sold en masse for players with two fixtures in Double Gameweek 19, profited from having less defensive responsibility and attacked from the outset in Spurs’ 3-1 win over Sheffield United.

All eyes will now be on Jose Mourinho to see if he sticks with his new system after such an impressive performance.

It’s a Magic Number

Spurs fans bemoaning Mourinho’s change in formation were left eating their words at half-time.

Fears their new system, featuring three centre-backs, was too defensive were soon put to rest when Spurs took the lead through a Serge Aurier (£5.2m) goal in the fifth minute.

With Son hitting the post and Steven Bergwijn (£7.0m) forcing a good save from Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m), Spurs could have been out of sight within the first 10 minutes.

Jose, who had previously bemoaned his side’s lacking of attacking intent to finish off games, had clearly told his side to go on the attack.

And his new system appears to have pushed Spurs’ more offensive players further up the pitch.

As their chances created show, all but one were created in the opposition’s half, and three in their box.

Discussing his tactical tinkering, Jose revealed the change in formation was to combat the Blades’ wing-back system.

“(Sheffield United) create you a lot of problems because they have a good variety of solutions. From the sides, from the middle, two strikers, overlapping on the sides. We think we have to be dominant to win the game.”

Jose Mourinho

If Jose does decide to stick with the 3-4-3 going forward, then a number of their attacking assets, including the wide players have the potential to deliver big returns.

Wing-backs

The chief beneficiaries of Jose’s switch in formation were Serge Aurier (£5.2m) and Sergio Reguilon (£5.7m).

The two wing-backs, known more for their attacking skills rather than their defending, were given further licence to join in with Spurs’ attacks than they were in the previous 4-3-3 deployed by Mourinho.

The results saw the pair get into numerous dangerous positions, with Reguilon often the furthest forward player for Spurs.

As heat maps for the players show, Aurier spent most of the game in the opposition half.

(Aurier left, Reguilon right)

He also headed in the first goal from a Son corner, making it a successful day for the pair.

With Liverpool (home), Chelsea (home) and Manchester City (away) in Spurs’ next six games, few FPL managers will be tempted to bring in either of the flying wing-backs.

But with games against Brighton (away) and at West Brom (home) coming up with along with a potential Double Gameweek, Aurier and Reguilon look an intriguing prospect.

If Reguilon can add to the three assists he has produced this season, and Aurier add to his two goals, the Spurs pair look set to massively increase their attacking returns.

Forgotten Man

Tanguy Ndombele (£5.9m) was the forgotten man at Spurs last season, after they broke their transfer record to bring him in for around £55million.

But after taking over from Mauricio Pochettino, Mourinho criticised the midfielder’s lack of fitness, even hauling him off at half time in Spurs win over Southampton.

However this season, Ndombele has regained his place in the side, starting their last six games.

With added protection in behind, Ndombele was allowed to venture further forward, and scored a delightful lob in the second half.

The midfielder is clearly back in Jose’s good books, with the “Special One” describing his performance as “magnificent”.

I coach for so many years, had so many players and I have enough experience to say and to feel when a player is not playing very well, it’s his responsibility. and when a player turns things around and brings his performance to a very high level, it’s also his responsibility. It’s a great example with me that the door is is always open.

Jose Mourinho

He added:

When a player is not playing he has to try to understand why and he has to try to understand how he can walk through the door. He understood. The goal is amazing, but I don’t care about the goal, I care about the performance and the performance was magnificent and I’m really pleased he’s come to this level. He’s playing very, very well.

Jose Mourinho

It will be interesting to see if Ndombele can retain his place in the first teams, with fierce competition from Moussa Sissoko (£4.8m) and Harry Winks (£5.2m).

As seen on Sunday, the Frenchman possesses qualities in the final third the other do not.

Role Reversal

FPL managers selling Son and Kane were left questioning their judgement again as the pair both picked up attacking returns.

Kane added a goal and a maximum Bonus Points haul to his tally, making him the joint highest points scorer in FPL, level with his teammate Son.

And Son will have been disappointed to have only come away with five points from the game, having seen his close range effort hit the post.

As well as the wing-backs, the three at the back system appears to be getting the best out of Harry Kane.

Only Golden Boot rival Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) has had more attempts on goal in Double Gameweek 19, with the frontman getting a chance on goal every 15 minutes.

With the added protection of three centre-backs, Son found himself working the channels more than in previous Gameweeks, rather than cutting in from the left or running in behind Kane.

With more players pushing forward and Spurs appearing to be more patient in their build-up play, there were a lot less balls in behind for Son to run on to.

This turned Son into more of a provider, putting in a high number of crosses and creating a big chance.

Having spent most of the season providing Son with assist, it may now be Kane’s turn to be on the end of chances at Spurs, should Jose persist with a back three.

With Spurs likely to face their own Double Gameweek soon, players who kept faith with the dynamic duo are surely holding on to their assets for the foreseeable future.

False Dawn

Sheffield United went into the game full of confidence after recording their first win of the season against Newcastle.

But any hope of the Blades mounting a second win in a row was quickly extinguished, after Spurs opened the scoring in the first five minutes.

So abject was Sheffield United’s first half performance, that pundit Roy Keane claimed they could go down as the Premier League’s worst ever side.

Things did improve for them, with David McGoldrick (£5.2m) scoring yet another goal against a top six side, before Ndombele wrapped up the game for Spurs.

Mourinho’s decision to switch to a back three completely stopped the Blades in wide areas, with Jaden Bogle (£4.3m) and Enda Stevens (£5.0m) spending the majority of the game defending.

(Bogle left, Stevens right)

In defence, problems that have plagued Chris Wilder’s team all season reared their heads.

After Aurier’s headed goal, the Blades have now conceded the second most headed chances in the league.

And after Harry Kane’s goal from outside the box, Sheff United have conceded the third highest amount of shots outside the box.

This season is worlds apart from the solid defensive unit they were last season, as they made Bramall Lane their fortress.

The Blades have now conceded 15 Premier League goals at home this season, the same amount they conceded throughout the whole of last season.

Fans pointing to the return of loanee Dean Henderson (£5.2m) to Manchester United as the catalyst of their downfall may also have a point.

Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m) has kept just six clean sheets in 56 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth and Sheffield United combined (10.7%) – the worst ratio of any goalkeeper to play at least 50 Premier League games.

Speaking after the game, Wilder was not impressed with what he saw:

There’s stuff we keep talking about right the way through the season. About key moments, lack of quality, and that’s happened this afternoon. We gave possession away, good possession. As I’ve said a set piece is preventable, even though it’s a good ball in it’s a free header. And the second and third goals, we give away the ball in the middle of the park.

Chris Wilder

Tottenham XI (3-4-3) Lloris; Dier, Rodon, Davies; Aurier, Hojbjerg, Ndombele, Reguilon (Sanchez 94); Son (Vinicius 92), Bergwijn (Lucas 87), Kane

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2) Ramsdale; Ampadu, Egan, Basham (Sharp 74); Bogle, Fleck, Norwood (Bryan 67), Lundstram, Stevens; McGoldrick, Burke (Brewster 71)

938 Comments Post a Comment
  1. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best 5.1m defender to add to current backing?

    Stones Dias AWB Coufal XXX

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

      Shaw

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

      Mitchell and save

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

        This

    3. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You not tempted by Luke Shaw? Fixtures look pretty sorted and the two Manchester double ups could really haul over the next 4 or 5 GW's
      Could fail miserably as well though lol

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

        Shaw has been excellent

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think Reece James could be a good pick again. WOL, BUR, TOT, SHU, NEW the next 5 and had great stats before his injury. But given you will mostly perma-play Stones and Dias, I would get a cheap defender like Mitchell and spread the funds elsewhere.

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

      Justin

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

      Mitchell. Already too much in defense.

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I would go Mitchell, if you’re playing 3/5/2 or 3/4/3 whoever you pick is barely going to get a game anyway as you will never bench stones/Dias and rarely want to bench AWB

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

      I've got those 4 and added James

      1. manu4life99
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not concerned by the fact he got 0mins v Fulham and has been injured

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

          I am now! - With Stones, Cancelo and AWB as my 3 main defenders and Coufal as a back up it should be okay

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

    Hope the Leic vs Chelsea game is an attacking goal fest! What do you guys think?

    2-1 or 2-2?

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

      2-2 Werner Vardy braces

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

        I would settle for that. Be interesting to see what front 3 Frank plays.

        I would imagine Werner would lead the line? Maybe Puli and CHO either side with Ziyech in behind?

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

          i'd be surprised if Werner starts personally. Certainly not down the middle, zero physical presence in an already small forward line up.

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1-1

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

      Id take anything as king as chelsea score. Cant take any more justin cleanies

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Same

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think Mount will score again for a dbl GW haul..

    5. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leicester win and No vardy. As i own him and chilwell

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

      1-0 Evans goal or Ndidi or something like that

    7. cruzex
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Werner will start?

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

        Nah, probably Abraham CHO Ziyech front three - Werner off bench

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

      Hope for a 0-0, unless Schmeichel saves a penalty before James scores

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

    Views on Robertson>>Maguire to fund Neto>>Grealish/Maddison?

    Own Stones, Cancelo, Cresswell, Mitchell.

    Grealish/Madds would be 4th mid in a 4-4-2.

    Thanks.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks pretty good. I'm also unsure about keeping Robbo, he's still an amazing fantasy player but with so many cheaper defenders scoring well then maybe there's better value elsewhere

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

        Cheaper defenders getting as much is one issue. Liverpool forwards not firing is the other. No one there to convert. I think both his price and Trent's were set based on last year (logically) but there valuations look way over-valued based on this year's output. Maguire (and Utd look solid now and have a run of fixtures coming up.

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

      I'd keep Robertson

  4. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane is on course for 20+ goals and 20+ assist season....for the statos out there, has anyone done this apart from maybe Henry back in the day?

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

      20 is the assist record for a season so no, no one else has done that and scored 20+ the same season

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

        no one except Henry*

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

        KDB got 23 last season? I thought Henry was close to 20g20a

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

          KDB got 23 FPL assists, not official assists I believe

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

          Kdb got a few fpl assists too

          If u include fpl assists suarez must have been pretty close. Dont remember the exact number but he got but it was pretty much goals and assists every week

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

          KDB got 20 assists. Henry was 20A 24G

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            cheers

  5. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Robertson is having the most of the ball he has ever had in a Liverpool shirt per game this season, but not increasing his attacking output, I guess that is the quality gap between very good players and world class players, being able to step up their game when given that responsibility.

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

      I don't think there is much doubt that Robbo is in the top 5 left backs in world football. He is world class by today's standards, but maybe not quite there in the history of time.

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

        In current time yes, there is a lack of top level left backs, but not all time.

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

      Hang on though. The front 3 have been really off the mark the last 3-4 games. DeBruyne had the same issue at City recently whereby he was putting the ball on a plate for team mates, but nobody there to finish it off.

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

        Agreed. I think Robbo walks into any team in the prem.

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

          For sure. Proba ly any team in the world too other than bayern

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

            Yep. He is class. I hate Liverpool but the guy is tough as nails and bombs up and down that wing like a machine. Doesn't seem too bothered with the limelight either.

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

              100%

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

        The front 3 also arent the tallest either. The fact that robbo and trent managed all those assists last season was unbelievable

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

      Pool dont have atarget man up front. Someone like kane or giroud and robbo would be essential

    4. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That's one way of looking at it, could also argue the guys on the end of these crosses have gone off the boil and that's a major factor in his output

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

        Deffo. has something to do with it.

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

        This season 1.89 kp per90, last season 1.73, Very similar attacking output.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Only so much you can get from stats though. From watching the games he's still putting amazing balls into the box and always in the final third of the pitch. Don't think his performance levels have dropped at all this year, if anything I think he's improved. TAA on the other hand.....actually, another point is everything is down the left as TAA threat is zero from the games I've seen, so defences know what side they need to focus on. Complete contrast from last season

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

      Probably you don't watch football the last 3 years.

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

        I've watched most Liverpool games this year, and am using stats as above to prove my point

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

          You are obvs entitled to your own viewpoint, but there surely is no doubt in your mind that Robbo is the best left-back in the country and top 5 in the world? Surely this makes him world class? Even if the class bracket is not backed up by your stats machine?

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

          And you don't think that Robbertson is a world class player?Really?

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

            Maybe I worded it wrong, he is one of the best left backs in the world, but as a player, the very best thrive with added responsibility such as KDB and Ronaldo.

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

          Vardy vs Rashford (we will never forget)

    6. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Huh. If Robertson is not world class left back, who is? Chilwell?

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

        Luke Shaw

        1. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If he could stat injury free then yes, but that is also part of being world class, not being injury prone which often is because you can not cope with intensity over lengthy periods of time. Very good when fit, but not Robertson class.

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

    So Liverpool have now failed to score for 3 games running and have looked pretty toothless in front of goal. The interesting thing in this is that Minamino started the 7 nil win at Palace and hasn't played since, I think that he will come in for one of the front three vs Burnley and I think Salah or Firmino are more likely to be dropped than Mane, can even see both being dropped and Ox or Milner coming into midfield with Shaq and Minamino starting either side of Mane.

    This is the longest stretch since 2005 for Liverpool to go without scoring a goal in the league, so I think there will def be some changes to the starting 11.

    Basically I wouldn't be surprised if Salah is dropped not rested vs Burnley.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would

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

      Salah will not be dropped. He needs him and Mane. The only player under threat will be Bobby imo.

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

        Maybe Bobby is under a higher threat to be dropped than Salah but I honestly wouldnt be surprised to see one or both on the bench vs Burnley, maybe come on second half like vs Palace but some changes need to be made.

        The other option would be to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation and play Gini and Thiago as a double pivot and have minamino in the 10 move Salah or Mane up top and Shaq filling in on one wing.

        Whatever it is, changes are needed after 4 poor performances.

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

      If goals are what you want I'm not sure taking Salah out is the answer. Him and Mane are their ride or dies.

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

      They need to drop the slug Thiago. Its like hes drenched the entire midfield in tar and 2feet deep mud since his arrival. Terrible fit for Liverpool

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

        Do you post things on here for a reaction even if you don't believe what you are actually saying? Adrian Durham of FPL or something? Genuinely interested...

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

          I believe what Im saying but I add a little bit of hyperbole for reaction.

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

            Ok! I just can't think that Thiago has ever been described as a slug before!

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

              😛

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

      Is that user name an anagram of Zambian MI?

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

        Its Zim Zalabim after a Swedish Psy trance track

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

      You know who the key player is?

      Matip. Last time he started was the 7-0. Without a stable CB, they're forced to put Henderson there instead of in midfield and their build-up suffers.

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

        This is very true as well, he went off injured in the West Brom game and Liverpool haven't scored since, they did have chances vs Newcastle and should have scored but wasted many chances, but creating vs Newcastle doesn't say much as they are the poorest team in the league at the moment.

        But as you said losing that base and having to drop Hendo to CB, is a massive re jig to the spine and has definitely hampered the build up play.

        Also it was Matip who fired the ball into Mane vs West Brom for the last goal scored. The Base that Liverpool Defence provides is one aspect that doesn't get mentioned enough when talking about the lack of fluidity in the build up this season, but you are spot on.

        The problem is, while he's out what do you do in the mean time ? Can't keep doing the same as the last couple of games - saints and United where there hasn't been any clear cut chances as such.

    7. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mane and Salah never pass/assist each other. Klopp needs to bench one.

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

      You wish.

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

    This is the first time a hit has paid off immediately for me.

    Dallas, Son, and Martial to Stones, Kdb, and Antonio up 17 points up as it stands.

    Who else has got some good hits or bad ones 🙂

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

      How much was the hit? 4, 8 or 12?

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

        8

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

          Dallas, Son, and Martial scored 9 points
          Stones, Kdb, and Antonio scored 37 points
          That's +28, less your 8 points hit, so you are +20 with at least 2 extra matches still to come

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

      I think Stones is the only hit that has ever paid off for me!

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

      @DOHER.TY - Well done mate did the exact same three in but for Bednarek, Son and Adams. I have Dias too so really jammy hits it turned out to be 😀 now hoping the luck continues forward for round 2 of dgw19, them three pushed me to 92 for a -8 though

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

      I did Alioski, Bamford -> Stones, Antonio
      So 22p difference and counting.

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

    A lot of people should apologize to the guy who in pre season said Salah was regressing and would be a crap pick this season. Genius is never appreciated in its time.

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

      Regressed all the way down to the 3rd highest scoring mid.

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He is still the top 4 FPL scorer and that could improve.

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

      Isn't he top scorer in the prem and 4th top scorer in the game as we stand? Not that bad surely!?

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

      Ill bet u anything salah finishes top fpl scorer this season. Shd beat his last season total too

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

        I think Son might be. He's playing OoP. He's a forward this year and integral to Spurs. Unlucky to not get returns last week and hit the post this week. If he plays every game until the end of the season, he will be in contention.

        But Bruno is the safe pick. United penalties won't just vanish. It's been a while since they got one...

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

          Son is on corners too this season

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

          Son is best value player in game...or maybe just behind John Stones now!

    5. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If 13 goals in 17 games is regressing i can only imagine what he will be like if he gets back to form

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

        This

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

      The Leeds hattrick did sort of paper over the cracks.

    7. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Waffle

    8. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Someone's said it every week since his first season....need to credit them as well

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

      Well he was wrong.

  9. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Luke Shaw has been nibbling away at bonus points in some of this teams recent clean sheets.

    With their nice fixture turn, would you consider him or stick with Maguire for certainty of starts?

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

      I'm always so worried that Shaw is going to pick up a knock

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

        Or get a yellow. I dont like his tackling personally. Think he always likes to leave a bit on the opponent.

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

          He does + opponent seem to like tackling him as well. I know it's strange to say but always seems to be taken down with hard tackles.

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

            I don't weep for him. He knows how to put it about so he reaps what he sows.

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

      Same dilemma....need to replace KWP with either Shaw or one of AWB/Maguire...thinking AWB atm.

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

      There is absolutely no reason to swap Maguire for Shaw. You could consider the double up though

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

        I dont either. The transfer is Robertson to Shaw/Maguire just to clarify.

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

      I’m pretty set on doing Holding > Shaw before next deadline.

      Pretty important to have a bench to back up any possible injury/resting.

      And, there’s always transfers if it doesn’t work out

    5. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I'm thinking of finally binning off Ayling for Shaw this week. Been passing the eye test for last few games, and seems to be picking up a lot of BPS too.

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

    Would you hold or sell one of them if you have double hammers defence now?

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

      Hold until end of GW24 for sure.

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

        Thinking to get James and Coufal looks useless in attacking output and doesn't attract BPS. Sell KWP instead?

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

    Stones owner = easy ton this week

    I guess some on BB - who actually have a decent bench and not a rag tag bunch of Leeds/Sou/Johnstone - will get huge points by the end of DGW

    I need 44 from 12 to get to the hallowed 100, but seen some on here who are already knocking on the door and might end up on 150+ if things go well for them

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

      They could. But they took a chance and its paying off. I wont be one of them. But Ill still have a decent score (prob 100+) and all 4 chips in my pocket with lots of an uncertain season ahead. Commentators on Sky said we aren't even half way through the season yet and that is never more true than this year.

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

      I'm on 75 with 13 games to go (no bb). I feel good about it but have seen so many really high scores that it's hard to tell.

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

      82 with 15 to play here. Hoping that Martinez and Grealish are fit to play both games and that Villa are not a shadow of the team they've been so far this season. Could be a gigantic week if there are no nasty surprises.

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

        You are one of the people who should be hoping/looking for way past a ton.
        Nice score!

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

          Cheers. Totally buzzing. Had such a sh*tty start to the season. Was 3.8m after GW3. Now at ~50k. Not one to brag but with such a mediocre track record this could be a bit of a break out season for me.

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

        If Villa are rag-tag, City could run riot against them. Scores could be insane.

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

          True. Have KDB (C) and the Dias-Stones double so can cope with a poor Villa showing vs City but hoping for a good performance vs Newcastle.

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

            have 3 Villa and would take 4 points combined from them vs City, all about the Newcastle game and then fixtures through to about gw30 (and thats even before the rearranged Spurs/Everton games factored in)

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

              Yeah this would be fine. Looking to bring back Watkins v soon as well. As long he/Villa aren't badly Covid affected.

      3. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm on 70 with 14 to go and like you Villa is the make or break, same pair but got the Watkins triple up.

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

      I need 27 from 13 to reach 100... But my goal was 150 so it will be a disappointing game week.

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

        My heart bleeds for you. 😀

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

      Stones captainer here, on 95 – no thanks to my "rag tag bunch of Leeds/McCarthy" (as well as likes of Cavani, James) on my BB.

      Another City CS against Villa should net me 19 points on its own, and I have Fernandes, Cavani, Gundo, Saka all with the hope of attacking returns to come, plus Robertson and Cresswell.

      I don't think 150 is asking TOOO much, is it?!

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

        Wow. Stones captain! Incredible...

        Take a bow

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

        First Stones captainer i have come across. Well done. Excellent choice. I did look at Cresswell and Robertson but didnt go for it so well done on backing up your gut.

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

        No, you could hit 150 quite easily. Stones could score again the next day if he plays and Villa are weakened.

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

      I need 44 from 18 to get to 112 (-12) - would be 11 points closer if James and Cancelo had player

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

        Yes those two benchings were unwelcome!

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

    You'll probably have seen a few posts like this, but a little reminder that even the bigger hits can be be hugely positive if you play them sensibly.

    I took a -12 this week. Unfortunately none included Stones(!) but I guess it helps highlight that even without a big haul it can pay off.

    - DCL (2*) > Antonio (9+)
    - Son (5) > KDB Captain (7+)
    - McCarthy (1) > Martinez (??)
    - Alioski > Mitchell

    *If I'd not sold DCL I'd have played Raphinha, hence the 2 listed.

    Mitchell was a -4 purely for enabler reasons, but can be ignored and treated as the 1 FT for simplicity. (Good fodder to have!)

    If I didn't get KDB I'd have captained Salah. That could still go either way, but has broken-even already considering no hit & captain Salah would have got me the same.

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

      I was waiting for the question...

      But now having re-read it, I’m not sure taking regular multiple hits is a good strategy.
      From time to time it’ll pay off, but the more you do it the more risky it becomes.
      I like hits for DGW’s and times when the guy(s) you’re selling aren’t playing themselves.
      I took loads of -4’s early on, but since getting a team I like, I haven’t really needed to take any hits for a while and my rank has grown considerably since

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

      I did:

      DCL -> Antonio
      Son -> KDB (TC)
      TAA -> Stones

      for -8.

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

        same moves apart from MITB and Brewster for Antonio

        Was initially irritated I didnt ship James instead of TAA but would have missed the Brewster upgrade so all good

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

      I have a similar story but can't work out if I'm in credit or not! I took a -8:

      Steer (0?) to Areola (3 and counting)
      Taylor (0?) to Dias (11 and counting)
      DCL (0) to Antonio (9 and counting)

      However I only took those hits to get in solid DGW options as I had decided to bench boost with three Leeds against Brighton which got me 5 points. So BB is gone and for less than I get on my bench most weeks, but before the second games I already have a net 14 gain. So I think I'm happy?!?!?!

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on the moves
      My cup opponent did Kane to Vardy for a -4 which I'm not sure will pay off

    5. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      There’s no way you can pull of consistent hits and always be in the green. Taking hits for a DGW though is a different story

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

      Took a -8 for taylor bowen DCL to stones barnes and antonio..that worked well 🙂

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

    Would you drop one of these to fit son /Kane in ?
    A) kdb
    B) Salah
    C) bruno
    Or
    D) wildcard to try and fit them all in?

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

      Probably could wait and see until after the Liverpool game

      1. Baron Penguin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Obviously a wait and see, assuming all fit, Bruno not suspended, Salah again unimpressive etc I am considering Salah and Watkins to Kane and Maddison/Mount/Grealish.

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

      Kane and Son have Pool next, so I’d do nothing for now and hope things become clearer next week.
      Don’t WC for them!

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

      Yeah sorry I should have said over the next few weeks, not an immediate move

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      None of the above

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

      You cannot fit all 5 in.

      But you can do 4.

      I'd probably try to get the Spurs players in GW21 or 23.

      1. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I could get
        Martinez (Forster)
        Stones Cancelo AWB Coufal (Mitchell)
        Salah KDB Bruno Son (Soucek)
        Kane Bamford (Davis)
        That's all 5 with no money left over and not great cover lol
        I won't be doing it!!

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

      Thinking KDB is the weakest as I could get Son & Dias instead (Giving me 3xMCI defence) - will hold off for now

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

    so I want KDB for next GW, who do I ditch?

    a) Kane
    b) Son

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

  15. martyhan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which team wins

    Team a

    Fabianski (west brom)
    Justin (che)
    Lowton (liverpool)
    Stones (Villa)
    And 24 points

    Or
    Team b

    Martinez ( City, new)
    Cancelo(villa)
    Kdb (villa)
    Antonio(west brom)

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

      Team A
      24+
      6
      2
      1
      6

      Which is 39

      Team B
      0+
      7
      8
      13
      9

      37

      Those will be the exact scores. 🙂

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  16. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    gw 20 play:
    a. Dallas
    b. Dier

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No brainer, A

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      on paper looks like it but could easily be nil nil

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

    Only 16 positive COVID tests in the Prem this week. Down 20 from last

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

      Thanks for that update. Football is keeping us going. Me anyway.

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

    Bamford and DCL have had very similar trajectories this season. Hat-trick followed by explosion in ownership growth which they subsequently never really justified. Shows just how sparse forward options are - especially given the absence of reliable 'set and forgets' like Jimi and Ings this year.

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

      This also adds to Kane's value (and maybe Vardy's though he's always flagged now)

      1. mgilbert86
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy is fine, I think owning one of Kane/Vardy and then two cheepies sub 6.5 is the way to go

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

          Disagree. I see very little value in playing 3 forwards this year. Two maximum and always play 5 in midfield. 3-5-2 is where it's at or maybe 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 but never 3 up front. None of the cheap forwards are consistent enough.

          1. mgilbert86
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            its all about where you spend the money, but if I looked at a team with Vardy instead of Salah with 2.4 spent across the team, I couldn't yell at them

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

            Agreed. 2 up front. The cheap ones are cheap for a reason.

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

          Yeah

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep definitely. Kane the only great option.

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

      Yeah agreed. I hadn’t really ever framed it on that way though.
      DCL went a while ago for me (for Bamford funnily enough).
      Bamford is frustrating right now. Has been chipping away, but doesn’t get any big scores even when Leeds score 5.
      May sell for Antonio at some point...

  19. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Too much to ask for an Arsenal clean sheet and Laca haul tonight?

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

      Wilson brace and blank for Laca already requested 🙂

  20. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy not flagged anymore?

    Which would you rather?

    A. Son Antonio
    B. Kane Soucek

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      He’s fit.
      A

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

      A - although pretty close! Assumes Antonio stays fit...

  21. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    After watching the Sheffield and Fulham games, I got LUCKY not having Son

    I think he could have had two double digit hauls, didnt he hit the woodwork twice?

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

      He has underperformed XG for a couple of games for the first time in a long time but it was probably due after his ridiculous start of the season

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

      I own Son and 5 points from that performance was disastrous, he was so unlucky and got in so many good positions, for some reason Kane completely stopped passing to him

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

      Yeah I got rid of him. Feel lucky.

  22. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Planning Vardy -> Kane which would leave me with the below setup. Is the dodgy bench worth the big-hitters?

    Martinez
    Dias, Stones, Coufal
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Son, Soucek
    Kane, Bamford

    (Steer, Mitchell, Brewster, Douglas)

    Cheers

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

      I like it personally, I like it a lot!

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

        Cheers - a Vardy haul against Chelsea may put a spanner in the works!

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

          I'd do it anyway

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

            Ta. Kane is looking like a set and forget so long as he can stay injury-free.

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

      Yes, if you can ride it out for a few weeks and values appreciate, you can use the funds. Plus 2 of that subs bench are definite starters (right now).

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

        Two?!

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

          Brewster is a definite 1 pointer at least 😀

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

            Yes but definitely not a starter unfortunately

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

              Agree! If anything I'd consider downgrading him to Davis and upgrading Douglas

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

        Cheers. I'm hoping Kane doesn't go up this GW at least.

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

      Your TV must be very good, I think that's the best team you can have. I can get it but only with KWP over Dias.

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

        105.5 although I've definitely lost a little preparing for the DGW.

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

      great team
      u must have massive team value to afford it though, I have most of them but would need abt 1.5m more to afford that exact team.
      also as long as Mitchell keeps his place that bench shd be fine

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

        Cheers. Really need to hope Mitchell keeps his place otherwise I'll need to downgrade Coufal

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

      Wish I could have this team.

    6. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I can get that team but with a back line of
      Stones Cancelo AWB Coufal (Mitchell)
      Just think it's too big a risk

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

        Ta. Yeah there is certainly risk involved. I think the reward outweighs it under normal operation, but I could come unstuck with a COVID postponement or two! Especially as there are some stronger benches lurking out there (for now) for the BBers..

        1. Gross Blank Point
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'd be playing 2 Man City defence, that's not going to work without a nailed back up, The first 11 does look nice though, change to it every now and again on the 'transfers' page but never hit the button lol

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

      Leeds look in decline, so if say, Watkins with Villa having games in hand, then frees 0.6 dosh up for better defender, unless you have money tied up in Bamford you want to keep.

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

        Cheers. Would consider losing him for Watkins or Antonio for sure, problem is I bought him @ 5.8 so only have a SP of 6.2M (0.1 higher than Watkins). Hopefully he picks up some form!

  23. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Covid cases plummeting, looking forward to a nice relaxing rest of the season

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Let’s not jinx it shall we

  24. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Here’s a cheat code, City will keep 3 CSs in their next 3 games.

    Is Double city defence is a must?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t know about a must but seems a no brainer especially with so many good options around 4.5-5 that you can have with them

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

      I think a double city defence is the ONLY way to play them with 1 gauranteed sub. Then at least, one of your City picks plays,if not both, and sub comes in if not. Thats how to play City at the moment.

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

      I am on triple city def, its great (apart from the CHO last minute goal). It does mean no room for KDB but i dont think that hinders the team too much

    4. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For me?

      Yes 🙂

    5. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think you have to, if you wanted a differential than maybe Sterling with De Bruyne could be good if he explodes second half of season like last year

  25. Will Salah come good?
    Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What are people smoking regarding Salah? So reactionary. He is definitely the favorite for the golden boot this season. Pretty clear that in the past few GWs being without Matip (proper CB pairing) has hindered Liverpool's attack significantly as the full backs cannot really push forward as much. Still they have managed an xG of 5.3 (Salah has 1.4 I think which isn't great but with a little luck he could easily have had 2 goals in the last few games). I think the Burnley game will remind some people why he is a key piece to build your team around especially if Matip is fit and plays.

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

      Let them sell him. 18 games, 128 pts, 13 goals . . . . He's going nowhere for me.

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

        One of those games was a bit of a freak one off the bench. That 16 pts and the hattrick in gw1 are really skewing things. Liverpool haven't been playing well and he hasn't been scoring predictably outside those two games. Its 17 games 128pts or 15 games 92pts. I know he's capable of big scores but since the Liverpool defence got injured I don't think he or the other attackers have looked the same. For his price you want a reliable capt option and he just hasn't looked like one recently.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will probably come good but I don’t like his attitude, was unwilling to run at players and played square most of the time last night, generally moaning a lot as well

      Probably get abused for it as most people in here have a salah poster on their wall

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

        I think his moaning is also a bit on TAA. It’s like TAA refuse to pass Salah the ball whatsoever (from what I’ve seen)

    3. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m not entirely sure of the issue only related Matip being out or Hendo etc playing OOP.

      Liverpool just don’t have the same intensity like we’ve seen past 2 seasons. They are clearly looking a bit worn out, jaded and sloppy last 3-4 games.

      This doesn’t mean Salah won’t get a hail vs Burnley, he could. But problem is there and gives you a doubt to put the armband on him going forward unless we see signs of recovery.

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

        Lack of Anfield is massive considering that’s what our success was built on. Until it’s back we won’t be the same. In saying that once Matip is back and Hendo is playing midfield over the likes of Shaq and Jones I’d expect us to do better.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah same here. Personally, I still think Liverpool is the strongest team in the league and they will recover soon.

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

          Its away from home Liverpool are struggling, home form is fine.

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

        I do agree on that but I feel that this is even better for Salah. His intensity has not dropped in my opinion. Mane is in a slump and Firmino's slump is permanent so Salah should be getting a bigger fraction of Liverpool's output this season. I expect him to hit better numbers than last season. Jota's return will also be really interesting. He will probably get significant gametime.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          This is the point I tried to make. If you watched Mane, Bobby, Trent even Robbo (especially vs Manu) past few games, you can easily see once the spine isn’t there, there is major impact on Salah’s input. Chuck in there no center back and Hendo Fabinho playing at cb’s, it makes it even worse

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

      People seriously overreacting. Salah will most likely end up as the top scorer this year. Salah does well when Liverpool do well. Once Matip is back and Hendo is in midfield Salah will be much better

    5. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish and Salah or Son and KDB.
      That's the crux for me, and I will go for the latter.

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

        Son and KDB cost £1.2m more though...

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

          Maths fail, £1.4m more.

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

      Who wrote this HT title? What's so wrong with traditional English grammar that you gotta innovate like this? 😀

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Me, wassup with it lol

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          "Will Salah come good?"

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Repeating it doesn't answer my question...

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

              Very clever 😀

              1. G-Whizz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                😆

    7. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He’ll remain in my team and be the default captain most weeks.

      However, I don’t see him as the sole talisman for Liverpool anymore. Mane is just as involved, if not more. It may be more of a shared scoring duty (i.e Man City).

      I’m hoping the offense starts clicking and Salah develops more rapport with Robbo (who seems to be generating the offense) and now Thiago as well

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

      Watching, it seems that not many players are passing the ball to Salah - TAA seems to be a problem, always trying the Hollywood cross as opposed to a simple pass to Salah

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

      Something something Zambian Witchdoctor

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        😆

      2. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He'll blank against Burnley, there'll be a firesale before the Spurs game, where he'll produce a haul of biblical proportions to make up for 5 weeks of lost time. TC locked in

    10. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      There are several problems with Liverpool atm....
      First is with Trent and Mane, Trent isn't delivering as many crosses as he used to and Mane isn't as dangerous in the air as he was last season.
      What this does is that it allows teams to sit deep and crowd the penalty area which hinders Salah.
      Another problem is that VvD is injured. Liverpool aren't assured at the back and also his distribution was key for Liverpool.

      Last night I noticed another problem. Firmino was too selfish. There were several occasions where he could have passed to the overlapping players. His lack of goals is having an impact in his link up play IMO.

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Let's be honest, Firmino as well as being selfish isn't that great is he...

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

        Agree with most of this

        Teams have worked out how to sit deep against liverpool with this current lineup. Thiago hasn't been in the team long enough to have much impact.
        It's quite predictable at the moment, you could even say the dip in form coincided with Jota injury, who with his extra pace created something different
        They should still have enough quality players to break teams down but can't find any rhythm in attack (horrible draws to the likes of WBA and NEW given those teams subsequent results).
        First time in 15 years they've failed to score in 3 straight PL games....

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

          Klopp out!

    11. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah is in decline, and it's been proven.

      P.S: You mean reactive, not reactionary

    12. lespaul
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If he comes good it'll likely be either a solo effort or sliding into the box

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

        Key midfielders are playing in central defence. The midfield is sitting deeper to protect them, as are the wingbacks. To compensate, Firmino is sitting deeper, meaning he can't link up as well with Salah and Mane. It's not that any individual is in a personal slump, but the system to plug the defensive hole is affecting the whole team. It might be that everyone including Salah rediscover their mojos when Matip is back.

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Fingers crossed!

    13. Sir EFO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bad form for Bobby, Mane, Trend, half form Salah, missing Keita and Tiago, so center backs, the end was injured Jota in firm. I'm thinking about Salah to Jota if he show some form when return, own Trend and Robbo

    14. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If he doesnt score vs Burnley he is gone. Cant have them all anyway, so might as well sell the premium with the worst form of them all.

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

      ....

  26. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone reconsidering going with three at the back? I'm quite tempted by going 4-4-2.

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

      I was on 3 upto about 2 weeks back and went 4-4-2 since the forwards have gone off the boil. Leader in my ML has been 4-5-1 for some weeks.

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

      Depends on the week and fixtures. But next week will be the third in a row with 4 at the back.

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

      I will rotate ESR and Dier in the next few GWs swapping between 4-4-2 and 3-5-2. Certainly there is a case for playing more defenders from watching the games in the past few GWs.

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I might sell Adams and move to 442, extra ManCity defender or Chilwell in.

    5. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've been playing 3-5-2 but have switched to 3-4-3 this week as wanted to play Bamford, Wilson and Antonio.

      Might end up regretting playing Bamford over Grealish but it is what it is...

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

        Depends on fixtures. I've got 3 City defenders nailed; I might play one or two of Coufal, KWP and Zouma depending on the holistic picture.

  27. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Me currently.

    Martínez
    Cresswell Cancelo Stones Robertson
    Fernandes Salah KDB Neto
    Bamford Kane

    Forster Mitchell Davis Stephens

    Planning Robbo>>Maguire/AWB
    Neto >> Madds

    Leaving me funds to improve bench.

    Good moves?

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

      Nah, personally prefer to have Robo and a week bench. I like your team a lot.

  28. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on what to do for GW20? Save FT?

    Martinez
    Cancelo • Stones • Coufal
    Salah • KDB • Bruno(C) • Son • Grealish
    Bamford • Antonio
    (Steer / Dallas / Mitchell / Brewster)

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Save

  29. footballfreak
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench ok for next gw like this? Maybe dallas in for soucek?
    Martinez
    Stones dias coufal
    KDB fernandes (C) son soucek
    Kane antonio bamford
    Subs: meslier, dallas, barnes, dier

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

    In one game Stones bettered the score of Brewster for the entire season - by two points

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

      People thought buying Brewster was going to be Greenwood 2.0. Was never going to happen.

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

      those people that got excited about brewster because he was a liverpool player and had done well at england youth level.