Team News

Replacements needed for De Bruyne and Vardy in wake of long-term injuries

A large number of Fantasy Premier League managers now have big transfer decisions to make ahead of Gameweek 20.

In the build-up to the FA Cup fourth round, Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) and Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) were both ruled out for several weeks.

The Belgian came off with a suspected muscle problem in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

Guardiola has now confirmed that De Bruyne will miss the next four to six weeks as he recovers from a hamstring issue.

Meanwhile, Vardy has been dealing with pain from a hernia in recent weeks and Brendan Rodgers has seen fit to get him under the surgeon’s knife to correct the problem.

That has ruled him out for “a few weeks” just as Fantasy managers were considering investment in light of Leicester’s appealing short-term fixtures.

With some managers facing two high-profile absentees in the coming weeks, the number of hits for Gameweek 20 is likely to increase.

This is also the sort of development that could tempt some into deploying the Wildcard.

Either way, the Season Ticker and other Members Area tools are sure to help anyone struggling in light of this news.

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888 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mongreloid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Injuries that warm the soul

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

      Stay classy.

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

        That’s my line.

        ... SAN DIEGO! (screaming hysterically)

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

    Vardy replacement?
    Unlimited cash.

    Own Bamford & Antonio

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

      Messi

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

      Kane

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

      Kane the most sensible but ings as an interesting left field pick.

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

      werner.

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

      I also think Messi if you have unlimited money

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

    Gündogan

  4. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gundo or Foden ❓

    1. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im planning foden

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Gundo to get more game time though..??

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

      Gundo or El Ghazi for me.

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Seriously over Villa assists

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would stay away from El Ghazi, was dropped with Barkley back and Trezeguet is back too, I'm going to sell when I get the chance

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

          Thanks for the info, I thought he was pretty nailed.

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Foden will be the new KDB/Silva?

    4. tom_p77
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same decision to make.

      Leaning towards Gundo as more nailed and possible pens

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

    Now I really do look stupid, sold him at 11.7, bought back at 11.8, and now he's injured!!!!
    In the process, Son was also sold at 9.4 (after buying for 9.0).

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

      A lot of us did this. No worries.

  6. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy out: Kane or bust for me

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

      werner

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

        *spits out drink*

        1. Your Man With The Hair
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          lol!

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

          why not? Werner will play after now, chelsea cant lost more games and good fixtures. Great differential

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

            Have you seen Chelsea play recently? They are pretty awful and Werner showing no form. Need to see a couple of good performances before I even contemplate bringing in Chelsea attacking assets.

  7. Im New Here
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB being transferred out will free up a lot of funds. I'm thinking Gundo (or more rogue move, Sterling) then an upgrade to Kane

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

    Literally did Kane to Vardy for a hit last week. Looks like a -4 to reverse the move. Net profit: -13 points.

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

      Same for me but with Son and KDB

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same here.

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

      Same

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

    Anyone considering using the wildcard in the wake of all these injuries? I know it is best used before the next big DGW for the BB, just wondering if anyone is jumping the gun?

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

      just tried to make a draft. was actually impossible. knowing my luck, i'll make the team worse which is always what happens when I wildcard.

      In terms of differentials I like Digne, Ings and Maddison, but it feels like they'd probably all get injured in the same week.

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

        Ings TC in 23 if they get the DGW is very tempting to me

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

          I'm trying not to look too far ahead, but I still have FH, WC, BB and TC. I've got no confidence in my ability to pick a captain right now though off the back of 7 blanks and a KDB assist in my last 8 picks.

        2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Definitely keeping my eye on this, I know I'd be petrified of him getting injured with his record but incredibly tempting fixtures if he's fit and the fixtures fall that way

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

        Last season I played my first WC in gw 4 or 5.

        Ended up with a GW rank of 6.9 million. 24 points.

        Fun times!

    2. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will stick to the DGW I think. By then the dust will have settled.

      W

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

      Thanks all

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

    KDB to Son
    Vardy to Kane

    Done.

    1. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Same. Did that an hour ago. No need to overthink it

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

          Time to overthink it if Kane/Son get injured before the next league game?

        2. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Also no need to do it yet.

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

      Need to perma-cap Kane now to actually benefit from having him. His EO will be close to 80-90% most weeks probably

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

        I've just done 5 weeks perma-cap Salah, I don't recommend it.

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

          Ouch!

    3. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2 frees: KDB & Wilson -> Gundo & Kane?

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

        The popular moves so yes

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

      The prospect of Sterling (C) home to Sheff Utd GW21 looks like the decider

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

        until random benching

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

        I'm tempted but it's a trap isn't it?

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

          Worst FPL asset I've ever owned so probably.

      3. moz_1983
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Makes sense on paper. With Kun out, Jesus largely useless and KDB out for 4-6 weeks, he must be nailed even if he does play for Pep.

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

          Front three could easily be: Foden, Bernado, Mahrez/Torres

          He is not remotely nailed.

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

        The problem is that Gundo is straight-up better than Sterling.

        He is beating him on goal attempts, xG, xGI/90 over the last 6 weeks. He's beating him in almost every category. Don't let the price fool you, Gundo is playing as an advanced #8 this season.

        I'd rather pick Gundo and frankly, I think I'd rather cap him too now he's on pens.

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

          The question is, do you think with KDB out, does gundo revert to a deeper position.

          If so, then yea, its a no brainer to get him over sterling.

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

            If anything he might play further forward. Losing one of their creative mids means they need more creativity from midfield. Gundo might be pushed closer to #10.

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

          Does Gundo drop deeper with KDB out though?

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

          I had Gundo on FH this week so I'm well aware of what he's capable of, but when it comes to captaincy there's no doubt for me that I'd rather put it on Sterling.

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

      Note to self.

      Do NOT do early transfers. Lots of football to be played and potential covid cases before next GW.

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

        96435 people have brought in KDB this week...

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

          Well deserved.

        2. moz_1983
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          According to FPLstatistics people have been buying Vardy in en masse even today. Lessons learned.

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

          also most transferred out 😉

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

        *Checks notes* This is the umpteenth time I have not learnt from this mistake, guess I'll do the same next week.

      3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        True!

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

        Check out OR#1's transfer times this season
        https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/4865323/transfers

        GW19: 16 Jan 10:52 (10 mins before deadine)
        GW18: FH
        GW17: 1 Jan 15:41 (20 mins before deadline)
        GW16: 28 Dec 13:07 (20 mins before deadline)
        GW15: 26 Dec 10:38 (20 mins before deadline)
        GW14: 19 Dec 10:34 (30 mins before deadline)
        GW13: 14 Dec 20:47 (1 day before deadline)
        GW12: 11 Dec 18:26 (5 mins before deadline)
        GW11: 5 Dec 10:48 (10 mins before deadline)

        Not saying that he is doing the optimal strategy, but he is certainly doing something right this season and waiting till you have as much information as possible (and not bringing in a player who is then confirmed to be injured or have COVID midweek)

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

      Hope all you early transfer people looking to save 0.1 on KDB to Gundogan crash and burn this week.

    7. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is there any point planning for more than one week? #askingforafriend

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

        If you're very lucky. But it's all quite random and unexpected this season.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks. Will tell him.

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

            Np

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

        My triple Villa and triple Spurs says no

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          True

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

        Without a WC now and a BB to use in 26 it's all planning for me

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I planned to not use any chip and maneuver 18 and 19. Didn't go well with Leeds, Southampton, Everton games getting cancelled. You just cannot plan for more than one week with any amount of certainty.

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

            True but you still have to plan - if it goes tits up out of your control so be it

            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              My story. Actually did an excel in GW15 to plan all the transfers leading up to 19. Sitting at 78 points with just Martinez left to play. Red arrow after 10 consecutive greens!

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

        People should only apply if they enjoy planning. It rarely has any benefit.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          True in my case. Every GW where I have planned well in advance has been a disaster.

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

      Anyone got any stats on how gundo/sterling peform without kdb?

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

        perform

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

      A. Salah
      B. Sterling

      1. tom_p77
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A

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

        A

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

      Just got back from work. I see KDB is in the red.

      I think I am going Gundo then upgrade Adams to Kane.

    11. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy out. KDB injured. Salah not performing. We sure will see some crazy ITB numbers!

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

        I think a lot of rebalancing of sides to strong defences. Legs are gone from teams, nobody is scoring freely, defenders are beginning to have much more value.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I tried making a sample 532 WC team. Looked good. Still had cash left. Amazing how our minds are not attuned to accept that fact.

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

        Agree. Everyone bulking up at the back now. It'll change again in a few weeks but that's the game!

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes

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

        Considering KDB to Tielemans. Could be on pens now Vardy out? And set pieces when Maddison not on the pitch. Maddison has been coming off with 15-20 mins left and if I'm looking at up to date stats, Leicester top of the charts for goals in last 15 mins...?

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Too withdrawn for my liking. Will probably get a return every 4 or 5 games.

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

            And I forgot about Perez. Back to the drawing board

            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              One to monitor

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

      Who to get for Vardy if i cannot afford Kane?
      Other attackers in team are Bamford and Adams

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Antonio or DCL

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

        Antonio

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

        Antonio or Ings

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

      With Vardy injured do we think that iheanacho will start upfront or possibly an OOP Perez or maybe Barnes??

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Based on Rodgers comments, looks like he is favouring Perez

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

        No rush. Wait and see

      3. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Barnes could do a job, just think of the SOT

    14. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What would be your ranking of
      Grealish Rashford and Foden as KDB replacements

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

        Grealish for me. Rash has a bigger ceiling but looking out of sorts to me. Foden could be amazing, but we've all been trapped there before. Grealish for me

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think of all the City options Foden is going to come of age & show how good he can be?

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

        Don't like any of them tbh

    15. Confusedleedsfan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pick one to play -

      Bednarek - Ars H
      Dallas - New A
      Bamford - New A
      Soucek - Cry A

      Thanks!

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bam

      2. tom_p77
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bamford

      3. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bambam

      4. moz_1983
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bamford

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

        Bam

    16. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son and Kane flying under the radar for KdB and Vardy replacements.

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

        Everyone is doing that!!

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

          I'm not, I didnt sell Son and Kane though.

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Who you prioritising?

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

        differentials

      3. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Most already have them?

    17. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Well...If Cavani is rested against Liverpool, will be tempted to bring him in for Vardy!

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

        Decent punt potentially. Risky though imo

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Could be a nice differential, didn't realise he played the full 90 the last 3 PL games until I checked this morning. Would love to punt on him but can't feel assured of his gametime

    18. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So I think I’m going to activate my WC. Which combo do you prefer guys?

      Martinez - Sanchez
      Dias - Stones - Justin - Mitchell - ???
      Salah - Bruno - Son - ??? - ???
      Kane - Antonio - Bamford

      A) Shaw - Grealish - Gündogan
      B) Cancelo - Grealish - Smith Rowe
      C) Shaw - Foden - Barnes

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C

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

          Thanks Steve. Any reason for C out of interest??

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Shaw is cheap & seems nailed for now, you already have x2 city & Justin
            Foden will now step up & could very well do the KDB role / attacker
            Barnes is selfish & shoots on sight, could easily be deployed further forward with his speed.

    19. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Didn't realise how good Gundogen's stats actually are. Looks like a really good KDB replacement

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

        The question for me is whether those great stats are supported by KDB being there. Unfortunately no proper sample but in GW6 (where he started and KDB didn't), his heatmap looks noticeably deeper and he had half the xGI that he has been averaging in recent games (0.3 vs. 0.6).

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

      Will Gundo perform without KDB?

      Will Maddy perform without Vardy?

      Leave us with Grealish and Pogba.

      Pogba looks good?

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

      Mccarthy
      Stones Holding Coufal
      Salah Bruno KDB* Maddy
      Antonio Bamford Kane

      Fraser Taylor Mitchell Bissouma

      A) GW20: KDB to Gundo
      GW21: Bamford to Vardy

      B) just do KDB to Sterling

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

        Vardy our mate so may want to reconsider A...

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy is injured