Pro Pundits

My best replacements for injured De Bruyne ahead of FPL Gameweek 20

Fantasy Premier League managers are now frantically searching for a viable replacement for Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) ahead of Gameweek 20.

I recently signed the Manchester City midfielder for Double Gameweek 19 and, considering he is our for four to six weeks according to Pep Guardiola’s last estimate, he is going straight back out again.

But who to replace him with? That is the key question, which I will look to answer in my latest article about how my team is faring in 2020/21.

BEST DE BRUYNE REPLACEMENTS

I excluded Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) from my shortlist of five possible candidates since I already have them in my team but I think both of them are clearly the best choices if you are a non-owner. Despite modest performances in the Double Gameweek, we all know what they are capable of and both of them are set-and-forget picks for me right now.

RAHEEM STERLING (£11.4m): Manchester City plays against West Brom and Sheffield United in the next two Gameweeks so it is tempting to make a direct switch from De Bruyne to one of his teammates. Having started seven of the last eight Premier League matches, Sterling is probably the most nailed and explosive option among City’s midfielders, in my opinion. Looking at his numbers, if we split his season in half, it becomes clear his expected goals and assists per 90 minutes increased a lot in the past few months.

Sterling’s expected Goal Involvement xGI) per 90 minutes (Gameweeks 1 to 9 on the left and Gameweeks 10 to 19 on the right)

Regardless of this improvement, I think he is clearly overpriced this season, especially if we compare him with the likes of Fernandes, Son or even Grealish. Coupled with the ever-present possibility of a random benching in an easy fixture, I doubt Sterling is the best available option to replace De Bruyne.

SON HEUNG-MIN (£9.7m): After selling Son last week, I was fairly settled on Salah, De Bruyne and Fernandes as my heavy-hitters of choice going forward. But unfortunately, injuries cannot be predicted and so, Son is back on my plans once again.

At first glance Spurs’ fixtures seem really tough which may scare potential investors in the South Korean superstar. They do play against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City in three of the next five Gameweeks, which is far from ideal. On the bright side, however, three of the next four matches are at home and it seems to be the perfect moment to play against Liverpool and Chelsea, given their recent poor form.

All in all, I think Son is definitely one of the best (if not the absolute best) options to replace De Bruyne. His attacking numbers are great, his finishing is second to none in the Premier League and his pricing seems fair considering what he offers.

JACK GREALISH (£7.7m): With just one attacking return in the last four Gameweeks, Grealish has been underwhelming as an FPL asset lately, which will possibly deter further investment from non-owners like me. It’s important to note, however, that he played against Chelsea, United and City and yet, he still managed to create the second most chances among all midfielders, only behind Mason Mount (£6.8m).

I think Grealish is still a great option going forward. He is at the heart of an impressive Aston Villa team and he is nailed to play 90 minutes in every single match, which is a very important factor these days. Even without spot-kick duties, I think he offers an impressive mixture of safety, attacking threat and price.

PHIL FODEN (£6.3m): With five shots inside the box and six chances created against Aston Villa, Foden immediately positioned himself as an appealing option for those on the market for a midfielder.

However, even after De Bruyne’s injury, Guardiola has a lot of attacking options at his disposal and I think it’s highly unlikely Foden will suddenly become a nailed starter, regardless of how many goals he scores or how many chances he creates.

I’m sure he will be worth £6.3m, even with the odd benching but, with so much money available right now, I don’t feel like sweating City’s lineup every Gameweek when there are several more reliable and safe options to pick from.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN (£5.5m):Having scored five goals in the last seven matches while playing at least 70 minutes in every single one of them, Gundogan looks like an absolute bargain, especially now that there is an extra-spot available in City’s midfield.

If we add spot-kick duties and two amazing fixtures to the equation, Gundogan becomes really hard to ignore. The only downside I can think of is the possibility of a rest very soon, given how much he has been playing lately and his history of long-term injuries.

CONCLUSION

At the moment, I managed to discard Sterling and Foden and it seems like my decision will most likely be between Son and Gundogan (although Grealish is still in the mix).

If you are looking to upgrade someone for a hit or even for free next week, I think the decision is fairly easy. Gundogan offers insane value right now with great attacking numbers, decent expected minutes and penalty-duties for just £5.5m.

For the rest of us, who are looking to buy the best possible option regardless of price , I think it’s really close between Son and Gundogan. It’s actually quite possible I get Son for De Bruyne this week and Gundogan for Soucek next week but, with three days still to go until the deadline, I am waiting a bit more before making my final decision. 

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1,673 Comments Post a Comment
  1. OrmskirkFC
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The manager in our draft league who just rocketed ahead of everyone by 50 points had all three highest scoring players in Stones, Pereira, and Antonio, but captained Salah.

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

      I thought there is no captain in draft game

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

        I didn't know that, we're doing our own spreadsheets using points from the FPL website. So captains are a thing, 20-man rosters, and you can claim players from other leagues based on transfer rumors.

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

    0FT, 7.5 ITB.

    Do Adams -> Kane now for a hit or wait till after GW?

    Martinez
    Dias Stones Coufal
    Gondogan Bruno Salah Son
    Bamford Antonio Adams

    Johnstone Bednarek Dallas Bissouma

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

      It's tempting to take the hit but most will say wait

    2. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Debating this myself

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

      Boils down to if you think Kane scores ateast 4 more than Adams this week. Personally I'd wait.

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

    114p (-8) all 4 chips waiting to get consumed...

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You missed the boat

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

      I got only 122 (-8) and my brother 150 with BB and climbed above me. Hope we both have better score soon! No need cry.

  4. Prince of Persia
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I do Dier to Mitchell and Vardy to Kane for -4?
    I prefer to bring Kane next week but I only concern about the Kane and Vardy price changes.

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

    Play one:
    Wilson
    Saka
    Raphinha
    Coufal

    Play DDG or Martinez?

    1. Prince of Persia
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough choice. Between Wilson and Coufal imo.
      DDG

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

      Saka

      Martinez

    3. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphina

      DDG

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

    It's been tough season hoovering 0.95-1.1M OR in GW11-16. Decided to WC18 BB19, think 60+ pts swung from my original team entering GW18. Plus team are ready-ish for next few.

    Was really nervous triggering WC this early as last year all my chips were dreadful. It turns out to be climbing 950k > 260k during BGW18 DGW19 for me, well at least there is hope and luck out there! I know plenty of you will have your turn DGW26, so enjoy when it's coming!

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

    Is Vardy to Cavani a good shout? Have Antonio and Bamford.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on minutes tomorrow, could be but probably not long term

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

      Kane for a hit?

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

        Vs Liverpool?

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

    Squad looking solid now! Got to get into too 100k soon.

    Martinez Johnstone
    Stones Justin Dallas KWP Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Gundogan
    Kane Bamford Antonio

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

      I really like this, in fact. I don’t think I’d change anything.
      Great coverage too, just benching headaches!

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

        Thanks mate, if Leeds keep up there current form that will make the benching decisions a lot easier, also I imagine Antonio will be a doubt regularly and KWP will rarely if ever score big.

  9. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB to Grealish or Gundogan?

    (Already own Son)

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

      Gundo

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

      i am thinking doing to Gundogan. I already have Grealish though (not Son)

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

      Madison.

  10. Garam MOSALAH
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which will you pick

    A) Son + Antonio
    B) Kane + Gundogan

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

      A

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

      A

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

    Who do you think scores more in week 20? Wondering if free transfer on Mané to Son worth it or carry transfer

    A Mané
    B Son

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Carry for better flexibility the next gw

  12. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Evening gents, thoughts on the starting 11 for GW20? Not 100% sure on Werner and Ziyech as starters but could be points there vs Wolves side in poor form... Too risky?

    Martinez

    Cancelo, Maguire, Chilwell

    Fernandes, Foden, Maddison, Ziyech

    Werner, Antonio, Bamford

    Subs: Button, Coufal, Soucek, Mitchell

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

    Final decision coming down to Son or Sterling?

    All rivals have Son, but I'm chasing, so tempted by the Sterling upside

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

      Son.

  14. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which option is best?
    A) Kdb to Son
    B) Kdb to Gundogan
    C) Save and play KWP/Dier
    D) something else?

    Martinez
    Coufal/Justin/Cancelo
    Kdb/Fernandes/Salah/Grealish
    Watkins/DCL/Bamford

    Bench: Forster/KWP/Anguissa/Dier
    1ft 1.6 itb

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

      A

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

    play Soucek or Coufal?

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

      Coufal

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

      Coufal.

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

      Coufal

  16. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this worth a -4?

    KDB & Soucek -> Sterling & Gundogan

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would

    2. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just do one this week and one next

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

        Ideally I would do that. But I only have exactly the right £ to do it. After tonight I won’t be able to. Would you do it?

    3. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      not for a hit

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

        Ideally I would do that. But I only have exactly the right £ to do it. After tonight I won’t be able to. Would you do it?

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

      Go for it

  17. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TAA > Cancelo (-4)?

    Had to take -4 already as I owned KDB and Vardy...

    Martinez
    Justin, Stones, Coufal, _____
    Salah, Son, Bruno, ESR
    Kane, Bamford

    McC; Soucek, Ayling, Brewster

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

      Not for a hit imo

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Should add it frees cash to upgrade Soucek to Grealish for free next week - so I am sort of taking the hit in advance, and getting a better fixture out of it.

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

          Just postponing the hit is not the best idea either, so better bite the bullet now.

  18. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB to who?

    Have Bruno, Salah and Son...

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling, or downgrade to upgrade a striker

  19. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tielemans on pens with Vardy injured?

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

      Maddison

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

      Yes has been taking them well when Vardy off pitch

  20. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    126 points net and a climb from 2.4M to ~1.3M ish after the first good week all year!

    Now help with this pls:

    A. Salah & Vardy —> Fernandes and Kane
    B. Sterling & Vardy —> Fernandes & ?? (10.2 itb)
    C. Vardy —> ?? For free - have Antonio and Bamford but this would mean no Fernandes

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

      B with potentially Antonio. If u want to keep City coverage Jesus

      1. Oldie99
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Have Antonio, you think Jesus will play much?

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

          Hard to say going off form maybe not but KdB and Aguero out must increase his chances

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

    A) Play Bellerin
    B) KdB > Salah (-4)
    C) KdB > Sterling (-4)
    D) KdB > Rashford (-4)
    E) KdB > Gundo

    *Own Bruno, Son & Grealish

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

      Play Belly and do Gundo or Salah for free next GW

  22. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this worth a -8?
    Kdb, coufal & wood > gundogan, cancelo & Kane?

    Current team with no transfers is:
    Johnstone
    Stones, Dallas, Maguire
    Salah , son , soucek, Fernandes
    Wood , bamford , Antonio

    McCarthy, kdb, coufal, targett

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

      Yes

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

        Feed the goat

  23. MikeS
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy, soucek and ederson to Kane, gundogan and 4.5 keeper -12?

    I'd capture price rises

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

      No way

    2. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      nope

  24. doppelganger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What result u expect for Spurs-Liverpool?

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

      0-0

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

      1-0 Liverpool. I have a feeling things might turn around for them- although I think it could easily be 0-0...tight game nevertheless

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

      1-1 with Spurs to continually catch Liv on the counter with Son. Burnley did it we zero pace

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

    So in the top 10K BB outscored all the other chips

    NO CHIP 48.91% 86.27
    BENCH BOOST 25.36% 106.21
    TRIPLE CAPTAIN 15.98% 94.87
    WILDCARD 7.19% 101.09
    FREE HIT 2.56% 102.49

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No chip 109 (-4) here

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

        I'm surprised at these stats actually, just goes to show what happens when one or more of the big hitters doesn't haul

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

          All the big hitters I shoulda said

        2. Buck The Trent
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Top 5 owned players in 10K only returned 2 assists between them.. haulers like Stones, Antonio, Diaz not that highly owned

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

    Who would you transfer out for Gündogan?

    A Raphinha
    B Soucek

    Would be easier if Leeds were not playing Newcastle - thinking Soucek

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Soucek seems to suffer when Antonio plays, so likely the better option

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

      Soucek

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

      Soucek from those two- poor attacking stats ever since Antonio returned and a change of formation.

      He will likely sit deep and focus on defensive duties rather than offering the set piece threat since Antonio

  27. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    14K OR!

    Used FH and BB the past two weeks. 113 after hits, stupid Salah.

    Hit me up if you want some advice!

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Need better history

      1. noahzark22
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why?

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

        I have 3 top 5k finishes from 8 seasons and never have finished outside of the top 100k...yet this season I’m currently 500k

        Not sure this is the season for any consistent advice- everything I’ve learnt from past seasons is now out of the window due to cancellations, positive tests and injuries

        However nice rank at this stage. Good luck to you

  28. mlm
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DDG (Martinez)
    Dias Cancelo AWB Cresswell (Coufal)
    KDB Bruno Son (Saka Raphinha)
    Kane Bamford Wilson

    0.0 ITB, 1FT

    Just do KDB to Gundogan?

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

      Yep looks good to me

  29. leon77
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Raphinha to Gundogan?

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

      Yes

  30. gart888
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Gundo + Kane
    B) Son + Adams

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

      A

      1. gart888
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks.

        Even if it's a 2 part move, where I only get Kane in next week?